Seventeen years ago today, God granted me the desire of my heart when the Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc. (CILO) hired me as an advocacy specialist in Stuart, Florida.Only in hindsight could I see how—all through the years—God had prepared me for this position:
- As a dwarf, I lived the disability experience, and advocated for my own acceptance as an equal contributing member of society.
- I had law degrees in New Zealand and Maryland and admission to the bar in New Zealand, Ohio, and New York.
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- As a lawyer in New Zealand, I advocated for clients in civil and criminal courts.
- As a project editor for Thomson Reuters, I wrote disability civil rights law books for lawyers.
- As a volunteer, I served as a board member of Centers for Independent Living in Ohio and New York.
- As an LPA volunteer, I was a leader in banning dwarf tossing in licensed establishments in New York and Florida, and breaking the six-inch reach barrier in buildings and facilities open to the public throughout America.
- As a staff writer for the Christian Law Association, I wrote religious liberty articles and training materials for nonlawyers.
Although I retired from CILO three years ago, I now work as an author and voice for people with dwarfism and disability. I write a weekly blog and have written two books. The third book in my dwarfism trilogy—ALWAYS AN ADVOCATE: Champions of Change for People with Dwarfism and Disabilities—is due to release in the Fall of 2021. My purpose is to offer hope to those who are skeptical about changing society’s discriminatory treatment of people with dwarfism and other disabilities.
I believe that advocacy makes change possible when people call out what is wrong, care enough to stand up for what is right, commit to the cause for as long as it takes, and choose the right forum. Just as important is collaborating in coalitions with like-minded people and organizations, communicating with honesty and respect, and having confidence in God’s power to change hearts.
Always An Advocate repeatedly demonstrates the power of advocacy:
- Titans of industry were required to lower ATMs, gas pumps, and elevator buttons to be within reach of people previously ignored.
- Public transportation must be accessible.
- Cheering crowds applauding dwarf tossing contests were silenced.
- Volunteer leaders successfully fought for organizational change and civility.
- Homeowners received reasonable accommodations to override discriminatory rules associations made about pavers, parking, service animals, and the like.
- Voters used accessible equipment in accessible facilities served by staff trained in disability sensitivity.
- Emergency service plans included people with disabilities.
- People whose disability made them unable to work were successfully represented and approved for social security benefits.
- School children received an Individual Education Plan providing them with a free and appropriate public education.
Put this book on your “want to read” list and be inspired to advocate for the changes you—and others—need. It can be done.
For updated book release information, go to https://angelamuirvanetten.com. Please subscribe to my blog and receive automatic delivery of weekly posts to your email inbox.
One reply on “Advocacy Makes Change Possible”
Thank you Angela for the years you advocated for Faith’s education. Too many educators see the disability instead of the student. You gently forced them to look at the student and focus upon the “Individual” in IEP. Your advocacy for students with Down syndrome made a difference in our corner of the world. Your advice and expertise on the law helped Faith be the first student with a significant disability to graduate with a standard diploma in Martin County, and one of the first in the state of Florida. She was also the first student in Martin County to complete her education utilizing an access curriculum in the general education classroom. Thank you for all your support and encouragement!