Aug 8, 2016 | disability humor, Laughter, Making people comfortable |
The list of things that I like to do has always been both long and diverse. Here are a few examples. Empower people and help others feel good about themselves. Watch movies. Challenge negative perceptions. Advocate. Cook. Go for strolls on the bike trail....Jun 3, 2016 | caregivers, Friends, Good Memories, Laughter, overcoming challenges |
It’s becoming a habit every summer. One that I could get used to. My friend Dale, who is a teacher and a coach by trade, comes up to Lawrence for three days a week, several weeks in a row, and he works as my caregiver. The arrangement came about last year. I was...May 16, 2016 | Friends, Getting to know people, Laughter, What some people don't think about |
All of my adult life I have tried to embrace diversity, and encouraged others to do the same. The logic goes like this. If one of my purposes in life is to break down barriers between people with disabilities and those without disabilities, then accepting differences...Mar 8, 2016 | communication, Irony, Laughter, Mediation |
Good communication has always been very important to me. I suppose there are a number of reasons for that. First, communication has the ability to level the playing field. Sometimes, when people see my disability, they assume I am not intelligent or that I can’t...Jul 24, 2015 | disability humor, game shows, inclusion, Laughter, What some people don't think about, Wheelchair |
“Danielle Perez, Come. On. Down! You are the next contestant on the Price is Right.” It is the phrase that everyone in the studio yearns to hear, and Ms. Perez was no different. When her bid on an item was the closest to what it actually cost, she...May 17, 2015 | can do, changing perspectives, Kids, Laughter, Lessons |
On an early summer evening about a year ago, my friend Andrea called to see how I was doing. It was a habit we were settling into again that I was joyfully getting used to. We have been friends for many years, but casual phone calls have not always been so easy to...