Lorraine Cannistra
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Taking the Stares

Dec 30, 2014 | Attitudes, communicating respect, CP, Dancing, disability etiquette, negative perceptions | 2 comments

It was a summer evening a few years back. The days were long and green outside and a new caregiver was still green around the ears.  He had just started the process of learning the ropes. The sun was setting and we had just finished making dinner on that particular...

They Took My Picture

Dec 4, 2014 | changing perspectives, CP, Making Changes, Ms. Wheelchair America, Ms. Wheelchair America pageant, Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, MWA, negative perceptions | 2 comments

In 1974, at six years old, I saw myself as pretty typical. However, much of the world saw me as “Tiny Tim.” I was a scrawny kid with skinny arms and legs, pigtails in my hair and a smile that was waiting for the tooth fairy. Because of the cerebral palsy...

Pure Magic

Nov 5, 2014 | Attitudes, changing perspectives, communicating respect, disability etiquette, Education, empowering language, how to help, Irony, Kids, negative perceptions | 1 comment

I can do something most people can’t.  I can be part of a magic trick.  Many might think that is kind of cool, but I hate it.  Well, that isn’t exactly accurate.  I will paint a clearer picture.  If Take my aversion to  lima beans and black olives. and then...

Thanks Coach!

Oct 13, 2014 | Christopher Reeve, Coach, Dana Reeve, Health Teacher, Heroes, high School | 1 comment

After I graduated from high school in the summer of 1986, I got ready to move across the country for college. The move was difficult for me in many ways. Not only was I transitioning to a new phase of my life, but my dad had recently been transferred in his job, which...

Let Us Give Thanks!

Dec 13, 2013 | Attitudes, caregivers, changing perspectives, Health, hospitals, Lessons, Making Changes, Questions, service dogs | 1 comment

This was supposed to be a Thanksgiving post.  Sorry, I am a few weeks behind… In many ways, it seems like yesterday, but it was so long ago.  During the summer of 1986, I was in a stage of my life when it seemed like everything should be going my way.  A recent...
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