By Terri Sterling

VSA of NJ, ThisAbled, and Artworks join hands to create the “Connect” art show, which provides visual artists with disabilities a place for their voice to be heard. Abstracts to landscapes can be found in paintings, mixed media, and photographs. The artists in this show are passionate about their art and spend up to a year or more perfecting each piece.

Many individuals, especially those newly disabled, are often prevented from participating in activities because of the overpricing of equipment for individuals with disabilities. My early “tool” development was an outgrowth of efforts not to let my situation prevent me from partaking in things I used to enjoy and not to pay the ridiculous prices. I created Handihelp.net with the idea of providing simple alternatives that are either inexpensive or costs little to be made.

Much of the interest on my website Index centers on continuing activities that individuals enjoyed prior to their disability and principle among those activities is hunting. Many of the e-mails I get are similar to the following letter from Dan:I am a C-5 6 quadriplegic complete… . I broke my neck over 40 years ago, and have been trying to find a good wheelchair mounted gun holder and trigger mechanism. Before I got injured I was an avid hunter, fisherman, and son of a farmer. I have tried different mounts but they tend to get very pricey. I would love to be able to hunt Whitetail deer with my brothers and one great friend who has been through this with me from the beginning. I'm not well-off but I'm very happy.

By: Kelly Rouba

Carpe diem—Latin for “seize the day”—is a motto Kevin Hoagland lives by. It was after he became a quadriplegic as a result of an accident at home when he was just 18 that Hoagland developed this mindset rather than letting his disability consume him.
After the accident, “the first few months were difficult,” Hoagland admits. But, “I learned very early that I had to move on with my life.” And he did.

Hoagland, who resides in New Jersey with his wife and two children, rose above the obstacles the injury put in his way to become an integral member of his community. “I enjoy making a difference, helping others, and contributing to the betterment of my community,” said Hoagland, who became founder and president of the Central Jersey Spinal Cord Association (CJSCA).