Over the last several months, I received a crash course in navigating life with disabilities when a dear friend experienced an illness that left him needing a walker and, later, a wheelchair. The entrance to his house was at the top of a flight of stairs, so he had a ramp built to make it accessible. When we went out to eat, restaurants would often tell us they were wheelchair-accessible when we called, but upon arrival we would find doors too narrow, one or two steps at the entry, or no room to sit comfortably at the table.

Reading our cover story about violinist Itzhak Perlman, who contracted polio at age 4, only increased my dismay about the lack of accessibility. He describes the stigma and obstacles to accessibility that he and other people with disabilities face when they want to do something as simple as flying on a plane or staying at a hotel. The Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires businesses to take every possible step to allow people with disabilities to enjoy the same products and services that are available to other customers, was enacted in 1990, but clearly more work needs to be done.

Perlman never sought the role of advocate but recognizes that his public profile on the world stage as an acclaimed violinist provides a way to raise awareness. While fame helps, you don't need to be a public figure to be successful in drawing much-needed attention to neurologic diseases. In a feature story, mothers and fathers of children with rare or disabling diseases describe how they researched, networked, lobbied, raised money, and even created their own foundations to become strong and effective champions for their children's health.

In our Speak Up column, another parent, Karen DeBonis, shares regret about not more firmly voicing her concerns when she suspected that her son was ill. Her message now is “Listen to your heart, use your brain, and channel your voice.” Another advocate, Jenn McNary, became committed to the cause after two of her sons were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Finally, be sure to read our feature on John Driskell Hopkins, a Grammy Award–winning country music artist who started a foundation to support research on and raise awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis after being diagnosed with the condition. Those stories and others are a testament to the determination and creativity that can blossom from adversity, and I hope you find them as inspiring as I have.

As winter draws to a close, I urge you to get outside and experience the healing benefits of nature. Spending time in nature can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, and it may even boost brain health. The article also includes information about adaptive technologies and specialized wheelchairs that can navigate a variety of terrains. My friend was given the brilliant gift of a beach wheelchair, which allowed him to glide onto the sand and enjoy the sun, ocean breeze, and sound of lapping waves and seagulls with his family. It was therapeutic and brought him obvious joy.

I am pleased to report that the World Federation of Neurology has designated Brain Health and Disability as the themes for World Brain Day on July 22. This will increase awareness of brain health and promote the prevention and rehabilitation of disability worldwide. If you have a story about living with a disability and advice you'd like to share, please write to us at BrainandLife@WoltersKluwer.com.

Until then, happy spring!

Orly Avitzur, MD, MBA, FAAN, Editor-in-Chief