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Lucca
This is another piece of art that my cutie-patootie did awhile back that I am just now getting to share.
***
Lucca and I have officially been together for over 1.5 years now. It has been quite the positive experience as we continue to find ways in which to better understand both ourselves and each other with each passing day.
One may think that two people with different physical and psychological disabilities would not work well. Especially if you were to consider how society views someone who is 'different' from what the world believes to be capable of living on their own. This is what, to me, makes my relationship with Lucca all the more meaningful.
***
Ever since I began to fully 'accept' myself as an individual with a disability, I started to see how society silos / pigeonholes those with macro-level shortcomings. Although it is well known that we as people are not to be defined by race, religion, etc., society seems to give exception for such labelling / stereotyping for the disabled. Often you will see how their are advocacy groups / organizations that call out for all who are blind, deaf, autistic, etc. to band together and fight for stronger representation within society. What they don't tell you is that government uses these representative entities to justify doing nothing to help anybody. Why? The answer is that these specialized groups are so galvanized to fight for their individual needs that any political effort to help one group will upset the rest. This 'infighting' between organizations representing singular disabilities provides mainstream society all the justification it needs to do nothing through utilizing the excuse of how it is not possible to help one collective of disabled people without upsetting the others.
***
While doing Coping With Limitations Through Pony between 2013 and 2019, I learned that the real effort should be aimed at identifying shared interests. Quite often you will find that what helps one collective of individuals also benefits those who have been siloed by society into another. The key to success is to focus less on the physical and/or psychological disability / by being more mindful of how common interests, talents, etc. can forge the foundation of positive change for everyone.
***
To further facilitate what was accomplished through 'CWLTP', Lucca, Peep, and I are continuing the work that my team had started by developing ways to go beyond just the MLP: Friendship is Magic / Brony community. We look forward to sharing more through our posts, Patreon, and other online and off-line tools by using the creative arts to expand understanding, acceptance, empowerment, and a true sense of community for all.
Your Pal,
---Yosh E. O'Ducky ;)
LuccaThis is another piece of art that my cutie-patootie did awhile back that I am just now getting to share.
***
Lucca and I have officially been together for over 1.5 years now. It has been quite the positive experience as we continue to find ways in which to better understand both ourselves and each other with each passing day.
One may think that two people with different physical and psychological disabilities would not work well. Especially if you were to consider how society views someone who is 'different' from what the world believes to be capable of living on their own. This is what, to me, makes my relationship with Lucca all the more meaningful.
***
Ever since I began to fully 'accept' myself as an individual with a disability, I started to see how society silos / pigeonholes those with macro-level shortcomings. Although it is well known that we as people are not to be defined by race, religion, etc., society seems to give exception for such labelling / stereotyping for the disabled. Often you will see how their are advocacy groups / organizations that call out for all who are blind, deaf, autistic, etc. to band together and fight for stronger representation within society. What they don't tell you is that government uses these representative entities to justify doing nothing to help anybody. Why? The answer is that these specialized groups are so galvanized to fight for their individual needs that any political effort to help one group will upset the rest. This 'infighting' between organizations representing singular disabilities provides mainstream society all the justification it needs to do nothing through utilizing the excuse of how it is not possible to help one collective of disabled people without upsetting the others.
***
While doing Coping With Limitations Through Pony between 2013 and 2019, I learned that the real effort should be aimed at identifying shared interests. Quite often you will find that what helps one collective of individuals also benefits those who have been siloed by society into another. The key to success is to focus less on the physical and/or psychological disability / by being more mindful of how common interests, talents, etc. can forge the foundation of positive change for everyone.
***
To further facilitate what was accomplished through 'CWLTP', Lucca, Peep, and I are continuing the work that my team had started by developing ways to go beyond just the MLP: Friendship is Magic / Brony community. We look forward to sharing more through our posts, Patreon, and other online and off-line tools by using the creative arts to expand understanding, acceptance, empowerment, and a true sense of community for all.
Your Pal,
---Yosh E. O'Ducky ;)
Category Artwork (Digital) / Baby fur
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 2103 x 1752px
File Size 4.14 MB
Listed in Folders
I never realized how interest groups tied around specific disabilities could be primed to fighting one another. That's an unfortunate development. It's sad because it seems like none of them are getting the financial support they need. We spend astronomical amounts of money on everything else, especially bloated military budgets. All that's left for the most in need among us are scraps.
This picture is quite colorful and heart warming. Glad you two have been together for so long now. It feels like it was just last week!
This picture is quite colorful and heart warming. Glad you two have been together for so long now. It feels like it was just last week!
Exactly. Intersectionality should be a key part of any human rights movement.
This is a great essay titled "10 Prinicples of Disability Justice" here:
https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/10.....bility-justice
and I really like it because it takes a collective, anti-capitalist perspective, with an emphasis also on interdependence, cross-disability cooperation, and solidarity across all liberating social movements. These principles are about more than access to society as it is, but also about remaking society to be more just and humane for everyone, including disabled people.
This is a great essay titled "10 Prinicples of Disability Justice" here:
https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/10.....bility-justice
and I really like it because it takes a collective, anti-capitalist perspective, with an emphasis also on interdependence, cross-disability cooperation, and solidarity across all liberating social movements. These principles are about more than access to society as it is, but also about remaking society to be more just and humane for everyone, including disabled people.
Thank you, Tacki. *Snugs* Time has certainly flown by since Lucca and I have become partners. I am grateful for his patience and even more grateful to, finally, feel like I can be my truest self without being shamed and bullied about it. :)
***
In 2005, I attended the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. One of the speakers during the General Session spent his entire time talking about how disability groups fight against each other to the point that politicians are empowered to do nothing with their excuse being, "If we help you, they will get upset. So it is easiest to just do nothing.".
Given how accessibility and assistance for the disabled community has, based upon my personal experience and discussions with other people in different disability 'silos', I am afraid things have gotten worse between 2005 and 2023. The reason I say 'worse' is that so many advances have been made in technology, research, and communication in which should have made accepting, understanding, empowering, and creating a true feeling of community for everyone whether they are disabled, or not. Sadly, I feel the world has misused tech to 'double down' on discrimination and misunderstanding. *Sighs*
***
No matter what, I am thankful for individuals, like yourself, who exist to prove that the status quo can be overcome through having an open heart and mind. So long as we have folks who truly believe in "Thinking outside of the box.", we will always have a chance for a much better world for all.
***
In 2005, I attended the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. One of the speakers during the General Session spent his entire time talking about how disability groups fight against each other to the point that politicians are empowered to do nothing with their excuse being, "If we help you, they will get upset. So it is easiest to just do nothing.".
Given how accessibility and assistance for the disabled community has, based upon my personal experience and discussions with other people in different disability 'silos', I am afraid things have gotten worse between 2005 and 2023. The reason I say 'worse' is that so many advances have been made in technology, research, and communication in which should have made accepting, understanding, empowering, and creating a true feeling of community for everyone whether they are disabled, or not. Sadly, I feel the world has misused tech to 'double down' on discrimination and misunderstanding. *Sighs*
***
No matter what, I am thankful for individuals, like yourself, who exist to prove that the status quo can be overcome through having an open heart and mind. So long as we have folks who truly believe in "Thinking outside of the box.", we will always have a chance for a much better world for all.
Thank you. *Snugs* Being able to take what may appear to be disadvantages to show how Lucca and I are actually 'better together' makes me very happy. Hopefully, through what we share, others can see just how able those with disabilities can be as long as the right amount of support, coupled with determination to be more than social stereotypes', will help others to not misjudge people through outdated stigmas and stereotypes. :)
I myself am Autistic and I also have Cerebral Palsy.
I am on the Board of Directors of ABLE-NEW HAMPSHIRE.
I concur with what you are saying.
Also, the way assistance is doled-out, the government uses the IQ <=70 to determine elligibility for assistance as an adult.
I am Autistic and impaired, and my IQ is 135, therefore, I am seen as able, despite needing assistance at my age of 65 to continue to live independently in the community in my own home, instead of a nursing home.
I am on the Board of Directors of ABLE-NEW HAMPSHIRE.
I concur with what you are saying.
Also, the way assistance is doled-out, the government uses the IQ <=70 to determine elligibility for assistance as an adult.
I am Autistic and impaired, and my IQ is 135, therefore, I am seen as able, despite needing assistance at my age of 65 to continue to live independently in the community in my own home, instead of a nursing home.
Sorry for the late reply. I have been recovering from getting my flu and COVID vaccines a week apart from each other. :(
***
Thank you very much for sharing your experiences with me. I never stop being surprised, in the wrong ways, at how difficult it is for individuals with physical and/or psychological disabilities to get the help we need to be more than a socially-accepted stereotype. Truly, and you are free to disagree, the way in which [High Functioning] and [Low Functioning] is determined is horrible for how, in many cases, what seperates the two is the amount of support an individual does, or does not, receive. (For example, I heard tales of people who went for white cane and/or guide dog training who were unable to bathe themselves, do their own laundry, and had been raised to believe they were practically helpless. The only reason I could do what I was able to do with what sight I had left before it was gone was a result of my parents doing what they best could to help my sister and I learn alternative ways to bathe, do laundry, cook, etc. I didn't get the truest of training in living as a fully blind person until I graduated from college, but the fact my parents, who had no real support, took the time to adapt to my sister and I to give us confidence to do as much as we could with our limitations made a HUGE difference.).
***
The worst part of how disabilities are evaluated is that much of what is taught to future generations of Health and Social Care workers is unbelievably outdated. When I was in college for both my Bachelors and Masters degrees, we were not allowed to use any resources to write an assignment that were more than 5 years old. Yet the texts for social / health students use resources dated back 10, 20, or more years ago.It makes no sense that those entrusted to help the disabled are provided outdated research and concepts. To do so means that aiding the disabled will continually move backwards as the rest of the world moves forwards. :(
***
Nobody is too old to learn and/or help advocate for those who go underserviced and misunderstood. I am glad you play your part as I do the same to the best of my ability. The only way we can make life better for those with disabilities is through putting ourselves out there and ensuring we, as a whole, are not defined by outdated stereotypes.
***
Thank you very much for sharing your experiences with me. I never stop being surprised, in the wrong ways, at how difficult it is for individuals with physical and/or psychological disabilities to get the help we need to be more than a socially-accepted stereotype. Truly, and you are free to disagree, the way in which [High Functioning] and [Low Functioning] is determined is horrible for how, in many cases, what seperates the two is the amount of support an individual does, or does not, receive. (For example, I heard tales of people who went for white cane and/or guide dog training who were unable to bathe themselves, do their own laundry, and had been raised to believe they were practically helpless. The only reason I could do what I was able to do with what sight I had left before it was gone was a result of my parents doing what they best could to help my sister and I learn alternative ways to bathe, do laundry, cook, etc. I didn't get the truest of training in living as a fully blind person until I graduated from college, but the fact my parents, who had no real support, took the time to adapt to my sister and I to give us confidence to do as much as we could with our limitations made a HUGE difference.).
***
The worst part of how disabilities are evaluated is that much of what is taught to future generations of Health and Social Care workers is unbelievably outdated. When I was in college for both my Bachelors and Masters degrees, we were not allowed to use any resources to write an assignment that were more than 5 years old. Yet the texts for social / health students use resources dated back 10, 20, or more years ago.It makes no sense that those entrusted to help the disabled are provided outdated research and concepts. To do so means that aiding the disabled will continually move backwards as the rest of the world moves forwards. :(
***
Nobody is too old to learn and/or help advocate for those who go underserviced and misunderstood. I am glad you play your part as I do the same to the best of my ability. The only way we can make life better for those with disabilities is through putting ourselves out there and ensuring we, as a whole, are not defined by outdated stereotypes.
One thing which really pisses me off is how non-disabled persons infantilize us.
Sigh...
There are in the Disability Community those who are "Adult Babies".
Also,at every election, politicians cry crocodile tears for us disabled, but then turn-around and hack out funding for the programs and services we require.
Believe it or not, before I told the New Hampshire State Department of vocational Rehabilitation for the disabled to "shove it" back in 2006, they had no fucking idea how to assist an Autistic like me with Cerebral Palsy who has a 4-year engineering degree from Wentworth Institute in Boston, Massachusetts who at my last ever employment worked for 5 doctorate-level engineers in designing and prototyping robotic equipment for the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
All they could come up with was a shit job at a place in Nashua, New Hampshire at minimum wage that rents out "pretend" robots to entertain little kids at birthday parties.
I could have been working at a job assisting engineers designing robotic guided kill-drones for the battlefield.
The VR Counselor I got stuck with, could not see past her early 1970's Social Services Degree Training about what a disabled guy like me could do.
Sigh...
There are in the Disability Community those who are "Adult Babies".
Also,at every election, politicians cry crocodile tears for us disabled, but then turn-around and hack out funding for the programs and services we require.
Believe it or not, before I told the New Hampshire State Department of vocational Rehabilitation for the disabled to "shove it" back in 2006, they had no fucking idea how to assist an Autistic like me with Cerebral Palsy who has a 4-year engineering degree from Wentworth Institute in Boston, Massachusetts who at my last ever employment worked for 5 doctorate-level engineers in designing and prototyping robotic equipment for the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
All they could come up with was a shit job at a place in Nashua, New Hampshire at minimum wage that rents out "pretend" robots to entertain little kids at birthday parties.
I could have been working at a job assisting engineers designing robotic guided kill-drones for the battlefield.
The VR Counselor I got stuck with, could not see past her early 1970's Social Services Degree Training about what a disabled guy like me could do.
*Sighs* This sounds accurate for how VR / L&I views all those they are supposed to serve in the disabled community. :( Note how I mention it being 'The Disabled Community' instead of one subgroup, like blind, deaf, autistic, etc. This is because, really and truly, so much could be done to benefit all those with disabilities if a more macro-level approach could be agreed upon by all people with disabilities instead of infighting over one part of the disabled community getting more service than another.
***
I know your pain in being a professional whose career was ruined by outdated understanding, lacking protections, and accepted ignorance by society as a whole towards empowering the disabled. For me, despite having next-to-zero vision left, I had more than proven myself as a Business Analyst working within a software development and maintenance department within a major insurance company. I worked very hard and used a lot of adaptive tools to squeeze all I could out of what vision I had left and proved myself able to write, conduct, and present Functional and Regression Test Documentation to ensure the quality of our release updates. HOWEVER, this al changed when the company updated its software from Windows XP & Office 2007 to Windows 7 & Office 2010. The built-in accessibility with regard to 'High Contrast' did not display colored text as it had in the previous version. This began a quick descent into having all my job responsibilities taken away, my Director telling me I was the worst human being on Earth for 40 minutes in a meeting with my Supervisor & HR, and my eventual need to leave the company before I acted on some very terrible thoughts. :(
***
The trouble is how businesses see those with disabilities as 'Liabilities' to the workplace. There is more encouragement to keep a disabled person out of a company over bringing someone with a disability into a company.
Another issue is that, in a lot of cases, 'Sensitivity Training' is done by for-profit organizations instead of L&I / VR. In Pennsylvania, L&I / BBVS offers to, at no cost, come into a company to educate them on what a disabled person can and cannot do while also educating on the latest software and hardware advancements. Sadly many companies insist on paying tens of thousands of dollars to 'Consulting' companies who are far less, if at all, skilled in the past, present, and future of the disabled community.
***
*Sighs* Thanks for, again, sharing your thoughts. It is nice to talk to someone who, like me, is only an infant to the world as a result of misunderstanding and mistreatment. May we both continue to advocate for the future so that the past and present that failed us will not fail those who are yet to come. :)
***
I know your pain in being a professional whose career was ruined by outdated understanding, lacking protections, and accepted ignorance by society as a whole towards empowering the disabled. For me, despite having next-to-zero vision left, I had more than proven myself as a Business Analyst working within a software development and maintenance department within a major insurance company. I worked very hard and used a lot of adaptive tools to squeeze all I could out of what vision I had left and proved myself able to write, conduct, and present Functional and Regression Test Documentation to ensure the quality of our release updates. HOWEVER, this al changed when the company updated its software from Windows XP & Office 2007 to Windows 7 & Office 2010. The built-in accessibility with regard to 'High Contrast' did not display colored text as it had in the previous version. This began a quick descent into having all my job responsibilities taken away, my Director telling me I was the worst human being on Earth for 40 minutes in a meeting with my Supervisor & HR, and my eventual need to leave the company before I acted on some very terrible thoughts. :(
***
The trouble is how businesses see those with disabilities as 'Liabilities' to the workplace. There is more encouragement to keep a disabled person out of a company over bringing someone with a disability into a company.
Another issue is that, in a lot of cases, 'Sensitivity Training' is done by for-profit organizations instead of L&I / VR. In Pennsylvania, L&I / BBVS offers to, at no cost, come into a company to educate them on what a disabled person can and cannot do while also educating on the latest software and hardware advancements. Sadly many companies insist on paying tens of thousands of dollars to 'Consulting' companies who are far less, if at all, skilled in the past, present, and future of the disabled community.
***
*Sighs* Thanks for, again, sharing your thoughts. It is nice to talk to someone who, like me, is only an infant to the world as a result of misunderstanding and mistreatment. May we both continue to advocate for the future so that the past and present that failed us will not fail those who are yet to come. :)
Wow that is actually a cute picture. Uhhh I know its been a while but I dont know if your ready to respond to me at all but I just sent a really cute story I came up with of Rainbow Dash. I hope you read it when your ready. You never responded to any of my messages so I assumed your busy but I noticed you have been responding to people on here. So I have anxiety and dont want you to think I am impatient. I just thought you forgotten me. Are you doing ok now? I noticed your back to posting.
Hello! I am 'trying' to get back on a regular comment and posting schedule. The trouble has been that, since I had the kidney stone busted out of me, I have fallen ill from getting my flu shot and, one week later, my COVID shot. (It is lousy when you get sick from the vaccines, but it is better than being sick for over a week. At least, I was sick for a week the last time I had the flu and, well, I don't want to see what COVID is like.).
***
I have not responded to any notes in quite awhile. I do hope to remedy this in the near future. I just haven't been able to keep up with online stuff the way I used to. (I'm thinking the chores I have to handle at my new location are more than I expected them to be.).
***
Please know that I am quite sorry for the silence and also for how it may appear that I am being unfriendly towards you. I just have not been able to get to a lot of people and it is taking awhile to properly get myself to feel good about reconnecting in the ways I need to. It is going very slow, but I will be getting back to you once I get all of my life back in order. :)
***
I have not responded to any notes in quite awhile. I do hope to remedy this in the near future. I just haven't been able to keep up with online stuff the way I used to. (I'm thinking the chores I have to handle at my new location are more than I expected them to be.).
***
Please know that I am quite sorry for the silence and also for how it may appear that I am being unfriendly towards you. I just have not been able to get to a lot of people and it is taking awhile to properly get myself to feel good about reconnecting in the ways I need to. It is going very slow, but I will be getting back to you once I get all of my life back in order. :)
Thank you for all the amazing patience. I, sadly, just got COVID a week ago and COVID seems to be going around the area with everyone close to me getting it at the same time. :(
Everyone, thankfully, is getting better in due time. It has put us all back a bit, but at least we are getting in better position to interact and have fun with friends. :)
Everyone, thankfully, is getting better in due time. It has put us all back a bit, but at least we are getting in better position to interact and have fun with friends. :)
Congratulations for your big achievements Yosh. I'm really happy you're doing better since Luca joined to your life. I'm pretty sure Peep is also making it better everyday.
Learning some topics about inclusive education in my pedagogical course, I learnt that is not important what people can do than what they can't. It's really hard to create lots of ways for learning in what we call "Universal Learning Design", but it is probably the best way to put knowledge close to everyone as it has to be. We won't be free until everyone has access to all the knowledge and learns all skills they require and wish.
Learning some topics about inclusive education in my pedagogical course, I learnt that is not important what people can do than what they can't. It's really hard to create lots of ways for learning in what we call "Universal Learning Design", but it is probably the best way to put knowledge close to everyone as it has to be. We won't be free until everyone has access to all the knowledge and learns all skills they require and wish.
You are very correct, Sweetie. It really does not take a lot of effort to allow those who want to be an active part of society to contribute to the betterment of humanity. It may not be 100% possible for everyone to do everything given the severity of their disability, but it is possible to be more open-minded towards developing ways in which those who possess the knowledge and ability to use adaptive software and hardware to play a part in forwarding all those jobs / professions that make up our world today and will power the world of tomorrow. :)
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