Disability

What Patient Advocacy Means to Us

Issue #51 of “What’s Her Problem?”: A conversation with Chris B. Writes about our unexpected journeys to becoming patient advocates.

Aug 21 • Debra Rafson and Chris B. Writes

Upon Review, I am Still Disabled

Issue #49 of "What's Her Problem?": The nerve-wracking process of undergoing a Continuing Disability Review by the Social Security Administration.

Aug 7 • Debra Rafson

Answering Reader Questions

Issue #48 of "What's Her Problem?": Celebrating one year on Substack by responding to my “Ask Me Anything” inbox.

Jul 31 • Debra Rafson

Is Accessible Parking Really Accessible?

Issue #47 of "What's Her Problem?": The ADA codified parameters for accessible parking in 1990 and revised them in 2010. Is it time to update the rules…

Jul 24 • Debra Rafson

The Trouble with Doors

Issue #46 of "What's Her Problem?": Accessibility challenges come in all forms, even structures that seem innocuous.

Jul 17 • Debra Rafson

How to Buy an Accessible Vehicle

Issue #45 of "What's Her Problem?": Finding and adapting a vehicle that met my disability needs was a 5-step process.

Jul 10 • Debra Rafson

A New Diagnosis is Like Learning a New Language

Issue #44 of “What’s Her Problem?”: To become fluent in your medical diagnosis, you need to start with the basics and keep studying.

Jun 19 • Debra Rafson

How I Learned to Drive Again

Issue #43 of “What’s Her Problem?”: When illness takes away our independence, sometimes we can regain a different version of it.

Jun 12 • Debra Rafson

A Letter to My Late Physical Therapist

Issue #42 of “What’s Her Problem?”: Mourning the loss of a treasured member of my medical care team and celebrating her lasting impact.

Jun 5 • Debra Rafson

Back in "The Pitt"

Issue #37 of “What’s Her Problem?”: A second season of excellent storytelling, bringing awareness to major issues in the U.S. health care system.

Apr 24 • Debra Rafson

Adventures in Event Venue Accessibility

Issue #35 of “What’s Her Problem?”: Attending events can become complicated with chronic illness and/or disability.

Apr 10 • Debra Rafson

Five Times Strangers Commented on My Disability

Issue #34 of “What’s Her Problem?”: Visible disabilities seem to give people license to think they can ask questions or remark on them.

Apr 3 • Debra Rafson

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