Resolved: Have a good new year

Some of you know that my brother in law had a heart attack over the weekend and is in the hospital awaiting a second procedure. Thanks for your prayers and emails.

This time of year we take a look at our lives and, although some go to great lengths to avoid setting resolutions, many of us will find ourselves thinking about a list of things we resolve to do in the coming year. The word resolutions sounds so passive, much more passive than the verb 'resolve' or 'resolved'. I like that word much better.

Re-solve, which is a different way to look at the word, implies that we revisit an issue to solve it, or at least work toward a solution. I don't know about you, but some of the issues in my life need revisiting. They take more than a year to "resolve"! And some are an ongoing process. When I hear people sounding like they've somehow fallen short if they have something leftover from another year, I always think "Give yourself a break!" I mean, who doesn't?

Then, of course, saying "Resolved" out loud (with the capital "r") makes it all sound very official. Resolved: I will try to be more organized. Well, it's not as official as proclaiming a new piece of legislation, but it's a start.

I'm sure we all have different things on our lists, but I'd like to end this by sharing one item that we all have in common:

Resolved: Have a good new year.

New Year's eve cam

Earth Cam and Panasonic have joined to present the 2008 New Year's eve "dropping of the ball" and NY Times Square festivities live from NY city.   All from the warmth and comfort of your own home via your laptop or computer. 

And although it's too late to stop by the Times Square information center to write down your wishes for 2008 to be put on confetti (the ton of confetti that is annually dropped), you can still go to the virtual wishing wall.  

New to the Blogroll: Special Education Law Blog

..which can be found here. A great resource for parents, educators and others.

Katie Jones - the voices of disability bloggers

If you don't know who Katie Jones is, start here.

Over at Midlife and Treachery, a letter to Katie's parents

Over at the Gimp Parade, Katie Jones and Deux ex machina

Over at F.R.I.D.A., DNR on Wheelchair for Second Grader with CP

Over at Elaine Vigneault, a post on Katie Jones and her DNR

Over at Wrong Planet, a post and a  poll

Over at CripChick, Are We Not Worthy?

Over at Biodiverse Resistance, When is it wrong to save the life of a child?

Over at My Private Casbah, Could you people hate us any more than you already do?

Over at the strangest alchemy, Schools ponder role as a child nears death

Over at La Chola, Disability and the right to be alive

Over at ProblemChylde, Why not resuscitate? Ablism's many ugly faces

 

h/t to The Gimp Parade and others for these links. If you've written about this topic or have run across other posts ,please leave a comment with a link.

an online resource book: Legal Issues in School Health Services: A Resource, a 2005 book written by attorneys, educators and medical personnel

Why Tuxedo Cats Like Political Pundits

Basically they put them to sleep.

Why Tuxedo Cats Make Excellent Wheelchair Cushion Testers

Although this is not a video of my cat Buddy, this cat has about the same energy level he does. Notice how the eyes move slightly but the rest of the body remains completely still as the camera pans.

This is also the reaction for any other event. However he does make an excellent wheelchair cushion tester.

What I'm Reading

I'm in the middle of reading The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, which I saw listed on a few blogs as a "don't miss" read. I'm enjoying it, not only because the writing is engaging, but hearing it read aloud is a real treat.

The story is about a biographer, the daughter of a bookseller, who sets out to write about an author with a complicated and mysterious background. She writes with a pseudonym - not an uncommon thing. As the author tells her tale, the biographer develops a relationship with the reclusive writer. It is a subtle, yet distinct touch to the book. As engaging as the story is that's unfolding, there is the back and forth to the present characters, who have their own "tale" going on.

This led me to look over at amazon, where I found the Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean, about a woman who used to work in a museum (the Hermitage) and now has Alzheimers. She is awaiting the wedding of her granddaughter, but keeps going back to the past, describing the art exhibits as part of the narrative. (I was disappointed that I couldn't find the book available (yet) in an accessible format, but added it to my list.)

In the meantime, next up to read is Water for Elephants. Anyone else reading anything interesting?

An Elegant Year

a new short story over at A Different Light

The reluctant safety guard

I was educated in Catholic schools until I went to high school. There were many nuns at our school who came from Ireland and spoke with a brogue, including our English teacher, Sr. Margaret, who made us diagram sentence after sentence. I began to carry a ruler with me because I was unable to draw a straight line, much less all the lines off to the bottom, right, left and upwards for those adverbs, adjectives, etc. But I learned grammar.

There was Sr. Ellen, our math teacher, who gave up her afternoons to teach Calculus to those of us who wanted to learn. When I got to Rutgers and took Calculus, I already knew the material, thanks to her.

But it was our principal, Sr. Katherine, a quiet, reserved woman who spoke softly, who ruled with an iron - well- what I remember was her crucifix. In the lunch room when we were rowdy, she'd come up from behind and suddenly her crucifix would be over  a plate of spaghetti as she gently leaned over and said "Quiet down, children. Eat your food" to which we'd reply "Yes, Sister." Or her crucifix would appear at the doorway of a classroom when a teacher was late, the sun glinting off it as she said "This would be a good time for someone to lead a prayer, wouldn't it? " She was forever exhorting us to slow down, reflect, and pray about our choices.

I was called into her office after a "fight" on the playground. What happened was I was trying to defend a student who had cognitive limitations from being teased - and things got out of hand when I physically stepped between the girl and others. I was outnumbered and received the worst of it. I was only 12 and had no ideas about social justice at the time. All I knew was no one was going to pick on her on my watch.

Sr. Katherine asked me to sit down, then walked over to me and stood there. Her crucifix dangled in my face and I stared at Jesus. And I said "I'd do it again, Sister. I didn't do anything wrong." Then I sat there, wondering why I had to say that. I think Jesus rolled his eyes at me.

I thought she was going to suspend me. Many principals would have in those days, particularly after I talked to them that way.

I was immensely relieved when, in her quiet voice, she just said " I have something for you." Until I saw what she handed me. She  brought out a safety badge and belt, the ones that were worn by the kids who were on the safety guard and monitored the playground. Sr. Katherine laid it on my lap. "I'm giving you a job. This makes it official now. If you see someone being teased, report them and I'll take care of it."

I stared at the safety badge, then up at her. "Sister, I don't want to be a safety guard," I said. Safety guards had to be at school early and stay late. They gave up their lunch hours and recesses, all times when I could hunker down with a book. Those were my "reading times".

But Sr. Katherine stared out her window and didn't answer me. I knew from the set of her shoulders that this was not a volunteer position. So I got up and left her office.

I can't say I ever relished being a safety guard. I never got out of bed an hour early and thanked Sr. Katherine for her decision, nor did I like having to monitor my fellow students day after day.

I did, however, learn a few things - about restraint. About the right way to handle things. About how little kids look up to people in authority, and how authority can be used in a benevolent way. But, mostly, it taught me that mistakes are best handled as a learning experience, rather than through censure.

And I think this would be a better world if there were more Sr. Katherines in charge.

[visual description: A female student safety guard is shown. She is wearing an orange vest and holding a sign that reads 'Please pull forward and stay in line'.]

Ruling cuts back employers' responsibilities toward seniors

A recent ruling will allow employers to cut back health care benefit packages to seniors in their employ.

The Equal Opportunity Commission ruled Wednesday that employers may cut back or eliminate benefits for people over 65.

Matheny Arts Access program

This program facilitates access to different arts for those with disabilities, providing professional instructors in different mediums.  A gallery of works can be found here, some of which are available for purchase. 

A description of their programs is available on their site.  They include painting, digital art, dance, creative writing, and sculpture.

Poll Results

The final results of the poll are in. The most important issues readers would like the next President to address, taking into account the results of the online survey form and email responses are, from most important down:

1. increased employment for people with disabilities

2. access to health care

3. mobility equipment issues

4. more accessible housing

5. transportation

6. education issues

7. voting accessibility

Thanks for your responses. The total number of votes was 44. 

A Cure for Self Deception

This article discusses the Augustinian method for curing self deception, an article I remembered as I read about the assassination of Bhutto in Pakistan.  These days world news is full of events that shake the balance of power. Some of it is about nuclear power, some about rulers' power - from dictator to democracy, because democracy, despite some peoples' naive beliefs, is not immune from turning into a dictatorship. It only takes apathy. How anyone can remain apathetic in the face of what's going on in the world may be somewhat explained by the reflection of the lights from our latest tech gadgets. But it's a dangerous illusion to believe that our world is far from where Bhutto was assassinated.

Self deception is one of the hardest things to work with spiritually. You can't always tell what your own motivations are for what you're doing, a fact that eludes some people because the outward merit of their actions may appear unassailable. Yet it is the motive we bring that counts in our relationship both to God and others.  How strong a spiritual foundation can anyone build if the motive is wrong or flawed?

None of us are always right or without fault. We can't be. It's an impossible standard. And yet, as humans, we insist on setting each other up for this fallacy by elevating people to positions that are revered and, to our detriment, relying on them to think for us. Sometimes it seems as if a novel thought causes pain to some because they want others to tell them what to think!

This, I think, feeds the self deception of the person who is elevated (who is, I'm afraid, still very human) as well as the follower (who is more capable than he or she may believe).  And so we have the situation in Pakistan and the many problems in our country that apathy has allowed. We hand our power over to others and, sometimes, we abdicate our responsibility in the process.

I pray to God that the world learns more balance  and  that each of us has dignity and equal worth .  Speaking up is the right thing to do since remaining silent in today's world is a dangerous thing - more dangerous than holding ourselves up to the ridicule or criticism of those who, perhaps blind to their own motivations and unwilling to examine them,  act in ways that are not for the good of the whole and try to manipulate us into silence. Because power feeds self deceit - and finding a cure for that will take a greater miracle than any other.

[visual description: A coffin bearing the body of the slain Bhutto is carried by a crowd on the day of her death.]

Wheelchair user left on tarmac for hours, says family

A woman using a wheelchair was left on a tarmac for hours in Las Vegas en route from California to Florida, says her family. She was then moved into a hallway but was unable to get assistance from anyone, according to family members. Apparently airline employees were contacted by her family after the woman called her family at 3 a.m.  and she was able to continue her trip. She was flying US Airways.

Update: US Airways has publicly disputed the woman's timeline, indicating that the matter was taken care of promptly and states that at no time was she left unattended. 

MSNBC is seeking readers' holiday horror travel stories which you can submit here.

New to the Blogroll: QuadLink.com

Ever feel like you're the only quad in the world? You're not!

This site contains much useful information for those who have spinal cord injuries. And, better yet, it links to many personal sites of quads.  I know I've visited over there a number of times to find out ways to adapt things, etc. and read others' experiences.  Thanks, Tim , for a great site!

And here's an interesting tech article: the company that's designing the wheelchair operated by thought - Ambient- says their ultimate goal is to help people speak.  The wheelchair's release date has been somewhat delayed due to potential liability issues.

Pope's logo, itinerary for 2008 US visit

The Pope's itinerary and logo for his April 2008 visit to the US has been published on this site. The theme is "Christ Our Hope" . Here's a visual description: Pope Benedict XVI is pictured with his arms raised.  If you'd like to see it or read his itinerary, click on the link.

The Beast Off Roads

Two of my nephews came over today, stopping by after dinner (since I can't get into their house because of the steps). The 11 year old had seen my power chair (aka the Beast) once before, but his older brother, the 17 year old,  hadn't.  The 17 year old's first question was "What can it do ? Does it climb over obstacles?" and I proceeded to show him exactly why it's called the Beast.  

I know that's a good name for the chair because no one ever asks why I called it that. All they ever say is "Wow" , and then they walk in a very wide arc around it. 

 Today it was warm enough to go outside, so I rolled over to a nearby park this afternoon to try out a bike path. The Beast took the rolling hills in stride and when the path ended and I had to off road (you know I hated that NOT) the chair didn't even hesitate. I've always struggled with pushing, since I'm a quad  and manual chairs are  harder to push on grass. So it was  a feeling of immense freedom, not having to worry about the surface first. Which I'm sure makes it all more exciting to me than the average bear after a decade of quad pushing.

Or maybe not. 

I headed down a side street. There was a guy on a bike lighting up a cigarette. He was watching me approach and since the sidewalk was new I was going fast.  I thought he was a teenager but as I got closer I could see he was middle aged. He lit his cigarette and asked "How fast does that thing go?" and then "Does it climb over things?"

The Beast off roads. Oh yeah.

[Visual description: A photo of an Invacare TDX SP  power chair is shown.]

Bringing Christmas joy

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope this year finds you full of the joy, peace and wonder of the season. 

Celebrating Christmas in ways that help us realize these gifts enhances our spiritual life. One woman celebrates by bringing gifts to those who are forgotten, taking time to get to know each person and shopping for a meaningful gift.  Having worked in a nurse home before retiring, she says  "A lot of people become upset at such situations and they try to stay away from it. Act like it doesn't happen. If you ignore it, it will go away. But it's real. It's real, real, real."

Addressing the very real needs of those we meet is part of acknowledging that each person is equal in God's eyes, worthy and deserving of His care and ours.  When we do that, we're keeping it real.

Speaking of joy, let me introduce you to joyful noise, a chorus of adults with disabilities with 30 members, ages 20 to 65. 

This chorus has given more than fifty performances in NJ and the Philadelphia area. They are on a Mission to Inspire to bring their joy of singing to conductors, music therapists, and educators from the Mid-Atlantic to New England region. 

[visual description: A photo of joyful noise is shown. Approximately a dozen members wearing turquoise T shirts are singing, along with their composer, conductor and song leader Alice Parker, who stands to the left.]

Only God can create justice. And faith gives us the certainty that he does so... God is justice and creates justice. This is our consolation and our hope. And in his justice there is also grace...Grace does not cancel out justice. It does not make wrong into right...The judgment of God is hope, both because it is justice and because it is grace. If it were merely grace, making all earthly things cease to matter, God would still owe us an answer to the question about justice- the crucial question that we ask of history and of God. If it were merely justice, in the end it could bring only fear to us all. 

- Pope Benedict XVI , "Spe Salvi" Encyclical Letter on Christian Hope, 44, 47 

Real Choirs 3

African Children's Choir: Blessing Song This choir is known for its joyous and celebratory style. I chose this video because, to me, Christmas is a time to listen to the children - in all of us.

Christmas Eve

Well here it is - finally. The candles on the Advent wreath are burning (or if they're felt like mine they are standing) and Christians around the world await Christmas, our religious holiday while contemplating issues of faith.  Hopefully, those around the world will safely enjoy the celebration of this most joyous occasion - not a fact to be taken for granted in some places. Let us pray for those whose celebration of faith puts their lives at risk and remember to be grateful for the freedoms we enjoy.

Over at More Meredith Gould,  Meredith, author of The Catholic Home,  writes about the rituals and traditions of our Catholic faith - the joy of singing in a choir and other ways to celebrate this time of year.  The Advent candles are burning over there - at least in a cyber-kind of way, so go on over and visit.  'Tis (always) the season over there!

Autistic Rap

Autistic Rap is up at A Different Light.  - a poem by Casdok (who writes Mother of Shrek ) .  Casdok describes this piece as "This is what I think my son would say if he could speak." 

I've opened up A Different Light for other writers' contributions. Why? Well I read something over at brokenclay.org by Katja that really got my attention.  She quoted firecat, who wrote how it's better for a chorus of voices to speak up rather than a few voices - and how it allows those few voices to breathe. As much as I've enjoyed writing for A Different Light,  I'd like to encourage other voices to speak up.  

 All works must be original pieces. I'm looking for poems, short stories and essays that describe the disability experience and speak from the heart.  I will also start a new category for children's writings if I get pieces sent in - and don't forget that there's a children's stories and fables category if those appeal.

I will also consider putting up a page of artwork, videos, photos , etc. if anyone wants to submit those. Or any other form of expression you're interested in - let me know.  The work has to be original or already on the public domain and without copyright issues. 

I also put up a new (and free)  header over there. Thanks to 100 pixel for it - very much! 

Please visit the site for more details. 

Stanford shocks Lady Vols with loss

Shocked me too. The Lady Vols are one of my favorite teams and they had a perfect season so far and had beat Stanford in their past 11 meetings.

However, the reason I like the team so much is their coach Pat Summitt and her work ethic. If you watch this video, you'll see how she handles losing the game. . Pat's a great example of positive attitude and the way to motivate a team.

Behold

.. a new poem over at A Different Light

This one is dedicated to my nephews, who keep growing up on me! And so - behold!

Real Choir 2

Here's the United Girls Choir (Cheshire
CT) Enchantment Performance 8DEC07
performing a beautiful Advent song
called A Soft Wind Blew

What if Mary, Joseph and Jesus had GPS?

Actually in a Florida town, they are fitting the nativity scene figures of Mary, Joseph and Jesus with GPS after losing baby Jesus to a theft last year.

This started me thinking about Christmas and shopping. I haven't done any shopping this year because of the Beast, but I do know that one of the hot items is a GPS unit. As always, there's a gadget that gets marketed more and the GPS is one of them. 

GPS really serves the traveler best - travelers like Mary and Joseph who were looking for an inn. There was no AAA map , no GPS, no way to know what was ahead on their journey. They just set out in faith. 

They wound up in a stable, but that stable was the perfect humble surrounding for God's son to enter the world.  If they had known what was ahead,  perhaps they would have found some place "better", some place they thought befit the birth of the son of God.  But GPS still wouldn't have opened the doors of the inns for them, nor would it solve any other number of obstacles facing them that night.  

So I'm not sure having GPS would have made much difference at all.  I guess sometimes even having the best directions in the world doesn't remove the need to have faith on our journey.

 

 

Real Choirs

I'd like to post some videos of real choirs (those getting prime time coverage on the reality show Battle of the Choirs take note!). This time of year and all year long, boychoirs enhance our lives with their talents. Here's The American Boychoir singing Psalm 150.

Helping is not a black and white thing

For those meals I need when my aide isn't around, we've worked out a system where Meredith sets up my food so that I can get "at it" without too much ado.

However, my cat seems to think it's his job to help when she's not around. This may sound like a heartwarming, Lassie kind of thing, but actually it's really more like a Laurel and Hardy film.

This morning I grabbed my quad reacher to open the refrigerator to pull out a breakfast item and my cat Buddy decided to help. He stood next to the shelf and began to work his paws near it, as if he could grab it. Unfortunately Buddy has no opposable thumbs, just big fluffy white paws, so all he managed to do was knock the item off the shelf as I said "It's ok, Buddy. I got it. Leave it alone -oops."

Buddy walked over to the food, sniffed it, then jumped into my lap crying. I had to console him because, of course, like any helper, it's important to give strokes. So I pet him and told him I most certainly did appreciate the assistance. Once he calmed down he jumped into his usual position to look out the window. 

I   rolled out to the living room to  drink my coffee and blog.

I read the NY Times. There was an article about a 67 year old psychologist who has devoted her practice to helping people with disabilities (including running an online group for parents of kids who are blind) who was viciously attacked recently resulting in serious injuries and now faces financial issues due to delays in crime victim compensation.  At the end of the article, she was asked if she could still listen to other peoples' problems, considering the magnitude of her own and she said she could because she realized that each person's problems were his/her own. 

She added that she hoped that those people would never have the bigger problems to put their own into context.

And all of this got me thinking about the helper dynamics that we all face every day, whether we are disabled or not. We all  make choices about who to help, asking for help, etc. Some spend their lives in the helper role, while others receive more help. Some who receive help help others back.  Having been on both ends, I find the helper role much more comfortable. As I'm sure this woman probably does.

Her days of helping are not over. In this article, she is still teaching people through her words, spoken in pain I'm sure.  Because, you see, helping is not a black and white thing. 

 For some reason we put people in roles. We put people with disabilities in a lot of roles around the issue of helping.  But we do it to everyone. This woman has helped folks her whole life, but is being treated by the crime victim compensation office as a charity case.  Those of us with disabilities know what that's like, huh? 

Actually in a community that's healthy, it would just be natural to extend a hand to her which you can do by clicking here -without casting her in any role. The crime victim compensation check would come in the mail, not be withheld under a mound of paperwork with a smug employee making a statement that payment depends on the cooperation of the victim. Oh please. Read her injuries and her efforts to get payment and tell me how much someone in her shoes is supposed to do.  Let's hope the folks who run that office never find themselves in her position either. 

Yes, her words teach. 

[visual description: A photo of a tuxedo cat, black face, white ruff, that looks like my cat Buddy.]

Spread the Love - original song by Jon Weems

I thought this song and video has a great message! Go to http://jonweems.hostrack.com to download Jon's music and see how he writes music with his disability.

New to the Blogroll: DisabilityInfo.gov

Need information about US federal government programs? Have questions about where to go to get help or assistance? Start here - at DisabilityInfo.gov, a resource containing disability -related information and resources about  federal government programs.

It also has links to programs like Easter Seals' Project Action,  which is holding a seminar next month to help transportation entities set up travel training programs for those with disabilities. Go on over and see what else is going on!

"If you have too much to do, with God's help you will find time to do it all."

- St Peter Canisius

What I've Been Reading

I finished reading My Body Politic: A Memoir by Simi Linton last night.  I've been savoring this book as I read it, each and every page of it, which is why it took me so long.  There's so much in it that speaks to me on both a personal and political level. I share her concerns about larger issues, such as the rights of the disabled. 

I also found myself nodding in agreement when she wrote about getting her first power chair - naming it (as did I) although she never named a manual wheelchair (neither have I).  She spoke about using buses and the reactions of drivers and other passengers. And, most importantly, she wrote about how using a power chair opened up her world and enriched it in so many ways. She even wrote about going to the Guggenheim in both a manual and a power chair! I can't wait to try the Guggenheim in the Beast now.

And Linton's writing about children with disabilities and education spoke to me because of my nephew. About the issues regarding special education, including the need for adult role models with disabilities  for children with disabilities. ( One little girl who used a wheelchair did not  believe that Linton was a professor because she used a wheelchair.) These very tough issues remain and have not been adequately addressed. So much she wrote, as an educator, is such valuable reading to those in the field and those who administrate educational institutions - or fund them. 

Everyone should read this book. I wish they would. It has so much to say about living. Living with  a disability, living in the same world with those who have disabilities, etc. You'll find the book at the link above and can still get it in time for Christmas from amazon.  And you'll find Simi Linton's blog , Disability Culture Watch, here.

Transferring like Princess Grace

When I was a little girl, the image of "lady-like" comportment held up to me was Princess Grace.  As a ballet-school dropout and tomboy, I often heard remarks such as  "Princess Grace would not tear her leotards by roller skating on concrete!" 

I didn't realize at the time who Grace Kelly was, nor did I care. But despite that, apparently all the repetitious comments had some effect because the other day when I was practicing my transfers from The Beast, these words popped up: "Would Princess Grace transfer like that?"

Well, I don't know. I found this picture of her sitting rather demurely on a divan, dressed (of course) in a flowing robe  with her hair brushed out and adorned (I think) with a flower. I can assure you I never dress like that around my house. I'd manage to get the flowing robes run over by the wheels of the wheelchair. Nor do I sit with my hands clasped around my lower legs with my left knee slightly elevated, as she does. Not unless someone adjusts my footrests crookedly and the sticky part of the duct tape got left on the palm of my hands. 

No, there's no way I relate to this picture of Princess Grace - still. And yet I'm  intrigued at the thought of how exactly Princess Grace would transfer. Would she bat her eyes before demurely moving her derriere from that divan to her wheelchair? Would she lift her flowing robes just so or stroke her hair?

I'll never know the answers to these questions. I'm no princess and Princess Grace was not a quadriplegic. But my practice did yield satisfactory results: I can now safely and more efficiently transfer out of and into The Beast, for which I'm very very grateful. 

And maybe, perhaps on my birthday, I'll ask Meredith to place a flower in my hair and I'll wear long flowing robes. 

International Conference on Deaf Issues held at Swarthmore College

on February 29 and March 1, 2008. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, please click here.

Lip Service for All

When I read Planet of the Blind yesterday, I saw a post called Lip Service for All  which pointed out  the current political situation and how it affects those of us with disabilities. I wanted to share the link over here because the post addressed the issues with such clarity. I couldn't even leave a comment because, quite frankly, seeing these concerns spelled out so clearly left me wondering what , if anything, I could do.  And today there's another post up called The Easy Thing which addresses the lack of enforcement of existing laws like the ADA. 

I decided to create a poll for my readers asking them to delineate the issues they think the next President should address in his or her administration.  I'm interested in seeing which issues are paramount in everyone's mind. Feel free to pick multiple answers.  

And with the New Year starting, I've been daring to dream of how different things could be if some of these issues received the attention they deserved . What if it became the "easier thing" to follow the existing laws because those of us with disabilities  raised more awareness of how necessary the enforcement of these laws are and chose to enforce those rights?

Take the poll, leave a comment. Or do your own poll on your own blog and let me know - I'll link to it. 

Naughty or Nice Headlines: You decide

With Jay Leno off the air, his feature Headlines has been missing. So I've decided to run a post this holiday season on my blog highlighting headlines from articles featuring disability issues, just to see whether people think they're naughty or nice - to get the perspective of those of us with disabilities as well as everyone else. (One nice thing about blogs is our access to putting our own point of view out there, something traditional media doesn't allow.) So grab your hot cocoa, put on those Christmas carols and read on and let's see what people really think.

Let's start off with this headline: Amputee boy walks again: 'My life is back '

No life without walking? Hmmm. Is that what he really said? The article talks about injuries sustained by kids in Iraq and does raise awareness of their need for medical equipment, so the content of the article has merit. But here's more of his quote: "My life is back, a new life. I was in Iraq, and I lost my life." What do you think? Were his words taken out of context for the headline? Naughty or nice?

How about this story I got over at Disapedia: Disabled students tackle daily challenges. It's about university students in Africa, who have to crawl around inaccessible campuses (and are subsequently 'late to classes'), drop out of schools without accessible campus housing, have no lifts on transit to commute to school and where male students with disabilities have not received, despite numerous requests, the simple installation of a sit down toilet in the mens' rest room. I guess we'd all agree that's a pretty obvious naughty headline for such a story, characterizing crawling around on dirty, wet floors in an attempt to get an education as tackling a "daily challenge". How about "dehumanizing conditions" instead of daily challenges? But up to you - naughty or nice?

Here's one story we can all agree on - a paraplegic man's wheelchair was stolen while he shopped in an electric cart at Walmart's. He thought the greeter was keeping an eye on his wheelchair. The thief was caught on surveillance tape, but in the meantime, the wheelchair user has no chair. Walmart claims no liability, stating that the greeter's job was simply to greet people. I guess he better hope the police find his wheelchair.

Let me know if you've seen any headlines about disability issues that strike you as suitable for a naughty or nice vote. Because Santa's on his way!

And, thanks to Lawrence Carter-Long for this link to an article about responsible journalism when reporting on injuries, discussing the recent case of Kevin Everett. As he put it "Get to commenting!"

[visual description: Santa holds a sign that reads 'Naughty or nice?']
[visual description: A big black lump of coal is shown.]

Getting out the front door question

Storm doors. Anyone rig theirs up so they can get through in a power chair without hitting their joystick? I'd rather not remove it for security reasons. But I don't really know many people who use power chairs so I figured I'd pose the question here and a few other places online to see if anyone has run into this -literally- besides me.

I'm going to try to replace the parts on this door (it's a tad old) to see if it can be adjusted better for opening/delayed closing. 

But if anyone wanders by with a solution they've used that works with a power chair, let me know. (I'm not in the market for an automated door system right now - just an inexpensive workaround since those kinds of things, like the power chair I just financed, aren't  seemingly a priority in our present system.)

"Often, a medical model of disability is used to justify large investment in these procedures, technologies and research, when adaptation of the disabled person's environment might ultimately be cheaper and more attainable."  via Wikipedia Medical Model of Disability

Just sayin'. 

[visual description: Image of a question mark - in white on a black background.]

Finger Eleven - Paralyzer

There is an interesting dance done in this video during the chorus which talks about being paralyzed - I think it's their interpretation of what paralyzed looks like - looked more like slo-mo to me but I got a good chuckle out of it so thought I'd share it.

PS22 Chorus sings awesome Chanukah song

As promised in post below, here's the PS 22 Chorus!

Mid blog crisis?

I've been having a mid blog crisis. Some of it is internal, but most of it is from external pressure. The blogosphere has changed a great deal. 

And the upshot is I'm going to be adding more variety to Wheelie Catholic. 

 Wheelie Catholic has been a place where I can have my own voice about my experiences as a person with a disability and a disability advocate. I received endless support from many in the disability community and our allies and  I'm very grateful for that support.  If you come here to read just about disability issues and find this disconcerting, please know that I'll still do that. 

But I really don't want it turned into a "health blog". I don't want to be defined as a patient (or  "subject") or become an unwitting marketing tool.  To encourage others to see me as a patient does nothing to advance my rights toward a better paying job, access to voting, better mobility, etc. Those are the issues that affect my daily life. 

So, sadly, some of the ways in which I've blogged in the past aren't going to work - at least for this blogger -  in this brave new world. It still leaves many disability-related topics available to blog about. 

Perhaps it's for the best. I'm just going to have more fun with the blog. Try new things out. Explore new areas. See where it takes me. Perhaps I'll blog less. That's okay too. Because blogging is a very personal thing, albeit a public one.

As this guy said "I'm not chasing cool here". My demographics are not as clear cut as his are, but my goal never was - and still isn't-  to have the highest numbers or be the most popular blog. I would have done things very differently if that was my goal. I do see some advantage, however, in drawing readers from all walks of life so that when I do write about disability issues I'm not "preaching to the choir".  Figuratively speaking - only. Disclaimers as to the literal meaning, etc. 

Speaking of choirs, have you seen these kids? PS 22 has a chorus of fifth graders drawn from city schools with phenomenal talent that has been showcased all over - and somehow I missed noticing them up until now. Enjoy.

Santa's Wheels

..is the name of a collage I found online.  And that blogger led me to a post on how to make Chilly Willy, a snowman.  

And for those who love handpainted Christmas ornaments, check these photos out.

New site: For Disabled Women

can be found here. The site is just up and running and I found a link over at F.R.I.D.A. this morning so - here's a h/t.

One Percent

a new short story over at A Different Light

Synopsis: Manny Noshowvitz was an accident waiting to happen and on one cold December night his luck ran out.  

SCI in magazines this week

Garber writes an article entitled Life Without Legs in Newsweek, where he talks about adapting to life as a paraplegic. Sports Illustrated features a story on Kevin Everett, discussing the superb medical treatment afforded to the NFL star in an article entitled The Road Back.

Disability -related posts over at Alas! A Blog

Kay from The Gimp Parade, one of my favorite bloggers, now writes over at Alas! A Blog as well. If you haven't visited over there, her disability related posts are now up and running - in fact, here's one about Boys on Wheels. Thank you, Kay, for your hard work over in your new venue in getting disability-related topics out to a wider audience.

It's beginning to look a lot like -snowmen...

For a number of years, I struggled finding an aide. I had to settle for a few spare hours here and there from other peoples' aides, which meant that only basic things got done. Any kind of decorating for Christmas went out the window- literally. I remember throwing out my little Christmas tree and decorations when year after year nothing was put up. It seemed like a waste to keep such things around. 

One of the first things Meredith did when she became my aide was to inform me that we had to do something about the lack of Christmas  'decor'. 

"But we don't have time, there's too many other things to do," I said. I figured, like all the other aides, she was just saying this to be nice and no decorations would ever go up.

She shook her head. "Of course we have time. We'll make time.  What kind of decorations do you like?"

I shrugged. "Snowmen?" 

And snowmen it was.  Since I had no decorations, Meredith went hunting for every snowman within a thirty mile radius - and began bringing one in with her almost every time she came over that December. By the time Christmas came, my home was filled with snowmen - snowmen on my dresser, near my TV, on my door, in the halls. Even the cats had toy snowmen to play with. 

"Too much?" she asked, looking at me in the flashing  lights of a twirling, glittering snowman, not to be outdone by  the triplet snowmen who danced  in unison on Christmas Eve.

I broke into laughter.  "Nah." 

The snowman collection is certainly complete. This year Meredith came in with a felt Advent wreath complete with four felt candles that can be added each week of Advent. Guaranteed to be safe around kids, quads and one big fluffy rambunctious cat!  We put the wreath in front of a chorus of - of course - snowmen. 

 [visual description: Two snowmen are shown. One wears a black hat and the other wears a green hat with a red band and a black and white striped scarf. Both have yellow carrot shaped noses and two black buttons for eyes and running down their bellies.]

[visual description: A little boy is shown placing a pink candle on a felt advent wreath where three purple candles are already in place.]

Rescuing Youssif

CNN Public Relations just emailed a News Release on this upcoming CNN special with Youssif, the young boy recovering from burns, his family and Dr. Gupta. I know some of you will be interested in having the following viewing times so am posting part of it:

"Rescuing Youssif, the first television special related to CNN’s ongoing “Impact Your World” initiative, not only documents Youssif’s recovery but reveals how the network’s global audience embraced the story and offered money and support to speed his treatment. Impact Your World – Rescuing Youssif will premiere on Monday, Dec. 24, at 10 p.m., with replays on Tuesday, Dec. 25, at 1a.m. and 4 a.m. All times Eastern.

CNN’s Baghdad correspondent Arwa Damon first brought the story of Youssif’s plight to the world in August, reporting that treatment at a local hospital was second-rate and painful for Youssif. Youssif’s mother, Zaineb, movingly described how the dynamic personality of her son took a disheartening turn. CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports on Youssif’s medical progress and provides insight into his emotional and physical recovery. "

I continue to send prayers and well wishes for Youssif, his family and all burn survivors and their families.

Bloggin' Break...

or just lightly!

In the meantime, please feel free to leave comments

And why not check out A Few of Our Favorite Things, the latest disability blog carnival?

New to the Blogroll: walking.is.overrated

Walk if you must, but I suggest you roll on over to walking.is.overrated


What's it about? The author, Red, who is a college student, writes:

"Welcome to walkingisoverrated.com, a fresh approach to disability news, views and reviews in New Zealand!

I set up this blog because I’m constantly frustrated by a lack of info - online or otherwise - regarding how accessible places are around Auckland City, and as a power-wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, that can be pretty frustrating! So whilst I slowly trundle through reviewing the places I know, and places I’ve been a few times, I would love nothing more than to have some of you contribute! "

This blog is a very interesting read - for everyone!

Holiday Bloopers

Received yet another fruitcake you didn't want? Upset with someone because of some remark he/she made at a holiday event? Welcome to holiday bloopers!

Recently I was talking to an acquaintance about Christmas. The conversation turned to her brother, who two years ago when he was out of work, showed up at Christmas without any gifts - but "took" gifts, as she put it. Apparently he was embarrassed to tell the family he was laid off and, in their opinion, mishandled the situation.

She's still complaining about the unfairness of that.

I was taken aback by the vehemence of her reaction to my mere mention of the holidays, but it's not the first time I've seen someone who feels this way. I've seen heated discussions online about gift-giving and receiving, extolling the virtues of same - or not - and one thing is clear: there's no agreement on any of it.

However, I think we're losing the point of the holidays if gift-giving and receiving is the gist of it. I find it sad that people would fight over something like that since material things really don't last while relationships can.

I can't help but think of how much easier the holidays might be if forgiveness was practiced for the holiday slights, bloopers and other "mistakes" we all make. Even though it may not be fair, sometimes the person who is "right" and holds onto the grudge creates more of a problem than the initial wrongdoer - who may be doing the best he or she can.

All things wheels - color wheels!

Here at Wheelie Catholic, I occasionally do a post - just about wheels. Interesting wheels, of course.

The first color wheel was arranged by Sir Isaac Newton in 1706. Since then, art has combined with function - so click above to see some of the results over the years.

[visual description: An urban color wheel is shown. A color wheel has been painted on the cement wall of a city building. The back of a passerby is shown on the left.]

Emails...homebound Catholics during the holidays

"Where there is part, there is also the whole."

When St. Alice contracted leprosy in her 20's , she was no longer able to receive Communion from the chalice at her convent. She heard these words spoken to her by God, consoling her and reminding her that we are all part of the Communion of Saints (the "living communion that exists between us and our brothers who are in the glory of heaven or who are yet being purified after their death. ("Lumen Gentium." 51).

This time of year I receive quite a few emails from people who no longer can get to Mass or participate in a parish community. They so miss going to church. So I wanted to share these words as a reminder that God knows each of us and our situations and His love embraces us as we are, where we are - always.

Receiving Communion alone from a Eucharistic minister at home does not mean that you are not part of the whole. Just as St. Alice received Communion apart from others, she - and you - and all of us - are part of the Whole - the Body of Christ.

Inclusion: Adapting learning about Holy Communion

Shane is 8, is blind and has limited communication abilities. His mum Samantha adapts the traditional teaching material for First Holy Communion to create a multi-sensory book he can enjoy. The book has a transformative effect on Shane - and on all those around him

Mighty Morphing Power Chair

Watch Greg Lavoie assemble a power chair in a few minutes...

Health care challenges attract students

Health care challenges are attracting the attention and interest of students in college - and they are choosing their areas of studies accordingly.

"A generation ago, college kids interested in health would have become doctors or nurses. Some might have picked hospital administration as a career.

Now, with health reform in the headlines and countless families having their own health crises, students are pouring into health policy classes in economics, political science, history, and public health departments. Many plan on making health policy their career."
-via Reuters

Click above to read the rest of the article.

Backlog of disability cases increases

According to this NY Times article, the backlog of SSI case appeals has increased. The article features the story of a man who lost his house while awaiting a decision, while others have gone bankrupt or even died. Some have waited over three years for an appeal.

Over two thirds of applicants win on appeal after an initial denial. Officials blame a shortage of judges for the delays, saying that inadequate funding is behind the problem along with an increased number of applicants as baby boomers age.

New to the Blogroll: 3 new blogs

The Seated View and badgerbag and
BBC Ouch!

Raymond Briggs' The Snowman

The Snowman, full length. Christmas 2006. Soundtrack called "Walking in the air" by Howard Blake, sung by Peter Auty.

This delightful half hour film is shown on Norwegian television every year, so I'm posting it in honor of my Norwegian and Land of the Vikings friends. Enjoy!

I'm going to Disneyland because I need a flu shot

I was having my coffee while on the phone with a friend of mine. She's disabled, has no access to transportation services right now and was telling me she has no way to get a flu shot. As we were talking, my eye caught a headline on the NY Times saying that flu shots are being given out in airports.

"Take a vacation," I quipped.

Ironic, isn't it, that conveniences like this happen but it's practically impossible to get a flu shot to someone who is having trouble getting out? Sure, some medical folks will bring care to homebound (or semi-homebound) people, but some won't. I told her that I'd see if I could find someone to come to her house.

Of course I'm not saying that everyone falls through the cracks. But my friend seems to.

"I know," I said. "Let's send you to Disneyland!"

"Yeah," she agreed. "I could do a commercial for them - I'm going to DIsneyland because I just need a flu shot!"

[visual description: An image of the Disney character Goofy is shown. Goofy, black dog with floppy ears, a wears a lime colored top hat, is smiling with two front teeth showing.]

The Need for Speed: Wheelchair Version

Yesterday the rep came to my house to adjust the speed on my power chair (aka The Beast). I was telling everyone it was so slow that when I crossed streets folks were hanging out of cars waving their arms and yelling things like "Hurry it up! Today would be nice."

However, since my nickname is Ramp Racer, when I complain that something is moving too slowly I have no credibility. The usual response is "How fast do you want it to go? It's a wheelchair."

Anyhow, the rep put the programmer into the joystick and discovered that the chair was only set at 45% speed. Ha! I was vindicated. "How fast do you want me to set it?" he asked. Everyone in the room cringed. "Fast!" I said. So we upped it to 90%. The rep told me he'd be happy not only to come back and set it at 100% but that I can up the acceleration. Zoom zoom zoom.

Today I took The Beast out to see how it was. I was in the driveway making sure I had the seat belt on and my neighbor jokingly asked "Planning to go fast?" I smiled and said "Yes", hit the joystick and took off. Bwa ha ha.

I flew down the block - although I did have to slow down for sidewalk cracks. I couldn't wait until I got to a flat paved area where I could really try out the speed. I was not disappointed. After I tried out a few quick circles in the middle of a mall area, a toddler riding on a Fire Truck coin ride pointed to the Beast as I flew by and said to his mother "I want a ride on that! That's faster! " Yes, that child recognizes the Need for Speed.

You haven't lived until you've peeled down the snack aisle in a grocery store on a crowded Saturday at top speed after over a decade of pushing a manual chair with quad arms. Let's just say I got first dibs on the Cheez Doodles.

So I envision a video game coming out soon - The Need for Speed: Wheelchair Version. That'll be for the rest of you. I can do it in 3D!
[visual description: Photo of the front of a video game entitled Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2. The lettering appears in red white and blue over a silver race car.]

Running for re-election with a disability-and thankful to God

Sen Tim Johnson of South Dakota, who had a brain hemorrhage last year, will run for re-election to the US Senate.  He uses a power chair and continues therapy to walk on crutches. This NY Times article discusses progress he's made with his speech difficulties as well as his thoughts about running for re-election and continuing to serve with  the necessary accommodations.

"Almost a year later, Johnson says he is thankful. He plans to spend Dec. 13 as a quiet day with his wife, though he may have votes in the Senate. The day before, he will speak to reporters on his first conference call since the one on which he fell ill.

"My speech is not 100% but the doctors say I will get there. ... I'm frustrated by the fact that I can't get around as much but that too is improving," Johnson says. "I am thanking God for the result and I'm determined to make this a second chance at life."-via NY Times

[visual description: Sen. Johnson is shown on the right in his power chair next to his colleague Sen. Robert Menendez.]

Georgina Goes Out

This award winning film for the Media Box and Channel 4 FourDocs Filmmaking Competition 2007 was made by Georgina who has CP.

Hope Unheard

I do hope Emily Dickinson can forgive me for this poem I wrote. 

A better use of air time during the writer's strike...

It's 1996 on the Jay Leno show tonight.  Yet another rerun. 

I'm not against the writer's strike, mind you, but I've been wondering if maybe this might be an opening to start up a few disability -related TV shows. Why waste air time watching shows from a decade ago?

Here's one I thought of:

Instead of Kitchen Nightmares with chef Gordon Ramsey going around "fixing up" restaurants in trouble, we could have Access Nightmares where we send him around to "fix up" the worst and least accessible restaurants - and give a good talking to the scoundrels in the process.  Imagine him making faces at people as they try to give their half baked reasons to him. 

His motivational style along with his offer of free renovations would surely catch on to restaurant owners that have access issues.  When he unveils the newly accessible  bathroom , we'll all swoon. Braille menus - no problem.  Tables set up so that you can roll through the restaurant. And not one wait person who says "What will she be having tonight?" to the person who accompanies you. Not with the new training program in place!

All of these access nightmares will be solved by chef Ramsey's visit. 

Yes, we are wasting valuable air time, folks. 

Of course, if you'd rather watch reruns...hey....

[visual description: Chef Gordon Ramsey is shown standing in front of a restaurant kitchen's steel doors, which are half open behind him. He is wearing a white chef's outfit.]

Bingo people!

In her post this morning, Meredith Gould jokingly refers to the Jewish roots of Bingo as she sheds light on a reader's question about Jewish ritual and tradition. 

And it reminded me, cradle Catholic that I am, about Bingo People!

When I was a kid, we lived on a hill overlooking a Catholic parochial school. Twice a week - may I say religiously - people going to Bingo parked across the street from our house and in front of it, at times even blocking our driveway in their eagerness to go play Bingo.  Sometimes on their way they dropped candy wrappers and soda bottles. Other times they had to park further away and would just sit and rest on our front steps.

"Who are those people?" my younger brother asked when he was a toddler one night, looking out our window at our yard, the grass trampled, a few wrappers on our otherwise green lawn and two complete strangers who were sitting in our lawn chairs.

"Bingo people!" we said and so the name stuck.  

"Are they all moving in?" he asked,  his eyes growing wide as he watched people stream by like lemmings on their way to the school hall.

As we grew older, we learned that if we went out on Bingo evenings,  some Bingo People were so enthusiastic they might even park in our driveway, sometimes leaving us a five dollar bill under their windshield wipers with a note saying "Sorry, late to Bingo, hope you don't mind." 

Ah, Bingo People. 

But, as my grandmother used to say as she reached down to pick up candy wrappers, "It's all for the good of the Church!"

[visual description: A photo of a large hall with tables of people playing Bingo.]

Woman denied right to put in accessible door sues

Josefina, born without legs or arms, uses her teeth to open the door on her condo apartment. Unfortunately, the creative method she's figured out doesn't work to get her back in, leaving her dependent on those who happen to be passing by to get back into her own home.  As a result, Josefina remains stuck at home, noting that it's like being in jail. Her efforts to get permission to put on a door that would allow her egress/inegress have failed and a lawsuit is pending. 

Hard to believe? Not really. People are stuck in their homes and apartments for various reasons, due to delays that come from denials of permission and subsequent lawsuits or the need for a variance to build a ramp on houses.

Need a ramp? In some places, be prepared to hire the following people:  an architect, attorney and engineer to draw up plans for a variance. If you need to get out immediately you can apply for a temporary ramp, but then you must take that ramp down before you build your permanent ramp.  Of course that means paying a contractor twice. 

Our laws which require variances and expensive hoops to jump through need to be changed.  The delays inherent in our system, which include having to sue to get permission for access into and out of an apartment or home you are paying to live in, are not justifiable or reasonable.

Josefina just happens to be in the news. 

Top Model contestant with Aspergers does interview with Wrong Planet

wrongplanet.net, a site about Asperger's,  did an extensive interview with Heather Kumich, who was eliminated in the ninth round of the competition in the show America's Next Top Model. The interview is available in text and audio.  This NY Times article discusses how her appearance on the show gave Asperger's a "very public face".

Assumptions people make about disability

It never ceases to amaze me the ideas people have about how it all works when you live with a disability. There are certain assumptions folks make that work against any positive change happening any time soon. I find this sad because most people I talk to really do support helping a person with a disability get what he/she needs - but we really aren't doing that.

For example, in the US, our system falls far short of providing people with disabilities with devices and equipment they may require in order to live independently and be productive (whether for paid or volunteer work).  But I often receive comments from people expressing surprise that someone doesn't have a, b or c that would make things easier. The assumption is that if people just asked there must be a place they could get it.  The truth is that there is a long and winding road toward getting equipment  - if it even works.

In our country many people with disabilities use grants, family resources and fundraisers to get vital equipment and devices.  Insurance doesn't cover many items which affect transportation, mobility, reading, writing, feeding oneself, dressing oneself, getting in and out of beds, baths, chairs, etc.  Vocational rehab in each state differs and ability to get items through agencies varies, leaving many people unable to utilize it.  

Because of this, basic everyday functions that require specialized devices or equipment fall on those around us because we lack the ability to afford what we need to do these things independently - not always because we lack the ability to do these things! 

And I think that is a hard truth for people to look at because it's so much easier to just assume that there's an accessible toy box in the sky for us to go to.   It's also hard for those of us who are affected by this to talk about it. 

For example, parents of children with disabilities who need things for their children often apologize to me when they can't afford items that cost thousands of dollars. This is heartbreaking.  People who would be able to manage financially without the huge cost of these items feel inadequate even though they may be working two or three jobs to pay for what their child needs and doing creative workarounds to stay employed.  In addition, they are  using every agency and resource out there which, by the way, is like a part time job in itself. 

And what about parents with disabilities and the issues they face?  There is some information online, but often they are excluded from discussions.

As Christmas approaches, my fervent hope is that all of us will pray and work toward solutions for those who still need them to give people with disabilities  what they need to experience a decent quality of life.

A little snowman humor....

Those who know me well know I love snowmen.  Several years ago friends brought me a number of snowmen holiday decor items and since then at Christmas my house resembles a snowman reunion. I have snowmen who twirl, snowmen who glitter, snowmen who light up and some who do all three. I don't even bother with a tree most years because the snowmen are - er- quite enough.  My youngest nephew loves to play with all of these "toys" (as does my cat!)

So when I saw this cartoon I had to post it. Enjoy!

{visual description: A male and female snow"man" are in the foreground. In the background a male and female "snowman" roll a snowball between them. The male snowman in the foreground says "Would you look at that? They're making a baby right in the front yard!" to which the female snowman in the foreground says "It's disgraceful".}

More Meredith Gould: Where there's Light, there's food.

More Meredith Gould: Where there's Light, there's food.

Meredith writes:

"Jewish holidays remind me of quiz shows. A whole lot of questions must be asked and answered before anyone is allowed to tuck into a meal. This is most exemplified by the four questions that are posed during the Passover seder. The key question for Chanukah is, "Why are the lights kindled?"

Click above to read the rest of her post..

Forgiving Don Imus

I am a Rutgers alumna, one of many who was angry at Don Imus when he made racist and sexist comments about our women's basketball team. These gifted young women did not deserve to be the butt of a cheap joke.

Yet these young ladies and their coach were able to practice forgiveness, accept Imus' apology and move on.

Yesterday what has been described as a kinder, gentler Imus took to the air waves with a new radio show. He promised not to say anything to make the Rutgers women's basketball team sorry they accepted his apology. I was saddened later in the day to hear one of Imus' friends do a television interview and make a crack that only Al Sharpton can be perfect. It made me question the sincerity of the "Imus camp". 

Last evening, I watched the Rutgers women's basketball team play their hearts out after falling behind to capture a win against Maryland. In one of the last plays, team members sprinted down the court to defend against a score by Maryland. It was a riveting sight, watching these young women's athleticism and skill.

Were they thinking about Imus at that moment? No way. Their consciences are free. Forgiving people does that.

Some people think Imus won because he's back to work.   I believe the winners were on that court last night.

{visual description: Two Rutgers' women's basketball team members hug in celebration after a victory.}

Woman refuses disability pension..

...when offered it. Wang Fang , 27, says she's adapted after being born with her feet on backwards.  In fact, she runs faster than some of her able bodied friends. Apparently her refusal of the benefits is drawing some attention; however her statement that she does not consider herself disabled is drawing even more. 

Employed as a waitress in China, Fang has a five year old son. 

Survey results - Women with spinal cord injuries/MS

Women without Limits, the women's advisory  committee at United Spinal Association, did a survey regarding issues women with SCI's and MS face. Their findings can be found here.  

In addition to other concerns, over one third of the respondents reported  "problems accessing information related to knowing disability  advocacy organizations, finding the best magazines for information, finding health care professionals knowledgeable about SCI/D, finding someone to talk to or ask questions, knowing other women with SCI/D, and finding that SCI/D information is oriented to men."

h/t to Ziggi over at Wheelchair Diffusion

A new look

I decided to switch the template on the blog and upgrade it to the newer software to make it easier to work on. ( I was impressed with the ease of the newer one while working on Meredith's new blog with her.)  Also added my first graphic in the header - thanks to the new software.

wheelchair not as easy as thought !

Able bodied men trying out wheelchairs at a disability awareness day event wind up needing an army to help them...

New To the Blogroll: More Meredith Gould

If you have any questions about Advent, visit the brand new blog of the author of The Catholic Home, Meredith Gould- More Meredith Gould and leave a comment or question. Because she always has more to say. (I should know!)

Meredith has written more than half a dozen books with a new one coming out in Fall 2008: Our Words Made Fresh: Communicating Church and Faith Today (Morehouse). Her works also include Deliberate Acts of Kindness: Service as a Spiritual Practice. and Come to the Table, both in my sidebar. I am delighted that she is finally blogging although she's been a bit reluctant to do so.

I remained impartial and neutral. Well no I didn't. I exerted a bit of pressure - and pointed out some of the excellent writing by others on blogs that I've found. And now, my work is done. Reluctant - perhaps - but her blog is finally up.

I invite everyone to go on over and say hi.

Advent

As Catholics celebrate Advent all around the world, our hearts and minds turn toward its meaning. I found this prayer for very young children as they light the candles in the Advent wreath.

O God,
as light comes from this candle,
may the blessing of Jesus Christ come to us,
warming our hearts and
brightening our way.
May Christ our Savior bring life
into the darkness of this world,
and to us, as we wait for his coming.

Beating the odds

I was thinking about a conversation I had with a friend a few weeks ago. We were talking about wheelchairs. Her insurance company denied her claim for an ultralight wheelchair so she bought one on ebay. When it arrived, the tires went flat repeatedly. Turned out she had to take the tires off the rims, scrape them down (with the help of her father) and then they worked fine. There were a few other adjustments she made - on weekends and on week nights after her full time job. The job that provides the insurance that denied the wheelchair. The wheelchair she needs so she can go to the job.

Something in all of this just doesn't sound right to me. Her schedule sounded like: work, wheelchair repair, work, wheelchair adjustment, work - well you get the idea. This went on for a few weeks. And she said to me "No wonder people with disabilities don't work. This is discouraging."

The reality of insurance denials is harsh. Tiring, exhausting, expensive.

Sometimes the folks who perform public death-defying feats - trying to beat the odds -get the most attention. Like this guy. But every day there are lots of folks doing things - quietly - that defy the odds. Like my friend.

But of course there's no video of her soooo...