On Disabilities

Luc Ennekans, 51, is deeply attached to his host, Toni Smit. That's caused some friction in Smit's marriage.

For Centuries, A Small Town Has Embraced Strangers With Mental Illness

1:58pm July 01, 2016

by Angus Chen

Families struggle to find a safe, therapeutic place for loved ones with serious mental disorders. In Geel, Belgium, residents have brought mentally ill strangers into their homes for centuries.

William Kitt's portraits are based on his observations of the vibrant street life of Manhattan.

Invisibilia: For An Artist, A Room Of His Own Is A Lifesaver

1:52pm July 01, 2016

by Angus Chen

William Kitt was living on the streets, abusing drugs and very sick when Broadway Housing Communities in New York offered him a room. Thirteen years later, he's thriving. His art tells the tale.

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Jess Thom (left) and Jess Mabel Jones from Thom's show, Backstage in Biscuit Land. Thom's website says she's "changing the world, one tic at a time."

Tourette's Tics Are A Challenge, But Misunderstanding Of Tics Can Be Worse

5:24pm June 17, 2016

by Lisa Fine

One British performance artist does live shows about living with a constant compulsion to say the word "biscuit." Onstage and online, people with Tourette's syndrome are reaching out to clear the air.

Brad Duerstock demonstrates the RoboDesk.

For Wheelchair Users, A RoboDesk For Electronic Devices

12:11pm May 19, 2016

by Stan Jastrzebski

An Indiana inventor hopes his tray mount will help bridge gaps in education tech and eliminate some of the stigma associated with coming to class in a wheelchair.

Kelli Glenn holds a photo of her father while he was in the hospital.

Suddenly Paralyzed, 2 Men Struggle To Recover From Guillain-Barre

8:30am May 16, 2016

by Rae Ellen Bichell

Guillain-Barre syndrome can render healthy people temporarily paralyzed. It's something you're likely to hear more about as Zika continues to spread. And for those who get it, it is one wild ride.

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Jaime Rangel helps Gustavo Ruiz, 12, align a tire on his bike, at a recent community event in southeast Fresno, Calif. As manager for Bici Projects, Rangel promotes cycling in the Latino community as a great way to get in shape.

Cyclist Teaches Kids To Use Fun To Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

11:33am May 03, 2016

by Farida Jhabvala Romero

Jaime Rangel was 14 when he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Bike rides helped him get in shape and defeat the illness. Now 26, he's showing other kids from low-income families how to do it.

Elizabeth Mayeux stops to smell flowers during a Philly Touch Tour of Philadelphia's Italian Market.

'Touch Tours' Help Blind Experience Philadelphia's Historic Food Scene

4:33pm May 02, 2016

by Neema Roshania

A hands-on tour of the city's landmark Italian Market includes time to appreciate the scents and sounds — and opportunities to sample the district's delicious chocolate, cheeses and fresh pastas.

Months after a concussion or other traumatic brain injury, you may sleep more hours, but the sleep isn't restorative, a study suggests.

A Concussion Can Lead To Sleep Problems That Last For Years

8:10pm April 27, 2016

by Jon Hamilton

Eighteen months after a concussion or other traumatic brain injury, two-thirds of the patients in a recent study were still sleepy during the day. And most were unaware of their symptoms.

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Just because you win a lawsuit after an injury doesn't mean you'll see any cash from the court award.

Ruling May Help Patients Keep More Of The Winnings When They Sue

5:11pm April 27, 2016

by Michelle Andrews

When someone's been hurt and gets cash as part of a legal decision, health plans routinely demand to be reimbursed for medical costs they covered. But a Supreme Court ruling may hinder that strategy.

Talking about end-of-life care may be difficult, but the stakes make the conversations worth the effort.

Doctors Unsure About How To Talk With Patients About End-Of-Life Care

3:18pm April 15, 2016

by Barbara Feder Ostrov

Medicare now pays doctors $86 to discuss end-of-life care in an office visit that covers topics such as hospice, living wills and do-not-resuscitate orders. But how should doctors get a chat rolling?