Disability Advocacy Personal Growth

6 Things YOU Can Do In 2021 To Be A Better Disability Community Ally

I know I’ve said this a million times on social media and that at least 3 other blog posts begin with this same sentiment, but that’s because it is so glaringly obvious.

2020 was the worst. It’s been mentally and physically draining for pretty much everyone around the world. But, no group or community has felt the full blow like the disability community.

The disability community has once again been forced into hiding thanks to the irresponsible behavior of our neighbors. Our worth has been called into question by both strangers on the street and medical professionals. It truly felt as if we were shoved backward through time. As the disability community shouted and exclaimed their joy over the 30th anniversary of the ADA, we were simultaneously being silenced.

In today’s blog post I talk about becoming a better disability community ally in 2021 and some basic easy steps you can take to do better this year.

Book - Laughing at my nightmare - by shane burcaw - leaning up against an entertainment center that is white and green/grey
Disability Advocacy English Major Corner

Before You Read Laughing At My Nightmare by Shane Burcaw, Read This

Growing up, I learned to hate biographies, not necessarily because they were boring, but mostly because they were assignments. On top of that obvious barrier, I often found them difficult to relate to. Most of the ones I encountered were about people who lived during the 19th and 20th centuries. So, not only were the stories seemingly ancient to my teenage mind, but they also were written about older adults who had essentially finished their story.

Come in, we're awesome sign in front of a small boutique
Disability Advocacy Lifestyle

12 Deaf and Disabled-Owned Small Businesses to Support This Holiday Season

Engagement and statistics are great, but at the end of the day, activists, advocates, and small businesses need a little bit more than a like on Instagram. Seeing as we are in the middle of the holiday season and many people are looking for the perfect gifts to give to their loved ones, I thought it would be good to put together a list of some disabled owned small businesses that could really use your support this year.

Chosen Ones book in the grass
English Major Corner

Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth – Can You Blend Sci-Fi with Fantasy?

In my eyes, Chosen Ones was the perfect mix of the real, soul-crushing truths of adulthood and wild, gripping the book too tightly, storytelling. It was exactly what I have been looking for. Could someone in their mid to late teens read this and enjoy it? Probably, but I think that adults will better understand and empathize with the main character, Sloane, as she struggles with her past, present, and future choices.

a young woman wearing a prosthetic on a red background - the header image for my discussion of health insurance
Disability Advocacy Lifestyle Personal Story

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 of a new chronic condition I possess in late July (yes, I know I haven’t talked about this on here yet, I am still processing the diagnosis and will discuss it when I am ready). The chances of me getting back to the weight I was at the beginning of the year seems highly unlikely. So, given the age of my previous prosthesis and the inability to shrink the socket down enough to fit the new circumference of my leg, it was determined that I would need an entire new limb.

The Holiday Spirit needs to be kept alive this year more than ever. Jessica Ping-Wild stands in front of an ornament statue with a blue sky behind her. She is wearing a white sweaters and her light brown hair is straight down her back. she has glasses on.
Lifestyle

Keeping The Holiday Spirit Alive During the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020

About a month ago, we entered my favorite season of the year. No, it’s not Fall, it’s better! I’m talking about Holiday Season, y’all! In my family, Holiday Season lasts from October 1st – January 2nd. Obviously, depending on which holidays you and your family observe, this could be longer or shorter for everyone.

Covid-19 is forcing many families around the world to cancel family celebrations and get-togethers.

Keep reading to find out how you can keep the Holiday Spirit alive amongst your family and friends while remaining physically apart!

Disability Advocacy Personal Story Social Media Tips

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. So, instead, I decided to combine two of my favorite things: dressing up and advocacy!