Motivational Wednesday.... Epilepsy Can't Stop this Runner

… Loving how Epilepsy can’t stop this runner! As a mother of a person with epilepsy, what can I say... YOU GO, GIRL!!! 

Virtual Reality and Accessiblity

Have you heard of Virtual Reality?

The most common access to Virtual Reality is the Samsung Galaxy Gear. This kit consists of a headset that you put your Samsung phone in (shown in video below) and then put that head piece on. This form of technology has the ability to take you anywhere in or out of this world, using the Samsung phone screen. 

My first experience with Virtual Reality, or VR, was this Samsung. It is almost like putting on  goggles that give you a 360 degree view of any image or video the phone is displaying. 

When I put on the VR Gear, I saw a video of a National Forrest. It was incredible, I felt like I was really there. I was amazed that I could go anywhere I wanted with this VR, which meant that anyone else can too. Even someone in a wheelchair or someone who is bed bound. It was like a light bulb turned on in my brain. And I was not alone!

Watch the video below from USA Today, where Tim learns about VR and tries it out!

My favorite quote from Tim was, 

" Everywhere is Accessible! "

That's the beauty of this technology. It is accessible and makes everything accessible! 

I hope that the VR experience shows Tim that he can do all the things he dreams of doing. To learn more about Tim and how you can help, go to his GoFundme page.

What do you think about Virtual Reality? Do you have experience with it?

Let us know in a comment below!

A letter to Caregivers

"Caregiving is not easy, and I wish more people knew that it is a full-time, around-the-clock job, every single day."

I was hooked on this letter, from The mighty, after reading this sentence.

 Many of you know that we are a family owned business. The owners are husband and wife, who started BFA LLC. accessible home modifications company out of a need for accessible home modifications, for their daughter with Cerebral Palsy. The owners are also caregivers for their daughter.

Accessible Home modifications help people with disabilities have a better quality of life with the independence and safety they provide, but it helps the caregivers as well! Transferring is easier AND safer for the caregiver as well, when they are in a barrier free space.

Sofia (Daughter/ inspiration) to the left, Gwendolyne (BFA LLC. CEO/ Mother/ Caregiver) to the right

As I read this article, I could relate. I imagine some of you can as well. 

This letter is from one mom caregiver to another:

"I completely understand what it’s like to devote your life to care for someone else and neglect your own needs. It started taking a toll on me. You helped me recognize that it is good — and at times necessary — to let people in and accept help."
"I learned that asking for help doesn’t make me any less of a mother or a caregiver.
As caregivers, we need to nourish ourselves."

The writer also reminds us...

 "It’s in everyone’s best interest that I’m the best version of myself, so that I can help my son live a successful and healthy life."

Caregivers are the glue that keep us together and going. 

The team at BFA LLC. is dedicated to enhancing our clients quality of life. We are passionate about accessibility solutions. We live in a home that is completely accessible, so we use the services and products that we provide our clients, everyday.

Caregivers, What do you do the de-stress?

Glamping?!

Yurt with an accessible entrance.

Have you heard of Glamping, or glamorous camping?

Glamping is a "comfort-focused way" to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to this trend, people with disabilities can now enjoy the great outdoors easier than ever. Lynn Anderson, a professor in the recreation, parks and leisure studies department at the State University of New York at Cortland mentions in the Momentum article that “You’re able to spend time in the outdoors overnight but have some of the amenities that you’re used to in everyday life to facilitate that experience.”

Karen Francisco, a customer service specialist who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS says, “I go for lots of walks. The quiet is very peaceful, and the fresh air is energizing. It gives me the opportunity to think about life and decompress.” Wouldn't you agree that wilderness therapy is a great way to de-stress?

Check out the article here to read more stories of fellow glampers with MS telling their experiences with glamping. The article also provides information on planning your next trip and places to stay that are accessible.

Yurt with an accessible entrance.

“I tell people to think about the experience they’d like to have, rather than potential limitations. Maybe it’s getting into the mountains, or maybe it’s waking up to the sound of crashing surf? With glamping, there are ways to make it possible.”

I am inspired to plan my next trip. Are you?

Custom Wreath Business

Meet James Hall, or "Monnie" from Iowa. What started as hobby, making custom themed wreaths for friends and family, has now turned into a business. Monnie has a always had an eye for his crafts and it shows when you see the end result.

Go to Monnie's website to learn more about him and his products.

As a family business, we like to support other small business owners. Especially if the owner has a disability. As you know, people with disabilities are underrepresented in the business world, so it is important to do our part.

Monnie makes an emphasizes on his abilities, rather than his disability. On an interview with The Mighty, Monnie mentioned that more than anything else, he wants his business to focus on what he can do and hopes to inspire others with disabilities to know they can start their own business too.

“Don’t focus on your disabilities — you have plenty of abilities!” says Monnie to The Mighty, “I believe everyone should be an advocate for themselves, whether they have a disability or not.”

Check out Monnie's Custom Handmade Wreaths website here.

Ability App

Ellen Degeneres gives Alex Knoll $25,000 for Ability App

"Accessing public spaces can be difficult if you have a disability. All too often, a store doesn’t have an automatic door, a restaurant has narrow aisles or a playground doesn’t have wheelchair accessible play areas. After conducting his own research, Knoll came up with the idea for Ability App — an app designed to help people with disabilities navigate public spaces. "

Having a family member with Cerebral Palsy who uses a wheelchair, we know first hand the challenges people with disabilities face when they travel. 

Check out the article here!

Would you use this app? Let us know!