Madeline SchwartzPeople with Disabilities and the 1st Amendment
December 5th 2006 01:20
People with Disabilities and the 1st Amendment
Here's an interesting article about People with Disabilities and the 1st Amendment.
I am also including a direct link to the article in case you'd prefer to read it online- http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061128/LIFE03/611280360/1074/LIFE
Maddy
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This is a printer friendly version of an article from the Daily Record
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11/28/06 - Posted from the Daily Record newsroom
Disabled community needs to stand up for First Amendment
"Explore how freedom plays a role in your life," reads the front cover of the brochure from the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum in Chicago. This was our first time visiting this museum, and it certainly gave us food for thought. We all talk about First Amendment rights, but do we really know and understand them?
This year I have been hammering away about the breakdown of disability rights and the lack of enforcement concerning the laws for Americans with disabilities. This museum brought to focus the role that the First Amendment has in protecting the rights of all citizens.
The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, speech and the press, and the rights of assembly and petition. It states:"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
This does not mean there are not limits. The museum addresses the importance of safeguarding these liberties and the roles that a free press and expression play in gaining greater equality for all.
A display of T-shirts caught my eye. Inside the case was written a variety of opinions and statements, all the way from brightly colored shirts to somber black ones. These were shirts that individuals had worn through the years to express themselves. The words spoke of discontent and frustration on the eroding rights of individuals.
The one that stood out for me was the Statue of Liberty in a wheelchair. Powerful! We must protect the role that the First Amendment has in protecting freedom for future generations.
I am now turning the rest of this column over to my husband, who wants to share experiences we have had while he pushes me around in a wheelchair. Since the holidays are fast approaching, I felt it was fitting to have someone else discuss some of the many aspects involved in wheelchair protocol.
"Recently I had the need to push Marilyn through a crowded museum in a wheelchair. I want to share some thoughts from the 'pusher's' perspective.
"Keep in mind that the person in the chair has a different line of vision than you have. They are looking up and sometimes straight across, while you are most likely looking down. They need more time to see items of interest and read descriptive comments. A number of times Marilyn had to tell me to slow down and wait.
"Concerning walkers: Some were polite, some rude and most indifferent. For the most part, eye contact was not made with either Marilyn or me. The malady that puts a person in a wheelchair is not contagious, so eye contact to acknowledge the person is appreciated.
"As for those who cut in front, a wheelchair with a person can weigh 150 pounds or more, is not easy to stop quickly, and has foot rests that protrude past the wheels. The woman who dashed in front of us too quickly for me to stop will remember these facts for a long time."
It is the most wonderful time of the year. We all have lots to do. A reminder to all who are not physically challenged and do not truly need the handicapped parking spaces
lease leave them for those who do. Thanks. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marilyn Lukach can be reached in care of the Daily Record, 800 Jefferson Road, Parsippany, N.J. 07054, or features@dailyrecord.com.
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