Why “Special Needs” is a term that should not be used.

Many people use the term “special needs” to describe someone with a disability. This term is very outdated and I do not think it should be used anymore. People with disabilities are typically described as having “special needs” due to the fact that we need more help with certain tasks than our able-bodied or neuro-typical …

The 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Today marks the 32nd anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA ensures accessibility for people with disabilities in most public spaces, living spaces, and the workplace. Under the ADA, all public spaces that are not historical or built before a certain date must be accessible for people with disabilities. …

Disability Income Limits and Sub-minimum Wage

People with disabilities in the United States are unable to make livable wages without losing their benefits. Losing our benefits can affect many things in our lives. Benefits that people with disabilities commonly use are state insurance such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Medicaid helps cover our caregivers pay, medical equipment, vehicle modifications, …

Disability Pride Flag

July is Disability Pride month. During this month we celebrate how far the disability community has come while still fighting for equality. The Disability community even has a flag. There is two versions of our flag. The first one is the original version. The second is the updated version. The original version has a black …

Process of Getting a New Wheelchair

Three years ago today, I received a new power wheelchair. I am able to get a new wheelchair every five years as long as the cost to repair any damages or broken parts would be more costly than getting a new wheelchair. This does not mean that the repairs have to exceed the cost of …

Process of Getting a New Wheelchair Accessible Van

Recently, I got a new wheelchair accessible van. I require this type of vehicle to transport my wheelchair and I safely. I am not able to ride in a regular vehicle because I cannot be out of my chair due to not having the correct supports needed in the regular car seat. To get a …

Accessibility in Nashville, TN

In April, I visited Nashville, Tennessee after a soccer tournament. The accessibility was good but could be improved in some places. I toured the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Hatch Show Print. I also saw the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, but did not tour these places since I was not …

Being Disabled in an Emergency

Lately, Minnesota has had quite a few severe storms and the USA has had a lot of emergencies. Due to this, I’ve been thinking about how inaccessible emergency evacuations or emergency sheltering is. emergencies that are inaccessible are sheltering for a severe storm, evacuating for a fire, or evacuating a building during an act of …

Identity-First or Person-First Identity?

Sometimes it can be confusing on whether to use person-first or identity-first language. Society has always used identity-first language but that is changing. As someone with a disability, I prefer the usage of person-first language. Person-first language acknowledges the person first before their race or condition. When people use identity-first language, they are acknowledging the …

Power Soccer

I started playing Power Soccer at age 20. Power Soccer is a type of soccer for wheelchair users that is played on a basketball court. A majority of the athletes use soccer chairs to play. Soccer chairs are power wheelchairs that sit low to the ground and are surrounded by a guard to protect the …