Finding freedom through handcyling

Finding freedom through handcyling

2023/06/01

I was born in Laos in 1978 where people were self-sufficient and farmed their own land to feed their families and animals. My father was in the military and like most people in my country, my mother and grandparents were part of the farming culture. We took nothing for granted and were happy to live the life that we did. We didn't have much, but we were content. In the town where we lived, it wasn't uncommon to find cows, bulls, chickens, pigs, and other animals that were used to help us live. We were so used to having the animals around that we didn't often blink an eye if one escaped from the fencing. Until one day a runaway bull changed my life forever.

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Disability on film

Disability on film

2023/01/24

In today's media industry, diversity and inclusion are hot topics, but unfortunately, disability representation is still largely forgotten when it comes to Hollywood's biggest blockbusters. While disability increasingly features in the plots of up-and-coming new films, able-bodied actors are disproportionately cast to play these roles. Entertainment has a long way to go in the fight for positive disability representation and inclusion of actors with lived experiences of disability.

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4 lessons from 4 years together

4 lessons from 4 years together

2023/01/24

On January 14th I woke up to a lazy Sunday morning. With wild woman hair and smudged mascara from the day before, I emerged from our bedroom like a bear coming out of hibernation. Fashionably wearing last year's Christmas house coat, I poured myself a fresh cup of coffee.

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Crafting the life you love

Crafting the life you love

2019/05/14

I am Sara. I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States. I am a daughter, aunt, sister, friend and professional. I sufferfrom Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a disease of the bones that makes them brittle. My mantra is “Design the life that I love."

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Introducing Tiri Hughes

Introducing Tiri Hughes

2019/02/25

These are exciting times for gymnast, Tiri Hughes. The 19-year-old, who is originally from South Devon, has recently started her first year at Oxford University, studying medicine.Tiri is an occasional wheelchair user, opting at other times to use a crutch to get her up and about and prevent muscle wastage. She says: “I have H-Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and secondary Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (as well as my visual impairment, which is totally separate). These cause chronic pain, joint instability, weakness, dizziness and fatigue.”

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Language and Equality for People with Disabilities

Language and Equality for People with Disabilities

2019/02/11

The words we use in everyday conversation have the undeniable ability to either empower or oppress others. If we use positive words to describe people, we can help to foster their sense of pride, identity, and purpose. But, if we use derogatory words, like ableist slurs, we can cause the opposite effect even if we do not mean to.

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Meet Clara Holmes - the face of the Q100 R

Meet Clara Holmes - the face of the Q100 R

2018/10/24

I try to live my life to the fullest the best I can. I try to have a positive outlook on life and surround myself with positive people. Of course, there are many challenges I face as a wheelchair user, but I believe the first hurdle you must get over is the in the mind. Once you have conquered that, then you can deal with other challenges you may face.I have been modelling for the past year and a half, after I was spotted in Canary Wharf by two model scouts from Zebedee Management and the next day I was signed to the agency.

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Wheelchair Rugby: the ultimate team sport

Wheelchair Rugby: the ultimate team sport

2018/05/22

Kirk Williams is an adventure photographer. Being a C6-7 quadriplegic, with paralysis from the chest down, he has refused to let his disability define him. He tried out a number of wheelchair adaptive sports and found wheelchair rugby was the most impactful for him.

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Who are the most decorated Paralympic athletes?

Who are the most decorated Paralympic athletes?

2018/04/10

In terms of disability sports, the Paralympic Games have to be regarded as the pinnacle of competition, with the achievement of being awarded a Paralympic medal the ultimate recognition and honour for a Paralympic athlete. But who are the most successful Paralympic athletes and countries?

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8 recommended books about disability

8 recommended books about disability

2018/04/03

Throughout the history of literature many authors have thought up characters based on their personal experiences or of others they have known, creating unique personalities that take on a life of their own. These eight books that deal with disability are examples of just that.

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My Career Story Taken to the Radio

My Career Story Taken to the Radio

2018/03/19

24 years ago, I was unlucky to be involved in a five-car road accident that left seven people injured, I being the most injured. It left me in shock initially since I did not know how much the accident had affected me. I was seated in the back seat when it all happened, and I thought, “Why not get out and give a hand to the others.” With my experience in the medical field from working as a Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Technician, I thought I could lend a helping hand. Summoning all my energy, I tried to get out of the car but I could not move. I felt a sharp pain through my chest and I blacked out, I can barely remember what happened thereafter. What I can recollect from the hours that followed is that the company I worked with were the first on the scene and we knew each other. Upon arrival at the hospital, I was in and out of it for a while but what I remember clearly as the light of day was when the doctor said that I would never walk again. I was diagnosed as a C6-C7 quadriplegic which meant that the 8 months that followed were going to be spent in hospital and in rehabilitation centres.

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Scaling the mighty Kilimanjaro for clean water

Scaling the mighty Kilimanjaro for clean water

2018/02/05

My name is Spencer West. I have been fortunate to grace over 60 WE.org Day stages in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States as a featured speaker. In all my travels, I have spoken to and interacted with world prominent personalities such as Prince Harry; Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau; former U.S. Vice-President, Al Gore; Martin Luther King III; Mia Farrow; Jennifer Hudson and Natalie Portman; among many others.

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Moulding the Career You Desire

Moulding the Career You Desire

2017/12/21

"Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." These words coined by Confucius, an influential Chinese philosopher are wonderful sentiments. However, it is quite a challenge knowing whether or not you love a job until you actually get into it.

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10 Fantastic Films That Feature Disability

10 Fantastic Films That Feature Disability

2017/12/01

Through the medium of film, storytellers can weave an intricate and meaningful tale that often leaves audiences feeling not only entertained, but also inspired and touched. When the characters of a film reflect the complex nature of our own lives, we often feel as though we relate to them on a personal level. Identifying strongly with a character can produce feelings of inclusion and offer insight into our own lives.

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Wacken festival 2017 in a wheelchair

Wacken festival 2017 in a wheelchair

2017/11/07

My name is Andrea Schütt and since 2010 I rely on a manual power assist wheelchair I call ‘Mücke’ (German for ‘mosquito’, usually a nickname for something or someone being small and fast). Here I am again. Has it really been already a year since the last time I sat down and wrote about my previous experiences of W:O:A in a wheelchair? Man! How time flies!

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Diaries of a tuk tuk ride

Diaries of a tuk tuk ride

2017/10/16

My name is Mitch St. Pierre, I have osteogenesis imperfecta, or in other words, my bones are brittle as glass so I use a wheelchair. I know what you must be thinking, what on earth would a person with my condition be doing in a Cambodian jungle, miles from civilization on a wheelchair? Well let's say I'm an adventurous soul. I was here in the jungle, north of Cambodia with my good friend from Canada, Shawn, and our new friend Max who had been working at my hotel.

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8 famous people who exemplify overcoming their disability

8 famous people who exemplify overcoming their disability

2017/09/01

If these famous people with disabilities share something besides their professional success, it is their ability of self-improvement. The lives of most of them have not been easy and precisely because of that, they are an example for the rest of society. Knowing and telling the story can be inspiring for others.

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