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Latest news and stories
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Drastic Steps Taken to Combat Illegal Parking in Accessible Spaces
Claiming that a staggering 30% of Russian drivers ignore clearly marked disability parking signage, Russia-based not-for-profit organization Dislife concocted a bold plan to entice people to think twice. In partnership with ad agency Young & Rubicam, Dislife launched More Than A Sign, a social experiment which literally puts a face to the handicapped symbol. “Parking signs mean…
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Dancers with Disabilities Featured in New Documentary
A new documentary that showcases the amazing accomplishments of dancers with disabilities will delve into their individual, hard-fought journeys in A Passion for Dance. The film is a story of courage, passion and love that will embolden those with disabilities and simultaneously educate those that do not. The Abilities Expo team is making this movie to…
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New Children’s Book: Pawsibly The Best Medicine
By Amy Sherwood My name is Amy. I am a single mom to one persistent son and the proud human companion to Dolly Pawton, my wonderful service dog. As it happens, both saved my life, each in their own way. In my new children’s book, Pawsibly The Best Medicine, I tell the story of Dolly…
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Share a Selfie in the Wheels UP! Photo Contest
By Lisa Wells, Cure Medical The days are growing shorter and that can only mean one thing. Summer is coming to an end. But that doesn’t mean it’s quite over yet and we want to see how you spent the summer getting out and enjoying life. Yes, that’s right. It’s time for SPORTS `N SPOKES magazine’s annual photo…
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Pokémon GO or No-Go for the Community?
By Kristen Hart, Living Able Pokémon Go has taken the world by storm! It’s not uncommon for everyone to want the latest cellphone or to go see the latest movie. But I do not think I have ever seen a game or phone app be so popular to so many, especially this quickly! I do not…
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Post-Amputation Strategy: Be the Inspiration You Seek
By Lisa Wells, Wheel-Life.org By Lisa Wells, Wheel-Life.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 an ambassador and care advocate for a new educational program— www.SaveMyMedicalSupplies.org—that aims to help Medicare beneficiaries in receiving necessary medical equipment, supplies and repairs. “I began using a wheelchair…
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Post-Diagnosis of Autism: An Era of Engagement
By Patrick Paul, Anderson Center for Autism For the 1 in 59 diagnosed with Autism, there’s an entire family impacted as well. From the moment that the words “Autism Spectrum Disorder” are said by a developmental pediatrician who has taken a child through a host of tests and parents/caregivers through a journey of seemingly endless interview…
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Thinking Differently About Power Assist Devices
By Curtis Merring, Permobil The application of power assist should move more from a reactive approach to a proactive approach. For example, instead of thinking, “I will get a power assist when I need it in the future,” we should think, “I’m getting a power assist device now, so I won’t need it in the future.”…
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Contribute to a Senior Capstone Project in Power Wheelchair Technology
By Alexander Hoppe, Olin College of Engineering Currently 1 in 5 persons in the United States are living with a disability. In the coming decades, populations of people with ambulatory disabilities are likely to continue to increase. Toyota Motor North America’s Social Innovation division seeks to make mobility a source of inspiration and a way…
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Preparing Your Life for a Special Needs Child
By Jenny Wise There are so many thoughts and emotions that whirl through your mind when you learn your baby has a disability. Once the initial surge of emotions has passed, it’s time to think seriously about how you’ll prepare your life for a child with a disability. These are the five things every parent…
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Accessible Dreams Do Come True!
Living in a 1,000 square foot apartment, the Copp Family committed to their dream of providing an accessible home for their two boys, Calan and Lawson. Their boys depend on mobility devices like wheelchairs and posterior walkers due to a rare mitochondrial disorder which makes it difficult to receive much support. The Copps had their…
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Raw Beauty Project: Creating Visibility for Disability in Fashion and Society
By Margarita Elizondo, Host of Wheel Talk Wheel Issues and Abilities Expo Ambassador Designers hire models that fit “their look” and that look often looks like something you can hang on a hanger or put on a standing manikin; it does not include wheels. Filmmakers hire actors that fit “their role” and if the role includes disability,…