body imageDisabilityDisability Accommodations

Let Me Introduce You to Handistrong

handiPeople with disabilities put up with a lot. Every day. Either our needs are ignored (like stores with nonfunctioning disability accessible entrances) or we are kicked when we are down (Hello, Kanye West!). But today, I want to share one magazine that is improving the lives of people with disabilities. Handistrong is a (digital and print) magazine for people with disabilities (PWD), seniors, and caregivers.  In a world where PWD are largely absent from magazine covers and commercials, Handistrong is a refreshing change. Fashionably ill is featured in the September 2014 Issue, “Beauty and Invisibility.”

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You can purchase the digital version here on iTunes like I did.  Or you can subscribe at handistrong.com/magazine for $9.95 for the year, 10 issues for $1 each.

Models with Disabilities

This month’s issue talks the partnership between Global Disability Inclusion and Models of Diversity (MoD). MoD, founded by model Angel Sinclair, is all about recognizing the beauty in people of all races, ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. MoD’s mission is to change the face of fashion and modeling. In this month’s Handistrong, you’ll see many pictures of models with amputated limbs and models that use assistance including walkers, canes, and wheelchairs.

Handistrong Serves Three Large Demographics

One in five people have a disability. I myself carry a cane for Myasthenia Gravis, and have four other illnesses: bipolar 2, polycystic ovarian syndrome, asthma, and psoriasis. The senior population is growing 98% faster than the rest of the U.S. population. Twenty-nine percent of the U.S. population is caregivers, people taking care of sick loved ones.

Reshaping Reality Through Community

Handistrong is on Facebook. They have many interesting status updates ranging from new technologies that help people with disabilities to inspiring stories of resilience. I learn new things all the time! I encourage you to “like” their page here: https://www.facebook.com/handistrong

You can also follow them on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/@handistrong

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Like Fashionably ill on Facebook

Speaking of community, won’t you join the Fashionably ill community on Facebook? Like our page at: https://www.facebook.com/fashionablyill.

Meet other warriors like yourself! Help us get to 900 Likes. You can also follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/JessicaGimeno

–Your Stylist, Jessica Gimeno

 

 

JessicaGimeno

Hi there! I am a patient advocate, writer, and public speaker most well known for my TEDx Talk, “How to Get Stuff Done When You Are Depressed.” As someone who is juggling 5 illnesses: bipolar 2, myasthenia gravis, endometriosis, psoriasis, and asthma, I’m passionate about helping people who navigate life with both chronic physical & emotional pain. If you’re interested in hiring me to speak at your event, check out the CONTACT tab.

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