Disability Community Feedback
Public Comment
“ What ’ s really important is we need to be included in decision making and in planning because it ’ s very paternalistic . It ’ s patronizing to assume you know what other people need when you haven ’ t asked , so we need to be at the table .”
“ The top priority for the deaf and what ’ s most important for the deaf community is to always have deaf role models and talking about themselves to the community . We need people who are deaf themselves to share their story and their experiences about what is best and to give advice . One of the big misconceptions and errors is that the deaf community isn ’ t involved .”
“ Even going to Texas Live , I was surprised to find that there were all these claims about access . But when I got there I found very high pub tables and chairs and stools , where a wheelchair user or someone who has short stature couldn ’ t even join their group . Things like that really frustrate . What kind of training is there for City employees in terms of diversity ? Is disability even part of that ? And , is it just people who are wheelchair users ? Does it include people who have intellectual disabilities or people who might have anxiety ?”
“ We need more resources for adults with disabilities . That would be helpful when I am teaching . I have a friend with autism and there ’ s really no resources for adults who have intellectual disabilities . It ’ s really hard to come by support groups , finding information , and find your clan of people that you can share experiences with .”
“ One of the languages that should be required in schools is sign language . It isn ’ t even an option in at lot of schools in our area . We use some sign language or adapted signs with our kiddos so that they can communicate with us because they ’ re non-verbal . I wish it was available to more kids and other people . We need more teaching and education around different types of abilities in schools — and even before you ’ re in school , for at home .”
Unity Council Report 89