Professor Duncan Maskell’s Post

A couple of weeks ago, I shared some thoughts on my dislike for the term "Special Education" and how I wish there was an alterative phrase. Then it hit me! What about if we used "Accessible Education" instead? The use of "accessible" makes so much more sense for a number of reasons: 1) "Accessible" is a word that easily definable, especially in the context of disability 2) "Accessible Education" could be used for disabled people of all ages as opposed to "Special Education", is generally used for children, and 3) I feel like this phrase focuses more on the end goal of those who do disability advocacy: Meaningful Access. Let me know your thoughts below!

The ACD Federal Budget Submission calls for: 🔹 Increased funding for disability advocacy. 🔹 Improved access to high-quality early childhood education for children with disability. 🔹 Increased representation of disability in Australian children television and film. We want to see more #Bluey characters like Dougie, who uses #Auslan. Read our submission here 👇 https://lnkd.in/gKadRD2H #disabilityadvocacy #speakup4advocacy #representationmatters #childrenwithdisability #ecec

The next legislative session is almost here! It is never too early to make a difference and begin advocating before the legislative session begins.  In fact, now is the best time to reach out to your local representatives! In our latest issue of Making a Difference, GCDD Legislative Advocacy Director, Charlie Miller says, "Reaching out to your representative about disability issues will also help them understand that these issues regularly affect you and the thousands of people they serve. They might not be well informed on disability issues, and that’s OK. You can help teach them and tell them how this impacts our community." You can read more here: https://lnkd.in/gn5yM7MY #GCDD #DisabilityAdvocacy #DisabilityPolicy #GAPol

Advocacy Alert! On Tuesday, 1/16/2024, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Editorial Board published an important piece: "Another budget, another chance to help Pa's struggling disability care system. https://ow.ly/GrmH50QseAl As Governor Shapiro's budget announcement nears, The Provider Alliance TPA, PAR - Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability, and other provider associations from across the state are advocating for the inclusion of increased rates for direct support professionals (DSP). "The best news Pennsylvania’s disability advocates received in years came last September, when Mr. Shapiro ordered an early review of the state’s DSP reimbursement rates. And we urged — and continue to urge — that the review take into account not just inflation, but the wage rates needed to maintain a robust, sustainable system of care." - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Editorial Board Visit the websites of provider associations to learn more and take action: The Provider Alliance: https://ow.ly/crzK50QseAq PAR: https://ow.ly/5FpQ50QseAp #MainstayPA #EnrichingLivesUnlockingPotential #Advocacy #Pennsylvania #Disability

💛 Today on #RewritingTheNarrative: ✏️ In the latest contribution to the blog, Gloria Bennett reflects on how chronic illness is sometimes separated from disability advocacy spaces and how, in the face of this separation, the Disability Justice Principles offer an alternative and inclusive way to build community. Read the full piece: https://lnkd.in/ek8apE78

We are urging the Australian Government to significantly increase funding for independent advocacy organisations, like DDWA, who directly support people with disability. Developmental Disability WA (DDWA) is a member of Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA), and we support the Speak Up! campaign. You can make a difference by emailing your local MP (member of parliament/politician) using DANA's ACTION tool. Access the ACTION tool "Email Your Local MP" and read more about the campaign, HERE: #SpeakUp4Advocacy #IndependentAdvocacy #DisabilityRights #FundingForHumanRights #SpeakUp4RuralAdvocacy #AdvocacyForAll #AdvocateForAll #SpeakUp4LocalAdvocacy