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NBDC Library

NBDC 2024 Survey: 

 

NBDC conducted a survey in 2024 asking Black disabled adults about their experiences
and feelings on isolation and loneliness. The results fell into four areas.
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Bias and Stereotypes:
Many people have negative stereotypes about disability, they see it as a limitation or a burden. We
are seen as different and could not have anything in common with non-disabled people.


Social Status and Societal Stigmas:
Families whose identity is based on social and financial upward mobility have little to do with disabled
family members whose growth is limited because of disability. By socially interacting with a disabled
person, you bear witness to the how disability impacts the individual’s life in every way. Family
members and friends would much rather not know. It speaks to out of sight, out of mind.


Extra Effort:
Socializing with a disabled person requires too much effort. Some people feel that interacting with a
disabled person requires understanding, and physical assistance which they are not willing to put the
time in. Family members and friends are reluctant to assist in social interactions, therefore it is easier
not to be in the presence of the person.


Lack of Education:
Not everyone is familiar with different types of disabilities or how to interact with people who have
them. People are uncomfortable around us. Fear of saying the wrong thing. People avoid
conversations because they worry about using inappropriate language or making assumptions
about disability.

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People with significant disabilities historically have been at a high risk of social isolation from family
and friends. Social isolation can have lasting and severe consequences for a persons health. It can
increase anxiety and mental health issues, and lead to feelings of loneliness, low self-worth, and
being unwanted.

A Tale of Two Daughters

By Jane Dunhamn

 

Diane Lillian Basie

Diane Lillian Basie was born to Count Basie and Catherine Morgan Basie on February 6, 1944. 

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Diane was born with cerebral palsy. Count Basie and Catherine were advised by doctors that she would never walk and that she should be institutionalized. The couple kept Diane and cared deeply for her, and especially through her mother, Catherine’s, efforts Diane flourished, learned to walk, swim and enjoy many activities.

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Catherine became an advocate for children with developmental disabilities and participated with various organizations such as United Cerebral Palsy, Salvation Army and Lighthouse for the Blind. 

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Diane lived at home with her parents and caretakers until her death on October 15, 2022, at the age of 78 years.

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Harolyn Suzanne Nicholas

Harolyn Suzanne Nicholas was born to Harold Nicholas and Dorothy Dandridge on September 2, 1943.

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Harolyn was born with severe brain damage. Harold Nicholas refused to financially contribute to the care of Harolyn, Dorothy raised her as a single parent. Harolyn was supported by her mother’s love and hard work.

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Most often Dorothy was on the road entertaining to make a living. Harolyn was raised by in-home caretakers while Dorothy was on the road. Ms. Dandridge encountered problems with some of the caretakers which was additional stress to the financial responsibilities of raising Harolyn and the cost of her disability.

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In 1963 Dorothy made the wrenching decision to send Harolyn to a California state institution, Camarillo State Hospital.  She was forced to sell her Hollywood home and shortly afterward suffered a breakdown. 

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Harolyn remained institutionalized and died in 2003 at the age of 60. There is no record of visitors or anyone claiming her body.

DEINSTITUTION

Olmstead

Unfinished Business

 

June 22nd was the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Olmstead Decision passed by the US Supreme Court in 1999. The Court held that individuals with intellectual disabilities have the right to live in the community rather than in institutions.


Twenty-five years later, only seven states have closed all their institutions which are called developmental centers. This begs the question why is it taking so long for advocates to convince states to close institutions?

Read more...

NBDC Assists SWOT Team
Collaboration of SWAT and NBDC Picture.jpg
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