Laura Hershey is a Colorado-based writer, poet, and consultant. She is the author of the 2005 book, Survival Strategies for Going Abroad: A Guide for People with Disabilities, published by Mobility International USA. In addition, over 100 of her articles and essays have been published in journals, anthologies, websites, and magazines, including U.S. News & World Report, National Parks, Ms. Magazine, Topic, off our backs, New Mobility, Disaboom.com, and thenation.com. She received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from Antioch University Los Angeles. She currently completing a book of essays on disability, personal assistance, and independence.