What's New and Updated at The Shining Lamp?

Caregiving for family and friends is a significant public health problem that deeply affects the quality of life for millions. Caregivers provide essential support to those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or aging-related conditions, assisting with daily activities, emotional support, and medical management. Informal caregivers, who are usually unpaid family members or friends, offer the majority of long-term care at home. These people often balance caregiving responsibilities with their own personal and professional lives, leading to substantial physical, emotional, and financial…

Claire Sisk's journey to becoming a disability advocate began at age 29, following a stroke that gradually affected her vision. As a single mother, Claire faced numerous misconceptions about her condition and the fear of losing her job and daughter. Despite these barriers, she worked diligently to prepare for life as a Blind mother with resilience. Claire's story highlights the importance of community support and removing barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities! By sharing her experiences, Claire inspires others to adapt and thrive despite…

Ableism refers to bias, prejudice, and discrimination against People with Disabilities, deeply rooted in community norms and values that regard being nondisabled as the ideal. It hinges on the idea that People with Disabilities are less valuable than nondisabled people. This harmful bias manifests in many ways, such as ableist language and discriminatory practices that prevent People with Disabilities from fully engaging in the communities they belong to. One common form of ableism is to simply ignore People with Disabilities completely as community activities and event planning takes place.…

Listen to the (Audio) version of this Banquet Speech, Orlando, 2024 Mark A. Riccobono powerfully asserts, “The dignity of Blind People is often undermined by outdated attitudes and barriers that do not recognize their full potential.” This perspective highlights how communities frequently fail to uphold the inherent worth of Blind people, treating them as dependent rather than acknowledging their full capabilities and contributions. Dignity may be inherent, but there is an inequality between how it is perceived and experienced in our lives. If we fail to resist second-class treatment, if we…

Long Description of the collage In celebration of Disability Pride Month, NPR has collected impactful stories from People with Disabilities that highlight their diverse experiences and stress the importance of genuine inclusion and accessibility. These narratives illustrate how systemic barriers affect daily life and underscore the necessity of creating environments that are truly inclusive and accessible for People with Disabilities. For instance, Ariel Taranski discusses the barriers faced due to sudden changes in her life, while Denise DiNoto emphasizes the importance of embracing…

The 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark piece of legislation that remains a cornerstone for disability rights. President George H.W. Bush famously stated at the signing, "Let the shameful walls of exclusion finally come tumbling down." While the ADA has achieved significant progress, many barriers still persist, making it essential to revisit and reinforce its principles. This article explores three vital lessons from the ADA, emphasizing the importance of continuous advocacy and awareness. Dive into the insights and understand how the ADA's impact goes…

Eliza Rain’s article offers a captivating account of her rediscovery of nature through a visit to the New Forest. Her experience highlights how the New Forest’s wide, flat paths and well-designed accessibility features provide a seamless and immersive encounter with nature. Rain describes the lush, vibrant landscape, where diverse wildlife such as wild horses, deer, and foxes roam freely. The accessibility of the forest ensures that every part of this natural wonder can be fully appreciated, allowing Rain to engage deeply with the environment. The detailed observations Rain shares emphasize…

As we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, it's essential to acknowledge its profound impact on millions of lives by enhancing accessibility to public spaces, employment, transportation, and vital services. Despite these successes, a significant gap persists in the realm of digital accessibility as our society becomes increasingly digital. It's crucial to address this problem to ensure that digital platforms, which have revolutionized how we live and work, do not create barriers for People with Disabilities. In the digital age, the barriers…

Caption: Jayne Connolly and husband Jayne Connolly, a dedicated Staff Nurse at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is using Disability Pride Month this July to shine a light on her journey with autism. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) five years ago, just before her 47th birthday, Jayne's story is one of resilience and self-discovery. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, autism wasn't widely recognized, and Jayne was often seen as just the introverted, nerdy girl. It was only during perimenopause, when her symptoms became more pronounced, that she sought a diagnosis.…

Caption: Baby communicates with her grandparents in sign language . This baby is signing back to her deaf grandparents when they use sign language to communicate with her. Jane McCullough, a six-month-old baby, has captured the hearts of millions by communicating with her deaf grandparents, Michael and Jessica Stultz, in sign language. Having been exposed to American Sign Language (ASL) since birth, Jane's early attempts to babble back to her grandparents in sign language are both heartwarming and remarkable. This adorable interaction was captured on video and has since gone viral on TikTok…

Caption: Reuben Looks Twice Jr has the Guinness World Record for longest hair on a male teen. Photograph: Courtesy Lakota Times A 17-year-old Lakota teenager, Reuben Looks Twice Jr, recently set the Guinness World Record for the longest hair on a male teen, measuring 161cm (5ft 3.3in). “Culturally, Lakota people have long hair,” Reuben said, invoking the Lakota word for “spirit.” “It’s part of our Nagi. It’s who I am. I feel proud to represent my family and the Lakota Nation.” Reuben began growing his hair because hair clippers scared him. As he got older, he continued growing it to honor the…

More than one in four American adults, totaling 71 million people as of 2022, report having some form of disability, marking the highest prevalence since data collection began nearly a decade ago, according to the CDC. This figure represents 28.7% of the adult population, up from 24.6% in 2016. The increase is attributed to factors such as an aging population, rising chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis, and the inclusion of long Covid in the survey for the first time. To understand the full implications of these findings and their impact on our society, it's crucial to delve deeper…

Integrating Disability Equality Index (DEI) principles into both community building and business practices is not just a strategic move but a moral imperative. The 2024 Disability Equality Index Report by Disability:IN, a global nonprofit resource, celebrates a decade of impact with an expanded global focus, examining over 750 businesses worldwide. This benchmarking tool meticulously evaluates corporate efforts in removing barriers for People with Disabilities, highlighting best practices and areas for improvement in creating inclusive workplaces. It serves as an essential resource for…

Vilissa Thompson's poignant reflection on surpassing her life expectancy provides a powerful narrative for Black disabled women, defying medical predictions and community expectations. At 38, she has lived 30 years beyond the prognosis of an orthopedist who told her grandmother she wouldn't live past 8. Her story underscores the profound influence of her grandmother's unwavering love and advocacy, which shaped her journey against the backdrop of a medical industry often fixated on "unfavorable" outcomes for disabled children. Thompson highlights the pervasive ableism and lack of holistic…

Caption: The image is a composite of two parts. On the left side, there is a handwritten note that reads: "You lazy conning b*tch. You did not have a disabled person with you! These spaces are reserved for people who need them!!!" The note is written on a piece of crumpled paper. On the right side, there is a photo of a woman and a young boy. The woman is smiling, wearing glasses, and the boy is wearing a colorful hat and a yellow shirt. The boy is Emma Doherty's son, Bobby, who has a severe, terminal illness. This image highlights the misconceptions and judgments faced by people with…

Caption: A person using a wheelchair, joyfully raising their arms, positioned in front of a large redwood tree. The tree is massive, with a wide trunk that has a rough, textured bark. The trunk has an opening or hollow near the base, which adds depth to the scene. The person appears to be enjoying the natural surroundings, surrounded by lush green ferns and other undergrowth typical of a redwood forest. The sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene and uplifting atmosphere, emphasizing the beauty and grandeur of the redwoods. The image captures a moment of accessibility and…