COOL LINKS

It is my sincere belief that we are stronger as a culture when we network. Below, we will be continually adding links to sites we find as we go, to people who respond to our site and who are working to build our disability culture. I will try to group sites into some semblance of organization (no small feat for me). Hopefully, as time goes on we'll have a great place for you to go for answers as well as for folks with interesting philosophies. If you know of others to add, let us know by emailing us at wheelchairboy@glasscity.net

QUICK CLICK TO SECTIONS BELOW:

INDEPENDENT LIVING AND CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING (CIL's)
CURRENT EVENTS
ADVOCACY
ACADEMIA/DISABILITY STUDIES
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), FC (Facilitated Communication) and AT (Assistive Technology) Sites
ADVOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL LEGAL CONNECTIONS
DISABILITY SPECIFIC SITES
LISTSERVS
WEBZINES
MEDIA KITS FOR PROPER TERMINOLOGY
INCLUSIVE THINKING
WOMEN LIVING WITHDISABILITIES
FRIEND'S SITES AND PRODUCTS
MEDITATION SITES
RECREATION and TRAVEL
STATE SPECIFIC ADVOCACY/EMPOWERMENT LINKS
ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD 
SUPPORT GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS AND INFORMATION
SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY

INDEPENDENT LIVING AND CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING (CIL's)

What is Independent Living (IL) in a nutshell? IL is basically "getting from Point A to Point B in life with as little hassle as possible." It is something we all want to do, as well as have a right to, whether we live with a disability or not. Since the world makes the initial (and big) mistake of delineating between people with and without disabilities, we've needed to, as a culture of folks living with disability, a) unfortunately buy into the delineation, and b) come up with a philosophy to follow, to put what goes on in the "non-disabled" world into some sort of teachable milieu. IL Philosophy was born because, until we began taking control of our lives and our futures, the world chose not to give us an equal shot at the pie, instead giving us few and horrible options based on low expectation, fear, and archaic misconceptions of what "it MUST be like to live with a disability"; a tragedy to be sure.

Now, with thirty solid years of self-advocacy and cultural growth, of visionaries, rebels and patriots, of villains and heroes, of laws and more laws, we have options, more options certainly, but not equality. We have access but not equal access. We have independence, but someone else's definition of independence. As a white, non-disabled male growing up in America, I knew independence. I did not know oppression, discrimination, hatred but, when I rolled my Camaro at 23, I met these offspring of ignorance head on and suddenly I saw through bigger eyes. I learned over time that discrimination is discrimination; that what has been happening to people living with disabilities is not unlike what has been happening to our african-american brothers and sisters, to women and to gays and lesbians. I see it as the same struggle, just a different difference. This is powerful, heady stuff. Our shared oppression becomes our common ground. We must begin to seriously take ownership in each other's causes because, not so deep down, they are the same. If you feel a Beatle song coming on, good. I know independence. I know freedom. I know what I want to get back to and I want to take our disability culture with me.

Centers for Independent Living are places where folks with and without disabilities go for answers to their disability-related questions. These centers, over 500 strong, are located around the country and world and, hopefully, share similar vision with regard to IL Philosophy. There are mandates to be followed which insure adherence to IL Philosophy but, like anywhere, there will be subtle and maybe not so subtle differences in how business is conducted.

These centers are run by folks with disabilities; by experts. Their Boards and staff are at least 51% people living it. If you are not connected with a CIL in your area, check them out. Get involved. We're bigger with everyone involved. To find the closest CIL to you, please check out one of these sites. New CIL's come on board weekly it seems, so, between these sites, they should be pretty comprehensive:

ILUSA has a list of CIL's around the country.

The Design Link has a big list as well.

Here are a few CIL's out there with great websites. There are more. Check them out. Lot's of info and links:

The Ability Center of Greater Toledo. My CIL of which I'm damn proud! We've come a long way.

Liberty Resources in Philly

The Center for Independent Living in Berkeley, CA

Paraquad, Inc. in St. Louis, MO

Lakeshore CIL in Holland, MI

Disability Resource Center in Kalamazoo, MI

TRIPIL, TriCounty Patriots for Independent Living in Washington, PA

IndependenceFirst in Milwaukee, WI

SAIL in Decatur, IL

Hawaii CIL in Honolulu, HI

VIRTUAL CIL Here's a new twist. A VIRTUAL CIL. Disability Culture meets the new millennium. Go Kathleen!

NWVCIL The Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living (NWVCIL) is committed to the philosophy that all persons have equal access and unconditional value, that all individuals shall be respected for their uniqueness and shall have the right to live within the community of their choice, having equal access to participate in and contribute to that community.

CURRENT EVENTS

Just say "NO" to Jerry. Check out Laura Hershey and the efforts being made to stamp out the Smellathon, er, Telethon.

Nick's Crusade 2003! A web site devoted to averting a personal disaster. One man's attempt to bring Medicaid into the 21st century in time for his 21st birthday. Sign his petition and more!

ADVOCACY

ADAPT is a powerful grass roots national organization that is our driving force for change. They need your body and your voice.

Not Dead Yet is a non-profit group watchdogging and coordinating opposition to Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia issues.

NCIL is the national organization coordinating the expansion of CIL's across the country. Moversand shakers, these are good folks to know.

TASH is a national and International organziation dedicated to Inclusion, Human Rights and Social Justice.

AAPD is the American Association of Persons with Disabilities. They are working to build coalition among all disability groups.

ACT/Advocating Change Together is an organization founded and maintained by folks with disabilities advocating through great products, videos, training programs. Check out their TOOLS FOR CHANGE page for their great products.

The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is a coalition of approximately 100 national disability organizations working together to advocate for national public policy that ensures the self determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.

The Center for Self-Determination is not a place. It is a highly interactive working collaborative of individuals and organizations committed to the principles of self-determination. The purpose of the collaborative is to change the nature of the support and service system for individuals with disabilities, using the principles of self-determination to help all persons create the lives they want, connected to and with their communities.

Mothers From Hell2 Just like it sounds, a national grass roots parent advocacy organization fighting for the rights of individuals living with disabilities.

National Organization on Disability promotes the full and equal participation of America's 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. N.O.D. was founded in 1982 at the conclusion of the United Nations International Year of Disabled Persons. Funded entirely by private sector contributions, N.O.D. is a national disability network organization concerned with all disabilities, all age groups and all disability issues.

Crip Commentary is Laura Hershey's column filled with current issues and progressive insight. A great read.

Disabled and Proud THIS is Sarah Triano's heart and soul. It is a site with great information, great connections and great energy ... a celebration of our Power, our Potential and our Pride as People Living with Disabilities.

The National Disabled Students Union (NDSU) is a national, cross-disability, student organization that accepts that all disabled people - those with traditionally recognized disabilities and those who have often been left out of the movement - are brothers and sisters in the struggle, and accepts all students - those who work to learn, whether or not they are at recognized schools - as colleagues. Join the braid.

Find Your Legislator helps you, well, find your legislators.

DEC The Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children is an international membership organization for individuals who work with or on behalf of children with special needs, birth through age eight and their families.

Institute for Community Inclusion's Flexible Funding Page This website is intended to help people use flexible funding to find and keep the jobs they want. The funding might come from the Vocational Rehabilitation or Developmental Disabilities agency in your state, your school district, or maybe through the Social Security Administration. The flexiblepart means that you decide how to use the funding to get the job you really want.

MindFreedom Support Coalition International unites 100 grassroots groups and thousands of members to win campaigns for human rights of people diagnosed with psychiatric disabilities. MindFreedom International is where mutual support meets human rights activism... and where democracy meets the mental health system.

Disability Access Symbols The twelve symbols on this site may be used to promote and publicize accessibility of places, programs and other activities for people with various disabilities.

The Foundation Center Writing a Grant? Go here. Really. These folks help grant writers succeed and grant makers make a difference.

Parents With Disabilities Online For too long, people with disabilities had been told that having families of our own was not an option. The truth is, though, that we have always been parents, and as our society evolves, more and more of us will have access to that opportunity. If you are a parent with a disability, a person with a disability who is planning to become a parent, or anondisabled partner of a disabled parent, this site is for you. Built and run by my friends Trish and John Day.

The Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD) is an international, multicultural organization of professionals committed to full participation in higher education for persons with disabilities. The Association is a vital resource, promoting excellence through education, communication and training.

SelfAdvocateNet.com The SelfAdvocate Net assists people with intellectual disabilities to speak up and have their voices heard by connecting with family, friends and community members to advocate for an inclusive and caring community.

Crip College is Christian Bagg's site. It serves an excellent resource for people with disabilities. You have the opportunity to meet people from all around the world who share your frustrations and obstacles in becoming accustomed to life in a wheelchair. You can find some great articles that will help give you the support and motivation you require! Learn new tricks to help make the mobility in your chair more fun and convenient! Browse through a ton of really cool photos! And stay in tune with the latest in chairs!

ACADEMIA/DISABILITY STUDIES (an important partner and resource in our moving forward as a culture)

The University of Toledo Disability Studies Program is housed in the Humanities

The Society for Disability Studies is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization established to promote interdisciplinary research on humanistic and social scientific aspects of disability and chronic illness. Its membership includes social scientists, scholars in the humanities and disability rights advocates concerned with the problems of disabled people in society. The purpose of the society is to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and substantive concerns. The Society is committed to developing theoretical and practical knowledge about disability and to promoting the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in society.

The Center on Disability Studies (CDS) was established in 1988 as the Hawaii University Affiliated Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and is part of a National Network of University Centers on Excellence in Disabilities focused upon Education, Research, and Services.

The Canadian Centre on Disability Studies has its roots in Canadian disability organizations, community groups and representatives from different faculties at the University of Manitoba. It is a national centre established to address emerging disability research and disability studies curriculum issues.

The Institute on Disability (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire was established in 1987 to provide a University-based focus for the improvement of knowledge, policy, and practice related to the economic and social participation of persons with disabilities in New Hampshire.

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), FC (Facilitated Communication) and AT (Assistive Technology) Sites

ISAAC This is the web site for the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, a great AAC organization full of innovative and progressive thinkers.

FCI/SU This is the web site for the Facilitated Communication Institute at Syracuse University. Lots of information, support and connections.

RESNA This is the site for the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Association of North America, an interdisciplinary association of people with a common interest in technology and disability, whose purpose is to improve the potential of people with disabilities to achieve their goals through the use of technology.

CLOSING THE GAP This site focuses broadly on Computer Technology in Special Education and Rehabilitation. There is literally tons of information and connection here. They also have a pretty cool conference every year.

ATOHIO If you live in Ohio, this is your federally funded Assistive Technology Project

Assistivetech.net is a national public Internet site on assistive technology and disability related resources who's mission is to improve access to information on assistive technology and disability resources.

ADVOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL LEGAL CONNECTIONS

Reed Martin is a lawyer and advocate for primarily children with disabilities. He has a website with lots of information and a live chat on Thursday nights.

Wright's Law offers timely information about special education legal happenings. Aside from lawyer, Pete Wright is also a speaker and author. Check out his suggestions for effective letter writing.

Heberle and Finnegan This wife and husband team of Denise Heberle and Mark Finnegan is not well liked by the opposition. If you have a curb cut or ADA access/violation case in Ohio, Pennsylvania or Michigan, call them. You'll be happy you did.

SSI Red Book The definitive book on government and employment. Looking to understand and work with the system? Start here.

SSI Blog Spot This blog, hosted by Alan Tews, is very nice. It is full of current articles and writings: information necessary to walking through the quagmire that is the SSI/SSDI system.

Sheri R. Abrams is a sole practitioner emphasizing Social Security Disability Law, and the preparation of Wills, Living Wills, Durable Financial Powers of Attorney and Health Care Powers of Attorney (Health Care Proxies).  Ms. Abrams serves clients in Virginia, DC and Maryland. Her legal experience is multi-faceted- including all aspects of Social Security Disability Law.

DisabilitySecrets.com The purpose of this site is to distribute information---crucial information that, nine times out of ten, it's impossible to get from the person taking your claim for Disability and ssi benefits offered through the Social Security Administration. In essence, applying for disability and ssi benefits might as well be a secret process since Social Security does not try to make this information clear or even understandable. The information, tips and advice presented here can help you understand: 1)How to apply for benefits with the Social Security Administration, 2) How the system works, 3) What SSA doesn't tell you about the application and appeal process, 4) What you can do on your own to help your case, and 5) What you should never do that might potentially harm your case.

DISABILITY SPECIFIC SITES

Autism Ring This site starts with a few 'angelfire' pop-ups but has a great deal of information on and link leads to issues pertaining to the Autistic Spectrum.

Getting The Truth Out This is a very powerful and personal perspective, a page by page journey speaking to the many aspects of living life with Autism. A "must" visit.

Ballastexistenz This is a personal blog by a person living with Autism. Again, very powerful. Full of stories, commentary on important people and issues, many links, this blog is about assorted ideas, but mostly deals with human rights, autistic liberation and disability rights. **Many links to Bloggers living with Autism.

Care/Cure This is the site of the CareCure Community, whose forums provide the latest information on spinal cord injury and related conditions.

Central Pain Online Central Pain results from injury to the central nervous system, such as a spinal cord injury. Traditional means of reducing pain, such as narcotics, do not affect the symptoms of Central Pain. PainOnline provides information for both patients and physicians regarding the diagnosis of and the challenges of living with Central Pain.

DAHRT - Disabled Americans Have Rights Too! Lots of info on Polio and Polio Survival. "To raise awareness about people with disabilities in the community through education." DAHRT is a 501(c)(3) group that educates and advocates for the rights of the disabled. The founder and chair is Joanne Lawrence, lifetime survivor of polio. She had been pushed around once too often and decided to fight back by educating about the ADA requirements and getting ADA compliance where needed. Failing that, picketing is the next option. DAHRT is supported by Joanne's savings and donations from those who believe in DAHRT's cause.

Dystonia Online The aim of this site, based in the UK, is to provide a resource for those suffer from Dystonia - in any shape or form. It is appreciated that many people with Dystonia may not have access to/be able to use an internet-connected PC. In view of this, one of the projects undertaken by this site is to produce a book that will be distributed - totally free of charge - to all those unable to access the vast range of information about Dystonia that is available on the internet.

National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) Here is a site loaded with information and connections. The mission of The National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) is to enable people with SCI and diseases to achieve their highest level of independence, health, and personal fulfillment by providing resources, services, and peer support.

P.T.E.K. is a parent-driven, not-for-profit, organization providing education and support for parents and teachers involved in the care of behaviorally challenging children. The idea for P.T.E.K. grew out of our recognition of the need to exchange ideas and provide information and support to parents and professionals living and working with children with behavioral challenges. The site draws heavily upon the personal experiences and the work of Dr. Ross Greene, including his widely acclaimed book, The Explosive Child (a revised third edition will be available the summer of 2004). In this book, Dr. Greene provides a new perspective for understanding the challenges these children present and much hope as he guides one to develop strategies – called the Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) approach - for improving our relationships with them and fostering their development. The site's goal is to improve the understanding of these youngsters and increase awareness of and ability to utilize effective tools, including the Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) approach for improving their lives.

Two Charge Kids has as its goal providing education and awareness about CHARGE Syndrome to family, friends and other interested people. CHARGE Syndrome refers to children with a specific set of birth defects. "CHARGE" originally came from the first letter of some of the most common features seen in these children: C = coloboma, H = heart defects, A = atresia of the choanae, R = retardation of growth and development, G = genital and urinary abnormalities, E = ear abnormalities and/or hearing loss.

LISTSERVS

Justice For All is one of the best ways to keep up on the latest legislation, happenings, alerts and commentary that affects your life as a person living with a disability. Get on this listserv and you are instantly "in the know". Great archive too.

Mark Johnson, instrumental spark behind the Spirit of ADA Torch relay of 2000, has a great listserv. Working out of Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta, he will keep you as current as anyone. Personally, I don't think Mark sleeps. Probably a robot disguised as a guy rolling around in a chair. email him to get on his list.

WEBZINES

The Ragged Edge The successor to one of our Disability Culture's oldest and best loved publications, the award winning Disability Rag. Mary Johnson and her staff of writers have given our movement the information and wisdom needed to grow such strong grass-roots. This zine is also available as "The Disability Rag", the long-standing hardcopy subscription. There are also books and compilations of essays and access to our history through news and story available on this site. A must book mark.

Mouth Magazine When no one else would say it, Lucy would. Lucy Gwin, along with Mary Johnson and the Rag, and very few others, champions our causes with tenacity. She is afraid of no one. Every issue, she delivers. And she delivers BIG, in her own, one-of-a-kind style. Check out her use of old images and wonderful cartoons. She also has a store full of cool revolutionary/evolutionary products. This mag is also available by hardcopy subscription. Well worth being in your library.

Disability World This is a great web mag dedicated to providing information, stories and connections about our Disability Culture. There's a lot to see here.

Disability Central This is a site and webzine for teens living with disabilities done by teens living with disabilities. Cool site with many stories, links, chat rooms, etc.

Inclusion Daily Express The site is powered by the tireless and unflappable Dave Reynolds. Around since the last century, this zine is a great source of old and new news collected from around the world.

New Mobility Here is another long-running magazine now available online. in each issue of this mag, developed primarily for those of us who used chairs to get around (but topical for our culture, as well), savvy writers like the uncomparable Josie Bysek, Jean Dobbs, Mike Ervin, Hugh Gallagher and Dave Hingsburger really bring our issues to the fore in this slick monthly. Publisher, Jeff Leonard, and editor, Tim Gilmer, have really brought this magazine into its own. This magazine, too, belongs on your coffee table. Do subscribe. At least go online and take their monthly poll as a starter.

MEDIA KITS: ASSISTANCE WITH HELPING THE MEDIA "GET IT"

National Center on Disability and Journalism (NCDJ) is an independent, impartial journalism organization. Our mission is to educate journalists and educators about disability reporting issues in order to produce more accurate, fair and diverse news reporting. They are a non-profit organization. To the left you will see a link to the Style Book.

Beyond The AP Stylebook This is a piece put out by The Ragged Edge. Down and Dirty info to make things simple.

The Ruckus Society Ruckus is committed to non-violent social change. This site is not disability specific. They choose to take on issues important to making our country and the world a better place for all of us.

API Disability/Accessibility Resources This page was developed to put the media in touch with credible sources on the disabled and related issues related. Most of the resources are contributions of Dr. Clyde Shideler, executive director of CE Disabled Services in San Luis Rey, Calif., and Marcia Carlson and Thomas Link of the University of Wisconsin.

INCLUSIVE THINKING

PEAK Parent Center in the Springs, Colorado. Few do it as well. These folks put on the the best conference in the country for Inclusive Thinking and Education. A must attend for anyone: parents, teachers, administrators, folks with disabilitiies needing a little rejuvination and brain stretching.

Inclusion Press, Int'l, out of Toronto. Jack Pearpoint and friends press on to save the world from its exclusionary self guided by the spirit and wisdom of Marsha Forrest and her dream. A wonderful site for tools, programs, books, tips, tricks, and professionals to aide you as you bring progressive and inclusive thinking to your neck of the woods.

Institute on Disability (Univ. of NH) Inclusive thinkers all! These folks have several publications and projects geared toward parenting, schooling, working and living inclusively within our communities. Topics cover living with a disability at all ages. They also have some way cool t-shirts with great quotes and artwork on them. Check out their webpage.

Center on Human Policy (Syracuse University) These good folks have been around a long time and have a wonderful line of disability and diversity related posters, shirts, etc. that speak to our connection as fellow human beings. You've probably seen their classic LABEL JARS, NOT PEOPLE or STICKS AND STONES CAN BREAK MY BONES BUT WORDS WILL REALLY HURT ME posters. Call for their free catalog.

Roots and Wings (An Educational Catalog) A Woman owned and operated business! Got children? Students? Anne, Susan and Kate have the most delicious catalog for books, t-shirts, puppets, musical instruments and other educational products from around the world. Products and books teach children, young and old, about Inclusion, Peace, Multi Cultural Issues, Australia, Japan, China, Mexico, The Rain forest, Parenting, Native Americans, Families, Teaching, Sign Language and the list goes on. Call for their free catalog.

WOMEN LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

Window on Wellness is a is a quarterly publication from Ohio that shares the latest in health and wellness issues for people living with disabilities, primarily women. They have been around for quite a while and have an extensive archive.

Womyn's Braille Press You can now browse through WBP's last catalog of over 800 feminist and lesbian titles on the Web. Through the efforts of Jennifer Dunnam, WBP's catalog is now up on the Web site of Triangle Braille Services. Go to the site and look under "other sources" to learn about WBP and to find out what books the organization produced. These titles are housed at the Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Services in Daytona Beach, Florida and can be ordered through regional libraries of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped by anyone registered with this service.

mobileWOMEN.org believes that disabled women today steer their own lives. Empowered by knowledge, they are having children, pursuing careers, competing in professional sports arenas, becoming community leaders, and living life to the fullest. Now, at mobileWOMEN.org there is a place to unite; ask questions, share ideas, insights, and experiences, and learn from a variety of perspectives. mobileWOMEN.org is the creation of women in wheelchairs who were having difficulty finding answers to their health, fashion, and other questions. Our mission is to bring together current and accurate information on issues of interest to our community.

FRIEND'S SITES: WORDS, ART AND PRODUCTS

Crip Commentary is Laura Hershey's column filled with current issues and progressive insight. A great read.

Dance Of Partnership is the website of one of my dearest friends, mother, poet and advocate, Janice Fialka. She, along with husband Rich Feldman, son, Micah, and daughter, Emma, are a powerful team in both the disability and peace advocacy movements. Her books and Micah's DVD will both inspire you and give you insight into what is possible when one believes in one's child and self.

Disabled and Proud THIS is Sarah Triano's heart and soul. It is a site with great information, great connections and great energy ... a celebration of our Power, our Potential and our Pride as People Living with Disabilities.

DiverseCity Press This is Dave Hingsburger. What can I say about Dave...Dave lives way up in Canada where he observes, thinks, writes and speaks. Dave Hingsburger is an old soul. Through his writings and lectures he shares with us a view of the world that most do not see. His vision of the way people might be better off thinking about and treating each other is spot on. Tough questions. Gentle answers. A few of my favourite "Dave books" can be found on our "Friends" product page.

Axis Consultation and Training Ltd. Two more Kindred Spirits, also from Canada, Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift, operate Axis Consultation and Training Ltd., from Vancouver Island. Riveting speakers, Norm and Emma work both together and solo. Touching on subjects like Inclusion, Conflict Resolution, Family Supports, and Euthanasia, their workshops and stories lead us along like a master dancer leaving us aware, empowered and wanting to make a difference. Their 5 minute video, "A Credo for Support" is truly a gift to the disability rights movement, a powerful series of suggestions for people who care about and support someone with a disability. The words to this video are also available on a poster. Because the video is comprised solely of printed words and music, as of this printing, work is being finished on a new version where people with disabilities are reading the Credo aloud with subtitles to accommodate people with visual and hearing disabilities. Please check either our "Friends" site (or Norm and Emma’s) for availability.

Roots and Wings (An Educational Catalog) A Woman owned and operated business! Got children? Students? Anne, Susan and Kate have the most delicious catalog for books, t-shirts, puppets, musical instruments and other educational products from around the world. Products and books teach children, young and old, about Inclusion, Peace, Multi Cultural Issues, Australia, Japan, China, Mexico, The Rain forest, Parenting, Native Americans, Families, Teaching, Sign Language and the list goes on. Call for their free catalog.

Moore/Clark: Pictures that Tell a Story Need a photographer? How about one of the best? (Yes, Olin, you're one of the best too. Let's get working on your website) Anyway, Junebug Clark is one of a kind. He does all the Jack Daniels Black and white ads you see, plus much much more. Along with his other buddy Dan, he has a way of capturing the very essence of the human spirit. He has worked for Life, Time, and many more. Have cameras, will travel. Check out his work.

Serena's Song Like hot air balloons? How about an ACCESSIBLE hot air balloon? Gary and his daughter, Serena, have been friends for a long time. Gary started out to give a dozen or so kids with disabilities a ride. This summer he goes over 10,000! He has a great project and can add fun to your event. Ballooning isn't cheap and his dream comes out o his own pocket. If you know anyone looking to support a cool thing, let them know about Gary, Serena and their big balloon.

That's Dandy is a friend of mine from Lansing, Michigan who uses his disability to his advantage in the entertainment business.

Earwear is Mimi Shulman's innovative solution to the boring old hearing aid sticking out of the ear. She is a hearing aid wearer herself and has been designing jewellery for over twenty years in Canada and the US. Check out her very cool designs.

ACT/Advocating Change Together is an organization founded and maintained by folks with disabilities advocating through great products, videos, training programs. Check out their TOOLS FOR CHANGE page for their great products.

Uppity-Disability is Mike Reynold's site chocked full of info and links.

Beads By A Deere My friend Barbara Deere does great beadwork. Necklaces, Bracelets, etc. Check her out.

Dignity By Design A very nice site for Adaptive Clothing by friends from the upper midwest.

JayAsquini When Jay, a photographer extraordinaire, fell out of a tree, his life took an unexpected, more enlightened path. And he began to paint ...

Works of Wonder Diane Bellini is a Florida artist who makes, among many things, great cards and prints. Very cool.

Jeff Moyer Jeff is an old friend who has long been a songwriter, documentarian and troubadour for our movement. His music touches a cord and his latest effort, “Lest We Forget”, a collection of music, story and recollection, is a must for everyone wishing to understand the pain, passion and travesty of living in institutions. This will move you.\

The Altered Artist Richmond, Virginia artist and friend, Krishanna Spencer does inspired work. Her assemblages, jewelry, books and sculpture are born from deep inside. Worth a look.

MEDITATION SITES

Because none of us can "Save the World" without "Refueling" here are some sites that might help. Thanks to my friend Bobby.

MeditationOnline is the Meditation information site of HolisticOnline, a site dedicated to the many facets of healing and well-being.

MeditationWeb has a list of basic information regarding meditation and relaxation in their articles section. Meditation Web is an alternative health resource center for internet sites relating to meditation, guided imagery, visualization, self improvement, self hypnosis, spiritual mind treatment and music therapy.

Deeshan.com gives you a Meditation "Tip of the Day".

Dr. Andrew Weil has a nice section on his site pertaining to holistic healing and meditation.

RECREATION and TRAVEL

FreedomRider is a company providing all kinds of adaptive Tack Equipment for folks with disabilities wanting to ride horses.

Access Able Travel Source Providing Access Information for Mature and Disabled Travelers Online Since 1996.

DisabilityGuide.org Heading to the Capitol City? DisabilityGuide.org is the Washington, DC metro area's premiere online disability information resource, and it's FREE. Our mission is to create a user-friendly, information-packed resource targeted at helping those with disabilities find the information they need including which restaurants, bars, museums are wheelchair accessible and which aren't.

The National Alliance for Accessible Golf was formed in the summer of 2001 by leaders from the golf industry and representatives of organizations serving people with disabilities and golfers with disabilities. The mission of the Alliance is to increase participation of people with disabilities in the game of golf.

Accessible Disney This site establishes links to specific information related to the services and resources available at the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort for Guests with disabilities.

STATE SPECIFIC ADVOCACY/EMPOWERMENT LINKS

Iowa Training Consortium Here is a site, primarily for Iowans with disabilities. It has great links to other Iowan support groups and CIL's. Thanks Kristin!

Ohio Respite Coalition is building a statewide network of qualified respite providers for families and agencies needing such support. Created and developed by parents and families. A good group of folks growing every day.

Ohio SILC has all the info for Ohioans regarding CIL's, Town and Network Meetings, and our Statewide IL Plan.

SPAN Located in New Jersey, the Mission of the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network is to empower families and inform and involve professionals and other individuals interested in the healthy development and educational rights of children. Through this collaboration, all children will become fully participating and contributing members of our communities and society.

The Tennessee Disability Coalition ("The Coalition") promotes the full and equal participation of men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. Seven disability advocacy groups committed to collaboration founded the Coalition in 1984. The Coalition is the only statewide disability network organization concerned with all disabilities, all age groups and all disability issues. We have grown to include 45 disability organizations working together to advocate for public policy that ensures self -determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of society.

NWVCIL The Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living (NWVCIL) is committed to the philosophy that all persons have equal access and unconditional value, that all individuals shall be respected for their uniqueness and shall have the right to live within the community of their choice, having equal access to participate in and contribute to that community.

The PATINS Project (Promoting Achievement through Technology and INstruction for all Students) is an Indiana Department of Education assistive technology systems change initiative.

Real Estate for Disabled.com Ron Snarskis sells accessible homes in the Tampa, Florida area and along the sun coast. If your looking in the area, give him a call.

ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD

TurnAround Disability Awareness, Training, Education and Consultation for folks living with disabilities in the UK. These guys have a nice site filled with information regarding England and the Isles.

Youreable was founded by Joe Rajko, a charity worker from Leeds, after winning the Channel 4 eMillionaire show in July 2000. Youreable has integrated information, products and services into a community-based website. Since launch, more than one million people have visited the site to download over 3,500 pages of information across 17 different channels and to participate in 12 topic forums. On 1 August 2002 Youreable began trading on the London stock exchange AIM market as Bright Futures Group PLC, becoming the first time a website for disabled people has floated on the stock market.

SUPPORT GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS AND INFORMATION

ExceptionalNurse One of the sad ironies of health care is how they treat their rank and file when they suddenly acquire disability in their lives, especially nurses, who are the frontline soldiers and backbone of healthcare. Many are terminated immediately or otherwise (and insideously) forced out of the profession they love so much. This website was started to meet some of the needs of nurses and nursing students with disabilities. It provides links to disability-related organizations, financial aid, technology, equipment, mentors, employment opportunities, legal issues, research and featured articles.

National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) Here is a site loaded with information and connections including to local chapters. The mission of The National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) is to enable people with SCI and diseases to achieve their highest level of independence, health, and personal fulfillment by providing resources, services, and peer support.

Disabled Americans Have Rights Too (DAHRT) This site has an extensive Links page as well as a message board.

SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY

SexSupport.Org Every person experiences sexuality differently and needs different information. Most of what is available regarding sexuality and disability on websites is not easily accessed by those whose disabilities impair their ability to read. This site is designed to meet the needs of these people and the people who care about them - personally or professionally. Note: Teenagers are welcome to use this site to learn the facts about sex and relationships. Although initially designed for persons with disabilities, it has expanded to include any person who wants to participate.

The Sexual Health Network is dedicated to providing easy access to sexuality information, education, mutual support, counseling, therapy, healthcare, products and other resources for people with disabilities, illness, or natural changes throughout the lifecycle and those who love them or care for them.