Sometimes change happens in the in-between times. In the quiet moments. When you stop and listen more than you talk. I know these interactions seem few and far between these days. With social media amplifying polarizing points of view, it sometimes feels like the whole world is just screaming past each other. How can that leave room for growth, reflection, and true coalition-building?
Read MoreI don't know if it is possible to write about politics without getting political— but I'm darn sure going to try. I thought it was about time to look at how the Biden Administration is doing at keeping its promises to the disabled community. Because let's face it, politicians will promise you the moon when they want your vote, but the promises can be tossed into the ash heap of history once they get into office.
Read MoreI don't know why it should surprise me anymore. The Motion Picture Academy had a historic opportunity to recognize a Sundance Film Festival Award-Winning documentary, Crip Camp, telling the story of one of the most significant civil rights protests in this country's history.
Read MoreIn December 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced changes to the Air Carrier Access Act, the law which allows service animals on airplanes. The new law limits service animals to dogs only and states that emotional service animals can no longer be considered service animals.
Read MorePart of my goal for this blog is to become a resource of information for news and events happening within the disability community. I want to help spread the word but also include my perspectives. An opportunity to do so came across my desk when I read through my recent New Mobility Magazine issue.
Read MoreI gave up on subscribing to practically all magazines a couple of years ago, but one subscription I am glad I kept is New Mobility Magazine. If you aren't familiar with New Mobility, it is a monthly magazine available online and in print. I prefer the print version.
Read MoreAccess to transportation is a fundamental right, yet many disabled individuals encounter significant barriers. This blog post delves into these challenges and calls for vital improvements in public transportation accessibility.
Read MoreThe overarching narrative in society is very ableist and often portrays disability with very negative stereotypes. While the truth is, there are some challenges to being disabled, there are also positive aspects of disabled life that need, and should, be celebrated. This blog post attempts to shed light on some of these ideas.
Read MoreLet's talk arts and crafts! Extra time being at home during the shelter-in-place periods of the pandemic gave me the time to work on some projects that had been on my to-do list for years—one of these projects combined two of my favorite things: crafting and advocacy. My idea was to customize my Pride Go-Go mobility scooter into a rolling billboard that visually expresses different advocacy and social justice themes.
Read MoreThe first time I met Judy Heumann, I am ashamed to admit I didn't fully appreciate the legendary bad-ass lady I was meeting. Yes, I know she was a leader in the disability rights movement in the late sixties and early seventies, but I didn't really know much beyond that.
Read MoreStarting college at a 4-year university far from home is an exciting adventure, especially for students with disabilities. Equip yourself with these essential tips to navigate college life confidently and make the most of your university experience.
Read MoreLearn about the pivotal disability rights Supreme Court Case of Olmstead v. L.C. and E.W. Understand the legal, social, and practical outcomes of this landmark decision that said that separate is not equal when it comes to where disabled people live. SCOTUS affirmed that disabled people should have the right to live in the community of their choosing.
Read MoreTailoring your nutrition when you have a disability or chronic illness isn't about restrictions; it's about empowerment. By understanding your unique needs, embracing personalization, and listening to your body, you can create a supportive dietary plan that fuels your health journey.
Read MoreEncountering dismissal or gaslighting by healthcare professionals can be disheartening for anyone, especially for those with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Equip yourself with 5 proactive strategies to effectively advocate for your health to receive the care you deserve and are entitled to by law.
Read MoreNon-apparent (or sometimes referred to as invisible or hidden) disabilities often go unnoticed, yet they significantly impact individuals' lives. This post delves into the hurdles and hidden advantages of these conditions, alongside actionable steps towards creating a more inclusive society.
Read MoreThis blog post is about why Independent Living Centers exist for disabled people. What they are, what services they provide, and why they are important for disabled people to live an independent life. Independent living is based on a "social/independent living model of disability," rather than a "medical model." The problem lies in the environment, not the individual.
Read MoreDating as a disabled person comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. From building deeper connections to facing societal misconceptions, this blog post delves into the pros and cons of entering the dating scene when you are disabled.
Read MoreA few years ago, I saw a segment on the TV news magazine show 60 Minutes. In brief, it was about how an advertising campaign finally ended the Columbian civil war. At that moment, a lightbulb went on in my head. It made me think of marketing and advertising and the power of those mediums in a whole new way related to disability. And from there, Love Disabled Life was born.
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