5 Mobile Technologies Help Level the Playing Field for People with Disabilities

Link

This is an interesting read, technologies are a blessing to PWD. I can testify to that, I get a lot of independence from my computer and devices. We do not realize how much of a big part they play in our life until they break. On the other hand we need to find a balance with technology, so we do not forget the human factor. Sure it is easy to send email, text, a message, but that will never replace the connection when people spend time together in person.


Posted by King Gimp - Dan Keplinger on Wednesday, August 12, 2015

I have the next #seenontv idea, a hula hoop dog leach!

I have the next #seenontv idea, a hula hoop dog leach! I was thinking mostly for wheelchairs, but really only could use it. Everything is ok when dogs walk in a straight line, but that happens like 4% of the time.  Things go wrong when they turn, turn, backtrack, circle, circle! If there was a hula hoop around the chair, or over one's head nothing would get tangled! Not a hat, I don't want to be sued for broke necks, or people's heads being snapped off.


Posted by King Gimp - Dan Keplinger on Monday, July 20, 2015

BBC job search for people with autism and Tourette's

Now this looks very interesting, I hope they keep it documentary style and do not go for the drama.
A new show by the BBC will feature people with neurological disabilities attempting to find jobs. Learn more: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/11693627/BBC-job-search-for-autism-and-Tourettes-sufferers.html

Posted by King Gimp - Dan Keplinger on Monday, July 6, 2015

Criptaedo Self-defense and Fitness for the disabled

I thought this would be good to share since I am doing the Art Camp at BEMAA. They also have one, or students that have a disability. Maybe they are willing to do this, because the Martial Arts are more about evoking the best out of each individual that can contribute to the group.

Posted by King Gimp - Dan Keplinger on Sunday, July 5, 2015

Words Kill and Words Reborn People

Words will always have different meaning to people there is no way to stop that unless we take away the freedom of speech. We could educate people until we are blue in the face, it might change one's attitude, but not their beliefs. Words express what people feel at the time. For example, the word I to me has became to mean isolation and not caring what others think.  It is our job to take control of words and give them power to make us strong, not weak.

Gimp Mafia

When our Friend Gayle Hafner pasted away, I started to think of the gimp brotherhood as a mob. Seeing all of the different people that came to pay their respects to Gayle and Crosby for how much they have done for the disability movement. People often underestimate the power of person in a chair. When there is a problem, we just know the right people to contact to take of the situation. Not that we put hits out on people, although sometimes it would be nice. Even in the disability community, we have different concerns and ways of doing things and when I go to different events it feels like a meeting of the families.

Although we all want create a society, we have our difference ways of carrying out this task and could not do it without our Ninjas!

Artist Are Researchers Too

Bird 2014, Pastel on canvas 40in. X 38in. This is a very experimental piece, I was trying to combined two images that I work with often. I did an under drawing of the wheelchair icon and tried to blend it into parts of the eye. I think, I should play play with these two images in photoshop to develop it more.

I feel like PDWs have a sixth sense, as a way to protect them self from bad people. Would most people trust someone with banking information, or the things in daily life that wrong person could do a lot of damage with?

A Spiritual Journey Chengdu, China

I knew that going to China would be a spiritual journey, but not in the form that it took. I was thinking that we would take a day trip to a Buddhist Temple, but sadly there was no time for that. Mr. Joe had everyday book up for us, we would leave the hotel at 9 a.m. and not get back until 10 at night. We at least we able to see a sample of the Buddhist tradition and at the shrine in town. Greg and I did light a candle for my brother Paul. It only seem fitting since when Paul was young people in the family would call him Buddha and when he opened his tattoo shop, he had a collection of Buddha figures. How more respect could it be than light a candle at a shrine, but he would rather it be done at a temple.

One night Mr. Joe took the Artists out for dinner, but before that  he invited us to his private studio. To me this was like going to his inner sanctum, this is where the master does his work and produces master pieces. Greg and I were talking and Mr. Joe's art has the status of what most Artists receive after death. So we walk into his basement that would be the size of a full school gym. There were crates full off his work and in the middle of the room he a few table but together covered with brushes, books and tubes of paint. I was just sitting there amazed by this sight, I was over come by all of this.  Then over in the corner I saw Mr. Joe's paint palette, I approached it as one would do as an alter, because this is where it all starts. This is the tool that lets him earn the type of living that lets him give back to his community and that brought as all together.

Peer Respect Chengdu, China

Before I continue on about our epic Chengdu adventure and I know that it will takes weeks for me to purge all of this goodness.  I would like to give a big thanks to Gregory Burns, without his input none of this would have been possible. Greg told the foundation about me when they asked about other disabled artist in America. Greg and I met in 2001 during a show for the Orthopedic Associate on the West coast, he said we also met at the Kennedy Center. Although we only have had frequent contact over the years, I must have made a real impression on him. His art career is where I strive to be, painting and speaking around the world.  I know he has just opened a new door for me and this will not be our only trip to Chengdu.  By the second night, I ask "how does my ass get an artist residency here"? If I do not go back with 5 Colours Foundation, it would be with the US Consulate. They were not only interested me as an Artist, but with my whole story. Even through Wifey likes to take the back seat, we were told that everyone was intrigued with our story. 

Last night Wifey and I had a few beers after our travels and I think we will be redoing this trip within a years, but Wifey gives it six months. I know Greg not only opened a new market on my art, but also a chapter of adventures. 

A Little Tour of Chengdu China

Before our events officially started Greg and Angie had time to take us to the town's garden and a market. Greg has been traveling Asia for 30 year as an Artist with a disability and met his Wife, Angie 17 years ago. We know it would not be easy going through the garden and shrine, but it was worth the task. When we did get stuck, surprisingly there was no problem getting help. For example, Greg would ask some guys to help get my chair up some stairs, he would just get to say "can you help my" and each time two, or three guys would just lift me and my chair up. The four of us were not expecting this willingness, but it was welcoming. We then went through a market for the experience, there was a man and his Wife that made decorative gourds. He wanted to give me one, not out of pity but as a sign of respect from one Artist to another. It turn out that he saw my artwork in the local paper. The gallery opening that I was invited to for is part of a bigger Art Festival that runs until the of October.

Trip to Chengdu China and Five Colours Foundation

  We just got back from Chengdu, China last night.  It was a life changing trip and I know this will not be our last trip there. Mr. Zhou Chunya aka Mr. Joe is one of the top 5 artist in China and built an Artists village after the earth quakes.  He also started the  5 Colours foundations for artists with disabilities. Mr. Joe is the gentleman in the back row in the blue to my left. Blue Roof Art Festival showcases influence of Chengdu collective

Before our events officially started Greg and Angie had time to take us to the town's garden and a market. Greg has been traveling Asia for 30 year as an Artist with a disability and met his Wife, Angie 17 years ago. We know it would not be easy going through the garden and shrine, but it was worth the task. When we did get stuck, surprisingly there was no problem getting help. For example, Greg would ask some guys to help get my chair up some stairs, he would just get to say "can you help my" and each time two, or three guys would just lift me and my chair up.  The four of us were not expecting this willingness, but it was welcoming.  We then went through a market for the experience, there was a man and his Wife that made decorative gourds. He wanted to give me one, not out of pity but as a sign of respect from one Artist to another. It turn out that he saw my artwork in the local paper. The gallery opening that I was invited to for is part of a bigger  Art Festival that runs until the of October.

Before I continue on about our epic Chengdu adventure and I know that it will takes weeks for me to purge all of this goodness.  I would like to give a big thanks to Gregory Burns, without his input none of this would have been possible. Greg told the foundation about me when they asked about other disabled artist in America. Greg and I met in 2001 during a show for the Orthopedic Associate on the West coast, he said we also met at the Kennedy Center. Although we only have had frequent contact over the years, I must have made a real impression on him. His art career is where I strive to be, painting and speaking around the world.  I know he has just opened a new door for me and this will not be our only trip to Chengdu.  By the second night, I ask "how does my ass get an artist residency here"? If I do not go back with 5 Colours Foundation, it would be with the US Consulate. They were not only interested me as an Artist, but with my whole story. Even through Wifey likes to take the back seat, we were told that everyone was intrigued with our story. 

Last night Wifey and I had a few beers after our travels and I think we will be redoing this trip within a years, but Wifey gives it six months. I know Greg not only opened a new market on my art, but also a chapter of adventures. 

The True Humanity of Art

My studio at TU is next to the Ceramics Art Camp, they are about middle school ages campers. I need to remember that before I blast some old school NIN, anyway yesterday I had my work out on the floor looking at it. I was still in my chair and one of the campers froze at the door staring at my work and not at me for once.  Later that that day Brianna and I went over to the teacher and offer her to bring the students over next week to see how I produce my art.

When people see my art on the wall, or online it does not scream I am disabled so you better like my stuff! They just have a connection to the work and are more likely to approach me since we have command thread. I see art as the bridge between the disabled community and the able body world. When it comes to art everyone has their own style, art is just a vehicle to bring people together and share ideas.

The Robotic Exoskeleton

The Robotic Exoskeleton must be the new trend around the world, but how practical is it. Right off the bat I do see the benefits of being able to reach up high, but how independent do they really make a PWD? Can one take it on and off by their selves? Would one be able to walk up stairs, the biggest concern I can think of how long some can use them without getting tired, or  hurting their body.  I am assuming most candidates for the exoskeleton would be some paraplegics, after so many years in chair the old body does not work as it use to.

My head stick really did not give the independence that I do have today, until I could take it on and off myself. Their is a difference between being setup to do a task, then having self-efficacy

Rex, the robotic exoskeleton.

ReWalk System

Start of Many Memories

Today Wifey and I attended a service for Gayle; they said it was only the first of many just as Gayle and Crosby had three weddings. I have been thinking would this be the same as if they were an “able body” couple? They not only help and took care of each other at home, but also worked as a couple to progress the disability movement.

Here I sit a week from my 5th wedding anniversary, thinking how much Wifey and my lives are intertwined not because they have to be, but from our choice.  Maybe that is the different of a lover from a soul mate, you are there to support each other and catch one another in your failures and celebrate the good times.  Most of all these are the relationship that blaze new paths in the world and people talk about for years.

My heart goes out to Crosby, I know people like Gayle and my Wifey would want their man to move on. This seems to be impossible, how can one find another soul mate that can take of you physically, emotionally, and spirational.  One cannot do this and it would be unfair to hold another up to these expectation.

The Commend Thread

So what does disabilities and art have in commend? Right off the bat most people might say they both are hard roads to take in life, but look on the positive side.  Being that I am lucky enough to experience both fields for most of my life, I would say they both have given the gift to solves problems and the ability to see that there is not only one answer.

Everyone might give you their advise about how things should been done, but in the end you adopt the medium or services to best fit your voice/way of life.

This can be seen in artist work, when they find a medium to tell their story, or take a disability service to best help achieve independence.

You might not always reach goodness on your first attempt, but you build on that experience to learn how to improve for the next time.

R-word VS. Rword

Just watching @AroundTheHorn on ESPN, they were talk about the problem with the name of the DC football team. So a couple people called it the #Rword. I hope people do not start relating the #Rword with the #NFL and really realize how derogatory it really is to the disabled!

I am not saying the disability movement has exclusive rights to the R-word. Even if someone has  the copy right for a word does not mean they own every meaning of that word. Words are the only weapon that truly has an unlimited amount of ammunition. I am saying if the R-word is used for multiple meaning it will become trivialized and is not that why there is a R-word in the first place?

Good Vibes

Although, I have been joking around about the new rules that Disney put into effect due to that some people were abusing the system. Being a trail blazer myself, I realized my action work both for the positive and negative. I would like to think most of my actions leave a positive vibe for PWD.
this summer Wifey and I took my nephew Timmy to the go-karts. The track was crowded, they both wanted me to go and I was not getting a good vibe from the staff. So I just sat on the side and watched Timmy, even though I wanted to do it.  later in the day we went to another track that they had at the park and there were less people.
It was our last two tickets, so I went for it. The staff guy did let me go, I did not hit anything or anyone but I did not keep the pedal floored the whole time.
On our way home Timmy said I should have played bumper  cars with him.  My reply was: if I crash the car the whole time, they might not let the next disabled person on the ride due to my actions.

Disabilities Awareness

Check out AAPD's new PSA to be aired on Comcast networks nationwide! #RedefineDisability If I compared this to the two commercial I recently shared it seems too safe. Maybe that is that different between  commercials and PSAs, I always  thought PSA were to provoke thoughts emotions not just awareness? One can also see the differences between European and USA attitudes towards PWD.

Here are two commercials that popped up in the last couple of weeks. Even though they are for different products, they both have the theme of able body people adapting to the PWD world.  You should know the two commercials are European, I wonder if they finally realizing that PWD are tired of living in a world that is not accessible and are trying to turn the tables to create more awareness?

Disability Awareness by Peter Downs

guinness wheelchairs basketball commercial by Edward Heising

Sexuality and the Disabled

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That's Entertainment

As I was watching that football game last Thursday night, NBC ran some promo for the new TV season. There was a clip from the new Michael Fox show.

the set up:

family is having breakfast at the table.

Fox is spooning out eggs to put on dish.

Eggs are falling off the spoon.

Wife grabs Fox's hand and says, we are in a hurry.

To me that is funny shit, because I can relate to that. As an example, Wifey and I will be headed out the door and I start to switch the laundry to the drier. Wifey says, "I got that, just go jump into your chair, we have to go." If other people are not used to the disability life style will the see the humor in the situation?

My question about the show Ironside will every crime scene be accessible? It would be cool if they could work that into the show. I bet not many people have seen a chair user balance on two wheel and pull their selves up stairs. Nor, someone butt climb stairs and their friend carries the chair up the stairs. I SAY RELEASE THE GIMPS!!!!!!!!!

Yes, I Can, and, What’s More, as the Star

Michael J. Fox and Others Play TV Heroes With Disabilities