Center for Disability Resources (CDR)

Friday, January 26, 2024

Newsletter

New Mobility Newsletter — Jan. 18, 2023

January 18, 2024

Products

opens in a new windowStarLock is a Customizable Air Cushion

This new cushion from Ki Mobility looks like a high-profile ROHO but with one main difference: You can lock the airflow to individual cells to help offload pressure from trouble spots or to provide postural support.

Travel

opens in a new window48 Hours in Fargo

Power wheelchair user and travel blogger Sylvia Longmire was on a mission to visit all 50 states by the time she turned 50. She squeaked in North Dakota just before her birthday and found great food, friendly locals, a thriving art scene and superior accessibility. Read why Longmire thinks she may have saved the best state for last.

New Column

opens in a new windowAdulting with CP

For Greg Moomjy, a childhood living with a congenital disability offered few opportunities to connect with disabled peers. Now making the messy transition to adulthood, Moomjy reflects on how transformative it’s been finding a local cerebral palsy support group. “Not only could we talk about anything ranging from sex to inspiration porn, but I learned by example how to live with my disability and advocate for my needs as an adult man with CP,” he writes.

Culture

opens in a new windowIndependence Through Art

It took signing her name with a pencil in her mouth for Mariam Paré to realize that painting as a high-level quad might be doable. Years of practice later, she connected with the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, a unique organization that offers disabled painters a way to make a living as professional artists. Find out how the MFPA operates and see the beautiful work that Paré and others are creating.

Pro Tips

opens in a new windowJonathan Sigworth is Bridging the Gap to Independent Living

After sustaining a C7 spinal cord injury in India, Jonathan Sigworth saw how few educational resources were available to wheelchair users across the globe, even for many living in the U.S. Learn how Sigworth adapted to life with a disability and how his foundation, More Than Walking, is providing valuable online demonstrations for everyday tasks like transferring, getting dressed, driving, managing bowel and bladder and more.

ABLE SC, Respect and Relationships

Text, 'Respect & Relationships. Create strong relationships, build communication and problem-solving skills, and recognize healthy and unhealthy relationship habits. Online Feb. 26, In-person Feb. 27 @ 3 pm.' Photo of an Autistic couple lounging outside.

Register for a free training

Online: Monday, February 26 from 3:00-4:00 PM

In Person at our Greenville or Columbia Offices: February 27 from 3:00-4:30 PM

Registration will close on February 25.

For questions, contact info@able-sc.org

Able South Carolina
720 Gracern Road Suite 106 | Columbia, South Carolina 29210
803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org

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ABLE SC, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical cancer happens when cancer cells grow on the cervix. The cervix is an organ that connects the uterus to the vagina. Cervical cancer slowly gets worse over time. It can lead to illness and even death if not treated properly. Thanks to tests that check for cervical cancer and knowledge of ways to prevent it, the number of people who get and become sick from cervical cancer is lower than it used to be.

To protect yourself from cervical cancer, it is important that you are tested for the disease. If you have a cervix, a powerful testing tool is the Pap test, also called a Pap smear. The Pap smear is a medical exam you’d do at a doctor’s office. During the Pap smear, the doctor uses a swab to take cells from the surface of the cervix. The cells are examined by a doctor under a microscope. This exam can detect cancer in its very early stages. When cancer is found early, you can get quick treatment for a better recovery and a healthy outcome. Speak with your healthcare provider to schedule your Pap smear to get tested.

A very helpful list to help you get the care you need can be found at CMS, Getting the Care you Need for People with Disabilities.

It is important for people with disabilities to get tested and learn how to protect themselves from cervical cancer:

9% of people with disabilities have had cancer, while just 5.3% of nondisabled people have had cancer.
Members of the disability community are 3 times more likely to be denied healthcare than nondisabled people.

A tight crop of three Black and disabled friends (a non-binary person with a cane and tangle stim toy, a non-binary person sitting in a power wheelchair, and an invisibly disabled femme) smiling and taking a cell phone selfie together.

A disabled Asian genderfluid person types on a laptop while wearing compression gloves. The hands and keyboard are the focal point.

Protecting yourself, your family, and our community will take some self & family advocacy. Below are some ways to get started when making your healthcare appointment:

When calling to schedule your appointment, be specific about what you want, including any tests you want done.
Tell the scheduler that you are a person with a disability. Be sure to request the accommodations you will need during your appointment.
Ask about what to expect during the appointment. Knowing what to expect will help both you and your doctor prepare.

A very helpful list of preparing for and getting the healthcare you need can be found at CMS, Getting the Care you Need for People with Disabilities.

In addition to screening, there are 3 different vaccines available that can prevent cervical cancer. The vaccines are named Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix. These vaccines are recommended for all children, boys and girls, ages 11 and older. Protect your child from cervical cancer, and talk with your child’s doctor about this powerful tool to prevent it.

You can take action! Protect yourself and your community from the risk of cervical cancer by getting tested and getting vaccines to prevent it!

References:

AACR, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

National Cervical Cancer Coalition

Able South Carolina
720 Gracern Road Suite 106 | Columbia, South Carolina 29210
803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org

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Wednesday, January 17, 2024

ABLE SC, Prepare for Winter

Banner with white background and light blue streak down the middle. Gray text reads, 'Prepare for Winter Weather, Winter Weather Safety Tips.' Able SC logo at base. A gray illustration of a snowflake by a thermometer is to the left.

Friend,

Winter weather is coming to South Carolina! Cold temperatures below freezing are in our forecast. Be sure to know what to do when cold weather strikes!

Check out this Easy Read Cold Weather Safety tool

Stay indoors when possible:

· Dress in layers of loose-fitting, warm, protective clothing.

· Stay updated on your local weather by listening to television or radio news.

· Keep your pets inside.

· All other animals should be sheltered and supplied with fresh, non-frozen water.

· Remember to eat regular, nutritious meals.

· Stay hydrated by drinking water as well as warm broths and juices. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol should be avoided as they cause dehydration.

If you go outdoors:

· Again, dress in layered, loose-fitting clothing; add a pair of gloves or mittens as well as a hat. Your outer layer of clothing should be water-repellent.

· Wear a scarf or muffler over your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air.

· Avoid spending long periods of time outside as that may increase your chance of developing hypothermia or frostbite.

· Stay dry while outdoors. If your clothing or any part of your body becomes wet, it is time to head indoors to warm up and change clothing.

· If you must work outside, avoid overexertion as this can be dangerous in extreme temperatures.

· Take great care when walking on snowy, icy sidewalks.

· Avoid walking to your destination; use public transportation or request-a-ride apps if you do not drive.

Learn more: Red Cross, How to Prepare for Winter Emergencies

National Weather Service, Cold Weather Safety

Able South Carolina
720 Gracern Road Suite 106 | Columbia, South Carolina 29210
803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org

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