Man Circles Globe in Power Wheelchair

CARMEL, IN - April 26, 2008 - Traveling the world is an amazing experience for anyone who chooses to do so; however with unfamiliar places, uncomfortable sleeping conditions and unusual eating habits, it can certainly take a toll on your body. Now, imagine doing this in a power wheelchair - alone. That is just what 29 year old Andrew Shelley did in November 2007. Shelley has Emery Dreifuss, a type of muscular dystrophy that progressively weakens the muscles. However, his physical disability did not stop him from experiencing the trip of a lifetime. Growing up in South Africa and traveling to Europe when he was younger, he ached to see more of the world.

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Marlee Matlin Feeling the Music

March 18, 2008 - Marlee Matlin lit up the dance floor on ABC's big hit show, Dancing with the Stars. Marlee, Academy Award-winning actress starring in numerous films and television shows, is deaf. That makes dancing to the beat of music a difficult challenge. However, Marlee is breaking down barriers and is the first deaf person to participate in this intense competition.

Marlee danced the beat-heavy Cha-cha-cha, a dance that is full of complicated rhythms. She performed beautifully, with strong footwork and great hip movement. Marlee scored an 8 and two sevens, putting her in a solid third place.

Marlee has some tough competition, currently from Kristi Yamaguchi, Priscilla Presley, and Shannon Elizabeth.

Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic gold medalist in competitive skating, took her triple axel skills to the dance floor in a big way, scoring triple 9's. 62 year-young Priscilla Presley moved with great grace and style in the foxtrot, scoring triple 8's from the judges. Shannon Elizabeth, known for her role in American Pie and savvy poker skills, exhibited solid dance moves and scored triple 7's.

Marlee must dance one more time next week before one of her female competitors is eliminated. Watch Dancing with the Stars and vote for Marlee!

A Win for the Deaf Community? Share your thoughts on Pepsi's Super Bowl Ad

Phoenix, AZ - Feb 3, 2007 - If you're one of the hundreds of millions who watched Superbowl XLII, you saw the New York Giants pull out a great comeback in one of the most exciting games in recent history. During the game, there's also something else you might have noticed... a major corporation, PepsiCo, finally made a large investment into the disability community by showing a Super Bowl ad targeting the Deaf community. It's seen as a "Giant" win by some and a major fumble by others.

PepsiCo teamed up with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) to bring a 60-second pre-game silent commercial filmed in American Sign Language (ASL). The commercial, titled "Bob's House", is performed by Deaf employees of PepsiCo. It was broadcast on the Fox pre-game show.

The commercial was spearheaded by an internal employee network, PepsiCo EnAble. This network's mission is to promote a more inclusive environment for person's with disabilities. PepsiCo EnAble received great support both inside and outside of the corporation, bringing the need for it to reach a wider audience. Although refreshing to see a major corporation realizing the importance of reaching the disability community and spotlighting entertainers with disabilities; some in the deaf community (specifically those that don't know or use ASL) feel the ad didn't include them. What are your thoughts? Speak out in the xAble.com forum by clicking below...
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Can Sarah's Actions Speak Any Louder?

Sarasota, FL - Feb 23, 2008 - Sarah Reinertsen (Paralympian, Ironman, and Reality TV Star) sits down with Elio Navarro to talk about her achievements as an athlete, experiences as a celebrity, and general life as an amputee. She compares the Amazing Race to the Ironman, talks about her role as a successful athlete with a disability, gives us an update on her personal life, and speaks out about "Ableism" and some of the discrimination taking place in sports toward disabled athletes. Meet Sarah Reinertsen - athlete.

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Ms. Wheelchair America 2008

Boston, MA - Feb 19, 2008 - Growing up as a young girl, I would look forward to the Ms. America pageant. I even remember getting dressed up and parading down a flight of stairs once, pretending to be one. These beautiful women had it all, the poise, the grace, and the energy...
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Justin Hines - Music with a Purpose

Toronto, Canada - Feb 19, 2008 - Justin Hines is one of Canada's top 20 adult music artists. His most famous song, Wish You Well, has been heard by millions of people around the globe. His style is unique, blending a folksy feel with rich, emotional lyrics and beautiful acoustics. It's not the fly-by-night music that big recording studios pump out in commercial bliss everyday. It's honest, timeless music that you'll enjoy 10, 20, and 50 years from now. It's music with a purpose.

Elio Navarro, xAble co-founder and chief, recently had the great opportunity to interview Justin. Justin is a person with a disability, he has Larsen's syndrome and scoliosis. In the interview, he talks about how his disability has influenced his life and musical career. He calls his disability a "blessing, rather than a curse".

Justin discusses his process of composing music and song writing. He talks about his rise to music fame and about his first singing gig in front of 17,000 people at a Toronto Raptors game. He talks about challeges he has faced and how he's overcome them. Justin's truth and honesty comes out in both his music and this great interview.
View the Latest News & Media on Justin Hines

Josh Blue - Comedian & Paralympian

Palm Beach, FL - Dec 30, 2007 Josh Blue's trademark line is "Heeeeey Buddy", a comedic reference for how some people have approached him as a person with a disability. He has cerebral palsy, a disability he's not afraid to laugh at in his routine. He has reached international fame as a star on Comedy Central and the winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing in season number four. He's also a soccer Paralympian, playing for Team USA in the 2004 Paralympic Games.
We recently had a chance to catch up with Josh at the Palm Beach Improv in sunny Florida. We had a great interview with him right before one of his shows.
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Ania Marecka: Determination Personified

Tampa, FL - Feb 9, 2008 - Ania Marecka is a student, artist, and aspiring pyschotherapist. She's the recipient of the much honored ChairScholars scholarship and attends Wilbur Wright College in Chicago. Born without arms, it may be suprising that she's a talented artist. She's overcome her phyical barriers, unlocking a talent she never knew she had.
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