Occupational therapist Judi Rogers helps parents with disabilities navigate the world of baby care, by offering her unique expertise on commercially-available baby care equipment.

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In the early 1970s, Anthony Tusler was one of the leaders who brought advocacy for Disability Rights to Sonoma County, California. Like many leaders, he did so in the spirit of earlier civil rights movements.

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Tom Molina loves a good adventure.

Fortunately, he gets to spend time on the ranch of his good friend Angel, where there is livestock to care for, boccé ball to play… and most importantly, an opportunity to practice archery with his friend Leyland.

Tom practices archery on the ranch near Santa Rosa

Tom travels the country, always taking his manual or power wheelchair “where a wheelchair doesn’t belong,” even if it means an occasional flat tire.

He was raised in rural Sonoma County, back when much more of the county was rural. And he certainly isn’t the only personal with a disability who loves the outdoors.

Join Tom as he reflects on matters of accessibility and adventure.

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Chris Finn on the court

Power Soccer is a sport created by and for power wheelchair users. Compared to quad rugby (popularized by the 2005 documentary “Murderball“) and wheelchair basketball, this sport is perfect for people with disabilities who use a power wheelchair.

Power soccer is an incredibly skillful sport, requiring grace, strategy, and control. Fundamentals like court position, blocking, and picking are essential. The best players have good concentration, are aggressive but not violent, and work as a team.

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The AXIS Dance Company, a pioneering Oakland-based professional dance group, began in 1987.

Professional dancer Rodney Bell (bottom) with Sonsherée Giles

Today, founding dancer Judith Smith is the artistic director of a creative, groundbreaking group of dancers– some with disabilities, and others without. Along with Alice Sheppard, Rodney Bell, Bonnie Lewkowicz, and many other dancers, the AXIS Dance Company performs throughout the country and the world, and also offers educational programs at it’s base of operations in Oakland.

The San Francisco Bay Area is known as one of the best cities for dance, and AXIS has thrived as a professional touring company, offering educational programs not only in Oakland, but in cities throughout the country.

How can you describe “physically integrated dance” in words? Without a firmly-established vocabulary, like that of ballet which has evolved over a century, you truly have to “see it to believe it.”

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