2/6/25 - USAID, mental health, and wheelchair accessories
Stop work
Peter Torres Fremlin, Disability Debrief - February 5, 2025
"President Trump's freeze on foreign aid has caused an earthquake in international development and humanitarian efforts ... This irresponsible and callous move has brought life-saving work to an abrupt halt, along with essential services for the world's most vulnerable populations ... People with disabilities are impacted both as general beneficiaries of these programmes and also recipients of aid targeted directly towards them. Organisations responsible for service provision or advocacy for disabled people have been sent reeling, with many having to stop work and send staff home."
We all need to read this edition of the Disability Debrief newsletter, top to bottom. It's especially important for any of us in the U.S. who has ever been tempted to think, even for a split second, something like: "Why are we spending all this money on foreign aid when disabled people right here are on waiting lists for services?" Now more than ever, when so many of the incentives are to protect our own, narrow turf, it's vitally important for us to maintain and expand our sense of solidarity with disabled people everywhere – of all backgrounds here in the U.S., and yes, absolutely abroad too. I say this because I have heard disabled people many times express this frustration – why do they get stuff and not me? The frustration at being deprived is totally valid. But instead of being channeled into productive action it's wasted on infighting and scapegoating. It's nasty, yes, and perhaps evil. But it's also very human. That's all the more reason for us to fight not just for our own needs, but the needs of others with disabilities, no matter where they live.
Protecting Your Mental Health From Donald Trump's Outrage Machine
Mike Palmer, Together for Good - January 24, 2025
"Staying informed is essential for civic engagement. But consuming outrage-driven news without taking action can have adverse effects on mental health. Sadly, as of now, few channels exist for engaging in organized resistance or other work to protect people and institutions from the sustained assault on our freedom and well-being by a deranged autocrat."
I disagree with several of the specific points and recommendations in this essay on maintaining self-care in the current political environment. But I am at least open to the broad strokes of what the author is saying. Outrage can be toxic, even when it's 100% justified. And most news and social media seem to be almost completely indifferent to the emotional damage they can do to us, even when they realistically have not choice given the circumstances. Above all, I'm ready to listen to anyone who has ideas on how to stay engaged sustainably. Because I'm having a hard time doing that lately.
New Wheelchair User? Ten Products You Must Know About
Duncan Edwards, Disability Horizons - February 3, 2025
"When you’re new to using a wheelchair, it can take time to adjust. There’s a whole range of products you may have never seen before that are designed to make your life easier, make you more independent, and boost your comfort. Whether you’re moving around at home, heading out on the go, or just getting on with daily jobs, here’s a list of must-have items for new wheelchair users."
Sometimes, getting by and carving out independence with a disability comes down to the tools you have, or have access to. Paying for them is often an issue of course. But so is simply knowing what tools there are – and how well, or poorly, they actually work. This article from a UK disability website looks like a good place to start getting a sense of what's out there. In future, I'll try to share similar product guides relevant to other disabilities, too.
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I am so grateful for your help and engagement, in whichever forms you choose!