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NEWS

Wheelchair Users’ Experiences with COVID-19 Vaccine

Wheelchair users have begun receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Early recipients report a huge sense of relief along with manageable side effects. Many states are still limiting distribution to front-line medical workers and nursing home residents, but rules vary from state to state and — because facilities have limited time to use vaccine doses — some are offering walk-in doses as they become available. Lex Frieden, an architect of the ADA, suggests being proactive and contacting your health professionals and local medical facilities to get on a list. “Don’t wait on somebody to call you,” he says. “Don’t think that just because you have a disability somebody’s going to invite you to get a shot.”

TRENDING

Hong Kong Wheelchair User Climbs (Most of a) Skyscraper

A four-time winner of the Asian Rock Climbing Championship has climbed 800 feet up the side of a Hong Kong skyscraper in his wheelchair. Though Lai Chi-Wai was stopped by strong winds 230 feet from the top, the world’s media has been all over his story, and he has raised over $700,000 for exoskeleton research. Chi-Wai says he hopes the climb shows the strength of disabled people, but he mostly seems bummed that he didn’t make it to the top. We have a question for any adaptive rock climbers out there: Did he really need to haul his chair up with him?

FUN READ

Josh Spencer and ‘The Last Bookstore’

One of the nation’s largest and most interesting new-and-used bookstores is owned by wheelchair user Josh Spencer. And while The Last Bookstore’s book tunnels and sculptures are as fun as advertised, Spencer’s story of going from an unmotivated beach bum to eBay power seller to a player in the cultural renaissance of downtown Los Angeles is even better.

PRO TIPS

Dialing in Your Communication Setup at Home and On-the-Go

Whether you need your voice for dictation and controlling essential devices or you find yourself in a whole lot of Zoom meetings, upgrading your microphone and speaker setup can make your day go much more smoothly. Todd Stabelfeldt gives his recommendations for a mobile headset, desktop microphone and quality speakers, and how to set them up for maximum impact.

Stay Connected with a Virtual Social Hour

As this long winter continues with no letup in the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to connect with other people — however you can. United Spinal’s Resource Center maintains an up-to-date list of daily virtual support groups and social gatherings offered by United Spinal chapters. The regular events offer attendees a chance to meet new people, catch up with old friends and chat about whatever is on your minds. There are also two weekly social hours hosted by United’s national organization. Check out all of the options here.

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