Do Not Shut Up

A creation of ADAPT Corpus Christi

Welcome to the first newsletter. This is an ADAPT newsletter, made by Joseph Huerta. It’s title? DNSU? It is an abbreviation for Do Not Shut Up, a device used by Joseph Huerta to describe how the disabled can be heard. There are so many ways that we can be ignored—if you accept how you are treated, you’ll sit at the back of the bus forever; and that is assuming that you are picked up. How do you claim what is yours? You Do Not Shut Up! You have a voice. It can be loud and obnoxious. There are people out there who do not want a proud disabled guy calling them out. You can group together. Analyze what goes on. This is you ‘fight card’ for these issues that are coming down. I learned about the things that matter—I have to confess that I have been a bit stupid when it came to my group. This is what we will do: let’s look at the DNSU Newsletter coming out once a month. Why once a month? Because stuff is going on everyday. I am not kidding. Look at the question about citizenship on the census. Or how you register to vote. Getting in and out of city buildings. New items come out daily on these issues. Many of them are being tried in court. On top of that, lawmakers are trying to modify these issues. I need to tell you that you have a voice in these issues. Some politicians like for you to shut up. How so? One way is access to buildings. If we shut up about it, the healthy get to keep all their taxes and not buy ramps. It is cheaper.

— Joe Huerta

Go to the issues

As a person with a disability, you know that access to services, information, and transportation requires extra diligence. We understand this and want to help you to access information about issues that affect YOU. There are some threats to your well-being on the horizon that you need to know about so that you can act.

If you are a citizen, you vote. Have you had trouble voting?

During the mid-terms, voters were turned away from the polls and there were incidents with poll workers based on race, broken poll machines, and general misinformation. If this happens to you or someone you know call 1-866-OUR-VOTE – this is the Help American Vote Act (HAVA) helpline.

Want information on How to Vote in Texas? click on the link below or paste in your browser to get information https://abc13.com/amp/politics/how-to-register-to-vote-in-texas/1450537/

The census in 2020

On the census in 2020, everyone will be asked to provide information on citizenship status. Checking “no” or skipping the citizenship question on the census may trigger an investigation of you and your family. The census is mandatory and is critical to receiving money for social services. If the question goes unanswered you may be subject to fines. Can this information go to ICE?

How will the census affect you? Click on link below https://www.npr.org/2018/11/04/661932989/how-the-2020-census-citizenship-question-ended-up-in-court

We can stop these things from happening and work together to improve our futures if we take action now! Want to make a difference, ADAPT meets monthly at CBCIL office located at 1537 Seventh Street on the second Monday of each month at 2 pm. For more information on upcoming ADAPT meetings check CBCIL website or call 361 883-8461.

 

Please note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living, our staff, or our funders.