Our Vision Statement: Disability Rights California will create individual and family supports, chosen and directed by the person with a disability

Top 10 Disability Stories of 2008

Looking back over U.S. mainstream media coverage of disability-related stories over the last year, the following 10 stories earned substantial national coverage and often prompted extensive letters to the editor and online commentary. If we missed a big story, let us know about it and why you think it contributed to the national dialogue about disability issues.

1. First Presidential forum on disability issues: Sponsored by the American Association of People with Disabilities and many other organizations, this event was covered as a serious examination of legislative and other priorities of the U.S. disability community, encouraging all Presidential candidates to expand on their public commitments to this minority. Historic Presidential forum unites thousands in disability community; Watch a live webcast of the Presidential candidates' forum on disability

2. Strong bipartisan passage of the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act: Just as the 1990 ADA had overwhelming support from both parties, so did this legislation to restore the original intent of Congress in the landmark anti-discrimination law and to prevent further erosion of its protections. Senate passes ADA Amendments Act! President Signs ADA Amendments Act into Law

3. The Paralympics in Beijing this autumn attracted record-setting media coverage around the world of athletes with disabilities, dazzling viewers with both extensive real-time television and web coverage of hundreds of record-breaking competitions and China’s elevation of this event to a spectacle comparable to the Olympics. Paralympic coverage surpasses previous showing; NBC broadcasting extensive highlights of Beijing Paralympics

4. Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s inclusion of her newborn son, Trigg in many public events and her promise to be a disability advocate prompted countless media features and articles about varied approaches to treatment of and services for children with developmental disabilities. In Palin, families of disabled children see a potential White House friend; Palin's pitch to parents of disabled raises some doubts; and Palin pledges support for families with special needs

5. Immigration cases: In several countries, including the U.S., Canada and Australia, prominent court cases about whether immigrating families that include members with disabilities should be considered “potential burdens” on society have prompted widespread public discussions about the need to update these age-old concepts of disability. Family sues Immigration, Sheriff's Department over improper deportation

6. The UN Convention on Disability Rights was signed and ratified by countries on all continents, spurring articles about why it was not yet supported in the U.S. and what level of efforts would be required to ensure its passage in a new administration. Secretary-General Ban hails entry into force of treaty on disability rights

7. Treatment of Veterans: From the coverage of conditions in Walter Reed Hospital, to the conflicting responses of the Veterans Administration and Pentagon to assessing the needs of returning soldiers from Afghanistan and Iraq, to the nebulous understanding of “Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome,” it became clear in television specials and newspaper investigations that returning soldiers are not receiving first-class assistance in dealing with their disabilities. Help our veterans vote; California veterans celebrate national holiday by joining seniors and disabled in protesting Schwarzenegger budget cuts; Injured veterans engaged in new combat; Injured vets wait for disability appeal process

8. Restraint and seclusion: Disability Rights California’s report on Restraint and Seclusion in California Schools spurred local CBS and national CNN reports on how children were being isolated for long periods in closets, windowless rooms, duct-taped to chairs and even forgotten in vans for days at a time. Parents reported in from many states about how their children in special education were being routinely punished in traumatic circumstances. Calm down or else; Pressure sores, restraints, severe weight loss: find out how your state's nursing facilities are doing and More children being locked in 'The Quiet Room' and Some California schools locking children in closets

9. California budget battles are uniting the disability and senior communities in efforts to stave off serious cuts. With state funds predicted to run dry by February 1, and no breakthroughs between the legislature and the administration, protests and advocacy efforts are building to a January 15 call for action. Governor will meet with legislative leaders Thursday; Get Up – Stand Up – For Our Rights; Impact of California budget cuts on people with disabilities

10. Disability hate crimes were reported on throughout the year, highlighting how people with disabilities are abused, beaten, attacked and sometimes murdered just because they are identified or perceived as physically or mentally different. These media stories were sometimes discussed in relationship to the national effort to add “people with disabilities” to those crimes committed with particular prejudice. Senator Joe Biden introduces Crime Victims with Disabilities Act; Mentally ill more likely to be crime victims than perpetrators