2002 Season
Here is a complete listing of all the shows in 2002.
Current stories can be found under 2007 Season.
Stories from season 1 can be found here.
Stories from season 3 can be found here.

Show 1 Story 1
The new season begins with a story about Physical Rehabilitation Therapy. In this story we visit with the therapists at Physio Therapy Associates in Waterford Michigan and take a look at the benefits of Aquatic Therapy. Physio Therapy Associates provide a full range of therapy services from Aquatic to Gym Exercises to Weight Training and more.
Show 1 Story 2
The second story this week was on the beginnings of a brand new camp in Northern Michigan. The camp is being designed to be completely inclusive. Open not only to persons with disabilities but also to their families and friends.
Show 1 story 3
We visit the Macomb Oakland Regional Center Christmas Party. The annual event is a great get together during the holidays for persons with mental disabilities.

Show 2 Story 1
This weeks show begins with a story about the Federal Executive Board's 11th Annual Disability Awareness Committee Training Seminar. This years program was titled "Less Words, More Action". The Federal Government has been challenged by President George W. Bush to do more about hiring persons with disabilities. This seminar is part of getting Federal Managers to recognize the validity of hiring the disabled. To learn more about the Federal Job Accommodation Network call 1-800-669-4000 and ask for the EEOC Field Office in your area.
Show 2 Story 2
This story featured the Cross Trainers Fitness Forum. This newly opened accessible gym provides full fitness training facilities for persons with disabilities. Located on Hall Road in Clinton Township, Michigan this facility is a full service, fully accessible educational fitness forum. Call 810-263-6600 for more information or visit: www.CrossTrainersFitness.com.
Show 2 Story 3
This story featured the City of Troy, Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities. The Troy City Council Meetings have made the effort to include input toward city planning decisions as regards persons with disabilities.
Show 2 Story 4
Accessible Ice Fishing Adventures is located in Houghton Lake, Michigan. AIFA offers a unique opportunity for anglers of all abilities. They provide everything you need from lodging to bait. Barrier free heated ice shanties that easily accommodate wheelchairs, Nextel wireless communication, transportation from the motel right to the shanty. This a great way to enjoy some of Michigan's winter wonderland. Contact Carl Derosa at 989-366-0294 or Pat Nowak at 989-366-9869 for more information about Accessible Ice Fishing Adventures.

Show 3
Florida Travel This weeks show is a response to letters we get asking about accessible travel. Many people e-mail us and ask where is a good place for accessible travel?... Well we gave Florida a try and this story features airboat rides in the everglades with Boggy Creek airboat Rides near Orlando/Kissimmee, the head waters of the everglades. Roger also went parasailing with Boggy Creek Parasailing and toured the accessible East Lake Fish Camp. Then it was on to Seaworld and Discovery Cove. With over 200 acres this park is very accessible and has scooters for rent for those who wish to see as much as possible. Roger and crew took a tour of the Arabian Nights dinner theater and the next day went on to visit Forever Florida, a beautiful and expansive nature preserve. Here are some more web sites and phone numbers that you can get more info for your travels to Florida:
Wheelchair Getaways: 1-800-242-4990

Show 4, Story 1
Creative Controls specializes in automotive conversions for adaptable transportation. We featured a customer with progressive muscular dystrophy and his van that was adapted at Creative Controls so that he could maintain his independence. This person worked with Michigan Rehabilitation Services in order to secure funding for his vehicle conversion.
Show 4, Story 2
Great Lakes Center for Independent Living. We were there for the Grand Opening of the new center and spoke with the director about all the services the Great Lakes Center for Independent Living provides the community of Detroit. From transportation to help with housing The CIL is a great resource for persons with disabilities in Detroit.
Show 4, Story 3 and 4
Story three featured information about Horticultural Therapy. Oakland County Parks provided a seminar in Southfield that showcased tools, products and methods that enable the gardener with disabilities. Gardening is a wonderful way to relax, as well as providing an opportunity toward physical activity while beautifying your home and garden.
Story four showcased this year R.A.R.E. award dinner and we interviewed this years award winner Kevin Degen. Kevin is a nationally recognized advocate and a proven athlete, a proud winner of this years award Kevin Degen has proven that persons with Cerebral Palsy can and do accomplish great things.

Show 5 Story 1
The first story takes place at the Cue Club of Utica Michigan where Ann Marie Waltzee, Recreational Therapist, demonstrated that with adaptive equipment many people can play pool that haven't played in years or previously didn't think they could.
Show 5 Story 2
Segment two features many of the exhibitors at the recent Cleveland Abilities Expo.
Our first conversation was with The Nth Degree a company that produces unique shirts, posters and other products that advocate for persons with disabilities. They have a creative, humorous and sometimes serious approach to getting the message across. Check out their web site or call 1-800-241-8468.
Next, we featured the EZ Chair. Great for malls, parks, the zoo, or just cruising the neighborhood with friends or family. The EZ Chair is effortless to pedal only requiring 8 lbs. of force. You do not have to be able to walk or stand to use the EZ Chair. The EZ Chair will exercise muscles with much less effort then standing or walking while providing independent mobility. Lightweight 30 lbs., folds to fit in any trunk, effortless to use, high tech powder coated aluminum. Call 1-800-438-5630 for more info or click the web link here to visit the EZ Chair site.
Freedom Concepts, Inc. manufactures custom made bicycles that provide independence and/or care giver control in a bicycle that can be serviced through any regular bicycle shop. Call 1-800-661-9915 or visit their web site through the link above.
Going out of town or on vacation? Need a vehicle that will provide you with the independence you want? Then Wheelchair Getaways is your first travel plan. Wheelchair Getaways provides accessible vans and vehicles throughout the United States and will coordinate with you for your needs. Contact them at 1-800-536-5518 or visit their site at the link above.
Show 5 Story 3
Story Three featured the Warren Orlick Golf Open sponsored by Carl's Golf Land. Warren demonstrated a glove he designed for holding on to a golf club if you had suffered from a stroke and had lost grip strength.

Show 6 Story 1
The Generation of Promise is a program that utilizes experiential training of high school students with leadership qualities to learn about specific community issues. Rachel Greenwood, director of The Generation of Promise, coordinated with Mike Harris of The Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Veterans Administration Hospital of Detroit to provide a day of learning about physical disabilities. were invited to document the days activities.
Show 6 Story 2
Abha Dearing, Music Director of Mercy High School invites the Broe Tabernacle Choir and Dr. Timothy Broe to educate the students about the dangers of Brain Injury. Dr. Broe provides important, easy to understand explanations of brain injury and its consequences and in conjunction with Len McCulloch and the Broe Rehabilitation Choir demonstrate how music can be an important part of brain injury therapy. The Broe Tabernacle Choir, Directed by Len McCulloch, performed a number of songs for the Mercy High School choir students as part of the overall seminar about brain injury. For more information call 248-474-2763.
Show 6 Story 3
The Detroit Lions, William Clay Ford "Community Quarterback Awards". This award is presented to individuals in NFL communities throughout the United States that have provided exceptional community leadership and advocacy for those in need. The award recognizes the unsung heroes of communities. Persons that go above and beyond demonstrating how much a single person can do to help.

Show 7 Story 1
Wheelchair Basketball at Birmingham Seaholm High School. The Flint Flying Eagles played the Beaumont Doctors in a fundraiser for the Beaumont Recreational Therapy Program. The Flint Flying Eagles are four time State Champs and provided for a wonderful evening of basketball. The Beaumont Team had some help in the form of a couple Michigan Thunderbird players.
Show 7 Story 2
This story featured the Rose Hill Center. This beautiful resident based program located in Holly Michigan, works toward getting persons with chronic mental illness back to independent living. Residents at Rose Hill generally stay for 9 to 11 months and then are able to move to a transitional living program for up to 6 months. Rose Hill Center also has a Job Acquisition Program to help their clients in the process of securing employment. For more information contact the Rose Hill Center at: 248-634-5530
Show 7 Story 3
The Detroit Free Press holds its annual Free Press Marathon in Downtown Detroit and
every year Wright and Fillippis sponsors the Wheelchair race program. This story highlights the days event with conversations with then Mayor, Dennis Archer, and some of the wheelchair racers from around the country and Canada.

Show 8 Story 1
We meet Jerry Wolffe a copy editor for the Oakland Press. We join Jerry while he is doing a story about persons with chronic pain and then spend some time getting to know how he got into journalism and some of the history he has been a part of as a journalist. Mr. Wolffe then talks to us about how it came to be that he writes an article for the Oakland Press called "Voices of Disability". You can find Jerry Wolffe's articles in the Oakland Press and at the Oakland Press web site: www.theoaklandpress.com Voices of Disability is published biweekly. You can call him at 248-745-4512 or e-mail jerrywolfe@oakpress.com.
Show 8 Story 2
This story is about the engineering and design of accessibility options for automobiles that won't require modification to the vehicle itself. Featured is Gary Talbot, managing engineer for General Motors, Mobility Center. Gary tells about the single mission challenge to design and build accessibility options for vehicles that will not require modifications to the vehicle itself. We feature a new articulating lift chair and a scooter lift by Bruno that was incorporated into a mini van. Mr. Talbot talks about how these kind of improvements in design and manufacture will benefit seniors and disabled alike. The overall cost savings and ability to change vehicles more frequently is an improvement everyone can benefit from.
Show 8 Story 3
We meet Larry Townes, nine time, para-olympian. Larry demonstrates his skill with archery and encourages others to participate in the sport. If you'd like to email Larry or call for more information about participating in archery here is some contact info: miprarch@pathwaynet.com or call at: 989-352-6629.
Show 8 Story 4
The National Wheelchair Basketball Association was recently presented with a support check and recognition of their outstanding efforts from DS Max and Wheelchair Sports Inc. Accepting for the NWBA and their many teams was Jerry Serizan of the Ann Arbor Thunderbirds. To learn more about the WNBA check out this web site: National Wheelchair Basketball Association.

Show 9 Story 1
In the first half of this weeks show we introduce several new innovations in wheelchair design, adaptation and mobility enhancements. We were able to take part in this demonstration through one of our shows sponsors Wright & Filippis. You can find out more about these chairs by going to our "Links" and using the links provided, or by contacting Wright & Filippis. The first chair adaptation was the "Power Trike". This adaptation will fit almost any chair weather rigid-frame or folding and transforms the chair into a three-wheel trike powered by a battery operated motor. The Power Trike can be used on or off road and can travel up to speeds of 11 to 15 miles per hour with a per charge distance of approximately 15 to 20 miles. Next we looked at the Lifestand Power Chair by Independence Providers of New York. This powered standing chair can be driven seated or standing and features a reclining backrest. Another unique assist was the Frank Mobility power assist for manual chairs. The gearless, brushless motors attach to the wheels of your chair and provide considerable assistance in any direction. Last we demonstrated the OmegaTrac Power Chair. This versatile chair provides "all terrain" capability with adjustable suspension. The battery operated motor can provide up to 25 miles at approximately 6 miles per hour
Show 9 Story 2
We travel to Florida for the 6th World Congress of the Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality and learn about the hospitality industry's efforts to further accommodate the senior or disabled traveler. While at the conference in Fort Lauderdale we discovered a great way to see the area is with the Water Taxi. This Taxi service provides accessible transportation utilizing the many waterways of Fort Lauderdale. Lastly we enjoyed a very special presentation by the "Speaking Hands" Deaf Signers. This youth group has performed across the country with celebrities and at events as big as the Super Bowl. "Speaking Hands" is a dramatic group of young people, from age 7 years to 18 years old, who use American Sign Language to interpret gospel music for those who are hearing impaired. They are also involved in other community efforts such as, after school tutoring, providing food and clothing for those in need and making referrals to other agencies that can lend a helping hand. The "Speaking Hands" organization is currently composed of 17 children that perform specially choreographed musical presentations through sign language. They are a 501(c)3, non-profit group and your donations would help their efforts. You can learn more about the "Speaking Hands" by calling 305-681-3108

Show 10 Story 1, Adaptive Skiing at Pine Knob
The crew spends a day at Pine Knob Ski Resort with Optical Illusions and Michigan Adaptive Sports. We got to visit with down hill racers, blind skiers and some of the coaches. For more info contact Michigan Adaptive Sports at: 248-988-0156, or Optical Illusions at www.mdscski.org/oi.
Show 10 Story 2, World Medical Relief
This story is about an organization in Detroit that provides medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to the world. This organization also provides a special pharmacy program in the tri-county area for seniors that do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. The World Medical Relief (WMR) was founded by Irene M. Auberlin and her husband in 1953 to serve missionary medical needs overseas and in the United States. It soon expanded its services and donations beyond missionary groups to other groups working in third world countries. WMR donates equipment and medicines, both over-the-counter and prescription, to hospitals, clinics and dispensaries around the globe. The recipient groups must pay the freight costs. WMR solicits donations from hospital supply and pharmaceutical companies. The donated supplies are stored by WMR at its eight floor warehouse and shipped upon request either to other U. S. organizations involved in third world work or directly to overseas missions. WMR also operates a Detroit program assisting indigent people over age 62 with their medical needs. For information about the senior prescription program call 313-866-5333 or visit the web site at World Medical Relief.
Show 10 Story 3, Community Living Services and The Center for Self Determination
This story highlighted information about the Center for Self Determination. An organization that works in cooperation with Community Living Services of Wayne County. For more information contact The Center for Self Determination at: 734-722-4010 or visit the web site at www.self-determination.com.

Show 11 Story 1
The first story this week is about Radio Information Service. Radio Information Service is a broadcast version of current written news and other printed information read over a special closed-circuit, sub-carrier frequency of a local radio station. In Detroit the service is provided through the on air frequency of WDET-FM. WDET is the Public Radio station in Detroit and D.R.I.S. utilizes the sub-carrier frequency to broadcast its service to persons who would not be able to interpret the written news or other timely written information. DRIS is dedicated to providing timely printed matter and consumer information to the blind, physically disabled, and cognitively disabled residents of southeastern Michigan and to providing quality programs designed to help those individuals lead enriched, productive and independent lives. A special receiver is needed to listen to the broadcasts. The DRIS program uses volunteers to read the more than 100 Newspapers and magazines for the listening audience. DRIS offers programming from around the country as well as hosting its own regularly scheduled programs here in Detroit. For more information or to apply visit www.wdetfm.org
or call 313-577-4270.
Show 11 Story 2
Understanding how to utilize a service or to seek help from an agency requires communication. Easter Seals recognized a need for services that would help Spanish speaking persons understand the systems and methods of the various social agencies. Bridging the gap between English speaking service providers and persons that speak only Spanish is crucial to making the social services more accessible to the Spanish speaking population. In addition to providing this support the service provides parent support groups, a "mini-library" of books in Spanish and parenting workshops for parents with children from 5 to 10 years of age.
Show 11 Story 3
Northwest Airlines recently celebrated the Grand Opening of the new World Gateway terminal in Detroit. We were there for the ceremonies and spoke with a number of persons that were instrumental in the projects success. We also spent some time with the Northwest Disability Advisory Board on a tour of the new facility. Travel into and out of Detroit has been improved for the disabled traveler. Northwest Airlines new World Gateway Terminal addresses many of the issues faced by the disabled traveler. But perhaps even more important is the Northwest Disability Advisory Board which meets regularly to develop improved solutions toward making travel a great experience for everyone.

Show 12, Paralympics and Park City Utah
We traveled to Park City Utah to bring you news and coverage from the 2002 Paralympics. Along with some history and explanation of the different events we showcase a sledge hockey game between Sweden and the USA. We also interviewed Gold Medalist and "Barrier Breaker" Sarah Will. The 2002 Paralympics were her 4th Games. Check out the official web site of the 2002 Paralympics for all the results and stories of this years events.
Show 12, Story 2: The National Ability Center
Next we visited the National Ability Center. This center located in the mountains outside Park City Utah provides year round training and availability for all kinds of outdoor activities from adaptive skiing to Horseback riding, and canoeing and camping. For more information contact them at 435-649-3991 or visit their web site at National Ability Center.
Show 12, Story 3: Accessible Snow Mobile Guides
While in Utah we also discovered an accessible guided snowmobile outfitter. Red Pine Adventures showed us a great time in the high country of Utah for more info about their services call 1-800-417-SNOW or visit their web site at www.redpinetours.com.

Show 13 Story 1
Area Agency on Aging 1-B provided a program segment about the services available for caregivers through the Agency. There are many services available through the agency and many of them can help caregivers better manage their time so that they have more time for their own lives aside from the responsibilities of providing care. For more information about these services or respite care contact the Area Agency on Aging 1-B at 800-852-7795 or visit their web site at www.aaa1b.com.
Show 13 Story 2
Ever felt like climbing the walls? Well this segment showcased a number of people that are doing just that. Planet Rock in Ann Arbor provides an opportunity for persons with disabilities to learn rock climbing. They also are developing special adaptive rock climbing equipment equipment. To learn more check out their web site at www.planet-rock.com.
Show 13 Story 3
This segment was all about a Special Olympics Event held in Oakland County at Oakland University. To learn more about Special Olympics call 248-674-4924 or visit the web site: www.somi15.org.

Show 14 Story 1
Robert Brown grew up in Detroit and, despite a withered right arm, became one of Michigan's top basketball players in the late 1970s. He earned All City, All Metro, All Public School League, and All State honors as the MVP of Northwestern High School's basketball team. In 1993 he returned to the gym, not as a player, but as a basketball coach and physical education teacher at Loyola High School.
Show 14 Story 2
Michigan Opera Theatre’s Department of Community Programs was founded in 1978 by educator/composer Karen DiChiera. The department’s innovative and expansive programs reach 70,000 young people and adults each year throughout Michigan, neighboring states, and some parts of Ontario, Canada.
Show 14 Story 3
Thanks to all who participated in the 2002 Komen Detroit Race for the Cure. With over 25,000 participants you made the race a great success. You know the Karmanos Race for the cure is an important event. According to the American Cancer Society, 205,000 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. More than 7,300 Michigan women will be diagnosed with the disease this year alone. Disabilities Today was at this year's race in Detroit.
Show 14 Story 4
Disabilities Today joins all of Hockeytown in congratulating the Detroit Red Wings for their Stanley Cup Victory. We joined them in their victory parade and are proud the Red Wings continue to find inspiration and courage from Vladimir Konstantinov. Vladimir, number 16, was tragically injured shortly after the team won the cup in 1996. Vladimir has provided the team with hope, determination and inspiration through two more cup victories. This parade celebrates his courage as it salutes the fans of Hockeytown.

Show 15 Story 1
Camp Grace Bentley, on the shores of Lake Huron, is a camp that has been providing disabled children an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, make some new friends and discover new things. The Camp, founded in 1928 by Ms. Grace Bentley is a place where kids create a lifetime of memories and enjoy the independence of new adventures and friends Camp Grace Bentley is looking for more kids to join them. If you're interested you can find out more at their web site: www.campgracebentley.org or call 313-962-8242.
Show 15 Story 2
Staying motivated for everything life offers can be a challenge sometimes. Randy Graise is a man very familiar with difficult challenges, his spirit of determination and compassion is what makes him an exceptional motivational speaker. If you would like to know more about Randy Graise or have a need for a powerful Motivational Speaker contact him at:
248-827-7716.
Show 15 Story 3
Disabilities Today traveled recently to Israel to bring you a special story about a program that works to help developmentally disabled children achieve their best. The program at Bar Ilan University strives to determine and understand each individuals way of learning. Through that understanding they work with each child to maximize their individual achievement and to develop an approach to a lifetime of continued success.
Show 15 Story 4
To conclude today's show we take you to a Hot Air Balloon Festival. You just know where advocacy is going to pop up, up and away. Serena's Song is a special adapted Hot Air Balloon that provides FREE rides to all disabled event attendees. We caught up with Serena's Song at the Howell Michigan Balloonfest.

Show 16 Story 1
Caregivers are people that help someone else live their life as best as possible. Many of you watching this show are probably caregivers and don't even know it. There is help out there for people who provide care and you don't have to go it alone anymore. We spoke with the people at the Area Agency on Aging 1-B to learn more about this program that is available in many communities around the country. To find a local Area Agency on Aging in your neighborhood check on-line at www.n4a.org or call 202-296-8130.
Show 16 Story 2
Meet Philip Schmucker author of “I Forgive, Miracle of Transformation”. Phil's book provides a great story of courage and hope and certainly helps all of us count our blessings. Phil Schmucker, a man who has transcended his cerebral palsy and wrote a gripping, honest and inspirational book that defines the spirit of hope and determination. If you are interested in a copy of Phil's book you can contact the Renaissance Unity Church bookstore at 1-800-256-1984 or visit their web site at www.renaissanceunity.org.
Show 16 Story 3
Are you looking for something different to do on your day off? Ever consider bowling? This is a sport that anyone can do. Bowling alley's all over the country are offering adaptive bowling clinics. If an alley in your area doesn't offer it, tell them about our show, and get them on the ball.
Show 16 Story 4
Wheelchair Sports USA is the governing body for the paralympics. If you want to compete, you must qualify at a Wheelchair Sports USA sanctioned event. These events are held throughout the country at all times of the year. Events include sled hockey, swimming, basketball, table tennis, billiards and shooting. We attended this track and field event earlier this year. The athletes here are competing to qualify for a national event. These competitions are a lot of fun, and they're a great way to meet people. Check out the Wheelchair Sports, USA web site at www.wsusa.org or call 719-574-1150.

Show 17 Story 1
Reading services for the blind and dyslexic. Our world is filled with the written word. Newspapers, books, manuals and magazines. We've learned about a wonderful program that helps the blind and dyslexic among us enjoy things that most of us take for granted. Programs like these are always looking for volunteers.
Show 17 Story 2
Cleveland, Ohio is home to the Indians, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and also played host to this years National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Hundreds of athletes from across the country came to test their medal against the best in the world.
Show 17 Story 3
We've heard of some pretty unusual fundraising ideas in the past, and this was one of the most unique we've seen. United Cerebral Palsy and the business community of Royal Oak teamed up for their annual indoor putt-putt golf tournament to raise funds for local charities.
Show 17 Story 4
Living without Limitations Expo at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Michigan. It was an amazing collection of products, programs and services.

Show 18 Story 1
Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with mental retardation to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers children and adults with mental retardation year-round training and competition in 26 Olympic type summer and winter sports. Special Olympics serves more than 1 million persons with mental retardation in over a 150 countries. That number is expected to double by the year 2005. For more information on how to participate check out their web site at www.specialolympics.org.
Show 18 Story 2
For the disabled, accessible activities can be hard to find. We were invited by the Michigan Outdoors Writers Association to fish for Muskie on Lake St. Clair. We went on the Muskie Mania Charter Boat. Michigan's Great Lakes are beautiful and everyone should get outdoors and enjoy it.
Show 18 Story 3
Disabilities Today went up to Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinac City and took a guided tour. The Fort had accessible pathways which made it easy to get around. We saw how the pioneers lived and the hardships they faced.
Show 18 Story 4
The Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour travels through six states. We caught up with them in Pontiac, Michigan the morning they arrived from Nebraska. By recognizing that disabled drivers can have fun with their cars too, Hot Rod magazine was able to increase participation at their events by 20%. We're glad Hot Rod magazine, iCan, and GM Mobility include the senior and disabled drivers in their Hot Rod Power Tours.

Show 19 Story 1
Summertime for many kids means a chance to go to camp. To explore the outdoors, go swimming, make new friends and enjoy the magic of a campfire. Our first story this week takes us to a camp that not only does all of these things it also empowers its young campers with confidence and independence. Camp Bold Eagle is a place where children with hemophilia can become empowered for a lifetime of adventures. For more information about Camp Bold Eagle call 1-800-482-3041 or visit their web site at www.hfmich.org.
Show 19 Story 2
Independence is certainly the goal for all of us and being able to get from place to place is a huge part of that equation. Disabilities Today works to find information that will make traveling a more enjoyable experience. Often, traveling can be a chore for the disabled. In this segment we show you a wonderful travel service that is definitely worth your consideration especially if you are traveling to or from the Rockie Mountains. The Lake Michigan Car ferry, the S.S. Badger travels between Wisconsin and Michigan saving you the drive around Lake Michigan. For additional information call 1-800-841-4243 or visit www.ssbadger.com.
Show 19 Story 3
Disabilities Today is always excited to show community involvement with the disabled. We took a trip to northern Michigan, and visited a Trout Pond. We talked with the local Sport Fishing Association of Michigan volunteers who take mentally disabled out of their group homes for a day of fishing at the Cedar Brook trout Farm.

Show 20 Story 1
Did you know that many communities in the country have programs available that help organize and facilitate community involvement for persons with disabilities. In Oakland County Michigan the combined efforts of Beaumont Hospital and the Oakland County Parks have established the “Community Connection” supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This group provides a wide variety of activities and educational opportunities that are all inclusive. We joined the Community Connection at a recent wheelchair football and softball clinic held at the Pontiac Silverdome. For more information about Community Connection activities contact: Sandy Dorey, CTRS: 248-858-7596 or Stella Husch, CTRS: 248-258-3766.
Show 20 Story 2
It was just a short time ago that noted talk show host Rush Limbaugh brought hearing loss and deafness to the attention of the nation. For this story we attend the National Self Help for the Hard of Hearing, or the Shhh Conference for short. New technologies and increased awareness are bringing about improvements that help enable the hard of hearing and Deaf making the world more inclusive for those that can't hear.
Show 20 Story 3
Paralyzed Veterans of America recently held a Bass Fishing Tournament for their members and friends. Thanks to the Bass Fishing Association for providing the captains, boats, and their experience to make this event a great success.

Show 21 Story 1
Our first story today is about creative expression…It's something we all like to do, and sometimes its not easy. Through art, expression can be enjoyable and fulfilling. The Art Experience is an art studio that can accommodate the disabled, even those that use a wheelchair.
Show 21 Story 2
Most everybody enjoys being outdoors. For those of us with disabilities not only is it good for our health but it can be a lot of fun. With the right adapted equipment we can have a great time at almost anything. Water skiing, Kayaking, hand cycling. With the right adapted equipment there is no sport we can't do.
Show 21 Story 3
Public facilities are used by everyone, including seniors and the disabled. Cities across the country are realizing the importance of Advisory Committees when it comes to designing before they build. In Dearborn Michigan, home of the Ford Motor Company, the results of using an advisory committee are outstanding.

Show 22 Story 1
The University of Pittsburgh and their Human Engineering Research Lab. It's a very special research lab where they test wheelchairs for durability, design and purpose.
Show 22 Story 2
Disabilities Today attended the 4th Annual Athletes With Disabilities Hall of Fame dinner. This years' keynote speaker is Ronan Tynan, member of the popular Irish Tenors. Ronan also happens to be a double amputee who has 18 gold medals and 14 world records. For information please go to: www.adhof.org.
Show 22 Story 3
The Athletes With Disabilities Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization, and like any non-profit, fund raising is extremely important. One of the ways this year event is being funded is through a special bike race. Greg LeMond, one of the world’s greatest cyclist joined Kevin Degan recently to raise money for this important event.
Show 22 Story 4
State Farm insurance recently sponsored a bicycle clinic to teach safety to riders of all ages and abilities. Did you know that injuries sustained while riding bicycles number in the thousands every year? Riders need to learn the do’s and don'ts of riding to ensure their own safety.

Show 23 Story 1
If you love old cars and fancy new ones the annual Woodward Dream Cruise is the place to be. This annual event held every August on Woodward Avenue, just north of Detroit, now draws over 1 million spectators and car enthusiasts from around the world. While there we spoke to the people from the Ford Mobility Program.
Show 23 Story 2
"When Irish Eyes are Smiling"…
Smiling is what Ireland is all about. Thanks to Tourism Ireland, Disabilities Today was invited to their beautiful Island to check out their number one industry. Hospitality and Tourism. We started our visit with an old friend, Mr. Harry Ellis. He is President of the Irish Wheelchair Association in Dublin. The association has over 13,000 members and over 50 resource centers. The Irish Wheelchair Association web site is www.iwa.ie For more information about Accessible Travel we recommend you visit the Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality.
Show 23 Story 3
Thanks to Irish Wheelchair Association and people like Mr. Liam McGuire, Ireland is becoming one of the most accessible countries in Europe. The Association took a great leap forward when they inherited a castle in county Roscommon. They named the castle "CUISLE", meaning love. To learn more about Castle Cuisle visit www.cuisle.com.
Show 23 Story 4
Horse Racing, the sport of Kings is alive and well in Ireland. Thanks to Mr. Willy Leahy there is a brand new museum dedicated to the history of horses in Ireland, The Dartfield Horse Museum and Park. You can visit the Dartfield Horse Museum at www.dartfieldhorsemuseum.com.