Sunday, December 4, 2011

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Once again we have oberved the United Nations International Day of Persons with disabilities.  This demographic makes up 15% or more of the overall World population.  It is made up of disabled veterans, people with Spinal Cord injury, who have illnesses like Spina Bifida, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis and Post Polio, or traumatic brain injury. 

People who live with these conditions live active lives as world class Paralympic athletes ; business leaders ; politicians ; teachers and involved family members.

Join Fashion Moves in celebration of this day.
- submit garments you have designed
- let us know about events that are taking part in your area of the World that Fashion Moves can be part of
- will you be taking part in or attending a Fashion Show as part of a fund raiser for cancer, Parkinson's, Spinal cord injury, etc.  Contact us and we will provide quality garments designed specifically for the people who will benefit from this fund raiser
- co-author articles with us and get your name and ideas published
- spread the word about this work to product suppliers and clients alike. Show that this is relevant to their lives and ask who they may have in their families and circles, who are ill or have disabilities
- be creative and contact us with suggestions of how you can help us promote this new segment within the Fashion/Garment Industry

Join us and lets rock the Fashion World as we make a difference in the lives of many.
Find us at www.fashionmovescompetition.blogspot.com
Ruth Clark
250-314-1849

Thursday, September 15, 2011

BRAZIL !!

September 28, 2011
Yesterday we travelled from Ihla Bela, an Island off the coast of Brazil, to Socorro. Through high mountian passes and past dairy farms in the valleys. Wonderful 5 hour journey.
Today and tomorrow we will be busy at the Accessable Tourism Conference. More news, and pictures soon.


September 27, 2011
(Business note.  there is so much news and so many things happening, we will keep registration open for a few more weeks.  For those of you who have already Registered, please wait until I get home for more news.  Thanks)

WOW, What a day.  Last night and tonight we are at the Yacht Club on (the Island of) Ihla Bela.  Four gals in one bedroom, girl guide style and Scott Rains had a room to himself.
Up early and a wonderful breakfast on the patio.  Then we went across the street to the beach where we watched some swimming lessons.  The two adult swimmers ride in a 3 wheel beach chair, right into the water.  Then they can float out of the chair and do exerices in the salt water.  Back into the chair to get back on shore.  Shirley Barber had brought some new crutches to show.  These are made on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia.  There are a variety of interchangeable feet, one set is made to go across soft sand.  One of the swimmers (who will not use conventional crutches) tested these across the sand and felt very secure and confident.
We had a lengthy meeting with various government officials, all looking for ways to work together and increase access to beach, recreation and society in general.  As well as speaking about this, some of the clothing I brought down was shown and discussed.  All well received.
In the afternoon we went into town for a wonderful lunch and then around the island to see other facilities that have been made more accessible.  We ended the outing at a wonderful waterfall.  Pictures to come soon.
Back to the Yacht Club and an early night.  Tomorrow we pack our things and move onto Socorro and the conference on accessible tourism and travel. 
More news when I can.  Keep reading and share the news with all.
Ruth

September 24, 2011
The adventure is continuing.  The other night I went with my CouchSurfing hosts Raphael and Ana, to a large open air night market.  There were dozens of stalls that sold every type of fruit, vegetable and meat.  Also a few cooked food stands where we ate fresh BBQ beef, sausage and chicken wings, all washed down with Brazilian beer.
Last night we attended a music CD release party.  There were many Fashion Designers from Fila there and I had a good visit with a number of them.  All were very interested in the work of Fashion Moves and our goals.  I hope to see some of them joining us here as well.
Tomorrow I start the second half of my trip as Scott Rains from California and Shirley Barber from British Columbia meet me here.  I am joining them during their travels in Brazil and will be at the Accessible Tourism conference with them.
More later.
Ruth


September 19, 2011
Hello from beautiful Sao Paulo, Brazil.  I just got in today and am excited about being part of the 3rd Annual Moda Inclusiva tomorrow.  Much thanks to Daniela Auler and her office for inviting me down and sponsoring my trip.
Watch for updated of the event, in the next few days, I will also add pictures if I can teach myself how to do this.

While I am here I will also stay with two local members from CouchSurfing.org.  It is great to know that my first host and his girlfriend will join me tomorrow night at the Event.

Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and for following along.  Please remember to spread the word and let others know as well.

Early bed tonight after almost 48 hours of travel, from Kamloops down to SP. 

             ------------------------------
September 17, 2011
Early Sunday morning I hop onto a plane and start my journey to Sao Paulo, Brazil! 
The State of Sao Paulo has held an Inclusive Fashion event for 2 years and Fashion Moves has been invited to attend the 3rd Moda Inclusiva on September 20.  ( http://www.sedpcd.sp.gov.br/modainclusiva/inscricao.php  ) What a thrill this will be, to represent Fashion Moves, and all of you, at this event.
6 days later I will attend an International conference on accessible tourism and travel.  This 3 day conference will have people from around the world attending, including my friends Scott Rains and Shirley Barber from Tour Watch.
As often as possible I will provide you with updates on all the 'doings'.
Happy start of Fall to all of you in the Northern Hemispher, I am going to the start of Spring!
Bye for now.
Ruth