The Voiceless Minority

Do you get overwhelmed by the world? Are you tired at the end of every day? A typical response to those questions by an average adult would be yes. As we age, we are conditioned to believe that when our bodies slow down, we should too. This article will shine a spotlight on one elderly individual who believes that age is just a number. When I was looking for my next article, I was introduced to Ian Wadell. After reading a profile/interview on him in Able Magazine, I envisioned one of those badass grandpas you see on TV. Ian was 86 and living in Wales, UK, at the time of the article that came out last year. What intrigued me about Ian’s story is not only that he was ot born into the Voiceless Minority, he came into his disability later in life, but the fact that he did not let his disability, which affects him physically, stop him from living. According to the article, before acquiring his disability, osteoarthritis, Ian had served in the UK military.   This not only increased...

Did you know that there’s research out there that children with Down Syndrome meet developmental milestones much later than neurotypical children?  According to a 2024 study done by the American Academy of Pediatrics , there was a significant difference in developmental progress. In the study, 842 children and adults with Down syndrome enrolled in the Boston Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Program were evaluated. It was reported that on average, most children with Down Syndrome walk without help by 4.5 years old, follow one-step directions (e.g., “come here”, “pick up _____”, etc.) by 5.5 years old, and drink from an open-cup without any assistance at 12 years old. In addition, it was reported that by their teenage years, 75% of children with Down Syndrome can follow two-step directions and use at least 50 words, signs, or pictures. By comparison, the average for neurotypical children meeting these milestones is when they are 2.5 years old. Now, if you know me, you know that I wa...

Photo Credit: shutterstock-entertainmentdaily.com                                                                                                  Recently, I wrote an article about how the word 'disability' is not a dirty word; however, for some people, the language they use to describe their disability is just as empowering as the word' disability. Whether you call it a disability or a difference, embracing it is key. British actor Arthur Hughes refers to his disability as an upper limb difference because he has radial dysplasia. Radial dysplasia is a disability in which the radial bone of one or both arms is missing. In some cases, such as Arthur's, other portions of the arm or hand may also be miss...

Over twelve years ago, when this blog began, I wrote a piece entitled “ Terminology Debate” . It talked about the power of language and the positive language I use to refer to my disability. In that blog, I talked about how some people view the word disability as a negative word. All these years later, I feel it is essential to have that discussion again. For those of you who followed my journey these last 12 years, you know I am a journalist and a part-time screenwriter. As a writer, it is my responsibility to use language effectively to convey my ideas. As humans, language is the one constant. That being said, it is our job as writers to adapt to change within the language or context in which it is used. I will be honest and say this is the hardest part of my job because I am not always politically correct. I say all that to get back to my main point: the word disability has been under attack in recent years, but I am here to defend it once again. In today’s society, people are easil...

A common topic discussed within the disability community is the need for affordable, accessible housing. A home is supposed to be a haven, a refuge to relax in, but for those with disabilities, an inaccessible home can be an unsafe hindrance. With the use of reasonable accommodations and universal design homes, people with disabilities can once again find a safe and accessible haven. One of the first lessons a person with a disability learns is to adapt to the world around them. Those who cannot afford a fully customized accessible dwelling can find it frustrating and ultimately unsafe. When I moved into my first apartment. I was placed in a unit that had steps at the entrance. The steps had railings on both sides. I was able to lift my four-wheel walker up the steps one-handed while maintaining my balance by using my other hand to hold onto the railing as I walked up the steps. I did this for a while until I had a decline in my health and had to begin using a wheelchair. From that poi...

  Do you support disabled entrepreneurs? If you answered yes, then you should wear purple socks on December 3!   Seems silly, right? Well, the idea for this came about last year from Victoria Jenkins, an award-winning adaptive designer, speaker, disability advocate, and writer. She backed last year’s Purple Sock Day as a way to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities.   Victoria Jenkins' work last year was an incredible way to support entrepreneurs with disabilities. Oftentimes, people with disabilities like myself are often told that we will never amount to anything, much less design a business or make any profits. Let’s explore other ways to support disabled entrepreneurs beyond just purchasing our product or using our service.   ●      Partner with entrepreneurs with disabilities in areas where they need more support. Let’s say you know someone with a disability who wants to start up a business. However, an area that they need supp...