Brianna Albers,  —

There is plenty of evidence that volunteering can be good for one’s physical, mental, and emotional health. The Corporation for National and Community Service, Habitat for Humanity, and Harvard University have all espoused the benefits of volunteer work. For SMA patients, however, it’s not as…

I’ve always had a weird relationship with my body, and I’ve always struggled to put that relationship into words. I don’t struggle with self-image; my reflection isn’t distorted. Most times, I just wake with an impossible disgust. It’s not that I hate my body,…

I’ve been having a lot of headaches lately and, naturally,  my anxiety had me convinced I was going to die of a brain tumor. I knew, of course, how improbable it was. Every article I read — and I actually read quite a few —…

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can be a difficult disease to manage, and can very easily impact a person’s mood. While SMA can lead to depression, or even exacerbate a preexisting diagnosis, it is possible to moderate the symptoms of disorders such as major depressive disorder…

A year or so ago, I came across a zine on Tumblr that was all about being “raised by the internet.” It was an interesting, enjoyable read, so naturally, I reblogged it, only to lose the original post in one of many archive cleanings. But…

It can be difficult to get around a metropolitan area, especially when you’re in a wheelchair or otherwise disabled. Thankfully, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) addresses the issue of accessible transportation. To read more about the ADA’s impact on accessible transportation throughout the United States, check out…

I survived my interview! Funnily enough, we never even got to voice/video chat. My interviewer — the director of the entire mental health counseling program, apparently (cue me, having a mild anxiety attack) — asked me right away if we could conduct…

https://www.facebook.com/CurbFree/photos/a.545296022229992.1073741830.543652679060993/1405721849520734/?type=3&theater Traveling while disabled is difficult. Transportation, lodging, and even health concerns can turn a relatively easy trip into something resembling a nightmare. There are travel agencies out there that cater specifically to disabled people, but experience is invaluable. You want someone who knows what it’s like to…

I have always struggled with my voice. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) causes muscle degeneration and weakness. In this case, it means that my voice is quiet. Soft. And not just my voice, either. People rarely notice when I sneeze, because it’s such…

Cellphones have quickly become an integral part of the modern lifestyle, and could be especially useful for SMA patients. From emergency phone calls to home control apps, cellphones offer disabled people independence, freedom, and much more. Depending on the model, a cellphone can be too heavy,…