We firmly believe that, in order to change the world, you need to begin at the most basic connections: personal ones. Therefore, we take particular interest in the personal relationships that people with disabilities (PWD) and people without disabilities (PWOD) may wish to have with one another. To that end, AC has created a survey for each group, and it is our intent to use the information gleaned from these surveys in a book about disabilities and relationships. We also provide website links, information, opinions/advice, and personal stories that challenge the “accepted” (read: pity-filled, inspiration-based, infantilizing and medically focused) view of PWD in American culture. In this way, we hope to make disability more accessible, so to speak. In short, we want to make it easier for PWD and PWOD to get along, get it on and get on with it… romantically, platonically, sexually, and in all realms where interpersonal relationships are key to personal satisfaction and happiness.
And just maybe change the world in the process.
AC at Work! Here is just a partial list of some of the exciting work we're doing:
Recent presentations:
“Understanding Sexuality and Disability.”
New Jersey Association of Community Providers 28th Annual Conference – November 17-18, 2011 in Atlantic City.
“Sex and Caregiving: What They Never Taught You In Rehab.”
National Caregiver’s Conference in Iselin, NJ; October 27, 2011.
“But What’s Wrong With Him?” - How to Address Issues of Disability with Young Children
New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children’s Annual Conference in Atlantic City, NJ; October 14-15, 2011
Past presentations:
“Brain Injury and Sexuality: What Providers Need to Know”
National Association for State Head Injury Administrators and the North American Brain Injury Society’s Joint Annual Conference in Minneapolis, MN; October 2010.
“Aphasia and Sexuality”
Adler Aphasia Center in Maywood, NJ; December 2010.
“…But Were Afraid to Ask: A Social Worker’s Guide to Disability Etiquette”
NASW New Jersey Annual Conference in Atlantic City, NJ; May 2011.
“Accessible Connections: Dating, Disability and Doing It”
Abilities Expo – NY Metropolitan in Edison, NJ; May 2011
“The Biggest Sex Organ: How to Rediscover Your Mojo After Brain Injury”
Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania’s Annual Conference in Lancaster, PA; June 2011.
