The idea for Accessman.com actually has its roots in a legal seminar. Professor Anne Puckett at the University of Georgia School of Law teaches a wonderful semester-long seminar entitled "Law and Disability." I participated during my final semester in law school and was left thinking, "What can I do?" On a personal and global level I really felt the need to get in and make a difference.

My parents are both disabled, my Mom with Multiple Sclerosis, and my Dad who had a brain tumor removed in 1991, which left him hemiplegic. In 1997, in the middle of nursing school, I found out that I too have MS. I pushed myself hard and decided to enter law school in 1999. Despite the exhaustion and tough times, I managed to graduate in December 2001.

Professor Puckett urged me to contact Mark Johnson at Shepherd Center and to join his mailing list. I thought rather than sending a simple "Hello" via e-mail, I should go and meet Mark face-to-face!

Mark and I sat down and had a brain storming session. We decided on how the site was to be laid out and what information would be included, then I got to work with the basic design. We've made adjustments and changes along the way, but the site is still a work in progress and will continue to grow as different advocacy needs emerge.

Accessman.com focuses on a wide variety of issues. It gives updates on the ADA, assistive technology and transportation issues. It keeps track of what is happening in Congress and in state legislatures on disability related issues. The site focuses on employment, health care, housing and disability history and pride. It’s all done with the goals of pushing for equal rights for people with disabilities and getting people involved to make that happen.

Mark is truly a joy and an inspiration. In his presence, you always feel as if the glass is "half full." I am humbled to share in just a bit of his work by helping to spread advocacy and information through AccessMan.com.

Contact Holly at nurselawyer@nurselawyer.net or visit www.Accessman.com for more information.