THE EDITOR IN CHIEF'S DESK FAYE SIMON

Moving Moments

When people lose their mobility, they understand the barriers that prevent them and others from accessing their needs.

Mobility means our ability to move. Mobility enables independent access to the necessities we require to thrive: food, nature, community, and essential goods and services. Mobility allows us to get to places we want to go, and do many of the activities we enjoy. When people start to lose their mobility, that's when they really begin to understand the barriers that exist in society to those with limited or different mobility.

Lauren Agoratus points out in her May article “Why is Transportation for People with Disabilities So Difficult?” that “Many individuals with disabilities do not have the luxury of an expensive, accessible vehicle, so they must rely on public transportation. However, there are many obstacles to finding reliable transportation.” She offers several suggestions to aid those facing these difficulties

Often, people with mobility challenges encounter barriers that others without them may fail to even notice. Gary Jenkins, stroke victim and father of contributor Jenna Jenkins, says "All human beings should be able to go to the same store. Even when you think of cobblestone, people mean well to preserve the beauty, but it's a huge trip hazard and not accessible to wheelchair users."

Examples of motivated and resourceful people overcoming hurdles are described in Pam Aasen's article "A Therapy Journey: Putting the Pieces Together" and "Matthew's Memo" written by Lorene Reagan.

I was honored to attend and report on a recent event at the Hackensack University Medical Center; Shane McCooe, a sevenyear-old cancer patient and passionate football fan, recieved a vist from former New

York Giant quarterback, Eli Manning. Organized by Tackle Kids Cancer and A Children's Place, the event was a special moment for Shane and inspirational and moving for all in attendance.

EP Magazine’s goal is to become more and more accessible for people on the go, by optimizing our content for mobile devices like cellphones and tablets. We are also aiming to expand our reach to the special needs community with a meaningful and growing presence on social media. Join us and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/exceptionalparentmag, share our Instagram feed at instagram.com/epmzine , and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/epmzine.

"Shane McCooe, a seven year-old cancer patient and passionate football fan, recieved a visit from former New York Giant quarterback Eli Manning."

If you have an inspiring story or video showing "ability in disability" that you would like to share, please contact me at fsimon@epmagazine.com

Faye Simon

Editor In Chief

THE EDITOR IN CHIEF'S DESK

Faye Simon is a certified pre-K—8 teacher with a wide range of educational experience. She has worked in deaf/blind and infant stimulation programs, taught K—2 in public schools, and was a Head Teacher and Parent Coordinator for Head Start. She is Founder and President of the volunteer-run IES Brain Research Foundation. As EP's Editor In Chief, Faye sources and edits articles, creates partnerships with businesses and not-for-profit organizations, and develops relationships with EP's writers, corporate partners, readers and staff.

Information and Support for the Special Needs Community

VOLUME 53 ISSUE 5 ESTABLISHED 1971

Publisher

Len Harac

lharac@epmagazine.com

Editior In Chief

Faye Simon

fsimon@epmagazine.com

Art Direction & Design

Leverett Cooper

lev@foxprintdesign.com

EXCEPTIONAL PARENT MEDIA

Exceptional Parent (ISSN 0046-9157) is published monthly 12 times per year including the special January EP Guide - Navigating Special Needs Resources by Exceptional Parent Magazine, 1360 Clifton Avenue, Ste. 327, Clifton, NJ 07012 Internet address: epmagazine.com. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2023 by Exceptional Parent Magazine,. Exceptional Parent™ is a registered trademark of Exceptional Parent Magazine. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Exceptional Parent,1360 Clifton Avenue, Ste. 327, Clifton, NJ 07012. Any applicable periodical postage paid at Clifton, NJ and additional mailing offices (USPS 557-810). Basic annual subscription for EP Digital is free. Limited edition print subscription $199.00. Subscriber Service: Direct all inquiries & address changes to: Exceptional Parent, 1360 Clifton Avenue, Ste. 327, Clifton, NJ 07012 08758. Customer Service/New Orders: E-mail: fsimon@epmagazine.com or call (973) 726-6218. Back issues incur a charge of $17 each with shipping, (January issue $20 when requested) and depend upon availability. Call (973) 726-6218. Agreement #1420542