Wheeling into Trouble

Earlier this week, Kelvin Dennison, a 23-year-old wheelchair user due to paralysis from a shooting when he was a teenager, pled guilty to robbing a second New York bank in less than a year. He will be sentenced on September 4. It's a shame Dennison dealt with his disability this way. For more on this story, go to http://www.inquisitr.com/2687729/man-in-wheelchair-who-successfully-pulled-off-bank-robbery-wheeled-into-the-court-for-another-heist/.

Down Syndrome on TV

The new A&E documentary series Born This Way, which follows seven young adults with Down syndrome, has aired at 10:00 P.M. every Tuesday since December 8. The finale will take place on January 12. To catch up on previous episodes, go to http://www.aetv.com/shows/born-this-way.

On a side note, after months of construction, the Space Coast Field of Dreams sports complex, which was mentioned in a post last November, will host its grand opening at 10:00 A.M. today. For more information, go to http://spacecoastfieldofdreams.org/.

A Doll for Kids with Diabetes

I apologize for not posting for a couple of weeks; I hope everyone had a happy holiday season. Some girls probably received an American Girl doll for Christmas. For those with physical disabilities, American Girl sells a small wheelchair on which a doll can sit. The company will begin selling a diabetic care kit as an accessory for its dolls on January 1. As someone who used to read its magazine, I'm pleased to see American Girl is expanding its inventory while keeping girls with special needs in mind. For more information about American Girl and its products, you can go to www.americangirl.com. I wish all of you a Happy New Year; please stay tuned for more posts in 2016!

Remembering the Rights of People with Disabilities

Yesterday was Human Rights Day, but its significance applies every day. This observance by the United Nations recognizes the civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights of people with disabilities as well as other groups. This year's theme is "Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always." For more information about Human Rights Day, go to http://www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/.

An Important App

Some people will be getting an Apple iPhone for Christmas. Senior citizens and others with disabilities should consider downloading the free five-star Medical Alert Service app on their iPhone. A backup for the Medical Alert device worn around one’s neck, the app can be used for emergencies. The app by GreatCall, Inc. can be downloaded here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/5star-medical-alert-service/id467690272?mt=8. Be safe this holiday season!

A Day in the Life of a MetLife Special Needs Planner

A MetLife special needs planner who works in Melbourne, Florida, is featured in a marketing video recently posted on YouTube. Yours truly appears in the video around the 1:10 mark and at the end. To view the video, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnIFwS-9Mlc&feature=youtu.be

Today's Our Day

Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities or simply Disability Day. Sponsored by the United Nations since 1992, this observance promotes awareness of various disabilities and encourages discussions of disability issues. This year’s theme is “Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities.” For more information about this day, go to http://www.un.org/en/events/disabilitiesday/.