Disability & Rizz

18/02/2025

Absolute Failure from United Airlines Traps Wheelchair Rugby Team in Air Travel Hell ⁣⁣
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The Portland quad rugby team and members of three other teams, about 20 wheelchair users in all, were booked on a United flight from Louisville to Chicago Sunday night. We gave United hours of direct advance notice and told the gate staff we would need multiple aisle chairs and multiple staff to board. They didn’t listen.⁣⁣
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What ensued over the next 12 hours was the single worst travel experience I’ve endured in over 20 years of traveling the world as a Paralympian, athlete and wheelchair user. ⁣⁣
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When it was time to load, they had one aisle chair, and it took over an hour to load everyone. We then spent two hours sitting in the plane on the tarmac because United couldn’t get their de-icer equipment working.⁣⁣
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When it was all said and done, United forced us to deplane and reboard three times, claiming all along that we were still going to leave. They only had one staff assisting, so our 75-year-old helper was forced to help with transfers.
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The flight was supposed to depart at 6 p.m. By 1 a.m., United officially “delayed” the flight until the morning and issued hotel vouchers. With no accessible transportation, quads who couldn’t transfer themselves to a standard taxi had to spend all night in baggage claim. One person had a bowel accident. No one had access to checked luggage or checked mobility equipment. ⁣⁣
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Because I could transfer to a standard SUV, I finally made it to a hotel at 2 a.m. with my 7-year-old son. With United providing no information about how we would be able to get out of Louisville, I canceled my tickets and spent $850 to get me and my son a flight on another airline today. We don’t have our personal luggage. My rugby wheelchair and equipment are lost in United’s system. ⁣⁣
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It is a complete failure on the part of United. A total disregard for the needs or the safety of disabled passengers. ⁣The entire system of air travel for wheelchair users needs to change. It is broken and it is dangerous.
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Hopefully my son and I will make it home today. Hopefully everyone else will too. Our mobility equipment, who knows? ⁣⁣
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- Seth McBride (), NM Editor⁣ ⁣
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05/02/2025

This is heartbreaking news. Students with disabilities are not going to have access to crucial aid like speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc.

A bill that could jeopardize specific services for students with disabilities has gained significant attention and pushback from parents.

05/02/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1A1ht4Sypz/

Received my advanced readers copy of my new book in the mail. While it’s not exactly the final version of the book it’s nice to see what it will look like when it’s released.

If you haven’t read the review by Publishers Weekly check it out. I’ll put a link below

http://www.publishersweekly.com/9781587436123

05/02/2025

04/02/2025

Today, on World Cancer Day, I pause to reflect on my journey as a pediatric bone cancer survivor. As someone who has faced the challenges of a rare disease, I know firsthand how crucial awareness, research, and support are in the fight against cancer.

This day is a reminder that we are not alone in this battle. It’s a call to spread hope, advocate for better treatments, and stand in solidarity with those still fighting. Let’s continue to raise awareness, support one another, and work toward a future where no one has to face cancer alone.

To everyone touched by cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, and loved ones—your strength inspires me every day. Together, we can make a difference.

With hope and gratitude 🎗🦿✨️💛

01/02/2025

🌟 **New on Substack: "The Day My World Changed"** 🌟

At 10 years old, I walked into a hospital and left with a cancer diagnosis. This is the story of those first two weeks—the fear, the surgeries, and the moment my life turned upside down.

It’s a deeply personal look at resilience and the strength we find in our darkest moments.

👉 **Read it here:** https://open.substack.com/pub/disabilityrizz/p/the-first-steps-into-the-unknown?

Thank you for following along. 💛

30/01/2025

How are disabled people going to lift themselves up by the bootstraps when they can't even get a job?

This is heartbreaking 💔

26/01/2025

📢 New on Disability & Rizz: My Story Begins...

When I was 10 years old, my world changed. Sporadic leg pain became unbearable, and a baseball-sized tumor in my knee and femur revealed the unthinkable: cancer. At 10.

This isn’t just a story about surviving—it’s about navigating a broken healthcare system, grappling with survivor’s guilt, and finding moments of strength in the chaos.

My first post dives into the whirlwind of my childhood diagnosis and what it really means to face cancer while fighting for your life.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to confront the unimaginable or want to understand how we can all do better for those in the fight, this one’s for you.

💻 Read now on Disability & Rizz [Link in Bio]
✨ Let’s work toward change, one story at a time.

26/01/2025

25/01/2025

Disability & Rizz is an honest, real space where I share my journey of surviving childhood bone cancer, navigating healthcare struggles, and fighting for a better system, all while embracing the messiness of life and encouraging others to thrive. Click to read Disability & Rizz, by Nerisa Gracia, a....