I got the call yesterday morning. My dear friend Brandy Maltas passed away after a two-year battle with uterine cancer. Things looked good after her initial surgery and first batch of chemo. But then a few months later, they found spots on her liver. She had more chemotherapy, but her body started reacting badly,…
A few months ago, I got an awesome job. I am a part time (roughly 3/4 time) editor for a major disability and health website. I like my job because I’m helping people, using my writing and editing skills, and learning about the Internet media market. I can work from home, and I have…
When I was a little girl, I had to do physical therapy every day because of my cerebral palsy. It was boring, exhausting, and sometimes painful. I hated it. I would scream and cry, and refuse to cooperate. The only thing my mom found that would help was music. She soothed me with classical…
I’m excited to announce that I have a guest post on Her Packing List! I hope my story will open the minds of fellow travelers, and inspire more people with disabilities to travel. Please visit their site to read the post: Ultimate Wheelchair Travel Packing List
Recently, the online disability community has been discussing ableism and whether we should let disability define us. On the one side, some people say “I am more then my disability. I don’t let it define me.” On the other side, there are those who believe we should “Let disability define us. Be proud. It’s part of our…
When I was about 7 years old, I found a little paperback book on my parents’ bookshelf. It was on its side in front of the other books, spine facing out. The cover showed a little girl with long red pigtails and a big smile. Her name was Karen Killilea, and the book was entitled Karen, by…
I wrote this piece for Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Please share it with the parents you know! Dear Parents of Kids with Cerebral Palsy, Thirty-something years ago, my parents were where you are now — raising me, their daughter with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. I was blessed with loving parents who fought for me to…
Lady Gaga’s powerful Oscars performance of “Til It Happens to You” brought attention to an issue that affects far too many people with disabilities. Along with much of the world, I was brought to tears by Lady Gaga’s powerful performance of “Til It Happens to You” at the Oscars. I was especially moved by the…
At the 2016 Grammy Awards, Stevie Wonder spoke a powerful truth. He said “We need to make every single thing accessible to every single person with a disability.” Here are 7 reasons why it’s time for the entertainment industry to listen to his words. 1. People with disabilities are 1/5 of the population One out of…
When traveling with a service dog, there are many things to consider. This guide will help you prepare for traveling with a service dog, and provide valuable information for business owners and members of the general public who may encounter someone traveling with a service dog. Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means…
