The Rolling Explorer

Health Insurance Is A Nightmare – Why The Prosthetics Series Is Delayed

It has been 8 years since I’ve gotten a new prosthetic. The only reason I am looking to get a new one now is because my old socket is too big. Since January 2020, I have lost about 25-30 pounds. I sought a diagnosis for constant nausea and stomach pain for months before finally learning…
Everything You Need To Know About The Rolling Explorer’s 2020 HalloWeek Spooktacular!

As The Rolling Explorer was originally created to be an accessible travel and lifestyle blog, I would have loved to spend this month sharing my top recommended spooky tourist attractions or visiting costume shops to see how many adaptive costumes were for sale. Obviously, Covid has made posts like these impossible to create this year.…
Disability Visibility Book Review – Disability Intersectionality Is EVERYTHING

This book is outstanding. If you are at all interested in learning more about the disabled lived condition, it is simply a must-read. If you’re following me on social media or subscribe to my blog’s mailing list, I am so grateful for your support and interest in my story and experience. That said, my story…
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Cripple” Edition

The issue with “cripple” becomes painfully obvious once you place its original definition next to the ones that we, as a society, have crafted above. Stemming from the Old English words “crypel,” meaning to creep (ie. limp) and “creopere,” or someone that creeps (ie. limps), you can see that the word originated as a pure…
Everything You Need To Know About Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) In 2021

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month or NDEAM. This article will answer the following questions: What is National Disability Employment Awareness Month? Why do we celebrate NDEAM in the US? How can I participate? Why do people with disabilities celebrate both NDEAM and Disability Pride Month (July)? How can this year’s NDEAM theme (INCREASING…
Stop The Ableist Response to the First Presidential Debate of 2020

The Presidential Debate on Tuesday night was embarrassing to watch as an American citizen for many reasons. But, almost more troubling than the screaming match itself was America’s response to the two candidates. To the best of my ability, I intend for this article to be unbiased in nature. Many of you who follow me…
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Crazy” Edition

Similarly to Bonkers, crazy has a long, historic connection with mental illness. Crazy is frequently used to discredit others and essentially gaslight them into thinking that they are burdensome in some way. Regardless of intention, anytime you use the word crazy to describe another human being you are attempting to diagnose that person, which is…
What I Learned From Reading YOU ARE A BADASS, Book By Jen Sincero

You Are A Badass has been featured as a must-read in every book store I have walked into for the past 5 years. With its neon yellow cover, it’s already difficult to miss. When it’s placed on a stand at the front of the store, or on top of the shelf, it is completely impossible…
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Confined To A Wheelchair” Edition

When you talk about a group of people as being confined, you assess that they are not in control of themselves or their lives. You take away their voice and their worth. Essentially, you equate them to an object. Something that cannot think or motivate itself in any capacity.
Driving Playlist – 10 Songs I Am Jamming To Behind The Wheel This Year

Having a driving playlist has been essential for me in every stage of life. As a child, I would blast “Genie in a Bottle,” by Christina Aguilera and “It’s Gonna Be Me,” by NSYNC from my CD player in the backseat. When I was a bit older, I would only play songs from the community…