Forum

call for submissions: sexual ability anthology

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:47:28 GMT

by Katherine Mancuso.

Anthology on Sex and Dis/Ability

Working Title: Sexual Ability: Embracing the Intersection of Sexuality and (dis)Ability
Editor: Shanna Katz, M.Ed Human Sexuality Education, Widener University
Contact: sexualability@gmail.comSubmission Deadline: Ongoing

Even as we approach the beginning of the second decade of the 21st century, there is still a large gap in people’s minds when they think about sexuality as it relates to people who are disabled, whether cognitively or physically. While some studies have been performed regarding the potential for differently-abled people to lead satisfying sexual lives, in which satisfying seems to center around the ability to orgasm, very little has been written about the experiences involving the sexualities and experiences of people who identify as handicapped/disabled/differently-abled, as well as their partners.

People of all ability levels are sexual beings. Sex is hard enough to navigate and negotiate when one fits in with society’s notions of what a sexual being is, but once you add in the concept of ability, it can become quite challenge. This anthology, Sexual Ability, seeks to bring forward the stories, challenges and experiences of differently-abled people and their partners, putting a face on the trials that so many valuable members of our society must face. By sharing the experiences of the disabled community in relation to sexuality, Sexual Ability hopes to challenge people’s viewpoints, foster discussion and conversation, and open doors towards a shift in the social constructions surrounding sexuality and disability.

Essay submissions should be well thought out, and written in a scholarly manner. Acceptable submissions can be in the form of short research papers, non-fictional accounts of personal experience(s), discussions on issues regarding sexuality and disability, etc. Fictional pieces/erotica will NOT be considered. Each author may submit a total of two (2) essays for consideration.

Some topics that authors might consider (but are certainly not limited to) include;
*Coming out to a new partner and facilitating the “disability discussion”
*Reclaiming words surrounding sexuality and disability, such as “crip,” “handicapped,” etc.
*Issues within the medical community; talking with doctors about being sexually active when you’re differently-abled.
*Having to create new sex techniques, positions, conversations, or having to re-define the traditional definitions of sex, etc.
*Disabled and queer, disabled and of color, disabled and religious; reconciling multiple identities alongside sexuality.
*Re-conceiving your sexuality after loss of previous abilities, either solo or with a partner.
*Ability and kink; negotiating within the BDSM community when differently-abled.
*Sexuality and ability through out different cultural experiences.
*Portrayal of disabled people in the media (film, TV, art, advertisements, etc) and the connection to sexuality.
*Disability rights; the fight for them, and how they affect sexuality amongst the disabled community.
*Birth control/contraception; getting it, using it, adapting it, as well as pregnancy/adoption/abortion.
*Creating your identity as a disabled person who is a sexual being; how did it evolve, and what was your journey.
*Any other subjects you feel cover the topic of sexuality and (dis)ability.

Please send:
*Your 2,000 – 6,000 word submission, as a word document attachment. It should be titled as such: SubmissionTitleAuthorName.doc (example: SexualAbility.ShannaKatz.Doc). Submissions must be received in 12 point Times New Roman font and sent in via Word documents (other files and cut/pasted text will not be accepted).
* Your complete contact information, including legal name, pen name (if you have one), phone number, email, address, and website (if you have one).
*A 50-100 word biography about yourself.

Please submit the above to: sexualability@gmail.com with the subject line of “Sexual Ability – Submission.” Submissions will be read and reviewed as received, but decisions will be made final once the anthology is completed. Please note that accepted submissions will be approved on a tentative basis, pending editorial board approval once the anthology has secured a publisher.
Questions can be directed to Shanna Katz at sexualability@gmail.com or please visit the Sexual Ability MySpace page at www. myspace. com/sexualability.

Please distribute widely. Feel free to post on blogs, websites, social networking sites, listserves, etc.

A note: I would not dare to define what disabled/handicapped/differently-abled meant to anyone. Please do not ask me if your disability counts; if you or your partner identify as such, then I welcome your submission to this anthology.

Grace Hopper Conference for women in computing

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 23:58:30 GMT

by Liz Henry.

The deadline's coming up March 16 to submit a proposal for the Grace Hopper Conference on Women in Computing. The conference will be in Atlanta, Georgia. Here's the link,

http://gracehopper.org/2010/

"Collaborating Across Boundaries"
Atlanta, Georgia
September 28 - October 2, 2010

The Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing is a series of conferences designed to bring the research and career interests of women in computing to the forefront. Presenters are leaders in their respective fields, representing industrial, academic and government communities. Leading researchers present their current work, while special sessions focus on the role of women in today's technology fields, including computer science, information technology, research and engineering.

Past Grace Hopper Celebrations have resulted in collaborative proposals, networking, mentoring, and increased visibility for the contributions of women in computing.

Cheers!

Devices for blind and visually impaired

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:52:18 GMT

by Tanya Muglanberg.

Hi, I am interesting in these products. Has anyone tried them already? They look really attractive and affordable for its price. What’s more important, they are foldable, will fit any backpack, and you can drop them as many times, as you want – and they will still work as new. The manufacturer is US-based, and they also promised a 2-year full warranty for their products. Look at the weight!!! I’ve never saw such light-weighted devices! And, it can be used without a software at all! Some – even without computer at all!!!
http://www.abisee.com?utm_source=Voronezh&utm_medium=WOM&utm_campaign=ABISEE

facilities

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:48:38 GMT

by Castillo Carla.

i wonder who knows about places around the world with facilities ?? or if there are cruises or airplanes or buses with facilities

GimpGirl Community Support Meeting Online: Sunday 3/7 at 2pm Pacific/SLT

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:41:17 GMT

by Lucy (SL Ofelia).

This is an online, international event that will be held in Second Life, but is accessible to those not on Second Life via our text Chat Room. See below for details.

We are holding our next peer-lead support gathering for women with disabilities on:

Sunday, March 7 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM SLT/Pacific.
(5:00 PM Eastern Time, for other timezones, click HERE)

We hope for a continued lively discussion, in a safe and supportive space.

NOTE: This gathering is for women with disabilities ONLY.

Second Life Location:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/3DE/165/33/260

IF YOU DON'T HAVE OR WANT ACCESS TO SECOND LIFE:
You can still attend this meeting online via IRC. To visit our Chat Room, go to our website at: http://www.gimpgirl.com/ and click on "Chat Room" under the Main Menu on the left.

Re: Scholarships

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:47:18 GMT

by Katherine Mancuso.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The deadlines are fast-approaching for many disability-focused scholarship programs! Here is a partial listing:

Incight - Annually this Oregon-based organization provides as many as 30 scholarships to students with disabilities across the US. www.incighteducation.org/scholarships.php

Pfiser Epilepsy Scholarship Award - 16 scholarships for students with epilepsy ($3000 each) www.epilepsy-scholarship.com

NEADS - National Directory of Financial Assistance Programs for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities (Canada). www.neads.ca/en/norc/funding/

ChairScholars Foundation - national and Florida-based scholarships up to $20,000 awards. They have an engaging video on their 2009 scholarship program. See it here: www.chairscholars.org

See the full Scholarship listings on our Career page www.diversityworld.com/Disability/career.htm

Re: Swimming Aids for incontinence/bowel issues

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:34:12 GMT

by Katherine Mancuso.

I don't know anything about this kind of product either, but one of my colleagues at work runs a project called assistivetech.net which allows manufacturers to submit their stuff to a database that people with disabilities or AT professionals can search. Searching swimwear on there produces ten products, some of which seem like they might be what you want:

http://assistivetech.net/search/searchAllSiteSuccess.php?general_keywords=swimwear&searchtype=PRODUCT#content

Re: Swimming Aids for incontinence/bowel issues

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:53:03 GMT

by Teresa Boze.

See also:
http://www.llmedico.com/n/combi-aqua/

Netti Combi Aqua Incontinence Waterproof Swimwear

Leak Proof Incontinence Swimwear For Aquatic Swim Rehabilitation Therapy

Offering an inventive alternative to leaky swim diapers, Netti® Combi-Aqua is a truly unique leak-proof adult incontinence aquatic swimwear system. They boast an innovative combination of a waterproof fixation swim pant made from polyurethane along with a tight, extremely elastic outer stretch pant. This will ensure this pants system will not have any leaks of fluid up to one hour or more, depending on how it is used, either coming in or going out, as will happen with regular incontinence swim diapers. To make sure the fit is right, please choose the correct size (of leg and waist openings) and that the swim pants are used as described, there will be no leaks of fluid up to one hour or more, either coming in or going out, as can happen with regular swim diapers. This is important for those who must keep dry due to health or medical related conditions in the crotch area. The waterproof inner fixation pants are meant to hold incontinence pads firmly in place. With its unique, patented, leak-proof waist and leg band, to keep water out so the pads will only get wet from urine, it gives you that extra security, enabling your active lifestyle. If using diapers inside Netti Combi Aqua swim pants, it is important that you do NOT compromise the leg and waist bands, which is designed to fit snug against the skin to prevent any leakage.

Netti Combi-Aqua is a unique rehab swimwear designed in men’s or woman’s style, each style with their own unique contour design, using the same materials. On both designs the outer pants are knitted from an ultra-thin polyamide micro-fiber which gives the stretch pants their rustle free softness. These incontinence products DO NOT contain latex or plastic. The legs and waist of the outer stretch pant can be rolled up over the inner waterproof pant leg openings ensuring an even more waterproof fit and making the pants less noticeable/visible when you are using under regular bathing suits to conceal Netti Combi-Aqua from the view of others. So by rolling the outer stretch pants up over the inner leak–proof fixation pants around legs and waist you will increase the waterproof seal of Netti Combi-Aqua. But do NOT compromise the Waterproof seal, by getting the outer stretch pant stuck under the seal of the inner pant, because this will surely defeat the purpose of Comb-Aqua.

Leak proof Netti Combi Aqua rehab swimwear is specially developed by Netti working with the state sponsored rehab centers in Scandinavia to their stringent specifications specially developed for incontinent trauma patients lacking bowel and bladder control. It is used for aquatic therapy in a swimming pool setting at various European rehabilitation centers. Netti Combi Aqua swimwear has been recommended for ostomy patients and for incontinent sufferers as well, who wish to enjoy the swimming pool without the problems of leakage when using regular incontinence swim diapers. Aquatic rehab swim activities are of physical and mental benefit to the handicapped. Instructions on this site are to help health care professionals, patients and consumers understand how to use this product in a safe, effective way.

Important Note: It is important to read the size chart below, and then take your time to measure yourself before ordering this leak-proof product. You will have leakage if waist and leg openings are not correct. If using diapers, then use only thin ones and allow enough room for the diaper. To keep this product incontinence waterproof, please read the usage and washing instructions.

Note: By making lateral moves while sitting down in a tub, waist and leg band can dislodge due to these movements thereby compromising its waterproof nature. These incontinence swim pants were not designed to be waterproof under these conditions. Do not rearrange the waist and leg bands on the pants with your fingers while in the water and the pant will surely leak.

http://fishershops.com/swimdiaper.html

Swim Diapers for Adults and Youths can be used in the swimming pool, hot tub or at the beach. Now available in two styles. Either style can be worn alone or under a suit but both styles function equally well. Suitable for both males and females. A great solution for the swimmer with bowel incontinence. The Swim Diaper contains solids while allowing liquids to seive through, but will not fill with air and balloon out or absorb large amounts of water and act as an anchor.

The Pull-On swim diaper is designed for those with normal muscle tone in their legs and who need no assistance with changing, but require a swim diaper due to bowel incontinence.

The Pool Pant Diaper™ has adjustable Velcro closures and a specially designed belt system to prevent the swim diaper from accidental opening with movement. This style works very well for those adults who need assistance when changing due to physical or mental disabilities. The Pool Pant Diaper™ is also more adjustable for many different body shapes.

Click here for pricing on Gabbys products...

Gabby's Adult Pull-On Swim Diaper Available in 5 sizes. Available in Royal Blue Only Order by waist size.	Gabby's Adult Pool Pant Swim Diaper Available in 4 sizes. Available in Royal Blue Only Order by waist size.
Gabby's Youth Pull-On Swim Diaper Available in 3 sizes. Available in Royal Blue only Order by weight.	Gabby's Youth Pool Pant Swim Diaper Available in 2 sizes. Available in Royal Blue only Order by weight.

Gabby's Pull-On Swim Diaper has an outer layer of Oxford Nylon which helps prevent the seepage of stool into the water. The inner layer is 100% Cotton Flannelette for comfort and durability. The Pull-On Swim Diaper has elasticized legs and waist for a snug fit. May be worn alone or under a swimsuit.

Gabby's Pool Pant Diaper has an outer layer of Oxford Nylon and an inner layer of 100% Cotton Flannelette. Chlorine treated elastic is used at the legs and back for a snug fit. The Pool Pant Diaper has Velcro closures which allow for adjustability for the various sizes. There is a Velcro beltlock system which prevents the Velcro closures from accidental opening with movement.

These diapers are not suitable for individuals with chronic diarrhea.

Re: Swimming Aids for incontinence/bowel issues

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:49:09 GMT

by Teresa Boze.

Hi Jenn,

I don't come bearing as much info as I usually like to before I srepsond to psots, but I do have a suggestion: Have you tried the Mommy Daddy Blogger community?

Swimming Aids for incontinence/bowel issues

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:59:56 GMT

by Jenn Kontonasakis.

My daughter, has not yet learned to control her bladder/bowel due, we believe, to her sensory processing disorder, but she's outgrown all the "swimming diapers" that are offered in local stores. She loves her swimming lessons, and ironically enough, swimming is an excellent sensory input to help her body learn how to interpret sensory information for body awareness, but I can't take her to the local pool without something to prevent an "accident".

I've found a couple of products online, but nowhere that I can find reviews on them or any information beyond what the companies provides. If anyone uses or knows someone that uses this type of product, I'd really love some info on it such as good products, good companies, fitting advice (they provide weight ranges - but just like any clothes, I worry about true fit). Any information at all would help. She hasn't been to the pool since September, the pool employees are clueless to help me, and I'm feeling a bit desperate.

Thanks,

Jenn K.