Philly Touch Tours

Don’t assume, just ask! An excellent article!

On this, the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) instead of a cursory mention I think this blog by friend and colleague, Ather Sharif is what everyone should read. A personal reflection of what it really stands for:

For friends and colleagues who are blind or low vision, or for anyone who enjoys good verbal description, here is the link to HAMILTON: Enjoy! https://jeff.tdrealms.com/Movies/Hamilton%20(2020).mp3

URGENT: Philadelphia friends and colleagues: Can anyone help? It has come to our attention that a blind and disabled friend, part of our social group, has a dire living situation (basement apartment with mold, mice, and broken a/c) and is in desperate need of rehousing asap. He is a refugee from Eritrea and can pay up to $500 per month for somewhere safe and clean. He also has an attendant that helps him for 8 hrs per day. I can vouch for him as a sweet and patient man, who is here for surgery and on a wait list for a hand transplant at HUP. If anyone can help please message me.

TOMORROW: Webinar: How museums can still be inclusive after Covid-19? https://tactilestudio.co//webinar-how-museums-can-still-b/

John Lewis speaking at the National Federation of the Blind March for Independence in 2007. #GoodTrouble https://youtu.be/PA186KXZ20Q

Lots to do to support and be a part of Disability Pride, PA this year. Check out all the exciting online events here and register soon!! https://www.disabilitypridephiladelphia.org/disability-prid

It's Disability Pride Month, PA (Virtual this year) Join Philly Touch Tours for an interactive webinar on Wednesday, July 15th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Topic: REIMAGINING THE EXTRAORDINARY IN EVERYDAY OBJECTS THROUGH TOUCH Details: In this difficult, touch hungry moment we can take the time to find comfort in the things we surround ourselves with. Join us in an interactive conversation and find a sense of well-being that lies right at your fingertips. Please prepare for this workshop by gathering three of your favorite objectsa coffee mug, a soft throw, a piece of memorabilia or anything that feels meaningful. Go to this link to register: https://www.disabilitypridephiladelphia.org//philly-touch-

Dear friends and colleagues, We are thinking about you during these difficult and volatile times. It is certainly high time that Social Justice was addressed and we endorse the peaceful protests and demand for equality. Black Lives Matter! ... It is also challenging that this pivotal time for civil rights coincides with the presence of Covid-19. If you are out there demonstrating, more power to you but please use caution and smart thinking to stay as safe as you can. There is much to also do online by supporting both local and national organizations. This is also a time when one's anxieties can be triggered more easily so please, take a moment to take stock of your emotions and reactions by using self-regulating and mindfulness techniques. Take good care, stay safe, stay strong and hope to see you all in person again soon.

Philly Residents: A note from Claudia Tasco from The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities: "Hoping you are all doing well during this difficult time of COVID-19. If you are in need of food delivery due to the coronavirus illness and are quarantined, a disabled person who cannot get out of the house , or you’re a senior who can’t go to any of the locations posted on the phila.gov website to pick up nutritious food. If you need food delivered to your homes please email m...e your name, phone number, address, and zip code at [email protected] or call and leave your information at 215-686-2798, the voicemail is being checked every day for calls. I will return your call and let you know when someone will be able to assist you." Claudia Tasco Constituent Service Coordinator for The Mayor’s Office on People with Disabilities (215) 686-2798