LA28 Paralympic Games Announces Inclusion of These 22 Adaptive Sports

Sports

Staff Writer

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March 6, 2023

LA28 Paralympic Games Announces Inclusion of These 22 Adaptive Sports

Los Angeles will host its first Paralympic Games on August 15-27, 2028, following the LA28 Olympic Games, set to run July 14-30, 2028. While we’ll have to wait several more years for this event, sports fans will be pleased to know that the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board has already approved which adaptive sports will be included in the LA28 Paralympic Games.

LA28 Paralympic Games to feature these adaptive sports:

Para badminton
Boccia
Blind football
Goalball
Para judo
Para canoe
Para equestrian
Para table tennis
Wheelchair tennis
Wheelchair fencing
Wheelchair basketball
Para archery
Para athletics
Para powerlifting
Sitting volleyball
Para swimming
Para rowing
Shooting Para sport
Para taekwondo
Para triathlon
Wheelchair rugby
Para cycling

LA28_Emblem_Paralympic_Stacked_A_Equality_Gradient_RGB_Color — (International Paralympic Committee)

More About LA28 Paralympic Games

The LA28 Games will be Los Angeles’ first time hosting the Paralympic Games and third time hosting the Olympic Games (previously in 1984 and 1932). Up until 1988, the Paralympics were held at a different location than the Olympic Games. An estimated 15,000 athletes and para-athletes are expected to compete in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Could the Paralympic Games Alter this List?

In accordance with the IPC Handbook, an Organizing Committee of a respective Games may also propose to the IPC one or more additional events in new sports, with consideration for inclusion at the absolute discretion of the IPC Governing Board.

As part of the International Federation application process, a record 33 Para sports submitted applications to the IPC to be considered for inclusion in the LA28 Paralympic Games. Following the full evaluation, the IPC granted LA28 the opportunity to explore the potential of including Para climbing or Para surfing, sports that have not been featured before at the Paralympic Games. Should LA28 put forward any sports for consideration, a final decision will be taken by the IPC Governing Board by the end of 2023.

USA flagbearers paralympic Tokyo — (International Paralympic Committee)

“Determining these sports for inclusion to the LA28 Paralympic Games through the International Federation application process was a tremendously difficult job for the IPC Governing Board as we received 33 excellent applications. All International Federations who submitted applications should be congratulated on the quality of their submissions as they underline that all Para sports are getting stronger,” Andrew Parsons, the IPC President, said. “The sports we have included in the LA28 Paralympic Games provide a competitive and attractive sport program that will showcase the diversity of the Paralympic Movement.”

Casey Wasserman, LA28’s Chairperson, said: “The LA28 Paralympic Games will be an incredible moment for elite adaptive sport against the backdrop of one of the most diverse and inclusive cities on the planet. We’re looking forward to bringing a remarkable Paralympic sport program to life that will create an exceptional Games experience for athletes and fans. LA28 has always been about integrating the creative energy of LA into sport tradition to bring new fans into the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. As we explore potential new sports, we will consider how best to elevate the athlete and fan experience and contribute to the overall success of the Games.”

Following submission of applications by International Federations in July 2022, the IPC assessed each candidate sport in accordance with the IPC Handbook and sought further clarification from applicants where needed. The IPC also worked closely with LA28 to analyze the potential impact of sports on the program, prioritizing an amazing Games experience that is fiscally and environmentally responsible.

Which Paralympic sport are you most excited about?

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Congress Introduces Bipartisan Cerebral Palsy Research Program Authorization Act

Health

Staff Writer

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March 3, 2023

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Congress Introduces Bipartisan Cerebral Palsy Research Program Authorization Act

On the first day of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month (March 1, 2023), Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) introduced the bipartisan Cerebral Palsy Research Program Authorization Act to investigate the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and societal costs of cerebral palsy.

Celebral palsy, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Celebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person’s ability to control his/her/their muscles. People with cerebral palsy often experience stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity), among other differences related to movement/coordination, speech/eating and development.

Celebral palsy awareness month helps advance celebral palsy research — (Shutterstock)

Calling for Cerebral Palsy Research

“Although cerebral palsy affects one out of every 345 children, it is the most prevalent disability that has no designated federal funding for research. No dedicated federal funding for cerebral palsy means there are fewer treatment options, less prevention, less education and a lack of standards of care across lifespans. There is not currently a reliable system to count how many people in the United States have cerebral palsy, so the estimates on cerebral palsy prevalence are just that – estimates. The Cerebral Palsy Research Program Act addresses these critical oversights,” Congressman Cohen shared in a press statement.

The Cerebral Palsy Research Program Act would authorize $5 million to the CDC to establish a research program to focus on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cerebral palsy. The bill is currently cosponsored by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO).

What do you think about this Act?

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Disability Books for National Reading Month

Education

Nancy DeVault

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March 1, 2023

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Disability Books for National Reading Month

Calling all bookworms (and potential bookworms)… March is National Reading Month! During this annual observation, the National Education Association aims to encourage reading, especially among children and young adults – with and without disabilities. Inclusion in books matters because literature, both fiction and nonfiction, has an impact on young readers’ minds. It can help shape the perception of themselves, others and the world around them. To empower readers of all abilities, explore disability books and inclusive learning materials throughout National Reading Month and beyond.

Inclusive Chapters

Kicking off National Reading Month, Read Across America Week is celebrated from March 2 to March 6 – beginning on the birthday of the popular children’s book author, “Dr. Seuss.”

Born on March 2, 1904, Theodor Seuss Geisel wrote and illustrated more than 60 books under his infamous pen name. This beloved collection includes “The Cat in the Hat,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish,” among other popular titles. In 1984, he received a Pulitzer Prize for his contribution to the education of children and their families. Then, in 1998, the National Education Association choose his birthday as the basis for the Read Across America initiative.

School and community organizations nationwide embrace both National Reading Month and Reading Across American Week to promote literacy and creativity among little learners. It’s more important than ever to include disability books in selections because, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, disability rates among American children are higher than ever. According to data reported in 2019, over three million children in the U.S. have a disability. Plus, people with disabilities constitute the nation’s largest minority group. So maybe offering up a greater selection of disability books will help boost inclusion!

Disability Books to Explore

Want to introduce disability books to your children? Reading Across America compiled an inclusive list of disability books that, it says, offers readers the opportunity to “explore a wide range of disability experiences, as well as enjoy fabulous stories that focus on a disabled character but not their disability.” Click this link to view the suggested list of disability books.

Do you have a favorite book that features an inclusive message? Share with AmeriDisability on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

disability books empower readers of all abilities, such as this student reading a Braille book — (Shutterstock)

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Disability Organization Calling for End of this Dangerous Sport

Sports

Nancy DeVault

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February 28, 2023

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Disability Organization Calling for End of this Dangerous Sport

Sports injuries make up one-fifth of all injury-related visits to emergency departments, according to research from the CDC. Most sports, such as basketball, cycling, football, soccer and hockey for example, pose varying levels of risk. But, according to a prominent disability organization, the dangerous sport of slap fighting is especially risky, with the potential to cause debilitating traumatic brain damage.

Slap fighting, also known as slap boxing, centers on two opponents standing arm’s length apart, taking turns slapping each other in the face. Especially gaining popularity among fans of boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA) and other combat sports, the end goal is merely to see which fierce competitor can withstand the open-palm blows the longest.

Now thanks to a primetime television show, a much larger audience is being introduced to slap fighting. Airing on TBS, “The Power Slap: The Road to the Title” is a reality-style series following aggressive athletes working their way through the ranks of this unnecessarily risky and brutal recreation.

Pushing Back for Safety

Because slap fighters are not permitted to dodge the violent hits or defend themselves in any way, concerned leaders are sounding alarms about this dangerous sport.

For example, The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), the country’s oldest and largest nationwide brain injury advocacy organization, released an eye-opening letter calling on the Nevada Athletic Commission to recant their official support of this dangerous sport. It was just recently, in October 2022, that the Commission sanctioned slap fighting as a professional sport for the region. However, BIAA asserts that slap fighting comes with a significant threat of participants developing traumatic brain injuries. Additionally, violent blows may result in fractures to facial bones, ear drum ruptures and other serious injuries.

“What is being portrayed for the public to witness first-hand is a real time laboratory for sustaining a traumatic brain injury,” said Dr. Gregory O’Shanick, Medical Director Emeritus at BIAA. “Blunt force trauma to the head, especially repetitive impacts over a brief period of time, result in changes in brain function that have devastating consequences for many individuals.”

(BIAA)

Experts within the medical community, sports industry and even political leaders are echoing BIAA’s concerns surrounding the health and safety of participants of “The Power Slap” — and the dangerous sport in general. In fact, U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) penned a letter seeking answers from Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav about the worrisome television program. The correspondence urges the network to pull “The Power Slap” from its schedule and, at the very least, increase warnings to viewers about the dangers of the sport’s violence and brain injury prevention. The latter is important because, according to BIAA, the show is spreading inaccurate, harmful messages about the serious risks of traumatic brain injuries (through both the televised episodes and social media posts).

“Power Slap participants may not demonstrate immediate injury, but the unnecessary damage caused to their brain will have long-lasting and disastrous consequences,” the political Members wrote. “Endeavor Productions, TBS and UFC appear to have created and profited off a deadly television show, with significant reach and impact, without implementing basic and commonsense safety protocols.”

Dangerous Sport with Painful Prize

That’s directly correlated to the questions that remained after the sport was sanctioned. You see, the rules as approved by the Nevada State Athletic Commission make no mention of a process or procedures for determining if a participant has developed a concussion. A concussion is caused by a hit, blow or jolt to the body or head which forces the brain to move rapidly back and forth. Very common among combat sports, concussions are indeed traumatic brain injuries. And it is an unfortunate misconception that concussions are not serious. It is important that those who sustain a concussion receive a proper, timely assessment and treatment; and, furthermore, not sustain multiple concussions as this increases the likelihood of developing post-concussive syndrome (PCS) or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Repeated concussions have been shown to increase the likelihood of developing other neurological disorders as well. [To learn about the physical, sensory, cognitive, behavioral and mental symptoms of concussion, read this guide crafted by the Mayo Clinic.]

The Mayo Clinic says that mild traumatic brain injury may affect one’s brain cells temporarily. But more-serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain. And these injuries can result in long-term complications, disabilities or death. In 2021, for example, Artur “Waluś” Walczaka, a 46-year-old slap fighter from Poland, died from injuries sustained following a vicious knockout.

So, is slap fighting even a “sport?” And is sensationalizing this dangerous sport worth the risk? Well, there’s much debate about these basic questions and more. Share your thoughts with AmeriDisability on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Is a Service Animal Tax Deductible?

Finance

Nancy DeVault

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February 27, 2023

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People with disabilities may qualify for certain tax deductions, income exclusions and credits, according to the IRS website. Approximately half a million service dogs currently help people with disabilities in the United States and, so, some taxpayers may wonder: Is a service animal tax deductible? Whether this million-dollar question directly applies to you or if you’re just a curious cat… the answer is yes! A service animal is tax deductible.

What is a Service Animal?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. For some persons with disabilities, service animals better afford participation in daily life (and perhaps more independently so).

The IRS definition, however, indicates that service animals aren’t limited to dogs. It states that a service animal is any guide dog, signal dog or other animal trained to assist a person with a disability. It’s important to note that service animals are not just pets but, rather, working animals.

is a service animal tax deductible? Dog sits with calculator and paper — (Shutterstock)

The IRS lists the following as task examples of service animals:

guiding people who are blind and/or low-vision,
alerting people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to sounds,
pulling a wheelchair,
carrying and picking up things for persons with a mobility impairment,
alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure,
reminding a person with a mental impairment to take prescribed medications,
calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and
other disability-related tasks.

How is a Service Animal Tax Deductible?

Individuals with disabilities may be able to withhold certain medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income. [This is the threshold for 2022, which may change for future years.] These fees may correlate to equipment, therapy, transportation to and from medical appointments. For people who have a service animal specifically for disability tasks, the cost of ownership – i.e. cost of buying, training and maintaining a service animal – is considered a tax deductible medical expense. In general, the itemized costs may include food, grooming, veterinary care and animal equipment (harnesses, vests, leashes, etc.)

Taxpayers writing-off a service dog will likely need proof, like a doctor’s prescription and even formal listing on a service animal registry. Proper documentation notating that the service animal is certified and trained to help with one’s specific disability-related tasks may also be required.

While a service animal is tax deductible, therapy and/or emotional support animals are not; nor are standard pets. Basic pet-related costs are considered personal expenses; and pets cannot be deemed as dependents.

service dog beside wheelchair user — (Shutterstock)

Why is a Service Animal Tax Deductible?

The costs (direct and indirect) of living with a disability in the U.S. are, generally speaking, higher when compared to expenses of persons without disabilities. Owning a service dog is just one hefty example of an added expense within the disability community.

The lofty initial cost of purchasing a service dog, according to Service Dog Registration of America, ranges between $15,000 and $30,000 after training. Presently in the U.S., no major insurance covers the expense of a service animal; thus, tax write-offs help.

Essentially, service dogs do not serve as pets but more so as medical devices or aids (according to the government; and, therefore, taxed as such.)

Tax Deductions Beyond Service Animals

People might be eligible to write-off other animal-associated expenses. For example, deductions could potentially apply for:

fostering pets,
guard dogs and/or business animals, or
taxable income from pets (i.e. breeding, show animals, etc.).

More about Service Dogs

The ADA requires places to allow service animals to accompany persons with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go. Because of this protection, one should not be asked to leave a premise solely because of the use of a service animal unless the animal is not controlled or housebroken.

Service animals are expected to harnessed, leashed or tethered unless doing so interferes with the disability tasks at hand.

Note: This article is not intended to serve as financial guidance. Individuals – with and without disabilities – should consult a qualified tax professional and adhere to IRS guidelines.

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Inclusive Bystander CPR Program Empowers People with Physical Disabilities

Health

Nancy DeVault

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February 27, 2023

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Inclusive Bystander CPR Program Empowers People with Physical Disabilities

A survey by the American Heart Association (AHA) revealed that while 9-out-of-10 adults believe cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves the chances of surviving cardiac arrest, 4-out-of-10 admitted they would likely not initiate CPR. Yikes! So, what can be done to empower people of all abilities to perform bystander CPR?

During sudden cardiac arrest, a person abruptly loses heart function and immediate lifesaving intervention is needed to sustain life. [Sudden cardiac arrest is different than a heart attack. Learn more here.] More than 350,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital setting each year in the United States. And, according to the AHA, prompt CPR can double or even triple one’s chance of survival! But bystander CPR just is not done enough when needed…

Bystander CPR saves lives — (American Heart Association)

An Inclusive Bystander CPR Program

Thanks to an inclusive bystander CPR program developed for people with limited physical abilities, the disability community can help improve statistics and, ultimately, save lives. In collaboration with the National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities (NOND), the AHA adapted its instructional options by launching Advisor: Basic Life Support (BLS). This inclusive bystander CPR instruction is geared toward people who have the potential to pass the cognitive portion of the HeartCode BLS Provider Course but cannot independently perform the physical chest compressions.

“This program was created because we saw the need for those with disabilities to have the opportunity to participate in saving lives,” said Comilla Sasson, MD, PhD, FAHA, FACEP, and vice president for emergency cardiovascular care science and innovation at the American Heart Association.

According to the AHA’s disheartening study, a lack of training or knowledge on how to effectively perform CPR was cited as the number one reason as to why most respondents said they would not perform lifesaving measures. That’s why empowering bystanders of all abilities, including people with physical limitations, is essential in an effort to motivate the public to take lifesaving actions if and when needed.

people participate in an inclusive bystander CPR class — (Shutterstock)

Because everybody is different, some people with disabilities are able to perform the physical skills of CPR; whereas others are more effective at providing verbal direction. Advisor: BLS focuses on teaching people with physical disabilities to advise others on how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

“Americans are living longer with more comorbidities so, now more than ever, individuals need to learn CPR,” said Bridgette Jenkins, DNP, MSN, RN, active American Heart Association CPR Instructor and NOND board member. “We were thrilled to collaborate with the American Heart Association to help problem-solve this issue for people with disabilities at a time when it’s most critical to have these lifesaving skills.”

Thanks to ongoing research, CPR guidelines are continually finessed in an effort to save more lives. It’s been nearly 15 years since the AHA began encouraging the use of Hands-Only CPR (after surveys found that the act of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation caused bystander hesitation). The AHA states that should you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, call 9-1-1 immediately and then press hard and fast in the center of that person’s chest; or, per the Advisor: BLS guidelines for bystanders with limited physical abilities, verbally prompt other bystanders to perform CPR.

For more information on CPR, visit CPR.Heart.org.

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Pilot Program to Improve Food Access for Chicago Residents with Disabilities

Lifestyle

Staff Writer

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February 27, 2023

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Pilot Program to Improve Food Access for Chicago Residents with Disabilities

Three community partners have joined forces to increase food access for Chicago residents that have disabilities. The Mayor’s Office of People with Disabilities (MOPD), Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC) and the Thierer Family Foundation, an organization helping nonprofits increase their impact through technology, initiated the Vivery Idea Lab in-home delivery pilot to provide access to nutritious food for high-risk, challenging-to-serve populations in the City who may experience barriers to accessing food options.

Vivery Idea Lab from the Thierer Family Foundation is an incubator focused on testing, validating and scaling customizable solutions to increase access to nutritious food. This pilot, leveraging the Vivery platform, includes an in-home delivery solution that fills a critical need in food insecurity for homebound individuals with disabilities, who face tremendous challenges in accessing regular and nutritious food. Through a collaboration with nearby pantries and a community produce supplier, these individuals will receive monthly shelf stables, perishables and fresh produce, all delivered in-home by a local delivery service. This pilot will help further integrate the City of Chicago as a partner into the emergency food response ecosystem, by providing an easy and adaptable digital tool to connect with and serve the disability community.

“I appreciate the partnership and efforts between the Mayor’s Office of People with Disabilities, the Community Safety Coordination Center and the Thierer Family Foundation to create a pathway for food equity, especially for our residents who are living with a disability,” said Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “The new Vivery Idea Lab pilot will help eliminate such barriers to access through in-home food delivery services, pantries and community suppliers, who will help create a support network that better uplifts our most vulnerable residents.”

The Community Safety Coordination Center works with City departments and sister agencies to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing the root causes of violence across Chicago. This program is part of their people-based strategy.

Increasing Food Access

“Working to combat food insecurity in communities that have been historically disinvested in is a key component of addressing community safety through a public health framework,” said Gregorio Martinez, Interim Chief Coordination Officer at the CSCC. “This pilot reflects the city’s commitment to coordinate services in neighborhoods that need it most.”

The Vivery Idea Lab in-home delivery pilots are validating innovative ways to provide a sustainable, fully-funded and supported solution for in-home delivery so everyone, regardless of their circumstance, can have access to food. With the Vivery in-home delivery system in place, pantries are able to identify the most efficient routes to reach those individuals, saving time and increasing capacity, and recipients can get a level of personal support they didn’t have previously through this high-touch delivery service.

“By partnering with the Mayor’s office and other visionary leaders in our local community, we can test new and big ideas that hold the promise of significantly impacting access to food,” said Nasrin Thierer, Founder of Thierer Family Foundation. “When public and private forces partner together, it means we can really scale these efforts and make them sustainable.”

The Vivery Idea Lab’s pilot programs have made more than 500 deliveries to date. The partnership with the MOPD and CSCC aims to enhance this further as it targets up to 2,000 deliveries to 150 individuals in the Austin community, providing them with consistent access to food from pantries closest to them for six months. To learn more about, or to support these in-home delivery pilots, visit Vivery Idea Lab.

Could this effort inspire other cities to also help increase food access for residents that have disabilities? Let’s hope so.

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Take this Virtual Tour Honoring Black History of Disability Community

Spotlight

Nancy DeVault

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February 16, 2023

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Take this Virtual Tour Honoring Black History of Disability Community

Disabilities intersect with every community. However, the prevalence of disability is higher among select populations and, in particular, people of color. The CDC reports that disability impacts 1-in-4 Black Americans, which is a higher ratio compared to that of other racial and/or ethnic groups, including Whites (1-in-5), Hispanics (1-in-6), Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (1-in-6) and Asians (1-in-10). Only American Indian/Native Alaskans have a higher ratio of disability (over Blacks), averaging 3-in-10 people.

History shows that all marginalized groups face inequalities. While there is much room for improvement, society is making progress when it comes to diversity and inclusion. But sadly, not too long ago, awareness and acceptance of marginalized groups – i.e. minority race, disabled and that specific combination – was far from the norm. With roots in Buffalo, New York, the Museum of disABILITY History (ModH) was established in an effort preserve and recount the trials and triumphs of disability rights and persons with disabilities, including (but not limited to) the disability experience among Black Americans.

Graphic illustrating disability ratios among racial and/or ethnic groups — (CDC)

Black History is Part of the Museum of disABILITY History

Opened in 1998, ModH was the brainchild of Dr. James M. Boles, the CEO of People Inc., a nonprofit human services agency in Western New York. He recognized that accounts of how people with mental and physical differences were once perceived and treated were not well-kept or accessible. Thus, he created the ModH with a mission to advance the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. For more than two decades, thousands of disability allies and others visited the museum each year to experience historical exhibits, educational programs, film/speaker series and special events. At it’s peak, ModH featured eight permanent collections, two temporary collections and 11 traveling exhibits, showcasing disability-specific books, documents, medical essays, photographs, postcards and more.

As a result of closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, the brick-and-mortar museum space permanently closed in December 2020. Yet, the ModH has maintained its commitment to honoring the past, present and future of the disability community. People with and without disabilities are invited to visit ModH’s Virtual Museum.

senior couple, seated at table, looking at tablet — (Shutterstock)

Black History Month Includes People with Disabilities

Black History Month is an annual celebration, observed in February, of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in American history, as defined by History.com. Perhaps there’s no better time to take a virtual tour of ModH’s “Disability and the African American Experience” exhibit. It features a historical timeline spanning the years of 1619 through 2004. It’s important to note that some information included in this historical archive may be disturbing for some digital-users to read.

For additional information about the “Disability and the African American Experience,” or any of ModH’s virtual exhibits, call (716) 629-3606.

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Blind Athlete Sets Ultraman Record Completing Double Ironman Race

Sports

Nancy DeVault

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February 15, 2023

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Blind Athlete Sets Ultraman Record Completing Double Ironman Race

What could be more grueling than competing in an Ironman triathlon? How about doubling the distance over three taxing days?! Perhaps only elite athletes would attempt such a physically demanding event… as did para-triathlete Francesco Magisano. He became the first blind athlete to finish the 321.6 multi-sport milage in the Ultraman Florida Triathlon (held February 10-12, 2023).

In case you need a crash course in triathlon metrics, the Ironman distance features a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run. The Ultraman amps it up to a multi-day double Ironman race, with a 6.2-mile swim and 92-mile bike on the first day, 172-mile bike on the second day and 52-mile run on the third day. Obviously, not many people — with or without disabilities — would even consider such a high-intensity challenge. But Magisano isn’t one to shy away from proving his capabilities to himself and others.

“I love pushing myself to the extreme because it helps me figure out what my limitations are. Then it provides me with an opportunity to explore pushing past those limitations to redefine what is possible and what I am capable of,” Magisano tells AmeriDisability. “Being totally blind, I am constantly faced with what others perceive as limitations. This is just one more way that I can advocate for athletes with disabilities and harden myself personally.”

At 10-months-old, Magisano was diagnosed retinoblastoma, an eye cancer that begins in the retina. He had low-vision for most of his childhood years until, at age 15, he went totally blind. Then, a few years later, a stranger unexpectedly changed the vision Magisano had for his life. You see, while shopping at a grocery store, he was approached by a volunteer associated with Achilles International, an global organization striving to transform the lives of people with disabilities through athletics and sports-driven social connection.

[Francesco Magisano (second seat) with his guide Brian cross the finish line on the bike on day 2 of the Ultraman.]

Achilles Engages People with Disabilities, Including Blind Athletes

Without prior sport experience, Magisano began attending Achilles-hosted workouts and running group sessions. He quickly found his stride as a runner, swimmer and tandem bicyclist. Endurance racing became his passion! And, eventually, his profession too. Previously working as an engineer, Magisano jumped full-speed into his dream job as the Director of the NYC Metro Region for Achilles International.

Like many, of course, finding a work-life balance is tricky. It’s no surprise that figuring out that equilibrium is extra complicated for elite athletes who maintain vigorous, time-consuming training schedules, atop of life’s many responsibilities.

“With an event this long, most of the training is super long distance and lots of volume,” Magisano shares. “Having a full-time job and not being able to train and race full-time definitely presents challenges. I view this as a benefit for my purposes because, this way, I can prove that it is still possible to achieve massive victories and break through barriers while grinding like the average person with a job, a life and family obligations.”

Magisano’s journey sounds like a whimsical film script, right? But it is his real life — and it could just as easily become the same reality (or similar on a lesser extreme scale) for anyone with a disability interested in adaptive sports.

“I’d like to be an ‘example of an athlete living with a disability’ for those who might not have ever met one and to prove that competitive and challenging athletics is part of my life in the same way that it is for someone without a disability,” Magisano says. “I also strive to be a good example for other athletes with disabilities who might be in the same position I was in the past. Growing up, I never participated in any sort of organized sports team,” Magisano explains.

In fact, he ran his first mile and swam his first lap with the Achilles workout group, all because of a life-changing grocery run. “Getting into the world of endurance sports has completely changed my life! And as the Director of the NYC Metro Region at Achilles, I work hard to bring that life-changing experience to others,” Magisano says.

Greg, a guide, and Francesco, a blind athlete, running on the final day of the race — [Francesco Magisano (right) runs alongside his guide, Greg Plumb (left) on the final day of the Ultraman Florida race.]

Clocking a time of 33:50:14, Magisano set a record as the first blind athlete to finish Ultraman Florida. This victory comes after a slew of other marathons, triathlons and races in recent years.

Magisano asserts that, regardless of physical ability, anyone can participate in para-sports and, of course, he views Achilles International as one accessible path of pursuit. It’s important to note that Achilles athletes are not expected to become elite competitors like Magisano remarkably did. In fact, many Achilles athletes opt to participate by walking (not running or biking) and thrive on the social support. Now with 66 chapters, Achilles members report increases in well-being and self-confidence.

Aside from adaptive athletes, Achilles also engages volunteer allies and athletic support guides. Magisano is vocal about the importance of his support partners, which are vital to his safe participation, refueling plan and ultimate success. During the Ultraman, Magisano biked tandem with guide Brian Hammond and ran tethered with guide Greg Plumb, plus additional crew members were accessible via guide kayaks and a road van.

Magisano has no intention of slowing down. He has his sights set on running the Boston Marathon (again!), plus more multi-sport races like the U.S. Para-Triathlon Nationals. If you want to be inspired, follow Magisano on Instagram (@TeamFrancescoOfficial).

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Theater Scene Plays Up Life with Disabilities with New Inclusive Production

Entertainment

Nancy DeVault

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February 13, 2023

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Theater Scene Plays Up Life with Disabilities with New Inclusive Production

New York City’s theater scene will get more diverse with the premiere of a new inclusive production centered on life experiences with disabilities. DARK DISABLED STORIES is slated to run February 28 through March 26, 2023 at The Public Theater.

Produced by The Bushwick Starr, DARK DISABLED STORIES is an autobiographical play written and performed by Ryan J. Haddad, an acclaimed playwright and performer who has cerebral palsy. The storyline, presented as a series of unforgiving vignettes, reveals how Haddad navigates the world — and the people within in — even though it’s just not built to accommodate disabilities, as with Haddad’s walker for example. A representative for The Public Theater explains that DARK DISABLED STORIES “probes implicit ableism and the assumptions we make about people we’ll never really know.”

“They’re ordinary, sometimes funny stories that turn dark because of the ways the world is taught to interact with disability, or the measures people take to avoid and ignore disability entirely. I’m excited for audiences to balk, laugh and cringe with me about the ways strangers can be very strange,” Haddad describes.

Poster for DARK DISABLED STORIES — (The Public Theater)

In an effort to prioritize accessibility for theaters of all abilities, this production is set to integrate American Sign Language (ASL), open captions and audio descriptions into every performance. The Public Theater has also expanded its wheelchair and mobility access accommodations. Plus, to create a more comfortable, inclusive environment, audience etiquette will be relaxed.

In addition to Haddad, the off-Broadway cast includes Dickie Hearts and Alejandra Ospina. Crew members include Jordan Fein (Director), Andrew Morrill (Director of Artistic Sign Language) and Alison Kopit (Accessibility Consultant), among others.

DARK DISABLED STORIES will grace the stage of The Public’s Shiva Theater beginning on Tuesday, February 28 and run through Sunday, March 26, 2023. For tickets, visit PublicTheater.org, call (212) 967-7555 or visit the Taub Box Office at 425 Lafayette Street. The Public’s Joseph Papp Free Performance initiative will offer free tickets for the February 28 show via TodayTix; the lottery will open for entries on February 21. Members of the disabled community can use the promo code AccessDDS for discounted tickets to all performances.