LIVE QUICKIE BLOG

In an industry that often equates physical endurance with creative value, John Floresca is reshaping what that assumption looks like. As part of the Emmy-nominated camera department at The Daily Show and most recently as Director of Photography on Back to the Dark Ages, Floresca brings not just technical precision, but lived experience, adaptability, and an instinct for storytelling that elevates every frame he touches.

Throughout my travels, I've found that accessibility is fairly prevalent in our larger cities here in the United States. Of course, larger cities usually have more funding for things such as curb cuts, accessible taxis, and overall improvements that make the city a more inclusive destination. But what I want to talk about are those hidden gems. Those cities and areas that are truly standing out with inclusive design and a plethora of wheelchair-accessible things to do.

My daughter had always loved reading, but when she progressed from young children's picture books to chapter books she struggled to find an author or a genre she really connected with. But then we discovered inclusive books: fictional stories that include characters with a range of different abilities that immediately made her feel seen and valued.

I never thought a dog would be my greatest travel companion until I was matched with my beautiful service dog, Jojo VI. Having Jojo means I don't have to do anything alone and I always have her companionship, even when traveling. But there are a lot of things that go into preparing to travel with a service dog, as well as many challenges that might you might not expect.

I want to celebrate the independence that wheelchairs give. I want to shout from the rooftops that they can give a person purpose and a life that is both fulfilling and exciting. I want to reminisce about my experiences in the past and tell you how important having a wheelchair for my son has been for me.