Category Archives: Our News & Commentary Blog

Intro: Over this last weekend, many people in the disability community were watching the progress of Hurricane Irene and hoping that – finally – disabled people were being properly taken into account in emergency plans. Judging from the reports from Susan Dooha, Executive Director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY), … Continue reading Guest Blog: Susan Dooha on “Lessons Not Learned” in NYC Emergency Shelters for PWDs →

NJ Governor Vetoes POLST Bill, Suggests Revisions

August 27, 2011advance directives, legislation, life-ending decisions, life-sustaining treatment, new jersey, Our News & Commentary Blog, policy, POLSTDiane Coleman

Much of the state level legislative activity concerning POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) has been carried out under the general public’s radar. But when Governor Chris Christie vetoed the New Jersey POLST bill yesterday, it hit the news feed. According to NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM and the Governor’s veto message – While noting the prospective benefits in … Continue reading NJ Governor Vetoes POLST Bill, Suggests Revisions →

Not Getting on the POLST Bandwagon

August 23, 2011"end of life", advance directives, life-sustaining treatment, Our News & Commentary Blog, policy, POLSTDiane Coleman

I just learned that the Illinois legislature passed a bill authorizing Physician Orders on Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) (ILH 3134) which was signed by the Governor last week. We haven’t addressed POLST on the NDY blog yet, but it’s a primary focus of legislative activism on the part of the so-called “end-of-life” coalitions that formed during … Continue reading Not Getting on the POLST Bandwagon →

Disability Health Disparities Based on Negative Quality of Life Judgments Must Be Challenged

August 11, 2011bioethics, daly, health care reform, health disparities, healthcare rationing, Medicaid, medical discrimination, Our News & Commentary Blog, policy, qalyDiane Coleman

While national disability organizations work hard to influence the federal budget debates, painful Medicaid cuts are already being considered and implemented at the state level across the country. Getting disability advocates and issues to the table is a major challenge. The Executive Director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York just … Continue reading Disability Health Disparities Based on Negative Quality of Life Judgments Must Be Challenged →

Diane Coleman on WBAI “Largest Minority Radio Show” Tonight! (August 10)

August 10, 2011brendan costello, diane coleman, Largest Minority Radio Show, media coverage, Our News & Commentary Blog, tk small, wbaiStephen Drake

Sorry for the late notice, but Diane Coleman will be on Largest Minority Radio Show on WBAI tonight. The show starts at 9:00 pm ET. I’m told she’ll be in the first part of the show. Here’s the description of the show and how to listen in: The next edition of The Largest Minority airs … Continue reading Diane Coleman on WBAI “Largest Minority Radio Show” Tonight! (August 10) →