Transportation & Travel
Push for low-floor buses
Getting up the high stairs of a Bangkok bus is a struggle for many people, particularly the handicapped. Now there is a campaign to get more convenient and safer low-floor buses on the streets. An online petition on Change.org has been going since October last year to campaign for a type of bus that can cater to everyone’s needs — one with a low-floor that’s more friendly to people with disabilities. So far, more than 40,000 people have signed the petition with the aim to raise concerns and convince the transport authorities to take action. Here is the short story on one man who would greatly benefit from the change
Ride-service surcharge would help wheelchair-accessible cabs
The new ride-service regulations the Seattle City Council seems poised to approve Monday — to finally legalize services such as uberX, Lyft and Sidecar — have been called disastrous by many in the area’s taxi industry. But not all taxi owners consider the rules a death blow to their business,
Capitol Reef National Park Accessibility
Capitol Reef National Park is located in south-central Utah and protects its most famous attraction, the Waterpocket Fold, and the surrounding eroding rocks. The park was given its name because of an area of white Navajo sandstone that somewhat resembles the US Capitol Building, which is visible from the car.
Airlines Drop The Ball On Wheelchair Insurance
An inquiry into the availability of insurance for lost or damaged wheelchairs reveals airlines must do better to meet the needs of wheelchair users. Growing numbers of wheelchair users travel by air. For most, flying with one’s wheelchair is a seamless experience. Some are not so lucky. “Departing from
Paralympian unable to board flight accuses Aer Lingus of discrimination
One of Ireland’s most legendary paralympians has claimed he was a victim of discrimination after he was unable to board an Aer Lingus flight in Heathrow last night because no one was available to carry out a wheelchair transfer. John Twomey, a sailor from Kinsale and veteran of 10 Paralympic
Brilliant new service gives wheelchair users a lift
DISABLED wheelchair users in Inverness now have their own dedicated taxi. Already the bookings are pouring in for the new service which has been set up by former carer Michael Henderson with his custom-built cab. It has been hailed as “brilliant” by Freda Murray, manager of the Leonard Cheshire Disability
Tigerair Penalize Wheelchair Users With Astronomical Service Fees
Singapore Low cost carrier Tiger Airways (TigerAir) charges passengers with reduced mobility an astronomical wheelchair service fee of SGD 50 (£23/$40/€30) per flight. Charging passengers with reduced mobility for providing wheelchair assistance at airports is illegal in the United States, Europe, Russia, and India. However, this is not the
Jetstar business model leaves Jim Conway stuck in wheelchair
“If you are in a wheelchair and can’t lift yourself out, don’t attempt to fly with Jetstar.” That is the message renowned Australian musician Jim Conway has for disabled people who cannot independently lift themselves out of a wheelchair and into a plane seat. Mr Conway and his wife Helen
45 New Philadelphia Taxi Medallions OK’d For Wheelchair-Accessible Cabs
The Philadelphia Parking Authority, a state-run agency that also regulates taxicab operations in the city of Philadelphia, today approved new rules that would provide medallions for wheelchair-accessible taxis, and rules for cab security cameras. Various other state agencies will now give the new regulations a once-over, to make sure all
Donor Helps Vernon Family Get Wheelchair Van For Their Son
Itwas nearly two months ago when Becky and Dave Dyment entered a contest to win a wheelchair accessible van for their 7-year-old son, Justin. The Dyments didn’t win the contest. In fact, they withdrew their names a few days after receiving a phone call from a law firm on behalf
TTC driver refuses to let riders in wheelchairs exit bus
Anybody else would have simply walked off the bus. But that wasn’t an option for social worker Terri-Lynn Langdon, a wheelchair user, who found herself stuck on the TTC’s 509 on Queens Quay for about an hour recently. Langdon became ensnared in a disagreement on the May holiday Monday between
Wheelchair users sue car services Uber and Lyft over lack of access
Three residents of Texas have filed a lawsuit that claims popular car services Uber and Lyft are violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by denying service to mobility impaired passengers. In a complaint filed Monday in San Antonio, military veteran Dan Ramos and two Houston women, Laura Posadas and Tina
Judge delays de Blasio’s wheelchair-accessibility taxi surcharge
A federal judge is putting the brakes on Mayor de Blasio’s plan to make all taxis wheelchair accessible until the administration proves it’s not soaking riders with a 30-cent-per-ride surcharge to pay for vehicle upgrades. Manhattan federal Judge George Daniels made the request during a May 23 hearing after getting
Quadriplegic man told he could not bring his electric wheelchair on a flight to Bali because the BATTERIES were ‘too dangerous’
A quadriplegic man had to leave his wheelchair behind when an airline told him he could not bring it onboard. Peter Darch, a former West Australian of the Year, was travelling from Perth to Bali with his wife, parents and grandparents when he was approached by the same Air Asia
Disabled man’s train refusal ‘misunderstanding’
A train company claims a “misunderstanding” led to a disabled man not being allowed to board a crowded carriage. Colin Williams, 41, from Welshpool, said he felt ‘humiliated’ after a guard refused to let him on a train to Shrewsbury saying it was full. Arriva Trains Wales has offered Mr
This Startup Is Revolutionizing Mobility for Wheelchair Users
Stacy Zoern isn’t reinventing the wheel–not yet, anyway. But her electric-car startup Kenguru promises to revolutionize mobility for millions of wheelchair users. The Kenguru hatchback has no seats: Drivers access the vehicle using its rear-opening tailgate and automatic ramp, securing their wheelchairs via interlocking device. The Kenguru also eschews the
News
“This Is How We Roll” Fashion Show CALL FOR MODELS is now open!
We are searching for 50 wheelchair users, men, women, and children, of all ages to model our retailer’s clothing and promote our mission. (Space is limited!) Watch our Video with 2013 Highlights. Share it with family & friends!!
Nordstrom’s New Campaign Features Model in a Wheelchair
Nordstrom’s anniversary sale can often be enough to create some buzz around the Seattle-based retailer, but this time, one of their models is coming close to trumping the news. Fashion blogger and editor Jillian Mercado has used a wheelchair since age 12 and is one of the faces of the
Vietnam vet gets new wheelchair after Lowe’s employees help him
Michael Sulsona had no idea a trip to Lowe’s would end up changing his life. The Marine Corps veteran, who lost both legs after stepping on a landmine in Vietnam in 1971, says he’d waited two years for the Department of Veterans Affairs to send him a new wheelchair. It
J.M. Hollister clothing loses fight over wheelchair-accessible entrances
The state supreme court on Thursday upheld a decision requiring 11 J.M. Hollister clothing stores in Massachusetts, including one in Kingston, to make their entrances accessible to people with disabilities. The Supreme Judicial Court refused the company’s request to overturn a Superior Court judge’s decision that was upheld last year
Police lieutenant who pushed paraplegic man out of his wheelchair gets to keep his job, despite his department’s entire command staff recommending he be fired
An Indiana police officer has been suspended without pay but gets to keep his job after video has emerged of the high-ranking cop pushing a paraplegic man out of his wheelchair after blocking him from motoring by him during a 2013 stop. The news that Lafayette Police Department Lt. Tom
Police Arrest Paraplegic Man For Considering Himself a Pedestrian
A wheelchair-bound man was taken to the ground face-first and handcuffed because he rode his motorized scooter on the shoulder of a road against traffic, the way pedestrians are legally supposed to. Police impounded his scooter and took him to jail. Paralyzed from the chest down, 52-year-old Larry Wayne Dodson
Kentucky Kingdom overturns wheelchair policy after Troubleshooter investigation
A WAVE 3 News investigation discovered people in wheelchairs were being denied access to some of Kentucky Kingdom’s most popular rides. Weeks after the park reopened, 16 of 30 rides at Kentucky Kingdom were off limits to people in wheelchairs. Jon Newman, 36, said the operator of the Mile High
World Cup 2014: Police investigate fans with wheelchairs pictured standing up during matches
A group of supporters who appeared to jump out of their wheelchairs while watching matches at the World Cup are being investigated for possible ticket fraud. Police are looking into pictures from CCTV and social media which show supposedly wheelchair-bound Brazil fans standing during the opening game of the tournament
Dorset wheelchair users record access problems
A group campaigning for better access for people with disabilities has launched a project to highlight problems faced by wheelchair users. Access Dorset is training 12 members to film their experiences in a bid to improve access. The films will be sent to the relevant local authority or organisation in
Sierra Leone News: President’s Wheelchair project reaches Masimera
The Member of Parliament representing constituency 58 in Masimera and Koya Chiefdoms; Hon. Saidu Babah Kamara, has distributed a total of 34 wheelchairs to disabled members of his constituency. The wheelchair project was engineered by President Ernest Bai Koroma, as part of his drive to salvage the appalling condition of
Innovations Health gets 3,500-unit wheelchair order from Iraq
Innovations Health Devices LLC made its largest sale ever, with an order of 3,500 of its Wijit wheelchair kits to Iraq. That sale represents more Wijits than have ever been made, said Ken McGuire, president of the company. The Wijit lever-drive system for wheelchairs allows the user a mechanical advantage
Parents battling Cabot School District over child’s service dog
The Office of Civil Rights is investigating the Cabot School District after a complaint from a family over their child’s service dog. Majesty, the Sorrells family Golden Retriever service dog must stay with Zachary Sorrells, 7, at all times because the dog can detect seizures before he has them. Zachary
Voter in wheelchair slams poorly equipped polling station
Frank Pozen “speeds around pretty good” in his electric wheelchair since losing the use of his legs in an accident almost 10 years ago. His polling station at the Eighth St. Legion hall, however, is a problem. Elections Ontario lists the location as accessible. But the 60-year-old Etobicoke-Lakeshore voter says
Cleveland police officers pull wheelchair-strapped man out of burning car, nominated for heroism medal
Police officers pulled a man strapped into a wheelchair out of a burning minivan Sunday evening, after it collided with an SUV carrying an off-duty police lieutenant, police said. Eight officers in the city’s fourth police district are nominated for the department’s Medal of Heroism after they rushed to East
High school security guard charged in abuse of boy in wheelchair
A security guard at an Oakland, California, high school was reportedly fired and charged with felony child abuse after he allegedly handcuffed, punched and threw a student from his wheelchair, according to CBS San Francisco. Security footage of the incident, in which a man reported to be Marchell Mitchell, 23,
Teen in wheelchair trapped in DOE red tape over high school placement
With only weeks to go before graduation, 14-year-old Christian Calamuci should be getting ready to celebrate his accomplishments and looking toward the future. Instead, the talented teen, along with his mom, Laura, and Jessica Stagno, his guidance counselor at Gateway Academy, where Christian is an eighth-grader, say they have been
Sports
Local man strikes it big with win in wheelchair bowling championship
As Keith Green bowled the final rounds of the 53rd annual American Wheelchair Bowling Association National Championship Tournament, held June 9-14 at Bowl America Short Pump, his wife Kim had to excuse herself from the building. Kim was overcome with tears as it became clear her husband was going to take home the national title after 14 years of bowling in the league, Keith explained. “She knew that if I turned around and saw her crying, I’d get emotional,” Green said.
Adaptive Surfing Comes to Rockaway Beach
California’s premiere adaptive surfing organization, Life Rolls On, is holding an adaptive surfing clinic on Rockaway Beach in Queens, N.Y., for adults and children with all types of disabilities. The event will take place on Sunday, July 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and over 200 participants are expected
Wheelchair lacrosse comes to Denver
t is anything but your average disabled sport. Formed in 2009, USA Wheelchair Lacrosse has quickly gained support across the country, giving players an opportunity to once again play the game they love. “I started off playing wheelchair basketball, that was good, but lacrosse is my game, now I get
Three unbeaten at 2014 World Wheelchair Basketball champs
Three teams have maintained their unbeaten record on day five (9 July) of the 2014 World Wheelchair Basketball Championships in Incheon, South Korea. Reigning world champions Australia secured a narrow victory over Turkey to hold on to their perfect record, whilst Great Britain comfortably beat Japan and Spain edged past
Tatyana McFadden wins Women’s Wheelchair Peachtree
Tatyana McFadden of Clarksville, Md. won of the women’s Shepherd Center’s Wheelchair Division of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race with an unofficial time of 24:18. At 6:45 a.m. on Friday July 4, 55 men and women from the U.S., Costa Rice, Columbia, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Spain, South Korea and
Canada beats Australia to advance to semi at wheelchair basketball Worlds
Cindy Ouellet poured in 20 points and Janet McLachlan had 17 points and 15 rebounds to power Canada past Australia 63-47 on Thursday for a spot in the semifinal of the Women’s World Wheelchair Basketball Championship. Katie Harnock of Elmira added 17 points for the host Canadians, who outscored Australia
Extreme athlete taking wheelchair to new heights
In the world of extreme sports, there is no one like 22-year-old Aaron Fotheringham. He can flip, spin and hand-plant, all in a wheelchair. “You always hear, ‘Ah, he’s in a wheelchair… oh, he’s confined to his wheelchair,’” Fotheringham told CBS News. “I’m always like, I’m not confined, you know.
Over a Hundred Athletes at the 28th Annual Wheelchair Sports Camp
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch is filled with summer guests. This week, the ranch brought in visitors from around the country, and even a few from Africa. “From the knowledge I know, and the people that are here from all over the country, there’s nothing like this anywhere in the United
Inspirational Māori wheelchair basketballer up for prestigious award
Maioro Barton, of Ngāti Wai and Ngāti Porou descent, has been nominated in the New Zealand Pride Awards which recognises ordinary Kiwis doing big things in their community. He has been nominated in the community spirit category for his work, and his want to get young people with disabilities into
World number one Wagner urges young players to take up wheelchair tennis after training camp appearance
Aspiring wheelchair tennis players in the United States enjoyed a golden opportunity to hone their skills last weekend after world number one David Wagner joined in an exhibition clinic at the Tualatin Hills Tennis Centre in the town of Beaverton in Oregon, the location in which he first took up
Houdet aiming for third straight title as French Open wheelchair tennis tournament begin
Stéphane Houdet begins his bid for a third successive French Open title in front of a home crowd today, as the wheelchair tennis tournament gets underway. His opening match opponent is Dutchman Maikel Scheffers, who won the title at Roland Garros in 2011. Houdet beat Japan’s Shingo Kunieda in the
Petersfield wheelchair skatepark planned
A skatepark designed specifically for wheelchair users is being planned by a children’s charity. Festival For Young People will submit plans this month for an extension to an existing skatepark in Petersfield. The charity aims to raise £138,000 via grants and fundraisers for the extension which will have more gentle
Jr. Wheelchair Sports Camp
Our five-day Sports Camp provides youth with physical disabilities, who require the use of a wheelchair to participate in sports, the opportunity to get moving! Come learn how to play basketball, tennis, team handball, softball, sled hockey and handcycling, meet new friends and much more.
Top wheelchair tennis players compete in Augusta this weekend
When David Williams lost his mojo when he was 14, it wasn’t from the common adolescent woe of acne. No, when Williams lost his, it was when he was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord. Though suddenly wheelchair-bound, Williams found his zest through sports. Williams, now
Weir breaks wheelchair mile world record at BUPA Westminster Mile
Great Britain’s David Weir has set the fastest ever wheelchair road mile at the BUPA Westminster Mile in London today. The second of its kind, the event was organised by The London Marathon in partnership with Westminster City Council and featured 31 races for all ages and abilities. As the
NY Rollin’ Knicks Tops in Wheelchair Hoops
The NY Rollin’ Knicks beat the four-time champion Dallas Mavericks 76-53 to take the National Wheelchair Basketball Association championship in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 6. For Westchester Independent Living Center Executive Director, assistant coach and player Joe Bravo, wheelchair basketball has been a life-changing experience. He started playing at 19,
Columns
“Wheelchair access route” in Japanese garden may require magical incantation to cross
Like in so many developed countries, sidewalks, public buildings and schools all over Japan are steadily being transformed to allow bariaa furii, or barrier-free, access for all. This is of course a wonderful thing, since no one should ever be excluded or have their path blocked due to something like a steep kerb or flight of stairs, but there are some places where improving accessibility can be that bit more challenging.
4 Wheel City: Rapping Rehab
In the heart of rural Pennsylvania, in a crowded conference ballroom filled with people of all ages and disability types, a hip-hop group from New York City brought the house down. The group, 4 Wheel City, performed gut-wrenching songs about how they became injured — gun violence — and also
Clint Voelker finds freedom from his wheelchair in the sea: Tammany Sportsman
Although confined to a wheelchair for nearly his entire adult life, Clint Voelker has experienced more freedom than most men. With an oxygen tank strapped to his back and goggles wrapped around his cropped brown hair, the 30-year-old Mandeville resident routinely goes where many never dare: The untapped wilderness of
Woman Takes on Boot Camp in a Wheelchair
Connie Belt has been in a wheelchair since she was 3 and a half years old. Belt is a survivor of domestic violence. Growing up Belt says she didn’t go to any special schools and was able to do all the activities her peers did. As an adult, that hasn’t
The Power of Dance
Dance is an art form that only the human body can express. Throughout the world, one sees dance as an expression to its culture, identity and visual beauty. And when it is shared, we get a richer understanding of the world around us. Because of this, I feel dance can
Camping Season Is Here
It’s the first official weekend of summer and that means it’s the start of camping season. Camping is a great way to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether the preference is a tent or a luxurious cabin, everyone should be able to enjoy a camping trip. A disability should not
Ruling the Road
It has been said that long drives are a good way to meditate, but one recent drive on a rural highway reminded me of the risks of being on the highways and byways in anything but a car or truck. In less than an hour I viewed several types of
Dating, is it Harder for People with Physical Disabilities?
Dating for a person with a disability depends on the individual. I have known people that had a hard time and others who did not think they had any harder time than someone who didn’t have a disability. Self-confidence is a major factor in determining how they approach the dating
Super Wonder Cripster Woman
I am on the verge of making a very drastic and life-changing decision. Radical new chair? Cutting edge surgery? No … I am contemplating no longer reading the news! Lately, a spate of stories have appeared about these insane people making the life of disabled people even more difficult. No
Jewish Disabilities Awareness Month: A Primer
Jewish Disability Awareness Month (JDAM) is back for the sixth consecutive year. Jewish organizations around North America and Israel put inclusion of people with disabilities and those who love them on the proverbial “front burner” every February. When JDAM started here in Minneapolis in 2009, some people asked, “Why do we
10 Things The World Can Learn From People With Disabilities
No matter the type of person, there are lessons to be learned from them. People with disabilities are especially influential, as our hardships in life aren’t easily forgotten. We go through every day with determination and strength, which many people are bowled over by, with many secretly wondering if they
Doctor paralyzed still performs surgery thanks to stand-up wheelchair
A successful Missouri surgeon has beaten unbelievable odds by returning to the OR after suffering sudden paralysis from the waist down. Dr. Ted Rummel lost his ability to walk or stand when a blood-filled cyst on his spine burst in 2010. A year of intense rehabilitation later, he was back
Wounded Marine gets new home in Burrillville
RHODE ISLAND – Marine Corporal Kevin Dubois is finally home. He and his wife cut the ribbon on an early Christmas present Saturday, a brand new, fully paid for, handicap accessible home from Homes for Our Troops, an organization that builds adapted houses for wounded soldiers. “Thank you doesn’t even
Disability discrimination in Tennessee: How not to handle a potentially disabled employee
TENNESSEE – In a recent decision, a Tennessee court granted an employee’s motion for summary judgment, holding that the employer, as a matter of law, discriminated against him. The case highlights what not to do when you’re dealing with a potentially disabled employee. What happened Donald Lovell worked as an
Seniors, disabled get help feeding furry friends
CALIFORNIA – If Meals on Wheels didn’t deliver donated dog food, Sherry Scott of San Diego says her golden retriever Tootie would be eating the pasta, riblets and veggie wraps meant for her. But thanks to partnerships between the program for low-income seniors and pet groups across the country, fewer
‘Living wage’ effort eclipsed by minimum-pay battles
CALIFORNIA – The close of 2013 has been marked by a vigorous national debate over income inequality, the plight of low-wage workers in America and the effect of boosting mandatory minimum wages. Wheelchair attendant Erick Conley (left) assists an elderly passenger at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in SeaTac, Wash. The small
Research
Techno trousers that give wheelchair users chance to walk again
They may be compared to Wallace and Gromit’s “Wrong Trousers” but the robotic legs made by Rex are giving wheelchair users the chance to walk. Almost fully encasing the bottom half, they hold the legs in place while they walk from place to place, controlled by a small joystick at waist height. But the British inventor behind these techno trousers did not draw his inspiration from his plasticine compatriot. Instead, it was a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in his best friend 10 years ago that spurred him to come up with the invention.
Rio Firefly handcycle turns any wheelchair into a power scooter
Walking the dog, popping out to the shops, going sightseeing … it’s not that wheelchair users can’t do these things, it’s just that they’re a pain in the butt. Or, more often, a pain in the shoulder or a case of carpal tunnel or RSI. Everything takes more planning when
Scientists Develop Eyetracking Wheelchair for Severely Disabled
Scientists in London are working to develop a wheelchair that can be maneuvered simply by looking in the direction in which the user wishes to travel. If the project succeeds, relatively inexpensive software could be used to provide better mobility to paralyzed people and people without arms. Most people suffering
Wheelchair art adds colour to Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre
What is the Mobile Painting Device? The device, which attaches to a wheelchair, allows someone with almost no mobility to create art. The device delivers a gravity-fed stream of paint to a roller that’s controlled by the wheelchair artist, who paints on a canvas laid out on the ground. “It
Essential Apps for People with Disabilities
It’s no mystery that smartphones have completely changed the way we view our everyday activities. Whether we are communicating with loved ones across the country or snapping photos of our pets, our various devices are rarely ever more than an arm’s reach away. For people with disabilities, these devices have
Paraplegic Teenager Ditched Wheelchair For Awesome Robotic Suit To Kick Off World Cup
The 2014 World Cup is sure to include drama and emotion but there won’t likely be a moment as inspirational as one that took place just before the kickoff of the opening game. A unidentified teenager who is paraplegic wore a high-tech exoskeleton suit that enabled him to give the
Kenosha company develops a better wheelchair
A Kenosha engineering firm says it has developed a new wheelchair aimed at reducing shoulder and wrist injuries that come from using a regular wheelchair, and that’s also faster and better at climbing. Procubed LLC hopes to begin selling the new wheelchair late this year starting with Veterans Affairs facilities.
The Incredible Stair-Climbing, Self-Parking, Amphibious Wheelchair
On the morning of Jan. 6, 2007, U.S. Marine Corporal Joshua Hoffman and his platoon were notified of possible insurgent activity near their station in Fallujah, Iraq. When they arrived and began a sweep of an alley, Hoffman, a tall, strapping former wrestler with a passion for muscle cars, stood
MIT Scientists Have Built A Voice-Controlled Robotic Wheelchair That Could Revolutionize Elder Care
Working out of MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Matt Walter and Sachi Hemachandra have built something that could revolutionize the way people with progressive neurological conditions get from place to place — it’s a robotic wheelchair that understands basic voice commands for navigating around a space. After building
Exoskeleton Has Wheelchair Users Back On Their Feet
Cindy Cullinane has spent the past thirteen years in a wheelchair, after losing most of her leg function in a car accident. The latest technology has provided her with some remarkable results. Cindy is using what’s called an exoskeleton. It has motors at the hips and knees, and sensors underneath
Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) Wallet Card
The Reeve Foundation’s Paralysis Resource Center invites you to send a friend a copy of its new Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) wallet card. It is important to become knowledgeable about AD if you have a spinal cord injury at the T6 level or above. AD can cause a medical emergency and even be
HSE spent €7.5m providing injectable treatment for MS patients in 2013
U.K. – The HSE spent just less than €7.5 million providing injectable beta-interferon to patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) in the first ten months of this year. The information was revealed by Minister of State Alex White, in response to a question from independent TD Terence Flanagan who also
Will stem cell therapy help cure spinal cord injury?
U.K. – A systematic survey of the scientific literature shows that stem cell therapy can have a statistically significant impact on animal models of spinal cord injury, and points the way for future studies. Spinal cord injuries are mostly caused by trauma, often incurred in road traffic or sporting incidents,
LVHN is recognized for its treatment of Lou Gehrig’s disease
ILLINOIS – The ALS Association has recognized Lehigh Valley Health Network for its advances in the treatment of those living with Lou Gehrig’s disease. The distinction establishes the network’s Neuromuscular and ALS Center for Comprehensive Care as one of the facilities that meets national standards in the management of Amyotrophic
Quadriplegics At Risk For Serious Sleep Breathing Disorder
MICHIGAN – Article is published in the Journal of Applied Physiology There are over a million people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the United States alone with an estimated 11,000 new cases every year. Furthermore, it is estimated that there are, at least, 100,000 veterans with SCI, making the
Prosthetic bladder ‘could benefit those with spinal cord damage’
U.K. – British scientists have developed a new device, which may be able to restore bladder control to those who have suffered from severe nerve damage, according to a recent health study. Specifically targeting spinal injuries, the researchers used a rat subject to test their device. The new type of
Issues
Wheelchair user says basic human rights are being ignored in N.S.
Denise Fitzgerald was on vacation in St Lucia last July, when she started to get headaches and a stiff neck. She was admitted to hospital on her return to Nova Scotia and was diagnosed with Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. The 42-year-old says she suffered significant cognitive impairment, forgetting her own last name at one point, and became unable to walk. She spent the next six months in hospital recovering. Fitzgerald was released in January, still unable to move her right leg, and has been wheelchair-bound since.“When I got home it was quite difficult,” said Fitzgerald. “I began to see the problems.”
Stop Saying ‘Wheelchair-Bound’ And Other Outdated And Offensive Terms To People With Disabilities
Discussing disabilities may feel like trying to avoid metaphorical tripwires. One innocent misstep and an able-bodied person may receive a tongue lashing just for saying “handicap vehicle” instead of “wheelchair accessible vehicle.” To help you sidestep situations like the one above, note the following tips when discussing disabilities.
Leveling the Playing Field: My Lesson From Stella Young and the Dangers of “Inspiration Porn”
In 1913, Webster’s dictionary defined inspiration as “the act of power in exercising an elevating or stimulating influence upon the intellect or emotions — the result of such influence which quickens or stimulates.” That definition has clearly evolved as times have changed, changing what society considers inspirational. It’s manifested into
Will Merriam be the first Midwest city to adopt modern wheelchair access icon?
It’s time for signs to keep up with the times. That is the contention of two men who are working to make Merriam the first Midwest city to adopt a new, more active-looking symbol indicating a place is accessible to those who use wheelchairs. Finn Bullers of Prairie Village is
Lompoc native prepping for cross-country trek in wheelchair
During his teenage years, Hendrik “Eddie” Block likely turned a few heads when he would ride his wheelchair from his home in downtown Lompoc to Cabrillo High School in Vandenberg Village. As an athlete in his teens, he certainly drew attention from around the state when he claimed championships in
Stop Telling Me That I’m Pretty for a Girl in a Wheelchair: How Your Words Contribute to Violence Against Women with Disabilities
Women with disabilities experience the highest rate of personal violence of any group in our society. There are many factors that contribute to this and one factor is self-esteem. Imagine for a minute that you are the average woman – you are told daily by beauty magazines that your hair
Avoiding and Coping With Caregiver Stress
A caregiver, also known as a personal care attendant or PCA, is someone who helps a person with a disability with the activities of daily living that everyone engages in. These activities include bathing, dressing, cooking, housework and much more. A PCA can be anyone from a registered nurse to
Organization brings awareness of life in wheelchair
People often see a wheelchair as a negative, but Marblehead Veterans Middle School seventh-graders learned first-hand that it can also be a positive. “Without it I would be home sitting on my couch, I wouldn’t be here for similarity awareness,” said Chandler Bullard of Northeast Passage, an organization that shows
Electric wheelchair ticket to independence for young woman
When Jessica Hayward was a little girl, she dreamed of chasing tornadoes. Today the 27-year-old just wants to get to Wal-Mart on her own. “I’m just lost,” said Jessica, who lives in a rehabilitation center with residents three times her age because of spinal muscular atrophy III. Up until last
Trans Pennine Trail Coast-to-Coast Wheelchair Trip
An RSPB manager is undertaking a 215-mile (346km) coast-to-coast trip to help raise money to “get rid of obstacles” to give the disabled greater access to the countryside. Roy Taylor, has Motor Neurone disease, and is travelling the Trans Pennine Trail in a four-wheel-drive wheelchair.
Disability Etiquette
How should I act when meeting someone with a disability? How should I behave around a coworker or a friend’s significant other with a disability? These are common questions for someone who has had limited interaction with a person with a disability. A quick web search for a lesson in disability
Magnetic clothing changing lives for those with limited mobility
BOSTON —Imagine waking up one morning and not being able to dress yourself. That happened to former Boston College football coach Don Horton. Watch the report here In this week’s Boston Strong, how Horton and his wife turned his life-changing disease into a winning game-changer in the lives of so
Michigan residents with disabilities hit hard by polar vortex
Michigan’s record snowfalls and cold are inconvenient for everyone, but they are especially difficult for people with disabilities. The snow and ice still on Michigan sidewalks can trap people with disabilities at home or even put them in danger. Just getting to work or to a doctor’s appointment can be daunting.
US Airways fined $1.2M for inadequate wheelchair access
The Department of Transportation has fined U.S. Airways $1.2 million for not providing adequate wheelchair access for disabled passengers. The agency said the airline was in violation of the Air Carrier Access Act during two instances at Philadelphia International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport in 2011 and 2012. Transportation
Medical marijuana users will pay their own way
CONNECTICUT – Connecticut, and its more than 1,300 approved patients, call it medicine. The federal government calls it a drug with a high potential for abuse. And health insurers — they don’t really call marijuana much of anything at all. “We do not know of any health plans that provide
Airlines mishandle wheelchairs, strand disabled
CALIFORNIA – Imagine the next time you take a flight, you are asked to turn over your electronic devices. That’s right, your laptop, tablet and smart phone. And when you arrive at your destination they are given back to you broken into pieces. You wouldn’t tolerate this, would you? This
Books
Life of a Push Goddess
Sharina was born in Pontiac, Michigan on October 29, 1979 at Pontiac General Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan. As the youngest child of Robert and Sharon Finley, she was adored by her parents and siblings. Her family was very tight knit; with her parents teaching spiritual values along with other life lessons to their offspring. Sharina’s early childhood days were spent like most children; playing, going to school and learning about life. When she was just five years old, Sharina was the victim of a shooting. This event left her unable to walk for the rest of her life. More importantly, however, it was the beginning of the unveiling of Sharina’s purpose in life; to inspire others to reach their greatest potential. Even from such an early age, Sharina was aware that she was to overcome her tragedy by not focusing on herself, but to move forward to help those around her. With the help and
VIPs
Winning for awareness: Ms. Wheelchair LA hopes her win will inspire others
Louisiana has a new Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana. Her name’s Leah Hoffpauir, and she wants to make a change. Leah entered just a week before the pageant. She said she’s not really the pageant type, but when she realized winning this pageant could help bring awareness, she felt like she had to. “At first I was like, ‘oh God, what did I just get myself into?,’” Leah questioned. That’s until Leah was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana, but the crown is just part of it. “I just read that it was for advocacy which that was the part I wanted to do. So I guess being in the pageant came along with it,” Leah admitted.
Harrisville woman to compete in Ms. Wheelchair America
As Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2014, Butler County’s Jen Gilliland will compete against 29 other women for the national title of Ms. Wheelchair America in August in Long Beach, Calif. Regardless of the outcome, she is using the visibility from her state title to promote awareness of invisible disabilities: cystic fibrosis,
Ms. Wheelchair Oklahoma 2014 plans to promote good nutrition
Mary Beth Davis, 23, of Stillwater, is the newly crowned Ms. Wheelchair Oklahoma 2014, and she’s using her platform to encourage people with physical disabilities to get healthier. Davis received her crown on March 29 at the Greens Country Club in Oklahoma City before a crowd of about 130. All
Ms. Wheelchair Virginia hopes to take national title
A woman passionate about traveling, Kanika Davis listed off locations she has visited and those on her upcoming itineraries — Las Vegas, Florida, Jamaica. This summer, the Lynchburg native hopes to add one more destination — Long Beach, Calif. — where she will represent Virginia in the Ms. Wheelchair America
Ms. Wheelchair NC Prepares For Nationals
She’s a daughter, lawyer and pageant champion, but don’t call her a pageant queen. “I’m not a pageant girl,” Ariella Barker said. “I watch them on TV and I’m like this is so wrong.” Ariella Barker is reigning Ms. Wheelchair North Carolina and a spokeswoman for disabled people in the
ASU student Juliet Martinez crowned Miss Wheelchair Arizona 2014
To the cheer of the audience and the flashing of cameras, management of technology graduate student Juliet Martinez rolled to center stage. She expressed the gratitude and elegance commonly expected at a pageant, though this one was somewhat different. The title of Miss Wheelchair Arizona is not based on appearances
Longview makeup artist’s motto: ‘Do not let society dictate your life’
Longview resident Evelyna Castro doesn’t think of herself as disabled — but the 33-year-old makeup artist was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2014 this month. The Seattle pageant is not a beauty contest — the title is issued annually to a wheelchair user between the age of 18 and 65 who
Someone You Should Know: Miss Wheelchair Illinois
She’s a beauty queen with an important message. Pearl Gannon, Miss Wheelchair Illinois, is someone you should know, reports CBS 2’s Harry Porterfield. Gannon was eight years old when she slowly began to lose her ability to walk, from a neuromuscular disorder named CMT, and she has observed peoples’ perceptions
Paralyzed Prince George’s Co. police officer wins pageant
Shani Watson fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a police officer in 1996. Continue reading But, in 2004, while on duty, she was involved in a car accident on a wet, slippery road. “My power steering went out,” Watson recalls. “I remember the cruiser turning counter-clockwise.” Watson was paralyzed from
SCI Superstar: Jennifer Kumiyama
A voice so good Disney has kept her hired for over 10 years, Jennifer Kumiyama is the legendary first and only singer to use a wheelchair at Disneyland. She’s also up to much more – both a big and small screen actress, an advocate for Arthrogryposis and State Coordinator of
Trailblazing champ Jenna Fesemyer’s lesson on empathy goes beyond wheelchair track
The thing about trailblazers is they always forge ahead, with less concern for their own success than carving paths for those who will follow. Gaining steam amid Portage County farms and feed stores this spring is a three-wheeled trailblazer whose smile alone is powerful enough to knock down barriers. Ravenna
Jenn Wolff to Lead United Spinal Association’s UsersFirst Program
Jenn Wolff, a disability advocate, lobbyist and Ms. Wheelchair Iowa 2011, has been selected to spearhead United Spinal Association’s UsersFirst program and its mission to ensure greater access to appropriate wheelchairs, mobility scooters and seating systems for people with disabilities nationwide. “As a new voice for UsersFirst, I hope to
Maysoon Zayid: I got 99 problems… palsy is just one
“I have cerebral palsy. I shake all the time,” Maysoon Zayid announces at the beginning of this exhilarating, hilarious talk. (Really, it’s hilarious.) “I’m like Shakira meets Muhammad Ali.” With grace and wit, the Arab-American comedian takes us on a whistle-stop tour of her adventures as an actress, stand-up comic,
Being the Change
If someone said five years ago I would be host and co-producer of a TV show, I would have thought they were out of their mind. It all started in the summer of 2012 when Houston Community College (HCC) did a call-out to anyone who wanted to “pitch” a show
What is 3E Love…?
3E Love, LLC. is a social entrepreneurial experiment to change the perception of disability. The company was started by siblings Annie & Stevie Hopkins in 2007 with the intent of promoting their unique symbol and social model of disability. The company’s trademarked International Symbol of Acceptance (wheelchair heart logo) is
‘It’s not a beauty pageant; it’s about advocacy’
A combination of tears and smiles spread across the faces of contestants and audience members at Baton Rouge’s first Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana pageant on Sunday afternoon at the Baton Rouge Rehabilitation Hospital, which ended with the coronation of a 29-year-old college student. About seven years ago, Leah Hoffpauir lost much