I tweeted about a new study that says there are as many people with disabilities worldwide as there are people in China. This brought up the question of “What is the definition of a person with a disability?”. This is such an interesting and difficult question to answer! At first glance, it’s easy to answer – there are plenty of definitions of disability. But digging around the question a bit more, finding a useful definition that makes everyone happy isn’t straightforward at all.
Disability
Fatigue, Pain, Assumptions, And The Spoon Theory
I just read a very touching "coming out" from my friend @HeatherHAL who discloses and talks about her impairment – "ongoing cumulative repetitive motion injuries that affect my arms, hands, neck and upper back". It takes some courage to do that. You can read her post on her website.
Presenting About “The Evolution of Assistive Technology into Everyday Products”
I’ve just been notified that my paper submission to the New Zealand Computer Society "Celebrating 50 Years of ICT Innovation" conference, to be held in Rotorua in the middle of September. This presentation will be quite different from my usual "web accessibility" dog-and-pony show :)
Disability Theme Park
Today, I heard about the opening of the first theme park “dedicated to people with special needs”, specifically kids with developmental disabilities. Morgan’s Wonderland opened to the public recently in San Antonio, Texas. I must admit, I’m feeling a bit conflicted about it.
International Women’s Day
March 8 is International Women’s Day. It is a “is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.”[1] Funny thing is, it appears that even within an oppressed group, oppression happens. Feminists seem to ignore women with disabilities.