In the pre-ADA era, while struggling for inclusion and putting forth an unending effort, a leader in her own quiet way took on the system with no help from anyone beyond her immediate family and friends. She had cerebral palsy and dyslexia, and was in for the fight of her …
Lessons Learned Living with Covid
If you are a person with a physical disability who is also considered high risk for surviving Covid, then you are like me. Living with the Covid threat for one year is like waiting for the longest doctor prognosis ever. You see, during the day, I am not your Diva …
Disabled Dating Dynamics
Dating, for anyone, in today’s world can be awkward and confusing. First there’s trying to meet new people. Where exactly do single men in their 30s and 40s spend their free time? Then you have to decide what you really want in a potential partner or relationship. Once you’ve figured …
Why Publishers Need to Make Room for Disabled Writers
I’ve always been a writer, and I’ve always been disabled. Those two parts of my identity are so woven into who I am that I never questioned either of them. I wrote my first “book,” about a giant spider who played basketball, when I was three or four, on blank …
Disabled Foodie Tips For You
It’s no surprise to my friends that I consider myself a foodie. Going out to restaurants is a great way to socialize without doing dishes. As someone who uses a manual wheelchair, access without the hassle is vital. As a foodie, I expect quality service, great atmosphere and delicious dishes! …
Wok and Roll Is All I know
Cooking is my least favorite activity. I’m a tiny person in a manual wheelchair. Barely able to see over a pot of boiling water, I find cooking to be dangerous for my health. When I fry eggs, the oil can splatter into my eyes as I do my best to …
Disabled College Students Segregated Despite the ADA
I leaned against the door of my Forms of Fiction class, prepared to push it open with all of my body weight. It was a semi-fruitless attempt, as the door only opened a third of the way and my muscles spasmed in protest. I was panting and beginning to sweat. …
Less Leg More Heart: A Story of Elevation After Amputation
Life has a way of throwing you curveballs when you least expect it. At 27 years old, I was completely comfortable. I had assured a favorable position after eight years of college and was working as a Physician Assistant in acute care medicine in New Hampshire. I had a brand-new …
My Severe Stenosis Helped My Anxiety
Sometimes when I am half asleep, I curl my toes, twist my ankle, and stretch my leg till I can feel it from hip to toe. I do this often, waiting till I can feel any stretch, poke, twinge, twang…hoping none turn into spasms, aches, pains, throbs… Under the cover …