Author Archives: Halsey Blocher

I didn’t expect to find myself participating in a Valentine’s Day card exchange as an adult. I thought such festivities were (sadly) reserved for kids. But then a friend shared a Facebook post last year inviting people to join…

It takes a rather large team of specialists and various medical professionals to help manage my care alongside me and my mom, who’s my primary caregiver. That means I have to attend lots of doctor appointments. I’d…

Have you ever dreamed of being a princess (or a prince)? I think most of us have, adults included. I’ve always been a Disney fan, and it has no shortage of princesses to choose from. Each one…

Individually and collectively, it’s vital to be sensitive to what’s happening in the world around us. This awareness allows us to be empathetic and strive for change that improves society for ourselves and others. The SMA and…

“Are we wearing a cloak of disability?” my mom asked as a vehicle pulled out in front of our wheelchair van. At least, that’s what I thought she said. It turns out that she actually said “cloak of…

Elephants have long been my favorite animal. I even have a collection of items depicting them. I’m captivated by the majestic giants whose eyes seem to convey vast wisdom and an array of relatable emotions like…

I’ve been blessed to grow up in a city that’s mindful of accessibility and inclusion, which means there’s an abundance of accessible activities to participate in. Throughout my life, this has provided opportunities for me and my family to be involved in a variety of programs and services, including…

In a tourist shop on the coast of Lake Michigan a few summers ago, my mom spotted a sticker depicting the town’s lighthouse in the style of my favorite painting, Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night.” She suggested that it’d look cool on my power wheelchair,…

There’s a trend taking root in the SMA and disability communities that has me worried. It’s the idea that to gain independence as disabled adults, we must separate ourselves from our support networks and find ways to manage our lives and healthcare on our own. Society…

If you haven’t met this celebrity of the SMA community, I’d like to introduce you to my friend Angela Wrigglesworth-Titcombe. She’s 46 years old, has SMA, and is a fifth-grade teacher. She and her husband of six years, Justin, love to travel and…