Soulfree

09/09/2026

COMEDIAN KARIN FEKKO TURNS DISABILITY INTO POWERFUL STORYTELLING-
After keeping her multiple sclerosis diagnosis private for 17 years, Karin Fekko transformed her experiences with disability, ableism, and self-acceptance into acclaimed solo performances that use humor to address difficult and often misunderstood subjects.
Her new show, Who’s Gonna Push Your Wheelchair?, explores domestic abuse, financial hardship, family estrangement, and the impact of internalized ableism, while challenging stereotypes about invisible disabilities and advocating for greater awareness of life with MS.
Read all about: Karin Fekko’s journey from hiding her MS diagnosis to using comedy and storytelling to confront stigma, resilience, and disability identity.

Interview with Karin Fekko about her new show at Toronto's Sweet Action Theatre

08/09/2026

WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE SUPERYACHT LAUNCHED -
Turkish shipyard Soyaslan Marine has launched Lointaine, the first 35-metre yacht in its Dionysos 35 series, designed with a fully accessible layout featuring three lifts, widened walkways, and wheelchair access across all decks. The yacht accommodates 12 guests, combines luxury amenities with inclusive design, and can reach a top speed of 12.5 knots with a cruising range of 3,450 nautical miles
Read all about: Lointaine, the pioneering accessible superyacht setting a new standard for inclusivity in luxury yachting

https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/soyaslan-marine-dionysos-35-accessible-superyacht-lointaine-launch
# Quadriplegic

Turkish builder Soyaslan Marine has announced the launch of its 35.2-metre custom superyacht Lointaine, built around a fully wheelchair-accessible architectural layout.

07/09/2026

NEW MOBILITY STORE HELPS RESTORE INDEPENDENCE-

Mobility City of Grand Rapids has opened a new store in Grandville offering wheelchairs, power chairs, scooters, rentals, and repair services, with co-owner Natalie DeVries drawing on her own experience living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and using a wheelchair
The family-run business aims to help people with disabilities and seniors regain freedom and mobility by providing personalized solutions, repairs, and support that improve independence and quality of life.
Read all about: A new Grandville mobility store created by a wheelchair user to help others live more independent, barrier-free lives.

A new Grandville store is offering mobility equipment and repairs to help people regain their freedom and independence — and it was built by someone who knows firsthand what that means.

06/09/2026

FITTEST SEATED WOMAN ON EARTH DEFENDS WORLD TITLE-

Cedarburg’s Hope Kittel successfully defended her WheelWOD Adaptive CrossFit Games championship in San Jose, earning the title of “Fittest Seated Woman on Earth” for a second time while competing against nearly 250 adaptive athletes from more than 25 countries.
A quadriplegic who lost her voice and developed amnesia after a neurological event, Kittel says adaptive CrossFit helped her discover her strength and inspire others, and she is now preparing for an adaptive marathon while writing a memoir.
Read all about: Hope Kittel’s journey from life-changing disability to becoming a two-time adaptive CrossFit world champion.

Hope Kittel of Cedarburg has defended her world title at the WheelWOD Adaptive CrossFit Games in San Jose, earning the title of "Fittest Seated Woman on Earth" for the second time.

05/09/2026

LOVE, HOPE, AND SURROGACY-
A quadriplegic woman fulfilled her dream of becoming a mother through surrogacy, demonstrating how determination, family support, and modern reproductive options can help overcome significant physical challenges.
Her journey highlights the emotional ups and downs of parenthood, the importance of hope and resilience, and the joy of building a family despite obstacles.
Read all about: A quadriplegic mother's inspiring path to parenthood through surrogacy.

Leading surrogacy agency matching surrogates and intended parents with expert guidance and compassionate support for over 30 years.

04/09/2026

LOVE, RESILIENCE AND COMMITMENT-
Nguyen Thuy Truc from Vinh Long left her office job to care for and marry Nguyen Chanh Tin, a man who became quadriplegic after a traffic accident, dedicating years to learning caregiving skills while supporting his rehabilitation and daily life.
Despite the physical, emotional, and financial challenges, the couple built a stable life together, with Truc becoming a yoga teacher and Tin working online and writing books, and she says she has never regretted her decision after six years of marriage and companionship.
Read all about: A woman’s unwavering commitment to her quadriplegic husband and how their shared determination created a fulfilling life together.

Despite facing many difficulties after marrying a man with quadriplegia, Nguyen Thuy Truc (Vinh Long) still finds happiness and lives in her own little world.

03/09/2026

OVERCOMING SPINAL CORD INJURY: MARY MWANIKI’S STORY OF RESILIENCE -
After a spinal cord injury dramatically changed her life, Mary Mwaniki faced significant physical and emotional challenges but remained determined to adapt, rebuild her independence, and move forward with resilience.
Her journey highlights the importance of perseverance, family and community support, and a positive mindset in overcoming adversity and creating a meaningful life after injury.
Read all about: Mary Mwaniki’s inspiring story shows how courage, determination, and support can help individuals overcome life-changing challenges.

Editorial Overcoming Spinal Cord Injury: Mary Mwaniki’s Story of Resilience 1 week ago932 Views12 Min Read This article was originally published in the August issue of 2010 By Tabitha Onyinge It is rare that a tree crashes onto a moving vehicle. It is even rarer that a tree crashes onto a car movi...

03/09/2026

What if we questioned the things we think we know about disability?
Maathiyosi. Think differently. Be the change.

02/09/2026

RECORD-BREAKING PARA ATHLETE WITH SPINA BIFIDA INSPIRES OTHERS TO PUSH BEYOND LIMITS -

Born with spina bifida, Conner Hunt underwent numerous surgeries throughout childhood to address complications including hydrocephalus, clubfoot, bladder issues, and bowel management, but with the support of a multidisciplinary care team he gained greater independence and quality of life.
Despite these challenges, Conner became a record-breaking para athlete, winning 12 state championships and four national titles in seated track racing, and now plans to continue his athletic career at the University of Cincinnati while encouraging others to pursue their goals without letting disabilities define them.
Read all about: Conner Hunt’s journey shows how determination, family support, and specialized medical care can help individuals with spina bifida achieve extraordinary success.

Born with spina bifida, Conner is a record-breaking para athlete with multiple state titles.

01/09/2026

DISABILITY INCLUSION ADVOCATE AFTER LIFE-CHANGING INJURY -
Amanda Parezo, a Philadelphia occupational therapist and Thomas Jefferson University professor, was paralyzed by a stray bullet in 2021 and has since become a strong advocate for disability inclusion, pushing for accessible infrastructure, wheelchair-friendly public spaces, and adaptive sports opportunities. She also promotes community awareness through events like Life Rolls On's adaptive surfing program, showing how inclusion and accessibility can help people with disabilities fully participate in everyday life.
Read all about: Parezo’s journey from surviving a spinal cord injury to championing accessibility, adaptive sports, and greater disability inclusion in Philadelphia and beyond.

Read all about …………..

An occupational therapist paralyzed by a stray bullet in 2021 is pushing for accessible walkways, adaptive sports and disability inclusion across Philadelphia.