We're Not a Burden
Getting the word out about disability rights to the Latino community sometimes means making a show of it. On a warm Sunday in May, a group of Latinos carry signs in Spanish advocating rights for people with disabilities. This group forms a strong contingent in the Cinco de Mayo parade in the Fruitvale District of Oakland, California.

Youth Leadership: the Future of the Disability Movement
I used to wonder what would happen as independent living movement advocates age and the community must look to new advocates to take action in the future. But I'm not concerned. I have confidence in the youth of today.

Fighting the "Bendito Syndrome" with Self-Esteem
When a baby is born she comes in the world without a sense of self-esteem. As the child begins to develop, the messages the child hears throughout their life will often determine how that child views them self. Tell a child they are unable to do something and the child will believe it.

Intersection Between Latino Culture & Disability in Independent Living
The 2000 United States Census reported there are approximately 32.8 million Latinos living in the United States, making up 12% of the total population. Of the Latinos in the United States, it is estimated that nearly 21% have a disability.

Patients' Rights - The Basics
Employees at the Speak Up program - funded by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) - believe that in order to provide optimum care, patients should be active, involved, informed participants and become familiarized with the healthcare system. In order to avoid misunderstandings and promote efficient medical treatment, patients should learn their basic rights.

Working from Home - An Employment Option
Nowadays more people are looking into the option of working from home. Some of the advantages of working from home include having a flexible work schedule and reducing expenses including transportation, eating out and childcare. For those with mobility impairments, working from home may make work a little easier.

Best Practices in Monterey County, California
Paratransit is a transportation service mandated by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) for people with disabilities. In Monterey County this program is known as Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) RIDES. It provides curb-to-curb service to eligible passengers as a ride-share program.

Texas Training Program Makes Advocates Out of Latinos with Disabilities
The Partners in Policymaking Program is an advocacy training program for parents of children with disabilities and self-advocates with developmental disabilities. Program staff hold several two-day training sessions each year in Houston and Austin. The program is designed to teach participants how to advocate for themselves and their loved ones within their communities.