Columns

June 16, 2020June 12, 2020

The Annual SMA Conference Was a Little Different This Year

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

I was supposed to be in Disney World right now. I was planning on a week in the happiest place on Earth with some of my favorite people, followed ... Read more

June 15, 2020June 12, 2020

This Summer, I’m Reading the Work of Disabled People of Color

Columns, The Wolf Finally Frees Itself - a column by Brianna Albers

Reader, it’s already June. How is that possible? On one hand, it feels like no time has passed. Part of me is convinced that the green, sun-dappled world outside ... Read more

June 12, 2020June 10, 2020

I Feel Recharged by Fresh Air as Summer Approaches

Columns, From Where I Sit - a Column by Halsey Blocher

The long-awaited days of summer have nearly arrived, and I am doing my best to take full advantage of the warmer weather. After so many months of sweaters that ... Read more

June 12, 2020June 10, 2020

Recent Health Issues Leave Me Guessing

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

For the past few months, I have been experiencing some debilitating health issues. I’ve spoken with my doctors. I’ve tried different medications. And while as a team, we have ... Read more

June 10, 2020June 8, 2020

For Better, for Worse, and Everything in Between

Columns, We're Not in Kansas Anymore - a Column by Helen Baldwin

June 7 was my 46th wedding anniversary. My parents reached their 50th anniversary 17 years ago. It is mind-boggling that my husband, Randy, and I are already old enough ... Read more

June 10, 2020June 8, 2020

Technology Will Help Ella Live Independently

Columns, Five Servings of Strength- a column by Michael Casten

Technology is a big part of our lives these days. It helps us with learning, shopping, and communicating, among other facets. Kids today rely on technology for many of ... Read more

June 9, 2020June 5, 2020

Lean on Me — Literally

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

“I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!” Samwise Gamgee shouts in “The Lord of the Rings,” as he carries Frodo up Mount Doom to destroy ... Read more

June 8, 2020June 4, 2020

Disability Advocacy Must Include the Black Perspective

Columns, The Wolf Finally Frees Itself - a column by Brianna Albers

I love the disability community. I love our resilience, our creativity, and our willingness to adapt and change. We have visions of an inclusive world that celebrates diversity and ... Read more

June 4, 2020June 2, 2020

Waiting for Fireflies

A Wildflower in the Wheelderness - a Column by Katie Napiwocki, Columns

Dusk was settling in. The sun had clocked out for the day, and as it traveled farther and farther away toward its sleeping quarters, the moonlight grew radiant in ... Read more

June 3, 2020June 1, 2020

Ella Skips a Level in Choir

Columns, Five Servings of Strength- a column by Michael Casten

Ella has always loved to sing. Because she can’t join physical activities or play an instrument, we decided to enroll her in the Young Naperville Singers (YNS) choir. Ella ... Read more