Finding Freedom In Your Wheelchair
Finding Freedom In Your Wheelchair
When you think about wheelchair accessibility, what first comes to mind? A parking space, wheelchair ramps, or maybe even an elevator may brush your thoughts. Although these are great examples that help give the disabled a way at living a normal life, these practices merely scratch the surface when it comes to wheelchair accessibility.
Typically, the disabled do more than just transport themselves through the use of ramps, cars, and elevators. In this article I will be explaining more accessible techniques used by those bound to a wheelchair.
Open Says Me
Have you ever tried to open a door with your hands full? It’s almost impossible! Now imagine you can’t move your bottom half. Interactions that may seem easy to everyone else can be extremely difficult and frustrating without the proper accessibility. According to The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the law requires that a wide variety of private business’ need to provide access to their programs, goods and services. Places of public accommodation and buildings constructed by state or local governments must be fully accessible to people with disabilities if built after January 26, 1992.Which doors should be accessible?
At least one door should be accessible at these locations:- Each accessible entrance (at least 60% of public entrances in newly built facilities must be accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs or have mobility impairments).
- Each tenant space in a mall or other building with multiple business
- Accessible rooms and spaces within buildings.
- Entrances to buildings from all parking structures, tunnels or elevators
- At least one restricted or secured entrance (if applicable).
- Along each building’s required route of escape
- Public entrances serving different fixed routes within transit
Exercising your Right, the Right Way
You may not think it, but the disabled are just as into exercising as everyone else! We published a blog article about Audrey, a woman who reached out to us, in order to help fund more accessible equipment for their local YMCA. With just as much energy as the rest of us, those bound to a wheelchair must find more creative ways to break a sweat.- Gripping gloves are great for those with impaired hand movement or strength. The glove allows you to hold an object to perform a lift or pull when using dumbbells or a weight machine. The Active Hands gripping aids are designed so that the user can put them on independently.
- Speedbags and Heavybags are so accessible, you can even use them sitting down! These punching bags can be the perfect stamina workout for those looking to build some muscle. With the right angle and height, implementing this equipment into your workout routine can elicit a positive change to your physique and overall attitude.
- The VitaGlide is a great way to work on strength and cardiovascular endurance. Use your gripping gloves to secure your hands on the handles and begin working on pushing and pulling movements on a cycle of high and low intensity. You can even track your progress with the machine’s interactive digital display! Distance (miles or kilometers), time (stopwatch or timer mode), and resistance will help you develop a workout routine that works for you. Overall, The VitaGlide is the go to for wheelchair exercise equipment.
Sports Programs for Children with Disabilities
Sports Programs for Children with Disabilities
For many of us, sports meant everything growing up. Not because we were competitive or winning mattered, but because we loved every minute of running around with friends and having fun. Some kids never had the opportunity to experience this or were afraid to due to a disability. Today, we can happily say this has changed and many programs have become accessible to all. In an article from the National Federation of State High School Associations, they explain how in 2013 the Office for Civil Rights issued a Dear Colleague Letter spelling out the legal duty all federally funded schools had to provide accessible recreational sports programs to children with all types of disabilities. Making a huge stride to assure no child is left out again.
What kind of Programs are available and how to learn more?
Nationwide, communities are supporting inclusive sport programs both recreational and national. In addition to school or recreational leagues, organizations such as the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) and the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs are helping to form new independent leagues that offer sports ranging from wheelchair basketball and football to power lifting and table tennis. Educated Sports Parent has put together a great list of different sports programs and organizations dedicated to the inclusion of all competitors.Special Needs Sports Programs
To assess the needs of all children, leagues have been introduced not only for those with physical disabilities but for children who have special needs too. The most well-known example would be the Special Olympics, where countless athletes come together to take part in a multitude of competitions. In addition to being active and having fun, participating in sporting events help to teach these young men and women important lessons about self-pride and bravery as well. Put best by the Special Olympics athlete oath “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” These programs are not limited to only track and field but also include; baseball, basketball, cheerleading/dancing, flag football and soccer. For those interested in less traditional sporting events, we encourage you to look into these organizations for other sport opportunities they offer!How to get involved?
Perhaps you have loved ones who suffer from a disability or you admire the heart of these athletes and want to know what you can do to help them? Well getting involved is simple and can be more rewarding then you think! In an interview with a special Olympics volunteer, he exclaimed that besides the sheer effort each athlete put in, what he was impressed by most was the joy expressed on each of their faces whether they won or lost because this is something often lost amongst the competitive nature of today’s sports. The first step you can take to volunteer is to reach out to local organizations such as schools, community centers or YMCA’s and see what kinds of programs they offer and what help they may need. Other options on a national scale can be found through volunteer programs. There are plenty of organizations such as Disabled Sports USA, the Special Olympics and Blaze Sports America, that are constantly looking for volunteers, donations and any other help one could offer. Next »« Previous6 Accessible Transportation Options You Should Know
6 Accessible Transportation Options You Should Know
If you live with a disability, finding transportation can be a challenge. Even a trip to the grocery store can feel like planning a vacation as you try to find a practical way from point A to point B. That’s why Dreamscape Foundation put together a quick guide to help you assess your options and find accessible transportation near you.
Know Your Accessible Transportation Options
As much as we wish every state, city and town had the same accessibility accommodations, our world isn’t there yet. That’s why it’s important to know a variety of solutions. Below are several common modes of transportation assistance if you can’t drive on your own:Public Bus Services
No matter where you are in the U.S., government regulations require public bus transit to accommodate accessibility needs. If you live in a city or large town, look into what public transit is available. Because bus services run on a regular schedule, you can plan your route accordingly. Simply look up the bus schedule and estimate your travel time accordingly.Trains, Trams and Other Rail Services
Public transit isn’t limited to busses either. Many cities have trains, trams or other rail services that can help you get to where you need to be. If you need wheelchair or other assistance, make sure you call ahead for details on how to arrange them.Taxi Service
But what if you can’t make it to public transit stations or stops? Taxi services are available in most areas and can meet you at your doorstep. When you call for a taxi service, explain any specific accommodations you may need.Hail-a-Ride Apps
Uber and Lyft have become extremely popular apps for quick transportation. Not only does Uber provide accessibility options for its users but it also designed its app to include accessibility features. Individuals with low vision or blindness can use these features to easily schedule a ride.Private Transportation Services
For those who are looking for more traditional private transportation services, there are numerous solutions on the market, like SuperShuttle. These are similar to taxi services or hail-a-ride apps. However, it may not have the same immediacy as Uber or Lyft. Like taxis and public transit, you’ll want to aim to plan ahead.Accessibility Services for Commercial Flights
Are you planning a long-distance trip? Commercial flights make it a point to provide accessibility services to passengers who need them. Use one of the services above to get to the airport or see if there is a shuttle service available to take you to and from the airport. Also, be sure to arrive early. While airports go above and beyond to accommodate for passenger needs, such as wheelchairs, shuttle services and early boarding with assistance, they often require additional steps that may need more time to execute properly.Ready to Roll?
Keep in mind that transportation services may operate differently. Some may require reservations while others are available on demand or through regular route schedules. As you organize your transportation, make sure you plan accordingly. While it may seem like extra work, it’s worth it to be prepared. Next »« PreviousWhat You Need to Know About Accessible Housing
What You Need to Know About Accessible Housing
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, our nation is far from meeting today’s accessible housing needs. In their last study, they reported only one-third of American housing is able to be modified to meet the needs of individuals with mobility disabilities. Beyond that, only 5% of housing is currently designed to be accessible to individuals with moderate mobility challenges and a mere 1% are wheelchair accessible.
The good news is that something can be done to meet the needs of today’s disabled population. Read on to learn more about accessible housing and how the Fair Housing Act enables users with special needs to request accommodations.
What is Accessible Housing?
Accessible housing is rented or purchased housing that has special built-in accommodations to make everyday living and mobility easier for residents with disabilities. This can range anywhere from wheelchair ramps to indoor modifications like handicap grab bars and accessible bathrooms and kitchens. Homeowners with accessibility needs can apply for home modification grants. But what if you aren’t a homeowner? Few rental locations are designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. That’s where the Fair Housing Act comes into play.Understanding the Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act protects the right of disabled Americans to have safe housing accommodations. This government legislation requires housing providers to:- Make accommodations for disabled tenants so long as those accommodations don’t cause an undue financial or administrative burden
- Allow disabled tenants to make reasonable modifications to a rented housing space that are required for the unit to be fully usable
- Evict a tenant for his or her disability or the disability of a family member
- Refuse to sell or rent housing to an individual based on the disability of the primary tenant/owner or his or her family member
- To ask if an applicant or his or her family member has a disability
- To alter applications or buying/renting criteria due to a disability
- Segregate tenants to specific areas or units based on disability
- Refuse reasonable accommodation or modifications based on disability
Do You Need Help Making Your Home Accessible?
Accessible housing shouldn’t be a privilege given only to some. If you have accessibility requirements but are having trouble finding the finances or the resources to meet your needs, let’s talk. Dreamscape Foundation works one-on-one with individuals facing accessibility challenges. From fundraising campaigns to resources, we help individuals bridge the gap between their disability and the life they deserve. Reach out to us today to start a conversation. Next »« PreviousDerek Daniel Uncovers Life After Sight Loss
Derek Daniel Uncovers Life After Sight Loss
Life is a challenge when you’re born with limited or no vision, but what about when you lose this pivotal sense later on in life? Whether it happens in a single moment or over the course of time, the impact will rock your entire way of living. You’re thrown into a brand new world where you’re forced to figure out life after sight loss.
It happened to Derek Daniel. His story became the seed that grew his career consisting of podcasts, YouTube channel, and personal coaching. Driven by empathy and the ability to help others adapt and even thrive with their disability, he made it his life’s purpose to be a helping hand.
A Look at Derek’s Story
Growing up, Derek was an active teen with a love for theater and entertainment. In fact, he was working at a theme park performing as a singer and dancer when he lost his sight at the age of 18. The cause was a rare genetic disease called Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, or LHON for short. Over the course of the following months, he saw an irreversible decline in his eyesight until he became legally blind. But Derek isn’t the type to lie down and give up. Instead, he set it upon himself to learn how to navigate and enjoy life even without his vision. His experience became the foundation for Life After Sight Loss, which is a series of media talking about the emotions, challenges, and tricks to adapting to a blind lifestyle.Creating Life After Sight Loss
Derek is an admittedly external person who finds talking through his experiences therapeutic. Combining that desire with his interest in recording, he began a podcast, then videos, as an cathartic outlet. However, his story and his insight soon connected with other people, growing into something bigger than just himself. “I realized my story coincided with so many other peoples’ stories,” Derek said. “Whether it was the same disease or not or we lost our sight at the same time or not, we had things in common. I didn’t intend to grow into some big YouTuber or anything like that, I just had knowledge that I could share with people.” Yet his knowledge and empathy was exactly what many people across the world were seeking. People wanted to connect with others who knew and understood their struggles and experiences. “People like the emotional part because it gives them permission to talk about it,” he explained. “If you don’t have people to say ‘I understand,’ and really mean it, it’s difficult. To have someone sit across from me and share stories I understand and for them to get it and for me to get it on their side as well, it’s infinitely important.” Seeing the need for a platform and resource like Life After Sight Loss, Derek made it his full-time career to create helpful content for others like himself and offer coaching to help low-vision individuals and families adapt to their new world.A Word of Advice on Adapting and Embracing Life
Life after sight loss isn’t something you adapt to instantaneously. It’s an ongoing learning process. During that time, it’s okay to struggle and have bad days. “The cliche is always that it’s not the end of the world,” Derek said. “What I always tell people is it is the end of something, and I think they need to hear that. Your life as you knew it, every day, in and out, isn’t going to be the same. You’re going to interact with things differently so it’s okay to be in that mode of grief.” However, you don’t want to linger there. Your life has changed, but it isn’t over and it hasn’t dwindled. The key is to build a strong support system, and to connect with a community that understands what you are going through. “The most important thing I can tell people is that they’re not alone,” he pressed. “There are many people out there going through the same things.” Derek has a multitude of podcasts, videos, and resources available on his website at https://lifeaftersightloss.com. Whether you recently lost your sight or you’re simply looking to understand what life is like without it, take a peek at his content. It offers an interactive community where you can learn accessibility tips and connect with a community that shares your challenges and story. Next »« PreviousKool Kits Hosts Gaming Marathon To Support Accessibility This Christmas
Kool Kits Hosts Gaming Marathon To Support Accessibility This Christmas
Dreamscape Foundation and The Kool Kits squad are teaming up to bring you our last Christmas fundraiser of 2018. At Dreamscape Foundation, we focus our energy each holiday season on our accessibility programs and families in need of Christmas miracles. For the Kool Kits squad charity marathon we will be raising awareness and funds for our accessibility programs. All campaign donations will get proceeded through our Tiltify page.
Making Our Communities Accessible
When we look closer into our communities, it is evident that the obstacles between disabilities and everyday life are genuine. Every challenge is different; every need is different. They share our schools, our workplaces, and our neighborhoods. People with impairments interact with the same physical and online environments as everyone else in our communities and face unseen challenges. At Dreamscape Foundation, we strive to do all we can to ensure that these at-risk groups have the support they need to be independent, and through the Kool Kits stream this Christmas it will be made possible!Meet The Kool Kits
From December 20th at 8:30 AM EST to December 22ND at 6 PM EST the Kool Kits stream team will be fundraising for accessibility for two straight days! On Twitter, Twitch Partner, LeClumsyFox (Kool Kits Squad member) said that ” This is [charity stream] the first Kool Kits Stream Event with Dreamscape Foundation! I am so excited.” It is exhilarating that this stream team has chosen Dreamscape Foundation for their first charity stream and we hope their audiences enjoy the event and giveaways! The Kool Kits squad is composed of 11 Twitch Channels consisting of the following people:- LeClumsyFox
- NotJedo
- WhalesMustache
- SkullSir
- LxrdPunch
- CaptainPandu
- ZanB
- Renessiee
- Cruefire
- Lank
- OfficialPlazma
Donation Incentives
As always, each Dreamscape Foundation charity stream is complete with donation incentives. Due to shipping costs, Dreamscape Foundation will only be shipping prizes to the USA prize winners. Our organization is aware of the European Audience that will be attending the event and in hopes of accommodating them have included digital prizes such as gift cards and Steam keys. The donation threshold for each giveaway is as follows:- $5: Enter to win a Lenovo Thinkpad T-420 (Ships USA)
- $10: Receive a Dreamscape Foundation T-Shirt (Ships USA), a chance to win a $15 Amazon gift card, and two entries to win a Lenovo Thinkpad T-420.
- $20: Receive a Dreamscape Foundation T-Shirt (Ships USA), 1 Mystery Steam Key, a chance to win a $25 Steam gift card, and four entries to win a Lenovo Thinkpad T-420.
- $50: Receive a Dreamscape Foundation T-Shirt, a Dreamscape Hat, 3 Mystery Steam Keys, a chance to win a $55 Amazon gift card, and ten entries to win a Lenovo Thinkpad T-420.
- $100: Receive a Dreamscape Foundation T-Shirt, a Dreamscape Hat, 5 Mystery Steam Keys, a chance to win an Alexa Echo Dot (3rd Gen) with a smart plug, a chance to win a $100 Steam gift card, and twenty entries to win a Lenovo Thinkpad T-420.
- $250: Receive a Dreamscape Foundation T-Shirt, a Dreamscape Hat, 10 Mystery Steam Keys, an Alexa Echo Dot (3rd Gen) with a smart plug, a $30 Amazon gift card, a blog feature about you on our website, a chance to win a $100 Steam gift card, and fifty entries to win a Lenovo Thinkpad T-420.
5 Tips on How to Design for Accessibility
5 Tips on How to Design for Accessibility
The United States government reports that 8 million people over the age of 15 suffer from low vision or blindness. That doesn’t include the 8 million with a hearing disorder or the 35 million with mobility challenges.
With so many in North America alone facing these physical challenges, there is no reason why we shouldn’t design for accessibility challenges as well as functionality and aesthetics.
But how do you go about identifying and tackling accessibility issues for numerous disabilities? Just the thought alone may feel like a monumental undertaking. Yet it’s easier than you might think.
5 Ways to Help You Design for Accessibility Challenges
Whether you’re designing graphics, creating a website, or developing software and apps, accessibility belongs in design. While the level of assistive requirements varies from project-to-project, there are many basic best practices that can help you design for universal user experiences. Below are 5 ways you can make your digital designs more user-friendly to everyone, including individuals with disabilities.Don’t Depend on Color to Convey Meaning
Remember the photo of the dress that took the internet by storm as people argued over its color? Some claimed it was white and gold; others swore it was blue and black. No one could agree because people weren’t seeing the same things. Without diving into a lengthy explanation involving rods, cones, and the mind’s tendency to make assumptions, this internet disrupting challenge brought to light a fascinating reality: not all of us see colors the same way. This, of course, is especially true for those who are colorblind. Make it a habit of not designing in a way that depends on color to convey meaning. A great example is online forms. Often, we lean on the color red to indicate an error, but what if someone can’t see it? The best way to audit yourself is to take a look at your design in a grayscale format. Make indicators and interactive elements clear so that users can identify them even without color.Allow Users to Control Automated Content
Sliders, videos, and other automated elements look sleek and draw the eye. However, they don’t do you any good if they’re moving too fast for users to read or interact with them. Instead of finding an alternative, simply add control elements such as a pause, back, and forward button. These are easily integrated into website, software, and application designs. Plus, you’ll likely find that a lot of users will use them! When you give control over automated content, you allow the user to digest information at their own pace and even go back to portions of your media they want to revisit. This is great for engagement and conversions.Always Use Sufficient Contrast
When it comes to overlaying text, buttons, images, and other elements, it’s important to consider the contrast between content and its background. You can find more information about contrast minimums through this online resource. Light gray text on a white background is hard for most people to read, but it can be impossible for others. The key is to provide enough contrast to make readability possible, especially for those whose vision is limited.Provide Alternative Navigation Options for Your Users
This accessibility practice is something you may have already seen on many sites without realizing its connection. Websites and interactive software should provide easy navigation options, including:- Keeping your navigation bar or menu design consistent across all pages
- Providing alternative navigation options such as sitemaps or search bars
- Provide orienting clues such as clear, easy-to-read headings and breadcrumbs
Include Alternative Descriptions for Visual Media
Not everyone can see or follow your visual media. Always include alt text with every photo and include transcripts for video or audio related media. If you can, also provide links or options for audio that describes a video as it’s unfolding. This feature allows users with low vision or blindness to still actively experience what the video has to offer. Another element that people often don’t think about, but is easy to apply, is including text alongside icons or graphical buttons. Like captions, this will help clarify the item’s message or function.Adapt an Existing Website with Accessibility Tools
These 5 tips are only a handful of best practices for accessibility designs. To learn more about ADA compliance for websites, check out these 12 guidelines. If you already have a website, you can still adapt your design for accessibility. Talk to us about how we can help you take your existing website and make it user-friendly for every visitor. We’ll provide insight on to how it’s done and connect you with the right resources. To get started, contact us through our online form or give us a call! Next »« PreviousA Brand New Beginning: Interview with Joseph Sehwani & Chris Girsch
A Brand New Beginning: Interview with Joseph Sehwani & Chris Girsch
Joseph Sehwani started Dreamscape Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit foundation, because of his developing Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare visual impairment, in high school at age 16. Chris Girsch, Dreamscape’s social media/blog manager and longtime friend, witnessed firsthand Joe’s worsening condition, as well as the conceptual stage of Dreamscape. Joe and Chris have been friends since high school, and they both realized that it doesn’t take much to make a difference.
Only employing as early as 2017, Dreamscape has been consistently pushing out blog posts and video game charity streams. Chris has witnessed over a year now, Dreamscape showing a complete night and day from when he has started. His daily goals are promotion and spreading the word. “A lot of it is catering to people like Joe, who seem like they don’t believe they will have any relief, or support through anything,” Chris stated.
Making the Difference
Girsch closely witnessed Sehwani’s journey and how he overcame his struggles, starting with stigma. While Joe’s vision isn’t 100% gone, he started noticing others had a lot of confusion surrounding the topic. Arriving to class equipped with a cane, the stigma was at its peak attending high school. The soon charity founder felt as though people felt bad for him, or assumed he wasn’t as intelligent. Sehwani is not one to admire pity, so it was difficult for him to adjust to that kind of reaction. His coping method was to crack a joke about it early on in meeting someone to help clear the air. For Chris, he noticed that people didn’t understand that Joe still had some vision, at the time equipped with a walking cane and wearing prescription sunglasses. There’s no way anyone could know. Chris and Joe were becoming good friends six months before Joe told him he was becoming blind, and it was a bit of a shock. Chris witnessed the evolution of people changing around them, changing their dialect, and treating Joe like he was fragile. It came out of not understanding how to treat or talk to someone with a disability, which is just like talking to everyone else. That stigma was something both experienced. Joe was always very social, calling up friends to go to the movies and hang out, so he got to see who his real friends really were.Sharing The Dream
Part of Dreamscape Foundation’s mission became educating the uninformed, as well as supporting the disabled through accessible technology. As for Joe’s LHON, it’s a gray area where he can look at his phone. In order to see, he takes advantage of using the accessibility options found on the iPhone. All while using accessibility every day, Dreamscape wants to educate people that visual impairments are more than just being blind or not blind. There is a mix of in-betweens, such as with LHON. Resolving confusion could also end some stigma for people, in their receptiveness of those with visual impairments. It’s not the same for everyone. Not only does Dreamscape help the disabled, one such story found our charity support a young girl with cancer. Although, Sehwani’s advice to any nonprofit starting is to find a niche and not take on everything. With that said, ever since Joseph’s grandfather passed of cancer, he was glad to help someone with cancer. Dreamscape stays open to various needs in the future. As the charity matured, they found their niche. However, their open-mindedness to helping others in general, saved that young girl with cancer. She wouldn’t have gotten treatment without Dreamscape’s help. According to Chris, “We’ve done so many fundraisers; Some for St. Jude, we’ve supported orphanages, and second chance homes for kids in the state of New Jersey. All while leading up to the Giving Season (Holidays) working with Toys for Tots and Salvation Army.”A Fresh Start
In terms of last year’s accomplishments, Joe says “I would say another big thing that we accomplished over the year would definitely be establishing the Dreamscape Foundation website and kind of really pushing that out there.” Sehwani personally works on the website, and states “It was less of rebranding and more of building context in what we’re doing.” Dreamscape upheld their commitments with schools in Jersey, supporting accessibility school programs. Here at Dreamscape, accessibility means independence for everyone. When Joe was starting the new website, User1st and Dreamscape partnered up. User1st is a company who helped teach him a lot about accessible software for people with disabilities. Joe then returned the favor, by supporting their web accessibility initiative. Through User1st, Sehwani started reaching out to Universities to help disabled students have all the access they need. Before Chris was faced with Joe’s visual impairment, he admits that he did not think too much about accessibility. He did not know the full measure of its importance to people with disabilities. As someone without a disability, he says “it taught [him] a lot!” Dreamscape current campaign is helping twins Justin & Kenny Jongsma who both have LHON, like Dreamscape owner Joseph Sehwani. Brand new accessible technology for the blind called eSight eyewear has changed the game. The glasses like device adjusts visual impairments and corrects the vision loss. According to Chris and Joe, everyone deserves independence through accessibility. “There really is no nonprofit for accessibility,” Joe says. Together, Joe and Chris want Dreamscape to be out there and to have its own niche. Not just another visual impairment or blind charity, cancer charity, etc. but we want to leave a unique footprint on the world of accessibility. Next »« PreviousPerseverance Paves a Path
Perseverance Paves a Path
There are days when our disabilities feel debilitating. From physical to cognitive limitations, seemingly easy activities most people take for granted can feel like Mount Everest. Yet whether you were born with a disability or you develop one, it’s important to remember that your condition is not the end of life.
For motivation, we’ve brought a handful of stories to the table not only to inspire but to remind us that doors will open to those whose perseverance paves a path.
Henry Webler Chased His Love for Science in Spite of His Lack of Sight
If anyone knows the fight for accessibility, it’s Henry Webler. His heart had no room for limitations when it became enamored with science at a young age. While in high school his own teacher tried to dissuade him from pursuing a career in science due to his blindness, Webler refused to take no for an answer. He knew what he wanted and he was determined to do whatever necessary to make that dream come to fruition. Yet there were hurdles; many hurdles. In a world where accessibility isn’t universal to every environment and field, you have to speak up and find solutions for your limitations if you want to succeed. Webler realized this, but he wasn’t afraid to be innovative and vocal about his needs. Eventually, the same teacher he doubted became one of his biggest advocates as he carved a path that led to success. Now 30, Webler has a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of California and is the Founder of the nonprofit Accessible Science. The organization provides resources and tools to blind students so they can participate in the exploration and learning of science in spite of their limitations.Mandy Harvey Finds the Music Even After She Lost Her Hearing
When Mandy Harvey sings, her pitch is perfect. Her whole body seems to immerse itself in her music as she weaves a profound blend of melody and lyrics. A natural musician, you would never know while listening to her performance that she is deaf. Harvey wasn’t born deaf but rather lost her hearing at the pivotal age of eighteen, just as she was chasing her dreams through the vocal music education program at Colorado State University. It’s a tragedy that would stop many in their tracks. Understandably so, for how can you learn to create an art tied to the sense that was stolen from you by connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 3? Harvey left school when her hearing obstructed her education and for two years fell into a deep depression. Yet her heart refused to give up. Harvey found a way to find the music inside of her again. She had to; it was a part of who she was. Using a visual tuner, she sang until the device turned green. Her father heard and wept, and Harvey realized her gift hadn’t left her. It was still there and she could embrace it. The epiphany began a new chapter that started in clubs and music halls until it led to the stage of America’s Got Talent. Through the challenges and loss, she rediscovered herself and the career she had yearned for nearly all her life.Finding Open Doors in Spite of Your Disability
For some, Webler and Harvey’s stories may feel unobtainable. We marvel at these individuals as anomalies, as if their achievements are exceptions to the rule. Yet the truth is that while we may have our limitations, there is power in perseverance. Webler and Harvey are both everyday people who simply refused to give up. As Dreamscape Foundation Founder Joe Sehwani said after he lost his vision, “I had only lost my sight – not my vision. In fact, LHON gave me a clarity I didn’t have before. It gave my life purpose.” We can either view our disability as a weakness or we can find new vision by carving a path for ourselves and our desires. While the challenges may not make it easy, the satisfaction of achieving your dream is worth it. Will you fight to make them accessible? Next »« PreviousWhat is Accessibility and Why Does It Matter?
What is Accessibility and Why Does It Matter?
We use the term “accessibility” a lot here at Dreamscape Foundation. A big part of our mission is to provide accessibility to disabled individuals, but what does that even mean? If you aren’t familiar with the term, it all sounds pretty vague and abstract, yet this term refers to something very specific and crucial to everyday life.
What is Accessibility, Exactly?
Accessibility is a term used to describe the level of usability for a product, service, device, or even environment in relation to individuals with limitations due to disabilities. This includes technology-based products, such as websites, mobile applications, and other electronic information. However, it isn’t limited to just those things. Accessibility also refers to physical locations like storefronts and facilities, as well as transportation, customer service and communication methods, and other elements of our everyday lives from the physical realm to the digital one. Because there is a wide range of disabilities in the world today, there is a lot to consider when creating accessible locations, products, and services. This includes (but isn’t limited to):- Accessibility for the blind and visually impaired
- Accessibility for the hearing impaired
- Accessibility for individuals with limited mobility
Why Should Every Business Consider Its Own Accessibility?
Accessibility may not seem like a big deal for individuals who don’t need it. However, if you take a moment to put yourself in the shoes of someone that does, it makes a world of a difference. Living with a disability can make everyday tasks into challenges. From public transportation and errands to browsing the web, using an app, or making a phone call, all it takes is one limitation to turn an easy-to-do list into an all-day affair. Imagine trying to pay your bills online when you have trouble moving a mouse or seeing the screen. Picture having to climb the steps into a building while in a wheelchair. Envision watching a movie you can’t see without the aid of an audio transcript that describes the scenes in front of you. This is why accessibility is important. It makes the places, objects, and joys of life available to everyone, with or without limitations. So what is it you as an individual or business can do to make life more accessible to people with disabilities? Many things, including:- Making your website accessible through adaptations like those offered by User1st
- Creating easier access points through ramps, lever door handles, and automatic door systems
- Ensuring hallways and aisles are clear and bathrooms are wheelchair accessible
- Ensuring your tables, chairs and/or desks are wheelchair accessible
- Make sure your signage uses large fonts, imagery, and Braille for better readability
- Welcome feedback so you can identify and address unknown challenges
- Educate yourself and your business on accessibility methods and compliance