Thank You President George H. W. Bush

As I was watching the news this morning, I became saddened by the thought that the man who changed the way people with disabilities live is no longer with us. President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities… Read the rest

Meet Jon Huml

Meet Jon Huml - after he was diagnosed with FSHD at the University of North Carolina - and with the encouragement and support of his grandfather, Raymond G. Wile - Jon took his first Discovery Flight in Williamsburg, Virginia and was hooked on flying.

Me Too: Meliane Montague

I recently went out of town with my closest friends Jackie and Debra to our annual Eastern Regional Convention in Charlotte. I am comfortable with these folks in my wheelchair and usually have a good time at the banquet. This… Read the rest

Next Chapter: Josh Cummins

I am writing this blog to announce that my last day at Alliance of Disability Advocates will be December 9th, 2016. I am very thankful and blessed to have been given this opportunity and to have met so many incredible… Read the rest

Me Too: Roxie Oates

About a year ago I decided that it was time for me to start looking for a van with a ramp. My little ford ranger has been good to me for 16 years, and I still love driving my truck,… Read the rest

Me Too: Kimberley Tissot

Me Too – I’m a mother, wife, and Executive Director of a Center for Independent Living (Able South Carolina)! I joined the disability community at the age of 2 when my left leg was amputated due to childhood cancer (alveolar… Read the rest

Me Too: Jerri Davis

I didn’t admit I had a disability until law school, when I had to be hospitalized for depression. My family was able to convince the doctor to let me return to school, where I successfully completed my degree, while regularly… Read the rest

Me Too: Lonnie Crites

At 18 I was the first of my family to move out of our little holler and head off to college. I was full of drive, passion, and ambition. I was a full time student maintaining a 3.5 GPA, a… Read the rest

Me Too: Chris Rivera

My story began in May of 2000, when my life was forever changed and I had to adapt to life as a paraplegic. But I was so active before. I played basketball, football, went skiing and white water rafting several… Read the rest

Me Too: Carrie Bradstock

A woman first then my disability down the line. I graduated from William Peace University in 2001 with a bachelor of arts in Communication and a minor in Information Technology. Sure, I am a woman who happens to have a… Read the rest

Me Too: Dave Wickstrom

Me Too.  July 23, 2013 I heard, “David, you have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Major Depression”. Wow, I felt like I was ran over with a semi. As I started to process what that meant, I quickly realized that… Read the rest

Waiting List Placements May Violate ADA

Being on a waiting list for community-based services may be evidence enough that an individual with developmental disabilities is at risk for institutionalization in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. In a … Read the rest

My Life: Roxie Oates

I was born with Spina Bifida, at a time and place when no one knew much about Spina Bifida,  Caswell County, North Carolina.Spina Bifida is a condition that affect the spine and is usually apparent before birth. It is… Read the rest

Be Prepared!

As a resident of North Raleigh for all of my life, I have been through a few weather related emergencies.  Being in the midst of hurricane season –spanning from June 1 to November 30– has me thinking about emergency preparedness… Read the rest

Pokémon GO!

It was going to happen eventually. As both kids and adults alike have been swept away by Niantic’s magnum opus, Pokémon GO, the Alliance has decided to jump on the bandwagon and hold both a training and playing session in… Read the rest

Realization

People say in life there are moments that you never forget. Moments that stands still in the sands of the hour glass. I have been around individuals with disabilities my entire life dating back to the birth of niece over… Read the rest

New Youth Intern: Jon Huml

Jon Huml joined the Alliance of Disability Advocates in the summer of 2016 as a Youth Independent Living Intern, and will be attending the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in the fall as a freshman. Jon enjoys most sports, especially… Read the rest

Take The Shot!

As young child, we fantasize about being the hero. Once we’re older, we have to remember that in real life, we can’t win unless we take chances. One second to play. Your team is down a single point and you’re… Read the rest

YLF 2016

Another successful year of the North Carolina Youth Leadership Forum (NCYLF) has come and gone, with the 2016 Forum being held on the beautiful campus of NC State University from June 13th – 17th. Each year NCYLF selects 20 youths… Read the rest