Insights, Blogs & News
Cleaner Indoor Air Helps Disney Make Change for People with Environmental Illness
Press Release Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign Helps Disney Make Change for People with Environmental Illness Parker, CO – October 10, 2011. Taking a trip or vacation can often be challenging with all of the planning and packing that goes into it. However, traveling with a disability can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. In addition to the usual clothing and other items, many have to take such things as medications, wheelchairs, linens and special foods. What’s more, traveling and going into public can be virtually impossible for many living with chemical sensitivities and environmental illness. Not only do they often have […]
The Non-Compliant Patient
“You’re such a non-compliant patient.” Words I heard again at yet another medical appointment. I really should be fired sometimes. The words were said with affection, from a nurse who has become a friend. Nonetheless, though, she’s right. I am non-compliant. I comply when it suits me, and so often it doesn’t. I recently saw my neurosurgeon for an annual re-check of a surgery he performed eight years ago. The symptoms that originally brought me to their office were similar to symptoms I once again found myself experiencing. Numbness and weakness in my right hand were becoming all too constant. […]
Bestselling Author, Luis Carlos Montalván and Service Dog Speak at IDA Event
Fmr Captain and New York Times Bestselling Author, Luis Carlos Montalván and his Service Dog, Tuesday spoke at the 2011 Invisible Disabilities Association Honor Awards Banquet in October. Luis is the author of Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him. Luis shared his amazing story of the war after the war with invisible disabilities, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and how his service dog, Tuesday, has given him hope and healing. Until Tuesday came into Luis life, he was overwhelmed by his debilitating injuries, memories and could barely leave the […]
Disabled Attorney to Receive Volunteer Award on October 2nd
Jane Brown graduated with a Master of Laws in Taxation and worked from 1983 until mid-2007, when she had to leave her career because of Multiple Sclerosis. The change was quite hard for Jane, so she reached out for support from the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA). Through IDA’s online social network, Jane found new friends who understood her losses and struggles. She quickly volunteered to be a chat host and a member of the welcoming team. Jane has become a friendly voice and face to others who join the network. Jane said, “I joined soon after I had to quit […]
Woman’s Disability Inspires Husband to Reach Out to Others Through IDA
Wayne and Sherri Connell discovered all too quickly that living with debilitating illness is not only a struggle physically and financially, but it can also bring challenges to relationships. Sherri had always been a very active and goal-oriented person, working, singing and dancing in musicals, cheer-leading, modeling in fashion shows, riding her horse and lifting weights. She also put herself through college, obtaining 2 Bachelor Degrees and a Minor in Liberal Arts. In effort to help friends and family better understand, Sherri’s husband, Wayne, posted some of her journal up on the internet. They were amazed when emails began to […]
IDA Featured During National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week
The Invisible Disabilities Association has enjoyed being involved in the National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week (NICIAW) for many years as guest speakers during their online seminars, leaders of online workshops, guest authors of informative articles and champions to spread awareness. In 2010 IDA Founder and President, Wayne Connell, was a special guest for an online seminar about Marriage with Chronic Illness. Founder of NICIAW, Lisa Copen, interviewed Wayne about being a spouse of someone living with chronic illness and his wife, Sherri joined in their discussion about marriage with chronic illness. This year, NICIAW will not be conducting live online […]