Able Newspaper

Able Newspaper Able News, a publication of The Viscardi Center, serves as a resource for amplifying perspectives of New York’s diverse, vibrant disability community.

Ali Stroker made history on Broadway—and she’s just getting started in shining the spotlight on disability.Read Esme Maz...
07/28/2025

Ali Stroker made history on Broadway—and she’s just getting started in shining the spotlight on disability.

Read Esme Mazzeo’s profile of Ali in the ADA 35 edition of Able News:

https://ablenews.com/ada-35-leaders-of-today-ali-stroker/

📌Able News articles are for and by the disability community. An annual subscription for $18 unlocks the full articles and helps support our contributors!

Image description: Ali Stroker, a woman with short blonde hair and fair skin, is shown seated in a wheelchair, holding up a Tony Award in her right hand and smiling while speaking into a microphone. She wears a bright yellow off-the-shoulder gown. Text around her reads: “Ali Stroker,” “Stage and TV actor,” “1st wheelchair user on Broadway,” “Tony Award winner,” and “Author of young adult novels.” The Able News and ADA 35 logos appear at the top of the image against a navy background.

35 years ago today, history was made.On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, a ...
07/26/2025

35 years ago today, history was made.

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, a landmark moment in the fight for disability rights.

This legislation was hard-won by activists who rolled, marched, protested, and demanded justice.

We honor their legacy!

📌Check out our Edition of Able News celebrating 35 disability advocates.

https://ablenews.com/ada-35/

📌 Subscribe today with promo code PRIDE and get a discounted 1-year subscription for $15! Valid until August 31, 2025.

Image description: A graphic with a bold, torn paper design marking the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. At the top, the Able News logo with the Viscardi Center is displayed. Large text reads: “35 YEARS AGO — On July 26th 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law.” The background is layered with a blue paintbrush texture behind the text. Below, a powerful black-and-white photo shows disabled activists, many in wheelchairs, protesting and holding a U.S. flag with stars arranged in a disability symbol. The photo is outlined in dark yellow for emphasis.

Looking for local events, advocacy opportunities, or social meetups? We’ve curated a growing list with the disability co...
07/25/2025

Looking for local events, advocacy opportunities, or social meetups?

We’ve curated a growing list with the disability community in mind.

Visit 👉 ablenews.com/connect-learn-advocate or find the link in our bio.

Image Descriptions:
1. A graphic with a bold blue paintbrush design across the center reads: “Disability Community Events.” At the top is the Able News logo with the text “at The Viscardi Center.” At the bottom, it says, “Discover our curated calendar.” An icon of a calendar and a right arrow sit beside the text.

2. A matching blue-and-white graphic. Large text reads: “Visit ablenews.com/connect-learn-advocate” with the URL styled in a capsule-shaped white box. The background has a textured, crumpled-paper look for visual interest.

07/24/2025

Spanning multiple careers to become a powerhouse disability advocate, Michael Schweinsburg transformed NYC’s disability political landscape as President of the 504 Democratic Club.

Warren Shaw, founder of DisabilityHistoryNYC.com, shares Michael’s story in the ADA 35 edition of Able News. Read more via the link in our bio.

📌 Able News articles are for and by the disability community. An annual subscription for $18 unlocks the full articles and helps support our contributors!

Video description: The image shows Michael Schweinsburg and another advocates holding protest signs—one reads “HANDS OFF THE DISABLED,” the other “HANDS OFF OUR RIGHTS.” The background includes the Able News and ADA 35 logos and a blue wrinkled paper backdrop. Animated text read by a male voiceover says: “Michael Schweinsburg
From comedy writer to international shipping exec… to one of the most influential disability rights leaders in New York. Michael Schweinsburg didn’t take a traditional path to advocacy—but his impact has been anything but ordinary. As President of the 504 Democratic Club, he’s helped transform disability rights from an afterthought into a political force. Learn about Schweinsburg in the ADA35 edition of Able News.“

Check out a few more articles from the July issue of Able News:https://ablenews.com/july-2025/Amplifying Disability Cult...
07/23/2025

Check out a few more articles from the July issue of Able News:

https://ablenews.com/july-2025/

Amplifying Disability Culture and Disability Joy” By Arthur Gwynne

“35 Years of the ADA: A Milestone, Not a Finish Line” By Marcus Johnson

“Bringing the Americans with Disabilities Act to Life” By Rebecca Williford, President & CEO, Disability Rights Advocates

“Meet Shameka Andrews” By Emily Ladau

“Accessible Beaches to Visit on Long Island” By Crystal C. Long

📌 Able News articles are for and by the disability community. Subscribe today with promo code PRIDE and get a discounted 1-year subscription for $15! Valid until August 31, 2025.

Image descriptions:
1. “Amplifying Disability Culture and Disability Joy” A vibrant group of disabled and non-disabled people pose together on a red carpet. Two individuals use wheelchairs, one person uses a white cane, and the mood is joyful and affirming capturing the essence of disability culture and community joy.

2. “35 Years of the ADA: A Milestone, Not a Finish Line” A close-up shot of a person using a manual wheelchair, shown from behind as they approach a set of stairs in the sunlight. The image emphasizes the challenges of physical inaccessibility.

3. “Bringing the Americans with Disabilities Act to Life” A photograph of the U.S. Supreme Court building, taken from below to highlight its classical architecture. The marble facade reads “EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW” beneath sculpted figures.

4. “Meet Shameka Andrews” A portrait of Shameka Andrews, smiling softly at the camera. She wears a deep magenta turban and matching sweater, along with dark-rimmed glasses. She is seated in her wheelchair outdoors.

5. “Accessible Beaches to Visit on Long Island”
A bright sunny day on a wide, wooden boardwalk stretching far into the distance along the beach. In the distance, the silhouette of a tall tower stands against the blue sky with scattered clouds, suggesting scenic accessibility and leisure.

4. “Meet Shameka Andrews” A portrait of Shameka Andrews, smiling softly at the camera. She wears a deep magenta turban and matching sweater, along with dark-rimmed glasses. She is seated in her wheelchair outdoors, with a grassy area and mulch in the background.

5. “Accessible Beaches to Visit on Long Island”
A bright sunny day on a wide, wooden boardwalk stretching far into the distance along the beach. Lampposts line the walkway, and a few benches are spaced out on the sides. In the distance, the silhouette of a tall tower stands against the blue sky with scattered clouds, suggesting scenic accessibility and leisure.

Paralympic champion Steve Serio found empowerment through adaptive sports—and now works hard to make sure others have th...
07/22/2025

Paralympic champion Steve Serio found empowerment through adaptive sports—and now works hard to make sure others have the same opportunity.

Christopher Alvarez shares Steve’s story in the ADA 35 edition of Able News:

https://ablenews.com/ada-35-leaders-of-today-steve-serio/

Image description:
A celebratory graphic from Able News and The Viscardi Center honoring Steve Serio for the 35th anniversary of the ADA. The background features a textured deep blue with artistic white brush strokes. At the top, the logos for Able News and ADA 35 appear. Bold yellow text reads “Steve Serio,” followed by a large white quote: “I always remind athletes that the goal for paraathletes isn’t only to be the best versions of themselves as athletes, but to be the voice of people who feel like society doesn’t see them.” Below the quote, Steve Serio is smiling brightly, wearing a blue Team USA jacket and draped in a basketball net like a medal. He proudly holds a large American flag across his chest. A playful yellow arrow points toward him. A small label at the bottom reads: “Photo credit: Michael A. Clubine.”

She was told to drop out of school after spinal surgery. She said no.“Accessibility Ace” Isabel Mavrides-Calderón is fig...
07/21/2025

She was told to drop out of school after spinal surgery. She said no.

“Accessibility Ace” Isabel Mavrides-Calderón is fighting for policy change and leading a new wave of disability advocacy.

Kat Powers shares Isabel’s story in the ADA 35 edition of Able News: https://ablenews.com/ada-35-leaders-of-today-isabel-mavrides-calderon/

📌 Able News articles are for and by the disability community. Subscribe today with promo code PRIDE and get a discounted 1-year subscription for $15! Valid until August 31, 2025.

Image descriptions:
1. A promotional graphic from Able News and the Viscardi Center celebrating the 35th anniversary of the ADA. At the top, it reads “Isabel Mavrides-Calderón” in bold white text on a blue banner. Below, the phrase “Fighting for policy change” appears in gray lettering. The bottom half shows Isabel smiling and holding a colorful protest sign that reads: “Disabled people don’t need pity, we need policy change!” She’s wearing a plaid jacket and standing against a background of white and blue with paint splatter accents and a playful blue arrow pointing toward her.

2. A clean, simple promotional graphic with a white and navy blue color scheme. The Able News and ADA 35 logos are displayed at the top. In the center, bold black text reads: “Find Isabel’s story in the ADA 35 edition of Able News,” with “Able News” highlighted in blue. The bottom of the image features a navy paint-splatter effect against the white backdrop.

07/18/2025

Carr Massi has spent over 50 years fighting for access, independence, and disability representation.

Warren Shaw, founder of DisabilityHistoryNYC.com, shares Carr’s story in the ADA 35 edition of Able News.

https://ablenews.com/ada-35-leaders-of-today-carr-massi/

📌 Able News articles are for and by the disability community. Subscribe today with promo code PRIDE and get a discounted 1-year subscription for $15! Valid until August 31, 2025.

Video description: A cutout of Carr floats over a blue background with her name, captions abd the Able News logo above. Voiceover and captions say: “Carr Massi is the quiet force behind decades of disability rights in New York City. From rallying in the streets to mentoring young women with disabilities, she’s shaped policies, built institutions, and opened doors—literally and figuratively. Now 94, she’s still raising her voice and refusing to back down. Discover how Carr’s work became a foundation for generations in the ADA 35 edition of Able News.”

Check out a few of the July articles in Able News:“Defined by Disability: 40 Years After the Proclamation, What’s Next?”...
07/17/2025

Check out a few of the July articles in Able News:

“Defined by Disability: 40 Years After the Proclamation, What’s Next?” By Lawrence Carter-Long, Director of Engagement, ReelAbilities International

https://ablenews.com/defined-by-disability-40-years-after-the-proclamation-whats-next/

“The First Disability Pride Month in NYC” By Warren Shaw, Disability Historian, DisabilityHistoryNYC.com

https://ablenews.com/the-first-disability-pride-month-in-nyc/

🗞️ Dive into the full edition now and celebrate the power of disability culture with us!

📌 Able News articles are for and by the disability community. Subscribe today with promo code PRIDE and get a discounted 1-year subscription for $15! Valid until August 31, 2025.

Image Descriptions:
1. Able News article feature. “Defined by Disability: 40 Years After the Proclamation, What’s Next?” by Lawrence Carter-Long, Director of Engagement, ReelAbilities International. A purple badge reads “July 2025.” A photo of six disabled individuals standing and sitting in front of a concrete wall. The group is diverse in race, gender, body type, and disability presentation. A woman in the center holds a small chalkboard sign that reads, “disabled + HERE.” A woman in a manual wheelchair is seated at the front.

2. Title reads, “The First Disability Pride Month in NYC” by Warren Shaw, Disability Historian, DisabilityHistoryNYC.com. A purple badge reads “July 2025.” The photo below shows four people standing side by side indoors, smiling at the camera. One person holds a framed proclamation from the Office of the Mayor. Behind them are posters related to accessible transit in New York City. The setting is warm and historical, highlighting advocacy and recognition.

Who tells the story matters.Journalist Wendy Lu is reframing how disability is covered in the media—while paving the way...
07/16/2025

Who tells the story matters.

Journalist Wendy Lu is reframing how disability is covered in the media—while paving the way for future disabled reporters.

Esme Mazzeo shares Wendy’s story in the ADA 35 edition of Able News.

https://ablenews.com/ada-35-leaders-of-today-wendy-lu/

📌 Able News articles are for and by the disability community. Subscribe today with promo code PRIDE and get a discounted 1-year subscription for $15! Valid until August 31, 2025.

Image description: A headshot of Wendy Lu appears on the right side, outlined with a yellow glow. She wears glasses, a red blazer, and a visible tracheostomy tube. The background is a deep blue textured paper with white paint splatter at the corners. At the top, the logos for Able News and ADA 35 are displayed. Large yellow and white text reads: “Wendy Lu, New York Times Deputy Editor.” Around her image, yellow arrows point to her accomplishments: “Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Media,” “Global speaker on disability,” “Award-winning journalist,” and “Middle-grade fiction author.”

We’re shining a spotlight on Lachi, a powerhouse on a mission to elevate disability culture. Through music, fashion, and...
07/15/2025

We’re shining a spotlight on Lachi, a powerhouse on a mission to elevate disability culture.

Through music, fashion, and fierce advocacy, Lachi’s making sure disability identity takes center stage.

Yanxin Li shares Lachi’s story in the ADA 35 edition of Able News.

https://ablenews.com/ada-35-leaders-of-today-lachi/

📌 Able News articles are for and by the disability community. Subscribe today with promo code PRIDE and get a discounted 1-year subscription for $15! Valid until August 31, 2025.

Image descriptions:
1. A joyful Lachi stands in a sparkling navy-blue gown, holding a glam cane with confidence. She’s smiling brightly against a white and blue background with paint splatter accents. Text reads: “Able News at The Viscardi Center” and “ADA 35.” Bold blue box in the center says “Lachi.” Below that: “Embracing her ‘Big Dis Energy’” with a playful blue arrow pointing toward her.

2. Text reads: “Award-winning artist. Glam Cane icon. Disability disruptor. You’ve seen her on PBS, heard her voice in viral anthems, and felt her presence at the GRAMMYs. But how did Lachi turn a symbol of stigma into a statement of pride?”

3. Text: “Lachi calls it ‘Big Dis Energy.’ What started as a personal journey of self-acceptance now powers an international movement that’s reshaping music, media, and fashion.”

4. Text: “Discover how Lachi is turning advocacy into celebration in the ADA edition of Able News.” The Able News logo appears at the top.

The Able News team can't wait to be at this year's Disability Unite Festival in Central Park to celebrate Disability Pri...
07/11/2025

The Able News team can't wait to be at this year's Disability Unite Festival in Central Park to celebrate Disability Pride Month! We'll be at table 25, so come say hello!

(Image description: The Disability Unite Festival flyer with bold white, blue, and red text over an orange and blue background. At the top, text reads: “Disability Unite Festival 2025” with “2025” in blue gradient block letters. Below it, in bold white and red outlined letters, the theme reads “Love Unites.” On the left side of the blue portion, event details read: “Sunday, July 13, 11 A M – 6 P M. Celebrate Disability Pride at the sixth annual Disability Unite Festival, marking the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act!” To the right, two white headers read: “In-Person – Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park” and “Virtual – DisabilityUnite.org.” Centered beneath is an illustration of a concert stage shaped like the Central Park Bandshell, with the word “unite” on the stage and a crowd in front. Below the stage is a line of illustrated people of many different races, ages, and visible disabilities standing together, smiling. A blue banner below the crowd highlights: “4 Hours Stage Performances & 2 Hours Virtual Performances & 5+ Hours Virtual Panel Discussions | 4+ In-Person Interactive Activity Stations | 45+ Community Booths.” The flyer’s bottom section is blue. In the center is a black-and-white QR code. Below the QR code are icons for accessibility services: Captioning, ASL Interpretation, Plain Language, and Audio Description. Text beneath the icons reads: “To request additional accommodations, contact [email protected]” On the left of this bottom section, white text reads “With Thanks To Our Sponsors” above logos for: NYC Cultural Affairs, New York State Council on the Arts. On the right, text reads “Presented By” above logos for: Project Access For All, NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, NYC Commission on Human Rights, Central Park Conservancy, NYC Parks Department).

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