Gina M. Barrett

Abstract In this article we argue that any real changes for the better for disabled people in recent years have only come about as the result of long campaigning by disabled people in user-led organisations. It isn’t the large charities or professionals who have improved anything, as both these have their own agendas, often at odds with the aims of the disabled people’s movement. As disabled people we are very concerned about the decline in numbers of user-led organisations.

By Gina M. Barrett. At a time when mental illness is on the rise in the U.S., adopting emotional intelligence becomes more necessary for day-to-day resilience. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. More than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness.

By Gina M. Barrett The loss of a long-standing and active community member Paul Shippee inspired me to write this wellness column. Paul played a major role in resolving conflict in Crestone. He consistently offered Nonviolent Communication (NVC) training to the community and was usually the one who was called upon to help resolve conflict when it arose at public meetings and in community groups.