'Shambassadors' inspire Shamrock programs to be the best they can be
posted on January 1, 2012 - 2:45pm
In the weeks surrounding St. Patrick’s Day, all across the country, participating retailers sell green and gold clover-shaped MDA Shamrocks mobiles for $1 and $5.
The immensely popular Shamrocks fundraising program — which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year — has grown in income every single year, even during economic downturns, says Brian Hunter, MDA vice president of business development...
Mainstream appliances are becoming more accessible every day
posted on January 1, 2012 - 2:40pm
You don’t have to do a total renovation of your kitchen to make your lifestyle more accessible. From storage solutions to preparing meals, minor changes can improve the functionality of a kitchen for someone with muscle weakness.
Kitchen designers and houseware manufacturers are incorporating universal design elements into their work. People who have disabilities have more choices than ever when...
posted on January 1, 2012 - 12:55pm
The U.S. Power Soccer Team went head to head with the best in the world last fall and came away champions of the 2011 FIPFA World Cup. It’s the second win for Team USA, which previously won the 2007 Cup in Japan.
Returning as undefeated champions, expectations were high for the U.S. players.
Buy new, rent or fix up a used motor home or trailer, then take your accessibility with you on vacation
posted on January 1, 2012 - 12:20pm
Correction: An earlier version of this article had the incorrect website and phone number for Bridgeview Manufacturing. The story was revised to reflect the correct information.
Barbara Graztke loves to vacation and enjoys traveling six to eight months out of every year. But she finds hotels uncomfortable and doesn’t like to fly. She visits family and friends across the country, but is unable to...
posted on January 1, 2012 - 12:14pm
On a beautiful autumn day in September, six accomplished adults came to Washington, D.C., representing the voice and experience of hundreds of others who share the common experience of being adults living with “pediatric-onset” neuromuscular disorders.
“We were the generation that was hoped for — and now we’re here,” said Vance Taylor, 33, a homeland security consultant from Washington, D.C., who...
My mind, body and spirit become connected while dancing in my wheelchair
posted on January 1, 2012 - 12:07pm
Sixteen years ago, I learned I have limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD).
My doctor explained that LGMD would take away my freedom to perform everyday functions such as walking, climbing, sitting, dancing and playing sports, and that it would eventually lead to extreme muscle wasting, daily pain and the need to use a wheelchair.
MDA’s 2011 Personal Achievement Award recipient for Montana has Dejerine-Sottas disease, helps others with disabilities
posted on October 3, 2011 - 3:53pm
When talking with Leanne Beers of Missoula, Mont., you can’t help thinking that this is one upbeat, optimistic woman.
“Even though you have muscular dystrophy, or any limitation for that matter,” she says, “it doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish the goals you want. You just may have to go about it differently. There’s no reason you can’t be happy and thrive on life.”