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An Inaccessible Taxi-ing Situation

One story about public access, or rather an extreme lack thereof, for people with disabilities that I have been following for a few years is the ongoing saga about the high level of inaccessible taxicabs in New York City. In short, there aren’t near enough to cater to such a large population of [..}


Ms Wheelchair Documentary Defining Beauty in the Wheelchair Community

Ms. Wheelchair America Documentary Premieres

I can’t tell you how thrilled I am about the brand new documentary, “Defining Beauty,” starring Ms. Wheelchair state holders, that documents their journey in the Ms. Wheelchair America program. The documentary’s purpose is to change perceptions, to challenge stereotypes, and to highlight a [..}


EasyStand mobile

Self Advocacy (with a little help from my supplier)

Jeff told his DME (Durable Medical Equipment)/CRT (Complex Rehab Technology) supplier,  “That’s crap! I will not accept a denial from my insurance company for the stander. I’ve got to have the stander at home to keep my leg range of motion. What can I do to fight their decision?” What is [..}


Part of the Minnesota delegation (Laurie, Marsha, and Pat) waiting outside Senator Klobuchar's office.

Fueled by Advocacy – CELA 2011

Shane was denied power assist wheels for his manual wheelchair in Minnesota. Five different consumers cannot gain appropriate funding for their standers from private insurance in New York.  Elizabeth’s power wheelchair was down coded to less expensive wheelchair due to Medicare’s “in the [..}


wheelchair basketball

Supporting Disability Organizations helps our Industry & Consumers

Whether you are a health care professional, durable medical equipment supplier, or person with a disability you can get more involved with your disability community by reaching out to your local active consumer organizations. These organizations are not just for consumers and their families.  [..}


German_American_Kids_Bookshelf

The Need for More Education About Disabilities for Kids

One Friday last fall I stopped by a good friend’s house to drop off a birthday gift for his daughter. She’s a budding soccer phenom so I got her a gear bag for her soccer ball and equipment, which had one diagonal sling strap rather than the typical two shoulder strap variety. My friend also [..}


pageants

Why Pageants are Good for the Disability Community

Forget diversity events. Beauty pageants are where it’s at. People are quick to criticize these when-you-really-think-about-it quite bizarre faux royalty competitions, and like to say they’re unhealthy, promote unnecessary competition, and are an overdone helping of ego-centric pomp and [..}


A big thanks to CELA Team Minnesota!

Inspiration of the Hill – CELA 2010

Inspiring! I do think the attendees of CELA 2010, especially the over 50 consumers, made a difference and inspired the Hill! Besides attending some very interesting educational seminars, we hit the Hill. You may wonder what I mean by the “Hill”. When I say the “Hill” I am talking about [..}


Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself

So I’m the new guy, and the latest guest post contributor to the EasyStand blog. My name is Shawn Dean and I am an attorney and disability consultant in Minneapolis, MN (by way of Eau Claire, Wisconsin). I look forward to sharing a new viewpoint on a variety of disability related topics. But [..}


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CELA and Capitol Hill: Wordless Wednesday

Last week, 3 of our staff attended the CELA (Continuing Education and Legislative Advocacy) Conference in Washington DC. There was 54 Consumer Advocates, 166 Industry and Clinical Professionals, representing 40 states, making 225 Capitol Hill visits.  We will be sharing more about this event in a [..}