Nathan Ebanks Christine Staple Ebanks, Special Needs Parent Advocate My son Nathan is the last of my four children. He was born on May 4, 2004 in Kingston, Jamaica. If I were to think of one word or phrase to describe him, it would be ‘impish’. That is because he has […]

Lori Hope is passionate about two things: gardening and special education – so passionate, in fact, that she combines them in a unique opportunity to bring the benefits of gardening to the disabled and the homebound. Enter Gardens4Hope, a non-profit that sends volunteers to the homes of the disabled and homebound

Maureen Webber is the parent of two children. Brian, who is 28 and has severe cognitive impairments and Anna-K, 26, a ceramist and graduate of Edna Manley College, Jamaica.  After her divorce some 22 years ago, their father opted out of their lives so Maureen has solo-parented both of her children.   

by Kristin Wright and Stephane Leblois In February 2021, Kandi Clubine will celebrate her 12th anniversary as a proud employee of Fry’s Food Stores in Glendale, Arizona. Kandi is looking forward to many more years at Fry’s and her retirement one day as one of her customers’ favorite employees. “People want me

Pankaj Pradhananga with mentor, the late Dr. Scott Rains A Conversation with Mélange Editor, Fred Maahs Jr.  Pankaj grew up in the small town of Bhadrapur in Eastern Nepal that borders India. He attended a college in the  same town, later moving to Kathmandu where he pursued his Masters degree majoring

EqualWeb makes websites accessible Why is it important for every website to be accessible? In the physical world, it goes without saying that access for people with disabilities must be ensured, such as entrance ramps, accessible restrooms, and so on. The same goes for the digital world – morally, legally, and

The company, Paratrek, is synonymous with outdoor adventures and these adventures are not only reserved for the able-bodied. Specifically, the mobility challenged and people with disabilities are usually the guests of honour. The company was built with love of a son for his father, at its base. Omer Zur, the founder

When you first meet Nawal Benzaouia, you will be captivated by her smile, her commitment to people with disabilities, and her keen business sense.  She is a force in the accessibility community.  Respected by her peers and clients, she has expanded her company, Massiraa, from France into Dubai, and continues to

by Howard Blas Dean Cohen has fond memories of growing up in the Jewish youth movement of Melbourne, Australia.  While Cohen and his peers participated in B’nai Akiva or Habonim youth groups and camps, he remembers that “people with disabilities were excluded.  They didn’t have the same social and camp experiences

President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities It’s not a stretch to think that an Anthropology major who grew up in Louisiana, attended Emory University in Atlanta, served in the Obama Administration, and happens to have a disability, would one day be the President and CEO of The