Category Archives: better dead than disabled

NDY Files Public Comment on CMS Proposal on Advance Care Planning

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NDY’s comment letter can be summarized as follows:  We do not oppose payment to physicians for advance care planning discussions with their patients, but we want the payment regulation delayed until the disability community and others can, with CMS support, develop new advance care planning informational materials that do not rely on “better dead than … Continue reading NDY Files Public Comment on CMS Proposal on Advance Care Planning →

NDY Challenges NYS Medicaid Proposal to Save Money By Steering People to Choose Death Over Living With Disability

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Not Dead Yet, the Center for Disability Rights, and 11 other NY based disability organizations, submitted public comments on the New York State Medicaid Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program (DSRIP) on May 28, 2014, alleging that one of the proposed projects would fund Medicaid providers to save money by steering people to choose death over … Continue reading NDY Challenges NYS Medicaid Proposal to Save Money By Steering People to Choose Death Over Living With Disability →

Guest Blog by Cathy Ludlum: Better Dead Than Fed? NOT!

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We in the disability community have a stronger appreciation than most people of the opportunities technology can bring.  Power wheelchairs and vans offer us mobility.  Voice-activated software and screen readers unleash the power of computers.  Environmental control systems allow us to manage things around the house, like opening doors and answering the phone. But some … Continue reading Guest Blog by Cathy Ludlum: Better Dead Than Fed? NOT! →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: “They want us to die: You wouldn’t believe how many people hate those of us with autism”

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This op-ed was published in the Sunday, April 7 edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  It’s written by Selene dePackh, who is an artist and writer.  She’s also autistic. dePakh’s op-ed describes the reality that many of us are all too aware of, but sharing it with a broad audience.  For whatever reason, the online comments … Continue reading Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: “They want us to die: You wouldn’t believe how many people hate those of us with autism” →

Disability and Representation blog: “Amanda Baggs, The Pressure To Die, and the Case Against Assisted Suicide” by Rachel Cohen-Rottenberg

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For about a week now, activists and advocates have been engaging in the fight to safeguard the health and safety of Amanda Baggs, one woman dealing with medical ignorance, apparent bigotry, and regular messages that her life isn’t one worth saving.  Even now, a positive outcome isn’t assured. (I direct blog readers to just peruse … Continue reading Disability and Representation blog: “Amanda Baggs, The Pressure To Die, and the Case Against Assisted Suicide” by Rachel Cohen-Rottenberg →