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Digest of recent content added to the SpineWire site:
***U.S. Supreme Court Weighs In on ADA
In a ruling involving three employment discrimination cases, the U.S. Supreme
Court significantly redefined what a disability is. They majority ruled that
if you can correct an impairment with eyeglasses or medications, you're not
really disabled. In other words, you may be too disabled to get the job but
not disabled to fight for your rights. See our report at
http://www.spinewire.com/article25.htm
In another key decision, this one more upbeat for people with disabilities,
the High Court ruled in favor of community based programs for people
diagnosed with mental illness - at least when it is more appropriate than
keeping them in hospitals. The take-home message: restricting people from
access to the community is a form of discrimination and is therefore
protected by the ADA. See http://www.spinewire.com/article26.htm
***Regeneration Ride
Canadian John Ryan is in the midst of a 5,375-mile handcycle ride from Cape
Spear, Newfoundland to Victoria, B.C. His goal: to raise $5 million dollars
for spinal cord regeneration research. Crank it, John. See
http://www.spinewire.com/article24.htm
***4-AP Update -- Compounded Drug Yanked by FDA
Thousands of people with MS and SCI are legally getting their 4-AP batched up
by pharmacists. But that's going to change. An FDA advisory panel voted to
de-authorize compounded 4-AP. Those now getting 4-AP will be able to get a
more precisely made drug from Acorda Therapeutics. Details are still to come
-- Acorda's "open label" program won't start before year-end. See the full
story at http://www.spinewire.com/cr_4ap.htm
***Work Incentives Finally Coming
Here's what we think ought to happen. The House signs off on the Work
Incentives bill that the Senate passed last week 99-0. President Clinton
signs it into law on July 26, the ninth anniversary of the signing of the
ADA. It would be fitting since, ADA aside, this may be the most important
piece of legislation affecting people with disabilities to come out of
Washington this decade. What a concept: You work, you get paid, you keep
health insurance. An estimated 2 million people will be freed from
decades-old disincentives to join the labor force. See
http://www.spinewire.com/article23.htm
***The Sandusky Scofflaw Strikes
Kelly Dillery has some nerve, using city streets when the sidewalks and curbs
are impassable by wheelchair. They've busted her twice. She's filed a civil
rights suit. Now she's been harassed by social services, apparently looking
for a reason to take her child away. Hello, Sandusky. We're all watching.
Read our coverage at http://www.spinewire.com/article21.htm
***Bladder Roundup
The facts, and the scientific backup, of current bladder management
techniques. By Wise Young, M.D., Ph.D. See
http://www.spinewire.com/wise15.htm.
***Speaking of Wise
Don't miss his WiseWire columns -- these change frequently (Have questions
for the good doctor? Send to info(AT)spinewire.com). The latest dispatches:
Stem cells and peripheral nerve injury -- there is hope. See
http://www.spinewire.com/wise16.htm.
Low-Tech Lab Tricks - Why spend $30,000 on a spectrophotometer when a fresh
clam heart does the trick? Wise takes us inside the lab of a creative
neuroscientist. See http://www.spinewire.com/wise17.htm
***Foot-Dragging As an Art Form
Mike Ervin's got the goods on HUD, the feds who look after public housing.
Seems they are only 26 years behind in following some disability laws, and as
for being up to speed on ADA regulations, forget about it. Read Mike's
commentary at http://www.spinewire.com/article19.htm
***Car Number 9
The Spinal Conquest Indy Racing League car, raising money for SCI research,
takes to the track again June 26 in Colorado Springs. We'll continue our
coverage. See http://www.spinewire.com/article22.htm for the latest report.
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