Alexander Yellen is a cinematographer and director in Hollywood. He has worked on feature films, television shows, and has won awards for his work in the industry. He is currently working on a project that he shot a concept of, Daruma. The two main characters in this film happen to have disabilities. It was ... Read more
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Tanna Frederick Issue
A Blind Eye
I just returned home from a quasi-urgent visit to a cornea specialist. My optometrist has been treating me for some vision problems, including developing a haze over the center of my left cornea, which was distorting my vision. The cornea is the clear center of the eye. It is the lens that allows light ... Read more
John Williams’ Battle with Parkinson’s Disease
Recently a friend and I were discussing politics. He supported the present administration’s Immigration policies; and I don’t. Every time he made a point, I countered with what I believe was a more valid point. He became so angry that he said, ‘Go to Hell.’ I replied, “I have been to Hell and back ... Read more
Xian Baokang: A Violin Craftsman in a Silent World
The results of the Violin Society of America (VSA) international competition in November 1998 came as a shock: The higher-than-usual judging criteria had cut the list of winners so short, that many hopeful candidates from Europe and America did not make it. Three that won the certificate of merit for tone were listed alphabetically ... Read more
Ashley Fiolek — MX schools
Its summer time and my MX schools are rocking out! As I mentioned before, my classes have been on the East coast this summer instead of on the West. I’m excited to be over on the East, less driving for me and the weather has been beautiful! My first class was in Illinois. I ... Read more
Gale Buchanan former USDA Chief Scientist
Recently, U.S. Department of Agriculture made a controversial move to relocate its Washington, DC offices of Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NFIA) to Kansas City. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Purdue, attributed the move to a cost cutting measure as well as a move that should bring USDA scientists ... Read more
Tanna Frederick — “Two Ways Home”
Tanna Frederick is best known for her stage and independent film career. However she is also a writer, producer, marathon runner and the founder of “Iowa Independent Film Festival”. She is also co-founded the “Project Save Our Surf”, dedicated to ocean conservation, with a deep connection to surfing. Her new movie has a lot ... Read more
Daruma — A Film Wish Coming True
Name one indie movie you’ve seen lately. Would you be able to name an actor in an indie movie? What exactly is an indie movie and why do we care? Great question, I’m glad you asked. An indie, or independent film, is thought of as a film that is produced outside the major film studio system, in ... Read more
The Great Fall
Yes, I know it sounds exciting to spend some time in a wheelchair; the primo handicap spots, zipping downhills, boarding a plane first, getting moved to the front of the line at Disneyland, etc. Oh, the perks. Maybe it’s been a dream of yours but being a disabled person for over thirty years it’s ... Read more
The Peanut Butter Falcon — Actor Zack Gottsagen & Advocate Shelley Gottsagen
An actor with disabilities is born to a disability rights activist. It seems like a far-fetched Hollywood script, but, in reality, it’s 100% true. Meet the Gottsagen—Zack whose breakout role in Peanut Butter Falcon has put him on the map and his mother, Shelley, whose activism for disability rights predates her son. ABILITY Magazine ... Read more
