THUMBS UP for real workforce integration Ontario will eliminate provincially funded workshops where as many as 35,000 people with intellectual disabilities do menial tasks for as little as 46 cents an hour. Initially, the government announced there would be no new admissions to the workshops, typically located in industrial malls. Now the province plans to close them forever. “It’s a new era for this fantastic population to realize their full potential,” said Barbara Simmons, Director of the Ministry’s Community Supports Policy branch. Organizations such as the Canadian Association for Community Living are helping to put emphasis on helping the intellectually challenged get out of isolated workshops and into paying jobs in the community. Well, it’s about time! (Photo: Windsor Star)
THUMBS UP to a Starbucks in Florida for using technology to make things more accessible. A Facebook video posted by Rebecca King shows her pulling up to the drive-thru with a friend. Both King and her friend are deaf. King signs towards the screen and waits a moment. A live screen pops up with barista Katie Wyble on the other end, allowing King to order using American Sign Language. This Starbucks is close to a public school for deaf and blind students and its drive-thru is equipped with a two-way camera to allow for visual communication.
THUMBS DOWN to Donald Trump Republican presidential contender, Mr. Trump deserves a dressing down for his recent inappropriate remarks. In our books his alleged mockery of respected New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski’s disability was just not on! Kovaleski has arthrogryposis, a condition that affects the movement of joints and is noticeable in his right arm and hand something Trump had no problem making fun of during his impression at a rally in South Carolina. It’s a surprise to many that he’s still a contender at this point.
THUMBS UP to Sesame Street for introducing the first Muppet with Autism: Fuzzy favourites Grover, Abby and Elmo are joined by their newest muppet pal, Julia, a character with autism, in Sesame Street Workshop’s new nationwide initiative. The initiative includes a free downloadable app that incorporates video and digital story cards to make daily life tasks easier for families of children with autism. “Families with autistic children tend to gravitate toward digital content, which is why we created Julia digitally,” executive vice president Sherrie Westin, said. “By opening up a dialogue we are trying to get rid of any discomfort or awkwardness, it’s time to increase understanding.”
THUMBS UP to the Ohio University Innovation Center, for constructing a 3D printed wheelchair for Tumbles, a dog born without his front legs. Tumbles who weighs just one and a half pounds, was taken in by Friends of the Shelter Dogs, a not-for-profit organization that aims to prevent dogs from being euthanized. Just another way they’re giving Tumbles a second chance.
THUMBS DOWN to Interview Magazine’s “artistic” decision for their December cover. It’s turning heads, and not in a good way. It features Kylie Jenner staring blankly into the distance, sitting like a plastic doll—in a gold wheelchair. The decision, to place Jenner’s able-bodied frame into a tool often necessary to grant mobility to people with disabilities, has caused outrage among those who actually use wheelchairs to get around, and with good reason!
THUMBS UP for real workforce integration Ontario will eliminate provincially funded workshops where as many as 35,000 people with intellectual disabilities do menial tasks for as little as 46 cents an hour. Initially, the government announced there would be no new admissions to the workshops, typically located in industrial malls. Now the province plans to close them forever. “It’s a new era for this fantastic population to realize their full potential,” said Barbara Simmons, Director of the Ministry’s Community Supports Policy branch. Organizations such as the Canadian Association for Community Living are helping to put emphasis on helping the intellectually challenged get out of isolated workshops and into paying jobs in the community. Well, it’s about time!
