The importance of the bond between humans and animals is undeniable. Many studies have shown the value of that bond in the form of mental, physical and even social health, but some of our animal friends are talented and caring enough to be capable of taking on the responsibility of becoming service animals. Service animals,…
With the 30th anniversary of the signing of the ADA being celebrated today, it makes sense to reflect on how reasonable accommodations ensured by the ADA have improved the lives of people with disabilities and how we can continue moving forward to make a more accessible and inclusive future for everyone. The ADA was signed…
Have you chosen a Halloween costume yet… for your service animal??? Have no fear, Arianne aka “Ari.” is here! She’s part Labrador and part Golden Retriever, and all service dog. You may have seen her in social media sporting fun, adorable costumes, but most of the time she’s on duty. What is a Service…
The Ability Tools team at the California Foundation for Independent Living (CFILC) opted to let our assistive technology (AT) advocates and the general public vote online for a new blog name. With over 50% of the votes, Where It’s AT won! When you think of an assistive technology (AT) blog – Ability Tools is Where…
By Alexa McBride The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed on July 26th, 1990. The bill was signed by then President George W. Bush. The ADA gave millions of Americans who have disabilities access to public places, transportation, education, employment and housing. I recently learned that President Bush had a sister-in-law with a disability.…
Written By: Alice Wong, Founder of the Disability Visibility Project Resistance to assistive technology is futile. As a sci-fi nerd, I have to make a Star Trek reference whenever I talk about technology and disabled people. The disability community is living in the darkest timeline right now, at least that’s what it feels like under…
This week, advocates from across the country are gathered in Washington, D.C. for the annual National Conference on Independent Living (NCIL). This year’s conference theme is Revolution: A Global Independent Living Movement. Timing couldn’t be better this year! The Conference is not only being held during the 27th anniversary of the signing of the Americans…
Summer is almost over, but there is still time to enjoy our beautiful National Parks! Here is a featured blog from Disability Blog about how the parks are improving their services to allow all individuals to enjoy the wonderful outdoor experiences that our country has to offer. Enjoy it and get out there while you…
The telephone may be an accepted part of life in the 21st century, but not for an estimated three million Californians. Most of us take using the telephone for granted. But if you have difficulty hearing, seeing, speaking, moving, or remembering, what seems to be a simple telephone call can be challenging to many—preventing communication…
by the California Department of Rehabilitation Traumatic brain injury, TBI for short, is a forceful impact to the head that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, resulting in an array of physical, mental, emotional and intellectual symptoms and disabilities. TBIs occur more frequently than you might anticipate. According to the Centers for Disease Control,…