Chiseling away at inaccessibility, slowly but surely
When I backed off my van’s wheelchair lift, I didn’t find what I expected to. We had just parked at a restaurant we’d never been to in a different town, and I knew there would be a ramp onto the…
Author Archives: Halsey Blocher
Disabled people have hearts to serve others, too
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…
Saying so long to a year of countless doctor appointments
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…
Finding the disabled princess I didn’t know to look for
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…
Choosing to represent the disability community well
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…
The cloak of disability and the power of perception
“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…
Here’s what African elephants and living with SMA have in common
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…
The challenges of cheering on others while living with SMA
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…
Creating wheelchair art to reflect the beauty of life
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,…
Leaning on support networks doesn’t negate our independence
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…