The holiday season is here. Unfortunately, the chronically ill and disabled communities aren’t always at the forefront of the mainstream shopping experience. However, inclusive shopping is possible! We wanted to bring forth some of our favorite brands and shops with our 2022 gift guide proudly featuring affordable products owned by individuals living with disabilities and chronic illnesses. 

NDEAM celebrates both the past and present contributions of workers with disabilities in America. Importantly, NDEAM serves as a mechanism through which supportive and inclusive employment practices and policies for all workers, especially those who have a disability(s) can be showcased, advocated for, and encouraged.

Growing up with an invisible disability has taught me that there are some people who are ignorant, unaware they are exhibiting audist behaviors. It’s because the hearing person has never met a deaf person before and will try to walk away because they don’t know how to interact with them. People who don’t feel comfortable have a tendency to get away from something so they don’t have to deal with it. That can be frustrating for deaf people.

Empathy is something that I believe is truly lacking in today’s society. “It’s gotten harder to empathize; that’s why it’s so important we work at it. Luckily, we can.” says Jamil Zaki in this UC Berkley article, 'In a Divided World, We Need to Choose Empathy'. The article discusses the hard truths surrounding empathy, supported by real-life examples and proven facts about how it can help us all. 

I will never forget November 19th, 2019. My new rheumatologist broke the news this way: “I bet you have been told your entire life that your weight was the cause of your back pain. I want you to know it wasn’t, although weight loss can certainly help. We see the damage, and you were right - you have Ankylosing Spondylitis.”

As the weather heats up and we feel the urge to travel, I want to share some tips that have helped me keep my anxiety at bay while away from home. Many mental health illnesses flare up when we are away from home because we are naturally out of our comfort zone. 

Existing as a disabled woman in the workplace, we face any number of barriers to getting our jobs done but none more painful and avoidable than the ignorance of our peers.

I knew I was an actor before I knew I was Autistic. I started acting at 11 years old, but I wasn’t diagnosed until I was 22.

There are many misconceptions about the lives of those of us who live with CP. I hope to help someone who may be living, loving, or just learning about Cerebral Palsy.