Glamping?!

Yurt with an accessible entrance.

Have you heard of Glamping, or glamorous camping?

Glamping is a "comfort-focused way" to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to this trend, people with disabilities can now enjoy the great outdoors easier than ever. Lynn Anderson, a professor in the recreation, parks and leisure studies department at the State University of New York at Cortland mentions in the Momentum article that “You’re able to spend time in the outdoors overnight but have some of the amenities that you’re used to in everyday life to facilitate that experience.”

Karen Francisco, a customer service specialist who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS says, “I go for lots of walks. The quiet is very peaceful, and the fresh air is energizing. It gives me the opportunity to think about life and decompress.” Wouldn't you agree that wilderness therapy is a great way to de-stress?

Check out the article here to read more stories of fellow glampers with MS telling their experiences with glamping. The article also provides information on planning your next trip and places to stay that are accessible.

Yurt with an accessible entrance.

“I tell people to think about the experience they’d like to have, rather than potential limitations. Maybe it’s getting into the mountains, or maybe it’s waking up to the sound of crashing surf? With glamping, there are ways to make it possible.”

I am inspired to plan my next trip. Are you?

Custom Wreath Business

Meet James Hall, or "Monnie" from Iowa. What started as hobby, making custom themed wreaths for friends and family, has now turned into a business. Monnie has a always had an eye for his crafts and it shows when you see the end result.

Go to Monnie's website to learn more about him and his products.

As a family business, we like to support other small business owners. Especially if the owner has a disability. As you know, people with disabilities are underrepresented in the business world, so it is important to do our part.

Monnie makes an emphasizes on his abilities, rather than his disability. On an interview with The Mighty, Monnie mentioned that more than anything else, he wants his business to focus on what he can do and hopes to inspire others with disabilities to know they can start their own business too.

“Don’t focus on your disabilities — you have plenty of abilities!” says Monnie to The Mighty, “I believe everyone should be an advocate for themselves, whether they have a disability or not.”

Check out Monnie's Custom Handmade Wreaths website here.

Accessibility option on Google Maps

On Thursday, Google made an announcement, in a blog post, that they have  "a new initiative that will help people with disabilities find more accessible destinations through Google Maps."

So, Google has made a setting where users can add whether or not a location is accessible.
A representatives from google made this statement: 

“Many of us take for granted simple things like walking through a doorway, taking the stairs to the next floor, or always having a comfortable seat at a restaurant table, but for tens of millions of people worldwide, those very things aren’t possible unless a place has a wheelchair accessible entrance, elevator or accessible seating.”

If you use Google Maps, you can add information to let others know if destination is: wheelchair-accessible entrance, has an elevator, seating or parking.

"So far, accessibility information has been added to over 7 million locations."

The world is recognizing accessibility as a standard ! This is great news for the disability community.

Check out the Mighty article here.

I don't need that yet...

When it comes to having an accessible home, the best advice we can give you is to think ahead !

Families often call us after mom has fallen for the second or third time. We want to be able to prevent you or your loved one from that happening in the first place.

This is why I was immediately sucked in to this article from Momentum, the magazine for the Nation MS Society.  The article has stories of individuals with MS. Read below to learn from their experience.

After Anthony Andrade noticed difficulty going up and down stairs, he got a ramp. Anthony says, “Now I can drive my electric wheelchair up the ramp. It’s so much easier getting in and out of the house. And I can be home by myself.”

Another women diagnosed with MS, Retta Yorns mentioned this, “I knew things would become more difficult for me, so we started making certain adaptations." She renovated the bathroom and kitchen, as well as the doorways and floors throughout her house to make them more accessible. “I’m not using a wheelchair now, but I’m trying to think ahead,” Yorns says.

“Often people don’t want to do something until they need it, But you want to stay ahead of the curve, even if you don’t need it right now.”

Check out the article here.

BLACK FRIDAY WEEKEND SALE...

For Black Friday weekend ONLY, BFA llc. has fantastic offers on services and products. 

Sale includes ramps, lift systems, bathroom & kitchen modifications, rails and more.

This offer won't be repeated, so feel free to spread the word to all of your friends and family. 

This special is good through November 28, 2016.

Call 734-414-9525 to make your appointment TODAY!