People on Wheels

Chronic pain sufferers helped by marijuana

CANADA -- Marijuana, or cannabis, may be an effective treatment for chronic pain, a Canadian researcher suggests. Dr. Mark Ware of the McGill University Health Center and McGill University in Montreal says marijuana may offer relief to patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain. The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, not only finds medical marijuana at a low dose offered modest pain reduction in patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain...Read More!

Wanderlust: Accessible trails in the South Bay

CALIFORNIA - Got wheels? Our abundant parks offer plenty of opportunities for visitors with wheelchairs and strollers -- or anyone seeking a smooth flat terrain and hikes that are not too taxing.The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has the most clearly identified list of accessible trails, with driving directions to each available on its website. With the help of some descriptions excerpted from the site, a few inviting examples: Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve. This preserve features the 1800s Picchetti Winery and wide dirt roads that can be navigated by most wheelchairs.Read More!

New Center Focuses On Ability, Not Disability

NORTH CAROLINA -- It's about their abilities and not disabilities at the Family Center in Winston-Salem. TeamCare has a place for the disabled to build their home skills. At the Family Center they'll be able to practice doing their own laundry and learn to cook in a safe, nurturing environment. The new center on Linn Station Road is the only facility of its kind in the Winston-Salem area.Families say now all the clients will be able to come together to have more fun. Teamcare is a full-service home healthcare provider. They work with children and adults with a wide range of needs. Read More!

Teen stays positive despite paralysis from June car crash

OHIO — Evan Campbell talks about his wheelchair like it is a new car. After test driving a few, the 15-year-old selected the model that he said has the best features, but also the potential for a charger for his iPod and cell phone. “They say it doesn’t take too much life out of the battery,” he said from his hospital room at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he has been since a June car accident left him paralyzed. “These are the important things,” his mother Tonya Kinlow said, smiling at her resilient son. Read More!

Even the sky’s no limit

MALTA - An Italian paraplegic is aiming to show Maltese aviation lovers that people with disabilities can still reach for the sky at the Malta International Airshow next month. Alessandro Paleri was rendered paraplegic in 1987 at the age of 15 after he dived into a shallow swimming pool. But despite being unable to use his legs, Mr Paleri is a founding member of We Fly – the only microlight display team composed of disabled pilots in the world – which will be appearing at next month’s air show in Luqa. “We want to show everybody that they are capable of more than they think. Both able bodied and non-able bodied can see us fly and realise it is difficult but not impossible,” he said. Read More!

North Carolina surf open to disabled

NORTH CAROLINA - Arthur Schools opens a closet door on the patio of Shell Cove house and takes out a beach buggy with balloon tires and flotation “arms.” He wheels it to the end of the pool - a pool that’s different from most as there’s no steep drop at the end, just a gentle slope into the water. “This means that handicapped persons can have full access to the pool,” he says. “They can roll right in on a buggy and float there.” Shell Cove is a rental home on this part of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, the ocean strip just south of the Outer Banks. Read More!

Expo opens more doors for the disabled

TEXAS - Abilities Expo was founded in 1979 by a wheelchair-bound polio survivor and his friends who were frustrated by limited options at their local medical supply store. One in five Americans reports having some form of disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meaning a large percentage could benefit from the products and resources displayed at the expo. Besides showcasing matches of wheelchair tennis, power soccer and hand cycling, the event included workshops offering travel tips and information on the health care overhaul. Read More!

Cheerleading From Wheelchairs?

TENNESEE - For many American teens, scoring a spot on the school's cheerleading squad is tantamount to becoming popular. Unfortunately, not everyone makes the team. But here's a story about two girls who are breaking down all kinds of barriers as the only two members of their school's squad who are cheering from their wheelchairs. Last season, despite near-debilitating cerebral palsy, Gabby Conklin became the first honorary cheerleader at Wilson Central High School. The teen's mom says she's a trailblazer who won't let her disability stand in her way. Read More!

T.K. Small Talks Brooklyn Bridge Park Gravel with NY Daily News

NEW YORK - “See the way I’m bouncing around?” he said as he maneuvered his electric wheelchair over the path. “You’re just bumping along. It’s slow and tedious. “I can do it, [but] for a lot of people that use either a manual wheelchair or walker or a cane or crutches or something like that, they’re going to have trouble getting there,” he said. “It’s a really fabulous view; it’s just spectacular. . . . I still can’t figure out why [the gravel] is necessary.” rooklyn Bridge Park officials tell the paper something we’ve heard before — crews will be sweeping and tamping down the gravel to make it a smooth surface as planned. Read More!

Home modifications available for persons with disabilities

TEXAS - Housing East Texas, a program of the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG), has announced a 30-day open application period for persons with disabilities in need of accessibility modifications to their home. The application period opens Aug. 23 and runs through Sept. 24. Housing East Texas was allocated $225,000 to serve a minimum of 15 clients in Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison and Rusk counties. Applicants’ household incomes must not exceed 80 percent of the area median income. Read More!

Paralyzed computer engineer helps develop technology for kids with disabilities

CANADA - Eric Wan sways his head from side to side and the sound of tinkling ivories radiates throughout the room...Unlike many of his peers, he has a true understanding of the importance and need for such technologies to assist youngsters with disabilities. At age 18, Wan was diagnosed with transverse myelitis - a condition resulting from inflammation of the spinal cord - four days after getting a measles vaccination.Wan was paralyzed from the shoulders down, forever transforming the life of young man who grew up with a love of computers and playing classical music on his violin. Read More!

Award-Winning U.S. Talk Show Host Montel Williams Joins Rex Bionics New International Advisory Board

NEW ZEALAND -- Rex Bionics Ltd., the company developing a robotic exoskeleton enabling wheelchair users to walk, announced formation of an International Advisory Board that includes Emmy Award-winning U.S. talk show host Montel Williams. Also named to the new board were Michael Thorner, professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va., and Frank Gardner, the BBC's award-winning Security Correspondent. "Each of these distinguished individuals is a strong advocate for the disabled," said Rex Bionics CEO Jenny Morel. "Rex Bionics is committed to seeing the world from the point of view of potential customers and we welcome the perspective that these eminent people will bring to the company." Read More!

Our Neighbor: Bachman Therapeutic Recreation Center

DALLAS — The Bachman Therapeutic Recreation Center has catered to people who are mentally, physically and emotionally disabled for more than 30 years. It's the only facility of its kind in Dallas. "We play basketball all the time, swimming, weights, stuff like that," said Angela Lacy, one of the amateur athletes who takes advantage of the competitive sports options, fitness and health programs offered at Bachman Rec. "This is where I first started playing wheelchair basketball, and I've enjoyed it ever since." Read More!

5 ways transit riders can make transit more accessible

WASHINGTON - People with disabilities often face barriers to accessing public transit. And while much of the burden of removing those barriers falls on public agencies, other patrons can help make transit more accessible too. Discussions about making the fixed-route more accessible to people with disabilities and older adults often center on items in the transit provider's sphere of control (i.e., vehicle and station design, stop announcements, assistance provided by bus operators, etc.). Barriers beyond the transit provider's sphere of control, such as obstacles encountered by pedestrians in the public right-of-way, also need to be addressed. Rarely, however, do we discuss what the transit customer can do. Read More!

EasyJet taken to task over wheelchair policy

U.K. - The airline easyJet has come under fire for preventing thousands of disabled people from flying on its planes by refusing to allow most powered wheelchairs onboard. The airline refuses to carry in one piece wheelchairs that weigh more than 60kg without their batteries. Trailblazer, a campaign group for people with muscular dystrophy, claims this restriction excludes most powered wheelchairs, which weigh an average of 100kg with their batteries detached. EasyJet blames the weight restriction on health and safety rules, which limit the amount each baggage handler is allowed to lift. Read More!

Marietta proudly takes ADA standards seriously

GEORGIA - Allen Currey easily maneuvered his dark blue electric scooter along the Front Street sidewalk in Marietta this week, stopping at crosswalk signals before continuing on to the Ohio River Levee. "I love this city. Marietta is a dream - I can go almost anywhere downtown on this scooter, although the brick streets can be a little rough," the Vienna resident said. Currey said the gently-sloped ramps at each street corner and mid-block crossings make negotiating traffic a breeze... according to Marietta City Engineer Joe Tucker shortly after taking office, began initiating a program to install curb ramps across the city that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Read More!

Back in the game

MINNESOTA - Rydberg, who was injured in an accident when he was 13 months old and is now in a wheelchair, will represent the USA in the men’s singles and doubles at the US Open in New York. It will be Rydberg’s third US Open. Rydberg has previously been ranked as the No. 1 wheelchair tennis player in the United States, is a two-time Paralympian (2004 and 2008) and an eight-time United States Wheelchair World Cup team member. “This is one of the coolest tournaments,” Rydberg said.Read More!

Able as ever:Paralyzed athletes training, competing hard, helping others remain active

John Charles Payne was always active as a boy, and when he was 15, a friend introduced him to mountain biking. The sport became his passion, and Payne became a very good rider. "I was going all over the country competing," says Payne, 31. He was so good he even had a sponsor -- Trek Bikes -- for some of his races. Payne's life went in a different direction... "I was coming down a hill at about 35 to 40 miles per hour," Payne recalls, "when I hit something -- I don't know what." Read More!

Teams wanted for Quincy wheelchair basketball tournament

ILLINOIS - Playing wheelchair basketball isn't as easy at it looks. The West Central Illinois Center For Independent Living is hosting a wheelchair basketball tournament Sept. 18 at John Wood Community College. Dustin Gorder of the CIL says eight teams have already signed up, "It's quite a different experience," Gorder said. "You think it's something easy to do, I mean, how hard could it be to wheel down the court and shoot? But it isn't that easy." Read More!

Paralyzed Surfers Ride Waves At 'They Will Surf Again'

NEW YORK - Nearly 40 paralyzed surfers were on hand in Queens as they learned something they might not have thought possible before. They will surf again. Rockaway, Queens was the site of the eighth stop on Life Roll's On's nine-city adaptive surfing tour. Their signature program is 'They Will Surf Again'.Life Roll's On utilizes action sports to demonstrate the "infinite possibilities despite paralysis."Read More!

OU's Wilson finding new ways to make a difference

OKLAHOMA — Corey Wilson may not be able to run out and catch a pass for Oklahoma. Walking can still be a struggle for the receiver who injured his spinal cord in a car accident last year. That doesn't mean he can't make a difference for his team and, eventually, for others who find themselves in the same situation.Wilson is now serving as an unofficial assistant coach, helping to review film and offering his teammates pointers. And when he can, he wants to start a foundation to help people who — like him — are hoping to one day discard their wheelchair and walk again. Read More!

U.S. paralympics sled hockey teaches Rico Roman value of determination, willingness to try something new

OREGON - Rico Roman saw himself as a certain kind of athlete -- a basketball and football player, a high school wrestler. But since the 29-year-old North Portland native was named the first war-wounded veteran to land a spot on the U.S. Paralympics Sled Hockey team last month, he has learned that a man can do many things he never imagined if he's willing to try something new. One of the first big changes in Roman's life came after he graduated from Alpha High School and joined the U.S. Army. Read More!

Local Teen Makes U.S. Paralympic Hockey Team

PENNSYLVANIA - More than eight years have passed since KDKA-TV's first report on the Mighty Penguins sled hockey team. At the time, a little boy in a gold helmet shared his dream of one day making the U.S. Paralympic Team.Now, Dan McCoy has his wish. The 16-year-old Indiana Township player has been selected as the youngest player on the 16-man national team.Read More!

Mets host Wheelchair Softball tourney

NEW YORK - The top wheelchair athletes from around the world rolled into Queens for the 34th annual National Wheelchair Softball Tournament (NWST) at Citi Field. “It’s fun and exciting. It’s our nationals,” said Maurice Reynolds, third baseman for the RIC Cubs. “It’s like the World Series of softball.” For the first time in NWST history, this “World Series of softball” was held at a Major League ballpark. The New York Mets teamed up with the Wheelchair Sports Federation (WSF) to host the tournament and even sponsor their namesake Queens team. Read More!

Dancing for the disabled

AUSTRALIA - A NEW activity for people with disabilities and their friends is about to be introduced in the Valley... Lions Club will host a disco for people with disabilities, to be held every two months and alternating between Grafton, Maclean and Yamba. The Department of Sport and Recreation has supported the disco with a $10,000 grant. Read More!

'Sports Magnet' Matt Walker a hit around the Trop

FLORIDA - Everyone at Tropicana Field had just been invited to stand and stretch and sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," and Matt Walker, seated in the back of the press box in his wheelchair Tuesday night, grabbed his microphone with the Tampa Bay Rays logo, pushed himself a little taller in his chair and started singing into his recorder. "Take me out to the ball game … " Earlier, Matt had called WKID in Clearwater with an update of the Rays-Texas Rangers game. Read More!

'Hand'-ling the competition

TENNESSEE — Thomas Kahler isn't thinking about the day nearly 20 years ago that changed his life forever, but instead concentrating on what he can accomplish this weekend.Tom is one of hundreds of men and women who will compete in the Methodist Medical Velo Classic, a bicycle race held in Oak Ridge for the past several years. But, for Tom and others, the race is about overcoming the odds.Read More!

YOUTUBE:

Quad Rugby - Murderball in Louisville--Quad Rugby Nat'l Championship 2009.Click Here!

Buffalo Sabres vs. Niagara Thunderblades Sled Hockey 2-8-09 Click Here!

U.S./Canadian Sled Hockey Brawl Click Here!

Fund Raiser of Ohio Buckey Blitz! Ohio's only Quad Rugby Team. Click Here!

Delray Beach's Jan Proctor Wins First Wheelchair Tennis Title Click Here!

See TV Clip About People On Wheels!
Click here!

Air Carrier Access Act Regulations Updated

In May, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued updated regulations for The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).
This Act now applies to both U.S. and foreign carriers. There are new requirements for airport and aircraft accessibility and changes in airport services including reservations, facilities, in-flight and aircraft acquisitions. To learn more about the old rules and the changes, visit the ADA publication by clicking here!

Action Alert! Pressure the New Administration for Jobs for People with Disabilities

WASHINGTON D.C. - A group of national consumer-controlled disability organizations sent a letter to key players in the Obama administration to pressure them into living up to their promises to our community. It is time to turn on the HEAT! We want JOBS for people with disabilities in the new administration! We want a domestic policy adviser IN THE WHITE HOUSE who is knowledgeable about and experienced in disability issues! We want our voices heard and our opinions valued as appointments and decisions are made that will affect our lives! Read More!

Botox can end catheter leakage and other issues!

This is one of the biggest breakthroughs in bladder care for SCI and MS patients in a long time. People who use catheters and experience leakage in spite of taking bladder medications need to know about the affects of injected Botox!
Urologists inject Botox in the bladder, relaxing the bladder muscle which relieves leakage and replaces the need for oral medications that lead to dry mouth and other reactions. Those who have used it say the results are unbelievable! Allergan, the developer of Botox, is setting up study sites to prove to the insurance companies how well it works. Any spinal cord injured patient or MS patient who uses a catheter and passes their screening test can get the Botox FREE along with all the tests paid for as well and money for their time. Call this toll free number( 1-888-617-8839) and check out this site: www.dignitytoostudy.com to see if you can take part in the study! Read about two kinds of Botox treatments and how they worked for these cath users. Article 1 and Article 2

DANGER: Serious brain and spinal cord damage is occuring to children in rear-end collisions because of faulty front driver and passenger seats

USA - A rear-end collision can cause a collapse of front seat passengers into the head/neck region of children in car seats, attached behind front seat driver or passengers. This happens in cars manufactured with seatbelts attached to the seats (ABTS of "all belts to seats) instead of the roof or post between front and back windows. Watch this video and make sure your seats are strong and seatbelts are properly attached to the car at the post or ceiling.

Nursing Home's political contributions keep elderly and disabled in nursing homes against their will

According to disability advocate, Steve Gold, the nursing home industry has been buying congressional votes against the Community Choice Act, with their campaign contributions. The Community Choice Act (CCA) would allow the elderly and disabled to stay in their homes and receive Medicaid benefits instead of more expensive mandated nursing home care. These folks often want to stay in their homes. The plan would save taxpayer money, but the CCA is continually blocked by what critics say are the "vote buying practices" of the American Health Care Association--the nursing home's trade association.
Says Gold, "ask for a meeting with officials who have taken these donations. Use the information linked below to initiate a dialogue with your Senators and Representatives. When they say they are in favor of the Community Choice Act, ask them to return the nursing home industry contributions as a sign of good faith. If they say they oppose eliminating the institutional bias, discuss the contributions.
Many newspapers and other media might also be interested." To find out which Congressmen received donations from the nursing home industry and how much they received, Click Here!

NEWS FLASH! New increased VA grants for specially adapted housing

WASHINGTON – A change in the law that allows certain seriously injured veterans and service members to receive multiple grants for constructing or modifying homes has resulted in many new grants, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today. Before the change, eligible veterans and service members could receive special adaptive housing grants of $10,000 or $50,000 from VA only once. Now they may use the benefit up to three times, so long as the total grants stay within specified limits outlined in the law. Read More!

New product line of Wheelchair Seat Covers, now available

From Kramer Enterprises comes hand-crafted seat covers now come in dozens of fabrics and prints including Hannah Montana, High School Musical, SpongeBob Squarepants, florals, denim, college and pro logos and much more. All wheelchair seat covers are hand-crafted one by one and can be machine washed and dried. Might make a great gift! Read More!

An Overview of Pain Management

There are several different pain theories, but all focus on the central nervous system as the main message center. The spinal cord is the relay center where pain signals can be blocked, enhanced, or modified before signals reach the brain. Pain perception is a neurological experience — an interpretation and response to the pain message. Factors that can influence a person's pain reaction include physiological, psychological, biochemical, emotional, social, Read More!

More Research News!

Click Here, or on Research link above!

Blue Food Dye Treats Spinal Cord Injury

Researchers report that the compound Brilliant Blue G (BBG) stops the cascade of molecular events that causes secondary damage to the spinal cord

ALS research yields hope for the future
Gene Mutation identification may lead to treatment

Team Regrows Neurons Controlling Movement in Rats
Goal is to one day develop a therapy to help with spinal cord injuries

Columbia University doctors have bypassed a break in a rat's spinal cord
motor nerve from above break formed branches into spinal cord below injury allowing movement

Conquering chronic pain: Scientists find key

During a nine-day treatment in rats the effect of L-838,417 was completely retained

Polyethylene Glycol therapy found to reduce traumatic brain injury-related behavioral symptoms

when administered within four hours of the injury, according to new study

UMMS researchers isolate first 'neuroprotective' gene in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

it will potentially provide a target for the development of new ALS treatments

Crucial Finding Advances Spinal Cord Injury Research

Scientists guide axons to re-form nerve connections in rats

Scientists coax brain cells in mice to regenerate

a finding that may lead to new treatments for spinal cord and brain injuries

Umbilical cord blood cell transplants may help ALS patients

When adult stem cells are injected into muscle, the cells pumped out GDNF that helps the connecting nerves survive and maintain connection

Allen Institute for Brain Science Unveils World's First Genome-Wide Spinal Cord Atlas

Landmark Atlas Holds Vast Potential to Accelerate Life-Changing Spinal Cord Research

New Research Shows Adult Stem Cells Best Hope for ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease

long-Term sensory motor function in preclinical studies

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Protect the Spinal Cord, Heart, Brain and Eyes Long-chain (seafood) omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids continue to prove their value in heart, brain and eye health, according to recent research

Karianna

When I enter an airport I'm in hostile territory. Dread and courage fill me.

Being tetraplegic isn't a lifestyle choice

But, every cloud has a silver lining

Federal Disability $

Processing delays to receive benefits are now reaching 515 days...some die first

Hell On Wheels: 24 Hours Without Legs In Moscow
Yasha Levine says "In the USSR, there are no invalids."

Charles Krauthammer

The campaign: The President and his wheelchair

Laylan Connolly

Paddle toward hope:

Raising awareness about spinal cord injury at the beach

Click Here for Great Stuff!

• Local Wheelchair Sports Organizations
• E-mail addresses for Senators & Representatives
• Adaptive Summer Camps
• Vans
• Adaptive Clothing
• Magazines
• Health Facts
• Accessible Housing Information
• Travel Services

Find many more resource links on our Links page.

Top Sellers

Life on Wheels

Whatever your condition, this book
is about getting the most from your life!

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Positioning in a Wheelchair

Celebrating back to nature
Newly accessible, restored Trexler Nature Preserve opens for enjoyment

PENNSYLVANIA - After his death in 1933, Gen. Harry C. Trexler, Lehigh County's most influential citizen, left more than 1,100 acres in the Schnecksville area to the people of the county.''If a trip through my preserve has opened to you a little wider the great outdoors, and nature has revealed something you may not before have seen or known,'' he wrote, '' I shall feel repaid in my efforts to help conserve in its proper setting some of our wildlife.'' Now, with the formal public opening of the Trexler Nature Preserve, we can start repaying the late general by enjoying the wildlife, plants and scenic beauty of his former land.County and other officials Friday formally dedicated the preserve that underwent a $2.75 million face-lift to make the land more accessible to people in a number of ways -- by foot, wheelchair, bike and horseback. Read More!

Watch this training video on wheelchair use of sidewalks!

D.C. - A series of videos on sidewalk accessibility previously available on DVD can now be viewed through our site. Accessible Sidewalks is a four-part video developed to illustrate issues and considerations in the design of sidewalks. The series covers access for pedestrians with mobility impairments, including those who use wheelchairs, and pedestrians who are blind or have low vision. The videos are open captioned and incorporate running descriptive audio. See More!

Handi-Access Awards for accessible businesses - Great Idea!

GEORGIA - Able disaAbled, a local organization advocating for disabled rights, wants to recognize business owners who ensure their stores are wheelchair accessible. “They did simple things like making sure the aisles are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair and putting shelf items within reach...” Read More!

Easter Seals and the CENTURY 21® System's Easy Access Housing

NATIONAL - Accessible homes aren’t much different from the average homes lining a typical, American neighborhood street. In fact, many accessible homeowners find that certain defining features have a positive impact on their home’s overall value and resale price. Read More! or Go on a virtual tour of an accessible home!

Davie opens entirely handicapped-accessible playground at Bamford Park, FL

FLORIDA - Having a 2-year-old confined to a wheelchair as a result of spinal muscular atrophy severely limited where Jennifer Smith could take her daughter Madison to play. She now has another option: the recently opened, entirely handicapped-accessible playground at Bamford Park in Davie. The playground is complete with rubberized surfaces, ramps, handrails, a tabletop sandbox, a wheelchair swing and interactive activities. There also is a JennSwing, an inclined swing appropriate for children with respiratory problems who can't stay upright. Read More!

Accessible Arts Workshops Offered In Berea, Maysville, Horse Cave

KENTUCKY - The Kentucky Arts Council and the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts have partnered to present a series of accessibility workshops in communities that have received Cultural District Planning Grants from the Kentucky Arts Council with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The workshops will be led by Martha M. Newman, Director of Access Services at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts and will focus on a wide range of accessibility issues that face communities as they develop arts districts. Read More!

Free Service Available to Find and List Affordable and Accessible Housing

NEW YORK — The New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) today announced a free on-line housing listing and locator service for affordable, special needs, and accessible housing throughout New York State. The new service will assist renters, property providers, housing professionals and social service providers with accessing real-time rental housing information throughout New York State. DHCR created NYHousingSearch.gov in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health (DOH) and the New York Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD). Read More!

New Jersey Transportation for elderly, disabled facing cutbacks
Casino losses put brakes on senior busing

NEW JERSEY - The county-run buses and vans that transport senior citizens and disabled residents are heading toward a red light, unless additional funding is found to keep them rolling at 2007 service levels, warned officials who operate those paratransit systems.
Known locally as Ocean Ride in Ocean County and SCAT in Monmouth County, paratransit systems depend on revenues from Atlantic City casinos, in addition to county funds. Counties lost $4 million in 2008 because of an 11 percent funding decrease from casinos as their revenues declined.
With casino revenues predicted to drop again, officials warned that could affect rides for senior citizens and disabled residents, who depend on them most. Read More!

Miami-Dade, cities offer recreational programs for people with disabilities

FLORIDA - With sweat dripping from his brow, Luis Amaro held tight to the handles of an exercise machine at a North Miami Beach gym, furiously pushing his arms back and forth. But Amaro's legs remained motionless, braced against the support of the EasyStand Evolv machine that allowed him to stand long enough to use the exercise equipment -- helping him build bone density and gain muscle strength. Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department provides a range of programs through its Leisure Access Services, such as tennis, golf, swimming and basketball -- including an annual basketball tournament for players on wheelchairs. Read More!

Wheelchairs take to this park in Arizona

ARIZONA - Not too many places in our rugged desert area offer unpaved trails that are fit for everyday walkers and wheelchair users alike. One is Feliz Paseos Park west of Tucson. The park, a 50-acre preserve set in gently rolling terrain, includes both paved paths and unpaved gravel trails — but even the unpaved routes are graded to accommodate wheelchairs. daughter, Vanessa, uses a wheelchair and sometimes takes a spin at the park. Get to Feliz Paseos. Drive west on Speedway to Camino de Oeste. Turn right, north, onto Camino de Oeste and continue less than a mile to the park entrance on the right. The park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. Dogs are allowed but must be on leashes. Bikes and horses are prohibited. Admission is free. Read More!

$1M being spent on playgrounds in Lackawanna County

PENNSYLVANIA - Lackawanna County plans to spend $1 million to build playgrounds in Scranton, Dunmore and South Abington Twp. where children with disabilities can play alongside children without physical challenges. County officials touted the plans as historic and a sign the county welcomes diversity. “Children just want to play,” county Commissioner Corey O’Brien said. “We’re excited that children in wheelchairs and not in a wheelchair can be swinging together at eye level.” Read More!

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