As a disabled artist living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), also known as Brittle Bone Disease, traveling can be both an adventure and a challenge. My recent trip to Maine was a mix of breathtaking scenery and the inevitable complications that come with flying with a wheelchair. Planning the Trip: A Dream Destination When the opportunity arose to plan a […]
As a New Orleans artist with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)—commonly called Brittle Bone Disease—my relationship with the French Quarter is a complicated one. On one hand, it’s an iconic part of the city, bursting with life, art, and music. On the other, the lack of accessibility poses significant challenges for someone with a disability. The Allure of the French Quarter […]
Anyone who knows me will tell you that my idea of a perfect evening involves music, a live concert, and getting as close to the stage as possible. Even though I’m a disabled artist living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)—often referred to as Brittle Bone Disease—music has always been my escape, my happy place. And let’s face it, painting (though I love it) […]
When I share that I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), often called Brittle Bone Disease, people are surprised to learn I attended mainstream schools my entire life. As a disabled artist who thrived in these environments, I’ve seen firsthand how school inclusion benefits not just the student with a disability, but the entire community. Early Challenges and the Search for Inclusion By […]
As a disabled artist living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)—also known as Brittle Bone Disease—I’ve encountered my fair share of awkward interactions. While most people mean well, some just don’t know how to act around a wheelchair user. Over the years, I’ve collected a handful of helpful etiquette tips that can make everyday encounters more respectful, comfortable, and enlightening for […]
As someone living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (often called Brittle Bone Disease), I rely on a wheelchair for mobility and have firsthand experience with the realities of being disabled. So, when I received free tickets to an America’s Got Talent taping, I was excited for a fun afternoon break. Little did I know I’d encounter someone who’d completely exploit disability accommodations—my new […]