DISABILITY DEFENSE UNION
34 Chenango St. Office # 318, P.O. Box 1571
Binghamton, New York 13902
Internet: www.disablelaw.org E-mail: ahdu@disablelaw.org
607-724-3596
HELP AND SAVE US FROM COLLAPSING
WE ARE ABOUT TO CLOSE OUR DOORS. - Time is running out for us; can you please help. We have stopped helping disabled persons in need: due to total lack of funding support. In the last 4 years, 5 non-profit organizations have gone out of existence: 2 Disability Organization, 2 Disability related: one that worked with problem teens and a Child-Help Center that both worked with disabled children, and 1 Music Related, have shut their doors.
OUR MOST URGENT NEED IS PEOPLE HELPING
Take the risk: support us with love
Allow me to tell you a story of a very sad DEATH in this land of PROSPERITY. A disabled woman came, asking for help: she was homeless; and She was in danger of a life threatening problem: AIDS. We tried but could not help, due to NO money: She was listed as died from AIDS in the month of 11/2007, Press & Sun Bulletin, Obituaries. Where were those who could have helped us help her. It takes money to help people. The REAL TRAGEDY is: she Died (Ref. a). Where are those who could have helped a woman who lived with sexism and bigotry, as to harming woman keeping them from life, where were the good Samaritans when she was near death.
Now, I would like to take this moment to tell you about myself. In so much as being a disabled person who is autistic with severe learning challenges, I have devoted my time and my energies to the cause of helping others. As a disabled person: I have been the victim of disability racism and hate (Ref. 1); However, This has not stopped me from being a person of sacrificial generosity and self-giving. I should also mention that, as of the writing of this letter, I have been homeless for sometime. My self-sacrificing ways of life has led me to this plight but I am still determined to keep on, even in this situation. I am here for the long-term, even if it means the sacrifice of my health, life, etc..
Let's talk about the disabled community in general: At one time there were public signs in this country that said "white only", Now consider the plight of disabled persons: It has always has been and it is still "non-disabled only"; In much of our lives, we experience problems of no work (2), bad housing resulting in homelessness (3), Government agencies (Social Services is a hot bed of disability racism and disability hatred. This includes Social Security) (4), etc.. We as disabled persons are also forced to stand in line to get the necessity of life: Welfare SSI, SSD, etc.. I too have been to government agencies and stood in line like other disabled persons: how dehumanizing. I have been there and I do not want to be treated as a lower creature not quite human.
In this world where there is no compassion or love for others; with this in mind just imagine what the disabled goes through. At one time in this country we were hunted down like wild animals, kill, locked up in cages (we are a danger to the community Ref. b.), and yet worst laughed at, to scorned (1). Remember this still happens. Even Though we, as disabled persons, have a physical presence in this world, Even Though there are no fair people and many of us are treated as if we have throw-away lives with no God-given dignity: this is not a reason for not allowing us to teach others and ourselves to have a change of heart and mind bring us to a better way of life. We are GOD's sculptures (5): An example, Pat Nolan (6), This was "God's plan to get him where he is today"
All we are asking for is to be treated with respect and dignity that every human being deserves. We appeal to your concern and charity in mission in the context of and by demonstrating faith and good will in God's people in helping us in SAVING this ministry. Social construction in the lives of disabled persons, by the use of candor clarity charity in the context of mission, is needed. Therefore, we are asking for your help in our efforts for growth and development.
PLEASE HELP BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE
__________________________________
R. Joseph Barham, Board Chair, AHDU, Inc.
References:
a. A related story of people dying on the streets called: "Homeless Hospice"
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1013/cover.html#
1. "Every individual that is autistic, retarded, C.P., etc. is forever being scorned by adults and children. Their lives are lonely and always they are treated as inferiors. A mentally handicapped person is a joke to society or a fearful image to be avoided .... I am tired of inconsiderate people who are forever finding reasons to prove we are different than they are. To them I say "woe to you." They talk about us in an unfriendly and degrading manner right in our presence. They feel no shame because we are after all retarded and cannot understand, and even if we do understand, we will never tell, and if we do tell, no one will take us seriously" www.dani18.com/index.php?show=ebg00 .
2. One of the major problems facing the disabled population, as the largest minority in the United States, is the plague of high unemployment: Because of disability discrimination, homelessness, and poverty. National Organization on Disability: Employment (full and part time) is only 32% leaving 68% unemployed, 910 Sixteenth Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20006, 202-293-5960, www.nod.org : The 2001 NOD/Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities.
3. This is truly a crises: "Disabled unemployment rate hits 70%" http://newshound.de.siu.edu/fall03/stories/storyReader$841
4. Most person who are homeless are disabled: http://www.homelessnesscouncil.org/ .
b. I remember a time back in 1992 when I received money from NY department of Education VESID, to go to Courtland State College to become a High School Teacher. I passed the course work and then during Student Teaching I was told, "How dare you want to become a teacher with all your disabilities, (and) I would not want you teaching my children or any other children, you are a danger to children". I also have several learning problems for in 1989 when I was finishing a Master in Chemistry, my financial aid was taken away (due to my learning disabilities), and the head of Financial Aid Office at Binghamton University said that as a disabled person I do not deserved an advance degree, “you are an (disabled) inferior”.
5. C. S. Lewis said, "that we're like God's sculptures, and it's the chisel strokes that are so painful that he uses to make us his work of art".
6. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1103/profile.html