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Items tagged with: Disability


"We won't be able to create
the just future we all still hope will show up
without disability justice and disabled skills."

Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha

#quotes #disability #activism #memes


Working on Part Two of my Masks in Healthcare Series - and I’m soliciting feedback from patients and/or caregivers who’ve had difficulty getting healthcare workers to mask.

If you had pushback, reduction in care, were infected with Covid, experienced retaliation or accusations of “anxiety”… I want to hear from you!

You can DM me as well - and everything will be anonymous in the article unless explicitly stated otherwise.

#disability #keepmasksinhealthcare #ableism #discrimination #covidisairborne #covidisnotover #sarscov2 #n95 #chronicillness #pandemic #maskup


Everyday I Am Just Deaf: Here’s What Most People Get Wrong About Me

" Navigating the world as a Black woman who is deaf has brought unique challenges. The intersections of race, gender, and disability have played a huge role in shaping how people perceive and treat me. As a Black woman, there’s often the stereotype that we are “strong” and can handle anything. But that assumption sometimes hides the fact that I need support and understanding just like anyone else. Being both Black and deaf has meant dealing with both racism and ableism—two forces that can sometimes feel overwhelming but have also fueled my determination. "

"One of the most hurtful assumptions people make is thinking that because I’m deaf, I’m somehow less capable or less intelligent. It’s isolating when people assume I can’t participate fully in conversations or contribute meaningfully in work settings. Another common misconception is that all deaf people can read lips. I can’t, and it’s exhausting when people expect me to understand them that way. These assumptions make me feel like people are focusing on my deafness more than my capabilities. "

#Racism #Deaf #Ableism #Disability #HumanRights

byblacks.com/opinion/item/3735…


A 13-Year-Old With #Autism Got Arrested After His Backpack Sparked Fear. Only His Stuffed Bunny Was Inside.

#Disability rights advocates said #kids like Ty should not be getting arrested under Tennessee’s #school threats law. And they tried to push for a broader exception for kids with other kinds of disabilities. It didn’t work.

#News #Tennessee #DisabilityRights #Education #Students #Police #Law

propub.li/3O6tkU1


I’ve had people ask me why I’m concerned about mask bans given there’s a “medical exemption”

Mask bans are a return to ugly laws that will further isolate & exclude disabled people from society.

Medical exemptions are inadequate & leave many people behind (like healthy covid cautious people)

My article goes into it in more detail - but police are NOT medical professionals. It shouldn’t be up to them to determine who’s “medically justified” in wearing a mask

Many of us have invisible illnesses & struggle to convince our doctors to take us seriously

What hope do we have with police?

Moreover - disabled people don’t exist in a vacuum. We have friends, family and caregivers who we rely on to mask to protect us. They don’t qualify under most medical exemptions.

If you’re non disabled and want to stay that way? If you’re trying to avoid covid? That also doesn’t qualify.

These bans represent escalating fascism. They’re preying on people’s hatred for the disabled as well as their anger over mask mandates and covid policies.

The best way to push back? Wear a mask. Right now.

Call local lawmakers & tell them you won’t visit any state or county with a ban.

The Governor of North Carolina vetoed the bill - but the senate super majority overrode his veto.

Right after the mask ban bill passed - a woman with stage 4 cancer was accosted for masking.

The man called her a liberal, identified himself as a conservative & coughed on her.

What’s even more appalling - is that if you read the language of the North Carolina bill - it says any OCCUPANT of a public space can legally demand you remove your mask.

Its essentially deputizing the public to enforce mask bans - and designed to dissuade people from masking in the first place

Given these bans have been pushed by Republicans - and JD Vance spearheaded the federal ban on mask mandates - it’s prudent to fight back now while we still can.

Wearing a mask in public shows solidarity. It helps normalize them as a medical device. It will make them harder to ban.

My full article on the Nassau County ban and why medical exemptions aren’t the answer is below - I just found out Facebook has removed it for “disinformation”. And we wonder why more people don’t know mask bans have already happened 😞

disabledginger.com/p/nassau-co…

#nomaskbans #maskbans #wearamask #CovidIsNotOver #covidisairborne #ableism #eugenics #discrimination #disability


The best part about the poem "First They Came" is it skips all the disabled people killed due to Aktion T4. Because even Pastor Martin Niemöller was fine with disabled people dying.

This is a post about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and current US Politics.

#UsPol #CovidIsNotOver #Disabled #Disability #Covid


People are angry that hospitals are bringing back mask mandates due to COVID outbreaks.

Patients like me are angry that we have to risk infection to get medical care. Some of us have died due to hospital acquired COVID.

Masks make sense in hospitals - why oppose them?

I’ve yet to hear a decent argument against mask mandates in hospitals.

The people who oppose them are almost always the ones screaming about how strong and healthy their immune systems are - so theoretically they never spend any time IN a hospital. Why do they care?

Inevitably people just trot out the tired “if your mask works then no one else needs one”… which just highlights that they’ve never spent any significant time in the hospital.

If you’re sick enough to need the hospital there’s decent odds something might prevent you from masking.

Even if you CAN mask - if you’re admitted what do you do when you need to eat, drink or brush your teeth? What if you require oxygen, having vomiting or airway complications?

The responsibility to stay covid safe shouldn’t be left to the patient.

It’s cruel and unusual punishment.

Mandatory masks mean that patients are protected by those around them - which is how it should be.

No one should have to risk covid to get care - and the normalization of hospital acquired covid needs to stop.

If you’re someone who opposes masks in healthcare - or who doesn’t understand WHY they’re necessary - please read my plea to healthcare workers.

Vulnerable patients feel unsafe. Expendable. Terrified.

Needing the hospital is scary enough - we shouldn’t have to worry about forced infection too:

disabledginger.com/p/a-plea-to…

#CovidIsAirborne #CovidCautious #CovidIsNotOver #CleanAir #WearaMask #Disability #LongCovid #Ableism #Denial #CleanAir #Pandemic #PublicHealth #InfectionControl #Eugenics #SafeHealthcare #N95 #Respirators #MasksWork #MaskUp #Spoonie #Discrimination #Dysautonomia #mecfs #pots #mcas #communitycare #wearamask #chronicillness #keepmasksinhe


#Trump Says He’ll Fight for Working-Class Americans. His First Presidency Suggests He Won’t.
==

From cutting children's #disability benefits to allowing employers to pocket workers' tips, Trump tried to slash protections for the working poor in ways that have been forgotten by many.

#News #Politics #Government #Election #Election2024 #Workers #DonaldTrump

propublica.org/article/donald-…


If you’re dealing with a COVID infection - remember it’s NOT your fault.

Those of us trying to avoid COVID & break chains of transmission have been failed by governments & public health. We’ve been left by the wayside.

It’s hard to avoid when NO ONE else is even trying.

I’m always sad when I see people blaming others for getting covid (or worse - blaming themselves).
There’s only so much a single person can do when covid is everywhere and most people refuse to acknowledge it (let alone mask or stay home)

This is extra applicable if you have young children or work in a public facing role where you’re exposed to large numbers of people every day.

When the collective whole gives up & decides to accept constant infection & reinfection - it becomes harder for those of us still trying.

Remember that every infection avoided or delayed is a win. The less times you get COVID - and the lower your viral load - the better.

Don’t give up - and never forget that if you’re masking - you ensured you didn’t pass your Covid infection to someone else.

You did the selfless thing. You protected other people. You made sure to NOT be responsible for someone else’s death or worsening disability.

That alone should make you feel proud - and negate any potential feelings of guilt or blame.

We need to do more to lift each other up and support our allies in this fight - because we don’t have many left.

Share advice, provide encouragement and don’t shame people when they get sick.
Also - can we stop shaming people for their choice of mask?

I see a lot of judgement towards people wearing surgical masks and/or earloops.

I consider anyone in a mask to be a win. These are people who are reachable - who would likely welcome information on how to better protect themselves.

They’re TRYING to do the right thing. We’ve been fed a steady diet of misinformation or no information for years.

If you’re involved with the Covid cautious community here - of course you know a surgical mask provides little protection.

But not everyone has this information - and many don’t have the time or the inclination to go hunting for it.

There’s also the matter of cost. Respirators are more expensive. Head strap and elastometrics cost even more.

Many people can’t afford a high quality mask - especially if they have to be out of the home 8+ hours every day

I’m incredibly grateful for my N99 respirator but will readily admit the only reason I can afford it is because of how little I leave my home.
I couldn’t afford to wear one every day. Covid IS a social justice issue.

So what can we do about it? Lots of things! If you have the means to carry extra N95s - offer them to people you see in a surgical mask. Tell them why a respirator offers better protection.

Find and support your local mask bloc. Donate masks if you can.

You can also donate tests to people who can’t afford them. Share or donate to people trying to raise funds for at home NAAT testing so they can keep themselves and their communities safe.

Keep pushing for mandatory masks in healthcare, free respirators and tests and clean air in all public spaces.
Educate people who want more information on how to keep themselves covid free.

Lastly - support your allies in this fight. Lift them up and be cognizant of their energy levels.
Don’t tear people down unnecessarily.

We’re almost five years into this and people are rightfully exhausted. We need to stick together in order to face another year

If you’re struggling and need advice on how to up your mask game, how to find a mask bloc or charity or just need support to stay covid safe - feel free to leave a comment 👇🏼.

Lots of informed people here who can help you find the best protection for your individual circumstances!

#CovidIsAirborne #CovidCautious #CovidIsNotOver #CleanAir #WearaMask #Disability #LongCovid #Ableism #Denial #CleanAir #Pandemic #PublicHealth #InfectionControl #Eugenics #SafeHealthcare #N95 #Respirators #MasksWork #MaskUp #Spoonie #Discrimination #Dysautonomia #mecfs #pots #mcas #communitycare #wearamask #chronicillness #keepmasksinhealthcare #MaskBans #NoMaskBans


Great video from Matt McGorry about the devastating impacts of Long COVID and how even a “mild” infection can leave you chronically ill.

He also says he was hesitant to speak out - because there IS a stigma associated with Long COVID.

We must change that.

He goes on to explain that while his initial infections would be considered “mild”… they’ve still left him with debilitating Long Covid.

It’s critical that people understand this. Too many think that hospitalization and/or death in the acute phase are the only negative outcomes.

Note that in its moderate and severe stages - Long Covid and other comorbids can have a quality of life equivalent of stage four cancer.

I had clipped short portions of the video to share on here - but my internet is currently giving upload speeds less than 1mbps and it keeps throwing errors. That said it’s an excellent video and you can watch the full thing on his IG here:

instagram.com/reel/DBra_TSRhpz…

On a personal note I want to thank Matt for his honesty and transparency. We need more of it.
We have too many celebrities and people with platforms saying "mystery illness". Too many people unwilling or unable to say the word covid.

With transparency comes greater awareness.

I wrote an article during the Olympics about the phenomenon that is people proclaiming they "don't know anyone with Long Covid."

There's 400 million people suffering from the condition. I assure you - you DO know someone. People are simply hiding it or unaware they have it:

disabledginger.com/p/covid-and…

#CovidIsAirborne #CovidCautious #CovidIsNotOver #CleanAir #WearaMask #Disability #LongCovid #Ableism #Denial #CleanAir #Pandemic #PublicHealth #InfectionControl #Eugenics #SafeHealthcare #N95 #Respirators #MasksWork #MaskUp #Spoonie #Discrimination #Dysautonomia #mecfs #pots #mcas #communitycare #wearamask #chronicillness #keepmasksinhealthcare #MaskBans #NoMaskBans


It’s been a month since Tinu’s passing and we still don’t have mandatory masks in healthcare. Something Tinu both NEEDED & fought for.

Someone with Long Covid going through chemo deserved to be SAFE while getting her care.

She deserved NOT to be given COVID again

There are many others like Tinu. We can’t know how many we’ve lost - but what we DO know is we will lose more if we don’t start mitigating Covid - especially in hospitals.

We know how Covid is spread. We know how to stop it. Yet we still have doctors saying they don’t want to mask because they’re not worried about THEIR risk. They’re forgetting the fact that the patients feel differently.

Patients care. Patients are putting their full trust in you to make them better. They’re trusting you NOT to make them worse.

Hospital acquired Covid has a fatality rate around 10% - and still we do nothing. In many instances we act like it’s just “the cost of doing business”. It’s not and it should never be acceptable to contract covid in the hospital.

I’ve said it once and I will say it again - if you’re sick enough to need the hospital the last thing you need is Covid.

If you’re a healthcare worker - please wear a mask. You don’t have to wait for a mandate to do the right thing. You can choose - right now - to stop chains of transmission. You can show patients that you’re on their side and committed to ensuring they get through their hospital visit without contracting COVID. You can tell us that our lives and long term health matters.

Hospitals, healthcare workers and society all failed Tinu. She fought so hard - for herself and for others. She knew that it would likely be hospital acquired Covid that killed her - and she did everything she could to raise awareness so it wouldn’t happen to anyone else.

Let’s keep fighting in her honour. Clean the air, ventilate, make masks mandatory, provide free respirators and isolate when sick. It’s not hard. We can do it.

disabledginger.com/p/a-plea-to…

#forTinu #CovidIsAirborne #CovidCautious #CovidIsNotOver #CleanAir #WearaMask #Disability #LongCovid #Ableism #Denial #CleanAir #Pandemic #PublicHealth #InfectionControl #Eugenics #SafeHealthcare #N95 #Respirators #MasksWork #MaskUp #Spoonie #Discrimination #Dysautonomia #mecfs #pots #mcas #communitycare #wearamask #chronicillness #keepmasksinhealthcare #MaskBans #NoMaskBans


Before you tell a disabled person that they need to “just make the healthcare worker mask”… please understand the imbalance of power that exists in hospital settings.

We can’t “just make them” do anything. If they refuse -our options are to take the risk or go without care.

There’s little recourse when a HCW refuses to mask - there’s almost NO recourse that exists in the moment.

You can file a complaint after the fact - but if the care you require is urgent or an emergency - that won’t help you

Imagine you’re taken to the emergency room with an urgent (or life threatening) issue. The doctor comes in and refuses to wear a mask.

Do you walk out? Throw a fit? These are not good options

Even if you manage to keep your composure and strongly advocate for them to reconsider - the longer you argue the more potential virus you’re being exposed to.

The more you “annoy” the staff - the greater the odds of retaliation or reduction in care.

This isn’t like telling a friend or a colleague to mask. The dynamic is completely different.

HCWs have the ability to help you or harm you. You want them on your side.

A note in your chart indicating you’re anxious, difficult, non compliant etc can follow you around and impact all your care going forward. Getting charts corrected and notes removed is a time consuming and difficult process

As a result many patients don’t push the issue. They delay medical care as long as possible and then just cross their fingers they will get a compassionate HCW when they do finally go.

These delays can also cause harm - and shouldn’t be necessary.

Hospitals have never been terribly safe places. They’re where the strongest and most resistant bugs thrive. They’re also where the sickest and most vulnerable people are.

At least before Covid it felt like hospitals were TRYING to prevent infection.

These days it’s as though any amount of infection control is seen as weak. People are actually bragging about how many times they’ve had Covid or about the risks they’re taking with their health. Staff aren’t masking even around babies, cancer & transplant patients

We have to change course. Our healthcare systems could barely handle the amount of chronic illness they were facing before Covid - they certainly can’t handle the constant influx of disabled patients and staff that Covid is causing.

This is why we need mandatory masks in healthcare settings. The responsibility to keep themselves and others safe should NOT fall on the vulnerable patient.

Many are unable to advocate for themselves - and others are unable to mask.

Mandatory masking protects everyone

Lastly - the solution to this problem should not be “don’t go to the hospital”. It’s not right to make ANY patient feel like they’re wrong for seeking care. Like they’ve somehow “failed” if they end up with Covid.

Until you’re facing a life threatening emergency or serious health challenges - you can’t possibly know what you would do.

Is it scary to go to the hospital right now? Of course. Is it also necessary? Absolutely.

Patients should never be blamed for needing care or for being unable to get HCWs to mask. The system is failing us - we aren’t failing each other.

If you need the hospital - you have all my love & support. It’s impossibly hard - and I will keep fighting to make it better.

As long as hospitals refuse to do what’s right to prevent COVID (hello clean air & mandatory masking)… the onus is unfairly on the PATIENT to avoid COVID.

My guide offers tips to reduce your risk of hospital acquired COVID (and other HAIs)

disabledginger.com/p/how-to-st…

#CovidIsAirborne #CovidCautious #CovidIsNotOver #CleanAir #WearaMask #Disability #LongCovid #Ableism #Denial #CleanAir #Pandemic #PublicHealth #InfectionControl #Eugenics #SafeHealthcare #N95 #Respirators #MasksWork #MaskUp #Spoonie #Discrimination #Dysautonomia #mecfs #pots #mcas #communitycare #wearamask #chronicillness #keepmasksinhealthcare #MaskBans #NoMaskBans


"I shouldn’t have to be the perfect patient to get competent care."

~Evette Waters, Doctors, Gaslighting, and Advocacy, Oh My!

#Disability #BIPOC #InvisibleDisability


How Being Silently Pissed-Off is Fueling Autoimmune Disorders in Women of Color*
BY Yamily Habib

fiercebymitu.com/wellness/scie…

*it says women but this applies to anyone who has XX chromosomes

#Disability #BIPOC


from birdsite

We’ve been unsafe in the heat.
I have an injured lung & pain breathing. No portable AC for me! all Windows are painted shut.
RM in attic using only window for an AC.

We have insomnia & it’s too hot to sleep! hungry, risking utility shut offs or eviction Linktr.ee/torqu111

#MutualAid #Disability


THIS IS AN URGENT REQUEST HELP A BLACK TRANS WOMAN

I’m crowdfunding for my disability chronic pain in my thumb.

TODAY I really need a place to sleep and food (I am literally starving) Ty.

PayPal.me/ibirmaiz

gofund.me/867c23cf

@BlackMastodon

#MutualAid #Trans #TransMutualAid #LGBT #LGBTQ #LGBTQI #LGBTQIA #Disability #DisabledMutualAid #CrowdFund


United States Specific: Find the Financial Help You Deserve

Stop leaving money on the table! Unlock hidden benefits that most people miss.

lowincomerelief.com/

#LowIncome #Aid #US #Disability


The 50-Year-Old Rule That Could Destroy Your Benefits (and How to Protect Yourself)

(its ABLE Accounts which ive never heard of)

lowincomerelief.com/the-50-yea…

#US #Disability #GovernmentBenefits


Woman, 36, almost passed out while walking. She was in heart failure due to COVID-19

today.com/health/coronavirus/w…

on the one hand, i am extremely thankful that 1) she is recovering and 2) this made national news

but i am absolutely terrified that if she hadn't been a white woman, hadn't had good insurance, hadn't had the ability to take off work then we never would've known. and that means this has definitely happened to people who were not privileged enough to receive support to recover.

#Covid #CovidIsNotOver #CovidIsAirborne #LongCovid #Disability


Ms. Cheree Peoples' Journey

gofundme.com/f/ms-cheree-peopl…

"Ms. Cheree Peoples has weathered the worse storm any mother caring for a sick child can endure. Imagine being unjustly arrested for a truancy violation under Kamala Harris’ harsh truancy law, while caring for a sick child who is suffering with sickle cell anemia, all the while being dragged through the criminal justice court system fighting for your freedom."

#MutualAid #Disability #MastodonForHarris


help a person eat after being in the hospital!

Update $164/$327. Out of groceries. Please help share/boost. Haven’t eaten in 5 days. I need some funds for my groceries & hospital transport. Really would like to get groceries by this weekend the latest. Was in hospital today.

paypal.me/itsmenessa

#MutualAid #Disability


help a black nonbinary person survive cancer and get rid of medical debt!

*they were also evicted last week

ko-fi.com/rebekamash/goal

"i'm asking you to step in & help me to pay off medical debt that has been piling up over the last 19 months

last year, i had 2 separate er visits + a gallbladder removal. this year, i have been admitted twice with intestinal issues.

(on 04/17) i have been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. i'm scared.

pls consider helping me to pay off some of this debt & pay for future cancer treatment."

#Disability #MutualAid #Trans #TransMutualAid #Nonbinary #LGBT #LGBTQIA #LGBTQI #LGBTQ


help tinu fight cancer! she needs $1.7k before august 1.

account.venmo.com/u/TinuWrites

https://cash.app/$TinuWrites

#Disability #MutualAid


Justin Marcus Cooper's Memorial Costs

gofundme.com/f/justin-marcus-c…

"Family and friends are devastated at the passing of Justin Marcus Cooper, a fierce disability advocate and artist. This is a fundraiser in his memory to cover funeral, burial, and other end of life and memorial costs."

Learn more about Justin here: chicagoreader.com/city-life/pe…

#Disability #JustinMarcusCooper
#Advocate #Fundraiser


HEARD Reentry Support Program: Summer 2024 Fundraiser

We are relying on your support to raise $7,500 for our formerly incarcerated deaf/disabled community members!

givebutter.com/l6Vzod

#Disability #Incarcerated #FormerlyIncarcerated
#Deaf #Disabled #Crowdfund


from birdsite

My GI doc had ONE SLOT in 2024 -- ONE -- for my cancer screening & w/my genetic mutation, if you don't get annual screens, you are dead. Full stop. Please help! $60/~$2000

paypal.com/paypalme/karriehigg…
helphopelive.org/campaign/1596…
V: KARRIE-HIGGINS-2
Cashapp: $CatLadyHiggins

#ChronicIllness #Disability #MutualAid #Cancer


Twitter Crowdfunding Success Brain Dump PDF by
Tinu Abayomi-Paul (help tinu pay to fight cancer! --> diaspora.im/@blackfinalboi/112…)

ko-fi.com/s/8dcbc3980f

#Disability #MutualAid #Crowdfund #BlackMastodon


help tinu fight cancer!

"Please help because my only hope left is community."

account.venmo.com/u/TinuWrites
$ TinuWrites

#DisabilityCrowdFund
#ShowUpForWishes
#MutualAid #Disability



2024 AAPD ADA Celebration

Join us for our annual AAPD ADA Celebration!

By American Association of People with Disabilities

Thursday, July 25 · 5:30 - 7:30pm EDT

eventbrite.com/e/2024-aapd-ada…

#Disability #ADA


(0/2350) Urgent medical treatment for fibromyalgia and lung disease to save my mom

ko-fi.com/ellienoctis/

Housing insecure family needs help affording urgent medical expenses. Mom has chronic lung conditions & fibromyalgia; worsened from COVID. Medical expenses and treatment are increasingly costly.

Mom is currently recovering from surgery, but due to the increasing prices of medicines and no help from insurance company, we are currently out of money to get her medical treatment. Due to her age, her health depends of these medicines to stay alive and well and prevent another medical emergency

#Disability #MutualAid #BlackMastodon #BlackMutualAid #DisabilityMutualAid