Temporary Ramps to the Rescue: Storefronts Made Accessible Thanks to StopGap Foundation

Tiffiny Carlson

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October 5, 2018

Temporary Ramps to the Rescue: Storefronts Made Accessible Thanks to StopGap Foundation

“Did you know that the electric toothbrush was originally designed for someone with limited use of their hands? When we design something for someone with a disability, everyone benefits,” says Luke Anderson, a C5-6 quadriplegic from Toronto. He’s also a civil engineer and the co-founder of the StopGap Foundation, a non-profit bringing accessibility to the world.

When you have an engineering background, your brain tends to work a certain way and this was certainly the case for Luke. Growing up, Luke was athletic, and he fell in love with mountain biking in his teens. “I moved to the interior of British Columbia because it’s known as the best place in the country to mountain bike.”

But in October 2002 at the age of 25, Luke’s world changed. “I was riding with a really good friend of mine on a trail that involved jumping a big 25 foot wide gap. It was on that ride when I tried jumping the gap after watching my friend Johnny successfully doing it. I came up short, flew over the handlebars and landed head first breaking two vertebrae in my upper spine.”

Although the injury was difficult, he went on to graduate from the University of Waterloo. In 2007, he began his career working as an engineer, working for a large firm in Toronto.While working for this firm for several years, there was a temporary ramp situation, which made it impossible for him to get into his job or leave independently. “The ramp worked but it was definitely not ideal because it meant that I needed to rely on someone to help set up the ramp.”

After seeing a viral campaign about bicycle awareness in his city that began by painting bicycles bright colors, he wanted to do the same to wheelchair ramps. “In October 2011, myself and some friends pulled together a bunch of volunteers and some building materials and we built 13 bright red, green, blue, and yellow deployable access ramps for businesses in Toronto’s Junction neighborhood. The goal was to raise awareness about physical barriers that prevent many people from becoming fully engaged in their communities.”

These thirteen ramps have changed the world. Within two years, interest in their initiative exploded and they became a registered Canadian charity. “Our ramps are temporary and are to be used upon request. As such, they do not need to adhere to building codes. Business owners take on the responsibility and any risk associated with using the ramp, they sign a waiver agreeing to use it on a request basis.”

The ramps have a 1:6 rise to run ratio, they have textured, slip resistant paint and they have rope candles. To acquire a StopGap ramp for your business, you can do so through their Ramps on Request program, or by participating in their Community Ramp Project. Ramps cost between $300 – $600 depending on the height of the step.

If you’d like to purchase a ramp, you can contact the StopGap Foundation at buyaramp@stopgap.ca.For more information visit: Stopgap.ca

3 Surprising Ways Pets Benefit Your Kids

Lifestyle

Lisa Beach

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October 3, 2018

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3 Surprising Ways Pets Benefit Your Kids

It’s 6 a.m. and you hear your baby whimpering. He’s probably hungry, but you just want to sleep a little longer. Nevertheless, like any good parent, you get out of bed to feed him. But you’re not feeding your infant son. You’re feeding Rocky, your beloved golden retriever who is such an integral part of your family that you’re willing to get up at the crack of dawn for him. Why do you care so much? And what does this special bond mean to your family?

As you incorporate a pet into your family’s daily rhythm, he quickly wiggles his way into your hearts. He flashes his “I’ll-miss-you” puppy dog eyes whenever you leave the house and greets you at the door when you come home. He wags his tail when you talk to him and curls up next to your kids, giving them a built-in snuggle buddy. In turn, your family celebrates his birthday, takes selfies with him, plays with him and takes him on vacation. It’s a two-way love-fest.

“When I’m watching TV, Shadow sits on my chest and rubs his head against me,” explains Kevin, the “parent” of a 25 lb. cat. “He’s so heavy that it’s a little hard to breathe. Even though I’m gasping for air after a few minutes, I love his affection.”

Veterinarian Dr. Brian Benjamin understands the special bond. “We have clients who celebrate Christmas and hang a stocking on the fireplace with their pet’s name just like a kid in the family,” says Dr. Benjamin.

3 Surprising Ways Pets Benefit Your Kids

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, growing up with a pet can usher in a host of benefits.

1. They learn how to be responsible. “In many ways, the pet becomes like a child because it depends on its owner for food, water, bathing and a clean, healthy environment,” says Dr. Benjamin. “And the child becomes like a parent because he takes on the responsibility of helping to care for the pet.”

2. They learn big-picture lessons about the circle of life, from birth and illnesses to accidents and death. “Loss of a pet is always difficult,”explains Dr. Benjamin. “This can be the first time a child experiences the loss of a loved one. It can lay the groundwork and set the stage for what it means to lose a family member.”

3. They often confide in their pets, treating them like a trusted confidant. Pets listen with no judgment, which helps kids share their feelings. And pets cuddle and provide comfort, which helps kids develop compassion and non-verbal communication skills. “I have a son who has special needs,” points out Dr.Benjamin, “ and he sometimes relates to pets in the house more easily than he relates to people.”

It’s not just the kids who benefit from pet-ownership. Parents can get in on the tail-wagging benefits, too.

“People who share their houses with pets can have less overall stress because the pets act as a comforting factor,” says Dr. Benjamin. “Studies have shown that petting a purring cat can reduce heart rate and stress level.” This might just make up for all those mornings when you sacrifice extra shut-eye to get up and feed your “baby.”

Looking for a great place to adopt a pet? Start with local organizations in your community. Or tap the searchable online resources that can filter results by your location and type of animal you want to adopt.

· Local animal shelters

· Local animal rescue groups

· https://www.petfinder.com/

· http://www.rescueme.org/

· https://theshelterpetproject.org/

Understanding Your Voting Rights as a Person with a Disability

Professional

Staff Writer

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September 28, 2018

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Understanding Your Voting Rights as a Person with a Disability

The disability community is a powerful voting block. During the 2016 election, according to Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, voters with disabilities comprised approximately one sixth (16.67%) of eligible voters, totaling 35.4 million people. But of this number, only 16 million people voted. Over the years, the United States government has recognized the power of this massive community. They have even implemented several laws to ensure that they can exercise their right to vote.

Disability Voting Rights Laws

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination based on disability. It also ensures that disabled individuals have access to polling places and the ability to register as voters and cast ballots. The ADA also requires that “public entities ensure that people with disabilities can access and use all of their voting facilities.”

In 1965, the Voting Rights Act (VRA) was signed into law. This required election officials to enable people with disabilities to vote and receive assistance from a person of the voter’s choice. It also prohibited denying citizens the right to vote based on the individual’s educational attainment, ability to read and write, or pass a test.

In 1984, the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 (VAEHA) required accessible polling places for elderly persons and people with disabilities during federal elections. If there was no appropriate location available, voters must be able to access an alternative means of voting. Despite the laws that enabled people with disabilities to exercise their rights, low voter turnouts remained. Therefore, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 was implemented. It required all offices that provide public assistance or state-funded programs to serve people with disabilities, so they could vote during federal elections.

The latest voting-related law implemented for people with disabilities was the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). Here, jurisdictions must provide at least one accessible voting system for persons with disabilities. They must also be able to access these areas and get the privacy and independence which all voters obtain.

Effectiveness of Voting Rights Laws

But despite the implementation of various voting rights laws, not all polling places can accommodate persons with physical disabilities. In fact, a study by the Government Accountability Office found that roughly two-thirds of polling places have at least one error in accessibility. Some areas have no ramps, elevators, or entrances for the disabled. In other cases, poll workers are inexperienced and have no idea how to set up accessible polling machines.

Mental Illness and Intellectual Disabilities

Although everyone has the right to vote, some states limit the rights of individuals with mental illness and intellectual disabilities. A report by The Atlantic said that, “30 states in the District of Columbia have laws in their constitutions that can limit people with mental disabilities from voting if they have been ruled ‘mentally incapacitated,’ or incompetent, by a court.”

Washington D.C. even allows judges to strip voting rights from individuals—from Down syndrome to schizophrenia—because they may be “incompetent,” even if there is no defined standard for measuring a person’s mental capacity to vote.

Are These Limitations Fair?

Pamela Karlan, the co-director of the Supreme Court Litigation Clinic at the Stanford University Law School, told The Pew Charitable Trusts, “Some people’s cognitive abilities are so impaired, they shouldn’t vote. They have no idea what’s going on.” Fear of voter fraud is a primary reason why some states have placed voting qualifications for people with cognitive, developmental, or social disabilities. A report by Pew confirmed that thousands lose their voting rights during guardian proceedings.

But in cases of voter fraud, it’s the caretaker or family member that has committed the crime. “We don’t strip someone of their rights in the name of protecting their rights,” said Michelle Bishop, an advocacy specialist at the National Disability Rights Network based in Washington. “They are literally the last people in the U.S. who can get their right to vote stripped because of their identity. Having a disability does not mean you are not competent to vote.”

While there are some cases where persons with disabilities are unable to vote, there are also many cases wherein individuals with a disability can vote but struggle to do so. Therefore, upholding equal rights in the voting area must be a priority in every state.

Creating Clothing for Functionality and Style

Emily McDeed

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September 6, 2018

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Creating Clothing for Functionality and Style

For most, putting on clothes is one of the many monotonous, five-minute activities done to start the day. But for those with disabilities, mainstream clothing can be a challenge to overcome each morning. Someone with paralysis may not be able to dress independently depending on their needs, while others may simply need help swinging a jacket sleeve across their back from limited mobility. While the simple solution may be to ask for help, the long-term solution for the disabled community would be to create clothing that works with their abilities rather than the person learning to work around the clothing. A team of dedicated individuals provides this solution through Open Style Lab (OSL).

OSL originally started in 2014 as a service project at MIT. Executive director Grace Jun joined the organization in 2015 and moved it to New York the following year. Here, they offer services through a collab course at Parson’s School of Design, including a theme-based Summer Program. For each semester, students from engineering and design disciplines at Parson’s work together in teams to address their their clients’ specific needs, whether that’s making a garment that regulates temperature, has flexible fabric for limited range of motion, or anything else that mainstream clothing doesn’t address. The team then creates the garment through their set of in-house and mainstream tools, such as 3D printers, interactive computer chips, and sewing machines. As everyone goes through the process, clients not only feel more comfortable with expressing their needs but also gain confidence as they help develop a finished garment that’s functional and stylish.

The Summer Program has fellows from different occupations work with their clients to create garments rather than merely consult with them as they do during the school year. Instead, OSL assembles a team of designers, engineers and Physical and Orthopedic therapists to design clothing for clients that match a chosen theme, such as this year’s Aging, Mobility and Care. Once clients are selected, each team works on clothing solutions with design experts, learns about different types of assistive technology and fashion design, and develops a business plan that enables them to bring their designs to the public. Each team also receives a stipend for their client’s project. They then present their final garments at a show in August and talk about their unique features for the disabled user if they choose to participate.

But OSL does more than create clothing. They also raise awareness about adaptive clothing for the fashion industry through trade shows, the press, and events, such as OSL’s discussion panel at Yabu Pushelberg Studios. During the panel, Grace Jun and four other professionals discussed their experiences working with marginalized communities and strategies to make businesses more inclusive. For OSL specifically, this means not only researching changing trends in adaptive clothing but learning to work with each of their clients’ abilities and situations while creating clothing. As passionate as team members are to work with disabled individuals, many have their first experience interacting with them day-by-day through the program and are amazed at how their perceptions change. As Kieran Kern said in our interview, “they realize [the disabled individual] isn’t just a set of symptoms. They’re a person. They have wants, needs, goals, [and] desires” like any human being. Thus, the team is transformed as they work with the client, and the client feels exhilarated from being themselves since their limitations aren’t seen as a problem but as something to work with—including the thrill of designing a garment that reflects their personality.

With “style” in their name, Open Style Lab takes style very seriously as they design clothing with clients to ensure they’re representing themselves. To learn more, visit their website, follow them on social media, or email them at hello@openstylelab.org.

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Photos courtesy of Open Style Lab

Seeking Employment? A Disability Recruitment Company May Help

Professional

Nancy DeVault

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August 22, 2018

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Seeking Employment? A Disability Recruitment Company May Help

Pittsburg resident Joyce Bender established her career as an executive search professional. Eventually, following a health scare and disability diagnosis, she found her niche within the field: disability employee recruitment.

Bender tells AmeriDisabiliy Services that, in her 20s, her family physician misdiagnosed, or rather dismissed, her fainting spells. On a life-changing evening in 1985, while at a movie theatre with her husband, she had a seizure. “I hit the floor so hard that I fractured my skull and had an intracranial brain hemorrhage, dislodged bones in right inner ear (which is why I also have 70 percent hearing loss on right side) and was rushed to the hospital for life-saving brain surgery,” Bender recalls. She was diagnosed with epilepsy, the fourth most common neurological disorder which causes unpredictable seizures, and she began an appropriate medication regime.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, 65 million people around the world have epilepsy, including 3.4 million in the United States alone. That means more people live with epilepsy than with autism spectrum disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy combined. “1-in-26 people in the U.S. will develop epilepsy in their lifetime,” Bender states, adding, “The problem is that it’s frequently misdiagnosed by general practitioners.” Perhaps that’s because epilepsy includes a wide range of seizure types, some of which have milder characters ─ as with absence seizures where a person displays rapid blinking or stares off for a few seconds, versus tonic-clonic seizures (also called grand mal seizures) which can result in loss of consciousness and muscle spasms. Consequently, Bender encourages people to seek second opinions when needed and, ideally with a neurologist who specializes in epilepsy.

Following her self-described miraculous recovery, Bender returned to work and also started volunteering with various disability-focused programs. She says she quickly recognized that “stigma is the reason people with disabilities are not getting hired” and, so, she shifted her skills toward the disability community. In 1995, she founded Bender Consulting Services, Inc., a for-profit company specializing in the “recruitment, hiring and workplace mentoring of individuals with disabilities, disability employment strategy and training and accessible technology solutions.” Bender says the business took off thanks to one of her existing clients, Highmark, a health insurance company, that agreed to partner by working with talented individuals with disabilities. Today, many other public and private sector employers across the country align with Bender Consulting ─ such as Bayer Corporation, Cigna, PNC Financial Services and even federal agencies ─to place qualified individuals with disabilities in fields like information technology, finance/accounting, engineering, human resources, mathematics, biology and so on.

Bender Consulting works on behalf of corporations/agencies rather than directly for the job seeker. Yet, that equates to two very important things: (1) Bender Consulting is able to connect qualified employees with companies that specifically want to improve disability recruitment initiatives and hire individuals with disabilities; and (2) service fees are absorbed by the hiring companies and, therefore, of no cost to job seekers. Bender’s efforts have been highly regarded worldwide. In 1999, President Bill Clinton awarded Bender with the President’s Award, America’s highest honor for achievement in furthering the employment and empowerment of people with disabilities.

“You cannot live the ‘American Dream’ until you have employment. I get frustrated when I hear people questioning where to find talent. People with disabilities are an untapped labor pool. I want to remind employers that,” Bender declares. Aside from striving to increase employment opportunities, Bender Consulting, in partnership with No Barriers Media, launched iDisability, training software that “educates organizations and ensures employees have the foundations required to: effectively communicate with, interview, hire, accommodate and engage people with disabilities in the workforce; build and implement an effective and measurable strategic approach to disability inclusion across the enterprise; and remain abreast of emerging and evolving strategies for disability inclusion and engagement.”

Bender Consulting Services has created employment opportunities for over 1,000 individuals, of which about 20 percent are disabled veterans. To explore job openings, submit a resume or connect with a Bender Consulting team member, visit BenderConsult.com. You can also connect with Ms. Bender on her weekly radio program, Disability Matters, available online on the VoiceAmericaChannel every Tuesday from 2-3 pm EST.

Diabetes: A Health Epidemic Affecting Half of the Nation’s Population

Health

Nancy DeVault

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August 20, 2018

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Diabetes: A Health Epidemic Affecting Half of the Nation’s Population

Nearly half of American adults have diabetes or prediabetes – half! The statistics are alarming: Over 30 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes and another 84.1 million American adults have prediabetes. Yet, many people still don’t understand the risk and warning signs. Diabetes, as defined by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body’s ability to produce and/or use insulin. Diabetes can also impact one’s eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other organs. That’s why the ADA is on a mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of those affected.

It’s a Science

ADA reports that, since 1952, its invested $807.4 million in more than 4,700 research projects that have helped change the face of how diabetes is treated. Nicole Donelson, ADA’s Executive Director (Florida) tells AmeriDisability Services that the association’s commitment to financing researchers, a program called Pathway to Stop Diabetes, is critical as other funding agencies, like National Institutes of Health, allocate more funding to other diseases that, while important, are far less widespread compared to diabetes. In recent years, ADA scientists have, for example, analyzed how coffee drinkers have a slightly reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease and Type 2 diabetes; how high glucose levels cause blood vessels in the eye to multiply abnormally and, thus, leads to blindness; and how diabetics who are depressed have poorer outcomes than diabetics who are not depressed.

In 2017 alone, the ADA made more than $37.4 million available for research, supporting 371 research projects performed by 341 investigators at 140 leading academic research institutions across the U.S. And, each year, upwards of 16,000 physicians, scientists and healthcare professionals gather for the ADA’s Scientific Sessions, a conference devoted to innovative discoveries. The most recent event, held in June 2018 in Orlando, showcased 2,800 original presentations. One new study, which caught the attention of expectant parents and beyond, revealed that maternal diabetes may increase risk of autism in children. However, even with this elevated risk, the likelihood remained small and, therefore, the study did not suggest that diabetic pregnancy was unsafe.

Regarding disease management, new research proposed that adults with Type 1 who added the drug Victoza (liraglutide) produced better glucose control and increased weight loss. Another study found that those with Type 1 who used the Omnipod hybrid closed-loop system (the HorizonTM Automated Glucose Control System) “experienced significantly less hypoglycemia, more time in the target glucose range and better overnight glycemic control compared to their usual care.” And, since we live in a digital world, presenters advised that mobile apps are evolving to function as “personal diabetes assistants,” with abilities to analyze data and provide personalized pattern recognition and insulin-dosing decision support.

The High Cost

While findings concerning medical advancements are exciting, another study presented at Scientific Sessions was disappointing, revealing that some diabetics who require insulin are, sadly, unable to pay for adequate supplies. Dr. Jane Reusch, ADA’s President of Medicine and Science, bluntly stated, “Insulin affordability threatens lives and takes lives. It’s crucial that the ADA, as part of its mission, keeps insulin affordability in the spotlight.” Diagnosed diabetes costs the U.S. $245 billion each year and insulin prices have risen significantly – nearly tripling in cost between 2002 and 2013.

To address the issue, in November 2016, the ADA launched its Make Insulin Affordable initiative, formally declaring that people with diabetes shouldn’t have to cut back on or skip doses of insulin – or, conversely, forgo other necessities to pay for insulin. The effort, according to an ADA press release, includes a petition that calls for all entities in the supply chain to provide transparency, and to ensure that all people who use insulin have affordable access to the medication. It also asks Congress to hold hearings to identify the reasons for the dramatic increases in insulin prices. Since the campaign launch, advocates have held more than 400 Congressional meetings and collected more than 800 patient, caregiver and provider stories regarding access to affordable insulin. If you are impacted by this issue (or simply care about the cause), don’t hesitant to voice your opinion too.

Resources

While advocating for diabetes research and healthcare improvements are high organizational priorities, ADA remains equally focused on helping individuals with diabetes live life to the fullest. Visit Diabetes.org to explore various programs and resources, from dietary to health insurance tips and everything in between. Plus, mark your calendar for local upcoming events, such as the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes and Tour de Cure.

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Secondhand Purchases Afford First (or Second) Employment Opportunities

Professional

Nancy DeVault

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August 8, 2018

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Secondhand Purchases Afford First (or Second) Employment Opportunities

Consumers recognize Goodwill as a trusted secondhand store. In fact, in 2017 alone, Goodwill received more than 105 million material donations. However, many are unaware of the impact made by giving to and/or shopping at the company’s 3,300 retail stores and online auction (ShopGoodwill.com). Since its founding in 1902, Goodwill has operated with the philosophy of “not charity but a chance,” specifically focused on influencing the workforce. Thanks to a federated network of 161 autonomous organizations, Goodwill is actually in the business of changing lives through job training, employment placement, career counseling, financial education and other related services. And, yes, that’s all attained as a result of contributions of used clothing and household items.

Each Goodwill organization is an independent nonprofit that activates according to local need. “The thing that unites the network, and is the core of what it means to be Goodwill, is a belief in the power of work,” says Brad Turner-Little, Senior Director of Mission Strategy and Workforce Development for Goodwill Industries International. “It enables people to be able to contribute to their communities, provide for themselves and their families and builds dignity at the individual level.”

How? Well, first, someone donates clothes (or other articles) which, as Turner-Little explains, allows Goodwill to serve as an environmentally-sustainable solution “by keeping over three billion pounds of stuff out of landfills on an annual basis.” Second, another person is granted a job to sort and sell bequeathed merchandise. Third, customers access and purchase affordable items. Forth, as noted in a company report, more than 87 percent of collective revenue from the sale of donated goods support and grow education and career services and other critical community-based programs.

In 2017, these career service programs granted 24,616 people employment at Goodwill, plus anadditional 110,505 people found opportunities at partnering companies in fields such as information technology, health care, automotive services, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, retail and so on. “Our local Goodwill’s often work in partnership with community colleges but, for somebody that might not have been very successful in a traditional learning environment and particularly someone that has been out of a learning environment for some time, Goodwill’s can provide an easier pathway into competency building to obtain the right skills and credentials,” Turner-Little describes, adding: “Because of our decades of experience helping people access and stay in jobs, we know how to help people build contingency plans and offer support services to mitigate anything that could hamper their success.”

Turner-Little says job training and placement approaches are individually customized to maximize opportunities for employment success. That’s been especially beneficial for people with disabilities, veterans and military families and job seekers with other unique circumstances. In fact, Goodwill reported to AmeriDisability Services that 23 percent of its employee population has a disability. For example: Sarah Pine, a single mother of three children who has a learning disability and is a recovering addict, enrolled in Goodwill’s Transitional Employment Opportunity and now works as assistant manager at the Springdale, Arkansas Goodwill store. And Steven Ikehara, a Honolulu, Hawaii resident who suffered a stroke, participated in Goodwill’s AbilityOne Program and works at the Corrosion Repair Facility on the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base. Likewise, Michael Stucke of Rockford, Illinois, who has autism, enrolled in Goodwill’s Supported Employment Program and landed a job at Wal-Mart.

“We have been a part of advocating for people with disabilities officially since the 1930s, and that commitment today is as strong as it’s ever been,” declares Turner-Little. For more information on donation sites, retail stores and job training services, visit Goodwill.org or call 1 (800) GOODWILL.

eAerie Undergarment Line Uncovers the Untouched Beauty of “Real” Woment

Nancy DeVault

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July 26, 2018

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Most people would agree that it takes guts to be photographed dressed solely in underwear… especially without airbrushing. Well, that’s exactly how scantily-clad models are posed in a campaign for Aerie, the subsidiary undergarment line of American Eagle. “As a brand, Aerie has been a leader in empowering women and celebrating inclusivity and body positivity since our launch of #AerieREAL in 2014,” Jennifer Foyle, Aerie Global Brand President, shared in a statement to AmeriDisability Services. “Our newest bra models are part of our brand’s ongoing commitment to show real, authentic and unretouched women who are at the core of everything that we do.” This cast, which made their campaign debut in summer 2018, includes women with varying disabilities, chronic illnesses and physical attributes not typically featured in mainstream advertising.

To find these “real” representatives, the brand turned to social media and asked its community to share personal videos explaining why they wanted to be a part of #AerieREAL. Close to 2,000 women responded, according to marketing agent Matthew Owens. He explained that, “The women chosen for this campaign represent the inclusive beauty that makes up the DNA of the brand, which is committed to empowering all customers to embrace and love their real selves.”

“I sent them a video saying how, as someone who’s never seen disability or chronic illness represented in media, #AerieREAL should mean that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, ethnicities and abilities,” 20-year-old Abby Sams said in a HuffPost article. No stranger to video confessions, Sams shared via her YouTube channel that she experienced unexplained pain for years before finally being diagnosed with a chronic neuro-inflammatory disorder and a connective tissue disorder. Landing the modeling gig was much easier to navigate! Posed in her wheelchair, Sams’ modeled a black lace bra. “I am PROUD to say I’ve done this. PROUD to be a part of it. PROUD to be a model representing a community of disabled and chronically ill people. PROUD to be comfortable in my own skin,” she wrote on her Instagram page. “Being a model in a wheelchair for a major company is kind of a big deal and I want to be transparent about it all. Confidence is hard to come by and even harder to master.”

Also for the campaign, Gaylyn Henderson donned a matching navy bra and boy-cut panty set along with her ostomy bag. She has Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disorder, and runs Gutless and Glamorous, an organization empowering people living with or contemplating ostomy surgery. Evelyn Ridell also wore a medical accessory: an insulin pump. The type 1 diabetic is photographed with her device clipped to a blue bra. Fellow #AerieREAL models include Jennifer Van Dusen, who describes herself as young and breastless after surviving breast cancer; Danielle Candray, who has alopecia, a hair loss condition; Lexus Morgan, who has vitiligo, a skin pigmentation condition; and Rajee Aerie (yes, Aerie is her last name and just coincidental to the brand), whose use of mobility crutches resulted from polio. And sports fans may recognize gymnast Chelsea Werner, who has Down syndrome, and is a four-time Special Olympics U.S. National Champion and two-time defending World Champion.

Founded in 2006, the Aerie brand is geared toward younger women (teenagers and twenty-somethings), a demographic that often struggles with body confidence –regardless of whether one has a disability. The #AerieREAL campaign hopes to represent and empower women of all types and the general public is responding. One customer (Danielle @ddmarriee) explained via Twitter: “They demonstrated a wonderful commit to diversity in their models and I hope that this is a theme throughout the entire company. Wow. This is beautiful.” And we at AmeriDisability Services agree!

Article photos courtesy of eAerie. Thumbnail photo: Rajee Aerie, Photo below left: Gaylyn Henderson, Photo below right: Danielle Candrey

Design for Disability Outfits Cerebral Palsy Foundation Models with Fashion Creators

Nancy DeVault

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July 25, 2018

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Design for Disability Outfits Cerebral Palsy Foundation Models with Fashion Creators

Richard Ellenson describes himself as a “typical advertising guy.” Well, typical isn’t exactly the most appropriate term as he’s credited with creating highly successful campaigns for brands such as American Express and HBO (penning the well-known tagline, “It’s Not TV. It’s HBO.”). And, generally speaking, he is an outstanding individual. Ellenson also defines himself as a loving father to his teenage daughter, Taite, and 20-year-old son,Thomas, who has cerebral palsy. His dad role motivated a career shift into assistive technology and, four years ago, he became CEO of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF), an organization transforming lives through research, innovation and collaboration. Cerebral Palsy is a physical disability that affects movement and posture, according to CPF. Globally, over 17 million people have cerebral palsy.

Thomas is a smart, funny and talented theatre actor and critic who operates Theateriffic.net. He uses a motorized wheelchair, a communication device and struggles to find stylish clothes that fit his needs. That’s because, according to Ellenson, Thomas (and others with cerebral palsy) occasionally drools and, therefore, has to wear unflattering bandanas or change his shirt frequently. Ellenson decided to explore options for function fashion. “I wanted to do something to show that fashion informs how we think about everybody and it can be something that helps us think about people with disabilities,” he says, adding, “because the way we dress, the way we speak and so on reflects how people see us.” And, unfortunately for people with disabilities, appearances (including fashion) can fuel misconceptions.

In 2016, Richard linked up with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to engage upcoming designer students with the most under-represented group in fashion: models with disabilities. The project was named Design for Disabilities. “The goal was not necessary to bring out a collection but to mentor young designers so the language of inclusion and accessibility starts to filter through the top design schools in the country,” he says. Students worked hand-in-hand with models with disabilities – identified through CPF’s social platforms, partners and ambassadors – to learn about dressing and wardrobe challenges and, then, construct improvements. Models then hit the runway during CPF’s annual gala where garments were judged by famed designer Thom Browne and other industry experts.

In 2017, CPF partnered with renowned designer Derek Lam to mentor more students at FIT, Parsons School of Design and Pratt Institute. According to The Cut, Lam expressed his desire to partake in the much-needed dialogue: “We are talking about very serious things like diversity and gender and empowerment — but I feel like the conversation never really comes up about a large segment of the population, which is those with disabilities.” The creation process (of athletic, casual and formal pieces) under his leadership was documented via six online videos featuring both designers and models. The videos garnered over 7 million views!

“For me to put on pants in a chair is just so hard. So, with the zipper on the side it was a lot easier, a lot more roomy and more convenient,” shared model Desiree Raymond, who has transverse myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord) and is working toward a Health Service Administration degree. She helped Parsons’ Claudia Poh realize her goal to identify existing problems and propose inclusive solutions. Model and filmmaker Andrew Pilkington, who has cerebral palsy, says FIT’s Indigo Choi used a stretchy material to outfit his needs. “I really like the design she came up with to make my pants a lot more flexible,” he says. FIT’s Kristi Thompson designed sportswear to combat chaffing that Minda Dentler, a wheelchair-using ironman triathlete, would get during lengthy competitions. And for Hilda Caba, who hadn’t worn a long gown since her spinal cord injury, Thompson cut an L-shaped dress that wouldn’t bunch around the waist while seated in a wheelchair. The videos helped viewers understand how and why accessibility was needed and achieved, such as through durable shirt cuffs (as not to fray from manual wheelchair use), stretchable and breathable materials, proper length and/or measurements and varying clasps.

Fashion designer Anna Sui served as the 2018 mentor and continued design achievements. However, Ellenson says Design for Disability may soon explore manufacturing and encourage companies to produce and sell accessible collections. “Manufacturing is a different issue but, this year, we are actually talking more about how we can create these outfits and bring them to the world,” he says, explaining that presently, “Our work is more looking at how you create fashion and also celebrate the disability.” That’s something he describes as “an interesting conversation because many people with disabilities want to blend in and others want to call attention to their disabilities.”

Design for Disability is representative of the broad range of CPF’s groundbreaking work. Key efforts for CPF include: The Early Detection Initiative (T.E.D.I), aimed at bringing down the detection age for developmental disability, thereby allowing earlier interventions of life-changing therapies; Just Say Hi, school inclusion program changing how we teach and include students with disabilities and other differences; high-profile collaborations with institutions, organizations, corporations and entertainment (like with the TV series Speechless); and Evolve21, a newly-released health and wellness mobile app. To access more information, visit YourCPF.org.

“Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable,” says model Jessie Chin. And we at AmeriDisability Services agree! Head to our Facebook and Twitter pages to share how fashion could be more accessible for you.

Photos courtesy of Cerebral Palsy Association.

Angela Rockwood: A Beautiful Role Model

Nancy DeVault

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July 11, 2018

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Angela Rockwood had put her “bad path” teenage years behind her. By age 26, she was on a positive track – newly engaged to actor Dustin Nguyen, content with her spiritually and launching an L.A. based acting career with small roles in The Fast and the Furious and the television series V.I.P. Then, in 2001, her life dramatically shifted.

Following a wedding planning weekend, Angela and her two bridesmaids were driving back to Los Angeles from San Francisco. “I sat in the backseat and that little voice in my head told me to wear my seatbelt,” she recalls. However, eventually, she unbuckled to lean into the conversation. It was then that the car hit loose gravel on the mountainside road, spun out of control and flipped over the bank. “My head hit the back of the seat and compressed my C4/C5 vertebrae,” says Angela, who was ejected through the side-rear triangular window. She awoke to learn that her friend, actress Thuy Trang, best known for her role as the Yellow Ranger in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, tragically died in the crash. And doctors presented a diagnosis: Angela was paralyzed and given a 3-5% chance of regaining movement (odds she would later surpass).

Angela says she knew from a young age that if she could go out into the world and make a name for herself, she could possibly “be an example and make an impact.” But, waking up in the hospital was a defining moment regarding this vision. Angela says, “That little voice talked to me again and I instantly knew it was all for a reason. I survived.” She began rehabilitation and strived to positively motivate fellow patients; and also journaled about what she imagined for her future. “I knew that I could be a voice for so many and be a huge advocate because of the path I was about to embark on ─ being transported into the realm of the paralyzed,” she explains.

As part of her recovery, Angela opted for stem cell therapy which she credits with restoring sensation to several body parts and, thus, allowing her to operate a manual wheelchair, feed herself, apply make-up, practice upper body martial arts and more. Her renewed strength energized a commitment to charitable work and forged partnerships with disability organizations, including the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and GlobalMobility.

Soon thereafter, she eagerly returned to acting and modeling in hopes of combating stereotypes. “I’m all about putting the ability back in disability,” Angela describes. She proposed doing so with a “team of women warriors.” Following months of rejection from television networks, in 2012, SunDanceTV debuted Push Girls, a non-scripted reality series focused on the day-to-day trials and triumphs of Angela and her circle of ambitious, wheelchair-using gal pals. “We tried to share as much as we could about our world, and it wasn’t so much about the wheelchair,” she explains, adding, “I had no shame in putting the real back into reality!” That real included recording her daily care needs, like being bathed, catheterized and dressed by her nurse; and dialing modeling agencies with her tongue. The 5’9” beauty landed gigs with Maybelline, Nordstrom and Sony. “There are billions of people in the world with a disability and we’re consumers too. The fashion world would be ignorant if they didn’t tap into that,” she proclaims. “Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, color, race, age and in every vessel,” says the now 43-year-old Asian-American entertainer. “We have to be the change! If you want change, you have to actually do something about it.”

Push Girls aired for two seasons and won the Critics’ Choice Award in 2013. As she encountered professional milestones, she also entered new chapters within her personal life. Angela and Dustin divorced, though they remain friendly; and the self-described hopeless romantic found love again. Now, via her YouTube channel alongside “her man” Steven Profeta, she shares her perspective on relationships, sex and more. And, in Take a Look at This Heart, a documentary directed by Ben Duffy that explores romantic experiences of individuals living with disabilities, Angela shared more about her experience with love and personal relationships. She explains that she has four viewpoints from: 1) being able-bodied at one time and married; 2) being a quadriplegic and married; 3) being a quadriplegic and single in the dating world; and 4) being a quadriplegic and in a new relationship.

In regards to her recent roles, in addition to working on the Royal Flush Crew for the World Poker Tour on Fox Sports Network, Angela’s filming Pen Pals (directed by Marem Hassler), portraying Ottilia, a sensual and powerful female character. “People in wheelchairs aren’t thought of as sexual beings, even though we are. Being paralyzed doesn’t change that,” she declares.

Angela says she’s truly living the life she journaled about back in her hospital bed and is focused on leaving a positive mark. “Life is a gift and what we do with our life is our gift back to the world, to others and to ourselves,” she says, adding, “No matter what is going on in the person’s life, whatever catastrophic event you are going through, remember it is temporary and you can get through it. Remember who you are from the inside and do not lose that person. We all have the ability to make an impact!” Keep up with Angela via Instagram.com/therealAngelaRockwood.

Photo above credit: Michael Hansel

All other photos are courtesy of Angela Rockwood.