Ari Kinarthy, a man with spinal muscular atrophy, found joy in playing video games and making music. Through adaptive technology and music therapy, he honed his talent for composition and released two original albums. His passion for music caught the attention of award-winning filmmakers who invited him to collaborate on the soundtrack for their film. Ari’s journey of overcoming adversity and pursuing his dreams is documented in the film, which is set to premiere at the Hot Docs Film Festival.
Recognizing the growing prevalence of neurological disorders, the Union Health Ministry in India has established a national task force dedicated to devising comprehensive strategies for surveillance, prevention, and treatment. The task force aims to address the disparities and inequalities in brain healthcare access based on socio-economic factors, age, location, and gender. It will recommend measures to strengthen the healthcare system and enhance the quality and accessibility of brain healthcare services at all levels.
Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds has discovered a renewed purpose outside of the pool following the Bafta nomination of her ITV documentary exploring disability and adoption. The athlete, who has achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, expressed her delight at the recognition for her 2023 documentary, “Ellie Simmonds: Finding My Secret Family.”
Rachel, a job seeker with a disability, went viral on TikTok after claiming that she was discriminated against on her first day of work at a country club. Rachel, who lives with epidermolysis bullosa, a rare condition that causes fragile, blistering skin, says she was hired but then let go before she even began training. She claims it was due to her disability.
Quid Pro Quo (2008) is a drama movie that follows the story of Isaac, a semi-paralyzed new reporter who investigates a strange story about a man wanting to be amputated willingly. The film explores the themes of identity, disability, and the human desire to alter one’s body.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is facing calls for a review after thousands of carers have been forced to repay benefits for earning pennies over the working threshold. Carers Allowance claimants have received fines of up to £20,000 and had to repay their benefits, sparking concerns about the DWP’s tactics. The current rules allow carers to earn £151 a week after tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, and allowable expenses, with any earnings above this limit resulting in a loss of entitlement. This “cliff edge” policy has been criticized, and former Tory Work and Pensions Secretary Ian Duncan Smith has urged the DWP to pause the overpayment claim process and review the issue carefully. Following Johnny Timpson’s resignation as a key government advisor over the DWP scandal, Carers UK has launched a manifesto demanding an increase in Carer’s Allowance and a pullback in the strict payment rules.
A disabled mother with one leg has been forced to crawl up a flight of concrete stairs to get to her flat for years, despite the local council promising to get her an accessible home. Tracey Whiteside, 48, has had to crawl up and down 17 stairs every day to her second-floor flat in Linwood, Renfrewshire, for almost four years. The situation has had a devastating impact on her mental and physical health, with doctors warning that the extra strain on her remaining leg could cause her to lose it.
Patrick Guizar, a 21-year-old from Kerman, California, has been honored as the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools’ “Superintendent’s Superstar” for April. The recognition comes after Patrick received the American FFA degree, the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization. Patrick’s accomplishment is a testament to his hard work and determination, as he has had to overcome others’ doubts about his ability to live a normal life due to his autism diagnosis at age three. Patrick loves animals, specifically goats, and has been involved in FFA since high school. Through FFA, he has raised goats and lambs and earned several degrees, culminating in the American FFA degree. Patrick hopes his story inspires others with autism to chase their dreams, and that it reminds others that people with disabilities are capable if given the chance.
A Social Security user recently shared her successful experience in appealing an overpayment notice from the administration. Despite years of back-and-forth and an additional interest charge of over $3,000, she was able to get her appeal approved and the overpayments dropped.
Migraine is a disabling neurological disease, not simply a headache. It affects millions worldwide, causing significant disability and impacting daily life. The condition is associated with various neurological, sensory, and other symptoms, affecting the whole body. Understanding the complexities of migraine is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
