Discrimination
DIVISION 5 DISCRIMINATION 839-005-0000 Purpose and Scope (1) It is the policy of the State of Oregon that unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age, disability and other classes protected under Oregon statutes is a matter of state concern and that such discrimination threatens individual rights and privileges and menaces the institutions and foundations of a free democratic state Definitions (8) Gender expression means the manner in which an individuals gender identity is expressed, including, but not limited to, through dress, appearance, manner, or speech, whether or not that expression is different from that traditionally associated with the individuals assigned sex at birth. (9) Gender identity means an individuals gender-related identity, whether or not that identity is different from that traditionally associated with the individuals assigned sex at birth, including, but not limited to, a gender identity that is transgender or androgynous. (15) Sex means the anatomical, physiological and genetic characteristics associated with being male or female. (16) Sexual orientation
means an individuals actual or perceived
heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or gender
identity, regardless of whether the individuals gender
identity, appearance, expression or behavior differs from
that traditionally associated with the individuals
assigned sex at birth. Americans with Disabilities Act - July 26, 1990 Don't Ignore Suicide in the Disability Community Live On! Funeral
Home Employment, Housing, Public Accomodations, Credit, State Employees, Spend
your money in states that honor and protect all of God's
children Americans with
Disabilities Act - July 26, 1990 When Judy Heumann was growing up in the 1950s, the New York City school system barred her from attending school and instead gave her only two and a half hours a week of home instruction. Why? She was in a wheelchair, as a result of polio, and school administrators refused to accommodate her in a classroom. Heumann grew up to become a leading advocate for disability rights. She helped organize a 1977 protest that occupied a federal building in San Francisco and focused national attention on discrimination against the disabled. After a long political fight, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990 30 years ago this Sunday. Few modern laws have had as big of an impact on Americans lives, and the anniversary has led to reflections on what the A.D.A. has and has not accomplished. (Here is a package of Times stories.) Today, no child can legally be denied schooling because of a disability. Workplaces and public spaces have been transformed. And many nondisabled people have benefited as well: I often felt grateful for the A.D.A. while pushing a stroller around New York (and not having to lift it over curbs). But its also clear that disabled Americans continue to endure inequities:
As Heumann recently told The Times, disabled Americans who have been born since the A.D.A. are eager to benefit from the laws provisions. They also believe that the A.D.A. is not enough, she added. For much more: One of the best movies Ive seen this year is Crip Camp, a documentary that tells the story of the disability-rights movement through a summer camp where many leaders, including Heumann, met each other. And give us feedback: What questions
do you have about disability and accessibility? What stories
should The Times be doing? Tell
us here. Don't Ignore
Suicide in the Disability Community Live On! #Liveon Movement Creates a Community to Battle Disability Stigma Research, in fact, shows that it is actually quite common for disabled people to struggle with depression, but this difficulty is not usually caused by our disabilities. According to Thomas Weiss's article, "People with Disabilities and Suicide Awareness," most disabled people that commit suicide aren't driven to it by the experience of having a disability; rather, these tendencies are usually due to difficulty in knowing how to navigate society's perception of disability and how that perception impacts their relationships and livelihood. LiveOn Movement Being a disabled woman myself, this makes perfect sense to me. I no longer struggle with every day tasks of daily living, as I have adapted and learned how to cook, clean, get dressed and manage my never-ending to-do lists in my own way. Yet, what I continually struggle with is how to deal with the sting of discrimination from a restaurant with a one-step entrance keeping me from going inside or the patronizing baby voice that strangers use on me because I sit in a wheelchair. If I were newly disabled and/or did not have a Disability Community with which I could sit in solidarity in these moments, I could see how they would overwhelm me and swallow my life experience. This is why it is no surprise that so many disabled people, especially with newly acquired disabilities, experience depression and/or suicidal thoughts at some point during their lives. After all, experiencing society's reaction to disability is a tough pill to swallow, even if you've been dealing with it your entire life like I have. It must be a total shock to the system to become disabled after first living life free from ableism for a while. The one place that I know of that is dedicated to ensuring that discussions of depression and suicide are encouraged in the Disability Community is LiveOn.net. If you haven't checked it out yet, #LiveOn is an anti-suicide campaign aimed specifically at people with disabilities who may be at risk. The campaign is run by disabled people and is based on Disability Pride. It's a website that has a series of videos by disabled people telling their own stories about disability, how they have found community and all the reasons they think other disabled people should #LiveOn, even when they may be struggling with all the stigma heaped on us every day. Disability is often an isolating
experience already and this isolation is intensified by
depression. What seems the most profound is the #LiveOn
Movement's ability to provide community to someone that is
experiencing this isolation and may not know a single other
disabled person that they can talk to about it. After
watching only a few of the videos, one cannot help but walk
(or roll) away with that same feeling of solidarity that I
get from a day of hanging out with my many disabled friends
and colleagues. People with
Disabilities and Suicide Awareness Disability in relation to suicide is something that is very hard to find statistics on and it is not a new phenomenon. Main Digest The challenges faced by people who experience forms of disabilities are influenced more by negative social expectations and tacit ideas concerning disability than by any emotional, physical, or cognitive impairment a person may experience. Each day, organizations work to educate the public about what life with a form of disability is like. For these organizations, that often times means assisting non-disabled neighbors and friends to understand that people with disabilities are not ill and that our lives are not without happiness or meaning. The fact is - research on disability and depression has consistently shown that when people with disabilities report dissatisfaction with their lives they are not nearly as concerned with things such as reliance on machines or medications as they are with their relationships, financial security, or difficulties while at work. Despite this, the social message repeatedly presented is that life with a form of disability is miserable and when the people around us believe that without questioning it, it may become very hard for people with disabilities to think anything different. Through this, people with disabilities come to internalize oppressive images and after that happens, it becomes very difficult for people with disabilities to hope for something better in their lives. At this point, suicide also becomes an issue. Considering the negative social messages concerning disability we hear almost daily, it is not surprising that people at times consider suicide after acquiring a disability. In fact, a number of the factors that are considered to be important in evaluating suicide potential such as social inclusion, financial stability and freedom of mobility consistently present challenges for people with disabilities. It is amazing that even though 18.7% of all non-institutionalized civilians in the United States experience a form of disability, they remain nearly invisible when it comes to the issue of suicide. Disability, in relation to suicide, is something that is very hard to find statistics on and it is not a new phenomenon. In an article published by Carol J. Gill it was noted that it was ironic that so little suicide research has been conducted on the behalf of people with disabilities, since there are so many legal and medical decisions made about disability and the management of intentions to die. Carol Gill was referring to assisted suicide, a twist that makes all the difference. There is a mixed message suggesting that people with disabilities are only visible on the issue of suicide when others such as judges and doctors are making the decision for us. In addition, this reinforces the idea that disability is a legitimate reason to desire death; this writer certainly disagrees with this idea. Suicide rates are much higher among people with spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis than in the general population. Another part of the overall population of people with disabilities at risk include people with forms of intellectual disabilities, in which it seems that rates of suicide risk factors are higher than the general population as well, even though suicide rates might be lower. The highest rate of suicide is reported among study populations of people with multiple sclerosis, followed by those with spinal cord injury and then people with intellectual disabilities. Suicide among people with disabilities is a complex, pressing public health concern. Urgent research priorities include:
Working towards these objectives will reduce the unacceptable burden of this preventable cause of death and help both children and adults with disabilities to lead lives that are healthier, happier and longer. It is important to believe in the worth and dignity of every person, regardless of any forms of disabilities they may experience. People with disabilities are the only group of people who receive the social message that suicide is a legitimate option. Because of this, it is imperative that organizations working with crisis intervention understand disability as a social issue. People with disabilities live lives that are just as worthy as the lives of non-disabled persons. Organizations and agencies that track suicide rates are strongly encouraged to begin including people with disabilities in their studies because we know that what is counted is attended to; people with disabilities count too! People who work in crisis intervention are urged to learn about the stresses and joys of life with a form of disability so they will be as effective as possible when people with disabilities reach out to them as their most important life-line. Disability organizations can definitely be of assistance in this regard. Communities need to stop tolerating
the notion that people with disabilities have a reason to
die and instead become active partners with the disability
community to create a world that is both inclusive and
accessible. Raising awareness about suicide will make the
disability community visible while bringing people together
so they can prevent unnecessary suffering and pain. Politically
Correct Language of Disability
Main Digest When I interact with the public in either my professional or personal life, I seldom consider my blindness to be a barrier to an effective conversation, but I am quickly reminded by those with whom I am speaking that it can be. Their discomfort is palpable, their curiosity obvious. The specific nature of our conversation becomes secondary to what is really on their minds: How do I address a person who is blind? Can I ask about it? What should I say? Most people seem to be asking me to put them at ease before we can proceed with a discussion. My experience has been that most people want to do the right thing, want to say the proper words, but they simply do not know what the "right thing" is. This has also proved true with other speaking professionals. I am frequently consulted on the appropriate language that should be used when presenting to diverse audiences. For speakers who give presentations in either the corporate or community setting, below is a short tip list on the language of awareness that you can use to make your talks more sensitive, accurate and inclusive. Put the Individual Before the Disability For example, say: "people with disabilities" instead of "the disabled"; For "handicapped" or "mentally slow," say "people with disabilities," "people who are blind," and "people who are developmentally disabled." This is respectful and empowering, as it places the emphasis on the individual, as opposed to defining that person by their disability. This practice is usually referred to as people first" language. People first language is the use of respectful and accurate terminology that is preferred by people with disabilities. Avoid Euphemisms It is not necessary to use phrases, such as "differently abled", "handi-capable", "diversability", or "challenged", this implies that disability is not a topic that can be discussed in a straightforward manner, and it only emphasizes the differences between us. Avoid dramatic language or language that sensationalizes disability. Using phrases, such as "afflicted with" or "suffers from," reinforces the idea that the individual is a victim. Here are other examples of positive and affirming language versus insensitive or negative language. Instead of "psycho" or "mentally defective," use "a person with a mental illness" or "a person who is mentally retarded." If you know of someone who has a sensory disability, they can be referred to as "a person who is blind," "a person with low vision," or "a person who is deaf," as opposed to "the blind," "sight challenged," or someone who "suffers from hearing loss." If you know of someone who is paralyzed or is unable to ambulate, that person is said to be mobility impaired, not "crippled" or "wheelchair bound" That individual is simply a person who uses a wheelchair. Unless you live in Los Angeles or New York City, you may tend to identify more with small-town America rather than with metro urban sprawl or the concrete jungle of the big cities. You personally may not know many people with disabilities or any at all. Therefore, you may not have considered why it might be important to alter your vocabulary in this way. It's true that the person standing before you may not appear to have a disability, but they may be married to, related to, or care for someone who does. If you are speaking in front of a group, there is no way to know which members of your audience fall into which category. Using the language of awareness is an act of courtesy and respect that can set a powerful example for others to follow in their everyday communication. "People only see what they are prepared to see." - Ralph Waldo Emerson. In this article I provide some reflections on Emerson's quote and offer a number of tips you can use in your own life. The overall theme is about our individual awareness and perception of the world. This quote, to me, is about perception and how people see the world around them. Essentially, people only see what they are ready and willing to. As such, people are sometimes prepared only to see the worst - whether it is in regards to themselves or other people. They focus on the negative, conveniently ignoring the positive. Sometimes people may choose to ignore certain evidence as it does not suit them. This can be problematic. Not only can it mean a person continues to engage in particular behaviors (for example, a smoker who ignores the health risks, therefore does not see their behavior as a concern) but it can have wider consequences also. For instance, such attitudes can keep prejudice in place, as stereotypes are upheld and the evidence that defies them is disregarded. Differing Perceptions As we go through our lives, we experience different things and develop particular attitudes. It is not surprising then that people will perceive the same situation differently, as a result of their life experiences. Let me give you an example, using a set of steps as the common theme. Imagine you had spent the day at a disability awareness course. For the first time you came to realize what an obstacle steps are to a person in a wheelchair. On your way home, you climb the same set of steps as you always do, but this time you see them differently. You wonder where the ramp is, reflecting that maybe the building is inaccessible to a wheelchair user, unless they are to be carried in. Now imagine these steps again. You've just been reading about all the things you can do to keep fit. One of these things is to use the steps rather than the lift. You get home, and see the steps. You realize they are an opportunity to help you get fit and you decide to run up them. Here are those steps again. This time, you work at a stadium cleaning up after the crowd has been and gone. All day you are going up and down the steps, cleaning up other people's rubbish. By the time you get home you are fed up and tired. You come to the steps that take you to your house. You greet them with a groan, hardly having the energy to climb them and remembering the long day you have had. Now for one last scenario. Last week it was raining and the steps outside your house were slippery and you fell down them. You sprained your ankle and are very shaken up. You spend a few days recovering. Today you go to leave the house and are faced with the steps. You feel anxious, remembering your pain and stress. You nervously approach the steps and take them one step at a time, being careful not to slip. Note how the set of steps has not changed, yet how you perceive them has. Tips
Also See Disability or Disabled? Which Term is Right? - Differences and similarities in disability and disabled terminology including the right term to use... People
First Language: An Oppositional Viewpoint
- This is a thought that has
been on my mind for awhile in regards to people first
language and what it does to this industry... International Day
of People with Disabilities (Formerly World Disabled
Day) International Day of People with Disability on Dec 3 is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. Main Digest International Day of People with Disability on December 3 each year is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. 2012 marks the 20th anniversary of the International Day for People with Disabilities. The day aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being. Around 15% of the world's population, or one billion people, live with disabilities. People are often unaware of the great number of persons living with disabilities around the world and the challenges they face. Persons with disabilities, "the world's largest minority", often face barriers to participation in all aspects of society. Barriers can take a variety of forms, including those relating to the physical environment or to information and communications technology (ICT), or those resulting from legislation or policy, or from societal attitudes or discrimination. The result is that persons with disabilities do not have equal access to society or services, including education, employment, health care, transportation, political participation or justice. The day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of life. International Day of People with Disabilities Themes by Year:
Source: www.disabled-world.com/disability/awareness/world-disabled-day.php Funeral
Home This story, inspired by a real legal case, is the center of a new ad, Funeral Home, produced by MAP as part of the Open to All public education campaign. People think discrimination like this couldnt happen, but it does and it did. This ad explains how a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in favor of discrimination could make matters worse.
Inspired by a real case, this ad, Funeral Home, shows devastating harms of service refusals by businesses that serve the public "Funeral Home" is the latest in a series of ads that illustrate how a loss in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case would open the door to wide-ranging forms of discrimination. A ruling for the bakery in this case could sanction and encourage this type of discrimination not just against LGBT people, but also interfaith couples, people of color, women, people with disabilities, and others. A decision in this case is expected by June. LGBT people continue to be at risk for discrimination in their daily lives, even at their most painful moments, like when burying a loved one. Thirty-one states lack nondiscrimination protections for LGBT people in public places. And there are no federal nondiscrimination protections in public accommodations for LGBT people. As a result, just over half of LGBT people in the United States live in a state where businesses, including funeral homes, can refuse to serve someone because of who they are. http://www.lgbtmap.org/file/Brief-OTA-Funeral-Home-One-Pager-FINAL.pdf As a nation, we decided a long time ago that businesses and services that are open to the public should be open to all. Nobody should be turned away simply because of who they are. Take Action:
Non-Discrimination
Laws Efforts by anti-LGBT opponents include: Plain refusals by some government officials, state legislators, and courts to fully recognize the marriages of same-sex couples and their relationship with their children; and, Refusals by individuals, businesses, government contractors, and even government employees claiming they have a religiously-based right to discriminate against LGBT people, including the children of LGBT people. These license to discriminate efforts are reflected in legislation, court cases, and agency guidance around the country. With courts requiring that state governments treat all married couples fairly, this tactic of individuals, businesses, and government agencies claiming a religious exemption to following nondiscrimination laws is gaining traction. This has an especially harmful impact on LGBT families and LGBT parents seeking to adopt or start families. A same-sex couple could be refused pregnancy and birth healthcare services, a child with two mothers could be denied entrance to their local preschool, a child could be refused critical medical treatment because she was denied an accurate birth certificate listing both parents, or a qualified, loving same-sex couple could be rejected from fostering a child in need. In fact, all of these scenarios have already happened. Also, just this year, two statesOklahoma and Kansashave passed laws granting child welfare agencies a license to discriminate against prospective parents, leaving the nations most vulnerable children with fewer prospective parents. And, the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to issue a ruling in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case by the end of June. This case has the potential to undo decades of nondiscrimination laws by allowing businesses to pick and choose which customers to serve. By refusing to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples, and by attempting to insert religious exemptions into nondiscrimination laws that protect LGBT people, the report concludes that the threats to LGBT families and their children are real. And, in states without nondiscrimination laws and in states where legislatures have pushed religious exemption laws, the ultimate result is that children are harmed. Take Action: READ the report Putting Children at Risk: How Efforts to Undermine Marriage Equality Harm Children LEARN more about the high stakes of the Masterpiece Cakeshop case with this policy brief Understanding Masterpiece Cakeshop vs. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. READ MAPs blog post for LGBTQ Families Day and share it on social media with the hashtag #LGBTQFamiliesDay SEE which states
have nondiscrimination protections
for LGBT people and families.
State United
States Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware DC Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New
Hampshire New
Jersey New
Mexico New
York North
Carolina North
Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode
Island South
Carolina South
Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West
Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Source:
www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/non_discrimination_laws |
State United
States Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware DC Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New
Hampshire New
Jersey New
Mexico New
York North
Carolina North
Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode
Island South
Carolina South
Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West
Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming * Rank
by state population.
Source: www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps
072420