4/2/26 - March Comments

We had some great comments last month – more to think about! To send a comment at any time, email me at: apulrang@icloud.com.

March Comments

March 10, 2026 - Marnie Delaney

At some point last month, (I'm not sure which issue that was), I asked for people outside the US to talk about disability terminology in other languages. I got this response from a subscriber in France:

"In France, if you look up the translation for disabled, the definition is handicapé. That is what it says on my parking sticker and on all the bureaucratic paperwork that relates to such things. I’ve never actually heard anyone bring up an issue with that, but I do live in a relatively small community. My conversations with doctors or aligned services don’t come close to addressing nuances of language. It’s all straight talk and action oriented. As in the U.S. we need to take far more responsibility these days for tracking and reporting symptoms and progress. When I was young in the US every appointment involved an extensive répertoire of poking and prodding.  These days questions are asked and answers recordes on tablets. I honestly don’t miss the old ordeal. I am ecstatic when I’m not required to take off and out back on my shoes. Much more time is spent on what I need and in figurine out. There is a seemingly compatible network of private and public supports and services and the fact that people can be ill, disabled, financially challenges, homeless, or senior unable to live alone is just that, a fact. And government is designed to deal with it. In turn, this créâtes a sizeable need for people to provide services. This is the kind of mutually supportive community structure that, to me, is something of an equalizer. But, I may just be an appréciative America. I have to add that, not u like many places in Europe, there are a lot of inaccessible buildings, roads and so on. But, a great many ancient sites have found ways to escort people in wheelchairs in using very roundabout routes. 

Back to your question.  I’ll ask around but I think that actions speak louder than words may be a common way of thinking,  but, I’m not in Paris.  You may hear otherwise from people there."

March 20, 2026 - Ian Ruder, Friday Video Share: "Quadriplegic Builds Huge LEGO Sets"

"I’m a long time reader of your substack and was honored to see my lego video featured today. Thanks for sharing, and even more so, thanks for all the great work you do."

March 24, 2026 - Mark Johnson, Disability funding, explaining, and art

"I would agree with a premise that times like this create an opportunity. The current system was unsustainable and not very effective. Look at the vocational rehab rotation, agencies outcomes of the years, decimal. I also look at the funding for independent, living centers, inadequate."

March 26, 2026 - Marcus Johnson, Disability funding, explaining, and art

"I sincerely thank you for including my piece in your Disability Thinking Weekday on March 24. I appreciate you creating a space that brings together such a thoughtful mix of perspectives, especially around disability funding, lived experience, and the way we interpret and move through the world.

I was honored to be the second piece you highlighted, particularly in the context of giving ourselves permission to set boundaries. My article, “Saying No Is Disability Advocacy: Why People with Disabilities Must Stop Over Explaining and Start Setting Boundaries,” comes from a very real place, one where too often our community feels the pressure to justify our needs, our choices, and even our existence.

Your framing of that theme reinforces something I believe deeply, that boundary setting is not selfish, it’s survival. And more than that, it’s advocacy.

Thank you again for amplifying this message and for the work you’re doing to elevate diverse disability voices and ideas. I’d welcome the opportunity to connect further and continue the conversation."

Thank you everyone for reading and sharing your thoughts and reactions!

Disability Thinking Weekday is a Monday-Friday newsletter with links and commentary on disability-related articles and other content. You can help promote Disability Thinking Weekday by forwarding it by email or posting on your social media. You can also comment by sending me an email at: apulrang@icloud.com. Collected comments are shared on the first of each month. A free subscription sends a newsletter to your email each weekday. Benefits of paid subscription include:

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