September, 2003

Issue #3

“Free Our People” Rally Demands Action

On September 17 th , 2003 , over 500 disability advocates gathered in Washington , DC 's Upper Senate Park to challenge lawmakers to act on legislation that will allow all Americans to receive long term care services in their own homes, instead of being forced into nursing homes as they are under current Medicaid policy. [ read more ]

Flying High, Strong and Safe
The Delta Air Chair Improves Travel Experience for People with Disabilities

by Joan Leotta

During September and October 2001 when our nation's air travel was in crisis mode, Delta Air Lines had additional concerns surrounding safety. Delta was finalizing an initiative to make boarding and disembarking from planes safer and more dignified for passengers with disabilities. In the midst of all the security directives imposed by the FAA, Delta followed through on its commitment and introduced a revolutionary new type of wheelchair - the Delta Air Chair. [ read more ]

Our Top Story:
Minibus Fire Kills Disabled Man.

By Mike Ervin

The Associated Press reported that in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a fast-moving fire swept through a minibus used to transport people with disabilities, killing a disabled man. The other two nondisabled passengers escaped.

This is precisely why I keep a fire extinguisher in my van. It takes forever for me to get in and out, what with deploying the lift and unstrapping my chair and all. This cumbersome process does have its advantages for us in the big city in that it's a strong deterrent for carjackers. If I ever got jacked, I'd have to say to the jacker... [ read more ]

Disabled But Healthy

By Gary Karp

The period immediately after acquiring a spinal cord injury is anything but a time of robust vigor. It might be marked by surgery, secondary complications, significant dependency, debilitating treatments like chemotherapy, or the stupor of heavy sedation.

From that perspective, the notion of being healthy with a disability sounds pretty outrageous — if not entirely impossible. But spinal cord injury is a relatively stable condition — particularly compared to the clearly progressive nature of the likes of multiple sclerosis or ALS. [ read more ]