Welcome back for the next installment of trending news and stories in the disability community. This edition features articles on how to properly discuss personal subjects around the disability experience and a new documentary on a giant streaming service.
If you come across a piece of media of any sort that you’d like us to feature, from articles to movies and anything in between, please share with us at CEDHARS@uab.edu.
Parenting from a Wheelchair | New Mobility opens a new website
This feature story explores the experiences of parents who navigate the challenges of raising children while using wheelchairs. It highlights both the obstacles they face, such as accessibility issues and societal attitudes, and the innovative solutions they implement to provide a supportive environment for their children. The piece emphasizes the resilience and creativity of these parents, showcasing how they adapt everyday routines and parenting techniques to ensure their children receive the care and engagement they need.
Quad Gods | HBO Max opens a new website
From debut filmmaker Jess Jacklin, this high-stakes and heart-warming documentary follows three New York men who meet at Mount Sinai Hospital’s neuro-rehabilitation lab and decide to form the first fully quadriplegic e-sports team.
Applying for College as a Wheelchair User | New Mobility opens a new website
This article provides guidance for students with mobility impairments navigating the college application process. It emphasizes the importance of researching campus accessibility, understanding disability services and preparing for potential challenges. The piece also offers tips on advocating for accommodations, selecting colleges with strong support systems and highlighting personal experiences and strengths in applications. Overall, it aims to empower students by providing practical advice to ensure a smoother transition to higher education.
Accepting and Commitment Therapy Research on Psychological Health in Persons Living with Spinal Cord Injury | United Spinal Association opens a new website
This news item on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) research from United Spinal discusses the benefits of ACT for individuals with spinal cord injuries. It outlines how ACT, which focuses on accepting negative thoughts and feelings while committing to meaningful actions, can improve psychological well-being and quality of life. The research highlighted suggests ACT is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, enhancing overall mental health, and promoting greater life satisfaction among people with spinal cord injuries.
Figuring Out What to Say About Personal Disability Issues | New Mobility opens a new website
This how-to article addresses the challenge of finding the right words when discussing disabilities. It highlights the importance of using respectful and inclusive language, while also acknowledging the nuances of individual preferences. The piece provides practical tips for navigating conversations, emphasizing empathy and open-mindedness. It also explores the impact of language on social interactions and the need for ongoing education to foster better understanding and communication about disability.
Extended Reality Improves the Mental and Physical Health of Children with Disabilities: Here is How | UAB News opens a new website
This story highlights how extended reality (XR) technologies, including virtual and augmented reality, benefit children with disabilities by enhancing their mental and physical health. XR applications are shown to improve motor skills, reduce anxiety and provide engaging therapeutic experiences. The article details various XR programs tailored to children's needs, demonstrating their effectiveness in promoting physical activity and emotional well-being. Overall, it underscores XR's potential to offer innovative and supportive interventions for children with disabilities.
Surge in Young People Claiming Disability Benefits, Research Suggests | Yahoo News opens a new website
This article reports a significant rise in young people in the UK claiming disability benefits. The increase is attributed to various factors, including heightened awareness of mental health issues and changes in the benefit system. Experts suggest that economic pressures and societal changes might be contributing to the trend. There are concerns about the potential for misuse of the system, but some argue that the rise reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by young people with disabilities.
