Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion – Gateway Technical College

by Dorothy Comment Closed
This Thursday, we present the 2019 Disability Justice Award to Gateway Technical College, recognizing the collaborative, vibrant learning environment there. The college is an outstanding example of inclusive education in Wisconsin. Gateway has created an accessible, welcoming educational environment for students. From website accessibility to in-service training for staff, Gateway's initiative has grown into a shared responsibility for accessibility in all aspects of the college, from classes to the facilities themselves. “This award shows students that Gateway strives to make sure all students feel welcome and that they, indeed, belong here at the college”, says Dr. Tammi Summers, Gateway's Dean of Learning Success. Disabilities cut across every segment of the population. Diversity and inclusion combine to strengthen Gateway's learning environment for everyone. Josh Vollendorf, Director of Compliance, points to the importance of eliminating physical barriers. The college invests in assistive technologies to improve student success, according to Vollendorf. The award will be presented at the Gateway Technical College Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, October...
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Knock, Knock. Who’s there?

by Dorothy Comment Closed
Back story from Wisconsin State Journal 10/11/2019 It's the kid who demands your lunch money.  It's his price to let you in the school door.  Now he's older. He pulls the same stunt.  The stakes are higher.The bully wants all your lunch money for the entire school year plus all your birthday presents.Our US Constitution guarantees you the right to enter that door.  Our Constitution guarantees you no interference; no discrimination.  You have the right to participate in the everyday life of society by law.Federal civil rights law guarantees no discrimination against people  based on disability, gender, skin color, pregnancy, national origin, age, gender identity.  Every one of us fits into at least one of these groups at some time in our lives.Every elected official takes an oath to uphold the Constitution. The bully at the door broke his oath of office.  Discrimination breaks faith with the people of Wisconsin.Representative Anderson is keeping his promise to the people of Wisconsin.  He...
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MKE Hilton Throws Out Woman & Seeing Eye Dog

by Dorothy Comment Closed
The woman, we will call "Mary", arranged in advance with the Hilton.  The Hilton knew she would arrive with her companion, we will call "Dakota".   Dakota is a service dog, also called a seeing-eye dog.Everything was fine.  Until she arrived.  Then a manager blew up when he saw Dakota.  He yelled at Mary, refused to look at her paperwork for Dakota, and threw her out of the hotel.  He called the police and forced her to wait outside.  She had to find another hotel and pay a premium for a last-minute booking. This is ignorance. This is discrimination.  This is illegal. This incident (and others like it) is why we speak to groups about civil rights.  We explain what civil rights for people with disabilities mean.  We talk about service animals and how they differ from "comfort" animals.  We explain how this intersects with attacks on Medicare and Medicaid; voting rights, fair housing, access to public spaces, how discrimination blocks millions of...
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