The SC State Primary is less than two weeks away, and I plan to rock my disabled vote as I have done since I became a registered voter at the age of 18. The voting process as a disabled South Carolinian has changed in many ways, particularly in the area of accessibility with new voting methods being made available.
As a wheelchair user, accessibility is undeniably on my mind when I venture out in public, especially when visiting new venues with friends. Worrying about ramps, accessible restrooms, having enough room to maneuver about comfortably, etc., can cause anxiety because in 2016, these are still problems for me and millions of others who use mobility devices. Technology has been a major game-changer in pointing out public places that are accessible or inaccessible, and this week, I am spotlighting a new resource that will allow those with disabilities to travel a bit easier with less stress.
2016 is a bittersweet political year; President Obama will be finishing his last year in office, and we as Americans will have to elect a new president in November. There is so much going on with this year’s presidential election that it may be exhausting to keep up with the latest news, the candidates running, and when to vote in your state caucus or primary. This week, I wanted to share pertinent information that will help disabled and non-disabled voters know who the candidates are, when to vote, and when to watch the debates to empower oneself about which candidates are focused on the issues that matter to you.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, I know that there will be some lucky disabled brides and grooms putting a ring on it this week. After the ring, comes the planning, of course! Wedding planning is stressful as it is, but when you add disability into the mix, it can make brides and grooms worry about how to appropriately and seamlessly incorporate their disability into their special day. (more…)
Though it may be the most wonderful time of the year, the Holiday season can be dangerous for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. Those who work in this field explains that the increase of incidences during the holidays is exacerbated by the build up of anger and stress, which accompanies the season. The holiday season also marks the time of year when children experience domestic violence at the highest rates seen. It may be a joyous celebration for many of us; however, we cannot forget or fail to protect and assist those who are enduring brutal, and sadly, potential life-ending, abuse.
A few weeks ago, I came across a post on the Creative Social Worker Tumblr page spotlighting a new tool to assist in finding shelter and support for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. Being that I wrote an article on this subject in October discussing the prevalence of disabled women and domestic violence, I knew that I had to share this resource on the Tools You Can Use series. (more…)
As a former disabled child, I am very adamant about ensuring that our disabled children and teens receive the best healthcare, education, and support system in order to grow and prosper in their environment as beautiful human beings. For our youngest disabled children, assistive devices that would afford them the opportunity to gain independence by moving freely in their homes is a considerable and serious gap that exists for them. The University of Delaware and Fisher-Price aim to change that by offering affordable, adapted Power Wheels cars to our disabled kids who cannot afford to be slowed down by their disability. (more…)
Late September, I was contacted about a new product called Talkitt, created by VoiceItt, a company that aims to develop innovative speech technology that will improve the quality of life of children and adults living with motor, speech, and language disorders. VoiceItt seeks to allow these individuals to better communicate with loved ones and others by “translating” the unintelligible pronunciation into understanding speech, all while using their own voices.
The social media manager at VoiceItt wanted to know if I would be interested in spotlighting VoiceItt’s crowdfunding campaign for Talkitt, which they seek to release during the first quarter of 2015. When I reviewed the information that was provided to me, I immediately knew that this was a product I had to share with my RYV! readers because technological advances that improve the lives of those with disabilities has to be supported. (more…)
When I read the press release about the new Elder Justice website, I knew that I had to feature it as a part of RYV!’s “Tools You Can Use” Series. Being the caregiver of a member of the Silent Generation (my beloved Grandmother I have mentioned on the blog), and being a helping professional, I knew how dire it is to protect the older members in our society, and to report any forms of abuse or neglect they may endure. With a plethora of resources out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out what information is appropriate and current to utilize and pass along to those who need it. The U.S. Justice Department has taken steps to provide an online informational “hub” for older Americans, their families, law enforcement, helping professionals, and other stakeholders who have a vested interest in ensuring that older Americans’ rights and humanness are respected. (more…)
Disability.gov, the federal government’s one-stop access website for disability-related resources, services, and information, has a plethora of guides that breaks down topics that matter to those with disabilities, caregivers and families, and helping professionals who interact with this particular population.
For the first Ramp Your Voice! article of 2014, I wanted to share a new technology tool called AbleRoad that connects people with accessible venues. AbleRoad is a new technological tool that aims to inform people with disabilities about accessible places and spaces in their communities, and across the globe. With the advances of the internet and the worldwide use of social media, new websites and applications (apps) are created every day to assist in establishing a more equal playing field for people with disabilities, both domestically and abroad. As a person with a disability, I am constantly searching for innovative tools that makes inclusion of people with disabilities a high priority. (more…)
Black History Month 2019: Black, Disabled, & Into Alternative Spiritual Practices February 27, 2019 Vilissa Thompson, LMSW
When life shakes us at our core, we long to find something to ground us again. For me, that grounding has come in the form of expanding my spirituality after the death of my beloved Grandmother on Christmas Eve of 2015. I have always been spiritual; being raised Baptist by her (though I don’t claim ...
Planners & Disability: When Two Worlds Collide Effortlessly December 16, 2018 Vilissa Thompson, LMSWMy fondness for all things stationery began as a child. Pens, notebooks, journals, stickers, markers – you name it, I loved it. Lisa Frank everything – had to have it. At the height of the gel pens hype, I had all sorts of notebooks that allowed my friends to write notes to me with metallic ...
The Harriet Tubman Casting Cripping Up Issue September 20, 2018 Vilissa Thompson, LMSWOver the past week, I have watched and listened to several conversations on Twitter about the casting uproar for the Harriet Tubman film.
Yet no one mentioned the obvious issue: a Black disabled actress is not playing a Black disabled historical figure.
An issue I run into within Black history and in the portrayals of ...
Aunt Vi, #QueenSugar, Black Women, & Our Disabled Bodies: Why We’re Still Whole June 7, 2018 Vilissa Thompson, LMSWIf you haven’t watched the show “Queen Sugar,” I don’t know what you’re doing with your life.
The new season premiered on OWN last week, and the series is spearheaded by the talented Ava DuVernay.
In this season, one of the beloved characters, Aunt Vi, has an illness that is a part of her character story. It ...
Why Black Disability History Matters February 27, 2018 Vilissa Thompson, LMSWFor the past few years on the blog, I have featured the stories and activism of Black disabled figures who are unsung heroes during Black History Month. I began doing this because I did not want our experiences as Black disabled people to be overlooked since that has occurred for far too long. If we ...
2/28/2018 Black Disability History Twitter Chat February 23, 2018 Vilissa Thompson, LMSWFor Black History Month, I am honored to co-host a #BlackDisabilityHistory Twitter chat with members of my community. If you have been following the blog for awhile, you know that February is special to me in amplifying the visibility and accomplishments of Black disabled people during Black History Month. This Twitter chat is another means ...
My 2017 Was Lit!: Year in Reflection December 31, 2017 Vilissa Thompson, LMSWToday is the last day of 2017, and as I reflect, I am amazed at all I have experienced.
This was the year where all of my hard work has come to life, with so many collaborations, interviews, and awesome people I have encountered.
Even the small hiccups did not derail me – I believe ...
Tackling Inaccessibility in Seattle & NYC: My Travels on 4 Wheels September 30, 2017 Vilissa Thompson, LMSWThis month has been full of so many phenomenal things. September is a special time for me for two reasons: my birthday and the start of autumn.
For both my birthday and the season changing, I was bi-coastal – I spent the first full week in celebrating year 32 in Seattle and then set off ...
New Things On the Horizon August 31, 2017 Vilissa Thompson, LMSWThe blog has been quiet for awhile, and that is due to all that I have been getting into recently.
First is the new adventure I am on – I am the co-host of the Wheelin’ & Dealin’ podcast, which made its debut on the CSPN network last week. This podcast is politically-focused, and I am ...
4 Years Going Strong: RYV! Anniversary Reflection July 19, 2017 Vilissa Thompson, LMSWToday marks the fourth anniversary of Ramp Your Voice! The past year has been filled with so many opportunities, connections, partnerships, and articles that has resonated with individuals within and outside of the disabled community.
As Ramp Your Voice! matures, I also mature, particularly for my vision and the impact I want to make with ...