Dec 21, 2015 | Ableism, Attitudes, changing perspectives, communicating respect, compassion, Diversity, Get To Know Me, inclusion, Independence, kids with disabilities, Look Beyond, negative perceptions |
A few decades ago, when I had fewer miles on my wheelchair and significantly less self-esteem, I spent a fair amount of time trying to figure out my place in the world. As I started college, I was hundreds of miles away from home and searching to solidify what I...Oct 22, 2015 | Accessibility, accessible routes, curb cuts, Freedom, Independence, What some people don't think about |
I am probably more excited than most. This plan potentially means that I can go get a cheeseburger whenever I want, and in my case, cheeseburgers mean freedom. I spent part of the afternoon on Tuesday meeting with some cool and influential people. There was Sarah...Oct 8, 2015 | accessible routes, can do, curb cuts, Freedom, Independence, overcoming challenges |
My local Center for Independent Living had a couple of focus groups that I was invited to participate in over the last few days. Those gatherings are kind of my thing because I love to give opinions and describe my experiences related to disability issues. The first...Sep 30, 2015 | caregivers, compassion, empowering language, Helping people with disabilities, how to help, Independence, overcoming challenges |
Joshua Gorenflo is one of my current caregivers. He doesn’t fit the mold of who I usually hire. He is 29 years old and married to a wonderful woman named Jenny. He has a degree in Christian ministry. He is also one of the most genuinely compassionate human beings I...Apr 4, 2015 | Advocacy, choices, disability etiquette, Finding Your Voice, Independence, Medicaid, Medicare, National ADAPT |
Some people talk about how much they love the night life or going out and about exploring their world. I have friends who wait for weeks in eager anticipation for the latest movie premiere or to try a new restaurant while they “hang with their peeps.” I...Feb 20, 2014 | Attitudes, Beginnings, choices, Disabilitiy, Good Decisions, Health, Independence, Making Changes, negative perceptions, Power Wheelchairs, Wheelchair |
I thought the coach from my high school who helped me train for the ParalymIpics might be disappointed. I thought my family would think I had given up. I was afraid lots of people in my life wouldn’t understand. So I resisted. For a long time. It wasn’t for...