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Using Self-Awareness to Advocate for Support Needs in Different Environments
By Jordan Smelley, Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) and Sarah Galbraith Laucks, Director of Education and Events, Abilities Expo Editor’s Note: This article is the transcript of the training from Jordan Smelley, which has been edited to make it easier to read. See below the article for more details. Click to download presentation slides from the video or…
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What to Look for in Senior Living?
By Johny Kershaws There are several things to consider when choosing senior living for disabled people. The most important thing is to find a welcoming and inclusive community of all residents, regardless of ability level. Here are some other factors to consider: Get to know caregivers and staff Visiting the facility is one of the…
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Highly Effective Job Management Tips for Single Moms with Disabilities
By Claudia Jeffrey Around 4.1 million to 9 million single parents in the US have some kind of physical disability. Making adjustments to the new normal is the toughest thing, especially if you are a single mommy. You have to work, cook, clean, and do household chores all by yourself, yet you have nobody to share their…
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Under 65 and on SSDI? What You Don’t Know May Be Costing You.
Did you know that if you or your loved one is under the age of 65 and on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) for 24 months or more, you or they may qualify to apply for Medicare? And if you or your loved one is on Medicaid as well, you may be missing out on…
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Check Your Catheter for Chemical Warning Labels
By Lisa Wells, Cure Medical What’s in your catheter? It’s time to find out! A new requirement under California’s Proposition 65 law now ensures that, prior to sale, medical supply manufacturers must disclose if their products are made with harmful chemicals listed on the State of California’s Prop 65 registry. As a result of the updated…
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Raising Your Voice for a Better Medicare
By Lisa Wells, Wheel-Life.org Have you struggled to get the wheelchair repairs you need? Or found it nearly impossible to have the diabetic supplies you were prescribed (instead of another brand) delivered through Medicare’s national mail order program? Unfortunately, you’re not alone. Medicare reform mistakes are hurting millions of people nationwide who depend on medical…
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Paralympian Advocates for Wheelchair Users and Amputees via SaveMyMedicalSupplies.org
By Lisa Wells, SaveMyMedicalSupplies.org As a recent amputee, Thomas Morris discovered a whole new world when he attended his first Abilities Expo three years ago. Today, he’s returning to the Expo as an ambassador and care advocate for a new program—www.SaveMyMedicalSupplies.org—that aims to help Medicare beneficiaries in receiving necessary medical equipment, supplies and repairs. “I’m…
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A Broken System Makes It Hard to Get the Right Wheelchair
By Ann Eubank, UsersFirst I attend every Abilities Expo because it is the number one expo for people with disabilities and people who love people with disabilities. They have everything there: accessible vans and cars, the latest styles of wheelchairs, very cool accessories and lots of non-profit organizations offering advice and connection. If you can…
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Fighting Against Gravity for the Law
By Mike Ervin, Abilities Expo Ambassador Former Abilities Expo Chicago ambassador Linda Mastandrea always liked the idea of becoming a judge someday. But she hated the idea of doing what must be done to run a successful campaign to be elected to a seat on the bench. But when a vacancy occurred last summer in the 9th…
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Sitting Ground for Disability Rights Against Medicaid Cuts
By Stephanie Woodward, Center for Disability Rights I was arrested four times in five weeks because I refused to sit quietly when the lives and liberty of Americans with disabilities are at risk. I am used to strangers stopping me in public to compliment me on my brightly colored wheelchairs; I am not used to…