Abilities Expo 2017
At the Abilities Expo, you will have the opportunity to learn about the many products, services, and non-profit organizations that serve those with physical challenges, including those with neuromuscular disease. Admission to the Abilities Expo is free.

Accessibility at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Overall, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom was accessible, and Guest Services was helpful. The Guest Assistance Pass helped me to reduce waiting in lines. The park did require a great deal of walking and standing, however, and my comfort would have been greatly increased had I used a wheelchair.

Airport Security and Disability
Going through airport security checkpoints can be daunting, especially when mobility issues make assistive devices necessary. Learn about how the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has anticipated these needs and has made provisions for screening individuals with mobility issues.

Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation supports the athletic efforts of individuals with physical challenges. Rather than focusing on disability, this organization focuses on the abilities of athletes with physical challenges in order to create acceptance and respect.

Contacting the White House
Did you know that if you can contact the White House directly? If you are a U.S. citizen, making your voice heard to influence governmental decisions is your right and responsibility. Contacting the President of the United States at the White House is one of the ways that you can do this.

Discrimination and Neuromuscular Disease
The Americans with Disabilities Act protects Americans with disabilities, including those caused by neuromuscular disease, from discrimination. I now believe, however, that I should have asserted my right to reasonable accommodation on my behalf by my employer.

Getting a Handicapped Parking Permit
When I asked about receiving a handicapped parking permit, I received paperwork for a permanent placard. Find out more about who qualifies for a handicapped parking permit and how to obtain one if you do.

History of Voting Accessibility in the U.S.
Voting in elections remains a fundamental right, privilege, and responsibility for each U.S. citizen. In the past, polling places were not always easily accessible to those with mobility issues or other disabilities. Today, federal laws require that polling places be accessible.

Homelessness and Physical Disability
According to a recent report, in 2014, for disabled individuals relying on U.S. Social Security Supplemental Income as their main or only source of income, SSSI does not cover the cost of a modest one bedroom apartment. An estimated 19% of homeless adults in the U.S. are disabled.

Legislative Advocacy and Neuromuscular Disease
Lately, I have become increasingly involved in legislative advocacy. These efforts regularly involve writing to my elected officials to raise awareness regarding issues such as research funding and legislation regarding quality of life issues for those with neuromuscular disease.

Online College and Neuromuscular Disease
The availability of online learning courses for college students has greatly increased in the past decade. Online learning can provide easily accessible college education for students with neuromuscular disease and other types of disability.

Snow Plowed Into Handicap Parking Violates ADA
Ice and a couple of inches of new snow covered the parking lot and sidewalk. Unfortunately, there were no handicap accessible parking spaces available near the entrance, as snow had been plowed into them in order to clear the rest of the parking lot.

The Ensuring Access to Clinical Trials Act
The Ensuring Access to Clinical Trials Act of 2015 was introduced in to U.S. legislators. If passed, this Act would make the Improving Access to Clinical Trials Act of 2009 permanent, removing financial barriers for individuals receiving SSI or Medicaid to participate in clinical trials.

TSA Card Available for Travelers with Disability
While traveling through security checkpoints with a disability may not be easy, clear communication with the TSA Officers regarding one’s disability will simplify the process. The TSA Disability Notification Card may make moving through airport security a little bit easier.

TSA Cares Helpline
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)provides a helpline dedicated to helping travelers with disabling conditions or medical issues called TSA Cares, created to answer concerns regarding security screening policies and procedures related to individuals with medical needs and disability.

TSA Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions [offsite link]
This information from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) explains how travellers with disabilities and/or medical conditions can get through airport security screening.

U.S. Legislative Update for Neuromuscular Diseases
Recently, important legislation affecting the neuromuscular disease community in the U.S. was passed by the House and Senate, and signed into law by the President. As members of this community, it is important to remain informed and to act in support of any legislation that is important to you.

Winter Paralympics 2014
The 2014 Paralympic Winter Games will be held in Sochi, Russia in March 7 through 16, 2014. World class athletes will come from all over the world to compete. Athletes may compete in different categories, including standing, seated, and visually-impaired depending on their abilities and sport.

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