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Wheels of Injustice: Lawsuit Exposes Airline’s Damage
of Passenger's Vital Wheelchair

Shannon was without her wheelchair for the 12-hour delay in Orlando, experiencing pain without the physical support it provides.

Dec 4, 2023
GOD BLESS US, EVERY ONE—NO, REALLY!
by Ben Mattlin

In Charles Dickens' immortal A Christmas Carol, Tiny Tim—the crutch-using young son of Bob Cratchit—is the epitome of a disability trope.

Dec 1, 2022
GOD BLESS US, EVERY ONE—NO, REALLY!
by Ben Mattlin

In Charles Dickens' immortal A Christmas Carol, Tiny Tim—the crutch-using young son of Bob Cratchit—is the epitome of a disability trope.

Dec 8, 2020
“Reasonable Accommodations” For All – Not Just Me
By Ben Mattlin

This summer, at the age of 57, I was finally able to fill out my own census form. In the past, I’ve had to have my wife do it for both of us. Bu

Oct 15, 2020
Ben Mattlin
Disabled People Like Me Have Always Been Vulnerable To disease. Let Us Show You The Ropes.
By Ben Mattlin

I keep hearing about how disabled people are panicked over COVID-19. As a disabled person, I know this is true. But media reports are missing an impor

May 6, 2020
Disability and Disease Aren’t Interchangeable

Not long ago, I was hired to do a sensitivity reading of a book manuscript, a guide for young adults about how people live with disabilities.

Mar 5, 2020
A Tale of Two Pretties
by Ben Mattlin
In late summer, two books by disabled women were published with strikingly similar titles: The Pretty One: On Life, Pop Culture, Disability, and Other Reasons to Fall in Love with Me by Keah Brown (Atria Books) and Such a Pretty Girl: A Story of Struggle, Empowerment, and Disability Pride by Nadina LaSpina (New Village Press).

Sep 23, 2019
SMA and Me: To Cure or Not To Cure, That is the Question
By Ben Mattlin

I was born before my disability could be diagnosed.  Now I'm told it can be cured.

Jun 19, 2019
HELP! I THINK I CREATED A WORD!
By Ben Mattlin

Watch the Today Show. Watch Dr. Phil. Read the Chicago Tribune. Go on YouTube. You'll see a new word that's causing a mild uproar.

Apr 8, 2019
No Straws? No Thanks!

Editor’s note: Suddenly, a lot of people are asking: “What’s the big deal about straws and disability?”

Jul 23, 2018
To Hell and Back: Disability Wisdom
By Ben Mattlin

In the first few days of this year, I was rushed to the emergency room. "We need help," I'd gasped to my wife before she dialed 911.

Apr 4, 2018
ALIVE AT 55! By Ben Mattlin

For someone like me - born with a progressive neuromuscular condition called spinal muscular atrophy - that feels like a big milestone.

Dec 5, 2017
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