The Gimp Parade: RIP Harriet McBryde Johnson, 1957-2008

I missed this information, well covered by Kay Olson at The Gimp Parade.

Harriet McBryde Johnson was/is one of my heroes for writing so well, so accurately about the disability experience -- particularly of her youth. If you are of an age (I, too, am 50) and experienced a segregated childhood, I urge you to read Accidents of Nature. My review of that book is here: http://teriadams.blogspot.com/2006/06/novel-that-tells-it-like-it-was-and-is.html

The Gimp Parade: RIP Harriet McBryde Johnson, 1957-2008

Disability Rights Fund

I just read about this new grant-making organization at Rolling Rains. You can read all about it at their website: http://www.culturedisabilitytalent.org/index.html.

This, from the website:

"All 2008 grantmaking will be directed to DPO activities in the following seven countries: in Africa—Ghana, Namibia and Uganda; in Latin America—Ecuador, Nicaragua and Peru; and in Asia—Bangladesh. Grants will be given to:

1. Raise awareness about the CRPD [United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities] and its implications for persons with disabilities (PWDs)
2. Build coalitions and networks which increase the visibility and voice of all persons with disabilities (PWDs)
3. Strengthen advocacy efforts in relation to ratification, implementation or monitoring of the CRPD

DRF will make grants to organizations and projects that demonstrate a clear ability and commitment to contribute to the advancement of the human rights of persons with disabilities. Grants will provide one-year, project-specific support. Cross-disability and other partnerships in-country are strongly encouraged, as are projects which address particularly marginalized sectors of the disability community."

2008 Superfest Internaitonal Disability Film Festival

I've been so busy with my "real" job and life in general that I almost missed this, a Crip Film Festival in Berkeley, California, June 20-22, 2008. I'm going to try and go on Friday -- if I make it, reviews to follow...

The link to their website, including the screening schedule, is above and here: http://www.culturedisabilitytalent.org/index.html.