Our democracy will die unless Americans more loudly and aggressively organize and fight to keep it
Writer Mary Alice O'Connor has taken to the streets this summer. She's joining hundreds of her fellow retirees to protest the Trump administration. It's a Reporters Inc. Original.
Should anyone be held accountable for Sheila Nelson's death?
Sheila Nelson lived with painful rheumatoid arthritis. It eventually overtook every joint of her body, limiting her every movement, and requiring consistent, high level care. In this investigative piece, The Reporters Inc. details reports of severe neglect and abuse at the assisted living facility where Sheila lived and died.
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Will pay raises be enough to avert a health crisis?
As of 2022, there were more than 7,800 unfilled personal care assistant positions in Minnesota. PCA staffing agencies are struggling due to the shortage of people willing to work in those positions at the current pay rates. A recent wage increase for PCAs in the state could help address the shortage, and get people who rely on them the help they desperately need.
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Rare brain disorder turns Chicago couple’s world upside down
Pete Odon and his wife Nancy were thrust into a perplexing medical nightmare six years ago when Pete began to inexplicably struggle with walking, balance, and uncontrollable body movements. His condition was finally diagnosed as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare, incurable brain disorder. The Odons share their journey with The Reporters Inc. in hopes of bringing more, and much-needed attention to this disease.
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Disability organization innovates to recruit, retain quality employees
Staff retention is a major challenge for organizations that support people with disabilities. Partly due to rising demand and stagnant wages, as well as the common perception that this kind of work is temporary, these organizations are constantly struggling to fill positions. However, some organizations are finding new, creative ways to solve this issue.
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No funding to combat critical shortage of personal care assistants for disabled
Even when she's getting her nails done, Michelle Lacy, who cerebral palsy, brings a personal care assistant with her. "Because I can't hold my hand still, having someone there is a comfort to me," she says. The Reporters Inc. investigates how a lack of funding has created a shortage in PCAs, leaving some people with disabilities unable to care for themselves.
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Brother's disability changes perspective on life, normalcy
A.J. Zender's normal isn't the same as everyone else's. When his younger brother was diagnosed with a physical disability, his family didn't faltered on giving his brother a good life. He says "it just meant that we had to work that much harder to do so."
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