Accepting limitations is a sign of wisdom, not weakness

Dear Activists with disabilities,

Since disability doesn’t discriminate, we are the cross-section of everything – every religion, political affiliation, ethnicity, sexual-identity, sexual orientation etc…we encompass all of it. Therefore, we feel the impact of more issues than just the ones that are disability specific.

Although we are passionate people who feel very strongly about our individual values, it is important we are mindful of our physical limitations. Some with disabilities are very capable of participating in a demonstration or protest and I fully support them. 

However, some are not physically up to that challenge due to complex medical conditions. So, instead of throwing your medically fragile bodies into the front lines of the many protests going on in our country right now, I urge you to utilize technology instead. There are numerous ways that technology can be used to support the causes that you hold dear.

-       Launch a video campaign - Organize like-minded folks to make a video of themselves expressing their feelings about a specific topic. Then post & share! Partner with an organization that shares your values to help your videos reach more people.

-       Blog – A personal story often packs a greater punch than an actual punch. Spill your guts (figuratively speaking) and blog about why you feel the way you do. If you feel passionately enough to be considering putting your medically fragile body in harms way to make a difference, than I feel you should have the conviction to open up about why you are steadfast in your beliefs.

-       Organize an email campaign – To make it easier for folks to participate, write up a few example letters that can be copy, pasted, and easily modified.

-       Social Media – Tweet. Retweet. Share. Like. Love. Never underestimate the power of sharing information!

Accepting limitations is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. Finding alternative solutions is what disabled people do every day. Stay strong. Never give up. Just make sure you’re still around to celebrate after we cross the finish line.

Nothing About Us Without Us,

Jane Hash aka The Gimp Avenger

Jane Hash - MyCare Consumer Advocate Co-Chair

Dear Readers,

It is no secret that I have been fiercely vocal on social media, regarding the sloppy and irresponsible manner in which the MyCare Ohio program has been implemented. Numerous elderly and disabled citizens are suffering in ways that are unimaginable. 

The population that is most affected by the MyCare Ohio crisis, are those who are no stranger to abuse and neglect because of their physical and/or intellectual vulnerabilities. Many are afraid and unable to advocate for themselves for fear of further mistreatment. Instead of reaching out to Social Workers, Case Managers, or representatives of the Managed Care Plans, these victims of MyCare Ohio are reaching out to me...Jane Hash.

In case you are wondering why these folks would come to me for help, just glance at this blog's description there to your right. When I said, "I am the politically incorrect voice of the unheard" I meant it. These victims are about to be heard...loud and clear.

Allow me to reintroduce myself... My name is Jane Hash and I am the MyCare Consumer Advocate Co-Chair for the East Central Region. I have volunteered to take on this role to make sure all of the heartbreaking and compelling personal stories that have been shared with me, are heard by those who have the power to make the needed changes.

Below is a brief description of our plan of action. I encourage you to share this information because we still are unclear as to how many people are being affected. Also, if you are a dual-eligible who is being affected by MyCare Ohio, please look below and join the conference call that is scheduled for your area. Consumers - this is your opportunity, your safe place, to share your story. I will go to battle for you but I need to know from you EXACTLY what you want me to fight for.

In solidarity,

Jane Hash

Date: Friday, October 31st

Times: (1:00pm -2:00pm Northwest, Northeast and Northeast Central), (2:00pm – 3:00pm East Central and West Central); and (3:00pm – 4:00pm Central and Southwest)

Not sure what region you're in? Click here and scroll down to map.

The call-in number (free call) and participant code is: 
(877) 366-0711 Participant code - 53257144#

What you can do:

• ·       Let your voice be heard
• ·     Share your story
• ·     Help provide a feedback loop the Plan, State and Federal Government
• ·     Want a say in your treatment delivery
• ·     Want to ensure you are getting your medical equipment
• ·     Happy or frustrated with MyCare Ohio

  RSVP - For more information or to join the coalition contact:

John Arnold

OCVIC, Project Coordinator

jarnold@uhcanohio.org

614-456-0060 x 237

2013 ADAPT Fun Run

Recently, I had the opportunity to correspond with disability rights activist Bruce Darling about the 2013 ADAPT Fun Run.  You likely heard of ADAPT last year when they made national headlines for protesting in Washington D.C., with their very famous non-disabled ally, Noah Wyle.  I wanted to learn more about this 'fun run' and Bruce was kind enough to explain to me what it's all about.  

The Gimp Avenger interviews Bruce Darling

CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR BRUCE

GA: How long have you been affiliated with ADAPT?

BD: I have been involved with ADAPT since 1986 when we started a local chapter to get lifts put on buses in Rochester, NY. I worked at the local Center for Independent Living as an accessibility specialist. Because another staff person was on vacation, I was asked to talk to some folks about some transportation regulations. I had been a bus rider and was appalled when I realized that folks didn’t have any real options for transportation. People were mad. They asked what we could do, so we started to work on it. We found every opportunity to pressure the transit authority. It took three years before creating a state law that required access, which passed just one year before the ADA, but we won!

After our local group got our first accessible bus, we decided we needed to work on getting attendant services for folks so they could live in the community. We didn’t realize that national ADAPT had made the same decision which – for me – shows that the decision was the absolutely logical thing to do. 

GA: Tell us about your involvement with them?

BD: I am an organizer with ADAPT. I work extensively at the state level trying to end Medicaid’s institutional bias so that people with disabilities of any age (young or old) can live in freedom. We are working in New York on implementing the Community First Choice Option – a new optional Medicaid program that would give people a real alternative to institutional placement. 

At the national level, I am part of ADAPT’s group of contact people who represent all of the local groups. We are the decision-making part of ADAPT that decides things like when and where we will have actions (protests) and what we are working on as a national group. Local groups set their own priorities but we are all working to end the institutional bias in one way or another.

GA: What is the "2013 ADAPT Fun Run?" 

BD:The Fun Run is our only national fund-raiser. We use these funds to subsidize the room rates for everyone and pay for accommodations like sign language interpreters. Basically, we go to Upper Senate Park in Washington, DC and do laps. We can get donations based on the number of laps we do. People also can donate a fixed amount of money to us, and “virtual runners” who are running “in spirit” with us but not actually present in DC.

When we raise funds, half goes to our local group and half goes to national ADAPT – which set up the website and handles billing and such too. We’ve opened the Fun Run up to other organizations as well. It’s a way they can raise funds for their groups while supporting ADAPT!

CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR BRUCE

House of Blues Gimp Avenger Review - 1.5 Thumbs Down

As a lifelong wheelchair user I have learned that before I go somewhere that I have never been, it is in my best interest to call first and ask many questions about the layout.  


Tip: Don't ever just ask if the venue is "accessible" because a lot of folks don't know what that means.  Ask, "How many floors?" and "Are there any steps at all?"  Be as detailed as possible with your questions.  


Ok, back to my story.  I recently called the House of Blues and explained that I was about to visit the HOB for the first time as a guest of someone who rented a balcony box for a party of approximately 15 people.  I further explained that I am a wheelchair user and I asked my standard list of probing questions.  The representative on the phone assured me that I would have no navigation issues and I would be able to get where I needed to go.  She said they even had a bathroom near the balcony boxes!  Awesome, right?


When I arrived at the House of Blues, everything and everyone seemed very accommodating.  An employee escorted my date and I to the elevator and even pushed the buttons for us.  Strangely nice...  Maybe he was trying to over compensate for the fact that the elevator looked and sounded like a crime scene waiting to happen.  Anyway, we made it to the balcony and caught up with our party who was lined up at the box entrance waiting for our friend who had the "box pass."  


There are two things you things that you can always depend on when you roll with the hippies who I roll with. #1 Someone will be late.  #2 Once all parties arrive, you will experience an unforgettably good time.


Our friend showed up, presented the pass, and the usher directed our party to enter the box.  My date and I were the last in our line.  The usher stopped us and I expected he was going to direct us to another elevator because there were steps to get down into the box.  I was wrong.  He looked at me and pointed the opposite direction and said "Wheelchair seating is over there."  I responded with "Are you seriously going to separate me from my friends?"  He looked very confused and said "That's where the ADA seating is.  You don't have to use it though."  The ADA seating was nowhere near where my friends were.  


None of our friends heard what was going down and I really did not want to put a damper on their good time.  I was a guest after-all.  So, I held back the Rosa Parks speech that was formulating in my brain.  I made a quick decision to let go of the horrible feeling of discrimination and just party on like the rock star that I am!  Fortunately, I'm very small and I was with a big, strong guy who just carried me down the steps into the box.  A good time was had by all.  However, I doubt I'll go back to the House of Blues.

Jane Hash and Nancy
Pimpin' Taint Easy

Episode 22 of "HASH IT OUT WITH JANE" on KUSF-IN-EXILE - featuring Dakota Johns

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Motivational Speakers
Dakota Johns and Frank Kitchen

This episode of "HASH IT OUT WITH JANE" on KUSF-IN-EXILE was an inspiring, informative and fun show to put together.  My opportunities to converse with folks who have intellectual disabilities has been very minimal until I started hosting "HASH IT OUT WITH JANE."  Since I'm generally not the most tactful person, I was a little nervous at first but that faded quickly because of my guest's charisma and optimistic attitude.  We really had a lot of fun on the show.


My guest was Dakota Johns and his "Best Buddy," Frank Kitchen.  Dakota is a Motivational Keynote Speaker who does not allow Downs Syndrome get in his way of setting goals and achieving them.  He is also dedicated to the campaign "SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD."  You may book Dakota to speak at your next event by emailing: DAKOTASPEAKS@GMAIL.COM


Useful Links

• Dakota Johns
• Best Buddies
• End the R-Word Campaign 
• More Dakota!

Music Play List 

• STEP UP - DEVO
• WE ARE ALL MADE OF STARS - MOBY
• I'D LIKE TO TEACH THE WORLD TO SING - NEW SEEKERS
• MAYTISYAHU - YOUTH

Episode 21 of "HASH IT OUT WITH JANE" on KUSF-IN-EXILE - featuring KOUNTERCLOCKWISE

LISTEN HERE

Doing "HASH IT OUT WITH JANE" on KUSF-IN-EXILE just keeps getting more fun!  I had the pleasure of interviewing a super fun and funky hip-hop group called, KOUNTERCLOCKWISE.  They are extremely musically diverse and very down to Earth folks.  There are two main members of this ensemble, Deacon Burns and Kaya Rogue.  In the face of adversity in 2007 when Deacon became paralysed instead of giving up he just wrote more music. 

If you are in Cleveland, Ohio on May 5th then don't miss KOUNTERCLOCKWISE live at the Phantasy!!!  Get your tickets right here.  Just click!!!  Their new CD, DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME" can be purchased by clicking on THIS link.

KOUNTERCLOCKWISE with Jane Hash
Photo by Tom Trainer

Play List - all songs by KOUNTERCLOCKWISE

• Pump Your Brakes
• Wash Your Drawers
• Nothing More Nothing Less
• Broke

Episode 18 of “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE - featuring Leroy Moore

This week on “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE I had the opportunity to speak with Leroy Moore, who in conjunction with Rob Da' Noize Temple, co-founded Krip-Hop Nation!  

 

Past accomplishments include performances at DaDa Fest (DEAF ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT.)  It is the largest arts and disability festival in Europe.

Leroy Moore is also a long-time Writer for Poor Magazine and Sins Invalid.

This loose knit, multi-national advocacy and entertainment group recently released the CD "Broken Bodies Pbp: Police Brutality & Profiling Mixtape." 

Currently Leroy Moore is writing a book and promoting some amazing Artist's with disabilities like, Kounterclockwise (Deacon Burns and Kaya Carine Gabriel) DJ Quad, R.e. Spect, and many others!!!!!!!

Leroy Moore

Play List

• KOUNTERCLOCKWISE - OPEN
• DJ QUAD - WHO'S GONNA STOP THEM featuring LALAH
• KOUNTERCLOCKWISE - PIPE DREAMS
• DJ QUAD - TELL ME WHY featuring K.KING

LISTEN HERE FOR MY INTERVIEW WITH LEROY MOORE!!!

Episode 15 of “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE - featuring Simon Illa

This week on “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE I interviewed Music Producer, Simon Illa!  Simon and I share the same 'rare' bone condition called "Osteogenesis Imperfecta."  On the show Simon talks about work he's recently done with Vonnegutt and D. Woods.  He also talks about his non-profit organization, Mind For Music.  Be sure to click the "LISTEN HERE" link bellow and hear it all for yourself!

photo by Alisha McKeller

Music

• Bright Eyes - Vonnegutt (video features Sports Illustrated model Kate Upton)
• Foolish Dreamer - D. Woods

LISTEN HERE

Facebook Cripple Fight

Here's my story... 

Apparently, Rosie O'Donnell still has a TV show.  I stopped paying attention to her years ago because I think she is rather obnoxious and ignorant.  Well, recently she had a guest of equal intelligence on her show and they both spewed a ton of ignorance about "Little People."  I know they were not trying to be funny but I often find that level of ignorance slightly entertaining.  Besides, I'd rather emit laughter into the Universe than anger.


Well, a fellow disability rights activist posted this information on his Facebook page along with an angry letter from the Little People of America, who seem to be planning a Rosie protest/boycott.  Another activist followed their lead and was trying to organize a demonstration in front of Rosie's studio.  When I read all these comments by multiple activists and saw how much time and energy they were dedicating to these two knuckleheads, I decided to intervene with the intention of redirecting all of this energy into something more positive.  


I made the suggestion that we all focus this rage into a more productive and positive direction like, "feeding starving children" or buying Rosie a "subscription to Midget Porn."  To my surprise, my suggestions were not received very well by most of those involved in this 'discussion.'  I got accused of being a bigot and a bully.  Rosie and her feeble-minded sidekick made me laugh but the activist who called me a bigot and a bully caused me a full-blown belly laugh attack!  

My point in sharing all this nonsense with you is this...there will always be people who speak out of ignorance.  You have no control over that.  You can only control how you respond.  I would rather respond with humor and give the uneducated a chance to learn instead of getting my panties in a twist.

Episode 13 of "HASH IT OUT WITH JANE" on KUSF-IN-EXILE - Lucky 13

This week we celebrated the 13th episode of "HASH IT OUT WITH JANE" on KUSF-IN-EXILE by listening to a compilation of groovy tunes played on previous episodes while simultaneously learning 13 random facts about your hostess with the mostess, ME!  It was a silly good time so if you missed it, just click the link bellow and enjoy!

LISTEN HERE

Episode 12 of “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE - featuring David Roche

This week on “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE, I was blessed with a truly genuine, down-to-Earth, fabulous guest whom I hope to always keep in my collection of lovable freaks...David Roche.  He's written a book called 'THE CHURCH OF 80% SINCERITY' which has gotten rave reviews and (in my opinion) should be in every home and school.  He has a variety of videos on YouTube for you to check out as well.  

David Roche

David Roche makes the world a better place!

PLAY LIST

• THE DOORS - PEOPLE ARE STRANGE
• HOT CHOCOLATE - I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
• SUSAN SARANDON (RHPS) - OVER AT THE FRANKENSTEIN PLACE

LISTEN HERE

Episode 10 of “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE - Getting to Know ME!

This was a 'get to know your 'Hostess with the mostess' show!  Topics I discussed included; able bodied people who think all wheelchair users look alike, finding a Home Health Aide when you are an unconventional gimp, and what I do in my spare time!


For further reading: 

• Dr. John Christopher
• Jethro Kloss
• John Kellogg

vacation 2008

Play List

• Betty White - Getting to know you
• Yael Naim - New Soul
• Julie Brown - Trapped in the body of a white girl
• NIN - Closer

LISTEN HERE

Episode 9 of “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE - featuring Lisa Bufano

This week on "HASH IT OUT WITH JANE" on KUSF-IN-EXILE, I had the opportunity to interview the amazing Artist with a disability, Lisa Bufano!  She has a show coming up soon in Oakland, California.  If you're in the area, you definitely do not want to miss it!!

photo by Gerhard Aba

PLAY LIST

• Ella Fitzgerald - Don't Fence Me In
• Talking Heads - Artists Only
• Laurie Anderson - Walking and Falling
• Laurie Anderson - Language is a Virus
• The Kinks - Everybody's Gonna Be Happy

LISTEN HERE

Snow Day

Just for the sake of vanity and it's too damn cold and snowy to do much else...

If you're wondering what it says on my outfit, it says "SLUT."  It was a gift from my gay brother.  I think he's just jealous because I'm the 'pretty one' and guys like me better.

This next photo illustrates another fabulous use for aluminum foil!

Episode 5 of “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE

The topics on this episode were; texting while driving, Deaf Culture, and Witchcraft.  For further reading, check out the following links.

• NTSB's proposed ban
• NCS 1.6 million accidents per year
• Deaf Culture
• Online ASL
• Free Deaf Relay Service
• Witch in Saudi Arabia beheaded
• What is a Witch?

LISTEN HERE

Episode 4 of “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE

On this episode I interviewed Documentarian, Tom Trainer, about a film he is making about me.  This was my first interview on the show.


Also, I discussed the importants of "wheelchair etiquette.'

I hope you enjoy/enjoyed listening to “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE.  I'd love to hear your thoughts, suggestions and/or questions.  Drop me an email to hashitoutwithjane@gmail.com and maybe I'll respond to it on the show!


Musical Artists featured in this episode include Ian Penter, Ohio Joe, and The Tumors!

LISTEN HERE

Episode 3 of “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE

Information regarding Louis Braille and the visually-impaired.

• Louis Braille
• National Federation of the Blind
• Social Security
• Braille Works printing service
• Guide Dogs for the Blind

NEW SOPA UPDATE


SOPA update...unreal!

LISTEN HERE

Episode 2 of “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE

If you'd like to see the video that I got choked up about on this episode, click here.  Be aware though that you will hear teachers saying very offensive things to their Special Education students.  Also, if you'd like to learn more about Superintendent Stan Heffner, click here.


SLAVE-FREE CHOCOLATE COMPANIES!

• Lindt
• Dagoba
• Green & Black's
• Newman's Own
• Cloud 9

LISTEN HERE

Episode 1 of “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE

In the first episode of “HASHING IT OUT WITH JANE” on KUSF-IN-EXILE, I discussed the unethical business practices of Nestle…including the use of child-labor.  Since that episode ran, Nestle' has joined forces with the Fair Labor Association (FLA).

"As part of the project, the FLA will publish an assessment report along with Nestlé’s corrective action plan to address any labor-related issues identified during the investigation. The FLA will then track the company’s progress in implementing the plan and verify remediation."

Coincidence?  Probably...but I'll pretend that we helped!

LISTEN HERE

“HASH IT OUT WITH JANE”

Hello there, Folks!  I’m very happy to hear that some of you have been listening to the archives of my radio show, “HASH IT OUT WITH JANE” The world from a radical dwarf's perspective, on KUSF-IN-EXILE! There is no need to wait for it to be archived so you can listen to it though.  You can tune in when each episode airs for the very first time every Thursday night at 6:30pm PST and 9:30pm EST!  If you’re not in San Francisco, do not despair!  There are several ways to listen to my show.  First, you could go directly to the website and listen to KUSF-IN-EXILE streaming radio.  Second, if you have iTunes, you’ll find KUSF-IN-EXILE in the college section.  Lastly, you can listen in by using iHeartRadio!  See?  No excuses to miss out!