Greetings !
Editor ’ s Note
Fred J . Maahs , Jr .
. . . and happy spring ! Welcome to our April issue of Melange , Accessibility for All magazine .
My editor ’ s note will start on somber and solemn note . All of us in the disability community are probably already aware that we lost a very dear friend , family member , mentor , disability rights advocate , and frankly , a disability rights treasure this past March : Judith Heumann . I knew Judy , as many of us did , for quite a long time . Even if you were new to the disability community , chances are you were somehow touched by her directly or indirectly . That ’ s just how it was with Judy . She was well-known and highly regarded the world over . No matter where I ’ ve traveled in the world , someone always knew her name and what she did for the disability community . I had the pleasure of serving with Judy on the National Board of Directors for the American Association of People with Disabilities , numerous panel discussions , and I even shared an interview with her in the very first issue of Melange , Accessibility for All magazine – October , 2020 .
There ’ s nothing I can say or write about Judy that hasn ’ t already been conveyed about her . Well , maybe one thing . Judy was a fighter , and you were always going to lose if you dared to take her on . I never had to . We were always on the sane side and fought the same fights . I still do , in her honor . I will not give up my fight to ensure that all people , regardless of ability , have the same access and the same rights as everyone else . It ’ s Judy ’ s legacy . None of us would have the rights as people with disabilities that we do had Judy not stood up for all of us . So , I ask each of you to honor Judy by never giving up and to always advocate for your rights . Disability rights are civil rights ! Never forget that .
To further honor Judy , we will continue to bring you stories from around the world about people , places , innovative technology and companies that each make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities around the world .
And , don ’ t forget our latest magazine , Melange Accessible Journeys . In this Melange digital magazine , we share stories from all around the world about accessible travel destinations written and experienced by people with disabilities . In each issue of Melange Accessible Journeys , you will find personal , firsthand accounts of what each traveler experienced during their journey . It is a resource for anyone of any ability who wants to take an accessible journey . In the summer issue , I ’ ll be sharing my recent visit to Portugal , so keep an eye out for it .
Keep using your voice and sharing your stories with us . We will continue to make it all real , all relevant , and we certainly appreciate your thoughts . Let us know if you have a product you want us to write about . Invite us to visit your city , country , resort or place of interest so we can write about it and share it with our audience .
You can reach me at fmaahs @ readmelange . com .
Thank you for reading . Warm regards ,
@ FredMaahs - Twitter
Fred J . Maahs , Jr . is an internationallyrenown disability and civil rights champion who believes in and advocates for the rights and access for all ! A recognized leader and former corporate executive , he ’ s also an International Keynote speaker , collaborator , and an international accessibility travel expert .
Publisher : Mélange Publishing Group Editor in Chief : Debbie Austin Senior Editor : Nancy Baye Editor : Fred Maahs , Jr .
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We try to present information that is current and accurate , but errors can occur . If you ’ ve found an error in the magazine , please email : Fred Maahs , Jr . fmaahs @ readmelange . com
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Mélange Accessibility for All magazine is published four times per year by : Mélange Publishing Group 300-3665 Kingsway , Vancouver , BC , Canada V5R 5W2 .
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