Columns

February 24, 2021August 24, 2022

Embracing My Choice to Walk Away From Insensitive People

Columns, Wiggle Room – a Column by Briana Beaver

It is not my responsibility to teach others how to be good people. This realization became crystal clear when attempting to outline on paper my grievances with a personal relationship ... Read more

February 10, 2021February 8, 2021

Survival Has Become My New Sparkle

Columns, Wiggle Room – a Column by Briana Beaver

I have a confession to make: Sometimes I’ll fake a smile. I’ll tug the corners of my mouth taut while my wide eyes stare into the camera. Getting through the ... Read more

January 13, 2021January 12, 2021

I Finally Got My Happy New Year’s Eve

Columns, Wiggle Room – a Column by Briana Beaver

I’ve got a bad habit of collecting memories I don’t have. I adorn the shelves of my mind with milestones I’ve never reached, organizing them into lavish frames that contrast ... Read more

December 16, 2020December 11, 2020

Redefining Disability as We Know It

Columns, Wiggle Room – a Column by Briana Beaver

“‘Disabled’ is not a bad word.” I see this phrase pasted across social media with increasing frequency. As much as I appreciate people with disabilities sharing their perspectives, I have ... Read more

November 25, 2020November 23, 2020

The Beauty of Interdependence

Columns, Wiggle Room – a Column by Briana Beaver

Independence is a word I heard tossed around frequently as a child. It hovered above me at Individualized Education Plan meetings in elementary school, and it filled pages for my ... Read more

November 11, 2020November 10, 2020

When My Fight for an Inclusive World Came Full Circle

Columns, Wiggle Room – a Column by Briana Beaver

Inclusion. I see this word flickering across social media frequently these days. As popular as it is on Instagram and Facebook, it was unpopular during most of my years growing ... Read more

October 28, 2020October 26, 2020

Watching Dreams Come Alive on the Big Screen

Columns, Wiggle Room – a Column by Briana Beaver

When I heard the news about the debut of my town’s first drive-in movie theater a few weeks ago, I was elated. A montage of dreamy snapshots flickered across my ... Read more

September 30, 2020September 28, 2020

Let’s Talk About Sex and Disability

Columns, Wiggle Room – a Column by Briana Beaver

“Can you even have sex?” Scooting back on my massage table, I brace myself against the wall. Taken aback by the abrupt question, I consider my response. “Yes, I can.” ... Read more

September 2, 2020August 31, 2020

Speaking Up for Academic Empowerment and Success

Columns, Wiggle Room – a Column by Briana Beaver

As a new school year approaches, I want to share some of my own experiences with education. Navigating school with a disability, especially higher education, can lead you down a ... Read more

August 12, 2020August 10, 2020

The Extraordinary Doctor at My Front Door

Columns, Wiggle Room – a Column by Briana Beaver

“Can you make me a coffee and cream when I get there?“ The text flashes on the screen of my phone and I smile. Replying yes, I eagerly await the ... Read more