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
-
How to Support Neurodiversity in the Classroom
By Adrian Johansen Society is more neurodiverse than the education system may think. In fact, it’s estimated that 30-40% of the population is neurodivergent, as characterized by a medical condition (like autism spectrum disorder or ADHD) that causes their brains to function differently than neurotypical brains. Neurodivergence isn’t a disadvantage—but it is something that educators must…
-
Tips to Take Care of a Parent with Dementia or Alzheimer’s
By Holly Kramer If you are reading this, you may have a parent who has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s. While this can be a difficult time for you and your parents, it is essential to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you care for your parent,…
-
First Winnebago Accessibility Enhanced Roam Camper Van Hits the Open Road
Abilities Expo exhibitors La Mesa RV and Winnebago are pleased to announce the first delivery of the Winnebago Roam, the first accessibility enhanced camper van from Winnebago. Both La Mesa RV and Winnebago recognize that there is a growing need for factory-built accessible camper vans and motorhomes, as exhibited at Abilities Expos. The delivery recently took place on La Mesa’s…
-
Finding Purpose in a Bardet-Biedl Syndrome Diagnosis
By Molly D’Angelo I’d guess that every parent these days is aware of the phenomenon known as “mom shaming.” Social media gives us unprecedented access to other families’ daily lives. I’ve been a mom for 18 years and judgement over other moms’ choices to breastfeed or formula feed, work or stay at home, and using…
-
Reeve Foundation Leads the Pack in Resources and Support for People with Paralysis
By Rita Gentles, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation provides a National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) that offers a wide range of FREE programs, resources and support systems for those affected by paralysis. The pulse of the NPRC is our Information Specialists who are trained to help anyone—from newly-paralyzed individuals and their family members to…
-
Save energy and reduce stress: Accessible spaces do both
By Julie Sawchuk, Sawchuk Accessible Solutions Five years ago, I attended Abilities Expo Toronto, anxiously looking for answers to questions I didn’t even know I had. What I found was an incredible amount of information about accessible travel, different types of mobility devices, assistive equipment, evacuation chairs and examples of accessible public transportation (just to name…
-
Bella’s Bumbas Gives the Gift of Mobility to Kids Across the Globe
Though the Webster, NY-based non-profit has only been in existence for five years, Bella’s Bumbas LTD. has made its presence known worldwide as they assist children facing mobility challenges. Its grass roots mission all began after Isabella (Bella) was born into the family with a diagnosis of Spina Bifida in 2015. Rebecca and Marty Parzynski, Bella’s Great…
-
5 Myths and Facts about School Supports (504 Plans and IEPs)
By Sarah Kesty, Executive Function Coach IEPs and 504 plan meetings can be overwhelming. The jargon, the fast pace, the emotional components all mix together to create some confusing moments. After helping families for nearly 20 years, I’ve realized there are lingering misunderstandings about special education. Here, I share the top 5 myths and some…
-
Grow your Savings: Open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Today!
The Government of Canada understands that long-term financial security is a real concern for people with disabilities and their families. What is a RDSP? Created in 2008, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) supports persons with disabilities, their families and loved ones save for the future. The RDSP is a long-term savings plan, which allows…
-
Building Your Employ-Ability
Access 2 Accessibility (A2A), a Canadian non-profit created November 13, 2017, is a central resource hub for people with disabilities and older adults. A2A delivers programs based upon empowerment of people with disabilities, focusing on their strengths and abilities, over their disabilities. In 2019, Carol-Ann Chafe and Mary Daniel created their “Building Your Employ-Ability” (BYEA)…
-
Do You Need to Disclose a Disability in a Job Interview?
By Adrian Johansen Living with a disability shouldn’t be a hurdle to a meaningful career. Yet, it is not unusual to feel as though you need to be cautious about disclosing to potential employers. This may be through concerns about conscious or unconscious bias in hiring decisions. It could also simply be the case you…
-
A Disabled Driver’s Guide to Car Buying
Elizabeth Long Having the ability to get yourself where you need to be, enjoy your hobbies and be able to see friends is a huge source of happiness and fulfillment. It gives you a sense of freedom and independence, and is also vital in reducing reliance on other people when you make plans. For some…