The Jeff Pulver Blog: Guest Blogger: Rachel Z. Cornell: How Social Media can Change Lives

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October 14, 2008

Guest Blogger: Rachel Z. Cornell: How Social Media can Change Lives

I think there's a lot to be learned from bearing witness to how social media has been changing the lives of people with disabilities. Considering able-bodied people's lives are being crippled by a scary economic climate, it might be very timely to see what your gimpy population has been up to. The disabled have long sought methods to get ourselves, our strengths and our contributions through our own front doors. Computers with adaptive technology, along with the power of social media, have been a piece of the passport we've been seeking.

We find that we have the power to open our own doors. Social media with its speak at your own pace nature means people who could not have easily been a part of the conversation are now important contributors. Biases and distractions concerning our manner, wheelchairs, service dogs or white canes are not distracting you from
our words, creativity and ability.

Social media is becoming more and more barrier free, we are easily going where ever we want to go. While many see their lives as narrowing because of the economy, people with disabilities are going through a time of liberation, easily traveling around the world every time we power up our computer.

I am not suggesting we all stay in our living rooms and click away our days. I am saying that there is much more that is possible than impossible. It's important to see that the world has not closed its doors to you just because your employer's doors have.

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About Rachel Z. Cornell:

Before going head long into a speaking and writing career, Rachel (Zamek) Cornell challenged the odds by becoming the first legally blind visual artist to receive a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Michigan. After graduation, she enjoyed a prolific career as a professional mixed media artist. Cornell has shown her work throughout the United States, as well as participated in such prestigious shows as the International Assemblage Artist Exhibition in Berlin, Germany.

Rachel captivates her audiences with her spirited, boldly honest conversations about the distinction between being disabled and being a person with a disability. Cornell argues, that it is not a disability that will cripple and limit your life. It is how you think that creates limitations and insurmountable barriers.

Cornell believes everyone can learn to live a barrier free life.

Rachel Z Cornell is author of upcoming book, Disabled Like Me: Life Without Limitations

Blog: http://whynotrachel.wordpress.com
Twitter: @dreaminaction

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Tags: Rachel Z. Cornell, social media, Life Without Limitations, Jeff Pulver

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Posted by jeff on October 14, 2008 09:17 AM | Permalink

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Posted by: 仓储笼 at October 17, 2008 08:37 PM

A refreshing and honest approach. I think many of us, 'disabled' (whatever that means) or not, have found the same level of interest and respect when it is only our words (and brains) that are being considered. An interesting aside: a neighbor who is a fashion model told me she loves the internet's anonymity for the same reason!

Thanks, Ms. Cornell.

Posted by: Barbara Sher at October 14, 2008 07:35 PM

October 14, 2008

Guest Blogger: Rachel Z. Cornell: How Social Media can Change Lives

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