Wheelchair Life - Honesty and Integrity

Living with a Disability…with Integrity

One of the definitions of integrity is “the adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.” Kinda like the last part of that definition, honesty, the best. As the world is still trying to fully understand the lack of honesty of a global icon, Lance Armstrong, I [..}


Challenges of Life After Spinal Cord Injury

Trying Hard Not to Ask “Why Me?”

I think that anyone who acquires a disability after a number of years of living a fully functioning, able-bodied life ends up wanting to ask “why me?” at some point. In my case, my fate was changed instantly at the age of 17 in a traumatic and catastrophic paralyzing diving accident. But I’ve [..}


Successful Vent Dependent Quad that Uses Standing Frame

Podcast #85: A vent? No big

In episode #85 of No Free Rides, I'm joined by Jenni Taylor, a positively fabulous woman from Minnesota, who's a C1-C2 vent-dependent quadriplegic and the former Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2011. At 25, she's had more deeper life experiences than anyone I've ever had on the show. [..}


Disability Dating

Happy Valentine’s Day

Oh Valentine's Day the holiday of love, when we all splurge on flowers, cards, candies and other gifts for our loved ones, friends and the other important people in our lives.  Whether you are a fan of this holiday or not, there are a few things that I would like to share with you. The first is a [..}


Resources for Fathers of Special Needs Children

Involving Dads In The Life Of Their Special Needs Child

Fathers play an important role in their child's development. Research studies show that dads not only challenge their children to do more, but also help build language skills. Many dads have wonderful relationships with their children. But some dads have difficulty connecting with their child who [..}


Life in a Wheelchair, dating someone with a disability.

As The Wheel Turns

Irecently heard a gem of knowledge the other day; a great catch-phrase if you’re single and happen to be asked, “Hey! What kind of person are you looking for?” While “sweet,” “understanding” and “genuine” are all great qualities, I like to share my most important quality, and that [..}


Drew Bates Cartoon Writer With a Disability

Podcast #75 – Drew Bates Voice-Over Actor & Storyteller Aims High

In episode #75 of No Free Rides, I have on Drew Bates, a voice-over actor and story-teller, paralyzed in 2007, and the mind behind Redneck Ninjas, a cartoon with talks about landing on the Cartoon Network. Exciting stuff! We also discuss dating, and how women inevitably treat you differently [..}


Being Pregnant in a Wheelchair

Podcast #74 – Pregnant On Wheels

In episode #74 of No Free Rides, I talk with the paralyzed and pregnant Mimi Emery, a favorite guest of our show, who’s baby was also fathered by a paraplegic. This baby is going to be amazing! Mimi and I discuss some very unique spinal cord injury + pregnancy issues, from planning a natural [..}


shawn cigar

No Free Rides episode #72: Coping and dating with quad Shawn Dean

In episode #72 of No Free Rides, Tiffiny talks with lawyer and single and looking quadriplegic, Shawn R. Dean. They discuss the nuances of coping with a life-changing injury, and Tiffiny tries to persuade Shawn to try a dating site. Read Shawn’s  personal blog: One Man’s Access or [..}


Heather Sisters 2009

Disability and Relationships: There Are No Limitations

Growing up in a busy filled household where bickering echoed off the walls was a normal part of my childhood.  There was never a dull moment living with seven other people.  But as much as there was sibling rivalry and arguing it was undeniable that there was love, one could see that even looking [..}