News and issues on the disabled 22 Aug 2023
Azmi Anuar
Contents
1. Punekar News India - Navnath Barbinde: Overcoming Odds to Become Maharashtra's First Visually Impaired Pharmacist
2. The Star Kenya - Meeting marginalised groups’ spiritual needs
3. The Astana Times Kazakhstan - Inspiring Journey of Murat Zhunusov - Chess Champion for Visually Impaired
4. Newstalk Ireland - 'Extremely disturbing' - 40% of blind or vision impaired people injured by footpath clutter
5. CPR News USA - Interview: This blind historian has set out to share the history of Colorado’s visually impaired communities
6. ABC Action News Australia - Temple Terrace office manager inspires employers to give blind people a chance
7. The News International Pakistan - Pakistan beat India in World Blind Games
8. Packaging Europe - The power of accessible packaging to elevate your brand
9. Webster Kirkwood Times USA - Small Specialty Home Provides Big Impact on Quality Living for Elderly Blind Women
10. Guardian Series UK - The invisibility of disabled people to the able-bodied
11. Kenosha News USA - Community update from Society's Assets: You can't always see a disability
12. Inside Higher Ed - Blog posts on disability and climate change miss the mark
13. The Times of India - Disabilities don’t matter: Unique exhibition showcases four artists
14. Th Cross Timber Gazette USA - Special Abilities marks three decades of empowering adults with disabilities
15. Phys Org - Remote learning during pandemic aids medical students with disabilities
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1. Punekar News India - Navnath Barbinde: Overcoming Odds to Become Maharashtra's First Visually Impaired PharmacistParbhani/Pune, 19th August 2023: Breaking barriers and shattering misconceptions, Navnath Barbinde from the Charthana village in Jintur taluka of Parbhani district, has made history by becoming Maharashtra’s first visually impaired pharmacist. Hailing from an ordinary family and hailing from a rural background, Navnath’s remarkable achievement was publicly celebrated at the recent annual meet of the Chemists Association of Pune District (CAPD).
In an event held at the Ganesh Kala Krida in collaboration with the Chemists Association Maharashtra and Maharashtra Pharmacy Council, Navnath Barbinde was lauded as a trailblazer in the field of differently-abled individuals. The conference was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Jagannath Appa Shinde, President of CAPD and Maharashtra State Drug Manufacturing Council, MSCA, and Vijay Patil, Member of Maharashtra Pharmacy Council. The presence of Anil Navander, President of MSCDA, as well as Pune residents, further added to the significance of the occasion.
Despite a 75 percent visual impairment, Navnath’s perseverance led him to graduate in Pharmacology from the prestigious Bharti Vidyapeeth Institute of Pharmacy in Pune. His journey to this accomplishment was marked by immense challenges and profound lessons. Overcoming initial difficulties in securing admission due to his visual impairment, Navnath eventually secured a spot at Bharti Vidyapeeth through Maharashtra’s entrance round after considerable struggle.
The entirety of his two-year graduation period, particularly the practical training, was a blend of formidable challenges and inspiring moments. Navnath stood as the first visually impaired student in the college’s history, earning admiration from both his teacher, Vrinda, and fellow students. His financial constraints didn’t deter him; he managed his education while working in a pharmacy, proving to himself and others that despite being visually impaired, he had the power to achieve.
Navnath Barbinde isn’t just a scholar; he’s a multi-talented individual who has received the State Poet Award twice for his prowess in writing. Additionally, his participation in the Maha Marathon competition in Pune saw him claim the top spot in the five-kilometer category. He attributes his success to his unwavering determination and motivation.
In his own words, Navnath says, “The quality of a diamond is not determined by its brightness but, it’s determined by its strength and originality.”
His remarkable journey has not only set a record but has also garnered immense respect and admiration across Maharashtra. His story stands as a testament to the potential that lies within determination, regardless of one’s circumstances.
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2. The Star Kenya - Meeting marginalised groups’ spiritual needs21 Aug 2023
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not have a Braille printing press in Kenya. Bible volumes in Braille are printed in the United States, but most of the other Bible-based publications are produced in South Africa.
Noah Munyao, the spokesperson of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kenya, says, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been producing Bible-based literature in Braille since the early 1900s. Currently, the organisation has Braille publications available in more than 50 languages.
“When one of Jehovah’s Witnesses meets someone who is blind or visually impaired who may be interested in getting more information, the Witness arranges to send the request to the head office through their congregation,” Munyao says.
Once the request has been received at the head office, it is entered into a digital system. Plans are made for the individual to begin receiving a monthly subscription of periodicals and any other publications available in Braille. The appropriate grade or language is carefully considered. The next action is to ensure delivery wherever the individuals are.
“We have about 30 individuals who are either blind or visually impaired that our organisation cares for in the country,” Munyao says.
Since Jehovah’s Witnesses organise conventions in which many videos are screened, Munyao says incorporation of audio descriptions or narration that explains visual content is done.
This helps the blind to visualise the scenes in the videos that are played without necessarily the need for someone to tell them what is going on.
Some 6,000 conventions will be held around the world as part of the 2023 Exercise Patience convention series.
In Kenya, 35 conventions are planned to be done in different locations, such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Machakos and Embu, and in a variety of languages, including Kiswahili, Kikamba, Kikuyu, Luo, English and Kenyan Sign Language.
Other aids are available to assist the visually impaired: audio recordings of the Bible and Bible-based publications, which are available for download on the website jw.org.
Many of their publications are available as Electronic Braille files that can be downloaded to a note taker that shows the reader Braille notes per line. The JW Library application has been equipped with a feature that enables the visually impaired to enlarge text so they can read the content.
Loss of sight may be gradual, just as Gilbert Kamande’s was, although his was during his childhood. Sometimes, the loss of sight may occur little by little in one’s later life. To help such individuals learn Braille, Munyao says, “Our organisation has produced a book titled 'Learn to Read Braille'.”
Neurosurgeons say the best practice for the brain is reading. The visually impaired and the blind can also benefit from exercising their brains by feeding them knowledge through tactile letters.
“Our organisation has a keen desire to assist all sorts of people, so they can see with their mind's eye how the wisdom found in God’s word can improve the quality of their life, and to be better members of the society,” Munyao says.
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3. The Astana Times Kazakhstan - Inspiring Journey of Murat Zhunusov - Chess Champion for Visually Impaired20 Aug 2023
ASTANA – Murat Zhunusov, a 57-year-old chess player from Kazakhstan, has established himself as an international master and a world champion within the visually impaired community. He was born in the city of Balkhash where his life path unexpectedly intertwined with the game of chess. In an interview with the Astana Times, Zhunusov offers insights into his past, contemplates the strength of determination, and underscores the importance of persistence.
Murat Zhunusov, Chess Champion for Visually Impaired. Photo credit: Zhunusov’s personal archive.
First challenges and achievements
Brought up in an athletic family, Zhunusov’s father, a Soviet boxing master, instilled in him a passion for sports from a young age.
“Chess was never a part of my family’s interests. I was not even aware of its existence. But at the tender age of three, I excelled in checkers, mastering intricate combinations – like sacrificing two pieces to gain four. Counting came naturally to me, making the game an enjoyable pursuit,” he recalled.
Zhunusov’s talents garnered attention even then, and many predicted a bright future ahead. Born with a visual impairment, he faced challenges enrolling in a regular school due to his condition.
Zhunusov took second place at the chess tournament in the West Kazakhstan Region on July, 2023. Photo credit: Zhunusov’s personal archive.
“They suggested sending me to a specialized school for the visually impaired, but I was determined to prove my capability in a mainstream school. This opportunity, coupled with my aptitude and passion for calculations, culminated in my graduation with honors,” he said.
His remarkable memory allowed him to recite teachers’ words verbatim. By the third grade, learning became effortless, and this is when he first encountered the world of chess.
Zhunusov emphasized that he did not know chess notations or theory. He only knew basic configurations and started playing against himself to understand the essence of the game.
“Even as an amateur, I fared well in chess. School competitions earned me the championship title and secured my position on the school team,” he said.
Guided by prominent Kazakh coach Ergazy Alimzhanov at the Palace of Schoolchildren, Zhunusov delved into chess more earnestly. Here, he encountered chess books and terminology, achieving the second-rank norm within a mere two to three months.
“I developed skills in both defense and attack, always determined not to yield easily. A single lesson acquainted me with proper chess notation. With each subsequent lesson, my understanding deepened, encompassing concepts such as combinations, checks, distractions, decoys, double attacks, and more,” he said.
According to Zhunusov, he grasped everything at a tremendous speed and, most importantly, could immediately apply the knowledge in practice. Within a year, he met the requirements for the first-rank norm.
A strong commitment to chess
Despite his victories in the competitions, Zhunusov had not yet aligned his future with chess.
“My focus lay only in the process, it was not until I turned 13, which was a turning point for me when I realized that I would pursue chess,” he said.
By 1979, he had earned the title of city boxing champion. However, his visual impairment prevented him from competing in regional events.
“Although I aspired to a serious boxing career, my health constraints led me towards chess,” said Zhunusov. He notes the parallels between chess and boxing, citing both sports’ reliance on strategic thinking and the natural selection of talent.
The same year, he triumphed in regional chess competitions in Balkhash, securing victory in all nine matches.
“In autumn, I clinched the city championship, becoming Balkhash’s youngest chess champion. My style was distinct – a composed approach, unafraid of sacrifices. Backed by my memory, I tackled nearly all openings with ease. What mattered most was knowing the outcome in advance,” he added.
His neighbor, an ardent chess enthusiast, played a pivotal role in kindling Zhunusov’s passion by providing rare chess resources and publications.
“Our correspondence games enriched my understanding. Recognizing my style, he predicted I would one day become a master, emphasizing the importance of dedication. He lent me all his chess books. I spent nights immersed in the world of chess, resuming regular school mornings. This routine persisted for around a year,” said Zhunusov.
This immersion propelled his skills, leaving him unrivaled in Balkhash within two to three years.
At university, he claimed the national championship among students, playing at a master’s level. The scarcity of tournaments and fierce competition posed challenges in achieving master status at the time.
“Amid this, a Higher Sports Mastery School emerged in Almaty, where I garnered insights from esteemed grandmaster Naum Rashkovsky,” he said.
Forging a path to greatness
Zhunusov’s dedication extended beyond regular competitions, as he became a two-time champion among the visually impaired in Braille Chess, representing the Kazakhstan Society for the Blind.
“In the early 1990s, I participated in the final Spartakiad of the Peoples of the Soviet Union. I clinched victory in eight and a half out of nine games for the Kazakhstan team, securing the top board in the individual standings. A perfect score of 11 out of 11 in the semifinals qualified me for the Soviet Union championship, though circumstances prevented my participation,” he said.
“My aspiration to participate and win in the World Chess Championship among the visually impaired waned during this period. Nonetheless, I remained determined not to concede defeat and actively sought out opportunities. Ultimately, in 1994, the coach from the Kazakh Society for the Blind brought news of an invitation to the World Championship in Spain,” said Zhunusov.
With seven out of seven wins, Zhunusov triumphed in the World Chess Championship, becoming the first Kazakh to secure this prestigious title.
“Pride swells within me for scaling such heights. However, over time, I withdrew from competitions as the age gap between me and my opponents widened. Engaging with peers of the same generation was intriguing. Each generation brings its unique competition, joys, shared books, thoughts, and interpretations,” he said.
Currently, Zhunusov serves as a distinguished coach in Kazakhstan, imparting his wisdom to the next generation of chess players and participating in friendly tournaments with peers.
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4. Newstalk Ireland - 'Extremely disturbing' - 40% of blind or vision impaired people injured by footpath clutter21 Aug 2023
That's according to a new survey, conducted among NCBI service users, as it launches its annual #ClearOurPaths campaign.
Those who were injured also provided insight into the types of injuries sustained.
One person revealed that they suffered a 'broken ankle' as a result of unexpected street furniture on a footpath.
A van parked across a footpath in Co Kildare. Picture by: NCBI
Another person said a car parked on the footpath meant they couldn’t pass it on the inside, so had to go onto the road.
"As I came off the footpath I tripped and went down, spraining my wrist," they said.
A third person told the survey: "An object hanging out of a truck collided with my face."
NCBI Access and Mobility Manager Chantelle Smith told Breakfast Briefing people's confidence was also knocked.
"Nearly 70% of people who have experienced collisions, or near-collisions, have had their confidence impacted as well," she said.
"That is going to mean that they're less likely to get out and about independently because of these dangers that they're encountering day-to-day."
Most common obstacles
Respondents were asked to pick the top three most common unexpected obstacles they encountered on footpaths.
Cars parked on footpaths were the most common, followed by dog fouling and wheelie bins.
Ms Smith said most objects can be easily removed.
"There's easy ways to remedy the number of sandwich boards and street clutter that exists in our communities," she said.
"A lot of people just aren't aware of the impact that they can have on other people's lives; the fact that they can positively change someone's day by just spending an extra minute finding a proper car park, or pulling in the bin as close as possible to the fence line.
"These surveys every year have showed the same results, which are extremely disturbing, and there's very real need for us to all clear our paths," she added.
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5. CPR News USA - Interview: This blind historian has set out to share the history of Colorado’s visually impaired communities21 Aug 2023
Blind people have been politicians and business professionals, artisans and community activists throughout Colorado’s history, but their stories have gone largely untold.
Historian Peggy Chong wants to change that. Chong is known as the “Blind History Lady” for her research into the personalities and challenges of visually impaired communities in Colorado and elsewhere. She recently won a grant from the National Federation of the Blind to continue those efforts.
Chong said many blind people lose their sight after they become adults. They struggle with how to adapt and neither they, nor the counselors who are paid to help them, have role models to serve as examples.
“(Blind people) are studied for our medical conditions always, but we're rarely studied for what we have accomplished,” she said.
Chong spoke to Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield about the history of legislation and access in Colorado for visually impaired communities, and prominent blind people in the state’s history — including a governor.
Read the interview
This conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Chandra Thomas Whitfield: I understand one of Colorado's governors was actually legally blind, and that would be Elias Ammons who served from 1913 to 1915.
Peggy Chong: That is correct. He contracted measles when he was a teenager and when he recovered, one of the side effects from the measles was that his vision was becoming less and less. He wanted to be a newspaperman, but did not think that with his vision loss he would be able to do that, so he went into ranching instead.
On his ranch he was confronted with several issues that ranchers were dealing with, railroads coming through, cattle rustling, and all sorts of things. He was really good at getting up at meetings and speaking about what he thought was important for the ranchers, addressing it with the current state legislators and so on, so his community elected him to be a state representative. Then he became a state senator and then, in 1913, he was elected governor of the State of Colorado.
How do you think his vision problems might have influenced some of the causes he took on and some of the things he accomplished?
It wasn't until the last part of his life that he actually addressed vision issues and that was probably because he did not know a lot of blind people at that time.
When he became governor, that's when he really started to know of other blind persons. A man named James Downing was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1916. The two of them also met Lute Wilcox, who was a blind man who ran his own magazine, Field and Farm. He had a printing company, a public relations company, and they got together and started talking about the needs of the blind adults, those going blind later in life, who wanted to learn how to get back out into the job world (and) needed additional techniques, (such as) learning how to read and write in an alternative format.
And so it was when (Ammons) joined up with other folks that he started to work on crafting state legislation that ultimately passed in 1918 that created a commission for the blind, created benefits that were across the board, the same for blind people. So, it wasn't until later on. Most of his focus for many years was on equal rights for women. His sister was very active in women's movements and he took a lot of energy from her in that regard.
Another person you've learned a lot about is Jennie Coward Jackson. She was instrumental in getting jobs for blind people in Colorado in the early 1900s. How did that come about?
She was kind of a spitfire. She had gone to the School for the Blind in Kansas and when she moved to Colorado about 1903 she found basically a wasteland of services for blind people. There was nothing, so she started to seek out other blind people.
They began working on legislation to start a workshop for the blind. It took a few years but Colorado Industries for the Blind finally became a reality. She began teaching there. The people coming to Colorado Industries for the Blind had no skills at all. They were people being abandoned by their family or in poor houses. With her efforts demonstrating that she could teach, that she could get people ready for work outside of a workshop, she became the first traveling teacher for blind people in the state.
She spent her wages on travel because she didn't have a travel budget. She spent her wages on purchasing slates and styluses, which is the equivalent of a pencil and paper for blind people. She started Braille classes, she started weaving classes. Every one of her classes, she had them learn to read and write in New York Point. There were no reading materials so they would write up an essay or a short story and they would pass it to the next one to correct it, but also to reinforce their reading. And they accumulated, if you will, their own little libraries in these reading groups.
Wow. So you've done this research for many years and even picked up the nickname, the Blind History Lady. Why do you think it's important to tell these stories?
I grew up in the blind community. I had a mother who was legally blind as well, and I have sisters who are blind as well. I knew the old rug weavers and the piano tuners and the door-to-door salesmen and I felt sort of ashamed of them when I was a teenager because they were doing these low-level, low-paid jobs, and as a teenager in the blind community I was beginning to meet blind lawyers and blind teachers and blind businessmen. And I did not understand why they were just taking these low-level jobs, but these were blind people that were supporting their families, raising children and sending them to college. They were groundbreaking at the time.
When I was in my late 20s, I was given a job to clean out the files at the Home for the Blind in Minnesota. It was closing. There were file cabinets and boxes of old records and letters and newsletters and all kinds of things. While I was going through those files, I learned of our blind senator. I didn't know there was a blind senator from Minnesota. And that's what got me started. And once I learned how to do family genealogy, my research really expanded with what I now call our blind ancestors.
So it sounds like a lot of
this for you was to inspire others who are visually impaired, but also to raise
awareness for those outside of the community about the many contributions that
those who are blind have contributed to our society.
Absolutely. When a person goes blind later in life – and most people go blind
in their working years – they think they're the only one who's ever been a
blind banker or a blind judge or a blind business owner, and that is so not the
case.
When they go to many of the counselors, social workers, rehabilitation professionals, they are told, ‘Geez, I don't think a blind person's ever done that. Here, why don't you go into vending?’ Not that there's anything wrong with becoming an operator of a vending stand but if you’d really like to be a banker, why don't you go to banking? And there have been blind bankers in this country.
The reason those rehab professionals don't tell you that is because they don't know. It's not taught in their college courses. (Blind people) are studied for our medical conditions always but we're rarely studied for what we have accomplished. To know our history it is important to have role models.
You talked about being ashamed, having your mother being visually impaired. Can you tell us a little bit about depression and those feelings of embarrassment and anxiety in the community?
I want to be like everybody else. I want to be the same as my next-door neighbor. I don't want to be considered the blind lady down the block. I didn't want to be considered the blind mother when I had my child. I wanted to be considered my daughter's mother. I wanted to be considered as the person who showed up and worked for the Parent Teacher Association. I wanted to be considered a valuable part of my community.
Because we don't have role models and we don't have people to teach us some of these cute little skills that help you to mix or help you to get into a sighted crowd, it's really hard and it's difficult to feel like you're wanted.
I had a blind man who told me one time ... I was telling him how I was having difficulty navigating the PTA meeting. And he said, ‘Well, what I do is I get a cup of coffee and I start walking around and people start talking to you right away because they don't want you to spill that cup of coffee on them. So they start talking to you and wanting to have you find a chair. And that's when you say, 'Oh, that's okay. I don't mind standing – and who are you?' And it really did help, just that little icebreaker.
Yeah, and I think this is important because I think sometimes just in any community, you sometimes forget about things like people who may be the only or the first in a situation, someone who is different. And thank you for putting that on the radar for us.
So you recently won the Bolotin Award from the National Federation of the Blind. It's a $5,000 award that goes to individuals who are considered a positive force in the lives of blind people. What will that award allow you to do?
I'm excited. I have found a Harmon Foundation project in the Library of Congress files that awarded blind people a financial award. I don't know a lot about this award, but it was from 1928 to 1932. What was interesting to me about this foundation is that it primarily focused on promoting Black artists, and why did they switch to blind folks? Many of those people whose names I recognize in the list of people they considered for the awards were white. So, I have all these questions.
I'm hoping to find in these files, biographies, the careers that some of these folks had, maybe even some photographs, and tell those stories because these people were not the Helen Kellers or the Stevie Wonders, or Ray Charles. These were broom makers. These were people who made a living selling rugs, who taught piano to the neighborhood kids. So, what was the criteria? I don't know, and I'm very excited to find out.
Wow. It sounds like you have a lot of work to do, but we'll have to hear what you come up with.
I'd love to share.
Historians have to trek through lots of records, and you are legally blind yourself. How have you navigated this work?
Everything is not on the web. A lot of it is in boxes, in basements, and is being forgotten. Like the records that we had here in Colorado, they were in handwritten form. Some of them were moldy, some of them the ink had bled. Some of them were faded, water damaged. What we did with those records, because I couldn't read most of that stuff, we digitized all of those records, so we created a digital file. But that does not mean that they're accessible. We had each of those records scanned with optical character recognition and even the old files that were typed, the files do not allow you to grab hold of that text because it's in an old font, not recognized by the optical character recognition.
So, thanks to COVID, we were able to recruit more than a hundred volunteers who took an enormous amount of time and re-entered all of those into a Word or text file so that a screen reader or a Braille translation program could access the actual text and convert it into either audio or Braille output. So, that's one way of doing it.
I make a lot of phone calls and I sometimes have to make a few donations to genealogical societies or museums to go out and do some little legwork for me and send me back a file or two.
It sounds like what you did is created access, which was the keyword there. It's creating more access to people, yourself included.
And those files are now accessible to anybody, even if you don't live in the United States, as we are putting them up on the Colorado Virtual Library that can be accessed from their website.
Historically, how would you say Colorado has ranked compared to other states in terms of the rights and the services available to blind people?
Kind of depends on the timeframe or what issue you're focusing on. We had a school for the blind earlier than some states. However, we didn't have any adult services of any consequence really until about the 1940s. Blind people were organized here in Colorado, met and shared ideas, acted as their own social services and their own agency, but had limited resources to do that.
The blind people who were from other parts of the country brought into that collective the names, addresses of other blind people from out of state that they could call on and say, ‘Hey, tell me about that law that you guys just got passed.’ That's how our first white cane law got passed, is because we borrowed that from California.
What is a white cane law?
The white cane law allows a blind person to travel independently without the fear of being told, if an accident happens, ‘you shouldn't have been out there anyway.’ It says to the driver that when you see a white cane, you're supposed to slow down and yield. It provides protection that if you're hit by a car that you still do have the right, if that person was impaired as a driver or driving recklessly, that you still have the right to sue that person or have charges brought against them. Rather than saying, ‘Well, the blind person shouldn't have been out in the road anyway,’ which still happens from time to time.
What are a couple of needs for the blind community now here in Colorado?
Transportation is always a big issue. We have a really large issue in the metropolitan area but also getting to other parts of the state. It's very difficult to get to the Western Slope if you're a blind person and you do not have a car. I think we still need to have a lot of education amongst the blind community, amongst employers, amongst legislators, that blind people are capable of doing every job out there, just about every job. And that we should be given a chance. That we should not be just passed on because we're a blind person, because you don't think you could as a blind person. It matters that we think we can as a blind person. And we should be given the chance to demonstrate whether we can or cannot do the job.
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6. ABC Action News Australia - Temple Terrace office manager inspires employers to give blind people a chance21 Aug 2023
TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. — Chiropractor Dr. Michael Major was in need of an office manager, while patient Jay Forry was in need of a job. So they thought, why let the lack of eyesight get in the way?
Twenty years later, they are still working together and thriving.
Forry is often the first person patients speak with when they call to make an appointment. What he lacks in one sense, he makes up for in others.
“When I was 27 years old, I lost my sight from the diabetes,” said Forry.
Despite having a college degree and a strong work ethic, finding employment was a huge challenge.
“Just because I’m visually impaired, why won’t they give me a chance?” asked Forry.
Then by a strange twist of fate, Forry was introduced to Major Family Chiropractic in Temple Terrace.
“I was in a car accident—actually, no, no, I wasn’t driving—and I hurt my neck and my back,” said Forry.
It just so happened Dr. Michael Major was in need of an office manager.
“I kind of saw how Jay interacted with other people, so he asked me, ‘Hey, why don’t you give me the job and let’s see how this works out?’” said Major.
That’s where organizations like Lighthouse for the Blind and Low Vision bridge the gap, providing the equipment and training necessary for people like Forry to succeed.
“It’s not that people don’t want to hire someone, they just don’t know how to go about that,” said David Ferguson with Lighthouse for the Blind and Low Vision. “Having the chance to share those success stories like what Jay has goes a long way in helping those employers to see what can be done.”
Patient Gloria Walendzik didn’t even realize Jay was blind until meeting him in person.
“He’s friendly, and he’s jovial, and that kind of relaxes you right from the start,” said Walendzik.
Forry said it turned out to be the perfect job because he loves talking with people, and he gets to do it all day. Dr. Major says Forry never ceases to amaze him.
“His skillset has expanded over the course of time, and there are certain things that I guarantee you, if we would have asked him to do on an interview, he would not have been able to do," said Major. "But here he is, 20 years later, he’s doing those skills."
Forry jokes that he doesn’t know who needs who more. He hopes to be an inspiration to business owners and employers out there to give people with disabilities a chance.
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7. The News International Pakistan - Pakistan beat India in World Blind Games21 Aug 2023
In the opening match of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Blind Games in Birmingham, Pakistan started on a triumphant note, clinching an 18-run win against India on Sunday.
Opting to bat after winning the toss, the visually-impaired team of the Green Shirts set out to play against India VI at the King Edward’s School ground.
Putting a strong performance on display, Pakistan scored 187 runs with the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. Muhammad Salman notably contributed 50 runs from 31 deliveries, while captain Nisar Ali and Badar Munir scored 46 off 33 and 37 off 24, respectively.
For India’s visually-impaired team, Ajay Kumar Reddy took four wickets while three Pakistani batters fell to Nakula Badanayak.
In reply, Indians were restricted to 169 runs for seven wickets in 20 overs. At one stage, they needed 38 from the last three overs but Matiullah bowled a superb 18th over in which he conceded just four runs.
India lost three wickets, including one run out, to collapse from 150 runs for three wickets to 154 runs for six wickets. India VI’s Sunil Ramesh scored 62, while Durga Rao Tompaki added 40 runs against his name.
Pakistan VI’s Matiullah got two wickets. Five Indian batters were run out. Pakistan will play its next game against Bangladesh on Tuesday.
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8. Packaging Europe - The power of accessible packaging to elevate your brand21 Aug 2023
With 1 in 4 Europeans living with some form of disability that significantly affects their daily routines and limits their capabilities, we must create products that are inclusive of all.
When developing inclusive products, brands must first look at accessible product packaging to truly exhibit inclusivity and empathy and distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive market.
Steve Brownett-Gale from Lifestyle Packaging delves into the critical importance of accessible packaging and how it can elevate your product portfolio.
Defining accessible packaging
Accessible packaging refers to a design philosophy that considers the varying needs and capabilities of all potential users. This approach aims to create packaging that is universally easy to open, handle, and use, no matter the users’ physical or cognitive abilities. Essentially, the focus of accessible packaging is to empower all customers to independently engage with and utilise products.
Microsoft’s Inclusive Design Toolkit details the foundational principles of accessible packaging. They include identifying exclusion, understanding diversity, and designing for one to benefit many.
It goes beyond merely physical access and includes the clarity of product information to ensure that everyone, including those with cognitive challenges or literacy difficulties, can make well-informed product decisions.
Regulations for design
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has provided guidelines for accessible packaging design with ISO 1780:2015. These guidelines recommend ease of opening and encourage brands to consider aspects such as the force required to open packaging, the necessity for tools, and the intuitiveness of the opening mechanism. Other design elements include the location of the opening, methods and evaluation techniques that are both instrumented and user-based.
Abiding by these guidelines guarantees that packaging is accessible to a wide range of users, including those with limited strength or manual dexterity. The aim is not merely compliance; it’s about curating a product experience that respects and values all consumers.
Inclusive design: An empathy-driven approach
Emphasising empathy in accessible packaging design is vital. An empathetic, user-centred design process engages with the end-users, understands their needs, and empathises with their experiences. This process allows brands to create products that include everyone, enhance the user experience, and foster brand loyalty.
Brands must understand users’ challenges and frustrations with current packaging options, using these insights to inform design choices. It’s about viewing the world through the users’ lens and creating solutions that simplify their lives.
Kellogg Europe is a prime example of a brand that has successfully integrated empathy into its packaging design. The brand listened to the challenge its visually impaired customers faced in identifying its products.
The brand was Europe’s first beverage brand to launch on-pack technology for blind and visually impaired customers by rolling out NaviLens QR codes on its product packaging in 2022. Using NaviLens technology, users can scan a code on the product to audibly access packaging information, usage and disposable instructions via the NaviLens app.
Accessible packaging success stories
To truly embrace accessible packaging, first, we must look at the brands leading the way in this space.
Proctor & Gamble is a shining example of an organisation that owns multiple brands and is committed to inclusive packaging and accessible design, thanks to its Special Consultant for Inclusive Design, Sam Latif, who is visually impaired herself.
Its haircare brand Herbal Essences introduced tactile markings on its shampoo and conditioner bottles in 2018. Shampoo bottles feature four tactile vertical lines, while the conditioner bottles have two rows of circles. This simple yet effective design allows people with visual impairments to differentiate between the two products by touch, making it easier for them to independently select the right product during their shower routine.
Additionally, Proctor & Gamble’s Always Discreet range incorporates features that support blind and partially sighted customers. The packaging incorporates NaviLens technology and includes Braille and large print, making it easier for these customers to identify and use the product.
Meanwhile, Unilever developed ’Degree Inclusive’, a deodorant for people with visual impairment and limited arm mobility. The deodorant features Braille, a hooked container for one-handed users, enhanced grip placement, and magnetic ‘click’ closures. It also has an oversized roll-on applicator for a broader application with each swipe.
These examples underline the potential of accessible packaging to enhance the user experience and set brands apart in the marketplace.
The universal appeal of accessible packaging
Accessible packaging caters to a diverse range of customers and is not solely beneficial to individuals with disabilities. It can also aid the elderly, children, or anyone who finds conventional packaging challenging. By incorporating accessible design elements, brands can make their products more user-friendly, thus expanding their customer base and opening up new market segments.
Marketing the benefits of accessible packaging should be a fundamental part of a brand’s strategy. This involves showcasing the functional aspects of the packaging and communicating the brand’s commitment to inclusivity. The goal is to tell a story that connects with consumers, showing that the brand values all its customers and is dedicated to meeting their diverse needs.
As we move into an era of inclusivity, a shift in packaging design is essential. Accessible packaging isn’t just a passing trend but a necessary step brands must take to ensure inclusivity.
Prioritising accessible design allows brands to stand out in a crowded market and appeal to a wider customer base. Even more importantly, it enables brands to form deeper connections with their customers by demonstrating their understanding and commitment to their needs, leading to increased brand loyalty and customer retention.
The future of packaging is inclusive. Brands that recognise this will be the ones that truly make a mark.
Brands must rise to the challenge and opportunity that accessible packaging provides. They need to invest in research and development, engage with their customers, and collaborate with design teams to create packaging that is not just functional but inclusive.
Investing in accessible packaging design is a savvy business move that can drive growth and success in today’s ever-growing, crowded market.
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9. Webster Kirkwood Times USA - Small Specialty Home Provides Big Impact on Quality Living for Elderly Blind Women21 Aug 2023
The Mary Culver Home for Visually Impaired Women is dedicated to making life comfortable for its special residents. Under the leadership of Executive Director Amy Lepper, the home provides long-term life care for senior women who are visually impaired and blind.
The Blind Girls Home was founded in 1866 in the City of St. Louis to house young women who wanted to live on their own and learn how to be self-sufficient. Philanthropist Mary Culver read about their efforts and donated money to help them acquire a house on Page Avenue. Eventually, the home was populated mainly by older and elderly women.
In the 1960s, the Home’s Board of Directors started looking for a new location. They found it in downtown Kirkwood, and in 1966, residents moved into their new home, designed by world-renowned local architect Gyo Obata. In 1993, they officially became The Mary Culver Home for Visually Impaired women.
The small facility, limited to no more than 28 residents, is not part of any larger chain. In fact, the home is the only community for visually impaired women in the United States.
Societal changes in life spans and living arrangements have altered the population of the home.
“As people live longer, the Home’s population is older,” said Mary Williams, director of nursing. “The current average age at the Mary Culver Home is 91. We have three residents who are over 101 years old.”
Mary Culver residents enjoy a variety of activities, from musical concerts, spa treatments, and food tastings to monthly birthday celebrations. Any excuse for a party brings out the decorations, party hats, and festive foods – Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and more.
“Everyone here puts their hearts and souls into caring for our ladies,” said Amy Lepper, executive director. “We love to see them sing along with visiting musicians or try out new crafts. The last three years have been difficult for our residents, so it has been extra special to see group activities and visits from loved ones again.”
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10. Guardian Series UK - The invisibility of disabled people to the able-bodied21 Aug 2023
It was excellent to see the recent Disabilities Festival on Christchurch Green in Wanstead.
Supported by Redbridge Council and Vision, the event saw people coming together to celebrate in community.
But it was one ill informed comment on social media that brought home how important such events are.
An able bodied person sounding off about what was happening on the Green, 'How dare they interfere with the normal activities of the day for the able bodied?'
This person was quickly informed by a disabled person just how important the event was to her
The original complainant would have done well to inform themselves exactly what was going on before leaping into print on social media. But then when in the social media age has actually knowing the facts been a prerequisite to not sounding off?
What the episode brought home is how invisible the disabled are to the able bodied in the population.
This has become more of a personal reality over recent years, as my hearing has deteriorated. Little adjustment is made in daily life. Adjustments have to be made but that shouldn't all be down to the individual.
The one thing that becomes clear is how many others have similar problems but struggle on in plain sight - invisible.
One person who has been an inspiration to many in the area is Churchfields councillor Rosa Gomez.
A Columbian human rights activist, Rosa was shot in 2010. She is now blind and has little use in her arms. She suffers with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Despite these huge obstacles, Rosa became active in the Woodford area. She stood as a Labour councillor in 2018 and won. Her service to residents was so good over the next four years, that she was returned with an increased majority last year.
Life though has not been easy for Rosa, more could have been done to make her life as a councillor easier. Disabled people are entitled to have reasonable adjustments made to help them cope.
Rosa's excellence in the role of councillor was rewarded last year by a shortlisting in the category of Recovery and Resilience in the Local Government Inform Unit national awards. There was recognition of her excellent public service.
Rosa is an inspiration to anyone who meets her. And she has urged more disabled people to come forward to get involved in politics.
Champions like Rosa, athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson, actress Rose Ayling Ellis and others show what can be done.
The challenge going forward is to make it possible for more disabled people to achieve their hopes and dreams. That means creating a really inclusive society.
At the moment there is too much virtue signalling across the equality agenda. Anyone can get up and spout the rhetoric on equality, making it happen is often a very different matter.
There really needs to be some proper auditing and inspection processes to ensure that private and public bodies, like councils, are really practicing equality. Otherwise, it can all be window dressing. One thing for sure is that plain ignorance is no excuse for inaction.
Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council and blogger (paulfdonovan.blogspot.com).
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11. Kenosha News USA - Community update from Society's Assets: You can't always see a disability21 Aug 2023
Most Americans are familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and of how it protects people with disabilities from being discriminated against.
In just the 33 years that it’s been in place, it has had a huge impact on the lives of those supporting themselves and their families by allowing them the reasonable accommodations they require to succeed in both work and their daily lives.
Disabilities come in many forms. When we think of disabilities, so many people immediately think of conditions they can see with their own eyes, such as being blind or physically disabled; but there are millions of people who are currently struggling with conditions that are invisible to others. You never know what someone else may be living with.
Invisible illnesses come in many forms and are protected by the ADA. Someone may have a condition, such as Fibromyalgia, which can require the person to need support in unconventional ways. The widespread, intense pains could inhibit someone from doing something like standing in one position all day. This can be seen as “laziness.” But this is far from the truth.
People suffering with conditions like this have to fight their own body to get out of bed. If they’re lucky enough to win that battle, they do their best to go about their day. It’s a struggle that so many people have and they shouldn’t have to wear a sign around their necks identifying their condition to require some level of understanding from the more able-bodied.
There is still a lot to learn about invisible illnesses. We as a community, can still do better for those around us. Being kind and understanding can go a long way. The people fighting these battles don’t deserve the side eye when they ask for an additional break or show up to work exhausted from simply existing.
Seeing someone who looks able-bodied using a handicap parking space shouldn’t cause outrage from those who don’t see them struggle externally. Sometimes a misunderstanding like that can come from the best of intentions to protect the same rights for people with disabilities. In the end, this lack of knowledge causes one to inadvertently discriminate against those who have a valid invisible disability.
The ADA has ensured that those with a disability have a chance to pursue their American dream. Over time, this has taken us into a future that is more accessible for everyone.
Every chance we take to educate people on the vastness of disabilities, brings us one step closer to achieving that goal. We have to do our part to protect the rights of those who need it the most; regardless of whether you can see their disability or not.
If you have questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act, or other disability-related topics, contact me at 1-800-378-9128.
Cassandra Kambitsis is independent living coordinator at Society’s Assets.
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12. Inside Higher Ed - Blog posts on disability and climate change miss the mark21 Aug 2023
Letters to the Editor
To the Editor:
CW: suicide
Two recent Inside Higher Ed blog posts speak to two concerns I have with the discourse on climate action and mental health in higher education.
The first, How Best to Support the Whole Student, bemoans the rise in disability accommodations, particularly those due to mental illnesses like anxiety and depression.
The second, Will ‘The Heat Will Kill You First’ Spur University Leaders Into Climate Action?, wonders if a recent book on climate change will terrify higher education into action.
The former is concerning on multiple levels. To begin, the idea that we are over-accommodating students is an ableist fever dream. For the book I’m writing on how to best teach and support ADHD students, I recently made a list of the steps that a college student needs to take to access formal accommodations to learn (that’s what accommodations are: the things that our students need in order to learn). The list totals 18 steps. Eighteen. To state that we need to limit accommodations is not only contrary to the teaching and learning mission of higher education, it is blatantly ableist. That this claim would appear in one of our leading trade publications is deeply unacceptable, and points to the casual ableism that our community continues to allow.
The second big issue with the accommodations blog post is that it fails to make any mention of the role of climate change in the rise of mental illness. This is yet another clue that the author was enraptured by his own ableism, that his dream of excluding disabled students from higher education lured him away from reason. That he wrote and published this in the same week that the CDC announced that death by suicide hit an all-time high in 2022 further illustrates the the author’s lack of expertise and awareness. As our world burns around us and the survival of our species is threatened, anxiety, depression, and suicide will continue to rise if we fail to act. It is imperative that we make the connection between climate change and mental illness so that we can take well-reasoned actions toward addressing both. This is heavy and scary, but the good news is that there’s a great deal that we can do to discover the next, best action in our lives and work on behalf of a better world.
Speaking of taking action, the latter blog post misses the mark in centering terror as a teaching and learning tool for higher education to wield against climate change. In all realms, including climate action, we know that terror is an excellent short-term motivation to sprint away from a serious threat. But terror is a terrible pedagogy. Our brains and bodies can’t maintain a sprint, and climate action is a marathon.
Over the past year, I’ve been working with faculty on what I call climate action pedagogy, to help them weave climate action into their existing courses across all disciplines. We rely heavily upon adrienne maree brown’s Emergent Strategy and Pleasure Activism. First, we focus on small actions. Thinking we have to immediately save the entire planet from the heat bearing down on us is far too big for any human to handle. Instead, we zone in on where we already hold power in our lives, and focus on the smallest, next, best action we can take to get in right relationship with life on this planet. Next, we heed brown’s advice that to get people to do good, consistently, we have to make doing good feel good.
By doing climate action pedagogy in community, by showing up as our whole selves, both terrified and joyful, and everything in between, I’ve watched as faculty leave our sessions telling me they feel excited and inspired to take climate action with their students. No one can accuse me of denying the severity of the climate crisis, however, the path forward is to focus on what higher education is supposed to do best, teaching and learning, not on terrifying each other into inaction. We must teach and learn how to help the human species to honor the natural limitations of our Earth-bound existence, to become, like every other species on this planet, beings of moderation, humility, and balance.
We will not leave anyone behind in this urgent work. We will accommodate all of our learners to engage in climate action, because it’s the right thing to do, and because we disabled teachers and learners are experts in creatively adapting to difficult and fluctuating conditions. We will recognize the connections between mental illness and climate change. While we advocate for correct care for mental illness, we will simultaneously dig at its roots to imagine and create a better world. We will feel our shared terror, but we will not succumb to it. We will take the smallest action we can, remembering that we don’t have to save the world, we only have to do our part. We will do our part in community, with others doing their part. We will never deny ourselves joy as we continue to face the future, together.
Ignorance, ableism, and terror teaching have no place in this movement, and no place in the work that calls itself higher education.
--Karen
Costa
Adjunct faculty, author, and faculty development facilitator
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13. The Times of India - Disabilities don’t matter: Unique exhibition showcases four artists20 Aug 2023
KOCHI: When Vyshakh
Ettukudukka, a native of Kannur, painted the image of a woman who wanted
to break free from the traditional confinements of society, it received rave
reviews from the onlookers around.
But unlike most artists, Vyshakh painted the picture by holding the brush
between his toes. Though a disabled person, he has never let it to be a
hindrance to pursue his passions.
Pranav M Balasubramaniam, another disabled artist, and a native of Palakkad,
painted the colourful image of Maveli using acrylic colours, to welcome the
Onam festival.
When Saraswati Sharma from Rajasthan and Sunitha, a native of Kannur, also
joined them, ‘The Inspire Art Gala’, the live performance of four young
differently-abled artists at Ma Joie art gallery in Fort Kochi on Saturday,
offered a unique experience to art enthusiasts.
It was the Mouth and Foot
Painting Artists Association (MFPA), an international organization for artists
with disabilities, which conducted the event that showcased the incredible and
remarkable resilience of the differently abled artists.
The gallery also showcased remarkable works of several other artists from
around the world who have overcome huge obstacles to establish themselves as
artists.
Sunitha, who won the Outstanding Women with Disabilities Award of the Indian
President in 2007, said joining the MFPA in 2004 brought many changes in her
life.
“The art world made me self-sufficient, and the organizational activities
provided great opportunities to nurture art,” said Sunitha, who is also a
winner of the Guinness Book of Records.
Pranav Subrahmanyam said the artworks helped him live without depending on
anyone.
MFPA has more than 750 members from different countries. Out of 36 members from
India, 10 are from Kerala.
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14. Th Cross Timber Gazette USA - Special Abilities marks three decades of empowering adults with disabilities20 Aug 2023
Ten years ago, Jordan Drake sat in her office with a family that was considering Special Abilities of North Texas as an option for their daughter, Katie. As with many of these introductory meetings, Drake spoke about the skills and socialization programs they offer for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She also praised the nonprofit for selflessly providing the highest quality care, training, and support so that people like Katie have opportunities to grow and succeed in life.
Everything Drake said was music to the family’s ears. But there was just one question that hadn’t been answered.
“The dad looked at me and said, ‘If I choose to bring Katie here, will you still be here next year, the year after that, and so on? We want her to have a home away from home?’” Drake said. She is the organization’s Director of Program Development. “I remember saying, ‘Absolutely. We will be here for as long as you and Katie need us to be here.’”
Fast forward to today, and that promise is as strong as ever. Katie, now in her 30s, is a happy, vibrant, and beloved regular at Special Abilities of North Texas, which happens to be celebrating 30 years in the community. Formerly known as Adult Day Care of North Texas and Day Stay for Adults, Special Abilities of North Texas serves an average of 70 adults per day ages 18 and up with various developmental disabilities, including Down Syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy — giving them a place to go during the day where they can grow and be surrounded by friends. Many have been there longer than Katie and can’t imagine being elsewhere.
“I’ve been here for over 13 years, and it’s been special to see how much we’ve grown in terms of the number of clients we serve and the type of services we provide them,” Drake said. “In June alone, we served 94 people. Some people are with us for a short time, but there are others who were here on my first day all those years ago. You can see their growth — even with something as basic as feeding themselves. That’s something we are going to continue working on with them for their entire lives.”
She added, “Stability is important; they know what to expect each day and can rely on having the same people in their life.”
Special Abilities of North Texas believes persons with disabilities are one of the most underserved populations and should enjoy the same rights and opportunities for pursuing happiness in life. To that end, a huge part of Special Abilities of North Texas’ mission was to create a place to go during the day when they were away from their families.
The programs they offer run the gamut, too. This includes inclusion and social development initiatives such as volunteering with public organizations and participating in activities such as trips to the zoo and grocery store and attending sporting events. Learning about independence is also huge, as they are trained in everything from money management to shopping, personal care, and home living.
Their pre-vocational and vocational training program helps develop and improve customer service, clerical work, custodial maintenance, and inventory control skills. Creatively, persons with disabilities have fun uncovering their hidden talents, including creating beautiful works of art. Lastly, Special Abilities of North Texas is dedicated to helping its members improve their overall health and routinely have Zumba and yoga instructors visit their facility during the week.
“All too often, people forget those with disabilities they went to high school with grow up and still need ongoing support in their lives as well as places to go and people to socialize with,” Drake said. “Most of the individuals we see still live at home, but 25% live in group homes locally and are brought to us during the day to participate in many of these programs.
“We do a lot here, but none of it could be done without the community stepping in like it has.”
While the promise to be here today, tomorrow, and for years to come is as strong as ever, the reality is that fundraising is a huge piece to ensuring adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities always have their home away from home. State funding through Medicaid waiver programs does exist for organizations like Special Abilities of North Texas. But that funding breaks down to a shockingly low $24 per client per day. Special Abilities of North Texas raises funds through its annual gala, online fundraising, grants, and individual donations to bridge the gap and ensure it always has enough staffing and supplies.
The gala is its signature event. This year, it is slated for August 26 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Flower Mound. The theme is Denim & Pearls, and their goal is to raise $150,000 — all of which will be poured right back into the organization’s programs and staffing needs.
“We are looking forward to celebrating 30 years with this gala,” Drake said. “We serve so many amazing and gifted people, but the reality is that we still have over 70 people on our waiting list. Events like our gala help us expand what we do and help even more families who see the value in what we do and want their loved ones to be involved.”
To learn more about Special Abilities of North Texas, including its upcoming gala and ways to donate, visit specialabilities.net.
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15. Phys Org - Remote learning during pandemic aids medical students with disabilities21 Medical students who reported a disability to their school increased by more than 25% during the COVID-19 pandemic, a study shows.
The proportion of students reporting attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or chronic health and/or psychological disabilities has increased between 2015 and 2021.
Despite the increase in medical students reporting these conditions, the requests for more inclusive preclinical testing accommodations, like extra time for test completion or a less distracting environment, decreased during the pandemic between 2019 and 2021.
According to authors of the new research letter in JAMA Network Open, the remote curriculum delivery during the pandemic may have allowed students to create an optimal learning and testing environment, decreasing the need for accommodation.
"Medical education was at its most flexible during COVID," said Lisa Meeks, Ph.D., clinical associate professor of learning health sciences and family medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School.
She adds that this could have reduced the need for testing accommodations, but it is unclear whether the need for accommodations will rise again after the recent return to in-person lectures and testing.
Documenting the rise
The study results are part of a long-term research project led by Meeks that follows the prevalence of medical students in the United States who disclose disabilities to their respective schools.
This study on disability disclosure in medicine was the first large scale study of its kind, encompassing all types of disability, including psychological, learning, sensory, physical and chronic health conditions.
Since 2015, researchers have seen an increase of medical students reporting a disability to their institution from 2.8% in 2015 to 4.7% in 2019, and to 5.9% in 2021.
When asked to describe why we see such large increases in the population of medical students with disabilities, Meeks posited that "growth in this population could mean that we are reducing bias and stigma, and therefore people who were already in medicine are more willing to disclose."
"It could also mean that our research sparked a conversation to change policies, which then led to individuals with disabilities who didn't think they could make it in medical school choosing to apply to these schools."
Doctors with disabilities improve patient care
According to Meeks, there is still significant work to be done to increase the representation of doctors with disabilities in medicine.
Only 5.9% of medical school students report a disability, but 27% of adults in the U.S. currently live with some type of disability.
As the population ages, this number is expected to increase.
"Physicians in the U.S. and many other countries report that they do not feel confident in their ability to provide equal quality of care to patients with disabilities as they provide to patients without disabilities," said Karina Pereira-Lima, Ph.D., a research fellow in the Michigan Medicine neurology department.
"The inclusion of professionals with disabilities in medicine can greatly improve the care for patients with disabilities and the health of the population overall."
Retaining medical trainees with disabilities
Increasing the number of physicians with disabilities requires both the recruitment and retention of medical trainees.
"Anonymous research with medical trainees with disability shows that about one in every five medical students and more than half of resident physicians do not request accommodations when they need them," said Pereira-Lima.
The two main reasons for not requesting needed accommodation were fear of stigma or bias and lack of a clear institutional process.
"Program access, or simply having the ability to access accommodations should they need them, improves medical trainees with disabilities performance in relation to testing and patient care. It also reduces the likelihood of reporting depressive symptoms or burnout," added Pereira-Lima.
Meeks advocated for "standardization in support for students with disabilities in medical education."
"Medical education strives for parity and continuity between medical schools, but when it comes to disability services and reasonable accommodations, there's no standardization whatsoever," said Meeks.
"One school could have an incredible specialized disability support services with a qualified disability resource professional running the office, while another school does not have a specialized disability support service at all."
'A wave of change'
The team notes that addressing the second common barrier to attaining needed disability accommodations and fear of stigma or bias requires a continued culture shift in medicine.
"Disability is still incredibly stigmatized, and ableism is rampant in medicine and medical education. At the same time, I think the work from our lab, the Association of American Medical Colleges, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and others in medicine started a wave of change that is extraordinarily strong," said Meeks.
This work is bolstered by the matriculation of individuals that Meeks calls the post Americans with Disabilities Act generation into medical school.
"This generation has a lot of disability pride. They've had accommodations their entire lives, they know the law, they know their rights and they're not ashamed of being disabled," said Meeks.
Next steps
As this long term study continues, the research team plans to assess how other identities interact with the disability identity.
"People with disabilities have different racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations and socio-economic statuses. We want to learn more about how the interaction between these different identities impacts the performance and mental health of medical students with disabilities," said Pereira-Lima.
"We're also developing methods to measure the efficacy of accommodations. We need to do more research on the quality of received accommodations and how easy the process was for them to receive the accommodations they needed" added Pereira-Lima.
"Investing in a culture that acknowledges disability as a valuable form of diversity will improve patient care."
More information: Karina Pereira-Lima et al, Prevalence of Disability and Use of Accommodation Among US Allopathic Medical School Students Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic, JAMA Network Open (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.18310
Citation: Remote learning during pandemic aids medical students with disabilities (2023, August 19) retrieved 21 August 2023 from https://phys.org/news/2023-08-remote-pandemic-aids-medical-students.html
Aug 2023
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This Google Group news service has been made possible by courtesy of the Society of the Blind in Malaysia