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Disability Rap – March 1, 2021

Vaccine Equity for People with Disabilities

On today’s show, we look at the movement here in California to grant people with significant disabilities priority access to the Covid-19 vaccine. Studies show that people with certain physical or developmental disabilities are up to three times more likely to die from Covid-19 as compared to the general population. And yet, it wasn’t until February 12 that Governor Newsom announced that people with significant disabilities and people who have underlying health conditions will be eligible to receive the vaccine in California. And this eligibility isn’t even effective until March 15. The announcement was made only after massive outcry and a massive mobilization campaign by people with disabilities in the state.

Black ink cartoon image from the Monopoly card “go directly to jail”: Mr. Monopoly being dragged on his back by a police officer carrying a billy club.

Jail & Bail 2021!

On Tuesday, March 17th FREED Board members, along with Executive Director Ana Acton, will be thrown in jail! KNCO Jail that is! You can bail them out and support FREED!

 

 

 

 

 

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EMERGENCY SUPPLIES AND COVID-19 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT DRIVE-THRU PICK-UP

FREED in collaboration with community partners is supporting personal emergency preparedness and COVID-19 protection efforts for people with disabilities and older adults with two Emergency Supplies/COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Drive-Thru Pick-up events in Grass Valley on February 16 and February 18 in Grass Valley and February 23 and February 25 in Yuba City.

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Disability Rap – January 4, 2021

Hospitalization During the Coronavirus Pandemic

On today’s show, we look at one disabled person’s experience being admitted into a hospital here in California this fall. His name is John Pixley. He was admitted into the hospital for four days this past October for something totally unrelated to the coronavirus. Despite prior assurances to the contrary, the hospital refused to allow his personal care attendants to be with him in the hospital. The reason given was Covid-19. John describes the experience as “unbearable, almost torturous,” and “inhumane.”

Covid 19 illustration

FREED Supports the Community During COVID-19

“In the midst of every crisis
lies great opportunity.”
~Albert Einstein

2020 has undoubtedly been a time of crisis.  Together we have experienced a world-wide pandemic, social unrest, wildfires, and public safety power shut offs.  We have seen issues that have always existed for people with disabilities and older adults intensified by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Covid 19 illustration

What do Businesses Need to Know About COVID-19 & Masks

FREED Statement on COVID-19 & Masks

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law thirty years ago to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities and to extend opportunity and promote inclusion of people with disabilities in society. Here in Nevada County, people with disabilities play an important role in all facets of life and social discourse. We as a community must do what we can to slow the spread of the coronavirus and protect those of us who are at higher risk for serious complications from COVID-19.