Able Rise

In March 2015, Rebecca Moore fractured her ankle in a bad bike accident on her way to school, leaving her temporarily disabled. Having had an unremarkable medical history before, she had no direct experience to draw on to understand the daily difficulties, challenges, and lack of understanding faced by the disabled. This injury forever changed her perspective.

Rebecca had never understood just how hard it was to have a disability. It wasn’t just an issue of getting around, either, but the trite messages of “Stay positive” that were placeholders strangers would give her, needing to acknowledge her condition but not caring enough to ask her how she’s really doing, or hear her struggles. Rebecca was isolated, unable to get together with her people and struggling to stay on top of her life, but there was nothing for her beyond cursory greetings, and the occasional door held open. Fortunately, Rebecca’s condition was temporary and easily resolved, but there are millions of people for whom that is simply not the case.

Rebecca teamed up with her best friend and amateur web developer, Martin, to launch AbleRise, a site designed to empower the disabled as well as their friends & family with resources, with the ultimate goal of fostering community mechanisms for seamless acceptance and assistance for those coping with any measure of disability. Perspective is a funny thing, as is understanding. It’s really important that we make sure we provide not just the means of accommodation, but true support for the people behind these conditions. Let’s rally and learn what we can REALLY do to make a positive difference.

One thing Rebecca and Martin are researching is what’s missing in the disability accommodations world. Instead of perpetuating cycles of assuming needs, please help by filling out this form. This research will fuel their campaign to build out more disability resources and make the world a bit more caring.

• Disability.gov is likely the best starting point for disability resources.
• DisabilityResources.org sorts out resources by state and by disability.
• The United States Department of Labor page aims to help those with disabilities to find jobs and enjoy successful careers.
• “The National Council on Independent Living is the longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities.” Here you will find resources, support groups, events, and even efforts to drive policy changes.
• Driven by the University of Minnesota, Self-Advocacy Online is a fantastic resource for self-empowerment, no matter the disability being faced.