disability advocacy

Read more about the article Wheelchair Representation on Netflix

Wheelchair Representation on Netflix

All too often in movies and tv shows, people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users, are presented as flat and one-dimensional characters. Basically reducing a person down to only their disability and the fact that they use a wheelchair. They are usually only present to act as a plot-driver to "inspire" main characters or presented as a "tragedy." Not to mention that many present wheelchairs and other mobility aids as burdens, when it reality a wheelchair is FREEDOM and allows for participation in the community. Unfortunately there are plenty of examples of these tropes in the media. I won't ruin it if you haven't seen it, but the season 3 Cobra Kai arc is garbage and…

Continue ReadingWheelchair Representation on Netflix
Read more about the article The Wonderful World of Wheelchairs: Interesting Wheelchair Facts

The Wonderful World of Wheelchairs: Interesting Wheelchair Facts

A wheelchair is a vehicle to liberation and freedom; a chariot for independence. - Rick Hansen Despite what some people seem to think, a wheelchair is not a negative thing. On the contrary, it is a tool that allows for people to participate in the community and lead a full life. The wheelchair is the international symbol for disability and 1% of the worldwide population uses a wheelchair. People use wheelchairs for a variety of different reasons: spinal cord injuries, paralysis, weakness, chronic pain, or other neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy (CP) or muscular dystrophy (MD). It is estimated that 70 million people worldwide need a wheelchair, but unfortunately only 5-15%…

Continue ReadingThe Wonderful World of Wheelchairs: Interesting Wheelchair Facts
Read more about the article Amazing Wheelchair World Records

Amazing Wheelchair World Records

On flat terrain wheelchairs are more efficient over long distances than running One of my favourite childhood traditions was poring over the yearly Guinness Book of World Records. It is always interesting to see all the weird and wonderful things humans are capable of. Here's some of the amazing feats accomplished by wheelchair users all over the world. Check out these 20 official Guinness World Records held by people who are truly pushing the limits of what can be done in a wheelchair. Longest Continuous Wheelie in a Wheelchair (25.8 km) The record for longest continuous wheelie in a wheelchair goes to Xie Junwu of China. He covered a distance of 25.8 km (16.03 miles)…

Continue ReadingAmazing Wheelchair World Records
Read more about the article What NOT To Do Around Wheelchair Users

What NOT To Do Around Wheelchair Users

Ignorance and avoidance only perpetuates negativity towards people with disabilities. Unfortunately, there seems to be a pervasive social etiquette deficit when strangers interact with wheelchair users in public. Wondering how to treat a person in a wheelchair? Newsflash: like a normal person. It doesn't have to be scary, or awkward, or ~inspiring~... we are people first and more than our wheelchairs. These are all examples of things that I, or others close to me, have experienced as a wheelchair user. These experiences can be dehumanizing and contribute to the public perception of people with disabilities being less than people.. or worse yet, as objects. Don't lean on me like I'm a piece of furniture. This…

Continue ReadingWhat NOT To Do Around Wheelchair Users