I am a domestic violence survivor. You can’t tell by looking at me, and you never could. I didn’t have black eyes or bruises. I never went to the hospital and claimed I fell down the stairs. I am a woman with a disability, and I was abused by my former partner, another woman. Domestic…
There’s a bill currently pending in Congress, H.R. 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act, which is becoming of increasing concern to the disability community. Bills like this have been floating around for a while, but there’s a chance this one could pass, and if it does, it would substantially gut the Americans With Disabilities…
The first time I met an actress friend for whom I’ve done some marketing and PR work, my wheelchair got stuck in a pothole. In the middle of New York City. We were close to Times Square, on our way to a restaurant. She was walking just ahead of me, showing the way, when my…
The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a wonderful, accessible wheelchair travel destination. During the Accessible Outdoor Experience, I got to ride in a tank wheelchair on the beach. This was the first time in years I was able to leave a bike path or boardwalk and actually go in the sand. Thanks, Action Track Chairs!…
Hi everyone, it’s the Fourth of July. Independence Day. And that’s what I want to talk about… Independence. In case you don’t know me, my name is Karin Willison and I recently turned 40 (shh, don’t tell anybody). I live in Indiana after spending many years in California. You may have noticed I…
Dear Kellyanne Conway, I was dismayed to learn of your recent comments stating that people who receive Medicaid and would lose it under the Republicans’ proposed health care plan can just “get a job” that provides health insurance. Your words are misleading and inaccurate. You see, I and millions of others who would lose healthcare…
If you’re here, you may be thinking of becoming a personal care attendant (or assistant, as I prefer to say) for a person with a disability. That’s awesome! It’s an important and rewarding job for the right person. Are you wondering if you’re that person? Looking for tips on how to be the best PCA…
Note: This article contains discussion of medical abuse, murder and spoilers for “Gypsy’s Revenge” and “Mommy Dead and Dearest.” The story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard unfolds like a lurid true crime tale you see in tabloids. Girl meets boy online. Girl and boy form a toxic relationship filled with salacious sex and bad cosplay….
I recently watched a video by filmmaker and self-styled inspirational speaker Joey Papa offering “advice” on how to connect with someone with a disability or whose loved one has a disability. It was among the most offensive, ableist videos about disability I’ve ever seen, even though — or perhaps because — it was apparently made…
In my experiences traveling with a disability, I often have to book a wheelchair accessible hotel room. (See Part One of this guide for some handy tips!) It’s usually not too difficult, but when an issue does come up, I’ve noticed I tend to run into the same challenges. People with disabilities who are considering…
