Archive

Photograph from behind of a person using two walking poles on a sunlit paved path.

Disability Beyond Pediatric Care

Healthcare for adults with lifelong disabilities, including diagnosis, new symptoms, and the transition beyond pediatric care.

Pencil illustration of a woman with forearm crutches speaking with a clinician about ulnar nerve transposition, persistent weakness, hand function, spasticity, sensory changes, nerve recovery, daily activities, and therapy goals.

The Second Conversation

The evaluation report was already marked with corrections before the next occupational therapy appointment began.

Pencil illustration of a woman using forearm crutches entering an examination room while two clinicians look toward her.

Before the First Question

The examination room is ready before the patient arrives. The computer is open to the medical record; paper covers the examination table. A rolling stool sits near the counter, while another chair has been pulled toward the wall.

Illustration of a thoughtful woman surrounded by a 50-minute clock, an unfinished evaluation checklist, medical questions, buttons, and shoes.

When the Questions Follow You Home

Losing the ability to put on a pair of shoes should not have raised so many questions. The task had become harder after surgery, along with buttons and other small movements that once required little thought.

Pencil illustration of a woman seated between two clinicians during a hand evaluation, with a pegboard and grip-strength gauge on the table.

Beyond The Checklist

Summer is often remembered through its pleasures: long evenings, planned trips, and days that seem less governed by the clock. For one woman, the summer of 2026 passed…

Illustration of five people around a meeting table with thought bubbles showing an earlier conversation, email exchange, later discussion, and background information.

The Missing Measure

The meeting may start at ten, but the conversation often begins before then. A question raised the week before may have already circulated through emails, surfaced after another meeting, or been discussed by colleagues familiar with the issue.

Illustration of a woman planning accessible participation, surrounded by stairs, transit, clocks, movable chairs, ramps, documents, and a balance scale.

A Matter of Degrees

Sometimes what needs to change is simple, even when asking for that change is not. A chair may need to be moved to create enough space at a table. A meeting may need to be held in a room that is easier to reach.

Watercolor illustration of a person seated at a desk on the phone, reviewing an architectural floor plan beside a computer and notebook.

What “Accessible” Leaves Unanswered

The restaurant has been chosen, the time nearly settled, and the reservation is ready to be made. The restaurant’s website describes the building as accessible, but it provides no details about the entrance, seating, or restrooms.

A narrow track crosses an empty pale landscape toward a closed blue door set in a distant wall.

The Second Request

A visitor who uses a wheelchair arrives early for an appointment and follows a sign directing visitors who need step-free access to a side entrance. The door is locked.