There’s No Easy Fix for Wheelchair Users
Colorado lawmakers approved a measure that will make it easier for people to fix their power wheelchairs when they wear out or break down, but arcane regulations and manufacturers create high hurdles for nationwide reform.
Source: By Kaiser Health News May 31, 2022, at 8:59 a.m. / By Markian Hawryluk | KHN
The multibillion-dollar power-wheelchair market is dominated by two national suppliers, Numotion and National Seating and Mobility. Both are owned by private equity firms that seek to increase profits and cut spending. One way they do that is by limiting what they spend on technicians and repairs, which, when combined with insurance and regulatory obstacles, frustrates wheelchair users seeking timely fixes.
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Different colors evoke different emotional and physical responses and, perhaps, especially so among certain people with disabilities. Maybe that’s why color therapy, also known as chromotherapy, has become an increasingly popular alternative wellness method. But beyond the walls of color-coded medical facilities and therapy centers, the concept of intentionally tapping into colors can easily be applied at home. So, grab a paint brush and coat your walls with the best paint colors for people with disabilities.
Discriminatory comments made last year by Candace Owens, a popular political analyst, have resurfaced following fresh criticism by actress Christina Applegate. Applegate, who has been vocal about her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, just recently discovered the previously released video-commentary of Owens spewing disparaging remarks about Kim Kardashian’s Skims’ adaptive undergarment line and, more specifically, the entire disability community.
Disability advocates are encouraging allies and the community at-large to put their best foot forward on World Down Syndrome Day. The call-to-action is simple: just wear colorful, mismatched socks on March 21. The purpose of this fun fashion statement is to create much-needed conversations surrounding Down syndrome. About 1 in every 800 babies is born with Down syndrome, according to Down Syndrome International.
Shopping options for adaptive products just got a little better! You see, following a downturn in sales, QVC, a televised shopping network, is strategically positioning a celebrity spokesperson aligned with the disability community to help boost sales, specifically of QVC’s adaptive product line. Actress, author and disability advocate Selma Blair will serve as the new QVC Brand Ambassador for Accessibility.
In recent years, the creative techniques of art therapy have gained popularity, including among those within (and/or supporting) the disability community. Maybe that’s why the annual logo design of a prominent disability awareness month has become such an important representation. AmeriDisability is pleased to spotlight Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, as well as the talented artist whose work was chosen to be the official logo design of the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2023 campaign.
At Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, an event was organized to demonstrate the difficulties presented by the campus’s vast, hilly terrain and intricate architecture, which, while appealing, pose significant obstacles for some. The event was a collaborative effort by the university’s Accessibility Resource Center and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.
For years, both faculty members and students at Roanoke College have dedicated their efforts to implementing various courses and initiatives aimed at promoting disability programs. Through a gradual and persistent process, they have achieved their goal, and the college is now poised to offer a comprehensive Disability Studies major.
You understand the great complexities of parenting a child with special needs – from the boundless rewards to the abundant challenges. Parenting journeys are hard and, perhaps, especially so for those nurturing a child with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Well, as you might imagine, the teaching journey of special education instructors is also unique. Teaching is one of the hardest, yet fulfilling careers; and, of course, the highs and lows of this profession can be amplified when working in an inclusive or special education setting.