This is your periodic reminder that ambulatory wheelchair users exist. Many folks think wheelchairs are only for those who can't walk at all, or folks who can only take a couple steps.
Wheelchairs and electric scooters are used due to pain, weakness, balance issues, orthostatic intolerance, etc.
Today I discovered that not only is July #Disability Pride Month but also that we have a flag. It is so well done and extremely meaningful. It was created by Ann Magill, a disabled writer.
The entire thing will not fit into the thumbnail but if you open the image, it will tell you what each color and flag feature stands for. It is also in the alt text if you are unable to open it.
Used my jar opener robot to make toast this morning and thought of this comic by JeCorey Holder. https://www.patreon.com/jecoreyh
Disability aids are often marketed to larger markets bc economies of scale are real. If you find yourself scoffing at something “pointless” for “lazy” people, it’s probably a disability aid that the manufacturer hopes can be made more affordable.
(I worked hard on the alt text here, it felt important.)
Has anyone out there in Mastodon land ever bought a van and then later converted it for full wheelchair accessibility? If so, would you please share details?
I'm disabled but ambulatory enough to transfer. We're looking for something with a hoist for now and then be able to put a ramp in later.
If you have #SocialMedia and #marketting experience and are looking for #remote work, the #nonprofit I work for is looking for someone, contract to start. Preference given to someone #disabled in some way. I'd love to have someone take this that's familiar with Mastodon.
#AI models were perplexed by a baby giraffe without spots. They're perplexed by me, too.
This article on #disability and #ableism within #GenerativeAI is more personal than I usually write. It would mean a lot to me if you read and shared it.
Hello Mastodon! I'm Meghan, a reporter at @gbhnews, Boston's local NPR station. I do a little bit of everything, including reporting on #disability and accessibility. Looking forward to connecting with people here. #introduction#introductions#gbhnews
The creator of alt-text.org is looking for someone to take over the projects. Please reach out to her if you'd like to help and/or have an interest in accessible software.
" After public outcries, the Census Bureau says it's no longer moving ahead with proposed survey changes that could have shrunk a key estimated rate of disability in the US by about 40%"
I filed a public comment about this. I believe I learned about this proposed change on Mastodon, and I believe lots of you filed comments too. It's worth it to raise a stink & pressure officials, good work y'all
Doc: Are you sure? You look young. Maybe it was your appendix?
Me: I know the difference between my appendix and my WOMB.
Doc: Orders pregnancy test anyways
We really need to discuss how AFAB patients get treated by many doctors. If you need to do a pregnancy test on everyone as a matter of course - then just do the test. But don’t waste time arguing with me about whether I know the difference between an appendix and my LITERAL womb when I’m having a life threatening cardiac emergency.
Why is it that when we, the blind community, give honest feedback on tech, it's often seen as ingratitude? We're not just users; we're experts by experience. Our voices matter in shaping truly useful tech. #FeedbackMatters#Accessibility#Blind#Disability
I didn't know this post and now I think more people should see it. Especially people who draw and illustrate - because there are still too many pictures of unpractical hospital wheelchairs out there.
In 2014, I made a steampunk submarine costume for my son's wheelchair. When the chair was in motion, the pinwheel twirled, the wheel's design spiraled, and the periscope was retractable. Made entirely from cardboard and random stuff, including paper tubes, pill container lids, altoids tins, wallpaper, duct tape, and a clear plastic salad bowl rescued after a catered event. #wheelchair#disability#OpulentMobility#wheelchaircostume#submarine#cardboard#upcycling#steampunk