  | The Laura and Wagner Foundation (LWF) is a non-profit NGO registered in Curaçao in the Netherlands Antilles, and now certified by the Belastingdienst in the ANBI Registry in the Netherlands, that serves to raise awareness about, and advocate for, the rights of persons of all ages living with sensory, physical, or learning disabilities, as well as those 'socially disabled' and disadvantaged because of poverty or an incomplete education. Founded in February of 2008 by Laura Meddens, herself visually impaired as the result of medical negligence in Curaçao and the Netherlands, the LWF is working to 'DisAble The Dis' by changing attitudes about disability. Laura, and her guide dog Wagner from The Seeing Eye, have been 'opening eyes and opening doors' raising awareness about disability rights and issues, & obtaining access for persons with guide dogs to all the places normally sighted people go. The Foundation is now developing new options for learning, training and jobs for the disabled through its ABLED system of software and assistive digital devices. |
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     | A Message From Our Founder and Chairman - Laura Meddens We have much to tell you about as we complete major updates to our website. The past few months have seen earthquakes strike in Haiti and Chile with disastrous consequences, especially for persons with disabilities. In a country where anyone with a disability is considered bad luck for a family, and abandoned by society, the rebuilding effort also requires a rebuilding of attitudes, especially if Haiti is to cope with the thousands of people newly disabled by amputations because of crush injuries. We have also witnessed an increase in abuse of the disabled with violent consequences. Both topics are the subjects of special reports in our Special Reports section. We also address how disabling peoples' attitudes can be to anyone with sensory, physical or learning disabilities with the panel of local and international participants from our ABLED Fundraiser in December. And to all who attended or helped with, sponsored or contributed to the event, a very big Thank You! You can read more detail about it on our ABLED Fundraiser page. On a personal note, I'd like to send heartfelt appreciation to everyone who was kind enough to send good wishes for the eye surgeries I've required since our event, Wagner's recovery from tick fever, and especially for the many kind condolences on the sudden passing of my father, Leo. He, along with my mother Beatrice have been great supporters of our Foundation's mission and I miss him very much. If you'd like to know a bit more about him, you can visit his online memorial at www.LeoMeddens.com. As we emerge from a sad beginning to 2010, we are progressing with the development of our ABLED system of software and assistive digital devices that will create new learning, training and job opportunities for persons with disabilities in Curaçao and the Netherlands, who then provide ABLED services for disabled and non-disabled users around the world, who want accessible technology. As a non-profit NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), we rely completely on financial contributions from businesses, Foundations and individuals like you to make this happen. Please visit our DONATE page or click on the banner below to support our efforts to bring transformational change to the lives of persons with disabilities in Curaçao, the Netherlands, and around the world. Thank you! |
ABLED INITIATIVE Our system of software and digital devices to help take the 'Dis' out of Disabled via more independence _____________________________ New learning/training opportunities An easier system for using the 'Net' A new form of independent mobility  | ALERTS  Contaminated flavor enhancer starts a flood of voluntary recalls of many food products - We have the list _____________________________ Baby carrier recall in N.A. & Europe Tylenol products recall is expanded Soda fountains squirt fecal bacteria  | ARTICLES  A series of articles providing insight into living with a disability - starting with our Founder - Laura Meddens _____________________________ Mobility training with a metal 'dog' Echolocation: Seeing without eyes Hearing restored -the challenges |
BREAKTHROUGHS Brain scans show response when questions are asked-Ethics impact _____________________________ Paralysis Healed? Dr. Rewires Nerves Retinal implant trial successful New treatment for brain injury | EDUCATION  Laura & Wagner raise awareness about disabilities and guide dogs _____________________________ ISC students learn about disabilities Opening eyes at the Marnix School Teaching executives about access | EVENTS  Our sincere thanks to all participants attendees, sponsors or contributors _____________________________ 1Domains Online Benefit Auction Autism Awareness month international day of the guide dog |
INSPIRATION Music therapy helps launch a major career after being hit by a car _____________________________ Mike May: Adapting to seeing again Adapting to hearing for the 1st time Quotes of inspiration for motivation | ISSUES Poverty & The Disabled An average 75% jobless rate leaves many disabled persons behind _____________________________ Shelters Illegally Bar Service Dogs Making culture accessible for all Autism Comfort Dogs vs Schools | MEDIA  Technology gives Roger Ebert back the voice that cancer stole from him _____________________________ Oprah's 'No Phone Zone' campaign Oscar provides hope for Prudence Avatar's hero inspires paraplegics |
NETWORKING Our selection of Blogs, Foundations, Links and Retailers of interest _____________________________ Media Dis-n-dat Blog Link Independent Living Aids Store UN eNable Promotes Disabled Rights | NEWS  New long-term study shows dark chocolate is good for your heart _____________________________ Blind driver sets world speed record Stem cells may reverse deafness When a sore throat turns deadly | RESEARCH  Drug for BPH effecting in reducing the development of prostate cancer _____________________________ Chemical link to breast cancer Overactive thyroid stroke risk How to be part of a clinical trial |
SPECIAL REPORTS  Pope under fire for ignoring abuse at Catholic institutions for the disabled _____________________________ Disabled Attitudes: Speaking Up Haiti/Chile Quakes impact disabled Health Care Reform for the disabled | VIDEO  Our series on Disabled Attitudes and other videos help disable the 'dis' _____________________________ 'Opening Eyes & Opening Doors' 'The Specials'-online video series The Voices of Autism @ NYT.com | WELLNESS Live Well Despite Disability Conditions, treatments, recipes & more for better wellbeing choices _____________________________ Fitness is key for the disabled Comparing natural painkillers Mike May on regaining vision |
A New Section For Your Wellbeing
Studies have shown that it's very important for persons with disabilities or chronic health conditions to try to maintain a good diet, exercise, if possible in ways that are relevant to their condition, and to maintain a positive spirit. We've developed a new resource section of our website to help everyone, whether disabled or not, to learn more about recipes, natural supplements, exercise regimens from various sources to help you make informed choices about your health and wellbeing.This content is for information purposes only and is not meant to replace proper diagnosis and treatment by your health professionals. We hope you find the information useful and if you have any comments or questions, please write to us at info@LauraAndWager.com.
 | In our Spirit video section, you'll find Laura's interview with Mike May, an assistive technology pioneer who also participated in the 'Disabled Attitudes' discussion in our Special Reports section. Mike talks about some of the challenges in having partial vision restored after 43 years via stem cell surgery. It's not quite as easy as you think. Since the interview was done via Skype, the video connection quality wasn't as good as we'd like it to be, but we feel what Mike had to say was very important and should supercede any technical concerns. Read more about Mike and watch the video here. |
| THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS - Watch The Video Below |
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 Blood pressure & cholesterol drugs deemed more harmful than helpful  | | Contaminated flavor enhancer starts a flood of voluntary recalls | |  Study finds most drink dispensers Squirting fecal bacteria |
| LEAD-POISONING ALERT: New study suggests risk could lurk in kitchen spice racks |
| CELLPHONE RADIATION ALERT: Is your cellphone safe? Check the radiation report card |
| ARTIFICIAL HIP WITHDRAWN: A Johnson & Johnson unit cites high early failure rate |
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| DONATE VIA CURACAO RED CROSS: @ 868 6832 or donate at all local banks > |
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 | Paraplegics Cheer Disabled 'Avatar' Hero James Cameron's 3-D blockbuster has been wowing audiences all over the world, but it is especially inspiring for many persons with disabilities because its lead character overcomes his paralysis. Read more at ABC News>> |
 | Autism Dogs: Service Animals or Pets? Two families fight for access to schools for their autistic children and their comfort dogs. School districts call them 'pets' but the parents insist they are service dogs and a court agreed with one family. Story 1 >> Story 2 >> |
 | Shelters Illegally Bar Disabled Homeless Some shelters for the homeless are violating the Americans With Disabilities Act by refusing accommodation for homeless disabled persons with guide or service dogs leaving them to sleep on the street. Story 1 >> Story 2 >> |
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 No Ash Cloud Health Risks Iceland's erupting volcano is not considered a big health risk |  Despite being told about the cancer risks, some people are addicted |  Consumer Reports finds the bacteria in 2/3rds of store-bought chickens |
Introducing videos from our new Wellness Section
 Leslie Nesbitt has tips for those who experience neck pain from sitting  |  Johns Hopkins study finds it helps to boost recovery for ICU patients |  Paralympic champ Mike Schlappi explains the general aspects of it |
 | Exercises For Person With Spinal Cord Injuries: Tetraplegia This is a great at-home workout program for people with tetraplegia. This video can also be used as a seated exercise option for people with disabilities or chronic health conditions. |
Help Us To End The Social Isolation of The Disabled
Welcome to our website which we hope will make it easier for you to explore the world of Laura and Wagner as this dynamic duo campaigns to end the social isolation of disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages in Curaçao, the Netherlands Antilles, and newly expanded into the Netherlands (Holland), by helping them obtain guide/assistance dogs and other resources that can help them achieve more freedom of mobility and self-reliance.
Through The Laura And Wagner Foundation (LWF), they are also campaigning to achieve access legislation for guide/assistance dogs to allow people who rely on these service animals for their mobility to be able to go everywhere non-disabled people go without discrimination.
Through The Laura And Wagner Foundation (LWF), they are also campaigning to achieve access legislation for guide/assistance dogs to allow people who rely on these service animals for their mobility to be able to go everywhere non-disabled people go without discrimination.
You can help by signing the online petition here .
Through it's ABLED Initiative, the LWF will be launching several projects to create new learning, training and employment opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged persons of all ages through a customized suite of software and devices that close the digital divide for those who don't see as well, hear as well, walk as well, or learn as easily as the rest of us, including those who can't afford the basic tools of communication and learning that many of us take for granted.
These projects are also designed to create new economic opportunities in in the sectors of Education, Communications and Tourism.
Please visit our website often to follow the progress of this ambitious multi-year initiative. And because we are a non-profit NGO (non-governmental organization), we rely on financial support from individual and corporate supporters like you. You can learn more about the Foundation and how you can help or get involved to make a difference here.
Please take your time exploring our site and let us know if you have any questions or suggestions. by sending us an eMail to info@LauraAndWagner.com. We hope you'll visit often and help spread the word about Laura and Wagner's efforts to 'Open Eyes & Open Doors'!
Through it's ABLED Initiative, the LWF will be launching several projects to create new learning, training and employment opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged persons of all ages through a customized suite of software and devices that close the digital divide for those who don't see as well, hear as well, walk as well, or learn as easily as the rest of us, including those who can't afford the basic tools of communication and learning that many of us take for granted.
These projects are also designed to create new economic opportunities in in the sectors of Education, Communications and Tourism.
Please visit our website often to follow the progress of this ambitious multi-year initiative. And because we are a non-profit NGO (non-governmental organization), we rely on financial support from individual and corporate supporters like you. You can learn more about the Foundation and how you can help or get involved to make a difference here.
Please take your time exploring our site and let us know if you have any questions or suggestions. by sending us an eMail to info@LauraAndWagner.com. We hope you'll visit often and help spread the word about Laura and Wagner's efforts to 'Open Eyes & Open Doors'!
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