August 26, 2024

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Hello, this is Theo Braddy, the Executive Director of NCIL, coming to you again with another message. This a short one and it’s a little early, but I had to share it. This one I am calling “That’s My Dad”.

There are very few speeches I give where I don’t mention that ableism is one of the greatest challenges facing people with disabilities in the United States.

Currently, many are commenting on the event of the Governor Tim Walz and his son at the Democratic National Convention. [Read more…]

August 1, 2024

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Hello, this is Theo Braddy, the Executive Director of NCIL, coming to you again with another message. This one I am calling “Why Me?”

I knew one day I would write about this one. The day has come.

As long as I can remember, since I became a person with a disability in 1975, breaking my neck playing football, I have been wrestling with one question. I am sure it is the same question that many other people with disabilities ask themselves — why me? [Read more…]

July 1, 2024

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An extraordinary event is unfolding, one that many are not aware of but should be: The Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice 2024.

A diverse collective of people with disabilities and their allies, both with and without disabilities, are embarking on a cross-country journey from April to October 2024. This caravan will visit numerous cities, many of which hold significant places in our history. [Read more…]

June 10, 2024

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People with disabilities are discriminated against and oppressed when people, especially those with power and influence, develop ideas, practices, and policies based on misinformation, myths, and misbeliefs about people with diverse disabilities.

An example of a misbelief would be when mainstream society believes that people with disabilities don’t contribute to the community and that we are only a burden to the community!

This practice of discrimination and oppression is not limited to people with disabilities. It is done to other groups of people as well, such as Black Americans, the LGBTQ+ community, other people of color, and other marginalized groups, such as older Americans, as they age. [Read more…]

May 6, 2024

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Greetings once again,

I’m Theo Braddy, the Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living, bringing you another message. I wrote this a few years ago and still, it is needed. I call it “Your Words Hurt Me.”

Today’s message carries a heartfelt message intended for those dear to me, my family, friends, and colleagues. It’s a reflection on ways to enhance our interactions with individuals living with disabilities, such as myself.

Recall the age-old adage imparted by our parents: “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” However, the truth is quite contrary; words possess immense power to inflict pain.

Let’s delve into the language we employ. I understand if you feel weary of constant reminders about the significance of terminology. Yet, it’s crucial to grasp that words not only convey meaning but also shape our perceptions and beliefs. [Read more…]

April 2, 2024

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This may not be a popular message, but something should be said. Early in my career, working in this field, I learned something. It was very important to me to become an expert on certain topics. For example, when the ADA was enacted, I knew I had to become an expert on it, and I did. It served me well in those early years.

I remember learning this life lesson. I can’t remember who taught it, but it goes like this. If you always want to be employed, become an expert on something no one else wants to put in the time to learn.

I have used this life lesson repeatedly on various topics, especially disability-related topics.

Be patient; I am going somewhere with this! [Read more…]

March 5, 2024

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It was last year, around this time, that I learned of Judy Heumann’s passing. I just never envisioned a world without Judy. She seemed invincible. I know now that it was her invincible spirit of never giving up that I saw in her. It is with this invincible spirit that I wrote my latest message, which share with you in Judy’s honor.

Should I Accept?

Should I accept and embrace the belief held by many doctors and medical professionals that my life, as a person with a disability, is considered less valuable than that of someone without a disability?

Should I accept and come to terms with the notion that, due to this belief, it is legally acceptable to withhold life-sustaining medical care, and it is better for non-disabled professionals to let me die?

Should I accept and acknowledge the belief of those in authority that people with disabilities should be institutionalized, condemned to a life of isolation and solitude in nursing homes? [Read more…]

January 26, 2024

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Hello. This is Theo Braddy, Executive Director of NCIL. Here is another message. I call it “The Greatest Motivator”.

My journey as a person with a disability begins with me living in a nursing home. In 1975, my mother was told it was my only option. We were very poor living in the Deep South, so I didn’t put up any resistance. At 15, I wanted more than just being in a back room in our little shack.

I quickly learned that living in a nursing home is not the place for a 15-year-old, either. Every night, I was in anguish as I listened to the older residents cry out in pain all night. A few times, I cried out on their behalf. It never made any difference. Even then, too many residents and not enough staff.

I think about it often now – that experience. Did it affect my desire to want more out of life? [Read more…]

December 27, 2023

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Hello, this is Theo Braddy, Executive Director of NCIL. I wrote this message for the holidays. I hope it helps some. It helped me.  My title is “I’m Okay with That!”

It took a while, but I have come to some life conclusions.

Some people will not like me, and I’m okay with that. [Read more…]

November 28, 2023

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Theo Braddy – A Black man with a bald head, a salt and pepper full beard wearing eyeglasses, sitting in a wheelchair. Theo smiles toward the camera during a 2023 speaking event.

This is Theo Braddy, the Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living, bringing you another message. This one I am calling “A Bright Sunny Day”.

It was a bright, sunny day! I always look forward to bright, sunny days.

As many of you know, I am a C-4 quadriplegic, and like most quadriplegics, we love to feel the sun on our faces. Our faces are not adversely affected by the spinal cord injury, and the sun feels wonderful on it.

So, on this bright sunny day, I was coming out of Kmart and decided to sit and sun gaze as I do so often. Right outside Kmart, I stopped momentarily, looking up at the sun.

Out the corner of my eye, I noticed a lady in her 40s with a little boy, probably 6 or 7 years old. They were about 50 yards away from me. I wouldn’t have given it another thought, but I noticed the youngster pointing at me and saying something to who I assumed was his mother. [Read more…]