Connect with community
Explore articles with practical tips, opinion pieces, and in-depth stories designed to enhance independence and improve quality of life for people with disabilities, their caregivers, and supporters.
Join the buzz
Get disability news and information to your inbox.
Browse by topic
Latest news and stories
-
En Garde!
By John Martin, Fencing Star Academy One of the first sports to be included in the Paralympic program, Wheelchair Fencing made its debut in England in 1953 in the Stoke Mandeville Games, a competition especially for war veterans. The first countries to develop the sport were precisely those with a tradition in world fencing: England,…
-
A Mother’s Journey Affirms There is No Limit to a Mother’s Love
What started off as an ordinary day in the life of Lisa Brodeur in November of 1997 took a turn for the devastating when a drunk driver claimed the life of her husband and paralyzed her 10-year-old son, Kyle. When that split second of impact inexorably changed the Brodeur family’s life, it set in motion…
-
Partially Blind Skier with MS Set for 2014 Paralympic Games
By David Block Danelle Umstead of Park City Utah will be a key U.S. skier to watch for at the Paralympics in March in Sochi, Russia. The sight impaired Umstead left her mark at the 2010 Paralympic Games in Vancouver, Canada, when she and her fully sighted guide/husband Rob Umstead won two bronze medals in skiing;…
-
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…
-
Neurofeedback: The Happiness “Pill” for ADD, Autism, Depression and More
By Cristina Wood, M.A., M.F.T., Los Angeles Neurofeedback Neurofeedback has been known as a non-invasive treatment with successful results for problems related to ADHD/ADD, Autism Spectrum and addictions. It helps the brain to regulate itself in a way that the person treated is able to overcome whatever the deficit she/he has. Sometimes my clients come to…
-
Never Giving Up
Donna Russo has danced since the age of ten. She began with ballet and tap and later added jazz and modern to her repertoire. She was diagnosed with Turners Syndrome at an early age, which has affected her growth. She is small in stature and stands only 4 feet, 3 inches tall. Although she auditioned for…
-
Product Spotlight: Onit Ability Boards
With a design reminiscent of the outrigger canoes of ancient Southeast Asian maritime cultures, a new-to-market product has merged old and new technology to provide people with disabilities access to the open water. It was just last year that avid surfer and Hawaiian native Kawika Watt and his partner, James Rouse, embarked on an exciting…
-
Opening the Gate: Stories and Activities about Athletes with Disabilities
On sale this winter, just in time for the Paralympics, is an exciting new book for middle-graders by Ingrid Floyd called Opening the Gate: Stories & Activities about Athletes with Disabilities. Targeted for able-bodied youngsters and those with disabilities alike, it is inspires them to pursue their dreams in sports, as well as helps volunteers, teachers,…
-
Talented Service Dog Helps Partner Overcome Challenges of RA
By Janis Gioia George Strait, if you’re reading this article, Amy Fey of Schertz, Texas, would love to meet you. While meeting the country music legend might be Amy’s dream come true, it would be more life changing for Mr. Strait to meet Amy…she radiates that much joy, energy, positivity and hope. And if he…
-
How to Determine Career-Fit: A Guide for People with Disabilities
By Paul Bates, SolidEssay Embarking on a new career is an exciting, challenging and sometimes terrifying prospect and, regardless of your level of ability, finding the right fit requires research and patience. Three Main Factors in Choosing Employment It is up to you to look at the factors above as well as your own personality and decide what…
-
5 Signs of Stress in Your Caregiver
By Charlie Kimball, MedicalCareAlert.com Having a disability is rough, as it’s necessary to learn different ways of dealing with your surroundings. With new disabilities, it’s often necessary to get a caregiver to assist with the activities of daily living. The right caregiver can bring joy, enriching your life to help you achieve great triumphs, but, like any great calling,…
-
Teaching Your Child to Self-Cath with Pediatric Education Resources
By Lisa Wells, Cure Medical Parents often arrive at the Abilities Expo looking for resources and services that can help their child who has a disability or special needs. That’s why we are so excited to share a free, new resource from Cure Medical designed especially for children by pediatric nurses! The Cure Medical Pediatric Education program is…