Chaz Hayden's Blog, page 2
March 8, 2024
I Met 100 Genius Middle Schoolers
I taught middle school students about accessibility and universal design. Their responses were awesome!
January 9, 2024
America on Wheels Museum Tour
In this episode of Front Row with Chaz presented by The PEAK TV, I visited the America on Wheels Museum in Allentown, PA, where I learned about all kinds of vehicles, from classic cars to motorcycles to trucks and more.
December 21, 2023
National Museum of Industrial History Tour
In this episode of Front Row with Chaz presented by The PEAK TV, I travel to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to visit the National Museum of Industrial History, a Smithsonian Affiliate that showcases the history and innovation of American industry. I tour through the museum’s exhibits, which include artifacts from the 1876 Centennial Exposition, iron and steel production, textiles, propane, and more. I also learn about the people who shaped the industrial revolution and how their ideas influenced our nation’s growth.
August 31, 2023
Martin Guitar Factory Tour
In this episode of Front Row with Chaz presented by The PEAK TV, I take you on a tour of the Martin Guitar Factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where some of the world’s finest acoustic guitars are made. I learn about the history and culture of Martin Guitars, which has been in business since 1833, and even get a live demo of a guitar owned by Kurt Cobain. Along the way, I discover how Martin Guitars makes their factory and facilities accessible and enjoyable for everyone, no matter what their abilities or needs are.
August 10, 2023
Allentown Art Museum Makes Art Accessible for Everyone
In this episode of Front Row with Chaz presented by The PEAK TV, I visit the Allentown Art Museum, a wonderful place where art and culture come to life. I learn how the museum makes art accessible and enjoyable for everyone, no matter what their abilities or needs are. I get a tour from a staff member who shares her passion and expertise on museum accessibility, such as audio descriptions for people who are blind or have low vision as well as organizing sensory-friendly events for people who are on the autism spectrum.
July 13, 2023
How ArtsQuest Rocks Accessibility
In this episode of Front Row with Chaz, I check out ArtsQuest in Bethlehem, a nonprofit that delivers diverse artistic and cultural experiences to the community. I chat with ArtsQuest CEO Kassie Hilgert, who tells me about the vision and mission of ArtsQuest, and how they make sure to be inclusive and accommodating to people with disabilities. I also catch a concert in the MusikFest Café, one of the many venues that ArtsQuest runs, and have a blast with the live music and the accessibility features that ArtsQuest provides. Join me as I find out how ArtsQuest is bringing people together through the power of art.
June 22, 2023
Coca-Cola Park: A Disability-Friendly Stadium
Coca-Cola Park is an 8,278-seat baseball park in Allentown, Pennsylvania that hosts the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. But it’s not just a place for baseball fans, it’s also a place for everyone to have a fun and entertaining experience. In this episode of Front Row with Chaz, I show you how Coca-Cola Park offers various accommodations and features for people with disabilities. From the Capital Blue Tiki Terrace to the Bud Light Trough, from the Berks Picnic Patio to the VIP Dugout Suites, Coca-Cola Park has something for everyone. Whether you want to watch the game, enjoy the food, or socialize with friends, you can do it all at Coca-Cola Park. Don’t miss this episode of Front Row with Chaz presented by The PEAK TV where I show you how to enjoy baseball in the Lehigh Valley!
September 8, 2022
Interview: Writing a Book with a Disabled Character
Recently I was interviewed by SpinalMuscularAtrophy.net. I answered questions about creating a character with SMA, sharing the disability experience, and what it's like to be an author with a disability.
August 24, 2022
Gaming with a Disability
Recently I went on a search to find an accessible hobby that didn’t include technology or staring at a screen. I didn’t have much luck since technology is a key component to independence when you have a disability. But this turned my attention to the first hobby I loved, video games.
August 9, 2022
Shopping for Clothes with a Disability
One of the biggest challenges of living with SMA is buying new clothes, especially pants. For me, it’s not possible to go to a store and quickly slip on a pair of jeans in the dressing room to make sure they’re the right size and I like the fit. I mean, I personally have never seen a dressing room with a Hoyer lift; I rarely find one that’s even big enough for a wheelchair.
