Hosting with Heart: How to Plan Inclusive Gatherings for All Abilities

Inclusive gatherings are about more than just accessibility; they're about creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed and valued. Learn how to plan events that cater to the diverse needs of all guests, including those with apparent and non-apparent disabilities.

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The Struggle with Health Insurance Authorizations for Disability and Chronic Conditions

The constant battle with health insurance authorizations and re-authorizations can be a major source of frustration for individuals with chronic health conditions and permanent disabilities. This blog post explores the challenges faced and details some patient-centered care solutions.

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About the ADA Legacy Project: Celebrating History And Planning for the Future

In April 2012, Atlanta, Georgia, became a pivotal meeting ground for The ADA Legacy Project, an initiative dedicated to preserving and promoting the history, legacy, and achievements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This blog post explores the significance of this gathering and its contributions to the ongoing fight for disability rights.

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The Future of Disability Advocacy and Empowering the Next Generation of Disabled Leaders

The future of the disability rights movement has both challenges and opportunities. As I look to the future, preparing the next generation of advocates becomes paramount in continuing the fight for equality and inclusion. In today’s blog post I explore why mentoring disabled youth is so important and suggestions for empowering them.

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Lizzo and Beyoncé Listen to their Fans about Disability Inclusivity

In an inspiring move, global music icons Lizzo and Beyoncé have revised their song lyrics to embrace inclusivity and sensitivity towards disabled individuals. This post explores their decisions' significance and impact on the music industry and society.

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Celebrating Progress: The 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Key Moments from 2022

Marking the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 2022, I list some of this year’s pivotal disability rights news, celebrating milestones and acknowledging the ongoing journey towards full inclusivity.

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Actionable Tips for How to Be a Supportive Disability Ally

Today’s blog post outlines several actionable tips for how to become a supportive disability ally, making a real difference in creating an inclusive world. Learning how to be a supportive ally is about educating yourself, participating in authentic dialogue with disabled people, and supporting our community in large and small ways in your own daily life.

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Bridging Disability Inclusion Gaps Using Assistive Technology

Assistive technology and accessible devices are more than just tools; they are bridges to independence and inclusion for disabled individuals. In this blog post I explore the importance of AT as well as highlight some innovative solutions that are improving the lives of disabled people.

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A Guide for Disabled Individuals in the Workplace

The workplace can present unique challenges for disabled individuals, but with the right approach to disclosure, accommodations, and advocacy, thriving in your career is entirely possible. This guide offers insights and strategies to help navigate these challenges successfully.

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The Experience of Going Through Airport TSA When You Are Disabled

Flying can be daunting for disabled travelers, especially during TSA checks. In this blog post I share my experience of navigating TSA as a disabled traveler. I also provide some practical advice based on lessons I have learned over the years as a disabled flyer.

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Let's Not Vent Shame

A few weeks ago, when I was making the rounds on Twitter, I commented on a tweet about COVID without really thinking. The tweet was about the levels of exposure you would risk during this time of the pandemic, specifically eating out at a restaurant. I quipped something to the effect of, "No thanks, I don't want a vent with my soda and side of fries."

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Philips' Recall of Sleep Apnea Machines and Ventilators Leaves Users Breathless

A few months ago, my husband happened to be checking his newsfeed, and he came upon a story about the massive Philips’ recall of ventilators and pressure support sleep devices. Most patients who use them require CPAP or Bi-Pap pressure to ensure adequate oxygenation at night. We were shocked.

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‘We Move Together’ Depicts Positive Disability Identity in a Colorful and Inclusive Way

The other day, I was scrolling through social media and came upon a post about a new children's book called We Move Together by authors Kelly Fritsch, Anne McGuire, and Eduardo Trejos. The 40-page hardcover illustrated picture book is full of themes of inclusion, tolerance, and celebration of diversity.

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Caregiving Series Part 3: Seeing Caregiving From the Perspective of an Elder Concierge

For the past 15 years Rachel Laws has been an Elder Concierge for her company, Living Well Services. Up until that point, her professional career was in the corporate world specializing in organizational development. She discovered, however, that she much more enjoyed helping her grandmother and a neighbor and she figured there must be a way to evolve this calling into a career.

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Caregiving Series Part 2: Living the Caregiving Crisis of Today

For the second post in my three-part series focusing on caregiving I wanted to sit down and talk with a disabled woman who is currently living through the caregiving crisis of today. Ligia Andrade-Zuniga’s life got turned upside down—literally— when 12 years ago the mini-van she was driving flipped. The accident broke her neck, leaving her a quadriplegic.

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Caregiving Series Part 1: When I Needed a Caregiver

There has been a lot of discussions lately about caregiving in this country. The conversation has centered chiefly around it being part of the 400 billion-dollar infrastructure bill. While I was glad to see a policy distinction made of caregiving as being "human infrastructure," I often find myself frustrated that the real-life details of what caregiving actually is, get lost in the conversation.

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Three Bills Currently in Congress That Have the Potential to Dramatically Improve Disabled People's Lives

Sometimes, it can seem like federal laws passed in Congress are so big and broad they don't directly impact individual citizens. In contrast, local laws can have a more direct impact. And to some extent, I think that is true. However, there are currently three bills in Congress that, if passed, have the potential to improve the lives of disabled people in significant ways.

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Grateful Yet Impatient: The Americans with Disabilities Act Turns 31

This week marks the 31st Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Unfortunately, I am not in much of a party mood. On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush declared, "Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down," as he signed the ADA into law, the most significant disability civil rights legislation to date. It feels like the wall is still up, however.

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