Editor ’ s Note
Fred J . Maahs , Jr .
Greetings and welcome to a New Year .
I want to take a moment and reflect on this past year and mention that so many positive things happened for all of us , especially those in the disability community . From significant legislation introduced and passed by Congress in the U . S ., to more people with disabilities who are speaking out and self-advocating about issues that impact their ability to live independently , to the record number of people travelling – even those with disabilities ! These are all positive steps in the right direction and I hope to see more of this in 2024 .
I also want to recognize that the disability community lost a friend and champion , Andres Gallegos , in December , 2023 . Andres was my friend and mentor who always found time to help anyone needing advice or direction . He was the Chairman of the National Council on Disability here in the United States , a respected attorney focused on disability rights for nearly 30 years , a devoted champion of inclusion and equal opportunities for people with disabilities , and a leader in the independent living movement . In addition , Andrés was a “ critical partner in the US Department of Health and Human Services work to end disability discrimination in medical care and to address the health disparities experienced by
people with disabilities . For decades , he provided advice and counsel on the implementation of the most consequential health care and disability rights laws – including the Americans with Disabilities Act , the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act , as well as state and local civil rights laws – to ensure equal access to care and services for disabled people .” And for all of his accomplishments , Andres was a humble man who helped so many . He will be missed and we send our condolences to his family and friends .
In this issue of Melange Accessibility for All , you ’ ll see some great stories about people like Israeli Paralympian , Pascale Bercovitch , an article about neurodiversity and how to better understand what it is , a story about fashion and technology from Chloe Angus , and a story about Elizabeth Ziemba who created a company for Medical Tourism Training .
As always , in every issue we 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 . And , don ’ t forget our sister magazine , 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 Accessible Journeys , you will find personal , firsthand accounts of what each traveller experienced during their journey . It ’ s a resource for anyone of any ability who wants to take an accessible journey ! We hope you enjoy it !
As always , 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 an assistive technology product you want us to try then write about , or if you want to invite us to visit your city , country , resort , or place of interest so we can write about its accessibility and share it with our audience . You can reach me at fmaahs @ readmelange . com .
@ 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 Editor : Fred Maahs , Jr . Designer : Trish Palma
Editorial Staff : Marina Apperley Mae Fornoles
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 Marina Apperley at : marina @ readmelange . com
CONTACT US : Comments | Share a story | Contribute an article email : marina @ 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 . © 2024 Mélange Publishing Group All rights reserved .
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