Dec 29, 2017 | Accessibility, Accommodations, Disabilitiy, disability etiquette, Get To Know Me, inclusion, What some people don't think about |
The idea was born on Christmas Eve 2016. I was leaving our church service with a beloved caregiver when Pastor Bill came over to say hello. After giving me a big hug, he said: “Hey Lorraine, next year I want you to do one of the readings for the service. Remind...
Apr 22, 2017 | Advocacy, compassion, Disabilitiy, Get To Know Me, how to help, Mental Illness, negative perceptions, Psychiatric Diagnosis |
The question usually comes from good friends, at a time when I am struggling. They want to know how to help me the most. What is it like to have a psychiatric diagnosis? It’s like there is a dark cloud following me all the time. It isn’t always directly...
Mar 28, 2017 | Accommodations, Advocacy, Attitudes, dance, Disabilitiy, Get To Know Me, negative perceptions, service dogs |
Special. The word warms my heart in many ways. Except when it is used in the context of my disability. Then it kind of drives me crazy. Maybe it’s the label. When I was in school, I was mainstreamed. It was decided very early that it would not be appropriate for...
Dec 13, 2016 | Accommodations, Disabilitiy, Facing a fear, Friends, Get To Know Me, Good Memories, Heroes, Laughter, Learning to let go, overcoming challenges |
I have been thinking of him often lately, although I can’t really explain why. Wayne and I met when I started graduate school, both a part of the Baptist Student Union on campus. We clicked instantly. As we got to know each other, all formality and things that...
Dec 1, 2016 | ADA, can do, changing perspectives, dance, Dancing, Disabilitiy, disability etiquette, Diversity, exercise for people with disabilities, Get To Know Me, overcoming challenges, people with disabilities, What some people don't think about, wheelchair dancing |
It seemed like something I would really love. When I first heard that a nationally known wheelchair dance company was coming to my city and performing, I knew I wanted to go see them. For several years, another type of dance, wheelchair ballroom dance, had been a big...
Nov 22, 2016 | communication, Disabilitiy, Dogs, Get To Know Me |
I’ve always liked the concept behind nicknames. That certain people call you names different than you were given at birth, out of love and affection. I’ve had plenty over the years. Some are embarrassing from when I was small. Nope, not even going there. They are...
