New Visions Blog

An effort to revamp the icon that’s long symbolized accessibility on everything from parking lot signs to bathrooms is gaining traction with New York City agreeing to adopt a new look. Read the story here.… read more

The Mobility Resource offers insight into communicating with wheel chair users, and things not to say like: Slow down there. You might get a speeding ticket. Read the article here.… read more

BFL’s Freedom House Emergency Shelter held the annual Handprints of the Heart event this May, working with volunteers from Goldman Sachs. Resident families and children took part in crafts, empowerment activities and enjoyed a live performance… read more

On Thursday, May 16th the HOPE Program hosted its second annual A Taste of HOPE event, a celebration of tastings, toasts and transformations at Steelcase in Manhattan. Barrier Free Living's HR/Organizational Development Team attended, joining a packed crowd at the stunning Steelcase venue overlooking Columbus Circle. Guests included the founder of HOPE Deborah Antoine, (pictured with Dr. Clarel Antoine). Taste of Hope featured a host of award-winning partners, including: Inside Park at… read more

BFL's Secret Garden Domestic Violence Program held its annual Women's Day Celebration this month. The event heralded the courage and triumphs of survivors who have grown and healed through the program. The celebration included a poetry reading, piano recital and lunch. Special gift bags were provided by The Body Shop.… read more

First featured on our website last October, Alex Minsky, the Marine Lance Cpl. who lost his leg when his truck rolled over an IED (improvised explosive device) in Afghanistan, has gone onto become a sought after model and inspiration for people with disabilities world wide.  He has been featured this June on both ABC and NBC. See the ABC Good Morning America story click here. See the latest news story on NBC click here. Click here to… read more

The residents of  BFL's Transitional Housing program, formerly homeless men and women with disabilities, were treated to a sumptuous May Day feast this month. The 24 women of the shelter received special Mother's Day gift bags courtesy of The Body Shop. BFL's Occupational Therapy team coordinated the event, which included a baking class and cupcake decorating workshop. The Body Shop choose Transitional Housing as the featured charity in it's 'Another… read more

Prince Harry of Wales attended a recent Warrior Games exhibition volleyball match between the U.S. and U.K. Olympic gold medalists Misty May-Treanor, Missy Franklin and Paralympic medalists Kari Miller and Brad Snyder were in attendance to support the wounded athletes. From May 11-16, more than 200 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans from the U.S. Marines, Army, Air Force and Navy, as well as a team representing U.S. Special Operations Command and… read more

After a career as a decorated Marine then working for the Federal Aviation Administration, Dr. Young suddenly went from actively thriving to barely surviving while living out of his car in metro Atlanta. Moving in and out of extended stay motels, and navigating throughout the sometimes dangerous streets of metro Atlanta. Check out Dr. Young's blog here.… read more

The United States Olympic Committee and Deloitte announced that the Warrior Games will be held in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 11-16, 2013. In addition to Deloitte, the presenting sponsor, the six-day event is also supported by the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, USO, Fisher House Foundation, AT&T, BP, Budweiser and the Semper Fi Fund. More than 200 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans are expected to participate in 2013.  They will comprise five U.S. teams representing… read more

The BFL Survivor's Speaker's Bureau released its Mother's Day themed newsletter. The Bureau is  made up of women with disabilities  "some who had been rejected by their families, some had decided to end their  abuse and go into shelter, and many who had to stop pursuing their educational dreams," said Theresa McIntosh, Senior coordinator and founder of the Barrier Free Living Survivor's Speaker's Bureau. The Bureau serves as a platform for survivors to share their stories, and educate the public on issue of… read more

Residents of BFL's Freedom House Emergency Shelter graduated from the EASE program this April. The ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT (EASE) PROGRAM, created by Robert Hawkins and Alisha Ali of New York University, helps to equip survivors of domestic violence with resources to secure sustainable employment. Pictured at the graduation are: (left to right) Zoila Vargas, Freedom House Entitlements worker; Tysheene Neely, Freedom House, Housing Specialist; Robert Hawkins, Ph.D, NYU professor; Nickeema Coy… read more

The Body Shop at New York City's Grand Central (420 Lexington Ave) has chosen BFL's Transitional Housing program as its charity partner for Mother's Day. The Transitional Housing Program is a shelter for formerly homeless men and women with disabilities who are forging  a new life. Body Shop's "Another for a Mother" campaign encourages customers to purchase items for their mother or loved one, as well as… read more

Freedom House Emergency Shelter launched a vibrant new Adult Poetry Club.  The club allows residents to "express themselves through creative writing in order to promote positive mental health while sharing their creative writing with the members of the group." The group was led by the Occupational Therapy team;  Residents contributed to the booklet which was designed and put together by Patrice C. Queen. View the poetry clubs booklet by clicking here.… read more

Since 2010 the Kids Wish Network has honored more than 30 children at Freedom House Emergency Shelter with a Hero of the Month award. The honorees of this program are children between the ages of 3 and 18 who have faced and overcome difficult circumstances, often enduring a great deal of pain and suffering. "This really speaks to the children's  courage during time of hardship, as their families enter our domestic violence shelter… read more

BFL's Occupational Therapy Program Coordinator Patricia Motus,  OTR/L,  and Christina Marino, MS, OTR/L presented "Occupational Therapy with Survivors of Domestic Violence: An Initial Cross Case Analysis for Determining Factors of Success in a Shelter Setting" at the The American Occupational Therapy Association’s 93rd Annual Conference & Expo in San Diego April 25-28. The AOTA Annual Conference & Expo is "the most dynamic gathering  for occupational therapy professionals each year... Stimulating Presidential… read more

A Resident at BFL's Freedom House Emergency Shelter sent a letter to staff expressing gratitude about her healing journey and how she gained  strength as she moved through obstacles. Click here to read the inspiring letter… read more

On Thursday, May 16th The HOPE Program will host its  second annual A Taste of HOPE event, a celebration of tastings, toasts and transformations at Steelcase, Inc., 4 Columbus Circle New York from 6pm-8:30pm. HOPE empowers New Yorkers living in poverty to achieve economic self-sufficiency through employment and advancement. As one of HOPE's signature programs prepares men and women for careers in New York City's food… read more

Click here to view Norman Kunc & Emma Van der Klift's video, "A Credo for Suppport" - spoken by members of San Luis Obispo People First. Order DVDs including "a series of suggestions for people who care about and support someone with a disability" that " prompts viewers to question the common perceptions of disability, professionalism, and support" by clicking here… read more

AWARE organized and hosted a Family Carnival at BFL's Freedom House Emergency Shelter on April 13, bringing hope and laughter to survivors of domestic violence and their families.   The Carnival featured face-painting, glitter tattoos, a photo booth, basketball, live music, cotton-candy and an appearance by Elmo.  AWARE'S  Ellen L. Friedman said " I think it was… read more

Sharing a wonderful shout-out from one of our new supporters: "I simply wanted to send a small comment to be able to express gratitude to you for all of the magnificent items you are giving out at this website. My considerable internet research has finally been honored with reliable tips to share with my great friends. I would claim that most of us readers are unequivocally blessed to live in a really good network with so many outstanding professionals with valuable… read more

Sexual Abuse of Children with Disabilities: A National Snapshot was recently released at a congressional briefing in Washington, DC.  The report provides an overview of the latest research on the incidence and prevalence of sexual abuse of children with disabilities. View the report here.… read more

Though Brilynn Rakes was diagnosed with nystagmus and cone dystrophy (which causes her eyes to shake), that did not stop her from pursuing a career in dance.  This week the inspiring young woman was featured on Dancing With The Stars as part of the AT&T Spotlight Series. View the Dancing with the Stars Video here. Read Brilynn's story here.… read more

Miss M., a woman who found safety and healing at BFL's Secret Garden domestic violence program, shared a letter of gratitude with staff, thanking them for "giving me back my life."  Miss M. said the program helped her to change her "destiny forever." Click here to read Miss M.'s letter.… read more

The United to End Homelessness campaign launches Tuesday, April 9 at 1pm at the NY City Hall steps. New York City’s next Mayor and City Council will confront unprecedented levels of homelessness. By the end of 2012, more than 57,000 people, including more than 22,000 children, slept each night on the street or in a City shelter, the largest homeless shelter population ever recorded. Click here to view rally flyer.… read more

CODES OF HOPE, an  innovative six-week curriculum highlighting the aspects of inter-generational trauma and its relationship to domestic violence, is working with participants at BFL's Secret Garden and Freedom House programs. Activities include inventive approaches to healing, such as a dinner party theater game exploring the dynamics of power and control. Marcella Goheen and Thea Martinez are co-facilitators of CODES OF HOPE.  Inspired by The Maria Project’s story of Maria Salazar, the CODES OF HOPE curriculum reflects an interdisciplinary approach… read more

On, April 4th, the Women’s Equality Coalition will be having press conferences around the state. The Coalition will focus on the Women’s Equality Agenda, a groundbreaking new plan that will break down barriers and promote fairness and equal opportunity for women. Topics include: Stopping Housing Discrimination for Victims of Domestic Violence: We need to protect victims of domestic violence from discrimination when they try to purchase, rent, or lease housing. Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence by Strengthening Order-of-Protection Laws: Domestic violence victims should be allowed… read more

HSU is one of the lead agencies that has been mobilizing a new nonpartisan coalition to highlight the crisis of homelessness during the 2013 mayoral election in New York City. The coalition – United to End Homelessness – will hold its official launch next Tuesday, April 9, on the steps of City Hall at 1pm. There are more people today in New York City’s shelter system than at any other time in recorded history. Fifty-seven thousand New Yorkers are now… read more

Created in 2012, Beyond Freedom is a transitional support group that grew from the agency’s mission to guide people with disabilities to lead dignified lives free of abuse. It was spearheaded by BFL’s Freedom House Emergency Shelter team. The idea was to create a dynamic group where current and former Freedom House residents meet weekly to discuss experiences, progress, challenges, barriers and success as they navigate life after residential… read more

Guggenheim Mind's Eye Programs allow visitors who are blind or have low vision to explore the museum with tours and workshops using verbal imaging and touch.  Programs are Mondays (March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3) 630pm-830pm and Wednesdays (March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12) 2pm-4pm. Info at [email protected] or call 212-360-4355.… read more