Spreading disability news in NJ
And take a look inside an accessible storm shelter in India
Lens15 was founded with the purpose of serving as a news agency that produces accessible, multimedia journalism for and about people with a disability in New Jersey. To accomplish this, we offer our reporting at no cost to other local, independent platforms across the state. That mission has been achieved.
This month State Broadcast News published Lens15’s inaugural reporting from last October to coincide with the ten year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. Those two videos explained how the superstorm exposed vulnerabilities for disabled New Jerseyans and how disaster preparedness still has a ways to go.
Reporting from India
It’s been a challenge to keep an eye on what’s going on back in New Jersey while I’m on my Fulbright research project in India. So, apologies for this brief edition of the newsletter.
One item that relates to my fieldwork on how climate change impacts people with a disability in South Asia was found in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s recent report.
From the summary for policymakers.
“Vulnerabilities and climate risks are often reduced through carefully designed and implemented laws, policies, processes, and interventions that address context specific inequities such as based on gender, ethnicity, disability, age, location and income”
Many countries (not the US) do have some language in their disaster management policies that affirm some kind of prioritization for people with a disability. But, from what I have seen during my reporting is that these mandates are mostly just on paper. It takes additional resources, training and perhaps most importantly the input of disabled constituents to put these policies into action when a disaster occurs.
And here’s what an accessible cyclone shelter looks like. I visited this facility in the Ganjam District of Odisha.
This building is used to shelter residents, both with and without a disability, during hurricanes, or what are locally known as cyclones.
Reads
A curated list of recent news stories from NJ concerning disability and accessibility.
NJ vigil to mark violent deaths of people with disabilities: Where caregivers can get help
Senate approves bill that would protect people with disabilities
Best Buddies in New Jersey to host three friendship walks across the state
Viewing of "Sight Unseen" Exhibit for Union County Residents with Disabilities and Special Needs on March 24th
Disability rights pioneer Judith Heumann inspired NJ allies by beating ‘unfathomable’ odds
New Jersey Legislature Proposes New Law, Regulations For Long Term Care Facilities, Part Two: Guardianship rules & The Medicaid Application Process mondaq.com
Van Drew visits dyslexic center years after his legislation reformed education
Creating a better post-pandemic future for adolescents with disabilities
Feds sue Roosevelt Care Centers over not accommodating worker with disability
Advocates say NJ needs to raise pay for disability aides as Amazon, UPS offer workers more
NJ plans $165M boost to staffing at group homes, day programs for people with disabilities
Union County Residents with Disabilities Can Apply for Help With Personal Services
School breaks ground on accessible, inclusive playground in Burlington County
Easterseals New Jersey Hosts Advocacy Week to Help End Disability Services Waitlists
Kean University's Common Read to Continue Discussion of Disability Justice
AG Platkin, Division on Civil Rights Takes Enforcement Action to Combat Disability Discrimination
NJ Department of Law & Public Safety
Keeley Giblin edited this newsletter.