Just Keep Dancing

I always love finding people who are prime examples of an accessible icon. Chelsie Hill always wanted to dance professionally and did everything she could to achieve her dream. During her senior year, she became paralyzed from the waist down from a drunk driver in a car accident. Doctors originally said she would not be able to walk, but that did not stop her from wanting to dance. Nine months later, she tried out for a wheelchair dance team and now runs her own team. Not only does she teach wheelchair dance classes, she posts online tutorials.

Watch Chelsie’s story below.

Honoring an advocate: Finn Bullers

Saddened by the news of our advocate and team member Finn Bullers. After many conversations through email and phone, I can honestly say Finn fought for the rights of those with disabilities and promoted the Accessible Icon project throughout the nation, and in particular, the midwest. I admire his tenacity, passion, and spirit. Finn you will be missed.

accessible icon project, disability advocate, reporter, kansas, merriam reporter

http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article57673618.html

http://kcur.org/post/dogged-last-finn-bullers-championed-rights-disabled#stream/0

http://www.unitedspinal.org/farewell-to-our-friend-finn-bullers./

 

Wheelchair Snow Plow

This week, a lot of the states were hit with major snow storms ranging from 25 to 30 inches. A lot of times, with massive snowfall, the streets and sidewalks become unaccessible to wheelchair users and others who rely on smooth walkways.

This video shows one man who decided to modify his wheelchair to meet his needs due to the snowy weather. This idea is definitely on my “top 10” list. I am looking for others to replicate! Justin Anderson is an accessible icon.

Symbols and Signs

While touring Germany, Italy, and Spain, I was highly interested in the symbols each country used to signify basic street information. Here in the states, there has been much debate about if the Accessible Icon is legal since it has not been officially adopted as the symbol of access by the DOT or DOJ. While almost everyone will agree that the symbol represents movement, some argue that a new symbol is not needed or can cause confusion. Since I am now interested in exploring the different symbols that exist, I took pictures of the different symbols I came across while traveling.

 Accessible Icon Updates: 

  • DOJ (Department of Justice) verbal approval of the icon during the National ADA Symposium. Read here (May 2015)
  • New York State announcement of a slow phasing in of the symbol. Read here (August 2014)
  • New Jersey bill in progress. Read here ( September 2014)

 

 

New York State Assembly Press Release: Accessible Icon Project

It was a surprise to the Accessible Icon team when we received a call from the New York State Senate inviting us to speak at their press release regarding the Accessible Icon legislation (A.8193/S.6846) created by Senator Carlucci and Assemblywoman Galef. New York is now the first official state to adopt the icon officially. Here are pictures from our trip visiting New York for the special event.

Beyond Disabilities Week: Library Entrance Closing

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Pictures from the Library Entrance Closing at Gordon College. Used to promote Beyond Disabilities week at Gordon College and to raise awareness of accessibility and disabilities on campus.

AbleVision: The Accessible Icon Project

Ablevision is Triangle’s national award-winning television and media program created and produced entirely by people with disabilities. They have created a video on the Accessible Icon Project, an international project trying to change the handicapped sign to one of active accessibility. Feel free to share your comments below. Also, be sure to check out many other videos made by Ablevision on Youtube. With over 100,000 Youtube views and 55 broadcast affiliates, Ablevision provides many positive stories created for and by people of ability.

NV200 Mobility NY Taxi and The Accessible Icon Project

As most of you know who follow my blog, I am part of the team promoting the Accessible Icon Project. Recently, we adapted our “Accessibility Icon” for Nissan’s innovative NV200 taxi! The “Taxi of Tomorrow” program was recently unveiled at the New York International Auto Show highlighting the wheelchair accessible NV200 Mobility NY Taxi.

 According to Nissan’s website, the NV200 Mobility NY Taxi features a rear-entry ramp and an industry-first integrated restraint system that provides safe and quick securement of wheelchairs.

Joe Castelli, vice president of Commerical Vehicles and Fleet, says, “With more than 600,000 people hailing New York taxis every day, it is important that the NV200 taxi be able to serve everyone, including those with disabilities.”

While there is some controversy over the “Taxi of Tomorrow” program, I am just happy to see our symbol on the hood of the car. Hopefully this symbol becomes more common; I would love to see more companies take the initiative to represent people with disabilities as such.

 

 

 

 

 

Language and Image

Being aware of the power of language and image is not about being politically correct; it is about treating people with respect, dignity, and increasing awareness. -Leah Serao

Working Together Teamwork Puzzle Concept
Photo Credit: Scott Maxwell via Compfight