Featured
How Spain Rewrote Its Constitution To Empower Persons With A Disability
The disability rights movement in Spain has long asked that the term ‘handicapped’ be replaced with ‘persons with a disability’, and the country’s constitution was recently altered accordingly. The amendment, voted by a substantial majority in Parliament on January 18, 2024, specifies that public administrations would adopt policies that enable full autonomy and social inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
This is the third time Spain’s constitution has been amended since its adoption in 1978, following the end of Francisco Franco’s tyranny. The previous revisions were enacted in 1992 to allow citizens of other European Union member states to run in municipal elections and in 2011 to meet EU restrictions on public deficits during the eurozone’s debt crisis.
All major political parties backed the constitutional reform, except the far-right Vox party, which voted against it. Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, welcomed the revision as a “great day for democracy” and apologized on behalf of the country for the delay in making the change. The amendment addressed Spain’s “moral debt” to its four million individuals with disabilities.
Disability rights organizations praised the change, calling it a historic achievement that recognized the dignity and rights of individuals with disabilities. They encouraged the administration to take appropriate measures to implement constitutional principles effectively.
The amendment will now have to be passed by the Senate, which is expected to get similar broad support. Once passed, the new wording of Article 49 of the constitution will be as follows: “The public authorities shall ensure the protection of persons with disabilities, their full autonomy, and social inclusion.” The public authorities must support policies that protect these rights, remove barriers that restrict or impede their full involvement in political, economic, cultural, and social life, and ease access to the services and resources required for growth.
Featured
Disability Rights Campaigners Call for Assisted Dying Legislation
Disability rights campaigners are urging MPs and peers to support assisted dying legislation. They emphasize that everyone deserves the chance for a good death. This call is led by Tom Shakespeare, a prominent professor of disability research at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Supporting Terminally Ill Individuals
The group expresses solidarity with terminally ill individuals who seek the option of assisted death. They acknowledge the concerns raised by opponents regarding the value society places on disabled lives. A documentary titled Better Off Dead? by actor Liz Carr highlights these risks. However, Shakespeare and his co-signers argue that disabled people represent a diverse community. Their experiences and opinions vary significantly.
In a letter to parliamentarians, the campaigners state, “We know some prominent disabled individuals oppose assisted dying. However, polling shows this view is not representative of the majority.” They point to an Opinium poll conducted for Dignity in Dying, indicating that nearly 80% of disabled individuals support assisted dying legislation.
The Right to Autonomy and Control
The letter emphasizes that all individuals deserve a good life and the autonomy to make decisions about their futures. It highlights the importance of independent living. As people approach the end of their lives, they should also have the option for a dignified death, with various choices available.
The campaigners express concern that too many individuals suffer in pain. They argue that assisted dying legislation is a compassionate response to this suffering. The proposed law in the UK focuses on terminally ill, mentally competent adults. This legislation has not expanded in similar laws in Oregon, Washington, and other US states.
Upcoming Legislative Debate
A private member’s bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, aims to legalize assisted dying for those who meet specific criteria. The bill is scheduled for discussion next month in Parliament. If it receives initial support, it will undergo further scrutiny by committee members.
Although the sentiment for assisted dying legislation may have shifted since the overwhelming rejection in 2015, the outcome remains uncertain. The letter has also been signed by several prominent individuals in the disability rights community, further demonstrating support for this crucial issue.
Election 2024
Voters with Disabilities: Feeling Overlooked in the 2024 Presidential Race
A new Rutgers University report estimates 40.2 million eligible voters in the upcoming U.S. presidential election are disabled. When factoring in people who live with someone who has a disability, nearly one-third of the voting population is involved. Despite this, many voters with disabilities feel overlooked, especially on health care—a central campaign issue.
A Growing Voting Bloc
As the U.S. population ages, the number of voters with disabilities is increasing. However, many challenges still exist. These include inaccessible campaign materials and the fact that candidates like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris rarely address disability-related issues, such as the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Trump recently made comments at a rally that were viewed as discriminatory by advocacy groups.
Advocates Demand Recognition
Dom Kelly, founder of New Disabled South, says this voting bloc is essential. “We are their path to victory,” he insists, warning that ignoring this community could affect election outcomes. Matt Mills, a 41-year-old voter from Ohio who has lupus and other health issues, supports Harris for her health policies but still feels disabled voters are often overlooked.
Mixed Experiences with Candidates
Jim Piet and Patricia Vincent-Piet, a married couple from New Hampshire who both have cerebral palsy, have had varied interactions with political candidates. Some have been receptive, while others have not. Their main concern is policy, especially Medicaid, which provides essential support to people like Jim. They plan to vote for Harris due to fears that Republicans may cut Medicaid services.
Damaging Political Rhetoric
Trump has a history of offending the disabled community, such as when he mocked a disabled journalist in 2015. Recently, he falsely claimed at a rally that Harris was “mentally impaired,” leading to criticism from advocacy groups. Meighan Stone, who uses a wheelchair due to long COVID, emphasizes that the issue goes beyond offensive comments. “We live with this discrimination daily,” she says.
Addressing the Issues
The Harris campaign has taken steps, such as hiring Anastasia Somoza, a disability advocate, as its disability engagement director. Somoza, who has cerebral palsy, has been working to ensure campaign events are accessible, offering virtual options. However, a recent virtual event fell short, causing frustration for voters like Marissa Ditkowsky, who has muscular dystrophy. Technical issues such as missing closed captioning and a sign language interpreter made the event less accessible.
Ensuring Voting Accessibility
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission is working to ensure voters with disabilities can vote independently and privately. Commissioner Benjamin Hovland stresses the need for better training for poll workers. Training will include ways to assist those with anxiety or who process information differently.
Patti Chang, a blind voter from Chicago, explains that exclusion goes beyond the political sphere. “Society needs to expect more inclusion,” she says. “This issue doesn’t just affect voting; it’s everywhere.”
Conclusion
With millions of voters with disabilities preparing to vote, both campaigns need to address their concerns. Making campaign platforms accessible and engaging with these voters could have a significant impact on the election.
Featured
Resilient Spirit: Sokhina and Rozina’s Transformative Journey to Independence
Sokhina and Rozina’s Journey
In Kurigram, Bangladesh, Sokhina and Rozina’s journey exemplifies resilience and determination. Sokhina, a 33-year-old single mother, fights every day to improve her daughter Rozina’s life. At just seven years old, Rozina lives with cerebral palsy, but together they face numerous challenges. Sokhina’s unwavering strength shines as she navigates motherhood in a region often struck by climate hazards.
Overcoming Adversity: Challenges Faced by Sokhina and Rozina
Sokhina and Rozina’s journey has been fraught with hardship. After enduring a violent marriage, Sokhina faced a painful divorce, which her husband sought solely because of Rozina’s disability. Left to care for her daughters alone, she dedicated herself entirely to Rozina’s needs for the first five years of her life. During that time, they suffered social exclusion and harsh judgments from neighbors who labeled her “crazy.”
“I felt helpless and worried about Rozina’s future,” Sokhina recalls, reflecting on her struggles during those early years.
Support and Rehabilitation: Transforming Their Lives
In November 2022, Sokhina’s life began to change when a volunteer from Humanity & Inclusion (HI) introduced her to the MISEREOR project’s rehabilitation teams. At that time, Rozina could neither sit, stand, nor speak, and her health deteriorated due to inactivity. HI provided essential support, including special seating and a walking frame, significantly improving Rozina’s mobility and overall well-being.
“The progress Rozina has made fills me with pride,” Sokhina shares, expressing her joy in her daughter’s achievements.
Building a Sustainable Future: Economic Empowerment for Sokhina
With additional assistance from HI, Sokhina received livelihood support in the form of a sewing machine and dressmaking training. This opportunity empowered her to achieve financial independence while focusing on Rozina’s rehabilitation.
“Since becoming an HI beneficiary, I’ve learned many skills, including how to support Rozina’s functional rehabilitation,” Sokhina explains. “Now, people around me respect me. All I want is for my daughter to get better and for me to educate her.”
Community Support: The Importance of Collective Action
HI Bangladesh actively participates in various projects aimed at supporting people with disabilities and their caregivers in the Kurigram region. Their work encompasses rehabilitation, mental health support, and economic empowerment initiatives, helping vulnerable groups enhance their livelihoods and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey of Sokhina and Rozina
Sokhina and Rozina’s journey highlights the power of resilience and community support. With ongoing assistance, they continue to strive for independence, proving that even in the face of adversity, hope and strength can prevail. Their story inspires others facing similar challenges and emphasizes the importance of collective action in transforming lives.
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