At the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance conference in Aug 2003, this writer had a chance to sit down with Kay Jamison PhD. For the benefit of the uninitiated, Dr Jamison is a professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins and honorary professor of English at the University of St Andrew (Scotland). Her works include the definitive text on bipolar, Manic-Depressive Illness (with Frederick Goodwin MD), Touched with Fire, which explores the relation between bipolar and creativity, Night Falls Fast, on suicide, and her autobiography, An Unquiet Mind. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the McArthur "genius grant." Equally at ease in the literary and scientific worlds, Dr Jamison is a rare expert who is also a patient, whose writings, disclosure, research, and advocacy have endeared her to the entire bipolar community.
Following is our conversation on topics ranging from the state of bipolar treatments to how to handle a bad day to her current projects...
Historically, persons with disabilities have lived in institutions and nursing homes, and while this still happens, there is a change occurring. From the theory that persons with disabilities need hospitals, nursing homes or other facilities to live, a change is being made to the concept that persons with disabilities should have services provided to them. Happily, another approach is now available. This approach ensures persons with disabilities inclusion in society. Persons with disabilities, like their non-disabled peers, can live their lives with the greatest amount of freedom their society allows, and make their own choices.
It was raining when I met you
You were soaking wet
No time to be impressed
I remember so much later on
I knew that you were someone
I would not forget...
[The following article appeared in the Spring/Summer 1997 issue of Spectacle, published by Pachanga Press, Burlington MA.]
Orange, pink, and lavender flyers fluttered in the breeze as we handed them to any passer-by willing to take one. "Tune Out Jerry!" the flyers urged. "Boycott the Telethon!" Some two dozen of us lined up in front of the hotel shouting chants, distributing leaflets, and answering questions from the media, while the local segment of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon broadcast from a ballroom two floors above. Though I would stay outside all afternoon, I remembered all too well the scene that was taking place inside.
Statement of Edward V. Roberts, Director, State Department of Rehabilitation, State of California
Mr. Roberts. Good morning, sir.
Mr. Steinberg. Ed, we are very grateful to you for travelling all the way back here from California to be with us and to give us your very special perspective as the Director of the largest state's vocational rehabilitation program and to assist us in our endeavor to make the Chapter 31 program for disabled veterans the very best it can be.
Fountain House is located in New York City, and had its humble beginning in the year 1948, although the roots of the thought behind it began even earlier. In 1943 at Rockland State Hospital in New York, a group of self-help patients and counselors worked to get people discharged from the hospital. They grouped together in society for mutual support. With the help of a group of volunteers, they were able to raise enough money to buy a small, brownstone building located at 412 West 47th Street in Manhattan.
A small presentation of historical dates and summary information related to disability and events related to us. For some reason there is an area in the middle of this document which has mysteriously appeared that has been, "blanked out;" if someone can explain why, please email Ability Corner.
Person-Centered Planning
Fountain House
