This Just In...
People Magazine: Against the Odds
"Half Their Size" Issue, 9 - 16 January 2012, pg. 89
Through my hard work and dedication to healthy living, I've lost over 180 lbs. while living the Atkins lifestyle and exercising within my limited, adaptive lifestyle. Before I discovered Atkins, I had always been either overweight or obese, with my weight topping out well over 300 lbs. But, upon my 22nd birthday, I decided to change my life, for better or worse. I had already tried the "low calorie/low fat/high carb" method, but with disastrous results, but when I researched the science of a low carbohydrate lifestyle (Atkins), it just made sense. So, I gave it a go and have never looked back.
Marketwatch.com (The Wall Street Journal)
16 December 2011
The mere concept of having even less control over the mobility of our community frightens and sickens me, so naturally it is my fervent hope that Congress halts implementation of this ill-conceived process before it even begins.
Spin 2.0: Does a "day in a wheelchair" work?
by Tiff Carlson for New Mobility Magazine
10 November 2011
In this New Mobility blog post, author Tiffiny Carlson discusses the new corporate trend of putting employees in a wheelchairs for a single day in order to encourage "awareness." However, is one day really enough? My husband, Cheyn, and I don't think so, which is why he's dedicating a lot longer to "walk" the proverbial mile in my...erm.."shoes." OK, so he's rolling in my wheels to see what it's like from my angle...and each day he learns something new. Something tells me he'll be fixing the wonky threshold to our front door any day now... LOL ;)
P.S. -- I'm not entirely sure where the author got the notion that I have CP, but I don't. If you're interested in my actual disability diagnoses, please feel free to visit my Bio page. Either way, though, I still think it was a great article, and I'm glad Cheyn's experiment caught the attention of New Mobility; maybe this will pave the way for others to follow in his wheeltracks and gain some real "awareness."
Women with Disabilities in the Beauty Industry
Journal of Women's Cafe (Hungary)
by Megyeri Nikolett
1 August, 2011
Translated from original Hungarian, this article discusses seven women, including me, who challenge the corporate, industrial definition of, "beautiful." Athlete and model Aimee Mullins, Kelly Knox (winner of "Britain's Top Missing Model"), Shannon Murray, hearing-impaired Jayne Altman, me, world-famous lingerie model and single-arm amputee Tanja Kiewitz, and deaf Spanish beauty queen, Weisz Fanni are all profiled for our stalwart progress in the beauty industry. I'm truly honoured to be ranked amongst such amazing women, and I can only hope to help inspire others to embrace their beauty -- not just that abstract "inner-beauty," that everyone loves to mull over -- but their own external style, fashion, and flair. Disability doesn't make us any less attractive...in fact, in my opinion, it just makes accessorizing all the more important. After all... you gotta match your bag to your mobility device of choice! ;)
Ladies with Disability in Beauty
by vajdaizabella
"First I thought it’s a little bit strange, but after seeing their photos I found them absolutely beautiful. I really respect these ladies and all the people who participated in taking photos like these!
Recognized journalist, storybook writer, photomodel.
She become disabled when she was 14 years old."
I attended "Meet the Candidates Day" at Independent Living of Niagara County to help ask the really tough questions of participating politicians. There were a few candidates who understood the specialized needs of constituents with disabilities, but I was quite saddened by how many had no clue about the importance of acessibility, legal ramifications, sensitivity awareness, the ADA, and other laws that affect and aid U.S. residents with disabilities. Hopefully, Meet the Candidates Day not only educated the voters, but also the candidates on what really matters to a large percentage of their constituents.
By Paracathy
In this quick blog entry, pretender-superstar, "Paracathy," refers to me as her, "crush," so I had to add in this shiny little morsel.
Here Come the "Would You" Girls
By Tiff Carlson
(September 2011, Penthouse Magazine)
In this article, my husband and I were interviewed about dating, relationships, and sex with a woman in a wheelchair. Frankness, openness, and honesty were encouraged by the author, so we pulled no punches in our responses! I would highly recommend this article to anyone who is or is considering getting into a relationship with a person with a disability -- it will definitely set you in the right direction. *grin* It's also a great read for those of in 'chairs who are a little insecure about delving into the hot, steamy -- and often delightfully precarious -- world of dating, marriage, fetishes, and even the occasional one-night-stand!
Thanks to Squackle.com for posting a link to my blog entry in their "Fun Links" section!
"A “Liberbal” and Her Constituency
June 24th, 2011
"Hello whoever is reading this. I got an idea for a section and its called Fun Links. In Fun Links I will post a link to something and why I think its funny or worthwhile for posting.
This Fun Link comes from A.J. Bray who is a “liberbal” disability blogger, writer, and fashionphile in a wheelchair. Recently she got some hate mail from someone trying to add her as a friend on Facebook, and so she decided to post her response to her admirer on her blog.
http://www.heelsnwheels.info/Funny-yet-Stupid-Hate-Mail-from-Bigot-17991536
Sometimes I’m glad that we have people who don’t know how to type. They make up such wonderful words."
Dating and the Disabled: Challenges, and Victories
By Julia Burke
(March 2011, Forever Young Magazine, Buffalo, NY)
"Model, activist, writer and relationship counselor A. J. Bray, who has been in a wheelchair since childhood, has made a career of empowering the disabled community with her message that disabled individuals are entitled to accessible buildings, civil rights — and a love life."
Episode #61 - A Chat with A.J. Bray: Disabled Model and Erotica Writer
November 1, 2009
In episode #61, Tiffiny talks with beautiful disabled model A.J. Bray, erotica writer, sex coach, and cover model for Chloe magazine. After Tiff and A.J.'s insightful conversation, which covers everything from accessibility at Toronto Fashion Week to what being "queer" means, tune in for the latest winter accessories - including interesting fusions of mittens, scarves, and hats - that Tiff can't help but rave about.
By Tamazon
24 October, 2007 -- Check out this interview in Night Owl Reviews from back in the day! A lot has changed since then, but not the passion with which I approach life. ~A.J. Bray
Stay tuned for more interviews, articles, and updates! As always, you can get connected through Facebook, Twitter, the Yahoo! Group, check out my blog, or visit my vlog on Youtube.
Make Your Own Adventure:
Fashion vs. Style
Just because the economy looks pretty ugly doesn't mean your fashion sense needs to be in the red. It might be tempting to cheap out on your wardrobe, but your money will be better invested in quality classics that will last for years to come. Don't pay retail if you don't have to, but also don't delude yourself that poorly-made, shoddy knock-offs are suitable substitutes for true craftsmanship. Save up, shop wisely, and take fads with a pinch of salt. In time, you'll notice the difference -- and you'll be glad you spent your hard-earned money wisely.