Hello Readers, have you heard about Steve Wampler? He will be the first man with Cerebral Palsy to climb Yosemite’s El Capitan. Mr. Wampler is climbing to raise funds for his wilderness camps for children with physical disabilities. Read his story at: http://www.takepart.com/news/2010/04/27/man-with-cerebral-palsy-to-climb-yosemites-el-capitan/

Thanks to Jenny at TakePart.com for sharing Steve Wampler’s story. TakePart.com is an independent online community that connects its members to the social, environmental, political and cultural issues of our day.

CNN: Parents with Disabilities

For several days, CNN has been running a series of stories about parenting with disabilities. The network is also soliciting “iReports” from families in which one or both parents have disabilities. Despite using non-person-first language, the reports have been for the most part interesting and insightful. In the disability community, parenting with a disability is certainly not new; for many people it’s not news-worthy, it’s just life. What are YOUR thoughts? Do stories like those on CNN promote disability, diversity, and inclusion? Or, are they unnecessarily sensational?

Visit: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/04/21/parents.disabilities/index.html?hpt=C1
to read the stories and see the videos.

School District Approves Anti-Bullying Books with Disability Themes

In California, the Alameda School District approved has just approved a new reading list of 21 books focused on themes such as disability, religion, race, and sexual orientation to help elementary students learn about groups who face discrimination and stereotyping. The effort is aimed a reducing bullying, especially of individuals from potentially vulnerable groups and minorities.

The approved list is not without controversy, however, as some parents raised concerns about the inclusion of books related to sexual orientation. Nonetheless, Patricia Sanders, President of the Alameda Education Association supports the approval.

SOURCE:

“Alameda school board approves books to help curb bullying”

http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_14911424

CAREERS & the disABLED Mag Gives Kudo to Walgreens

DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS (BUSINESS WIRE) – CAREERS & the disABLED magazine has selected Walgreens as it’s private employer of the year for Walgreen’s commitment to recruiting, hiring and promoting people with disabilities.

Recently, Walgreen’s launched a disability employment program in conjunction with the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), with a commitment to hire people with disabilities for at least 10% of all service clerk openings in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas areas stores. CAREERS & the disABLED magazine publisher John Miller, says "We are pleased to name Walgreens for its commitment to recruit, hire and promote people with disabilities."