Disability

A Deaf Mom Shares Her World
Move to Florida, Or Not?

DeafMom

18 Nov 2009 | 7:11 am

Last week, we had to contemplate a decision of whether to move to Florida so that I could work as a VCO Account Executive or stay put in Chicago: At a Career Crossroads. Yes, I know I’m going to regret Florida in the middle of a brutal Chicago winter and y’all can razz me about that in mid-February. But at least summer will come around again and I’ll be here: Bookmark me! More »
Fashionable Hearing Aids

DeafMom

12 Nov 2009 | 5:50 am

I came across a post this morning, The Shame of Wearing Hearing Aids and it brought back memories. I was one of those kids who hid a hearing aid under long hair. It wasn’t until I was in college that I finally wore my hair up and my hearing aid perched for all to see. Kinda sad, eh? All those years spent trying to hide something that was basically a part of me– except I didn’t want any part of it. I decided to raise my kids with a different attitude about their hearing aids. From the start, we went with brightly-colored earmolds with swirls and glitter. I even…
Dad Beats Cancer!

DeafMom

2 Nov 2009 | 5:41 pm

We were standing at the edge of the pier, looking at the water that lapped over the brick wall in front of my parent’s house. The lake water was at a record high and it threatened to creep into the crawlspace if it rose any higher. Every day, Dad was climbing down the rickety crates that formed a makeshift staircase into the crawl space to check on the sump pump. Some of the neighbor’s homes had water in them. He was doing everything he could to keep the water from coming into the house. “It’s been a shitty summer,” my Dad murmured. He gazed at the…
The American Sign Language Journey

DeafMom

21 Oct 2009 | 5:31 pm

I’m sitting in a restaurant in Northbrook as I type this. I have just dropped off my daughter at the International Center for Deafness and the Arts (ICODA) and I’m passing the time as she practices for the upcoming Peter Pan play. Three, sometimes, four times a week, we make the one hour trek from our home to the tiny theatre where she joins a group of deaf and hard of hearing kids of all ages. Each and every time, she’s so excited to go and hang with her friends. “Hey Mom, look at this neat ASL phrase I learned today!” she signs. She’s picking up…
Wordless Wednesday– It’s a Slam Dunk!

DeafMom

14 Oct 2009 | 6:26 am

Wordless Wednesday: It’s a slam dunk off the side of the boat! Bookmark me! More »

Disability News | PatriciaEBauer.com
Potential treatment for Down syndrome?

Patricia Bauer

20 Nov 2009 | 12:45 am

From MIT Technology Review, [UK] Times, [UK] Telegraph, [UK] Daily Mail, Reuters/ABC News: New research published in the journal Science Translational Medicine reports that scientists have been able to use several existing drugs to improve the cognitive functioning of mice that were genetically engineered to exhibit symptoms similar to Down syndrome. Experts said the research offers hope [...]
Researchers: Prosthetic legs give Pistorius unfair advantage

Patricia Bauer

19 Nov 2009 | 9:13 am

From the New York Times and AP: A new study published today in The Journal of Applied Physiology concludes that prosthetic legs worn by double amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius give him an unfair advantage over able-bodied runners. Researchers said Pistorius’s blades allow him to turn over his strides more quickly and with more power than a runner [...]
Parents divided on hypothetical cure for Down syndrome

Patricia Bauer

18 Nov 2009 | 11:53 pm

From the Los Angeles Times ‘Booster Shots’ blog: Parents of children with Down syndrome, responding to a survey by researchers from the University of British Columbia, differed widely about the desirability of a hypothetical cure for the disorder. Of the 101 parents surveyed, 27 percent said they would not seek to cure their children and another 32 [...]
Feds sue turkey processor in Atalissa case

Patricia Bauer

18 Nov 2009 | 11:34 pm

From the Des Moines Register: The U.S. Department of Labor has filed a lawsuit against Henry’s Turkey Service for allegedly paying workers with disabilities far less than the minimum wage to work in a meat processing plant in Atalissa, Iowa. Twenty-one men with intellectual disabilities were evacuated from a company-run bunkhouse in February when a state fire [...]
Student with Down syndrome inducted into National Honor Society

Patricia Bauer

18 Nov 2009 | 10:58 pm

From the Kansas City Star: Friends and teachers say they are not surprised that 17-year-old Sarah Sherman from Overland Park, Kansas, was inducted into Blue Valley North High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society. They say she blends right into the group, even though she is the only one who has Down syndrome. Her family says [...]

ScienceDaily: Disability News
Spinal cord injuries: Experimental drug may restore function of nerves

20 Nov 2009 | 2:00 pm

Researchers have shown how an experimental drug might restore the function of nerves damaged in spinal cord injuries by preventing short circuits caused when tiny "potassium channels" in the fibers are exposed.
Pushing the brain to find new pathways

19 Nov 2009 | 5:00 am

Until recently, scientists believed that, following a stroke, a patient had about six months to regain any lost function. After that, patients would be forced to compensate for the lost function by focusing on their remaining abilities. Although this belief has been refuted, an occupational therapy professor believes that the current health system is still not giving patients enough time to recover.
Blindness causes structural brain changes, implying brain can re-organize itself to adapt

18 Nov 2009 | 11:00 pm

Scientists have confirmed that blindness causes structural changes in the brain, implying that the brain may re-organize itself functionally in order to adapt to a loss in sensory inputs.
Pet therapy: Recovering with four-legged friends requires less pain medication

17 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

Adults who use pet therapy while recovering from total joint-replacement surgery require 50 percent less pain medication than those who do not, according to new research.
Compound that boosts anti-inflammatory fat levels created

15 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

Pharmacology researchers have discovered a way to boost levels of a natural body fat that helps decrease inflammation, pointing to possible new treatments for allergies, illnesses and injuries related to the immune system.

CRIN News Feed - Home - English
UNICEF: The State of the World's Children Special Edition: Celebrating 20 Years of the CRC

19 Nov 2009 | 9:59 pm

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November 2009, UNICEF is dedicating a special edition of its flagship publication The State of the World’s Children to child rights. The report broadly assesses the Convention’s impact on child
EDUCATION: Portal for Human Rights Schools

19 Nov 2009 | 2:00 am

HREA is very pleased to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) with the launch of a new web portal to promote understanding and application of a human rights-based approach to schooling. The CRC calls for all children to be treated w
CRC20: Establishing a communications procedure for the Convention on the Rights of the Child

18 Nov 2009 | 6:41 pm

There is much to celebrate as we mark the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on November 20 – but children have so far been denied one crucial tool for safeguarding their rights. The CRC is the only core international human rights
UN: The Six Grave Violations against Children during Armed Conflict - The legal foundation

17 Nov 2009 | 11:18 pm

The six grave violations against children during times of conflict, enumerated by the Security Council in its resolutions, form the basis of the Council’s architecture in protecting children during war. Monitoring and Reporting mechanisms set up around the world use this framework to gather&nb
CLIMATE CHANGE: Briefings on children's rights and climate change

17 Nov 2009 | 9:34 pm

These briefings have been produced by the Institute of Development Studies, UK: Rights, Needs and Capacities of Children in a Changing ClimateClimate Change,

CRIN News Feed - Resources - News Home
UNITED KINGDOM: Promoting children's rights in healthcare

19 Nov 2009 | 12:43 am

Download the full conference report here An innovative conference on children's health rights was held by the Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health th
From the Frontline: Laura Theytaz-Bergman

17 Nov 2009 | 11:39 pm

Laura Theytaz-Bergman, 45, was coordinator for the NGO Group on the Convention on the Rights of the Child from 1992 until 2007. She now lives in Singapore and still acts as a consultant to the NGO Group and other child rights organisations. Early this year she authored the report
UNITED KINGDOM: Forces children face 'time bomb'

17 Nov 2009 | 11:21 pm

[6 November 2009] - The children of those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan face a "ticking time bomb" of problems, a report claims. As the nation prepares to remember its war dead, a charity is highlighting the educational and emotional problems the children of servicemen and
USA: Life in the Promised Land: Resettled Refugee Youth Struggle in the U.S.

17 Nov 2009 | 11:04 pm

Approximately 75,000 refugees will be resettled to the United States in fiscal year 2009 (October 2008 - September 2009). Many young people come to the U.S. unprepared for the challenges ahead. Many have never seen the inside of a formal school. The vast majority have not had the opportunity to l
AUSTRALIA: Arrest of 12-year-old highlights criminalisation of indigenous children

16 Nov 2009 | 1:48 am

A 12-year-old Aboriginal boy appeared in a Western Australian court on Monday charged with receiving a stolen chocolate frog worth about 70 cents (65 US cents), reports said.Police claim he was found with the 70-cent chocolate frog, allegedly shoplifted by the child's fri

Do It Myself Blog - Glenda Watson Hyatt
A Preemie Love Story

Glenda

17 Nov 2009 | 1:47 pm

In support of bloggers uniting to Fight for Preemies, I’d like to introduce the one preemie who has stolen my heart: Fifty years ago, an impatient baby boy entered the world seven weeks early. Much to everyone’s surprised, a second baby boy also joined the party. Sadly, one twin brother lived only a few short days before being called home. The remaining twin, weighing 3lbs 3oz at birth, struggled to survive. He was a sick little boy, prone to catching every bug that crossed his path. His development was delayed and he was diagnosis with cerebral palsy some time prior to his second…
Getting Back in My Groove, Finally

Glenda

15 Nov 2009 | 2:25 pm

With the tail end of the swine flu hopefully departing, I am eager to get back into my groove, doing what I do. Yesterday my desk received a thorough de-papering and cleaning and is ready to go. Now the left thumb needs engaging to get this office up to its full earning potential. After all, any office with a chandelier is destined for greatness! On this week’s to-do list: Write my Fight for Preemies post for Tuesday. This event now has 383 bloggers uniting to raise awareness of our more fragile babies. Awesome! Get going on creating the website for a non-profit organization. Conduct…
Will 500 Bloggers Unite to Fight for Preemies?

Glenda

11 Nov 2009 | 3:09 pm

While at BlogWorld, I had the pleasure of meeting Beverly Robertson from the March of Dimes. She mentioned the event she is coordinating: Fight for Preemies. Because a special preemie is in my heart, I was instantly committed to helping promote the event. Beverly explained that “Every year, 20 million babies are born too soon, too small and very sick. November 17 is when we fight – that day is dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis of premature birth.” When we first met, Beverly said she her goal was to have 200 bloggers join the event. At last check, 330 bloggers had united for…
5 Lessons in Embracing Life to Its Fullest

Glenda

4 Nov 2009 | 4:01 pm

Forty-three years ago today, doctors weren’t sure I’d survive through the night, and then through the week, which just proves that they don’t always know everything! Yes, I am 43 today and am proud to say that aloud! (I’ve never understood why some people keep their age a secret. What are they ashamed of?) I have earned every wrinkle, every bump and lump of cellulite, and every jiggly bit. And each one deserves to be fully celebrated (once I’m feeling better). What have I learned during this one hell of a journey? Here are a few lessons that readily come to mind: Delete the…
Swine Flu Zaps My Bloggy Energy

Glenda

3 Nov 2009 | 5:50 pm

Man, this swine flu has zapped my energy! i barely have energy to do anything and that is getting frustrating. My blog, my baby, requires consistent attention – something I love doing, for the most part – but even my creative juices have slowed down. I will return to sharing my journey from special ed classroom to university graduate and the next big milestone in “Love at First Sound Byte” (my next book title?) once I’m feeling better. For your reading pleasure, I’d like to leave you with three special memories from 2009: Close Encounter with Oprah Celebrating Women of…

med nauseum blog
H1N1 Vaccine: How Well Does It Work in Children?

12 Nov 2009 | 8:34 pm

Not well. Not by a long shot according to government-funded studies. The NIH disguises the bad news in a press release, using this headline: Early Results: In Children, 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Works Like Seasonal Flu.Great!? Not.Here's the deal. After receiving one dose of this year's swine (H1N1) flu vaccine, children developed a theoretically protective level of antibodies to the July 2009/California H1N1 strain (the vaccine strain) at these rates:76% of 10 - 17 year olds [pretty sucky]36% of 3 - 9 year olds [dismal]25% of babies aged 6M to 35M …
Please Vote Me into Top 100 Health Bloggers for 2009! Thank You!!!

11 Nov 2009 | 12:14 pm

Alixhttp://www.mednauseum.blogspot.comYou voted me a Top 100 Health Blogger in 2008. Now the pressure is on for 2009. I ONLY NEED 16 MORE VOTES TO BREAK INTO THE TOP 20! If you have ever enjoyed a post on Med Nauseam, take a few seconds to click and vote for me.I spend hours researching and writing the articles here, all free of access fees and free of revenue to me, unless you count $10 in Google ads.Med Nauseam is partly a labor of love, partly a tool to not annoy my friends with emails containing cutting edge health info, and partly a public service announcement. A click is all…
Symposium in SF: Healthy Babies/Toxic World

9 Nov 2009 | 2:40 pm

For Med Nauseam readers living in the San Francisco Bay Area, an upcoming symposium that will be worth your while:Making Healthy Babies, Raising Healthy Children: Living well in a toxic worldSaturday, November 21, 20099:00am - 4:00pmBerkeley, CATickets $60 each, before Nov 20th: http://makinghealthybabies.eventbrite.com/The 2009 CIA World Factbook ranks the USA forty fifth among nations for infant mortality— the worst among all industrialized countries. The autism rate in our country is now 1 in 100. This symposium brings together scientists, doctors, researchers and…
Is Thabo Mbeke Right? New Film on the Scanty Evidence that HIV Causes AIDS

29 Oct 2009 | 9:54 am

Though it's tempting to assume that House of Numbers film makers interviewed fringe conspiracy theorists to make the case that HIV does not cause AIDS, the experts in the film are actually high level government officials and virologists.The film has been playing at international film festivals, collecting award after award. Worth a watch.Discussion of film at Natural News. Email subscribers, click the post title to view the short 2m45s trailer for the film.
Woman Training for Half Marathon Gets Flu Shot, Becomes Disabled

15 Oct 2009 | 9:36 am

The woman in this video got a seasonal flu shot, came down with the flu ten days later, then was diagnosed with dystonia, a severe neurological disorder. She is very twitchy, can barely talk and has frequent seizures.Email subscribers, click through to see the worst of the flu shot.Remember, normalizing your blood level of Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is more protective than getting the flu shot. For more information on testing (new finger prick kits that are mailed to your home) and dosing, see the Vitamin D Council.

Disaboom KaraSwims Blog
My most important announcement yet...

Kara

9 Nov 2009 | 8:22 pm

Since its start, I've always looked forward to sharing exciting news with the Disaboom community. I've shared my engagement, my big move of last year, and my wedding. The advice, ideas, and support offered by members has made each of these event that much more special. Today I'm honored to share my family's newest journey: I'm pregnant! You might (or might not!) have noticed that I've been exceptionally quiet the last few weeks-both on this blog and within the forums. This is unusual for me, but I'm pretty sure my excuse is a good one! Around 2 weeks ago,…
The power of persistence in Rudy's quest to finish the Ironman triathlon

Kara

13 Oct 2009 | 8:57 pm

Rudy Garcia-Tolson, 21, is a two-time Paralympic swimming gold medalist. I was honored to swim to swim on his team for the 2004 Games in Athens. His comeback swim to win the 200M Individual Medley gold medal was one of the most exciting races of the meet. Four years later, Rudy went to Bejing and successfully defended his medal. Since then, Rudy's set his sights on a new goal: Becoming the first bi-lateral amputee to complete the Ironman in Kona, Hawaii. The Kona Ironman is an extraordinarily grueling triathlon competition for anyone, but its especially challenging for someone with a…
Service Dogs and Veterinarian Bills

Kara

7 Oct 2009 | 2:00 pm

My husband and I are the proud and happy owners of two dogs, Bailey and Obie. I can't imagine our lives without them. They're cute, smart, loving, and expensive! Bailey and Obie are both members of the bulldog breed. Obie is a Frenchton (a French Bulldog and a Boston Terrier) and Bailey is a Bull Boss (an English bulldog and a Boston terrier). Bulldogs are known for their loyalty and strength, but not necessarily their health. Bailey is a trained service dog who can pull my wheelchair, pick up items, and turn on and off lights. She's enjoying a life of mostly retirement right now,…
Illusions of Inclusion

Kara

5 Oct 2009 | 2:31 pm

Today's post is the first of several intended to contribute to Disability Awareness Month. I have mixed feelings about the dedication of months or days to oppressed members of our society. It's frightening to think that the thought, dialogue, and work would stop when these time frames elapse. That's my theoretical side. My practical side supports any and all positive steps towards awareness. In the last few decades, society has made some gradual progress in its treatment of people with disabilities. This can be seen in the adoption of civil rights laws to protect and…
9/11 and Disability

Kara

11 Sep 2009 | 11:26 am

Image by Storm Crypt via Flickr As the world remembers September 11, the question is circulating, "Where were you?" It's a question that my mother's generation answered about the assassination of JFK and a question that most in my generation will never be unable to answer. [Photo caption: The New York City skyline is shown with the Statue of Liberty overlooking the city.] Where was I? I was a Junior in college at Wright State University. It was the start of a new school year and I was involved in a flurry of student activities. Like New York, September 11 was a beautiful…

Disaboom Beauty, Wheelchair Fashion and Dating - Tiffiny - C6 Quadriplegic Blog
Antidepressants used to heal spinal injuries. What next?

Tiffiny

19 Nov 2009 | 6:36 pm

I’m consistently amazed by all the new methods that one day may cure (or hey, partially cure. Beggars can’t be choosers) spinal cord injuries. From the blue dye in M&M’s to embryonic stem cells, I’m no longer surprised at the latest stream of "holy grails" in the field SCI research. Meh. It’s hard to surprise me though (am I really getting that old?).Most recently Lexapro, an antidepressant I think one of my ex-boyfriends used to take, has been used to help people with spinal cord injuries walk again. It aids in the therapy by stimulating muscle spasms in the legs,…
Make your wheelchair a weapon, and kick some butt

Tiffiny

18 Nov 2009 | 12:03 pm

I don’t know about you, but ever since I ended up in this wheelchair I haven’t stopped feeling vulnerable. I can’t move my legs (or torso) at all, and my arms only work at 50%. It’s pretty hard to feel strong or empowered. Hell, I can’t even pull a trigger so getting a conceal-and-carry license, or even mace, are out of the question. What are folks like us supposed to do?I recently read about a wheelchair defense program that definitely got my attention. At the Neuro Core Physiotherapy & Pilates Centre in Richmond Hill (a suburb of Toronto for those of you not Canada-savvy),…
Lady Gaga uses wheelchair dancer at VMA’s, world left confused

Tiffiny

12 Nov 2009 | 10:37 am

Last September Lady Gaga, the hottest pop star in the music industry right now, gave another wacko performance (wheelchair comes out at the 2 min mark), which she’s quickly becoming known for, at MTV’s annual music video awards, the VMA’s. Many viewers blogged about the absurdities in the performance, from the use of gushing blood spurting forth on her white leotard to the reason this blog exists: The brunette chic in the blinged-out wheelchair. What did all of this mean, Lady Gaga?? Spill it. Before we dissect the possible reasons, I first want to answer a couple of things you may be…
Glamorous British soap star unstopped by wheelchair

Tiffiny

4 Nov 2009 | 11:35 am

I just discovered the existence of the fabulous Kelly-Marie Stewart on Google News this week. She’s Liverpool-born, 24 years old, has some of the best hair I’ve ever seen, and she stars in Britain’s (Channel 4) Hollyoaks, a popular soap opera. Oh, and she uses a wheelchair too.Diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system (which is usually acquired from an infection, a really bad one), and the leading cause of non-trauma related paralysis, Kelly-Marie lost her ability to walk 3 years ago. She first noticed it affecting her legs…
“And the lame will walk again.” Can Geron’s stem cell study make it happen?

Tiffiny

29 Oct 2009 | 10:02 am

Last August paralyzed people across the country, hoping to FINALLY see quantifiable progress in the field of spinal cord injury research (raises hand), had their hopes dashed - albeit temporarily - by the FDA. And the question, “Why?” “Why did the FDA stop megacorp Geron from beginning their highly anticipated human trials?” - which would have been the first ever FDA-approved human trials to use embryonic stem cells, is still a mystery; even 4 months after the fact.Did something horrible happen that only Geron and the FDA know about? I want to know goddamnit. A bit of background on…

Athena, Ivan, and The Integral
Random update crap

athenivandx

26 Oct 2009 | 9:58 am

This post is basically to let readers know that we’re still around………other things have taken precedence over blogging for now. We have a friend over. She comforted Ivan the night before when he was very down and distraught saying that he had no direction. Last friday I had a kind of meltdown in front of my Differential Equations professor……..he said that he was tired and needed to wake up, I said……..”well, if you ride your bike across my neck, the sound will wake you up!” Thank goodness he’s not the type to freak out…..
We Will Miss You, Senator Kennedy

athenivandx

27 Aug 2009 | 6:22 am

On August 25th, 2009, at approximately 2am, America lost one of its greatest elder statesmen to brain cancer. Many people know this terrible day would come soon, but nobody really knew how much of a big deal it would be in the entire world. Of course, I never knew him at all, I’d never even met the man. None of us in our system had. We’re mathematical, not political. And we’re not important enough to have met somebody like that….important isn’t the right word, but hey, we’re autistic, and we cannot always find the right words to express our thoughts…
Back from vacation

athenivandx

25 Aug 2009 | 11:06 am

This is just a short post to let readers know that we’re back. I’m not even sure we mentioned that we’d be away….there are lots of things Athena and I want to share about our trip…Ivan didn’t come out himself, as he doesn’t do family vacations. There are several reasons for that. He’ll explain later if he wants to, or if he wants me to help him with that I will. The long and short of it is that our family doesn’t know about our multiplicity. School starts in less than a week……got to get prepared for that. We’ll be…
As yet untitled poem

athenivandx

31 Jul 2009 | 10:19 pm

From Mathematica I hail I see the world from your mind’s veil I was born from the depths of your illustrious brain And I remain with you through joy and pain You brought me to life by the stroke of your pen So many hours you spent writing, holed up in your den You bestowed upon me such tender loving care As you nursed me out of your mind, fixed me up, and sent me off into the public square My triumphs are yours, and your ecstasy mine Together a new piece of the great Mathematica we will define Interested mathematicians are invited to submit possible titles for this poem. Contextual…
Please help this Autism Mom.

athenivandx

20 Jul 2009 | 2:03 pm

Melissa, a mom to an autistic son, apparently lost her home, her cars, and her cat to a fire. She needs all the help she can get. Details are here. Donations can be sent to this blog. Look for a post titled “Autism mum needs help” or something like that. Alternatively the owner of the blog, Kev, has a donation link on the main page of the blog. Any contributions are greatly appreciated, and autistic advocates and allies who cross-post this story will be helping alot too. The Integral Posted in advocacy, causes we support, current events, tragedy

Blisstree
Think Confident, Be Confident Winner

Cherie Burbach

20 Nov 2009 | 3:20 pm

Many of you commented on how much you’d like to win the giveaway for Think Confident, Be Confident. It seems that no matter where we are in life, we can always use a bit of a boost to help us along when things get us down. I wish I could have given away a copy to each and every one of you! Alas, we can only have one winner. I used random.org to select our winner, and that person is our 22nd commenter: Aisling! The comment this person left was: I’d love to read this and share with several family members. Who doesn’t need some mentoring in self-confidence? My thoughts exactly! For…
Ways to Cut Back on Christmas Cards

Cherie Burbach

20 Nov 2009 | 3:04 pm

Christmas, despite being one of the most important Christian holidays, often gets a bad rap for making people stressed out. We bring it on ourselves, don’t we? We just seem to want to do everything: buy the perfect gifts, make homemade cookies, and send cards to everyone on our mailing list. The problem, of course, is that we run out of time. Perhaps the following tips will help you save time for one of those busy Christmas items, and that’s is the sending of cards. How to cut back? Read on. Send Only to Those You Don’t See Do you really need to send a Christmas card to that…
10 Steps for a Carb Makeover

Peggy Rowland

20 Nov 2009 | 2:56 pm

You don’t have to give up carbs, but eating the right carbs can make a big difference in achieving your goals. Registered dietitian Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D., author of the new book Eat Your Way To Happiness, has some tips to share below in “10 Steps for a Carb Makeover.” The tips may help you work with your carb cravings to make better food choices. If you like the tips, you might want to check out Eat Your Way To Happiness. In the new book, Somer presents easy recipes to add to your daily routine to help energize you, elevate your mood and slim your waistline. Learn more…
10 Most Asked Pet Questions

Peggy Rowland

20 Nov 2009 | 1:56 pm

Ask.com, the leading brand for questions and answers online, recently performed their end-of-year recap. They found that people curious about pets asked these 10 most popular pet questions on Ask.com in 2009: Why do cats purr? How long do dogs stay in heat? Why do cats knead? How do you potty train a puppy? Do fish sleep? What do lizards eat? Can Guinea Pigs be trained? How long do rabbits live? Are dogs colorblind? Can dogs take aspirin? I’m going to cover a few of the answers in this post. Why do cats purr? They do it to convey contentment, but a cat that purrs nonstop may be ill or…
Measure Everything During a Remodel

Katelyn Thomas

20 Nov 2009 | 1:16 pm

Are you under the impression that a 24 foot by 24 foot room is actually going to be 24 foot by 24 foot? Do you think a square or rectangular room that’s ten feet across on one side will be ten feet across on the other side? Would you be surprised if a wall that went straight up actually was an inch further in near the top than it was at the bottom? If you think everything is straight, you are in for a surprise when you begin to install your new cabinets or lay your nice square tiles. Before you begin a remodeling project, take careful measurements and be sure you measure in more than one…

Rolling Around In My Head
shhhh revolution in progress

19 Nov 2009 | 11:33 pm

There's been a quiet revolution going on at work. One that no-one, save me, may be noticing. I've been working at Vita for three years now and my wheelchair is well known, Joe is simply a fact of my employment - get one, get the other - as he helps me get around from place to place. When my wheelchair broke, I worked from home. When I'm away I check emails every day. My goal is that no one waits for an answer for more than 24 hours. Sometimes this makes for long evenings, but it's worth it to feel like a valued member of the team rather make that fatal drop out of the loop.Recently our…
Scottish Youth Theatre

18 Nov 2009 | 10:22 pm

"They were right here?" I asked."Yes," he said, 'right here in the heart of the building.'I was in the Scottish Youth center talking to the fellow who managed the rooms. He's an older guy who takes great pride in the building. He has just told me that the room I am presenting in is the formal jail attached to the court building. Even though the building is renovated and there are no traces left of cells and shackles, there is still the chill damp air that lets you know you are in a basement room. Looking up you can see walkways where guards would have strolled to keep an eye on you below.The…
It's a Slam Dunk ...

17 Nov 2009 | 9:19 pm

During the second break in the lecture day, Duncan came over and began chatting with me. He is a big man with a soft voice. At first we just chatted about some of the things he's been up to, but I had a feeling that he was there to tell me something, tell me more. So we kept chatting. Then he said, 'You know how you talked about saying no and keeping safe?'I said that being safe was important.He nodded, knowing.Then, quietly, he told me the story of a walk home to his parents place. He spoke to me as if I was a local and knew the reference points for his walk. 'Up by Queen Street there ...'…
Books By Covers

16 Nov 2009 | 10:47 pm

You know how they say, 'Don't judge a book by its cover?' Well, I hate to tell you, I do that all the time. Right now I'm reading Drood by Dan Simmon's and I noticed it because it's dark and broody cover caught my attention. Ditto for many other books I've picked up over time. And I can say, my attempts at judging books by their cover are at lease equal to my attempts to judge books by their reviews on amazon 'waz gud'.So as we were driving the final few miles of a very long drive, from Inverness to Helensburg, we tensed up. We couldn't see any hotels on the strip, all we could see were…
Next Year

15 Nov 2009 | 9:11 pm

All we saw were slight waves on the waters of Loch Ness. As much as I kept my eyes trained for suspicious movement, Nessie was no where to be seen. So we stopped at a gift shop to pick up a few postcards and maybe a gift or two. At first I was frustrated looking at the postcards, all the postcards presented pictures of the monster smiling. Grinning. Winking. "A friendly sort of monster,' I said to myself mockingly and then like a cold wind blew over my skin, I realized just how appropriate these images are, for monster's often smile.Second week on the ward. It's cold outside, snowing. I was…

Half Soled Boots
If On A Winter's Night...

19 Nov 2009 | 12:01 am

If On A Winter's Nightby StingThis CD is a thing of delicate beauty. There are no synth-laden pop riffs or 'guest vocalists'...if you're looking for anything like The Police or the typical Sting offerings of his solo career, you'll be disappointed.If you've heard "Songs From the Labyrinth" you'll have a better idea what to expect from "If On A Winters Night". Sting, in his maturity, seems lately to have been drawn to ancient music: consider also that this recording, like "Labyrinth", was released on Deutsche Grammaphon, a classical label.The music itself is flawless. It has a keen sound…
Dread Hand, Eye

16 Nov 2009 | 12:16 am

Erudite Mondays at HalfSoledBootsVolume 10, Number 2Her Fearful SymmetryAudrey Niffenegger If you've read The Time Traveler's Wife, you already know this amazing author's penchant for the eerie. As 'eerie' goes, her new offering, Her Fearful Symmetry, doesn't disappoint.Elspeth Noblin, the novel's most influential character, dies in the first couple of pages. She leaves her London flat, overlooking Highgate Cemetery, to her two American nieces: twins, as Elspeth herself was a twin.The twins, Julia and Valentina, move to London with all their baggage and.....well, baggage. Their relationship -…
I like this woman a lot.

13 Nov 2009 | 12:06 am

The Air Canada Flight Attendant, over the public address system, to the passengers on the Boeing 777 we took from Ontario:"Please leave all wireless communication devices off until the captain has turned off the seat belt sign and we have arrived at our final destination. This is regardless of whether or not you think I can see you.I can.I can see you.Put it away."
A sepulchre of heroes

11 Nov 2009 | 12:02 am

Each has won a glorious grave - not that sepulchre of earth wherein they lie, but the living tomb of everlasting remembrance wherein their glory is enshrined. For the whole earth is the sepulchre of heroes. Monuments may rise and tablets be set up to them in their own land, but on far-off shores there is an abiding memorial that no pen or chisel has traced; it is graven not on stone or brass, but on the living hearts of humanity.Take these men for your example. Like them, remember that prosperity can be only for the free, that freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage…
Dear Valerie: Please invite me over.

9 Nov 2009 | 12:23 am

Inebriate Mondays at HalfSoledBootsVolume 10, Number 1 Peterson's Holiday Helperby Valerie PetersonOh my gosh, what a hilarious book.The entire point of this handy little volume is to help you cope with the pressures of the festive season. How, you ask? Well, Valerie Peterson thinks the best way to get you into good spirits is to get good spirits into you. And she's got plenty of ideas for the tastiest and most efficient way to achieve this.It's more than a bartending guide, though, it's a comic romp through winter, from Thanksgiving to Epiphany. There are loads of funny little sidebars,…

Touched By an Alien: Life as I Know It
Unlike in the Experiment

Laura Gilmour

18 Nov 2009 | 7:58 pm

People seeking psychological interventions are a diverse population. They often have individual differences that make these people less homogenous as a group than those in controlled clinical trials of treatments. When treating these patients, sometimes it is necessary to take these differences into account by deviating from treatment methods used in trials. There has been a great deal of research on augmentative communication and non-verbal people with autism. Cards with line drawings and text are the most commonly used method. When I was living in Nova Scotia, there was a boy in the high…
More than Medication

Laura Gilmour

12 Nov 2009 | 2:02 pm

When a new pharmacological treatment becomes available for a psychological disorder, it is usually widely publicized by its manufacturer. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for non-medicinal psychological treatments. There is also more government funding available to assist patients in receiving medicinal treatments than there is for patients receiving non-medicinal therapies.Risperdone is a commonly used drug to control aggressive behaviour in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). It has shown success in reducing the frequency of tantrums. Patients with ASDs typically stay…
Safe Havens in The Storm

Laura Gilmour

12 Nov 2009 | 9:30 am

I do not like crowds and become easily overloaded/overwhelmed in busy public places. One place I especially hate is a certain grocery store in our neighbourhood that always has masses of people and a large echo. I sometimes get so overwhelmed in that store that I briefly lose my words.I often decline invitations from friends to go to busy public places (except for World Water park because I love water so much that I put up with the sensory overload). I'm glad the University I attend (which has only recently achieved University status) is a relatively low-key place. The classes only have about…
The Right Family

Laura Gilmour

11 Nov 2009 | 1:50 am

The recently publicized case of Elton John and his husband trying to adopt an infant with HIV has raised some serious questions about adoption and children with disabilities. In my opinion, all too often, children spend their lives in orphanages or foster care because the laws that dictate what constitutes a "good" family for a child rule out people that could be a good match for a child but do not meet requirements due to being a non-conventional family or the wrong race.For instance, in Alberta, many First Nations children wait in foster care for families because non-native families aren't…
What's in a name?

Laura Gilmour

10 Nov 2009 | 10:37 pm

There has been recent discussion about eliminating the diagnostic term Asperger's Syndrome in the newest edition of the DSM and merging it under the umbrella term of Autism Spectrum Disorders. A lot of individuals with AS identify as "aspies" and like to see themselves as seperate from those who are "autistic." However, most research shows that rather than there being a clear distinction from "Asperger's" and "autism," it is more of a spectrum disorder.The only distinction that I have sometimes seen made in literature between Asperger's Syndrome and high-functioning individuals with autism is…

My Private Casbah
Tina, Tina, Tina

13 Nov 2009 | 6:06 pm

DopeGirlFresh has a post about Tina Knowles (the mother of Beyonce and Solange Knowles) and her forays into the world of fashion. It must be seen to be believed. Go on! You know you want to.presenting: the absurdity of tina knowles.I've hated this prat ever since the first time I heard her going on and on about her Creole background. Does she really not understand that outside of the south, that shit means absolutely nothing? Nobody cares about her bougie-assed background. Since she loves talking about the French part of her heritage, I'm pretty sure she should be able to figure out what I…
Happy Veteran's Day/Remembrance Day

11 Nov 2009 | 6:32 pm

I'd like to thank all of the military veterans around the world who have served--for a decade, a year, a month or even a day--to help make the world a better place for everyone. Your efforts are appreciated.
The Savoie Abduction Case

9 Nov 2009 | 4:15 pm

Okay, so this American (Christopher Savoie) moved to Japan. While he was there, he married a Japanese woman (Noriko ____). During the time that he lived in the country, Christopher became a citizen of Japan and he and Noriko had two children together. After twelve years of marriage, Christopher and Noriko split up. Noriko tried to get Christopher to agree to a divorce, but he refused. In 2008, a year after they broke up, Christopher (now a Japanese citizen) moved back to the United States. In other words, he abandoned his wife and children in their country of origin, where they have always…
For White Outsiders Who Are "OMG Offended" About That Justice of the Peace in Louisiana

6 Nov 2009 | 7:32 pm

My younger brother married a woman from a Cajun community in an unincorporated region of Louisiana called Des Allemands (the irony of a place with that name consisting almost entirely of Cajuns still amuses me). It's a very sparsely-populated area. Wikipedia says that, according to the 2000 Census, there are about 2,500 people who live in Des Allemands. It also says that 10.44% of the population (~261 people) identified themselves as African-American. That is not a lot of black people, folks!It shouldn't be much of a surprise to hear that it's not known for being especially welcoming towards…
Never Mixed (Up) Enough

6 Nov 2009 | 5:08 am

Today, we found out that my brother and his girlfriend are having a baby. To make a long story short(er), my mom is quite upset about the fact that my brother is having a baby with a white woman. My family is a deep mix of several cultures on both sides. My mother thinks it was perfectly okay for them to date. She's had the two of them over for extended stays and invited the girlfriend back for more visits. However, she is really quite upset about this pregnancy. She doesn't like the fact that, of all her children, only one of us chose to co-parent with someone she'd consider non-white AND on…

Sunny Dreamer -- We write to taste life twice...
My New AVON Purchase

20 Nov 2009 | 12:00 am

When it comes to jewelry, I usually like mine dainty and delicate-looking. And I prefer gold over silver, and gems of color over diamonds. For some reason the bigger, bolder pieces feel over-the-top and sometimes seem gaudy, to me. And I like how gold looks against my slightly olive skintone. (Besides which, either sterling or pure silver--I can't ever remember which one it is--turns my skin a greenish-black. Nasty fashion statement, that!) As for diamonds, despite the pinks, blues and fiery hues that wink at you briefly when the stones sparkle brilliantly in the light, I find them cold and…
Witchy Woman

25 Oct 2009 | 12:00 am

Witchy Woman Raven hair and ruby lips Sparks fly from her fingertips Echoed voices in the night She's a restless spirit on an endless flight Woo hoo, Witchy Woman, see how High she flies Woo hoo, Witchy Woman, she got The moon in her eye
Glamis Castle

22 Oct 2009 | 12:00 am

Hauntober 22, 2009 I thought I'd revisit the website Mysterious Britain and Ireland today. In searching for a legend about the Devil--in doing searches for posts this month, I've come to find that there are numerous folktales about the Devil himself and how he tries to trick mortals into giving up their souls to him...sometimes even succeeding--I came across a brief history about one of the most haunted castles in Scotland. Glamis Castle.

Blob
Telstra Bigpond withdrawing from Second Life

dnw

15 Nov 2009 | 10:45 pm

A friend of mine sent me the following notice sent to BigPond Residents in Second Life: POND ESTATES CLOSURE 16 DECEMBER 2009 Dear Residents, Vendors and Guests, Telstra BigPond would like to thank you for participating in Second Life through BigPond. Our creative experience with Second Life has been very rewarding for both BigPond and our members. We’re constantly looking for ways to take advantage of the latest social media trends, however, our focus is moving towards entertainment options that are gaining in popularity on computers, mobile phones, TVs and game consoles. From December 16…
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-11-15

dnw

14 Nov 2009 | 7:53 am

Looking at @nancywhite 's photos from blue mountains using #cooliris http://is.gd/4Q5ZV # Forgot the link … These photos http://is.gd/4Q61E # @Tarale Take an umbrella! in reply to Tarale # the.most.awesome.bike.riding.ever. http://is.gd/4RkTa [via @kentnewsome] # @fang mentioned who… twitter? in reply to fang # @fang today forgoing his coat hanger heritage http://is.gd/4RrL6 at #wine2030 today http://is.gd/4RrNc # DSL out on my line – again. Tel$tra supposedly sending Tech. Limping at 30kps on Prepaid Next-G .. TY so feckin much Telstra! <gags> # ADSL modem side of…
2009-11-11-1111

dnw

10 Nov 2009 | 4:44 pm

Lest We Forget 2009-11-11-1111 Originally uploaded by dnwallace
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-11-08

dnw

7 Nov 2009 | 7:53 am

Silence may be golden, but when it's bought about by a 4 hour power outage on a hot day it's frankly just a pita! # Contemplating LTUAE … anyone remember the Fidonet echo of that particular acronym from days of ole … ? # @jesspace05 Welcome to the pleasuredome .. no, wait, wrong movie … to Twitterville .. no, verse. Oh, Hi anyway. # @Tarale Not for me it wasn't in reply to Tarale # 15 Podcasts That Will Make You Smarter http://is.gd/4NBGB # @delin Avast http://is.gd/4NJpG in reply to delin # @delin Yes have used and installed avast for ppl on xp. in reply to…
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-11-01

dnw

31 Oct 2009 | 8:53 am

@McDawg Thanks mate. in reply to McDawg # RT @fang: Simon says he could drive his electric Tesla to from Adl to Melb for $17 'fuel' cost http://tr.im/DaAA [but that would be illegal] # #wave ing to @fang # Thinking of @fang and my wc … VIRGIN Mobile Wi-fi Modem (E6939) | Dick Smith http://is.gd/4FAs4 # @kentnewsome on the 20sec music barrier… crap this made me laugh. Newsome.Org http://is.gd/4GMoL # @SilkCharm You poked me first! in reply to SilkCharm # very late lunch at cafe on sturt st # Powered by Twitter Tools.

brokenclay.org/journal
Reality Check, Anyone?

Katja

16 Nov 2009 | 8:34 pm

In the absence of a dramatic relapse, it seems to take me weeks to recognize a downturn. And the thing that should really tip me off is my sudden inability to exercise. But no. I spend weeks berating myself for not being able to do four or five workouts a week “like everyone else”. There doesn’t seem to be any middle ground between going full bore and feeling like it’s a major effort to drag myself out of bed to go to work three days a week. Where’s the Reality Check fairy when you need her?
It’s a Jeep Thing?

Katja

1 Nov 2009 | 8:58 pm

Requested an “intermediate SUV”. Got a Jeep Wrangler, billed as a “full size, all terrain vehicle”, no extra charge (surprise!). Let’s see – way too high for (most) wheelchair users to get into, no way (that we could find) to adjust the side mirrors, made a constant whistling noise as the wind found its way through the fabric top into the vehicle, got terrible gas mileage – this was an upgrade how? You’re right – I don’t understand.
Making a Serious Commitment

Katja

27 Oct 2009 | 2:38 pm

I have taken the first step…writing a (really, really big) check. And soon, it will be here, my new obsession (only yellow – bright, screaming yellow): Pray for me.
Exercising with MS

Katja

14 Oct 2009 | 9:49 am

Here’s a good, basic, article from United Spinal: Exercising With Multiple Sclerosis: It’s Not Rocket Science One mistake that many people make when they start exercising regularly––whether it’s lifting weights, circuit training, or performing cardio––is focusing on what everyone else in the room is doing. Bad idea. Naturally, when you notice others at the gym lifting twice as much as you are, running twice as fast on the treadmill, or working out with a lot more intensity, it’s easy to feel a bit disheartened. The best course of action you can take, however, is to focus…
Them and Us

Katja

14 Oct 2009 | 9:06 am

A lot of people have caught on that they need to provide access for the disabled when they build something, but apparently access is only needed for Them. You know, Them. There’s Them, and then there’s Us. They might be disabled, but We aren’t, and never will be. Accessible restroom? Oh, no, because the restroom is only for employees, and none of our employees is disabled (or ever will be). Elevator to the second floor? Oh, no, because the public doesn’t need to go to the second floor, and nobody who works there is disabled (or ever will be). Access to the stage? Oh,…

Disability Studies, Temple U.
Disability Blog Carnival #60 is up NOW!

Penny L. Richards

19 Nov 2009 | 5:44 pm

[Visual description: First Disability Blog Carnival logo by Kay Olson, features a parking sign that says "Somewhat Disabled" and the words "Disability Blog Carnival (come share the uncertainty)."]Go, go, check it out at at FWD/Forward--- the theme is intersectionality and it's chock-full of links to great posts on that and other subjects. And while you're there, read the rest of this excellent
CFP: Disability History (25-27 June 2010, Preston UK)

Penny L. Richards

18 Nov 2009 | 10:19 am

News from the disability history community, found on H-Disability today:Disability History Conference 2010Disability History: looking forward to a better past?June 25th - 27th, 2010University of Central LancashirePreston, UKPlenary Speakers:Professor Catherine J Kudlick, University of California, DavisProfessor Tom Shakespeare, University of NewcastleDisability history has emerged in recent years
The Complete Streets Movement

Mike Dorn

13 Nov 2009 | 1:31 pm

According to a recent post at StreetsBlog, the U.S. DOT has begun actively touting its contributions to bicycle and transit infrastructure, including last week's premiere of the Washington D.C. Bikestation [see flickr slideshow below]. The Bicycle Foundation of Greater Philadelphia on their blog bikePHL [story link] takes this one step further, promoting a vision of Complete Streets, responsive
November 5: Pierangelo Bertoli (1942-2002)

Penny L. Richards

5 Nov 2009 | 9:33 am

[Visual description: color photograph of a man in a wheelchair, at a microphone, wearing a black jacket, gesturing with his right hand.]"....solo alla morte non c'é rimedio..."Italian singer-songwriter Pierangelo Bertoli was born on this date in 1942, in a working-class family in Modena. When he was four years old, he survived polio, and came to use a wheelchair. He taught himself to play
Taking the Water Cure, Brattleboro VT, 1845

Penny L. Richards

5 Nov 2009 | 8:46 am

New materials just cataloged at the Connecticut Historical Society Library include a journal from a mother/daughter trip to "take the cure" in Vermont:In 1845 Sarah Coit Day and her daughter Catherine traveled to the Brattleboro (Vermont) Water-Cure for treatment. Day kept a journal (Ms. 47047), writing about taking tepid baths, walking, the view of the Connecticut River, and other people who

Down the MS Path
Research Studies

Vicki

16 Nov 2009 | 2:47 am

Want to volunteer for a medical research study?UT Soutwestern sent a press release about ResearchMatch where volunteers can be matched — online — to a scientific research project, or clinical trial, for which they might qualify. The National Institute of Health gave UT Southwestern a grant to help quickly move laboratory discoveries into actual therapies. This new allows the medical community "to cast a wider net into a deeper pool of potential subjects.” Both healthy people and those with illnesses and conditions can take advantage of this opportunity!
MS and Evils

Vicki

14 Nov 2009 | 10:29 pm

One of my favorite online friends Michael B. Gerber doesn't write in his blog about MS, he writes about life. His happens to be a life with MS, so MS sneaks in there now and again. You may notice his blog "Perspective Is Everything" in my "Favorite MSer Sites" list.Last week Michael sent me a story about medication and side effects. He asked if I had something to add, but it was good, as his writing is. I did, however, manage to throw in a word or two and make a change here or there. Read our post here: The Lesser of Two EvilsHis is a blog certainly worth reading. While you're there, look…
Pain and MS, Yes, It Hurts

Vicki

6 Nov 2009 | 2:18 pm

I wrote a series of articles for Health Central on Pain and MS, covering the types of pain and treatments. These are general, just to give you an idea. I am sure there are some pains as well as some treatments that have been left out. Please let me know! The best idea is to talk with your doctor about any pain and how to treat it. Here is the article series — Pain and MS Is MS painless? When I was first diagnosed with MS, it was common for the MS literature to refer to it as a painless disease. I was dealing with a new diagnosis of a disease I did not yet understand and was wondering what…
Biking for MS

Vicki

16 Oct 2009 | 2:30 pm

The National MS Society sponsors 100 bike events to raise funds for MS. All of the participating bikers have one destination — A World Free from MS! Sounds like a place I would like to go there one day. How about you? My friend, my college roommate many years ago, has a friend who was ready to bike, so she dedicated her ride to me. We met only online. Georgia sent these fabulous pictures of her with her New Orleans team on their ride. Unfortuneately, they were unable to complete the ride as scheduled because of Louisiana's famous weather. Too bad.They had fun and MS appreciates their…
Health Central

Vicki

16 Sep 2009 | 3:28 am

Health Central is a network that provides information about 40 or more specific diseases and conditions. The information includes blogs and personal stories by people actually living with or touched by those conditions.I write for the multiple sclerosis section. Each condition also has a section for questions -- any question -- answered by others who may have experience with the question topic.Browse the site, share your stories or ask a question. I'll see you there!

Fred's Head from APH
Never Lose the Bits with the Autoloader Screwdriver

20 Nov 2009 | 12:19 pm

Why is the bit you need to complete a job always the one you can't find? You either drop it and get to feel around the floor for the next two hours or the exact one you need is missing? In the case of the missing one, it’s probably because someone’s been too lazy to put them back when they are done (that would be my issue). That’s why screwdrivers with interchangeable bits can be so handy. Of course even those little bits can get lost, which is why this Autoloader Screwdriver from KR Tools would be very helpful to those of us with little or no vision The Autoloader has six different…
Your Porchlight Could Help in an Emergency

20 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pm

The HomeFinder screw-in light controller from Westek might seem like a simple idea, but if you live with family members who may one day need the assistance of paramedics, it might end up being an invaluable tool. It screws into a light socket and accepts a standard bulb, and when the light switch is flipped twice, the unit will flash for twenty minutes making it easier for emergency assistance to find your home, or even someone less vital like the pizza delivery guy. The flashing can be cancelled at any time by simply turning the switch off, and there’s a sensor to ensure it only turns on…
Backpack Big Enough for Braille Books

20 Nov 2009 | 11:51 am

Carry your gear in an ultra-cool backpack. This waterproof backpack has it all: 2 large interior sections, 3 front pockets, water bottle holder, padded adjustable straps and more. All sections and pockets zip. Overall size is a large 18 x 15 x 5 inches. Its perfect for those oversized braille books and for packing notetakers and other equipment. Click this link to purchase the Super Multi-Compartment Backpack from Independent Living Aids.
Through the Magic Door: Books for Young People

20 Nov 2009 | 10:40 am

“This site has archives of lists of books, organized by theme and displayed pictorially. Specific subjects feature books divided into two or three levels, including picture books, books for independent readers, and YA books. Featured books are not annotated, but bibliographic information is included. There are many widely varied themes, from the classical to the offbeat (Something from Nothing, and In Praise of Bad Books). The themes are too numerous to mention them all: Adventures on the High Seas Booklist Africa Booklist American Military Stories Booklist Building Things Booklist Children…
Then and Now

19 Nov 2009 | 12:27 pm

by Donna J. Jodhan Until five years ago, I had enough vision to do so much on my own but a wicked turn of events conspired against me and in the matter of just a few months it was all taken away from me. Today I sit here with precious little sight but I am extremely grateful that I still have enough to see the light of day. My life has changed drastically over the past five years and I have had to make so many adjustments in order to remain independent but that's okay. What keeps me going are those wonderful memories that I captured while my vision was good enough. I consider myself to be…

lifekludger
Pew Report: Social Isolation and New Technology

dnw

5 Nov 2009 | 8:58 pm

Interesting things in this report (PDF) about the effects of technology on social isolation. (http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2009/18–Social-Isolation-and-New-Technology.aspx) A lot of what it says I can attest to in my own experience, especially in relation to technology providing a platform and mechanism for "core discussion networks" to become more diverse. This also sets off alarms in my head attesting to the underestimated importance of access to technology and access to social networks for people living with a disability. It also reinforces how we are being forced…
You can’t have inclusion without openness

dnw

5 Sep 2009 | 5:47 pm

You can’t have inclusion without openness. That may seem obvious to some. But it’s true power hit me like a ton of bricks when it popped into my head. More-so as I’ve been hung-up and writing on this openness thing for ages, on many levels, not being able to articulate the importance my gut was feeling about it. I was reading a post my friend JP Rangaswami wrote titled “When you see a fork in the road, take it“, where he was summarising the book by John Palfrey and Urs Gasser : Born Digital: Understanding the first generation of Digital Natives In one point…
Light Activated Auto Blinds

dnw

3 Sep 2009 | 6:57 pm

More DIY motorised blind mods from over on Instructables: Build A Motorized Window Blinds Controller For About $15.00 – More DIY How To Projects [hat tip Liz Henry of hackabilityblog]
Story of ‘good will’ highlights Lifekludger concept – Santa Cruz Sentinel

dnw

1 Sep 2009 | 4:41 pm

This story from the Santa Cruz Sentinel shows the power of connection and what can be achieved when a Maker (Jon Bjornstad, a Santa Cruz freelance computer programmer) is backed by a Giver (Roy and Ana Cook of Saratoga) to help a Liver (Karadole, a paralyzed woman who lives in Croatia) – with the end result being empowerment and enriched lives for everyone. Makers, Givers and Livers are key parrts of the Lifekludger eco-system. For more see the Lifekludger wiki. [via Santa Cruz computer programmer spreads international good will - Santa Cruz Sentinel] [kudos to Sam on Facebook for…
Pressure Sensitive Multitouch pads to come

dnw

30 Aug 2009 | 4:17 pm

An article in Technology Review reveals development of pressure sensitive touch pads that could be used on future generation devices. Why is this Lifekludger newsworthy? Because the pads are reported to combine features of both kinds of existing touch pads. To me, this might mean some breaking down of the Touch Barrier and the seeming ubiquitous use of capacitive type touch pads on todays technology. At very least it could offer options, which is what accessibility is all about. This small piece I quote below, from the full article, I do so as it offers clues to how capacitive pads work and…

My Disability Blog
Social Security Disability and Trying to Work

Disability Blogger

20 Nov 2009 | 6:48 am

The following scenario and question was left as a comment on another post. Here is the comment reposted, along with the response to the questions asked."I filed for disability in November of 2008, hired an attorney and began to wait, and wait,...and wait. I had pretty much concluded that I wasn't going to be awarded. So, in an effort to keep from losing my home, in August I took a job at least "
The Most Common Symptom of Breast Cancer is..

Disability Blogger

18 Nov 2009 | 9:18 pm

Breast cancer is caused by cells in the breast growing abnormally and quickly, forming a tumor. The two main forms of breast cancer are ductal carcinoma, which begins in the mild ducts of the breast, and lobular carcinoma, which originates in the milk-producing glands. While these are the two main types, breast cancer can originate in other parts of the breast as well, though less commonly. The
Social Security Disability and Breast Cancer

Disability Blogger

17 Nov 2009 | 8:39 am

I have a friend who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She found evidence of her condition on self-exam. Around the time this had happened, of course, there were news stories out there in the media advising women that self-exams might not be so necessary (my friend would disagree) and also that mammography for breast cancer might need to be done less frequently. Frankly, these stories
Can you Refuse to go to a Social Security Medical Examination?

Disability Blogger

14 Nov 2009 | 7:03 pm

Yes, you can refuse to go to a CE, or consultative examination, commonly known as a "social security medical examination". However, its typically not wise. You have to consider why a disability examiner wants to schedule a claimant for such an exam in the first place. A) Usually, its because a claimant has not been to a medical treatment source in the last ninety days. B) Sometimes a CE is
Social Security Disability Re-evaluations a.k.a. reviews

Disability Blogger

10 Nov 2009 | 8:46 pm

Someone recently had the question: "I heard that social security will re-evaluate you every three years. Is this true?" Answer: maybe. After you are first approved for disability benefits, your SSD or SSI case is set for a review at some point in the future. This may surprise or even dismay some individuals who assume that once disability benefits have been granted, they are set in stone for life

Meyrick Jones Racing
A Different Kind of Coaching

MJ

17 Nov 2009 | 8:45 am

I am a big believer in coaching. I've invested time and time again - fitness, swimming, triathlon, cycling, skiing... If I took up darts next week? ...well, I'd probably hire a coach.As important as my athletic pursuits are to me, they are really kind of inconsequential compared to my role as a parent. Yet, until very recently, it had never occurred to me to hire a parenting coach.I have never really spent any time writing about the challenges of parenthood... but that's not because being a parent is a breeze. It's not. Our family of 5 is an ever-changing, ever-challenging, mixture of…
Fall Classic - I.F. Port Moody on the Board!

MJ

16 Nov 2009 | 11:24 am

Yesterday was the Fall Classic out at UBC.The last time I ran at the Fall Classic it was a small race - 5 or 6 six foot tables set up in the Student Union Building for registration - pretty minimal.Nowadays it is entirely different.Three distances - 21.1 km, 10km, 5kmHundreds (maybe more than a thousand) runnersA massive stage with an Elvis impersonator, TV personalities as hosts, and more...Chili after!! (Best ever after a cold, wet race...)As far as running events go the Fall Classic is pretty mega now.But all of that was secondary compared to the importance of this event for Kris, myself…
New Venture - Innovative Fitness Port Moody!

MJ

6 Nov 2009 | 9:25 am

The space you see above will soon be a part of the training floor of Innovative Fitness in Port Moody.If my post frequency has been down a little lately this is why....For those of you who may not know, I am opening an Innovative Fitness franchise with a partner out in Port Moody, BC. (That's about 30mins from where I live.)We are scheduled to open on November 23rd, 2009.... which is right around the corner!This venture is a really exciting step for me - it signifies the first time in my life that "passion" and "career" can be uttered in the same breath. I intend to write a more…
Happy Halloween!!

MJ

30 Oct 2009 | 10:12 pm
Hallow's Eve Recap

MJ

27 Oct 2009 | 5:06 pm

The Hallow's Eve 10km on Sunday was a lot of fun.It's been quite a while since I ran a race with over a dozen people I know so that made it different for sure. Here are some of the IF crew... many not pictured.I went into the race with no plan whatsoever other than to enjoy myself. I knew I wanted to check in on the group from lululemon and that I wanted to run with some of the IF folks for a bit but that I also wanted to run a few sections "for myself".So that's exactly what I did. At the start I ran with some friends from IF including my old coach (from a year or so ago) James. Then I…

Rolling Rains Report
This Kiwi Feels on Top of the World!

Scott Rains

21 Nov 2009 | 12:46 pm

FromMark Inglis' recent astonishing achievement of being the first double amputee to reach the summit of Mount Everest has meant that his name is well known round the world, but how many people know about the many facets of this remarkable man's life - his passion for the mountains, his determination to take on a seemingly impossible challenge and succeed, his deep concern for the sufferings of other amputees in countries where there are few health services, his fund raising to assist them, and his skill as a wine maker. All these facets of Mark's life combined to bring about Cellier Le…
Some Days it is Good to Get "Irked!"

Scott Rains

20 Nov 2009 | 12:32 pm

Take November 13th for example when Irked magazine ran the following story: Warren Macdonald knows a LOT about motivation. He famously (see appearances on Oprah, Larry King Live, Vicki Gabereau, The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos, etc) survived a harrowing, agonizing ordeal while mountain climbing, when he was trapped beneath a one-ton boulder in a freak rock fall. Macdonald's test of will lasted two full days before a helicopter arrived. He was rescued, but the accident cost him both legs.Ten months after becoming a double above-knee amputee, Macdonald, who currently lives in…
Haben's Travels

Scott Rains

19 Nov 2009 | 3:55 pm

From the MIUSA Newsletter: U.S. Deaf-Blind Student Blogs about her Overseas Experiences"Wednesday was spent at the University of Costa Rica, one of several publicuniversities in the country. In total there are about 200 students withdisabilities at the university level throughout the country, and yesterdaywe met with about six of them. The blind girls I chatted with had accessiblecell phones like many of my friends in The States. The school provides themwith personal computers with programs like Magic, which is like ZoomText,and JAWS. I must say, their philosophy is very progressive. I…
Gobierno vasco defiende que el turismo accesible supone "una oportunidad" para el sector (Spanish)

Scott Rains

19 Nov 2009 | 10:35 am

Al terminar 2009, se habrán realizado diagnósticos en 430 establecimientos dentro del programa vasco de Accesibilidad Turística BILBAO, 19 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) - La viceconsejera de Comercio y Turismo, Pilar Zorrilla, presentó hoy en el Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia el Modelo Vasco de Accesibilidad Turística que, según indicó, "representa una oportunidad" para cumplir los objetivos de "una política dirigida a mejorar la calidad, así como a la desestacionalización y la diversificación de la actividad turística". Durante una conferencia…
Toronto: Creating Accessibility- Friendly Environments Forum

Scott Rains

19 Nov 2009 | 10:16 am

Tuesday, November 24th Oakham Conference Facilities, Ryerson University 63 Gould Street, Toronto You and co-workers will want to attend the Creating Accessibility-Friendly Environments Forum. Disability organizations, government and business come together to make the case for organizations to become "accessibility-friendly". This forum will "open your eyes" to what each of us can do to better accommodate the seventeen per cent of Canadians with disabilities. Presenters include Government of Ontario, Service Canada, Microsoft, Deloitte, Adobe plus representatives from the following disability…

Pipecleaner Dreams
Wow!!

Ashley's Mom

20 Nov 2009 | 5:48 am

There are three things that would make Ashley the happiest person in the world. First – a orange shirt with butterflies on it. Second, a Cheeto dispenser in her room, and third, anything that both vibrates and has lights.I’m working on the first two, and Sungwoo Park is working on the third. All I want to know now is how to get one of their new SOUNZZZ MP3 players.This new invention is fascinating on just about every level--it's an mp3 player for the deaf that translates musical notes into nuanced vibrations, and it could revolutionize how the deaf experience music--and even give those…
There Is Hope!

Ashley's Mom

19 Nov 2009 | 4:00 am

Today, U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski introduced in the Senate a bill to strike the terms "Mental Retardation" and "Mentally Retarded" from federal lawbooks. From the press release:Under Rosa’s Law, those terms would be replaced with “intellectual disability” and “individual with an intellectual disability” in federal education, health and labor law. The bill does not expand or diminish services, rights or educational opportunities. It simply makes the federal law language consistent with that used by the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and the President…
Special Exposure Wednesday

Ashley's Mom

18 Nov 2009 | 4:00 am

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, November is National Adoption Month. For today's Special Exposure Wednesday, I wanted to share pictures of some of the children that are waiting for a family and a home. Search your hearts and decide if you can make their dreams come true.For more pictures and information on children from across the United States, visit www.adoptuskids.org.Also make sure to visit 5 Minutes For Special Needs for more Special Exposure Wednesday shots!Today I am thankful for the joy I see in all my children's eyes.
Worth Every Challenge

Ashley's Mom

17 Nov 2009 | 4:00 am

From a very young age, I always wanted to make a difference – to know that my time spent on this earth was worth something. As I have gotten older, those thoughts refined themselves into wanting to leave the world a better place once I am gone. And through the adoption of some very special children, I believe I am well on my way to achieving that goal.November is National Adoption Month. Thousands and thousands of children are waiting for families to call their own. These children often have been through hell. They have seen and experienced things that no one, and especially a child, should…
Insensitive

Ashley's Mom

16 Nov 2009 | 4:00 am

As many of you know, I have a 19 year old daughter named Jessica. I adopted Jessica when she was 9 years old. She had spent most of her life in foster care, and along the way was both physically and sexually abused. In addition, she was diagnosed as an infant with brain cancer. She had a tumor removed and two years of chemo and radiation. The cancer and its treatment left her with a significant intellectual disability, and her time in foster care left her with a significant mental illness.Jessica has, however, become a fine young woman. She does struggle daily to keep the mental illness under…

SSD Disability
Social Security Disability and Jobs Within the National Economy

Dnews

15 Nov 2009 | 8:16 am

If you apply for disability benefits from the social security administration, either under the SSI or social security disability program, there will be a good chance that your claim will be denied at the initial claim (aka disability application) level. Not to sound morose, but, statistically, that's simply how it plays out for the majority of all individuals filing disability claims.If you get
Social Security Disability, Alcoholism, and Unable to Afford a Doctor

Dnews

11 Nov 2009 | 4:47 pm

An anonymous individual recently left the following scenario and questions in a comment on another post. Here is the comment along with a response immediately following."I joined the Navy in 1972. Soon after i enlisted, I was drinking heavily and was discharged ( General Discharge ) for unsuitability because of drinking, I was not drinking before I went in the service. I have been in and out of
Social Security Disability SSI and Living Donors

Dnews

9 Nov 2009 | 5:10 am

Someone under the name of "anonymous" recently left this comment and question. The comment itself was lost but I have reposted it here along with a response."I am a living donor, (liver) in 2002. After 7years, i was hospitalized for a diaphragmatic hernia (severe) due to the donation. After some time for healing, (6 months or so) i started having severe pain again in the upper right quad of my
Why Will A Social Security Disability Application Get Denied?

Dnews

4 Nov 2009 | 6:31 am

There are basically two types of disability application denials: technical and medical. If a disability application is denied for technical reasons, the application will never be sent for a medical determination. Technical denials include lack of insured status denials, performance of SGA denials, and res judicata denials. The first type 1. Lack of insured status denial- A disability denial that
When You Apply For Disability Do You Get It From The Day You Were Disabled Or The Day You Apply?

Dnews

29 Oct 2009 | 12:56 pm

From the standpoint of the social security administration, disability is synonymous with the inability to engage in work activity; in other words, an individual's state of disability begins when they become unable to perform substantial gainful work activity due to the effects of a disabling condition or conditions. However, and this can be confusing for applicants, this does not necessarily mean

DISABILITY NEWS - Google News
Ronald Hunt Is Caught on HGTV Working After Claiming Disability - Zimbio

Google Inc.

The InquisitrRonald Hunt Is Caught on HGTV Working After Claiming DisabilityZimbioWe don't know a ton about scamming the government for disability pay checks, but here's a handy hint that Ronald Hunt should have followed: if you're gonna Disability Scammer Forgets Scam, Goes on TV: Tax OfficialsNBC Los AngelesMan who claimed disability spotted on TV showThe Associated PressWhen Claiming Disability, Try Not To Appear On TV ... WorkingLA WeeklyThe Inquisitr -Metroall 340 news articles »
Royal Bank of Scotland loses landmark wheelchair access appeal - Times Online

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Times OnlineRoyal Bank of Scotland loses landmark wheelchair access appealTimes OnlineThe case was the first to test the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act in relation to services such as bank facilities. Bank loses disabled access appealBBC NewsBank loses wheelchair access appealThe Press AssociationLandmark victory in bank access battleThe StarTeleTextall 89 news articles »
Commissioner Astrue asks Inspector General to investigate California and ... - Hawaii 24/7

Google Inc.

Commissioner Astrue asks Inspector General to investigate California and Hawaii 24/7Schwarzenegger has insisted on furloughing California Disability Determination Service (DDS) employees, despite the fact that we fully fund both their Social Security disability claims progress threatened by state furloughsFederalNewsRadio.comCommissioner Astrue: Social Security back up center ready earlyFederalNewsRadio.comall 4 news articles »
Developmental disability housing project underway - KRBD

Google Inc.

KRBDDevelopmental disability housing project underwayKRBDKETCHIKAN, ALASKA (2009-11-20) Construction is underway on a new housing unity in Ketchikan for individuals with developmental disabilities. and more »
Great American Smokeout 2009: Impact on smoking with a disability - Examiner.com

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MiamiHerald.comGreat American Smokeout 2009: Impact on smoking with a disabilityExaminer.comAccording to some studies, having a disability and smoking cigarettes can hurt your health even more. People with disabilities are active, but may not be as No butts about it: DOD wants you to quitStars and Stripesall 526 news articles »

How to be an Inspiration
When Polly Gets Flu

Quick Sketch

17 Nov 2009 | 7:38 am

Polly has had flu. Now whether this was the infamous Swine flu or your common or garden flu flu we are not sure. In fact no one is sure, not the NHS helpline, our doctor or indeed, the several other people who have suffered similarly. Now I love Polly. She is wonderful in so many ways I do not have time to list them all. She (and by extrapolation the children) is absolutely the best thing ever to have happened to me. She is kind, clever, caring and funny. But she is rubbish at being sick. Firstly she believes she is completely indispensable to the running of the universe and that the whole of…
Take It On The Chin Strap

Quick Sketch

12 Nov 2009 | 9:52 am

Now the gods of medicine mock me. On Tuesday I made my way, with Polly, to the Royal Brompton Hospital for a routine check-up. Once again I sat in a corridor and waited for people to take blood from my ear and perform arcane analysis of it. And then we waited some more. Eventually a doctor wandered down the corridor clutching a large folder of notes and summoned me to a consulting room. (Actually a corner of a ward.) He glanced at the slip of paper with the blood gas analysis on it and frowned. “Your CO2 levels are a little higher than we'd like,“ he said. Because the alarm on the Nippy…
A Long Dark Midnight Snack Of The Soul

Quick Sketch

10 Nov 2009 | 11:27 am

On Saturday Paul and Darren (also known as Rock God and Bass Bin) pulled the hay from their hair and smartened themselves up to make the trip east to the big city and to visit me. As ever I feigned delight at seeing them and we soon fell into a decades old pattern of abuse and nostalgia. Having known each other since infancy we have a lot of nostalgia between us. Paul, when not playing deafeningly loud rock music in dozens of west country pubs and music venues, works as an administrator in the beloved NHS where he is a highly valued, well motivated and appreciated member of a dedicated team.
Less Pain And Wheelchairs

Quick Sketch

6 Nov 2009 | 7:11 am

Those of you who follow such things will be glad to know that I will soon be able to resume my life of adventuring. My rafting trip up the river Amazon to train piranhas in dental hygiene techniques will proceed as planned now that my back is so much better. Dr Toosy popped in to check it wasn't osteoporosis and that it is actually getting better. (It wasn't and it is.) I have been been able to cut back on the pain-killers and have started teaching our goldfish to brush regularly. Rations on my anticipated adventure have been sorted. My team will be eating the tins of baked beans that had…
A Pain In The Back

Quick Sketch

3 Nov 2009 | 6:23 am

This is my first post for a week. There is a reason. I've hurt my back.My expedition to climb K2 in a wheelchair was going well until I had to traverse a ledge that required swinging on a rope some 30 feet across a vertical drop of 400 feet. Suddenly the 3 year old son of one of the Sherpas kicked his red ball over the edge and ran to follow it. As the child began to tumble I had a spilt second to adjust the settings on my whiz-bang new wheelchair to rescue mode and change the direction of my swing. I plucked the child out of mid-air and kicked the ball back to safety. But as I handed the boy…

Low Visionary
The Disability Clothesline

Robyn

18 Nov 2009 | 5:44 pm

It is interesting to hear Judge Peter Boshier from the Family Court calling for a radical rethink of the way we deal with domestic violence in New Zealand. He cites cases of suicide because of the lack of support for victims. He also cites the lack of accountability of the perpetrators through programmes never completed. Nowhere is the need for action more acute than in the disability community where reporting is low, and penalties for murder lighter than for murder of non-disabled people. I know of at least once case of suicide caused by bullying, and more attempts. Domestic violence has a…
Gas Grumbles

Robyn

11 Nov 2009 | 3:21 pm

I have been so busy tweeting, Facebooking, watching videos on Youtube and whatnot that I am forgetting about my poor old blog! All this social media stuff is quite time consuming. It does allow you let off steam though. I posted to Facebook immediately over a very annoying incident when Steve tried to take a taxi to get our empty cook top gas bottle filled. The driver refused on the grounds of ‘dangerous goods’! Fortunately he found one that would take him and the bottle. Gas bottles are heavy when full and the filling station is some distance away. So much for carbon footprint – It’s…
Web Standards again – part two

Robyn

4 Nov 2009 | 4:55 pm

The revised web standards for government became mandatory on October 31st. They are based on the new Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0. While I haven’t noticed a wild flurry of new sites being launched there are some intrepid souls out there attempting to make public sector web sites the best they can be. And since social media are on the standards agenda this is for them, and for anyone who thinks web standards are dead boring and serious. Meanwhile there are still a few unconverted folks out there. One response we recently got at AccEase was “Our website steering group has…
Web standards again

Robyn

21 Oct 2009 | 6:41 pm

I have been a long standing member of the web standards working group. This is a group of Government web people and me as the resident advocate for disabled web users through DPA. We have worked on developing and reviewing the New Zealand Government web standards. The group has not met for a while but we have been resurrected so to speak. We will be working on thorny issues like the use of social networks, and, yes you have guessed the dreaded pdfs! Watch this space…
Time out down south and across the Tasman

Robyn

12 Oct 2009 | 5:24 pm

I have been a bit slack about my blog lately, partly because I have been away without access to email. A lot seems to have happened in the last few weeks. My time been particularly taken up with family. Towards the end of September I spent time with my mother, returning to my rural roots in Canterbury. I took the guided tour around my brother’s new state-of-the-art dairy operation on land that would be as dry as a bone were it not for irrigation. It seemed so strange that I had to pinch myself to make sure this was really true and not a cold-induced hallucination. I wondered what our father…

Bionic Ear Blog
Google to Autocaption YouTube Videos

19 Nov 2009 | 12:32 pm

Google has unveiled speech recognition technology to automatically add captions to many videos on YouTube. The technology will also allow users to automatically translate the captions into 51 languages. Google introduced another service called “auto-timing” that allows users uploading videos to also upload a text file of the video’s script. Google will add captions to the video using the text file, automatically matching the audio with the file. Like speech recognition technology, it won’t be perfect — but it’s a fantastic start. Read more… New York…
Make Video Accessible, Localized, Mobile and Searchable by Captioning

13 Nov 2009 | 5:58 am

Great tutorial that uses Opera Dragonfly and Opera Mobile 10 from iheni [Link: Laura Carlson] More goodness from @iheni: WCAG Trip-A: “Accessibiltiy as an Afterthought” More evidence screenreader usage is shifting via @jaredwsmith: “Lower your prices or I’ll switch to Screen Reader X…” @Jennison has set up a The Mobile & Handheld Technology Accessibility Forum on LinkedIn http://u.nu/3eiu3 Mobile widgets/apps lead the way for a blind user http://tr.im/EAAD + vet http://tr.im/EAAz Build widgets w/ standards at http://tr.im/EAB9 Good captioning tool tip…
NCAM and Apple Publish "Creating Accessible iTunes U Content"

11 Nov 2009 | 9:04 am

From Media Access Group at WGBH The Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family National Center for Accessible Media at WGBH (NCAM) has written guidelines for content providers who would like to create accessible iTunes U media via captions, subtitles and audio descriptions. This guidelines document provides step-by-step documentation on creating fully accessible media, including: Closed captions and audio descriptions that the user can turn on or off as needed. Open subtitles and descriptions that are available to everyone watching or listening. Closed subtitles for adding multiple language tracks to video…
Marlee Matlin and the Family Guy Crew

10 Nov 2009 | 8:12 am

Matlin had a guest appearance on Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show. You can find her part around 14 minutes into the show. Her sign off cracked me up. She has an interview about her appearance on Hulu. It’s not captioned, but you the amazing Bill Cresswell provides the script. Wow. Who knew she and I have the same accent? :) Enjoy!
United Nations Enable Factsheet on Persons with Disabilities

6 Nov 2009 | 1:27 pm

“Around 10 per cent of the world’s population, or 650 million people, live with a disability. They are the world’s largest minority.” - UN Enable Facesheet [Link: Laura Carlson] Isn’t that reason enough to make accommodations? Caption videos? Do voice overs? Design accessible web sites? What more do you need? 10 percent of the WORLD. Imagine how many customers and visitors that could mean for a business, organization or web site. I heard a story from a colleague. A friend of his has been out of work for a long time and he’s struggling to find a new job (I…

ATMac
Multilingual Braille Output For Snow Leopard

Ricky Buchanan

17 Nov 2009 | 3:10 am

Snow Leopard users can use VoiceOver in several languages, but by default the braille dot codes are output using the English braille code. Regular written text uses different scripts for different languages - think of Greek and Russian for example. Braille is similar, with different braille codes for different languages. Sighted readers may be interested to see a visual display of braille codes for different languages. Archie Robertson has made free uncontracted (grade 1) multilingual braille output available for OS X users in the following languages: Arabic, Danish, French, German,…
Juergen Manthey - Locked-In Syndrome

Ricky Buchanan

12 Nov 2009 | 1:10 pm

This entry is part 2 of 2 in the series Accessibility Changes LivesThis is Juergen Manthey: In October 2004 I suffered a brain stem infarct causing locked-in syndrome. We were at a land-rover meet up. I had a bit of a headache in the evening, which got progressively worse. Shortly after that, my body suddenly became paralysed (kind of like suddenly going from 100 to 0). I experienced all the symptoms of locked-in syndrome: complete paralysis of all muscles except my eyes. After four years, I am able to sit, talk quietly, and move my head, and that’s it. (Note: the quotes in this article…
Weekend Round-Up: MacSpeech, MacHeist, Taking Control, and more

Ricky Buchanan

6 Nov 2009 | 3:51 am

ATMac LogoHere’s this weekend’s bunch of news snippets, although I suppose they’re technically a day early: There’s a new release of MacSpeech Dictate available. It’s primarily a bug-fix release, with the addition of a preference control for document caching that should make it easier to do voice editing of documents in MS Word and TextEdit. MacHeist is known for giving away software and selling cheap software bundles. Right now their “NanoHeist” is open and you can pick up licenses for six software products for free! Dash on over to MacHeist and sign…
Switch Users’ Introduction To OS X

Ricky Buchanan

3 Nov 2009 | 9:23 pm

Marie-France Bru taught mathematics when she was able to, but has now been paralysed by ALS. She uses SwitchXS to access her computer with a single switch and I’ve written previously about her tutorials for her Ultra-Efficient Writing Method for switch users. This method is also helpful for other users such as those using on-screen keyboards or text expansion. Marie-France has been busy again and written a full tutorial for introducing switch users to Mac OS X. Here’s her own description: This method is meant for persons with severe motor disabilities, having no head, or finger…
Make Your iPhone A Personal Library

Guest Post

1 Nov 2009 | 5:21 am

This entry is part 4 of 3 in the series EBook ResourcesGuest post by Julie-Ann Amos. Anyone who has browsed iPhone apps know that the iPhone can do just about anything. Now it can even be your own personal, portable library. You can use your iPhone to carry around massive amounts of information without having to carry around all those books. The next question is apparent. How can this be done? Wattpad Wattpad is the definitive way to carry around your own personal library. While carrying even a few books in their traditional form can quickly become cumbersome, Wattpad offers you more than…

Disability Scoop
Paralympics To Vote On Inclusion Of Athletes With Intellectual Disabilities

Michelle Diament

20 Nov 2009 | 10:35 am

An international committee will decide this weekend whether to allow athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete in the 2012 Paralympics.
Drug Could Be Key To Treating Down Syndrome

Shaun Heasley

20 Nov 2009 | 8:41 am

Treatment for the cognitive decline experienced by individuals with Down syndrome could be on the way, scientists reported this week.
If Down Syndrome Cure Discovered, Most Parents Might Decline

Michelle Diament

18 Nov 2009 | 2:51 pm

As science comes closer to a cure for Down syndrome, most parents of children with the disorder say they aren't sure they would take advantage of one, a survey finds.
Top Bowler Credits Asperger’s For Success

Shaun Heasley

18 Nov 2009 | 10:11 am

Cassandra Leuthold is one of the best college bowlers in the country and she says having Asperger's syndrome is one of the reasons why.
Senators Propose Replacing ‘Mental Retardation’ With ‘Intellectual Disability’

Michelle Diament

17 Nov 2009 | 1:44 pm

The federal government would replace "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability" throughout health, education and labor policy under a bill introduced Tuesday in the Senate.

Colorado Social Security Law
Should I talk to my doctor before applying for Social Security disability benefits?

Tomasz Stasiuk

10 Nov 2009 | 5:00 am

If you have a long-standing history with your doctor, it is often a good idea to speak with your doctor early on during the Social Security disability application process. Here are some things you should discuss: Let your doctor know that you are applying for Social Security disability benefits. Ask your doctor if he or she feels that you are disabled? Does your doctor think you would be able to do some type of full-time work? Is the doctor willing to write a statement to Social Security, or fill out a form from your lawyer, about your limitations? Even if not, ask your doctor would be…
When does Social Security review cases for premature babies?

Tomasz Stasiuk

6 Nov 2009 | 5:00 am

Social Security may approve Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to children with a low birth weight (regardless or whether the child is premature). According to the Social Security regulations, these cases are often reviewed by the child’s first birthday. When we will conduct a continuing disability review. … we will start a continuing disability review … By your first birthday, if you are a child whose low birth weight was a contributing factor material to our determination that you were disabled; i.e., whether we would have found you disabled if we had not…
Premature and low birth weight babies may qualify for Social Security disability benefits

Tomasz Stasiuk

3 Nov 2009 | 5:00 am

Under Social Security regulations low birth weight babies may qualify for Social Security disability (Supplemental Security Income – SSI) benefits. It is important to note that Social Security does not specifically consider whether the child is premature or not. Social Security considers the birth weight of the child: “Low birth weight” is defined as a birth weight under 1,200 grams (2 pounds 10 ounces) or under 2,000 grams and small for gestational age. Social Security does provide SSI disability benefits to certain low birth weight infants, whether or not they are…
Can Social Security immediately pay disability benefits to children?

Tomasz Stasiuk

29 Oct 2009 | 6:00 am

Yes. Under some circumstances, Social Security can immediately start Social Security disability benefits, and continue to pay benefits for up to six months, while the state agency component of Social Security makes a formal decision of whether the child is disabled. These are called “Presumptive Disability” cases. Basically, Social Security is saying that the child is probably disabled, and as such will pay benefits, while it reviews the case to confirm the presumed disability. Here are the conditions that may qualify: HIV infection; Total blindness; Total deafness; Cerebral…
Do powerchairs cost as much as cars?

Tomasz Stasiuk

27 Oct 2009 | 6:00 am

Mark E. Smith’s great blog Wheelchairjunkie.com, has a great article about powerchairs — a topic which combines two issues I am passionate about: disabilities and technology. I have seen some amazing powerchairs, from a super speedy model with an Herman Miller Aeron chair, running circles around people at Sam’s club, to a Dean Kamen Segway filled with a small bench (!) at Whole Foods letting the rider sit much higher that in a traditional chair, aiding in shopping and interacting with people at a common height. It is exciting seeing the developments in this area. These…

Community Options, Inc.
Wall Street Journal - Employee Retention

16 Nov 2009 | 10:04 am

Please find our article in the Wall Street Journal entitled, "Businesses Mount Efforts to Retain Valued Employees," by Sarah Needleman:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703811604574534142561139588.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
ABLE Act

12 Nov 2009 | 6:59 pm

Hi COI Friends/Fans,Today, we wanted to draw your attention to an important issue that affects many people with disabilities. As many of you know, asset-building is a difficult task for many people with disabilities, and these individuals are much more likely to be living in poverty, or be “asset poor,” which is when one doesn’t have enough resources to meet his or her expenses if there is no outside income for a period of three months. For example, although it’s estimated that 20% of the population has a disability, nearly half of the people living below the poverty line (47%) have…
Judy Woodruff of the Newshour to Keynote National Nonprofit Conference

11 Nov 2009 | 9:14 pm

Community Options, a national nonprofit organization that develops homes and employment supports for people with disabilities will be hosting its 5th Annual National Conference on September 27-29th of 2010 at The W Hotel in Dallas, Texas.The organization is announcing that Judy Woodruff has committed to delivering the opening keynote on the morning of September 27, 2010 at 9:30am at the hotel.Broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff has covered politics and other news for more than three decades at CNN, NBC and PBS. Most recently, she signed on as a senior correspondent for the NewsHour with Jim…
Local Leader to Chair a Committee to Champion a Cause

11 Nov 2009 | 9:09 pm

On February 13, 2010, Community Options, a national nonprofit organization that develops homes and employment supports for people with developmental disabilities, will hold its widely attended Cupid’s Chase 5k Run in Princeton. Audrey Chen, a Community Options Enterprises Board Member and in charge of Marketing and Business Development for Princeton Design Guild, will be leading the organization as they gear up for their second annual Cupid’s Chase 5K taking place at the Princeton Shopping Center on February 13, 2010. Audrey Chen, Cupid’s Chase 5K Run Chair "I'm very excited to be doing…
Return to the Stage

27 Oct 2009 | 7:57 pm

Andre Solomon-Glover a long time resident of Manhattan, had developed an international career singing a wide repertoire ranging from the roots of American song to opera, from Broadway to ground-breaking contemporary works. Mr. Solomon-Glover, whom critics have called “a remarkably communicative performer,” has made solo appearances in major halls throughout the United States and Europe; he has performed with the Leipzig Gewandhaus and the Philadelphia Orchestra, among others.In 2002, however, he suffered a stroke that resulted in a Traumatic Brain Injury. Since his stroke, Andre has…

Disability Blog
Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits for your Back Pain

admin

20 Nov 2009 | 6:00 am

Obviously, back pain is pain that you feel in your back. This back pain can come from your bones, joints, nerves, muscles or other structures in your spine. Image via Wikipedia Back pain is one of the most frequent complaints that people have. In the United States, acute low back pain (lumbago) is the fifth most common reason for a doctor’s visit. Somewhere around 9 out of 10 adults go through back pain at some time in their life. Around 5 out of 10 working adults deal with back pain every year. There are several different effects that back pain can have on you. Some of these are: Sharp…
Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits After A Brain Aneurysm

admin

19 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

A brain (cerebral) aneurysm is a weak, bulging area in the wall of an artery that supplies blood to your brain. It is also called a cerebral or intracranial aneurysm. The most common kind of brain aneurysm looks like a round berry that is attached to your artery by a tiny neck. Some brain aneurysms are big enough to put pressure on your surrounding brain tissue. Other brain aneurysms can rupture at a weak spot in your artery wall. When this happens an area of your brain is flooded with blood. A ruptured aneurysm needs medical attention right away. It can become life-threatening, quickly.
Anxiety Disorder and Receiving Social Security Disability

admin

18 Nov 2009 | 6:45 am

Anxiety disorder is a blanket term for several different forms of abnormal, pathological anxiety, phobia and fears. Anxiety disorder refers to nervous system disorders as irrational or illogical worry not based on fact. There are several types of anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobic disorders, separation anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and stress disorders are examples of the various types of anxiety disorders. An anxiety disorder is a serious condition that is characterized by several things. It is characterized by extreme, chronic anxiety…
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and Receiving Social Security Disability

admin

17 Nov 2009 | 7:00 am

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects your blood or bone marrow. It is evidenced by an abnormal accumulation of blood cells that are usually leukocytes (white blood cells). Leukemia is used to refer to a variety of diseases. It is pathologically and clinically divided into groups and categories. The first division is into leukemia’s acute and chronic forms. Then, leukemia is divided according to the kind of blood cell that it affects. These two divisions are myelogenous and lymphocytic. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is one of the types of lymphocytic leukemia. It affects your blood…
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits

admin

16 Nov 2009 | 8:46 am

Our word “aneurysm” is taken from the Greek “aneurysma”. This means, “a widening”. An aneurysm is a blood vessel that balloons outward or becomes abnormally large. Your blood vessel bulges out like a weak spot on an old worn tire when this happens. This bulge can burst and lead to death at any time. The larger the aneurysm is, the greater the danger is of it rupturing. An aortic aneurysm happens on your aorta. The aorta is one of the large arteries that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Your aorta bulges at the site of the aneurysm. Aortic aneurysms can take…

Social Security Disability Blog
Who Collects Past Due Benefits if a Claimant Dies Before a Disability Decision is Issued

Jonathan Ginsberg

19 Nov 2009 | 2:56 pm

I recently received a call from a colleague about a situation that is all too common given the delays associated with the Social Security disability adjudication process – the death of a claimant prior to a final adjudication. In this case, my friend's mother was married to a gentleman who had applied for benefits in the early 2000's. He had been denied at his first hearing, then appealed and ended up before a judge a second time for a second hearing. Shortly after the second hearing (but before a decision was made) he passed away. Because of the more then 7 year pendency…
Does It Matter Where I File My Application for Benefits if I Plan on Moving?

Jonathan Ginsberg

13 Nov 2009 | 7:03 pm

I recently received a question from a woman named Carol who wants to know if she should wait to file for benefits because she is planning on moving to a different state. She writes: I own a condo in central Florida. My parents live in north Florida near the Georgia border. I plan on moving to Macon, Georgia (Macon is about 100 miles south of Atlanta in the middle of the state). Should I file now? Should I file now and use my parent's address? Should I wait until I move to Macon to file? Here are my thoughts: I would advise you to file now and to use your current address as…
Onset Dates, Consultative Exams and Cynical Judges

Jonathan Ginsberg

12 Nov 2009 | 8:31 am

When you appear before a Social Security judge for a hearing, there are four possible outcomes: you will be approved you will be denied your case will be continued to another date for a supplemental hearing the judge will issue a "partially favorable" decision Over the past couple of years I have noticed an increase in the number of partially favorable decisions I am receiving. I think this is because my clients, especially low income clients, do not have access to regular medical care and judges are using consultative exam reports to move the alleged onset dates. Here is an…
SSI Recipients May Be Eligible for Free Cell Phones and Free Minutes

Jonathan Ginsberg

10 Nov 2009 | 6:04 pm

SSI recipients and other low income Americans may be eligible for free cell phone or landline service under a program called Lifeline Across America. Participants can expect to receive discounted or free service for a limited number of wireless minutes, but for those living alone or who want the security of a cell phone for emergencies, the Lifeline program can be very comforting. In June of this year, the New York Times published an article about the Lifeline program entitled Providing Cell Phones for the Poor. The program specifications vary from state to state – and associated…
SSA’s Disability Case Backlog Reduced for First Time in a Decade

Jonathan C. Ginsberg

30 Oct 2009 | 12:59 pm

When I talk about the disability claims process, one of the most important things I can do for folks needing help during this difficult time is to make sure they know what to expect. This is especially true when it comes to the amount of time it could take from initial filing to a favorable decision. When Georgia Congressman John Lewis set reduction of SSA’s disability case backlog as one of his top priorities, the Atlanta North processing time for claims was the worst in the country at 828 days, and in Atlanta proper it was 750 days. He noted that “people are waiting years for…

Personal Injury and Social Security Disability Blog
Legal Research On a Shoestring Budget

Bob Kraft

20 Nov 2009 | 4:55 am

In a recent post by Anurag Acharya on the Official Google Blog, anyone can now find federal and state court case opinions with Google Scholar. By entering either party names or topic (for example, disability) you can now search for the full text of legal opinions and articles. And it’s free! According to Acharya’s post, this addition to Google Scholar will allow the average citizen to: ∙ be empowered by helping them learn more about the laws that govern us all; ∙ understand how an opinion has influenced other decisions by exploring citing and related cases using the Cited by and…
Friday Fun

Bob Kraft

20 Nov 2009 | 3:59 am

Have you ever thought about robbing a bank, but just couldn't come up with a good note to hand the teller? Well, don't let that stand in your way — now you can simply go toBankNotes365 and see actual notes used by bank robbers. Of course, these bank robbers all got caught, so perhaps this wasn't such a good idea after all.
A Sad Personal Note

Bob Kraft

19 Nov 2009 | 9:26 am

Since starting this blog in April of 2005 this is the longest I've gone between posts. My father has become suddenly and gravely ill. The family is still in shock, and most daily activities have been suspended. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers in his final days. Thank you.
Friday Fun

Bob Kraft

13 Nov 2009 | 3:57 am

Here's a silly little Color Test that takes less than a minute but might leave you feeling sort of stupid. At least that's what happened to me.
Eli Lilly to Pay $24 Million in Zyprexa Off-Label Marketing Suit

Bob Kraft

12 Nov 2009 | 6:43 am

The AP reports, "Utah has agreed to a $24 million settlement with Eli Lilly & Co. over claims the drugmaker engaged in off-label marketing of the anti-psychotic drug Zyprexa [olanzapine]," according to Attorney General Mark Shurtleff. The drug is currently "approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and certain types of bipolar disorder," but "the company's sales force illegally promoted Zyprexa for uses not approved by the" FDA, including "dementia, Alzheimer's, agitation, and depression," he added.The Salt Lake Tribune reports that a…

Finding My Way
SERIOUSLY?!?!?! (Wordless Wednesday)

11 Nov 2009 | 6:57 am

Found through someone's facebook album:Neon sign says: "NO DRUGS OR NUCLEAR WEPONS ALLOWED INSIDE"
21 Year Old Autistic Auditions for British X-Factor

10 Nov 2009 | 8:50 am

Why have I not seen this before? How did I miss it? Video is from Sept. Anyone know how far he got? Can anyone point me towards other clips?
Activists, Wear Your Flair!

7 Nov 2009 | 12:55 pm

It all started when I went down to DC and attempted to lobby congress. I didn't get to lobby congress, cause we got there when the whole thing was over, but we ran into Yoshiko Dart on her way out and she gave us each a leftover Community NOW button. I somewhat absentmindedly stuck it on my purse as I didn't know what else to do with it and didn't want to lose it. It's cool. It's also impossible to read what any of those buttons say over on the right, so it is the yellow one and it says Community First Choice Option on the top, CLASS Act on the bottom (both smallish) and Community NOW pretty…
Mad Pride, Medication & Emotional Support Animals

6 Nov 2009 | 5:29 am

It all started at the very end of my shrink appointment Tuesday. I'm going to come right out in the open and admit that I've been having serious compliance issues with my meds for a very long time now. So she says (in a non threatening way, completely in passing) "Maybe I should threaten to not treat you. It seemed to work the last time." To which I said "What if I went all mad pride and had a strong philosophical belief against taking meds?" Also, I disagree with her in that although it did work it was very temporarily. I left it at that as I was walking out the door. But I didn't end the…
Wordless Wednesday

4 Nov 2009 | 7:00 am

A picture from the protest and some linkage to more pressFrom WAMU, the local NPR news radio Locally-Founded Autism Group Protests DC Walk for AutismFrom The Hilltop, Howard University's Student Newspaper Autistic Plea Less Pity

abledbody
Study Says Pistorius Has “Unfair” Edge on Blades

admin

20 Nov 2009 | 5:41 am

A new study published today in The Journal of Applied Physiology concludes that prosthetic legs worn by double amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius give him an unfair advantage over able-bodied runners. In the study, “The fastest runner on artificial legs: different limbs, similar function?,” researchers said Pistorius’s blades allow him to turn over his strides more [...]
Paralympics to Host Students in Vancouver

admin

20 Nov 2009 | 5:16 am

The U.S. Paralympics will be hosting 12 student-athletes (ages 14-19) with physical disabilities and six adults, made up of coaches, teachers and program leaders at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada, March 12-21. In the Paralympic Experience program, participants will have the opportunity to meet U.S. Paralympic Team members, attend Opening Ceremonies and athletic [...]
Google Adds Automatic Captions to YouTube

admin

19 Nov 2009 | 10:21 am

I knew Google Voice would have multiple uses for people who are deaf and hearing impaired, but I didn’t expect this news to come so fast: Google is adding automatic captions to YouTube videos. Google announced the news today on its official Google blog, and while the feature is definitely a work-in-progress, it’s an exciting [...]
Live from NCTI 2009: Developing the Net Generation

admin

16 Nov 2009 | 2:48 pm

Assistive technology, autism, education technology, national center for technology innovation, NCTI, social media and disability, students with disabilities
Live from NCT1 2009: Social Media and Assistive Tech in the Classroom

admin

16 Nov 2009 | 10:58 am

On a panel with social media innovators and educators, Andy Carvin (@acarvin) moderated a discussion on the different social media channels available to students and others. Carvin is a social media strategist for NPR and the author of EdWeb: Exploring Technology & School Reform. Other panelists included Steve Hargadon, founder of the Classroom 2.0 social [...]

All Access Blogging
Accessibility For Bloggers: Starting From Where They Are

Skye

28 Oct 2009 | 7:12 pm

Another fairly stream of consciousness post, sorry folks. Writing this stuff out is helping me think through it, but I promise not to take offense if you unsubscribe. In November I plan to get back to actual content, but for the next few days, it's my blog and I need to use it to think! I've been thinking a lot lately about why creating accessibility outreach materials targeted at bloggers needs to be different than all the great materials that are out there about web accessibility in general. I definitely don't want to be duplicating effort. Bloggers come in a wide variety of skill levels,…
Confession: this is not a blog

Skye

15 Oct 2009 | 10:07 am

Allright, y'all, time to confess. When I started this blog, it was not because I wanted to blog about accessibility. There are lots of accessibility blogs. There are lots of GREAT accessibility blogs. Being read by people who already care about accessibility. What I really want is to reach out to the bloggers who don't already care about accessibility. To do that, though, I felt like I needed to get all my information organized. If I was going to say "hey, you need to make your blog accessible!" then I should be prepared to tell them how, including instructions for their blogging platform.
Your Top Tips For Making Your Blog More Accessible?

Skye

18 Jul 2009 | 8:25 am

On Wednesday I am off to the BlogHer conference in Chicago, and once again I am honored to be presenting on accessibility and blogging. I get the feeling that most of the people reading this blog are accessibility geeks, so I ask you, what are the key items I should be sharing with my fellow bloggers? My session is flagged as appropriate for beginners, which is going to include some people who don't even know what HTML means, but I assume I'll also have some folks with some code knowledge wander in. So far I've tried to take the best of the two previous presentations I've done, and the areas…
Your Page Title Matters More Than You Think

Skye

14 Jul 2009 | 8:20 am

Every page on your blog, whether it's the home page, the individual post page, or an archives page, has what's called a title element. Depending on how your blog is set up, this information probably displays at the top of the browser, and in the tab where you have that page open if your browser does tabbed browsing. As someone who often has a lot of tabs open at once, I really appreciate being able to see which tab is which because of the page titles. To make your blog more accessible, though, are there any special considerations for what should be in the title? I've blogged before about how…
What CAPTCHAs mean to people who can't get through them

Skye

1 Jun 2009 | 6:45 am

CAPTCHAs, for those who don't know, are those squiggly letters you have to type in to prove you're a human and not a spammer. They're often used in signup processes on websites, and when you're trying to comment on blogs. Often the response to people who can't manage a CAPTCHA, including some people with learning disabilities as well as those with visual impairments, is that they should just get a friend to help them. I was cleaning out my web bookmarks on accessibility a while ago and came across this gem from Nickie of Nickie's Nook, in a post from a couple of years ago called Accessible…

abledbody
Study Says Pistorius Has “Unfair” Edge on Blades

admin

20 Nov 2009 | 5:41 am

A new study published today in The Journal of Applied Physiology concludes that prosthetic legs worn by double amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius give him an unfair advantage over able-bodied runners. In the study, “The fastest runner on artificial legs: different limbs, similar function?,” researchers said Pistorius’s blades allow him to turn over his strides more [...]
Paralympics to Host Students in Vancouver

admin

20 Nov 2009 | 5:16 am

The U.S. Paralympics will be hosting 12 student-athletes (ages 14-19) with physical disabilities and six adults, made up of coaches, teachers and program leaders at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada, March 12-21. In the Paralympic Experience program, participants will have the opportunity to meet U.S. Paralympic Team members, attend Opening Ceremonies and athletic [...]
Google Adds Automatic Captions to YouTube

admin

19 Nov 2009 | 10:21 am

I knew Google Voice would have multiple uses for people who are deaf and hearing impaired, but I didn’t expect this news to come so fast: Google is adding automatic captions to YouTube videos. Google announced the news today on its official Google blog, and while the feature is definitely a work-in-progress, it’s an exciting [...]
Live from NCTI 2009: Developing the Net Generation

admin

16 Nov 2009 | 2:48 pm

Assistive technology, autism, education technology, national center for technology innovation, NCTI, social media and disability, students with disabilities
Live from NCT1 2009: Social Media and Assistive Tech in the Classroom

admin

16 Nov 2009 | 10:58 am

On a panel with social media innovators and educators, Andy Carvin (@acarvin) moderated a discussion on the different social media channels available to students and others. Carvin is a social media strategist for NPR and the author of EdWeb: Exploring Technology & School Reform. Other panelists included Steve Hargadon, founder of the Classroom 2.0 social [...]

Social Security Blog
Lupus Information, Part Two

18 Nov 2009 | 4:36 pm

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly referred to as lupus, is an irregular and unpredictable disease that can affect any part of the body. In my previous post, I discussed the wide range of symptoms that can signal that someone has lupus. As one of my readers accurately pointed out, I failed to mention which of those symptoms would qualify an individual as disabled by SSA and thus eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Since lupus takes many forms and results in a wide array conditions, that is a somewhat difficult question to answer. However, below is a review of what SSA…
Lupus Information

15 Nov 2009 | 3:52 pm

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly referred to as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease that can perturb any part of the body. The disease is often irregular, alternating between periods of illness and remission and can be completely unpredictable. Not only is the illness unpredictable, but so are the symptoms. Unlike many diseases that come with specific warnings of contraction, signs of lupus can be as simple as unusual fatigue, pain in the joints, or a fever. Yet, while some signs are fairly ordinary, others can have an immediate disabling impact on the…
How Does the Social Security Administration Determine If Someone Is Blind?

11 Nov 2009 | 4:38 pm

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a very structured method of determining whether someone is disabled. SSA will find an individual disabled if he or she meets the five step Social Security disability evaluation process. The five step Social Security disability process includes: (1) Are you performing substantial gainful activity; (2) Is your condition severe; (3) Does your condition meet or exceed a listed impairment; (4) Can you do previous work; and (5) What work can you do? If someone meets all five of the steps of the evaluation process, then that person will be adjudicated as…
Bullying and Disabilities

8 Nov 2009 | 7:26 am

I drove passed a middle school near my home in Chicago a few days ago and from a distance witnessed what appeared to be two boys picking on a young girl who had her leg in a caste in the school playground area. When I arrived home, I reminisced my childhood middle school years and really wondered how much different it would have been had I had some form of a disability. I thought it was easy to get picked on as a middle schooler even if you were perfectly healthy.It turns out that over 8/10 disabled children face bullying and different forms of intimidation. In fact, a survey by Mencap of…
Review Your Social Security Statement

3 Nov 2009 | 9:57 pm

"Social Security is going to run out in the next twenty years." "Social Security is the biggest ponzi scheme ever created." "Social Security is something no one needs to think about since it doesn't really affect us."Chances are, most of you have heard of at least one of these statements in your lifetime. In fact, you probably agree with at least some of those overly broad statements. Regardless of what any of your views are, one thing is clear, whether you like it or not 6.2% of every paycheck you receive while working will go directly into the OASDI program. Over time, the amount that is…