What's New and Updated at The Shining Lamp?

by Michelle Guadalupe Felix Garcia Embark on a journey of perseverance and determination with Michelle Guadalupe Felix Garcia as she navigates the digital landscape of the audio industry, advocating for accessibility every step of the way. In her captivating narrative, Michelle shares her relentless pursuit of a Pro Tools certification, overcoming barriers of visual testing and inaccessible materials. Through her experiences, she reveals the problems faced by blind individuals in the audio field and highlights the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities. Michelle's journey is a…

Mothers with Disabilities often face systemic discrimination rooted in ableist assumptions that undermine their parenting abilities. Despite legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act, child-removal rates remain alarmingly high for mothers with psychiatric or intellectual disabilities. Striving to remove these barriers is crucial to fostering vibrant, diverse, inclusive, accessible communities where all mothers can thrive without the stigma of perceived inadequacy. Heather Watkins, a mother and disability rights advocate, experienced firsthand how inaccessible community…

Z’Leah N. Liburd offers powerful reflections from mothers raising Blind and Low Vision children—mothers who have become strong leaders in their homes and communities. These stories illuminate what it truly means to raise Blind and Low Vision children in a world where ableism continues to shape how disability is perceived. Their experiences remind us of the importance of removing barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities! These mothers share what they have learned—not just about parenting, but about navigating systems, challenging assumptions…

Abdi Ali-Mumin’s journey, “Blindness Beyond Borders,” is a powerful reflection on building inclusive communities through Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training rooted in high expectations and respect. As a certified O&M instructor, Abdi describes how his own resistance to using a white cane eventually gave way to empowerment after training at the Colorado Center for the Blind. His experience speaks directly to removing barriers that prevent Blind People from living independent and fulfilling lives. By finding strength in community and pride in his identity, Abdi reclaimed his future and…

In this powerful parenting exchange from Care and Feeding, a concerned parent shares their discomfort about the ongoing ableist remarks made by a friend, Raven, in front of their children. Raven’s harmful comparisons between their autistic child, Jax, and a neurotypical peer are not only inaccurate—they perpetuate deeply rooted ableism and risk teaching harmful beliefs to other children. The letter writer, known as "Kids Shouldn't Be Compared," raises a critical concern: how do we protect our children from absorbing ableist views while fostering relationships rooted in respect and equity?…

This article shines a powerful spotlight on the lived experiences and words of wisdom from 26 brilliant women who are proudly part of the Disability community. Their insights serve as bold affirmations of self-worth, purpose, and identity—reminding us that having a disability is not a limitation but a unique lens through which we contribute to the world. Comedian Rosie Jones captures this beautifully: “Having a disability is not a disadvantage; it’s a different perspective.” These voices are not just personal reflections; they offer a roadmap for Removing Barriers that prevent us from…

Harmful rhetoric directed at People with Disabilities is not just offensive—it is dangerous and dehumanizing. In her powerful article, Noelle Pacl exposes how recent increases in derogatory comments, including messages aimed at her own profoundly Disabled child, are part of a broader societal trend. This trend, fueled by public figures and political rhetoric, paints People with Disabilities as "burdens" and "too expensive," ignoring the fact that the real problems lie in systemic discrimination, inaccessible environments, and social neglect. These barriers need to be removed—not justified. We…

The Paraorchestra, founded by Charles Hazlewood in 2011, is reshaping the orchestral landscape by removing barriers that prevent musicians with disabilities from participating in large-scale professional ensembles. Recognized with the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) Ensemble Award, this groundbreaking group is a testament to what happens when accessibility and inclusion are prioritized in the arts. By integrating assistive technology, redefining traditional performance spaces, and fostering an environment where musicians with disabilities thrive alongside their non-disabled…

Carlos Serván’s insights into Pre-Employment Transition Services (PRE-ETS) emphasize the importance of high expectations and quality training in preparing blind youth for the workforce. Too often, training programs fall short, failing to equip students with the non-visual skills and confidence necessary for success. Rehabilitation services must prioritize effective training that fosters independence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Striving to remove barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities means ensuring blind youth receive the same…

Tiffany Yu, founder of Diversability, is a leading voice in advocacy for Disability rights and inclusion. Through her work, she confronts systemic ableism and fosters a global movement that amplifies the voices of People with Disabilities. By creating spaces where Disability is seen as a valued identity rather than a limitation, she promotes meaningful representation and leadership for People with Disabilities in all sectors of society. Diversability, the community she founded, focuses on removing barriers that prevent full participation for People with Disabilities. The platform empowers…

Get ready to Laugh, Lean, and Love as we take you on a flavorful journey through the kitchens of Blind People! This episode of The Nation’s Blind Podcast shines a spotlight on The Colorado Center for the Blind’s very own Delfina Rodriguez, an instructor who supports Blind students in gaining confidence and independence in the kitchen. Hosts Anil and Melissa are joined by Delfina, along with Cameron Loehr, a blind chef and instructor at the Louisiana Center for the Blind, and Elizabeth Rouse, a former student. Together, they share how they mastered cooking and preparing meals for over sixty…

People with Disabilities are not primarily held back by inaccessible technology but by ableist thinking—the deeply ingrained societal assumptions that underestimate our capabilities. The author, Joshua A. Miele, shares how he was told as a teenager that Blind People couldn’t study physics because physicists “have to write on blackboards.” He went on to earn a physics degree from UC Berkeley, proving that assumption wrong. But more importantly, his journey highlights how ableism—not just inaccessible tools—is the most persistent barrier preventing People with Disabilities from full…

Marilyn Green’s journey as a blind juror is a powerful testament to the importance of full civic inclusion and removing barriers that prevent People with Disabilities from participating equally in society. Her experience highlights the systemic assumptions that often exclude Blind People from jury service and the critical role of persistence and advocacy in shifting perceptions. Despite past rejections, Marilyn recognized the significance of answering her jury summons—not just for herself, but for the entire community striving for equal participation. Her story reminds us that true inclusion…

Nashuva’s annual Inclusion Shabbat on February 7 celebrates Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), reinforcing the importance of fostering vibrant, diverse, inclusive, and accessible communities. Led by Rabbi Naomi Levy and the Nashuva Band, this special service welcomes members of The Miracle Project (TMP), an inclusive theater and arts program, to co-lead prayers and share personal reflections on belonging. This event is a powerful reminder that when we remove barriers, we create sacred spaces where the voices of People with Disabilities are heard and valued. Join us in…

The tragic deaths of People with Disabilities during disasters, such as the Los Angeles wildfires and the 2023 Hawaii wildfires, highlight systemic failures in emergency planning and response. Research shows that People with Disabilities are disproportionately vulnerable due to barriers like limited access to transportation. These preventable tragedies underscore the responsibility of local governments and communities to remove barriers and prioritize inclusive, accessible planning. Read on to discover how community-driven efforts can transform emergency preparedness and save lives. Systemic…

Faith communities have the opportunity to build Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities by removing barriers that prevent People with Disabilities from being full participants in worship and community life. This work centers on recognizing the inherent value, talents, and contributions of People with Disabilities. Rev. Shannon Blosser, a United Methodist pastor, shared how his autistic son, Noah, thrives in church when supported but has faced unwelcoming environments in the past. At Mount Olivet United Methodist Church in West Virginia, the congregation prioritized creating…

Failures to consider Accessibility in Community Development have far-reaching consequences for People with Disabilities, preventing their ability to participate in public spaces. Dani Izzie’s experience in Miami, where the lack of curb cuts blocked her access to public transit, highlights how even small oversights can have devastating impacts. These barriers erode autonomy and reinforce systemic discrimination, excluding People with Disabilities from vibrant and inclusive communities. Addressing such failures requires proactive efforts to integrate accessibility into Community planning.…