From the ARC/UCP Capitol Insider
Volume 14, Issue 46November 23, 2009
International Paralympics
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) voted on November 20 to reinstate eligibility for athletes who have intellectual disabilities (ID) to participate in the Paralympics. Since 2001, athletes with ID have been banned from participation in the Paralympics due to violations by a Spanish basketball squad which included players who did not have ID. The DPC wrote a letter to the U.S. Paralympic Division of the U.S. Olympic Committee urging that they vote "yes" for the reinstatement. (It is not known at this time how the US voted; but the USPC had been urging a "no" vote.) See the IPC's press release at:
http://www.paralympic.org/Media_Centre/News/General_News/2009_11_21_a.html
Immigration
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it has established a streamlined, standardized process for receiving requests for accommodations from customers with disabilities. Customers in need of accommodations from field offices and Application Support Centers should now call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283 (TDD: 1-800-767-1833).
36 comments:
It’s great to hear the International Paralympic Committee wants to include the people who have intellectual disabilities (ID) back in the paralympics. I hope this goes through and they are able to participate in this event. I will follow and keep up to date with this wonderful news, I would like to know what will come of this. Will people with ID be able to participate in the paralympics again? I hope it will.
Erika P
It is good that that the International Paralympics Committee is trying to include athletes with Intellectual disabilities at the Paralympics. My experience in swimming with athletes with intellectual disabilities is priceless, when my children were swimming at our local swim club we have 2 athletes with ID and everybody were close to each other. During meets the children were helping and cheering each other, and I truly believe that these experiences were beneficial for everybody.
As human beings we all have to have the same opportunities not only in relation to school or work but in sports as well. I really hope for this movement to come through.
Mary Thomas
First of all for people to do such a thing and pretend they have an ID is cruel, especially for the International Paralympics. People who compete in these games are looking forward to them every year. A more thorough background check should have been done rather than take away the rights of the individuals. I am glad that the committee has reopened the case and is considering for such a postive change!!
G@bby S.
Hopefully the International Paralympic Committee will allow people with intellectual disabilities to compete in the paralympics. It's unfair that because one coach cheated in a previous paralympics then all people with ID are banned from playing. It's weird that the US Committe is against this but I hope that people with ID are allowed.
Melchora Gracia
It is so sad that many times because one person lies or cheats everyone is banned. I would encourage others to voice their opinion, hopefully for the reinstatement of athletes with ID, so that the International Paralympics Committee will allow them to participate. I believe that the committee should probably take more precautions or measures to make sure that all participates are eligible, but I feel that keeping all athletes with ID from participating is also not fair. Hopefully the ban has done it part by teaching others wanting to do the same thing a lesson and this will never happen again, but I look forward to the reinstatement.
Noemi R
First of all I want to say these are great news for the population with disabilities. Having more and more things being done in their benefit, shows how things are becoming a little more equal for them. Maybe some people will say or believe this is no that big or important, but I believe it is much better to have a lot of little things being done, than only one big or important thing. Furthermore, it is not correct to pretend having a disability in order to have an advantage in a situation. It was extremely wrong to do such thing, that it has affected innocent people who do not break the rules. Therefore, those innocent people should not pay the consequences of the actions of others. Nevertheless, I hope everything turns out good and people with intellectual disabilities return to the Paralympics. I will definitely keep in touch, to find out what happened.
Gabriela L.
It is disturbing to hear how people can exploit certain events and activities (Paralymics) as the Spanish basketball squad. Since the act was distasteful and deceitful to say the least steps should be taken to safe guard the organizations reputation and the valid members who participate but I do not believe that this is a valid enough reason to discriminate against individuals with intellectual disabilities. It is astonishing to me to hear that this population has been banned for more than 8 years. I believe other measures should and can be taken to insure eligibility criteria to be met by participants. I am against discrimination period but I would like to know why Spanish basketball squads weren’t banned instead since they committed the violation in the first place. I believe that ID athletes should be reinstated so that they can participate in the Paralympics and that proper documentation is requested and enforced for participation purposes. Gloria P.
Wow, the extent some individuals will go to just to win an athlethic game or championship title! It is very sickening to hear that because of one idiotic persons bad choice in life, many had to suffer his consequenc. Some of these truly ID individuals work hard and dedicate there time to be able to participate in such events. This paralympics is monumental for theses individuals, for it to be taken away from them so abrutly, without even having fault. I can't say that I agree that all of ID's should be disqualified from the paralypics. I really think harsh puninshment should have gone solely to the team and the coach that were untrust worthy.
The good news is, that they got reinstated to participate in the paralympics once more.
This is a good thing. This issue is long overdue. I believe that other than the offenders, no one else should be punished. If everyone had been playing by the rules, then why were they banned from playing. I don't know how the verifications were done to make athletes eligible to play, but apparently, there had to have been a loop in there somewhere. Nonetheless, I think the best thing would have been was to ban the team that did do the violation, or broke the rules. And shame on the US if they didn't vote "yes". I don't see them taking out the entire NFL or NBA teams when someone has a ineligible player. Not even at the high schools or college levels is that seen or heard of...I can just imagine what turmoil that would cause...especially here in the Delta Area!! Well, I'm glad that at least they have reinstated the eligibility of persons who have intellectual disabilities. Norfy
I’m glad to hear that the International Paralympic Committee is doing something to reinstate the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in the Paralympics. This act will be beneficial not only for people with ID, but also for people with disabilities in general. Regarding the Spanish squad, what can I say? There are people without scruples everywhere. Sad but true.
I Corbi
International Paralympics Committees an organization definately needed to provide people with disabilities "ID" to participate in sport activities. It is such a shame that the people with disabilities are the ones that suffer due to all the disputes that arise. It is such a warming experience to see the participants passion and excitement as they participates in the Olympics. I understand that there has to be regulations in place to avoid what occurred with the "spanish basket ball squad". The positive outcome is that there has been criteria to determine classification which consist of a two step process. Step one is for the INAS-FID to review the applicants medical files and step to obtain a letter of eligibility. I feel that no one should be denied the right to be a participant in the activity of there passion. It is an injustice at times how the system works. Thank goodness for individuals like Phillip Cronen who represents the cooperation between sports government and scientist.
By: Tina Casares
I am glad that persons with ID are being aloud to participate in in the Paralympics again because it is not fair that they are punished because other persons who were not ID abused the system and pretended to be so they could win and take the dreams away from those who these events were truely created for. Its just so sad, there are barely enough activities for persons with disabilities and then others want to come and take them away. As a previous coach of special olympics it is so touching to see persons with ID be involved in athletic events and be cheered for by so many, its a sense of pride and joy that no one should be able to take away from them.
Adriana Correa
I think its great that the International Paralympic Committe wants to include people who have intellectual disabilities in the paralympics. In the first place I don't know why they removed it. It's not fair that other people had to suffer for one team that committed such violation. I think that what the Paralympics should of done was only banned that particular team to not compete again.
Sylvia Garza
This isgreat news because why should the rest of the population for people with Intellectual Disabilities suffer because of the mistakes of a few. It's awesome that now they are able to participate in the paralympics. I am aware that they will have to go through an eligibility process, but it's still a great advancment. I was a little concerned that this did not happen earlier because they had not been participating since the incident in 2000. However, eventhough it did take some time for them to get back in the paraolympics, it's very good to see that they will be able to participate with the rest of the community.
Nancy lozano
This is a positive step forward for sure. (ID) being excluded due to past discretions was a sad point but it is good to see that sins of the past can be looked past and something of benefit can come of this
Ana R.
I think that is very good for the International Paralympics Committee to include the athletes with ID, since I believe that everyone has to have the opportunity of participate. Is amazing how a lot of this people no matter what the condition they have they can even do much better than others. No matter what condition we might have, I believe that nothing should be a matter of blocking some one from accomplishes. Almost two months I saw a report in the news about a young man who had a disability but was a perfect swimmer, and that all he needed was the money to go and compete. And by seeing this I believe that no matter where you are here, México or any other place of the world the opportunities should be given to any one.
Ivette Martinez
I cannot believe that people have actually cheated on the Paralympics. I've seen this in movies, but never actually thought that someone in real life would go through with this. The worst thing is that individuals who did have the right to participate, were not given the opportunity because of someone's fault. I really hope that the committee votes yes and gives the opportunity to compete back to the individuals who deserve the right to be a part of events like these.
To a very reasonable extent, it is understandable why the USPC is urging for a "NO" vote. they are not willing to risk another situation like the one in 2001 with the Spanish basketball squad to happend again. even though it is wrong to exclude people with intellectual disabilities, there is always the doubt that anyone can pretend to be intellectually disabled and be at an advantage in the Paralympics. However, I do belief it is important for them to engage and become part of the paralympic activities. A good alternative is to "prequalify" atheletes with intellectual disabilities before they can participate. This might not be the best option but it provides athletes with the opportunity to participate and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is at ease that the games will be at an equal level for all participants.
A.Huerta
I really hope that the athletes who have intellectual disabilities get to participate in the Paralympics again; I think it is really nice to see that people who have ID are able to participate in functions like the Paralympics. People who have ID should have the opportunity to be in any activity whether it is in school, in a sport or in work. I really hope this case goes through it would be great to see people who have ID in the Paralympics.
Blanca P.
Immigration:
Hopefully this new process to receive accommodations request will allow the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services to be able to serve more individuals. I can imagine that many people with disabilities that want to apply end up giving up because they are not able to get an accommodation, and since they are not yet citizens, they do not know that there are accommodations that can be done. I was surprised when I was doing my practicum hours for my bachelors, to find that there are many people who do not know about the rights that they have.
International Paralympics:
I am astounded that people with Intellectual disabilities will again be included into the Paralympic games! Although they are now allowed to participate once again, I am bothered to have read that they were excluded for the past nine years due to something that was not every individual with a intellectual disability's fault. I believe they could have handles the problem with the Spanish team who had players with ID and some without a little more fairly and maturely and perhaps with more reasoning and thought. However, I am glad to know that there will be those who have intellectual disabilities who are athletes and train hard will not get to follow their dream in competing at these games! :)
Heather Bocanegra
I think this is great news to hear about the International Paralmpic Committee's decision to include individuals with intellectual disabilities back into the events. I hope that this does in fact go through and that they are also allowed to participate.
They should allow for individuals with ID to participate in the paralympic's again. Just because a few people messed it all up not all people with ID should take the blame for it. They should of only banned the Spanish Basketball team, as a punishment. Im glad that people with ID will participate again, this is an event where people go to have fun. Miguel Garza
It is good that the ban has been removed so that individuals with ID can participate in International Paraolympics. It is sad that individuals would would lie. Whomever did it was not thinking of the people they would be hurting. It was a very selfish act on half of the individuals who lied about having ID. At least the Paraolympic committee decided on letting individuals with ID participate. Maybe they should have some sort of regulations established so this kind of event does not happen again.
-Bibiana Medina
I feel it is great that individuals with intellectual disabilities be allowed to participate in the Paralympics. It is important that they as well as others be incorporated in these types of events.
Ruby Q
This is a comment in regards to the blog on immigration. It's really interesting that the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration services did not have a standardized procedure for people with disabilities. I'm sure this is a big leap for those individuals who have been seeking these services from the UCIS but have been unable to receive accommodations of any sort. You would think because this is a government run place you would have a standard procedure for accommodations for individuals seeking services.
-Bibiana Medina
I believe that the fact that they reconsidered "giving another chance" to people with ID to participate again is good. However, it almost feels like a big favor that they are doing for them, and in my opinion that is unfair. I think they should be allowed to participate just like groups of people with any other type of disability. Sometimes "authorities" take isolated events out of context and proportion... that's my view.
Leila
Has any of you tried (because of a need or someone else's need) to process something with the immigration department (Dept of Homeland Security)??
It is very difficult, everything is done online and that already places a lot of barriers to people, even without disabilities. Imagine if you not only have a disability, but are monolingual (spanish or mandarin, or hindi?). I recently helped my mother, who does not speak any english, to do something online, and that's how I noticed that things are difficult. So I am glad they will provide some accomodations and support...
It is my guess (not backed up by readings) that a lot of people with disabilities who would like to process any type of immigration are not even eligible to do it!! yes, I am referring to the amount of people who are in the US without proper documentation. many of them immigrate when they have children with disabilities because they know that the school system will service them, since we do not deny services to anyone. In my experience living in the valley and working for the school districts, many children with disabilities are undocumented. their parents are happy that they can attend school, so they do not ask for much more. I know many of those cases.
--Leila
It is messed up to let people participate in the Paralympics who do not belong there. What the Spanish team did was wrong and was cheating other eligible players, who are as equally talented, the chance to participate. I think it is very disgusting when people cheat their way to get some sort of benefit they do not deserve. I was good to find out that the reinstatement was approved, because there were many players who were affected that had nothing to do with the incident.
C. Cardona
They find extremely saddening that the International Paralympics Committee had to ban the eligibility of individuals with intellectual disabilities because of violations on the Spanish basketball team. Having to cheat in order to win in a contest that’s meant to even the field for people with disabilities is extremely distasteful. In today’s society all over the world there are individuals who think themselves better than everybody else and resort to cheating and deceit. It is heartening that the International Paralympics Committee has decided to vote on reinstating the eligibility of individuals with disabilities in the Paralympics, I do not think that the eligibility should have been taken away from the individuals with intellectual disabilities. In my opinion to shouldn’t then consequences for the Spanish Paralympics team, but for all individuals with intellectual disabilities to be banned from the Paralympics I find that overbearing and a callous ruling. It is my hope that this decision is overturned in all haste and that these individuals can once again compete.
This is great news for persons wishing to become American citizens. I think it sends a positive message about this country; though not perfect, your country does strive to provide services to persons that are entitled under law to receive services because of a disability. Furthermore, I think it is even more of a reason that some people may seek citizenship in this country because they know that they will be valued and not looked down upon as they are in some countries in the world because of their disability.
Cindy V.
I really hope that the decision to re-include athletes with intellectual disability (ID) in Paralympics Games would be an affirmative one. I think that the committee could take some measures to assure that the people that are participating really have a disability instead of banning them. Maybe they could request some proof when athletes register in these kinds of competitions.
L.M.Lastra
I think it is important to include individuals with ID back to the competition. There should be no discrimination of people with disabilities in para Olympics. I think the only reason someone should not participate is only if that one individual is putting themselves at risk or others. I hope the vote passes for yay and we can have a participation of a larger pool of peole with disabilities.
Eddie REyes
It must have been very hard for those with integrity and character to be punished for the actions of others, but it's great to hear that Paralympics is reinstating them into competitions. I'm sure there were many advocating in part for people with intellectual disabilities. It must sting a little more when you're not permitted to participate in organizations especially designed for one's inclusion but perhaps Paralympics wanted to teach a lesson on integrity! -Eliana M.
For the IPC to reinstate eligibility for individuals with intellectual disabilities is acknowledgment of an error they have made. As a matter of fact, it is actively rectifying their mistake and that is a huge stride toward the right direction. The stigma surrounding the first incidence with the Spanish basketball squad which did not include players with IDs, I think created a negative effect and made people believe that the whole concept was a bad idea. Overall, I am glad to see that people with IDs are getting the opportunity to compete in the paralympics as they rightfully should.
Maggie Ybarra
REHS 6345
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