Nature writing can feed the myth of the outside as a cure – but my own work has helped me reframe my illness

Through my reconnection with nature, I’ve reframed my experience of illness.

Louise Kenward, PhD Candidate, Centre for Place Writing, Manchester Metropolitan University • conversation
May 27, 2025 ~9 min

Mission possible − parastronaut programs can make space travel more inclusive and attainable for all

Figuring out how to make spacecraft more accessible to astronauts with physical disabilities can also make them safer for long-duration missions.

Rebecca Rhoades, Researcher in Education, Health & Behavior, University of North Dakota • conversation
March 11, 2025 ~7 min


Recruiting the world’s first disabled astronaut doesn’t mean space travel is inclusive – here’s how to change that

Disabled astronauts have lots to offer, but spaceflight has traditionally been limited to the able-bodied.

Vanja Garaj, Professor of Design and Director of Research, Brunel University of London • conversation
Oct. 31, 2024 ~9 min

Coastal cities’ growing hurricane vulnerability is fed by both climate change and unbridled population growth

Fast population growth has left more people in flood-prone areas of Gulf Coast communities, including Houston and New Orleans. Often, those residents at most risk are the most socially vulnerable.

Wanyun Shao, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Alabama • conversation
Sept. 11, 2024 ~7 min

How people with disabilities got game − the surprisingly long history of access to arcade and video sports

A pioneering effort that allowed a teenager with a neck injury to play pinball sheds light on today’s vibrant community of esports players with disabilities.

Matt Knutson, Assistant Professor of Esports, University of North Dakota • conversation
Aug. 5, 2024 ~7 min

Long COVID puzzle pieces are falling into place – the picture is unsettling

A new study finds the risks of developing long COVID declined over the first two years of the pandemic. But unvaccinated adults were more than twice as likely to get long COVID compared with those who were vaccinated.

Ziyad Al-Aly, Chief of Research and Development, VA St. Louis Health Care System. Clinical Epidemiologist, Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
July 18, 2024 ~9 min

Disability community has long wrestled with ‘helpful’ technologies – lessons for everyone in dealing with AI

Disabled people are experts in using – and designing – assistive technologies. They have lessons to offer everyone about keeping control when help is offered.

Elaine Short, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Tufts University • conversation
July 1, 2024 ~7 min

How simple changes can open up Britain’s green spaces so everyone can benefit from them

This initiative could give more disabled and young people the confidence to explore more of Britain’s wild spaces and build a stronger nature connection

Anthony Maher, Professor of Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion, Leeds Beckett University • conversation
Jan. 29, 2024 ~7 min


Digital inaccessibility: Blind and low-vision people have powerful technology but still face barriers to the digital world

Assistive technology like screen readers for the blind help people with disabilities use computers and smartphones, but they can be tripped up if webpages or documents are improperly formatted.

Michele McDonnall, Research Professor of Rehabilitation Education and Research, Mississippi State University • conversation
Dec. 19, 2023 ~8 min

Driverless cars could be a revolution for people with disabilities – but they also have good reason to be worried

People with disabilities are concerned about breaking down or having accidents when alone in driverless cars.

Roger Bennett, Visiting Professor of Marketing, Kingston University • conversation
Sept. 27, 2023 ~7 min

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