Disabled… in SPACE!

Was perusing file770 a nerdy news aggregator and found this⤵️ announcement

so spread the word they’re looking for disabled applicants to ride a Vomit Comet,

did the preliminary research, it does not appear to be a scam, the parent organization SciAccess grew out of conversations at scientific conferences about equity and inclusion in STEM. Both ZERO-G social media pages have confirmed the partnership

MIT has been conducting annual flights of 50 students with the same company, ZERO-G, out of Fort Lauderdale, since 2016 (the link gives an idea of what experiments are like.)

(Taken from this LightHouse article)

"The goal of this mission is to bring together the largest and most diverse group of disabled crew members in a weightless environment, with the hopes to learn how to adapt and make accessible outer-space travel for disabled space explorers, scientists, and researchers. The Mission: AstroAccess parabolic flight is scheduled to take place on October 17, 2021, launching from Long Beach, California.

“Our mission is to change outer space and change the world. If you are a disabled person who is confident, enthusiastic, playful, and literally willing to float upside down to change the future, we are looking for you!” says Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen, Associate Professor of Linguistics at Bowling Green State University."

There is an impressive team behind AstroAccess, you can find the full list on their site here .

Here's a couple of those bios.

"Anna Voelker is the founder and Executive Director of the SciAccess Initiative, an international program dedicated to advancing disability inclusion in STEM. Through SciAccess, they lead numerous science inclusion initiatives, including an annual conference launched by their receipt of the 2018 Ohio State University President’s Prize. Anna specializes in accessible space science outreach for diverse learners and has worked extensively with blind and low vision students using 3D printing and data sonification. In June of 2021, Anna joined the Aspen Science Center as its new Executive Director. Anna is a 2018 Brooke Owens Fellow and previously worked at NASA Kennedy, NASA Goddard, the Space Telescope Science Institute, the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development, and the Aerospace Corporation."

"Eric Ingram is the Founder and CEO of SCOUT Inc., a company de-risking space operations with sensor suites that enable spacecraft to see and understand the area around them. He also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Space Frontier Foundation. He was previously an Aerospace Engineer for the Licensing and Evaluation Division of the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation, where he gained expertise in the regulatory environment. Prior to this, Eric was an engineer for Deep Space Industries, where he designed cubesat subsystems for testbed missions. Outside of the space industry, Eric previously served as the President of the United States Wheelchair Rugby Association, leading the USWRA to its largest budget surplus in its 30+ year history. Eric has competed in the sport of wheelchair rugby for 15+ years, competing domestically for several club teams, and internationally with the US Developmental team. Eric holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Old Dominion University, most of a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston, a sport pilot certificate, and is working towards SCUBA certification."

"Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen is an associate professor of linguistics  at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. Along with various aspects of astrobiology, her research interests include social aspects of human colonization,  disability, the relationship between language, embodiment and thought, language evolution and ways in which alternative sensory inputs could influence the evolution of scientific thought. She is on the board of SOCIA (Social and Conceptual Issues in Astrobiology and METI (Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence) International."

"Dr Jamie L. Molaro is the Executive Director of Disabled for Accessibility in Space (DIAS).  Dr. Molaro is a planetary scientist at the Planetary Science Institute and located geographically with host institution the Caltech/Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Her research focuses on understanding the way that rocky and icy materials fracture and break down, driving landscape evolution on asteroids, comets, and moons. She is also a team member on NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission to retrieve a sample of rock from an asteroid surface. Service is an integral part of Molaro’s career, including organizing and running exhibitions and workshops on science and data-driven art, and leading DAIS (Disabled for Accessibility in Space). DAIS is a peer networking, support, and advocacy group for disabled and chronically ill people in space science and related fields and professions, and proud collaborator in Mission: AstroAccess."

Y'all sit down because imma tell you about this wild story that happened in my hometown

So this local artist got paid real good money by the "owner" of this building to paint this custom mural on the side of his building. So he did and this is the end result (I'll get to the white paint on it in a sec)

Flash forward to like a few days later and the artist gets a call from the real owner of the building who came back from vacation to see this painted on the side of his building and is like the fuck did you paint on my building, so the artist says um you hired me to paint this? And the owner gets hella mad and in the end just hangs up because what else is he gonna do. The artist is just confused as hell because he thought he did a good job and that it's what his client wanted. Plus he got his money so he's left with these feelings of what the fuck just happened.

Meanwhile this shit has gained a cult following so when the owner eventually paints over it in white people lose their shit and protest, even bringing things to leave there like flowers and posters and make frequent pilgrimages there. However, since the painters didn't use the right paint the mural comes back due to rain/snow exposure, as pictured here.

I told my husband the story and we were just driving around the city today so we went and checked it out. We didn't stop so I just got a couple pictures of it while we drove by. Still glad I got to see this legendary piece of such a bizarre story.

The artist has tried to get in contact with the fake artist (he even met him in person before painting the mural) but no luck so I'm really hoping this person reveals themselves eventually. In the mean time, the owner has decided to paint a replacement mural more fitting for the city and tried to make amends with the artist after their initial heated conversation. So I'm eager to see what happens next with this crazy tale.

Link to the story, this is 100% true:

Had to leave the apartment (for the 1st time in 2...possibly 3 months) for an appointment

and guess

what I got to see

(Exactly the same thing OP saw... OP just got much better photos, lol)

 “As a disabled person, you don’t have anyone to look to or learn from and no one hands you a book and says, ‘This is how you do things,’…You just have to figure things out and I worry that a lot of disabled people probably think they can’t cook"

@slowlymadeart did you mention something like this

In terms of we don’t have it yet and we need it

I. DID.

I wanted to say something when I learned about this, but figured anyone who saw me post anything on the subject- forgot I posted anything.

This is awesome though. (I can't eat a bunch of these ingredients, but still, there are so many helpful things).

I feel a sense of duty to report that she appears to be kicking some serious ass.

(just checked out her website).

Katie Pennick is a disability campaigner, journalist and broadcaster based in London, UK (Totally pulled that from her website ) She's currently host of a podcast called/for the organization, Transport for All , a podcast to explore and raise awareness on disability and public transit.

I know I haven't been posting much due to health and anxiety, but my partner, Billy Billiam Billocelot, made this insta account (purely for fun) for our newest guinea Pig, Shepard. (Sheppity Shep-Shep McSheppers).

[Image description and alt text for a nine-image comic.]

Image 1. [An illustration of a crying person walking away from a sad-faced moon, star, strawberry, bunny, and fish.] Why your friend with chronic illness/pain might not want to hang out.

Image 2. Chronic illnesses can have many different symptoms and can be “invisible”.  [In the middle of the image, the crying person’s face is underneath a rain cloud. Their face is surrounded by the words “diarrhea”, “constipation”, “back pain”, “headache”, “fatigue”, “nausea”. The bottom text reads: “(and that’s just to name a few)”.]

Image 3. You’d think your friend would want some extra love when they are struggling… and you’re probably right! [The star frowns and holds a cell phone. The phone says, “The number you have dialed is unavailable”. A dotted line from the phone leads to a heart.] So why are they isolating themself?

Image 4. [The person, strawberry, and fish stand next to a table with a pizza. The person looks alarmed and there are three exclamation points above their head.] Things to consider: social “norms” → something that may seem simple to you like eating out can be hard for many people! Whether you struggle with dietary restrictions, panic attacks from dining out socially, or have a complicated relationship with food + eating. What’s easy for you might be hard for a loved one…

Image 5. [At the top of the image, the word “Mobility” is surrounded by a circle of lines.] Long road trips or a day at the beach can sound fun when you’re healthy… but for a lot of people who have chronic pain or illness, it can be challenging with a lot of pressure + stress from potential risks you may not realize they have to consider! Like sitting for long periods of time or available bathrooms! [The bunny and the moon think, “perfect weather for the beach!” The moon holds a beach umbrella. The person is next to them, thinking about a toilet.]

Image 6. [The person sleeps under a blanket.] Dealing with pain + illness can often lead to depression which can make obligations like returning messages and keeping dates hard for someone who’s struggling to take care of themself, even if they love and miss you! [Three yellow flowers with sad faces.]

Image 7. Why them and not me? [In the top left, the star thinks, “I just wanted to go to the bar?”] It can be hard and confusing to see someone you love choose to lean on someone else and not you!!! But try and be understanding and not take everything too personally. They might be able to connect in a really needed way right now. It doesn’t mean they love you any less! [In the bottom right, the person talks to a mouse. The mouse says “Oh ya! I have panic attacks in crowds too!”]

Image 8. For people dealing with something chronic it often means they will always be battling and trying to find ways to manage through things like: medication, diet, lifestyle, surgery, and much more. [The person looks overwhelmed. They are surrounded by a long paper list, three pills, and a broken heart.] Whether diagnosis is new, old, or still being awaited, it can be a painful and scary process!

Image 9. So what can you do? Be patient, loving, and open to this process with them! Be prepared to listen and meet them where they are at! [In the middle of the image, the crying person hugs the moon, star, strawberry, bunny, and fish. All are smiling.] Ask what you can do to make them feel safe and heard!!! Communicate needs and boundaries in a kind and considerate way! Treat each other tenderly because you never know what someone may be struggling through!

[End image description and alt text.]

Does anyone have recommendations for ergonomic seating with connective tissue disorders?

Or even tips for someone who sits/lays down all the time. (Fellow bedridden folk?)

I can't sit up without getting a migraine, or worsening neck pain, and my shoulders keep being pushed forward and it's inflaming my costochondritis. My entire ribcage feels like it's being crushhed into a ball. Sudden sharp stabs of pain under my collar bone from the odd shoulder positions.

When I make art, I'm somehow I'm sitting in a position that causes more fatigue and pain.

So now making art has more of an impact than a day filled with super duper light physical activities.

Move around more is a good tip.

"Get that spine checked out" is something I'm working on.

But the chair situation.

I have no idea what to do.

I felt like gaming chairs might be a good way to go. Possibly...

And then there's the truth that you never really know what you're getting until you're sitting in it. And I can't get out to try any.

And a trusted ergonomic chair is an expensive investment.

I sit 99% of the time. 1% is just me walking to the bathroom or kitchen.

Heating pads, OTC pain meds, stretching and massaging neck muscles are not helping.

(Bah, I guess what I need it a guide on being bedridden lol?).

I know this is kinda vague.

Does anyone have experience with this type of thing?

Sincerely, 

Thank you.

Image descriptions (incomplete) and text transcripts below the cut:

Keep reading

Hi all,

I’m looking for people who have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome to take part in a study. I have EDS myself and I have decided that I want to do psychology research into it for my psychology undergraduate dissertation. 

The study is looking at how beliefs of stigmatisation by others, self-stigmatisation and perceived control impact life satisfaction in those with EDS. This is an area which hasnt been explored in EDS research before and so the research will be the first of it’s kind! Also the study is completely anonymous so no one will know who has taken part.

Please let me know if you are interested or not or if you have any questions at all let me know! Please dont feel like you have to take part, but it would be great if you could, or even if you could just share this post!

All the best!

This is the link for anyone who wants to do the study - 

https://buckingham.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/to-what-extent-do-perceptions-of-stigmatisation-by-others