RenoVous

 Earlier this week we touched on the anthropology of disability, which falls under the Cultural arm. As a whole, the study is of cultural variation among humans.  It views disability as a culturally constructed experience shaped by social norms, environments, and power. Scandinavia is one of the best societies, in this respect, with high-level accessibility and per capita funding for physical impairments, investing heavily in infrastructure and social support systems that prioritize independence. In the United States, Minneapolis ranks as a top city for disability care and accessibility. Disability infrastructure is more than ramps instead of stairs, it's about public transportation, navigation, bicycling/walking as well as inclusion within regional parks and other recreational activities. From what I can tell, there are only two locations that allow wheelchair access directly to the Truckee River here in town. Published in 1963, Designing for the Disabled, was the first to pr...

  Embrace.  Educate.  Empower. Disability owned and operated, this organization encourages pride and passion, radical acceptance, and an opportunity to change perception. This day honors its founder, Annie Hopkins. IDOA A while ago I came across Devva Kasnitz, an anthropologist of disability. She passed away last year at the age of 75, having dedicated her life to disability studies.  A colleague wrote, "Without her, far fewer anthropologists would be working on questions around ability and social exclusion." As a field, it examines beyond medical views to analyze disability through a lens of power, identity, activism, and "otherness," revealing how different societies define personhood, normality, and care.

  The aim of Disability Day is to encourage a better understanding of people affected by disabilities, and helping to make people more aware of the rights, dignity, and welfare of disabled people. 15% of the population in the world has a disability, and the categories include mental illness, physical and intellectual impairments/disorders, as well as spinal cord and head injuries. Inclusivity isn't just about making sure disabled people have access to buildings and events, but also having access to different jobs. Here in Reno, Smiling with Hope Pizza opened in 2016 with the following mission statement: To create hope and meaning in the lives of people with disabilities. They provide employment opportunities for disabled workers, including those with Down Syndrome. Disability Law Days of the Year Smiling with Hope