Euthanasia as a choice?
2010-01-19 by Maria Zedda
While it’s understandable that like Charlotte, millions of disabled people with severe impairment do not want to be a ‘burden’ – it’s important that they are enabled to live with dignity through appropriate care: all of them still have a lot of living to do and much to contribute. Perhaps Charlotte would have not been so hasty in her quest for euthanasia if she felt confident her family would receive the best support necessary.
Sarah's story?
2009-12-06 by Maria Zedda
I am appalled at what I feel is a misguided attempt by a charitable organisation to raise funds to help those affected by Motor Neuron Disease Association.
With so many people believing they would be better off dead than disabled, horror-style “awareness” campaigns such as this one alienate disabled people even further from the rest of society.
I am here to recruit you!
2009-06-18 by Maria Zedda
In times where suicide of disabled people is deemend to be a reputable alternative and extreme-right politicians, adverse to diversity and inclusion, get elected to the European Parliament, it’s even more important to try our hardest to spread awareness of the right of disabled people to inclusion and the benefits that this brings.
Hear and Now
2009-03-26 by Maria Zedda
A few nights ago I decided to stay up to watch “Hear and Now”, an award-winning documentary about an American Deaf couple who, after a lifetime of living with deafness decide to get a Cochlea Implant (CI) at the age of 65.
I wished I had seen this documentary 30 years ago, and perhaps many issues that affected me growing up with deafness might have been better understood and accepted.
The blind leading the blind
2009-02-26 by Maria Zedda
As an advisor in accessible environments, I often get remarks from bewildered building managers who are surprised that anyone would spend money to improve the accessibility of a building. “Surely disabled people should not be allowed to enter certain areas…to be on the safe side?” they ask.
We don’t need another hero...or do we?
2009-02-06 by Maria Zedda
Highlighting disabled people’s ability may be inspiring for some, but on its own it doesn’t really raise awareness of disabled people’s human rights. Sometimes it makes the rest of us feel that we don’t count unless we’re really, really ‘special’.
Can I offer help to a disabled person without being patronizing?
2009-01-20 by Maria Zedda
Often the thing that leads to embarrassment and awkwardness in communication between disabled and non-disabled people is fear of doing the wrong thing.
An incredible open letter to a disabled man considering suicide.
2008-11-17 by Maria Zedda
Liz Carr has written an open letter to Noel Martin, who in 1996 was attacked by Neo-Nazis and as a result was left paralysed from the neck down. He is planning a trip to Switzerland to commit legal suicide and Liz Carr has written to him to ask him to reconsider.