Protection for the Disabled Population

Linda Ann Weston, accused of being the ringleader.

The recent news about Linda Ann Weston, a woman who kidnapped a few people with disabilities (among others), in order to get possession of their Social Security checks, has sickened me, and honestly, I needed some time to process it before I could write a blog post about it. You can view the news report here.

Chron.com's version of the story is a little odd, too, another reason I am very saddened by this story. The writer tells us that this story only further proves that we should be more aware of possible human trafficking cases and report it if we suspect anything. When she talks about how it is still unclear if the police followed-up on a missing person's case involving Weston's old address and the neighbor's report to authorities about the adults screaming at the disabled people and children getting left to the wayside, though, we barely get any details. In addition, there's no indication that Social Security ever verified that the checks were being sent to the proper people. I understand that the government cannot keep track of everyone, but that's why we have individual agencies within each state. And not only that, they are generally housed in the major cities, like Philadelphia, which was the scene of this crime.

But the thing that probably bothers me most is that this woman--Linda Ann Weston--was charged with murder back in the 1980s for starving her sister's boyfriend by leaving him in a closet for WEEKS! I don't understand why this woman was ever allowed out of jail after committing such a crime. I can only hope that she is forced to pay for the hurt she caused all of these innocent people.

In my opinion, this story should help us realize that not every person with a disability is cared for, and for this reason, we should be more aware of how they are treated by their loved ones when we see them out at the grocery store, walking in the mall, or out to dinner. Many witnesses in this story said they saw Weston ordering the people with disabilities around at a yard sale. Some also reported seeing bruises on their bodies. All of which should have been dealt with by the authorities immediately after witnesses reported the incidents. So I'm calling for action....authorities, please, we need you to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Do your best to help us!

Everyday new reports are allegedly made, making this story an absolute horror. Keep an eye out for your neighbors, folks.

What do you think of this story? Leave me your comments below.

October: A Month of Awareness

Every year, October makes for a very special and unique time for me, and not just because I love the weather and the color of the changing leaves.

October is both National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Spina Bifida Awareness Month. Being born with Spina Bifida, it is almost a given that I am passionate about increasing awareness of the common birth defect. But now entering the "real world" post-college, I am beginning to really appreciate the push for awareness regarding people with disabilities in the employment realm. Add to that the harsh economic climate we are currently facing, and you've got quite a point of view.

Considering the amount of people out of work, there isn't one subgroup or diverse category that I feel most sympathetic for when it comes to living through this challenging time period. I will say, however, that it is hard for all minorities to enter the workforce, and most can't make it past the interview stage due to judgmental attitudes. Certainly not all employers have this mindset, but it doesn't mean that it makes the employment process any less daunting for people--diversely speaking or not.

So in light of these two causes for action and awareness, I'd like to comment regarding what I think is important to note about them. There are many people out there with a variety of opinions and feelings about what October means to them, and this is just my opinion. I'll start with Spina Bifida Awareness Month.

There is plenty of literature available for expecting parents that warns them to take their vitamins and seek prenatal care. If you didn't already know, the leading cause of Spina Bifida is a vitamin B12 deficiency, so it is important that you acquire enough of this and all the other recommended vitamins when pregnant. My focus, though, is never about that. Sometimes parents can do everything in their power to keep a healthy body during pregnancy, but still complications arise. Therefore, I don't believe we'll ever have a perfect society. (But what is the definition of perfect anyway?) So my focus remains on the people who are living with SB. With respect to Spina Bifida Awareness Month, I think the best we can do is continue spreading the knowledge about what it is and how others can/should or should not help those with Spina Bifida, or really any person with a disability. Also, I would encourage parents to raise their children with SB to be as independent as possible. Although this is often difficult for parents, it really is necessary. If your child--whether he has SB or not--is not raised this way, he will always require or expect more help than is probably needed. Luckily for many with SB, living a healthy, productive, active lifestyle is in reach, so why would you stunt a child's potential? Therefore, my way of increasing SB awareness this year is through encouraging parents of children with SB to be patient, kind, loving, and committed to their child's potential. Show them that you have confidence in them, and you may be surprised at the amount of confidence they obtain in themselves, allowing them to live a much better life.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is, as I mentioned, close to my heart because I have experienced the employment process since graduating in May, and it was not easy. Not only was it hard to find a job and tackle the interesting looks I received from potential employers, I also had to research transportation solutions for myself since I do not drive, due to the exertion and strain it puts on my right leg, which is the only leg I use for walking since I have little use of my left leg and foot. Researching these transportation opportunities was few and far between, but I did discover several disability-related agencies and nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to helping people with disabilities in a variety of ways, including me and my transportation problem. Thankfully, I can say that I have since acquired a job and a personal driver. I simply put an ad in the paper once I got the job, asking for someone to pick me up from work and bring me home (my dad takes me in the mornings). After a TON of phone interviews (about 40 over a 3-day period), I scheduled a select number of in-person interviews, which I conducted in my home with my parents, and chose the greatest match: a wonderful woman who has a lot in common with me. But not all people with disabilities have as much success with finding jobs and solving issues that come with having one. For this reason, I am going to post the disability resources that I found during my search on the DA4U Facebook page throughout the month of October. You can "like" the DA4U page by clicking here: www.facebook.com/disabilityawareness4u.

Now that you know how I intend to raise awareness for disabilities and employment, as well as Spina Bifida, I want to know how YOU plan to raise awareness. Leave me your comments below.