Jul 31, 2022 | Ableism, Accessibility, Accommodations, Advocacy, Disabilitiy, Discrimination, how to help, inclusion, overcoming challenges |
This is my latest submission to Chicken Soup for the Soul. The theme for the book is Think Positive. Happy Disability Pride Month, everyone! I sat in stunned silence as I hung on to the phone, not sure how to process what I had just heard. I was talking to the...
Dec 16, 2020 | Ableism, Accommodations, Advocacy, Attitudes, caregivers, changing perspectives, communicating respect |
Over the last few years, I have read several books and numerous articles that cover the topic of ableism. There are people I know who have all kinds of lofty definitions as to what it means, but I like the definition a friend of mine came up with recently. He said...
Sep 16, 2020 | Advocacy, cerebral palsy, Disabled Sports, Facing a fear, high School, hospitals, Laughter, Laughter,, overcoming challenges |
For as long as I can remember, one of the ways that my family and I have dealt with my disability was through the use of humor. It was a way to lighten things up and a reminder to me that, while my circumstances could be difficult at times, there were far more tragic...
Jul 26, 2020 | Ableism, ADA, Advocacy, communication, compassion, negative perceptions |
Today I, along with all my brothers and sisters with disabilities in this country, have a reason to celebrate. Thirty years ago today, on July 26th, 1990, George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. As he was doing so, he said: “Let...
Nov 30, 2019 | Advocacy, Power Wheelchairs, Wheelchair |
The day started out as devastating. Mid-morning or so, my manual wheelchair broke. Completely. The screws that hold the back upright were stripped or missing, and that meant the back would not or could not stay in place. Almost at will, the back of the chair would...
Jul 30, 2019 | Accessibility, Accommodations, ADA, Advocacy, inclusion, Independence, kids with disabilities, Walking |
There has been a lot going on in my life recently, and consequently, I am a few days behind. On July 26th, I “celebrated” an anniversary of sorts. The 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law....
