Anita Cameron
Anita Cameron hails from Chicago, IL, and is the younger of twins. She holds degrees in Biology, and Computer Information Systems.
Drawing on her passion for social justice and change, she became involved in several movements, culminating in her introduction to the Disability Rights Movement.
In 1986, Anita joined ADAPT, a national, grassroots disability rights organization. In 25 years of involvement, she has risen to a position of national leadership. She helped to write a piece of national legislation that is in both houses of Congress, was invited to the White House on two occasions, has met three sitting U.S. Presidents and two Vice-Presidents, helped to organize a national March, and was published in a book by the late award-winning writer and historian, Howard Zinn.
Anita loves cats, computers, music, books, blogging, traveling, and collecting coins. She lives in Denver, CO.
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Drawing on her passion for social justice and change, she became involved in several movements, culminating in her introduction to the Disability Rights Movement.
In 1986, Anita joined ADAPT, a national, grassroots disability rights organization. In 25 years of involvement, she has risen to a position of national leadership. She helped to write a piece of national legislation that is in both houses of Congress, was invited to the White House on two occasions, has met three sitting U.S. Presidents and two Vice-Presidents, helped to organize a national March, and was published in a book by the late award-winning writer and historian, Howard Zinn.
Anita loves cats, computers, music, books, blogging, traveling, and collecting coins. She lives in Denver, CO.
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- 12/3/2009
Education/Experience
Disability rights activist and advocate for over twenty-six years, working on systems change in legislature, policies and practices that have adverse effects on people with disabilities.Interests
Disability issues, Disability Rights, Activism, Cats, Computer games, Blogging, Social justice issues, CERT, Emergency preparednessMotto
Human and civil rights aren t given. You must fight for them, and once achieved, fight to keep them!
Displaying Results 1 - 71 (of 71) for All Content
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First Person: Disabled Voter Discouraged from Using Accessible Voting Machine FeaturesAs a disabled voter, I often experience problems at the polls and today was no exception.
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ADAPT's Message to Biden: Champion Community Living and Medicaid!ADAPT met Vice-President Biden when he visited Denver, CO yesterday. Read on to find out what happened! -
Voters' Picks: I Back Obama Because He Supports Community Living for the DisabledLiving at home rather than in a nursing home is very important to me and others with disabilities. That's why the President will get my vote. -
ADAPT Statement on Regional Transportation District Service CutsRecently, Denver's Regional Transportation District (RTD) held a hearing on proposed cuts on a number of bus routes. ADAPT took a controversial stance on the issue of service cut exemptions for paratransit users. -
ADAPT Meets with Colorado Governor's OfficeWhen members of Colorado ADAPT met with our Governor's office, we hoped that there was good news about whether the state of Colorado would apply for the Community First Choice (CFC) Option. -
ADAPT Delivers Letter to President ObamaWhen President Barack Obama visited Denver, Colorado on September 27, 2011, ADAPT was there with an important message for him. -
The Arrival of MithrandreadA weary traveler arrives at a special place. This is a story that I wrote many years ago for a group that I was a part of. It is my first crack at fan fiction.
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My Goals at Yahoo! Contributor NetworkI have a number of important goals to work on in order to be successful here at Yahoo! Contributor Network.
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My First Year with Yahoo! Content NetworkOn December 3, 2009, I joined Associated Content, now Yahoo! Contributor Network. Here, I share my thoughts about the journey thus far.
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Paying Tribute to Random Acts of KindnessI have had many random acts of kindness bestowed on me and would like to pay tribute to some of them.
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My Visit to the White HouseIn 1994, fifty members of ADAPT were invited to meet with president Clinton. I was one of them. -
How Does the TSA Enhanced Security Measures Affect People with Disabilities?The Transportation Security Administration recently implemented enhanced security measures such as advanced imaging technology machines and vigorous pat-downs at airports across the nation. What does this mean for people with disabilities?
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The Worst Trip Ever: Wheelchair Access Nightmare on GreyhoundIn 2004, I took a trip from Denver, Colorado to Washington, DC via Greyhound. Read on to see why I'll never do it again!
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Why I Would Not Take a "Magic Pill" to Cure My DisabilityI have often been asked if it were possible to do so, would I take a "magic pill" to cure my disability. The short answer is no!
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People with Disabilities Must Not Have a Single Social or Political FocusPeople with disabilities do not have the luxury of focusing only on ourselves. We must educate ourselves about other groups, causes, and movements so that we are not left behind.
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New York State Supreme Court Issues Temporary Stay Against Monroe CountyA New York Supreme Court judge issued a temporary stay against Monroe County in its efforts to end the Center for Disability Rights' contract to administer the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services program.
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Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks Terminates Contract with Disability AgencyMonroe County Executive, Maggie Brooks, abruptly terminated its contract with the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) to administer the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services (CDPAS) program. Disability activists protested in response.
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Anita Cameron is the New Region II Representative for the National Council on Independent LivingI have won my bid for Region II Representative at the National Council on Independent Living. What does this mean for me, and what are my plans?
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I'm Running for Region II Representative at National Council on Independent Living!Once again, I am running for Region II Representative with the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). Though I lost my bid the first time I ran, I'm determined to win this time!
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ADAPT Makes it Personal: John Doyle and the RGRTA ProtestAfter protesting against the transit authority in Rochester, NY in April, 2010, ADAPT wrote letters to each member of it's Board of Commissioners. Read what happens when there was no response to those letters. -
Nancy Pelosi Heckled by Disabled During SpeechHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi expected to give a keynote speech at the America's Future Now! 2010 Conference, but wasn't prepared for what actually happened.
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Public Restroom Etiquette and the Wheelchair Accessible StallCome explore the touchy, delicate, yet, important subject of public restroom etiquette and people who use wheelchairs.
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Rochester, NY City Council Hosts Second Public Forum on Proposed RGRTA Transit CenterOn May 5, 2010, the Rochester City Council held the second public forum on a proposed Transit Center on Mortimer Street. Read on for my take on the issue.
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ADAPT Goes to Washington, DC, Kicks Off Defending Our Freedom CampaignI was in Washington, DC with ADAPT, April 24-29th. Read about our exciting Monday actions!
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Killing Children with Disabilities is Murder, Not Mercy!My emotional and perhaps, controversial "take" on the killing of disabled children. -
Disabled Riders Protest RGRTA, Say Stop Violating Federal Law!Disabled riders of Rochester, New York's public transit system were so fed up with poor treatment that they staged a protest.
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Federal Law Violations Angers Riders with DisabilitiesBus riders with disabilities are angry with Rochester, New York's transportation authority for its continued violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Why Associated Content Should Have a Disability Issues CategoryI now address the need for a Disability Issues category at AC. The topic is broad enough to warrant its own category, but I would be satisfied to see it as a subheading under Social Issues.
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Why Associated Content Should Have a Social Issues CategoryIt is surprising that there is no Social Issues category at AC. Here are some reasons why such a category should exist.
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Disability Access Success Story: Boulder Coffee Company at Brooks LandingMy experience at Boulder Coffee Company, located at Genesee and Brooks, in Rochester, NY. This is the second in the Disability Access Success Stories.
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Disability Access Success Story: Tops Friendly MarketsHave you ever gone to a grocery store and found closely-spaced poles and a padlocked gate at the entrance? How could someone in a wheelchair get in? I tell of an incident that happened to me at a local grocery store, and how the problem was solved. -
The Community Choice Act Resolution ProjectThe Community Choice Act Resolution Project is a project of the Center for Disability Rights and its Advocacy Team. It's aim is to get cities, towns, and villages in Monroe County, NY to pass a resolution supporting the Community Choice Act. -
No Matter What You Call It...It's Still a Cap!Gov. Paterson's proposed budget includes caps that will hurt people with disabilities needing more than twelve hours of personal care per day. Activists went to Albany to send a message to the state legislature, and ask that they reject these cuts. -
Some Interesting Facts About MeHere are some random, but interesting facts about me.
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Nathaniel's Pub: My Favorite Watering HoleNathaniel's Pub in Rochester, New York is my favorite watering hole. There is good food, a friendly atmosphere, and caring staff. What is it about Nathaniel's that matters the most to me? You'll have to read on to find out!
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Wade Blank: Memories of a Friend and MentorWade Blank was a Presbyterian Minister, social justice activist, and co-founder of ADAPT, the national disability rights organization. He was also a friend, mentor, and father figure to me.
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What to Do After a ProtestWhat your group does after a protest is every bit as important as the planning and survival phases. This is the third of a three-part series on planning, surviving, and following up after a protest.
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Surviving a ProtestOrganizing a protest is one thing. Surviving it is another. What a group does and how it conducts itself during a protest is essential to its success. This is the second in a three-part series on planning, surviving, and following up after a protest.
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Planning a Successful ProtestGood planning is the key to a successful and effective protest! This is the first in a three-part series on planning, surviving, and following up after a protest.
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Black History: Scant Representation of People with DisabilitiesThere is scant representation of people with disabilities in Black history. Our contributions to our history must be acknowledged and celebrated.
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Disability Rights Activists Protest Governor PatersonDisability rights activist protested when Governor David Paterson visited Rochester, New York. Read on to find out why.
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Ouch that Hurts: My Adverse Reaction to a Tetanus ShotI was hardly prepared for what happened after a simple, painless tetanus shot!
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Testimony Before the New York State Senate Finance CommitteeNew York State is in serious budgetary trouble. My testimony before the New York State Finance Committee shows how devastating some of the proposed cuts will be to people with disabilities.
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Whirlwind Wheelchair International: Bringing Wheelchairs to Haitian DisabledThis project of Whirlwind Wheelchairs International, has the potential to change the lives of people with disabilities in Haiti.
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Upstate NY CERT Unit Breaking BarriersThis unique CERT unit in upstate New York is proving that anyone can serve his or her community.
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CERT: A Brief OverviewWhat is CERT, you ask? No, its not a breath mint. Read further to find out what CERT is, and how it helps our community.
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Disabled Survivors of Haiti Earthquake Face Overwhelming ChallengesThe people of Haiti face many challenges after last week's massive earthquake, but the challenges are even greater for people with disabilities.
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What's Wrong with the Word "Retard"?Some people think that it is okay to use the word "retard" as a joke or an insult. Learn what is wrong with this word, and why it should not be used.
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My Journey with ADAPTMy journey from shy kid to fiery activist with the national disability rights organization, ADAPT.
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A Brief History of ADAPT and Who We AreCome learn some things about ADAPT, a national disability rights organization, and its people.
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Murdered by Prejudice: Esmin Green and Injustice Against Psychiatric SurvivorsEsmin Green's death by neglect at a Brooklyn, NY psychiatric emergency room is symptomatic of the widespread and systematic injustice often perpetrated against people with mental health disabilities.
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An Immigrant's Daughter's Views on Undocumented Immigrants, Policies, and FencesI have simplistic views on undocumented immigrants and immigration in general that are probably shaped by being the daughter of an immigrant and a woman of color.
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Protesters Go to Jail in AmbulanceThe story of an interesting, yet unnecessary and illegal way that ADAPT members were transported to jail after a protest.
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Things to Do on Martin Luther King DayDon't know what to do for Martin Luther King Day? Here are some ideas.
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Unnecessary Institutionalization is Discrimination: The Olmstead DecisionThe landmark Olmstead decision is very important to people with disabilities because it affirms our right to live in our communities with appropriate services and supports.
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Problems with Privacy: My 2009 Vote StoryMy 2009 voting experience was just as mind-boggling as the 2008 experience. This time, the issue was voter privacy. Pray that this never happens to you!
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Like Pulling Teeth: My 2008 Voting StoryThis story, written in November, 2008, tells of my experience trying to vote in the general election. Unfortunately, many people with disabilities have similar experiences when trying to vote.
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Preparing to Get Arrested During a ProtestEvery social justice activist who is active in the movement should be prepared for the possibility of getting arrested during protests.
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The 3 Strangest Jails I've Ever Been InAs a disability rights activist, I've seen the inside of more than a few jails. These are three of the strangest that I've been in.
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Flying While Disabled During Heightened Terror AlertsPeople with disabilities often find it difficult to get through airports especially in times of unusually heightened security due to terror alerts.
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Independent Living Centers Help People with DisabilitiesIndependent living centers provide vital services to people with disabilities.
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My Testimony Regarding the ADAPT Spy FilesIn 2001, it was discovered that the Denver Police Department (DPD) had been spying on peace and justice and social change organizations, as well as private citizens suspected of involvement in such groups.
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ADAPT's Battle with the Home Builders AssociationADAPT, a disability rights organization, protests the Denver chapter of the Home Builders Association for its refusal to build accessible homes.
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Shoveling Your Sidewalk Might Save My Life!Snow-caked sidewalks are impossible for a wheelchair user to navigate. Come with me as I brave the streets, and show why clearing walkways could save a life.
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Understanding SupercripsSupercrips are people with disabilities who use their talents as a way to try to hide their disability because they are ashamed, and feel that they must "overcome" it.
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Make Politicians Take You Seriously: Get Out and Vote!Political contributions aren't the only reason that politicians take a group seriously. They also keep serious tabs on who votes, how they vote, and what they vote for.
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A Radical's Views on VotingMy views on voting and voter organizing in the disability community are radical, but necessary. Sometimes it takes tough love to get us motivated.
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One Stolen LifeThe story of my dad, Rick, and how his life was ultimately stolen by unnecessary placement in a nursing facility.
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Fall Go BooA story about my cat, Boo, and his incredible fall.
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Community Living Should Be a Choice for AllMany people with disabilities are forced to live in nursing homes or other institutions. The choice to live where they want is eliminated by the institutional bias inherent in our health care system.
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Just Say Hi!This guide will help people avoid common mistakes when dealing with people with disabilities.