Articles

As a wheelchair user, I've navigated many paths—-some smooth, some fraught with obstacles. Yet, one of the most transformative journeys I've embarked on is not one that required physical navigation...

By definition, abuse is something that inflicts pain or emotional distress on a vulnerable person through verbal or nonverbal acts. Abuse thrives in shame and silence. It is based on...

For me, personally, the smallest things are the scariest. I know that you just have to do it, as they say, but I guess the not knowing is the worst...

May is Mental Health Month, sponsored by the Mental Health Association, and it is a perfect time to pause, consider how we can improve our mental health, and support each...

We asked a couple of our young Health Leaders, Kellie and Jennifer, about the transition from their teenage years to adulthood, how they are coping with responsibility for their own...

As Mother’s Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on all the things my mom has done for me since I was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Caring for someone...

“You should learn to live independently. There’s a cerebral palsy patient that renovated her house and lives alone” “You should learn how to cook. At least fry some eggs. If...

I was born in the 1970s and, while genetic counseling started in 1969, it wasn’t what it is today. There was no known history of any kind of muscular dystrophy...

The beauty of sharing our stories lies not just in the telling, but also in the impact they can have on others. My recent journey to a different state for...

Living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) feels like riding a rollercoaster of emotions, but having my lifeline, also known as my personal care assistant (PCA), adds some much-needed comedy and...

Being born with a genetic disorder like spinal muscular atrophy forces us to adapt to a world that wasn’t built for disabled people. As a child, we experience this from...

Having spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) means relying on a powered wheelchair for mobility. While my wheelchairs and assistive gear offer a sense of freedom, nothing beats the sheer delight of...

12 artworks in 7 months. In Nelson Mandela's words, “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. Who would’ve thought I managed to paint these? I make art for a living...

I feel as though having a disability is a constant balancing act of freedom and cost. Owning an accessible van can be a ticket to freedom for many with mobility...

Maintaining a reliable vehicle is vital for individuals living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) to maintain their independence and overall well-being. Unfortunately, vehicle repairs can often be a financial burden...

Social media can be a game changing tool for anyone, especially people in the SMA and disabled communities. I've chatted about this before – it allows homebound individuals to make...

I know that I am not alone in this feeling. We ‘SMAers’ are very observant wallflowers. Meaning that we see everything. For me, this has helped me to survive when...

In the vast and colorful world of dog adoption, there are countless tales of furry companions who found their forever homes. These stories often involve the rescue of dogs from...

Life has its moments – some challenging, some joyful. As a full-time electric wheelchair user with limited arm mobility due to spinal muscular atrophy, I've experienced my fair share of...

Who would've known that a seemingly simple pair of utensils could carry such emotional weight? The other night, my sister invited us over to her house for dinner. This wasn't...