TamraHayden performs Black is the Color (of My True Love’s Hair) during The Jesse Terry and Friends Concert at The Winery at St. George in Mohegan Lake NY, July 30th, 2014
When I was a little girl growing up with cerebral palsy, I had beautiful long hair down to my waist. But when I was about 7 years old, my mom said I had to cut it, because it would be “easier for me and other people to take care of.” I was furious. I loved…
Twenty years ago today, September 21, 1999, I lost my mother, Kristin Willison. She was only 55 years old and had battled cancer multiple times throughout her life. My mom was the strongest person I’ve ever known. I strive every day to live up to the example she set. She was a tireless fighter in…
One year ago, my life changed forever. One day, I was enjoying a simple but peaceful Thanksgiving. The next, I was staring down the barrel of a gun, feeling a stranger pulling me from my wheelchair and leaving me helpless on the floor. I laid there not knowing if I would be shot, and whether…
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…
I am fortunate to have a devoted friend to share in the next phase of my life. She is gentle, loving, and loyal. She offers warmth and kindness to everyone she meets. She is my beautiful service dog, Aria. Aria is a golden retriever and 1/8 standard poodle. She was born on July…
On Tuesday, April 25, two class action lawsuits were filed against New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), accusing it of systematically excluding people with disabilities due to a lack of accessible subway stations. Only 112 out of 472 stations — less than 25 percent — have elevators, making it the least accessible subway system…
