Learn More at https://thatshandi.co/pages/register-interest

Handi was founded by disability consultant and activist Andrew Gurza and innovation strategist Heather Morrison from a simple and shocking fact: hundreds of millions of people around the world can’t masturbate due to hand limitations (pain, immobility, lack of dexterity, weakness etc).

In fact, our research showed that over 50% of physically disabled people surveyed struggle to achieve sexual pleasure on their own. And shockingly, no products have been designed with them in mind, despite over 90% of those surveyed telling us they wanted one.

This puts people in an awkward position (and not the kind we like) of asking someone for help, paying someone every time you want to have a release, or not getting off at all – which isn’t really an option is it? What’s worse, the topic is still terribly taboo and off limits. Or it was - until now…

A candid discussion on voting, women in local, grassroots politics, & Disabled Voters with special guests

Christina Blackcloud 2020

State Representative

Iowa House District 72

AMBER GUSTAFSON

Founder: Grassfed Yoga | Alumni: Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication | Former: Iowa Chapter Leader Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America | Current: Graduate Student, Master of Arts in Communication, Public Policy & Advocacy at Drake University |

RAQUISHIA HARRINGTON

NORTH LIBERTY CITY COUNCIL

Erin Noon Kay

CEO & Founder

Claiming Disability, Inc.

& Political Admirer

Patti + Ricky is the Adaptive Fashion Marketplace for adults and kids with disabilities, chronic conditions, patients, seniors, and caregivers.

Shopping does not typically include or embrace differences and individuals with disabilities. Patti + Ricky changes this with an inclusive shopping experience for all.

Patti Connell was a mother, sister, aunt, daughter, friend, and entrepreneur. She was strong, independent, and very much ahead of her time. Ricky Warga-Arias was a son, cousin, friend, philanthropist, and teacher. He had a contagious smile, keen intellect, and was a true lover of the arts. They were both the depiction of cool. Together, Patti and Ricky formed the inclusive lens through which Alexandra Connell Herold (CEO and Founder of Patti + Ricky) sees the world. Alexandra wanted to create an online department store where every product is curated with Patti and Ricky's approval in mind. Our mission is to continue to spread the love, understanding, and acceptance that Patti + Ricky passed on throughout their lifetimes.

We hope Patti + Ricky continues to positively impact lives every day. Each year we donate 10% of our profits to non-profit organizations that support inclusion and provide access for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions.

If you use the CODE Claimingdisability10 you can receive 10% off your first Patti & Ricky Purchase, Shop Now

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A few days after losing his job at Macy’s, Greaves had attended a “Live like Nip” workshop where they’d discussed manifesting your dreams. Less than a week later, video was captured of him dancing in his wheelchair. “I was ranting and raving about not being seen or heard – not being included. The universe heard me!”

He feels he’s in the spotlight for a reason. Greaves, who was born with cerebral palsy, has made it his life’s mission to show people that they can do anything, despite their disabilities. “I go to spaces where I don’t normally fit in and make a place there. That’s my entire life.”

He founded “Not Like the Other Kids,” a clothing brand that aims to help others in need and inspire people who are differently abled or disadvantaged. To date they’ve raised money to help a girl with leukemia, taken someone who’d been bullied on their dream vacation, and contributed in the Puerto Rican disaster relief effort.

The 27-year-old theater major is recognized on campus from having been on the news – and fielding calls from all over the world. But he’s not letting the fame go to his head: “It’s not about me being famous, but about making an impact,” he noted. “Fame is cool, attention is nice – but you have to do something with it.”

Regardless of everything that’s going on, he plans to finish his degree. “I’m still going to class, still on time, still doing assignments. I’m a whole student here, with a book bag and a cell phone.” He said he feels like Megan thee Stallion, whose fame hasn’t stopped her from going to college. (He plans on DM-ing her to ask how she juggles it.)

An adult learner, Greaves came to Kingsborough after a break from another college. He said the faculty and students of Kingsborough’s theater department embraced him with love and understanding. “It’s such a difference from all the other times I was doing theater. The theater department at this school has made me feel welcome and included. They understood my situation.”

“Having professors that understand that and help you through the college experience is why I love coming here,” he said. “I love being in school. I really enjoy being in class. And, I enjoy being a student here. You learn about people from all ages at this school. People see you and they want to help you. They just make you feel like you belong.”

Greaves thinks everyone should make the most of college, no matter what their situation. “In college, you learn what’s for you and what’s not for you. Don’t let the attention about everything going on around you make you forget what your life is.”

Check out Jermaine’s video for yourself: bit.ly/kcc-greaves.

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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA is divided into five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life.

Alex Watters Sioux City Iowa Councilmen

Sioux City is a community rich in diversity which strives to achieve geographic, gender and racial balance on each board, commission and committee. In addition, effective January 1, 2012, Section 69.16A of the Iowa Code now requires gender balance on those City Boards and Commissions required or governed by state law unless the City has made a good faith effort for a period of three months to appoint a qualified person. This affects and includes the Airport Board of Trustees, Civil Service Commission, Human Rights Commission, Library Board of Trustees, and Planning and Zoning Commission.

Sujit Singh Executive Director Combined Efforts

Our goal is simple; facilitate collaboration between artists with and without disabilities to create performances in which disability drops from consideration as a result of the combined efforts of a diverse group of individuals. For more information on how to get involved with this non-profit, please visit: https://combinedefforts.org/

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Andy is often hired speak and train at universities, high schools, and Congressional leaders on ADA compliance and the inclusion of people disabilities and others from diverse backgrounds and communities. He has received several awards for his presentations on LGBTQ diversity and disability equality.

Andy's experience and leadership gave him skills to develop and implement a youth programs that served over 150 young adults in Southern California helping them reach their dreams for independence. The curriculum for this program utilized today by specific County agencies. Andy excels in teaching students that nothing can get in the way of their dreams, as long as they use their disabilities as an asset.

Andy advocates in the entertainment industry by creating visible pathways as an actor and stand-up comedian. As an actor, Andy has had the pleasure of working with Tom Hanks, Mark Ruffalo and Hilary Swank on projects. He is often asked to consult with producers and directors in create greater media visibility of people with disabilities. He has also produced several small projects that have brought attention to persons with disabilities and the LGBTQ to community

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Marissa Lelogeais is not a person defined by cerebral palsy. If you ask her she will say her life is music, and music is her life. Her band The Merry Rockers all met while studying music together at Berklee College of Music in Boston, but for Marissa it goes much further back.

“Well, I was like 4 or 5 and I went to see Peter Pan on Broadway. I saw how much fun the actors looked like they were having onstage.” She says as she remembers her first musical inspiration.

Now 30, going on 31, Marissa (who prefers Mar) is the lead vocalist in The Merry Rockers:  a fun, upbeat reggae band that regularly gig around Manhattan. Her favorite music? “Reggae would most definitely be number one. However I also LOVE Broadway shows, so musical theater as well.”

This summer in between gigs Mar is looking forward to Broadway in Bryant Park, “I'm so excited to be back in the city for it. And my dad is taking me to see Coldplay so I am excited for that too!” Mar also takes part in an annual African Dance show in Minnesota, although it is a little difficult because of her cerebral palsy. While it doesn’t define her, she does notice her differences. “For sure for sure. I'll be walking down the street and someone will look at me weirdly or someone will think I have a leg injury. I also walk with a red and white tipped cane due to my low vision. It frustrates me when I am trying to do something and my brain doesn't catch up to my body quickly enough.”

None of this seems to sap her spirit however. “Singing onstage and playing music with my friends gives me so much joy that I feel like I could burst. When I'm onstage, I feel empowered. While I may have CP, I can still play music and sing songs I wrote which I hope will make the people at the show smile...and dance!!”

For anyone with cerebral palsy she has the following advice - “To never give up on their dreams. You may think that your dream is unattainable. Believe me, I did. But when you're determined enough and have people that support you, anything is possible. You might not be able to do it to the same extent as someone who doesn't have any disabilities at all, but you can still do it.” Mar also believes in the importance of cerebral palsy research, such as that being undertaken with help from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation, “because it can help shape the lives of the people who are here and the people who will come after us.”

— James Searl, Friend and Bassist of Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad“When you hear Marissa sing you are not hearing her disability. You are hearing music. You are hearing inspiration. You are hearing what soul really is. It comes through effortlessly. It is her strength.”

To check out her music:

https://www.merryrockers.com/

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Keisha Greaves-Girls Chronically Rock Movement

Girls Chronically Rock Collection was inspired by Keisha Greaves who currently has Muscular Dystrophy and wanted to create something to help motivate, encourage, and let people know you rock and you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. This collection consists of many different designs with inspirational quotes on them.

To support Keisha's business, please visit: https://www.girlschronicallyrock.com/

About   Jenna 

Welcome! My name is Jenna Green, I’m a 30 something woman living outside of Boston with my husband and our rescue dog, Dixie. I’m an auntie extraordinaire, dog lover, caffeine addict, fashion fanatic, social media marketer, business coach, and (mostly) optimist.

Pink is my favorite color, I love unicorns, I don’t think that there is such a thing as too much glitter, and I’m certain that growing up is overrated. My motto is “life’s hard, find joy anyway.’’

My goal with this blog, my community groups, and in general is to go through life’s challenges with grit and perseverance while giving ourselves (and others) grace and understanding. We each determine our definitions of success, and we encourage each other along the way.

Oh, and did I mention that I have Multiple Sclerosis?

Check out more about Jenna: https://fullofgritandgrace.com/about/

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My name is Ashley Jacobson and I have spent more than a decade devoted to disability advocacy.  During my undergraduate years, an immediate family member of mine endured a serious car accident which left her facing ongoing rehabilitation for a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  Her rehabilitation process opened my mind to a world of systemic challenges people with disabilities face on a daily basis.  I graduated in Undergraduate Studies with Specialties in Special Education, Psychology, and Political Science from Western Michigan University and then received my Master’s degree from Michigan State University’s Rehabilitation Counseling program (ranked #1 in the nation).  Rehabilitation Counseling is a field which empowers people with disabilities through counseling and training to live their most independent and fulfilling lives vocationally, personally, and otherwise.  During my graduate studies, I worked as the Program Coordinator for the Building Opportunities for Networking and Discovery (BOND) program for college students on the autism spectrum attending Michigan State University, through MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.  After graduating with my Master’s degree, I passed the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam and spent time counseling youth and adults with disabilities for a non-profit organization in Michigan.

I quickly realized that there was more I could do to advance the interests of the disability community.  Without violating confidentiality, I can attest to the misconceptions, barriers, and problematic vulnerabilities that create an inaccessible justice system.  I saw clients reach out to police, attorneys, and others in the community for help, only to be misunderstood.  I saw too many of my clients with disabilities dealing with legal troubles based on a lack of accessibility to the right resources.

Truthfully, I also found many actors in our system who were simply not adequately trained in how to approach a legal issue involving a person with a disability–whether that person was a victim/survivor of a crime, alleged to have committed a crime, or needed assistance with domestic violence, family law issues, or educational barriers.  I grew frustrated in referring my clients to attorneys because while those attorneys were competent and excellent in their field, they really did not have the background and training in how to approach a case involving a person with a disability.  But, pointing fingers at missteps and misunderstandings is not my goal.  The only true pathway to a more inclusive system for people with disabilities, is to focus on simple and concrete approaches to making our legal system accessible to the complex and diverse disability community.

Ashley is willingly to be a free referral for those in need, for more information go to: https://legallyabled.com/

Disclaimer: The women of Claiming Disability, Inc are not authorized to give legal consult. 

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REAL TALK

We are determined to not allow our disability to become our identity. We know we have more to offer than a pre generalized stereotype of a blue placard with a white stick figure.

But what if we turned the tables and allowed our identity; who we are to our core, to become how our disability is unveiled?

This marks the point in which we allow our set backs to build us. To be able to embrace what is designed to break us and leave our mark on the world for change.

Being diagnosed with a neurological disability at the age of 30 is enough to make anyone climb into a hole, curl up and start burying yourself alive. The initial reaction of shock, fear, grief overwhelms us and we are left frozen. Unsure of where we go next. Just saying “it’s a lot to take in” doesn’t even begin to cover the extensive impact this moment has on your life.

You are thrown against a wall of reality with emotions that contradict one another almost leaving you in a state of sudden whiplash. So what is your next move?For Brittany Quiroz now known as “A Hot MS” it was a “fight or flight, do or die” moment, as she says in her lyrics via her motivational music.

For More Information: Please go to: https://ahotms.com/

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