The Advocado Press, Inc.

09/05/2026

Hi everyone!

ISP is excited to announce that we have multiple positions open through the AmeriCorps, so if you're part of the AmeriCorps or if you're interested in working with us, please check this out below!

Looking forward to meeting new people!

Image description:
White and gray paper image with a pink border along the top and bottom. The ISP logo is at the top in a light purple bubble. Text over a purple and pink box says, "Join the Team at ISP through AmeriCorps." More text is below in light purple bubbles. The text reads, "Open Positions: Human Resources Assistant, Grant Writing and Financial Systems Assistant, Executive/Administrative Assistant." The bubble below it says, "Benefits: 1 year term of service, $7,395 education award after completion, healthcare through AmeriCorps, SNAP (food stamp) eligibility, $24k/year living allowance." The next bubble says "Requirements: Proficiency in online systems such as Canva, Adobe, and Word, Strong interpersonal and communication skills, Passion for disability justice and grassroots organizing." The final bubble says, "Apply: Send your resume and a summary of why you're interested to [email protected]."

09/02/2026

Selma Blair: Life of challenges and successes

Twenty-first in a series of stories about famous people with disabilities by Tina Jackson.

“There’s a point where you go with what you’ve got. Or you don’t go.”― Selma Blair

Doctors told her she was “fine.” They told her she was “overreacting.” They told her she was “just anxious.” These were the words Selma Blair got for years until she finally got an accurate diagnosis. Selma Blair’s life and career reveal how a woman can turn profound difficulty into public strength. At the center of her story is relapsing‑remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) — a chronic neurological disability that affects movement, speech, energy, and sensory processing. Blair lived with symptoms for decades before receiving a diagnosis, navigating a world that often dismissed her pain and misunderstood her. Today, she stands as one of the most visible figures in disability advocacy, not because she sought the spotlight, but because she refused to keep living in the shadows of misunderstanding, misdiagnosis, and pain

Blair’s challenges began long before her fame. As a child, she experienced episodes of vision loss, overwhelming fatigue, and sudden weakness in her limbs. She later learned these were early signs of juvenile multiple sclerosis (MS) — an autoimmune disease that attacks the protective myelin around nerves. But for more than forty years, her symptoms were attributed to stress, depression, or emotional instability. This pattern of dismissal is a familiar story for many disabled women, especially those with chronic or invisible illnesses. Blair’s experience reflects a systemic problem: when symptoms do not fit neatly into a diagnostic box, women are often blamed for their own suffering.

In 2018, after decades of confusion and physical decline, Blair finally received an MRI that revealed multiple lesions on her brain — clear evidence of relapsing‑remitting MS. The diagnosis was devastating, but it was also a profound relief. For the first time, she had proof that her pain was real.

Her public announcement of the diagnosis was raw and vulnerable. She spoke openly about falling, about losing control of her body, about struggling to speak. Instead of hiding, she chose visibility — and that choice changed everything Blair showed that disability is not a failure of the body — it is a different way of moving through the world.

Blair’s red‑carpet appearance at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, walking with a jeweled cane, became a cultural moment. She did not intend it to be a symbol, but it became one. Disabled people around the world saw themselves reflected in her courage. Young people began posting photos of their own assistive devices, newly proud.

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

In Episode 80 of the Demand and Disrupt Podcast, Opening Doors, Literally and Figuratively, Kimberly interviewed Tammy Herrod and Stefanie Putnam about Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for people with disabilities. If you liked that episode, you might also enjoy a two-part episode of Sam Moore's Blabbin' in the Bluegrass where Ms. Putnam talks about her work with horses and her experience in equine competition. The links are below as is the link to the original Demand and Disrupt episode.

https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co/episode/bd70e9f5/a-horse-habit-unhindered

https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co/episode/78ac59d4/a-horse-habit-unhindered-part-2

# Episode Notes This week, we are treated to Part 2 of my conversation with the incredible Stefanie Putnam of Oldham County. Stefanie has had a life-long passion for horses, and has never been forced to abandon this passion, despite a 2009 spinal cord injury! This week, we learn about Stefanie&

09/01/2026

September Disability Months

Achalasia Awareness Month
A day dedicated to spotlighting achalasia, a rare and progressive esophageal motility disorder that affects a person’s ability to swallow. The Achalasia Awareness Organization leads this grassroots movement to educate, motivate, and advocate for better understanding and treatment options. It is a neuromuscular condition where the esophagus struggles to move food toward the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax, causing food and liquid to back up. Symptoms include dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss.
https://achalasiaawareness.org

Alopecia Awareness Month
Alopecia is a condition that causes hair loss. It’s an autoimmune condition that damages hair follicles. Alopecia can affect hair on your scalp, eyebrows, or anywhere on your body. Hair may come out in small or large patches. It’s estimated to affect 6.8 million people in the United States. Anyone can develop alopecia, but it often starts in childhood. Alopecia Awareness Month is supported by the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). It marks a time to learn more about alopecia and support people living with it.
https://www.naaf.org

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness of cancers that affect children and adolescents, supporting families, and expanding research for better treatments and cures. focuses on pediatric cancers—a diverse group of diseases that include leukemia, brain and CNS tumors, lymphomas, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and other rare childhood cancers. It highlights the reality that while childhood cancers are relatively rare, they remain the leading cause of death from disease among children in the U.S.
14,900 U.S. children and teens (ages 0–19) were diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Globally, over 400,000 children develop cancer each year.
https://www.acco.org/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/

Lymphoma and Leukemia Awareness Month
Leukemia and lymphoma are cancers that affect the blood and lymph system, respectively. Leukemia starts in the cells that form blood. Normally, most blood cells develop from cells in the bone marrow called stem cells. In a person with leukemia, the bone marrow makes abnormal white blood cells (leukemia cells). Unlike normal blood cells, leukemia cells don’t die when they should. They can crowd out normal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Consequently, it’s hard for normal blood cells to do their work.
https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/leukemia-and-lymphoma-awareness-month/

National Guide Dog Month
Celebrated every September to honor the extraordinary work of guide dogs and the organizations that train them. It’s a time to spotlight the life-changing partnerships between guide dogs and people who are blind or visually impaired—and to rally support for the schools, volunteers, and donors who make these connections possible
https://nationaltoday.com/national-guide-dog-month/

National Hydrocephalus Awareness
Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in cavities called ventricles deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain.
https://www.hydroassoc.org/help-raise-awareness/

National Su***de Prevention Awareness Month
Each September, NAMI recognizes Su***de Prevention Month as a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time. The goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to talk openly about su***de prevention, recognize warning signs, and seek help.
https://www.nami.org/about-nami/

Orthostatic Tremor Awareness Month
Orthostatic Tremor Awareness Month is recognized by advocacy groups and patient communities even though it is not yet formally designated by major national health organizations. Orthostatic tremor (OT) is a rare neurological movement disorder characterized by rapid tremor in the legs when standing, causing unsteadiness, fear of falling, and significant mobility limitations. Because OT is often misdiagnosed as essential tremor or anxiety, awareness efforts focus on recognition, research, and support.
https://www.standinguptopots.org

Pain Awareness Month
Pain Awareness Month is observed to increase understanding of pain, improving access to pain management, and amplifying the voices of people living with chronic pain. It was established in 2001 by the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) and is now supported by organizations worldwide. The month involves raising awareness of chronic pain and its impact, reducing stigma and misunderstanding, and promoting better pain research, education, and care, supporting individuals whose pain is often dismissed or under-treated.
https://www.iasp-pain.org/advocacy/pain-awareness-month/

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month is dedicated to educating the public about PAD—an often‑undetected circulatory disease that restricts blood flow to the legs and feet. The month focuses on early detection, prevention, and reducing the high rate of avoidable amputations associated with PAD.
https://PADPulse.org

Polycystic O***y Syndrome Awareness Month
Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month is observed every September, recognized globally and federally designated in the United States. It exists to elevate understanding of PCOS as a complex hormonal and metabolic condition, improve diagnosis and treatment, and reduce long‑term health risks such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer.
https://PCOSAwarenessMonth.org

Prostate Awareness Month
Prostate Awareness Month—formally recognized as National Prostate Health Month is recognized across the United States and internationally. It focuses on prostate cancer, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and overall prostate health. The month promotes early detection, education, screening access, and research support. Promotes early detection, and community outreach
https://www.pcf.org/about-us/

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month refers to National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, observed every September in the United States. Its purpose is to elevate public understanding of spinal cord injuries (SCI), support individuals and families affected, and strengthen advocacy for research, accessibility, and inclusion.
https://unitedspinal.org

Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month is observed every September and exists to promote early detection, expert‑standard care, and expanded research for all forms of thyroid cancer. Its purpose is to help people “check their neck,” understand symptoms, support survivors, and strengthen global awareness efforts.
[email protected]

Worlds Alzheimer’s Disease Month
World Alzheimer’s Month is observed every September, with World Alzheimer’s Day marked on 21 September, to raise global awareness and challenge stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia.
https://alzfdn.org/alzawarenessmonth

Go Teal for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month! November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to heighten awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and show support for the more than 6.2 million Americans living […]

09/01/2026

September Disability Weeks

September 13-19: National Su***de Prevention Week
A week‑long U.S. observance held during the second full week of September dedicated to educating communities about su***de prevention, recognizing warning signs, and encouraging open, stigma‑free conversations about mental health. National Su***de Prevention Week is part of National Su***de Prevention Month and includes World Su***de Prevention Day on September 10.
https://afsp.org/national-su***de-prevention-week (afsp.org)

September 14-18: National Disability Voting Rights Week
Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW) is a national, nonpartisan, cross-disability movement held annually in September to celebrate the disability community, advocate for accessible voting, and build civic power. Launched in 2016 by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD )through its REV UP campaign (Register, Educate, Vote, Use Your Power), DVRW addresses the fact that over 38 million Americans with disabilities are eligible to vote, yet historic turnout rates are low due to systemic barriers. The movement aims to close the turnout gap, ensure equal access to the ballot box, and making elections more inclusive..
https://www.aapd.com/disability-voting-rights-week/

September 21-28: International Week of the Deaf
This week is a powerful global celebration held annually during the last full week of September. It’s organized by the World Federation of the Deaf and centers on the rights, culture, and identity of Deaf communities worldwide. International Week of the Deaf is not just about celebration— it is about visibility, advocacy, and systemic change. It amplifies Deaf voices, promotes sign language access, and strengthens solidarity across communities.
https://wfdeaf.org/international-week-of-deaf-people-2026/

As we mark 20 years of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate a recognition: national sign languages as full and equal languages. 20 years on, recognising national sign languages means reaffirming a commitment to deaf people’s human rights and ensuring these rights...

09/01/2026

September Disability Awareness Days

September 7: World Duchenne Awareness Day
This day is to bring awareness to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy/ This rare disease is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents the body from producing a protein called dystrophin. Dystrophin acts like a shock absorber when muscles contract. Without dystrophin, muscles become damaged and weakened. They may also lose the ability to repair themselves after an injury. Over time, children with Duchenne will develop problems walking and breathing, and eventually, the heart and the muscles that help them breathe will stop working. Duchenne is irreversible and there is no cure currently.
https://www.duchenne.com

September 9: International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day (FASD)
FASD refers to the collective lifelong physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments that occur due to prenatal alcohol exposure. FASD-related impairments can range from mild to severe and contribute to a range of issues such as learning disabilities, speech and language delays, visual and hearing problems, problems with critical organs, and social challenges throughout a person's life. In addition to causing FASD, prenatal alcohol exposure also increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and sudden infant death syndrome. to educate communities, support families, and advocate for prevention and early intervention.
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/announcement/international-fasd-awareness-day-september-9th

September 10: World Su***de Prevention Day
It’s a powerful call to action aimed at breaking stigma and fostering open, honest conversations around su***de and suicidal behavior. It encourages individuals, communities, and governments to engage in open dialogue and aims to build cultures of understanding and support, where people feel safe to seek help.
https://www.iasp.info/wspd/

September 13: Celiac Disease Awareness Day
Celiac Disease Awareness Day honors the birthday of Dr. Samuel Gee, the first to recognize the link between diet and celiac disease back in 1888. It’s a day to spotlight the challenges faced by the estimated 3 million Americans living with this autoimmune disorder, which causes the body to attack the small intestine when gluten is consumed. Celiac disease is genetic and lifelong—the only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. Undiagnosed or untreated, it can lead to serious complications like infertility, osteoporosis, and even cancer. Awareness drives diagnosis: Many people live undiagnosed, mistaking symptoms for other conditions. https://www.beyondceliac.org/celiac-news/national-celiac-disease-awareness-day-is-sept-13/

September 15:
World Lymphoma Awareness Day
This day is dedicated to a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. There are two types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, night sweats, fever, and unexplained weight loss.
https://lymphomacoalition.org/world-lymphoma-awareness-day/

September 18: National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
hiv.com

September 19:
Usher Syndrome Awareness Day
Usher Syndrome Awareness Day is observed annually, a day dedicated to raising visibility for Usher syndrome, the most common genetic cause of combined deafness and blindness and to amplify voices. Usher syndrome is a rare inherited condition that affects hearing, ranging from profound deafness at birth (Type 1) to progressive hearing loss later in life; vision: primarily due to retinitis pigmentosa, which causes progressive vision loss; and balance: especially in Type 1, due to vestibular dysfunction. It impacts over 400,000 people worldwide yet remains unrecognized.
Ihttps://www.usher-syndrome.org/events/ush-awareness-day/globalushday.html

September 21: World Alzheimer’s Day
World Alzheimer’s Day is observed every year on September 21st as part of World Alzheimer’s Month, a global campaign led by Alzheimer’s Disease International. It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and advocating for better support and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Over 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, and that number is rising. This day encourages communities to recognize the personhood of those affected, emphasizing dignity, memory, and connection.
https://www.alzint.org/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month/

September 23: International’s Day of Sign Language
The International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated every year on September 23, a date chosen to honor the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf in 1951. It’s a powerful global moment to recognize the linguistic and cultural richness of sign languages and to affirm the rights of Deaf communities everywhere. Sign language is a full-fledged natural language, structurally distinct from spoken languages, and used by over 70 million Deaf people worldwide.
https://www.un.org/en/observances/sign-languages-day

September 25: International Ataxia Awareness Day
A day dedicated to a rare, but life-altering group of neurological disorders that affect coordination, balance, and speech. Ataxia refers to a group of disorders caused by damage to the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for motor control. Symptoms include difficulty walking, speaking, swallowing, and performing fine motor tasks. It can be hereditary, like Friedreich’s Ataxia, or acquired through stroke, head trauma, or infections. Many forms are progressive and currently have no cure, making awareness and research funding critical. The day is led by organizations like the National Ataxia Foundation, which promote education, advocacy, and support for affected individuals and families
https://www.ataxia.org/iaad/

September 25: World Lung Day
World Lung Day is observed every year on September 25 to spotlight the importance of lung health and advocate for respiratory well-being across the globe. It’s organized by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), and this year’s theme is “Healthy Lungs, Healthy Life”—a rallying call to invest in clean air, prevention, and equitable access to care. Respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and post-COVID complications affect millions worldwide.
https://firsnet.org

September 26:
Mesothelioma Awareness Day
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that lines and protects many internal organs. It most commonly affects the lining of the lungs (called pleural mesothelioma), but can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneal), around the heart (pericardial), or even the testicles (tunica vaginalis). Mesothelioma Awareness Day offers support for the mesothelioma community. It also raises public awareness and funds for mesothelioma research. Securing funding for research helps mesothelioma researchers and specialists continue their work toward finding a cure.
https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-awareness-day/

September 30:
Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Day
Lime-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) Awareness Day is observed annually. It is a day dedicated to amplifying visibility and understanding of LGMD—a group of over 30 rare genetic neuromuscular conditions that cause progressive weakness in the hip and shoulder muscles. LGMD affects people of all ages, ethnicities, and regions Symptoms can range from mild to severe, often impacting mobility, independence, and quality of life. Awareness fosters earlier diagnosis, better care, and stronger advocacy for research and support.
https://www.lgmd-info.org/awareness-day/

About Learn more about LGMD Awareness Day. Initiatives Become an ambassador for LGMD Awareness Day. Resources View LGMD Awareness Day resources. LGMD Awareness Day 2026 The 12th annual “Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Awareness

08/31/2026

We are pleased to release Episode 84 of the Demand and Disrupt podcast, Vacation Made Easy. In this episode, Kimberly talks to Kent and Jessica Madison, cofounders of Wheelable Wilderness, a nonprofit organization devoted to helping people with disabilities effortlessly enjoy the great outdoors. Effortlessly enough to make Kimberly want to go camping? Listen to find out.

It is apt that we publish this episode now as we go into the month of September. September is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month.

https://demand-and-disrupt.pinecast.co/episode/798d3ac4/vacation-made-easy

08/30/2026

We are reprinting this review from Amazon by Vincent of Tina Jackson's book, My Silence Roars: A Memoir. More reviews can be found and the book can be purchased here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/My-Silence-Roars-Tina-Jackson/dp/0972118977/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FF328H4MEZCU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.d2ehmSuGQlbgJExyLCOO1VkPaUBPWDTViycYfmn-E19hc1YnjkQ9qs7F5dBwdRl7im7SvjxZo3aJ_StvVrtY_COkU6FxiwD8eqIfV1xMwVZHuxv3Yu0IEzT7pzadbWf1xVfU39XTLG-XwmHp2mIxgRV5KPbL3OuF642TlSTnNmpxC0Jmrgv2LaFFMUcPZoAl.JAFbF-DL027AyIkWlLjyTKozC5SMdeYoyLQLmsWJnNg&dib_tag=se&keywords=my+silence+roars&qid=1788101366&sprefix=my+silence+roars%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-1

I was excited to read "My Silence Roars", as I have never met Tina in person and only know her through periodic text messages with her and Mark, her husband, who I met at church in Tequesta, Florida 40 years ago. Tina’s memoir provides a very personal, surprisingly hilarious, often jaw dropping, tear jerking, and inarguably inspirational journey of her life spanning over six decades. She gives the reader a crash course in how to champion life with multiple physical challenges. Faced with the gamut of misdiagnoses, systemic discrimination, and inaccessibility for most of her life, she excels nonetheless leaving the reader weeping with her setbacks and applauding her every achievement. Author and public speaker, Don Miller writes, "A good story makes you thankful to be alive because it reminds you that while sometimes painful, life is indeed beautiful and even magical.” Tina, thank you for sharing the pain, the beauty, and the magic with us. I am better for having read your book.

In this fascinating memoir, Tina Jackson writes about her life as a woman with multiple disabilities. Born with cerebral palsy in Appalachian Eastern Kentucky, Tina was raised by parents who encouraged her to be self-sufficient and to value education. Her childhood was marked by numerous therapie...