wrote on June 6, 2022
at
6:50 pm
Hello London, regarding the interview with Mr. Tegge of The Sight Center, and while technology assists the disabled these days, it probably should be considered how that also could let society off the hook, so to speak, in assisting the disabled. Although I don't have good examples (if there are any), I sense that society has missed opportunities to allow the disabled to participate more so, if not fully. The pandemia of the then new coronavirus worsened matters for many disabled persons, as shown in many news reports if not mentions by the CDC and such. The provision of technology, it seems, possibly should also come with information to the public that society has probably failed to do better (I suppose that's the phrase to use). In other words, if society had, if available of course, trained/advised/informed able people over recent years the technology would probably have not been needed in some instances. I suppose an example of this is how some blind persons faced terror in not knowing whom around them could be infected with the coronavirus, or whether people who refused masking and distancing actually were doing so. It seems a missing part of the story, anyways. Thank you.
Admin Reply by: London Mitchell
Thomas,
Thanks for your comments to my website on the Tim Tegge interview. Yes, we must break down the attitudinal barriers that often stand in the way of full inclusion for people with disabilities in our community to housing, employment and social activities. That's the ongoing effort of the Ability Center to make the greater Toledo the most disability-friendly community in the country.
Education is a big part of the effort. More opportunities for employment is another. And technology is a tool that can really help in the process. For example, using the magnifying power of a cell phone to help read.
I'll be having more interviews about disability issues in the near future. The Toledo City Council recently appointed me to the Commission on Disabilities. And I am president of a not-for-profit called Partners for Inclusion that plans integrated activities for persons with developmental disabilities.
Again, thanks for the comments and please keep listening. All the best, London