This week was a really great week for me. Do you ever have weeks/days like there – where it’s nothing major, but just a bunch of small things, but you end up feeling happy? That’s what it was like for me. I had lots of exciting accessibility moments this week, and they were all positive ones, which is definitely part of it! There was my #DisabledGirlSummer post, but also things outside of my own life. Microsoft held their annual Ability Summit this week, and it’s so cool to see a major corporation embrace and celebrate disability in such a meaningful way. It was also the Reel Abilities Film Festival in New York, and as part of it, there was a live virtual table read of an unproduced pilot, Disgraced, starring Shannon DeVido, an INCREDIBLE disabled actress. The pilot was hilarious, and also handled disability so perfectly – it got so many of the real-life moments right without ever verging on “inspiration porn.” It’s exactly the kind of TV I want to watch, and while it’s not something that’s currently being made, it still made me feel hopeful.
And now, on to the week’s favorites!
American Girl’s 35th Anniversary
I was *such* an American Girl fan growing up (and, honestly, still am). I cannot believe it’s somehow their 35th anniversary, but it is, and they’re bringing back all the original dolls to celebrate! I had Felicity, and she really sparked my interest in the American Revolution – I learned a lot from her! I also spent hours going through the AG catalog and circling the many things that I wanted. It’s so nostalgic to see them back again!
Beaded Beach Tote
I have a beach vacation planned for later this summer (I still can’t believe it!) and I’m getting in the mood for all things beachy. How cute is this beaded tote from Madewell? It looks like it’d work perfectly at the beach, or poolside, or even at dinner.
PA Mail-in Voting Application
The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot in Pennsylvania is May 11! It’s super easy to do, but you do need to already be registered to vote, and you need to have your driver’s license/state ID number if you have one (if you don’t, you can use the last four digits of your SSN). You don’t need to have a reason to apply for a mail-in ballot, either – anyone can get one.
Alice Wong and Asian Americans Out Loud
I’ve talked about Alice Wong before – she has SMA like me, and is such a powerful disability advocate. I really look up to and admire her and all the work that she’s done. I’m so glad to see her being highlighted as part of Huffington Post’s “Asian Americans Out Loud” series. I think that this quote from her really sums it up: “I want to create a world that is reflective of all of us,” she said. “This is my life’s work.”
Girls5eva Sing Wannabe
OMG, I love this so much. I’m really excited to watch Girls5eva – a show about a pop group with a seriously talented cast?! Obviously, I’m in. And then they go and sing Wannabe on The Tonight Show – it’s just pure perfection.