WHEELIE cATHOLIC

Have questions? Check out the ADA Factsheet Series

2012-01-30T10:29:00.002-05:00

via its site:

The U.S. Department of Justice recently revised the ADA Title II and Title III regulations. These regulations amend the DOJ's Title II requirements for State and Local Governments and Title III requirements for Places of Public Accommodation. Many of the regulations took effect March 15, 2011 with some requirements going into effect March 15, 2012. In response to these regulatory changes, the National Network of ADA Centers has created a Fact Sheet Series to give guidance around the specific changes. Each fact sheet focuses on a different topic, providing an overview of what the revised regulations are for that topic.

ADA Factsheet Series for Title II & Title III

Pass the brie

2012-01-29T06:02:00.005-05:00

I sometimes get emails after I write a post about my life prior to acquiring quadriplegia asking what it's doing on my blog. "It's got nothing to do with disability," the person says. "Not sure why you put it up there."

Asking me to deny the years of my life prior to acquiring my disability, however, seems to me to be just as silly as those who expect me never to refer to living with a disability in conversations. Those who do this really don't understand that my life is woven with experiences from all the years I've lived. It's not an either or to me.

I write about my experience of living with quadriplegia, how it's taught me perseverance and resourcefulness, about my strengths and weaknesses, about forgiveness, trust and gratitude, how it's made me laugh and cry and deepened my faith in myself, others and God.

But the experiences from my life prior to acquiring my disability are just as rich and varied and full of spiritual meaning in the context of my whole life. It would be ridiculous to deny those experiences.

Whenever I hear the phrase "an acquired disability", I think of "an acquired taste"- and I wonder if some of this is a language issue. Having an acquired disability is not the same as learning to like a type of cheese or even a state of being. People would laugh if you made that analogy to a nondisabled life. Living with a disability isn't a static state either. The rest of my life happens amidst all the "quad" jokes, cleaning cat hairs out of my wheelchair casters, learning to trust new aides, and figuring out a schedule that is both efficient and leaves me as much independence as possible. There is no doubt that in one sense, the "acquired taste" of living with quadriplegia becomes easier with time. There is a familiarity now to things that were at first novel and sometimes frightening. I no longer deal with the shock of realizing that some places are still not accessible and how that dynamic plays out in the rest of the world. But it isn't the same as learning to like a certain type of cheese and once and for all I am a lover of brie!

To my reader I say "It all has to do with living and doing that with a sense of humor and faith when humanly possible," whether I walk or roll. I may never acquire certain things, but I hope I never lose the perspective that we are all in this world together. I had friends with disabilities before I acquired mine and have friends without disabilities now. No matter how much I advocate for those in the disability community, I pray I never forget that many whom I count as my dearest friends are allies.

Pass the brie.

Rowing class

2012-01-28T17:40:00.007-05:00

I am in a rowboat on a lake in Bear Mountain, New York in the '70's. The boat is full of inner city kids, most of whom don't know how to swim.

I know this because there's a large sign up by the dock showing how they did on the swim test. Most are beginning swimmers or "minnows".

The boat is rocking back and forth because the "minnows" have decided to live daringly, perhaps fooled by the nickname that they are fish. They don't want to row the boat, but they do enjoy tempting fate, leaning out of it into the water although I've repeatedly asked them to keep their hands inside, life jackets or not.

I've just graduated from college and wish to see another day, so I plunk the oars in the water loudly to splash and shout at them to sit. They do, but when I turn around, surprised by their instant obedience, I see it's because we've approached an island in the middle of the lake, called Snake Island. It's rumored by the older campers to be full of deadly snakes. I let the boat drift closer and the campers look around the sides of the rowboat to see how many snakes are withering around in the water.

Minnows don't like to swim with snakes.

I lay back to enjoy the sunshine, sensing an opportunity to relinquish the oars.

"Snake Island," I say, yawning. "Maybe this is where we should have lunch."

It's easy to motivate campers to learn new skills in a natural environment full of many wonders. I bet lots of camp brochures say so.

Sins Invalid: An Unshamed Claim to Beauty in the Face of Invisibility

2012-01-26T10:36:00.004-05:00

via its site:

Sins Invalid is a San Francisco/Bay Area based performance project that celebrates artists with disabilities, centralizing artists of color and queer and gender-variant artists. Since 2006, our performances have explored themes of sexuality, embodiment, and the disabled body, impacting thousands through live performance.

We’ve consistently heard from people who can’t make it to the SF/Bay Area that they want to experience Sins Invalid. Enter Sins Invalid – The Film.

We are on the verge of completing a 41-minute film that reflects our groundbreaking performance work, weaving interviews of artists and co-founders alongside unreleased performance footage to serve as an entryway into the absurdly taboo topic of sexuality and disability – and we want YOU to walk through that door with us!

We’re in the final stages of production. We are committed to completing the film – so committed in fact that we are donating personal resources to move it forward. We’re stretching but we still need you to premiere this film!

If you'd like to contribute to this project, please go to the Sins Invalid page over at Kickstarter.

In a power chair you can move mountains- almost

2012-01-23T17:27:00.004-05:00

It wasn't until I got a power chair that I realized the unsung potential of many pounds of steel when it came to solving some independent living issues - such as moving heavy objects from one location to another.

I confess I've also used my power chair, nicknamed The Beast, to move furniture on occasion. But that's rare. The spaces I inhabit generally have an open floor design - things are pushed against the walls, leaving whatever room there is - and as every wheelchair user knows, there's never enough- to roll through. However, it does happen that a visitor or even an aide leaves forgetting to put a folding chair away or moves a heavy object that's right in the middle of the room. I quickly learned that such problems can be taken care of easily by my power chair. In fact if I angle my power chair correctly, it can even fold up a folding chair, make it cry uncle and toss it onto a pile of laundry.

This would all fit nicely into a Monty Python skit.

But the everyday tasks, those moments when as a quadriplegic I'm alone and I realize that I need to "get at" something in a heavy box, or move an object closer, is when I fully appreciate my power chair. Today a box of work was delivered. The UPS guy nicely dropped it in my front hallway for me, but I needed to work on it and I needed it near a light. I powered up the Beast, angled myself behind the box and pushed it quickly and efficiently right where I needed it. Didn't have to wait for an aide to come over or yell at a neighbor or make yet another wish for a robot. I'm already using machine power for better independent living.

A manual chair can be used in this way too. But it's much more impressive with a power chair. You can move - mountains. Not really. But almost.

If you have to give up a pet, please take them to a no kill shelter

2012-01-22T11:03:00.004-05:00

As the snow fell over the past several days, my cat Kady started to go to the window and cry. This is unusual for her and when I rolled over to her, I realized why. She was staring out at the snow and shaking. She spent last winter outside in one of the worst winters ever after being abandoned.

I diverted her attention away from the window and she immediately calmed down. Right now she spends most of her time playing with toys and, typical kitten-style, plays until she's exhausted and then takes a nap. Although technically she's not a kitten (she must be at least over a year old), she is going through her kitten stage now which is fun to watch.

As she played with her toys, I remembered that my other young rescue kitty, Riley, who is about a year and a half old now, went through this every time it rained. He would sit at the window and cry. He was abandoned outside an apartment complex overnight when he was four months old and showed up terrified on someone's doorstep. They immediately called the shelter. Nevertheless, when I took him in shortly afterwards, he was almost catatonic - wouldn't move from my lap and shook whenever I put him down. After a week or so, he was able to be left on his own but he clung to me for months.

Why am I writing this? I'd just like to spread the word that there are lots of no kill animal shelters now. If you have to give up a pet, please take it to a no kill shelter rather than abandon it outside. Leaving a pet outside who isn't used to it, even if they do survive, leaves them with all kinds of problems - health and otherwise, that make it even more difficult to get them adopted. Kady has arthritis, almost no teeth and permanent leg and pelvic injuries from being hit by a car even though she's barely over a year old. Riley, as much as I love him, was difficult to adopt because he needed constant human attention for a long time.

They are, by far, a few of the sweetest pets I've ever shared a home with and worth every moment and resource I've given them. But a lot of their suffering could have been avoided if they had been put into a shelter rather than abandoned outside.

For a list of no kill animal shelters, click here.

Dependency, independence and interdependency

2012-01-21T09:29:00.004-05:00

One of the blessings for me about living with a disability is that I constantly learn lessons about dependency, independence and interdependency. Here are a few of them:

1. Physical dependence is not the same as emotional dependence, a fact people sometimes confuse. This often applies to caregivers. It's crucial to maintain appropriate boundaries with those who give you physical assistance. Conversely, it's crucial for them to set boundaries with those to whom they give care. It's a two way street.

2. Independence is optimized by recognizing when and how to get help with physical dependence. This seems like a paradox at first but is learned quickly after accepting help and seeing the extra energy you have and the more tasks you can accomplish.

3. Interdependence is lacking in our society, but better recognized and practiced in disability culture. I was fortunate enough early on after acquiring my disability to travel in groups of disabled folks and saw this firsthand. Our different disabilities led us naturally to assist each other in mutual ways. Society would be much better off if more folks could experience this.

Right now my friends up at Ski for Light are getting together. I miss being with them! I think of them often and especially during the annual trips they take and am up there in spirit. I know they had snow this year. In fact, they'll be coming home over the next few days and are bringing snow back with them. Watching it fall is making me smile as I remember watching them on the toboggans on the hills up in the Poconos.

Got snow?

2012-01-19T23:55:00.001-05:00

A wheelchair user shows his path from his house to the mailbox during a snowstorm.

Reverse inclusion and the question of disability

2012-01-17T19:05:00.004-05:00

I ran across an interesting piece about a study done on reverse inclusion vis a vis wheelchair basketball. It spoke about how wheelchair basketball welcomes both able bodied and disabled participants- not unlike wheelchair tennis, which offers up-down doubles play.

Researchers were surprised by the participants' response along the lines of "what's the difference?" when it came to who was perceived as disabled. Some of the able bodied players were seen as disabled and vice versa.

I definitely related to the following, however, as I heal from yet another shoulder/neck injury:

Where difference was noted tended to be about specific areas, such as injury. "If a classifiable athlete injures her shoulder she cannot push her wheelchair, but if the same thing happens to an able-bodied athlete she has options. She can run or walk," says Spencer-Cavaliere. "As one participant said, '… for me it's a huge issue because that means no transfers, no wheeling.'"

Difficult to be Wonder-less

2012-01-15T20:26:00.005-05:00

Last night I went out to dinner with my friends from Ski for Light. We were missing Wonder, my friend's guide dog who passed away this year.

It was so strange to sit at a table with four of us, instead of four and a half.

It did not surprise me that my friend and Wonder had originally been greeted at the restaurant with ignorance and refused entrance, but had managed their way in. I had seen this happen to Wonder more than a few times at local businesses.

Too bad, I thought, that we are now wonder-less.

It rained the entire time we ate dinner. I watched a bicyclist speed by under the restaurant awnings, customers in raincoats running inside, and realized half way through I was avoiding looking under the table. Wonder-less.

My friend spoke only a few times about Wonder. She mentioned she did not get into the February guide dog class. Perhaps in the spring, she said hopefully. It is difficult to wait. It is difficult to get around.

Difficult to be wonder-less.

For me perhaps.

For her, nearly impossible.

Tri-Union Summit Joins Performers With Disabilities & Industry Executives

2012-01-12T12:04:00.001-05:00

From the article:

I AM PWD, which stands for Inclusion in the Arts and Media of People With Disabilities, was formed by the Performers With Disabilities Tri-Union Committee of Actors' Equity, AFTRA and SAG in response to the lack of representation on television and film of people with disabilities. Additionally, the campaign covers a dearth of stories that explore issues associated with disabilities.

In 2010, the American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau found that 12 percent (36.4 million people) of U.S. non-institutionalized citizens report living with an apparent disability. The three unions believe that this group — and all Americans — should be able to see their lives and concerns reflected onscreen, and that the media we consume should reflect the American Scene in all its variety.

It is not the rose's fault - a poem

2012-01-11T10:45:00.002-05:00

I remember yellow roses in his hand

As he feeds me brie and berries

Under a cherry tree

Pink petals landing on his hair

After my lover died

Someone told me that if I tried harder

I wouldn’t be so paralyzed

They didn’t want to feed me

I suppose

A gardener clipping a rose bush avoids the thorns

Learns unnecessary pain is a child’s game

That spilt blood blends with red roses

It is not the rose’s fault

Nothing comes of supposition in the realm of gravity

for those who think the degree of paralysis

can be controlled by whim

What might they say about

such grounded things as thorns?

Put the gloves away

bleed red on red if you must

I choose yellow and pink roses

Watching petals float higher than my arm can reach

Navigating the life that follows a spinal cord injury

2012-01-10T15:45:00.004-05:00

Alli Lozoff writes about her uncle Bill, who lived with quadriplegia for over fifty years and was an artist- her fond memories of spending time with him and getting to know him. She mentions two young athletes in the area who recently acquired spinal cord injuries.

She speaks about friends who drifted away from Bill after his accident at a young age, even though some had his art work. I've seen this happen, far too often, in others' lives and in my own to some degree. Her words for the next generation at the end of this piece touched me and I wanted to share it here.

... I couldn't help wondering why they hadn't stayed in touch. It's remarkable that he touched their lives deeply; I only wish they had thought to touch his as time went by. Surviving accidents like this, and caring for those who have, can be a lonely, scary, infuriating experience.

No one can know who Bill would have become had he not been injured. The person he did become was funny, complicated, interesting and talented. I am still grieving his loss, and the multiple tragedies he endured, and the overall unfairness of his situation. But I am forever grateful that I knew and loved him, that I saw the world through his eyes on occasion, and that he may have served as a source of courage for others facing obstacles.

I hope the outpouring of support and interest in Jablonski and Privette continues, and that those who know them now continue to know them as time goes on.

Extra material

2012-01-09T17:31:00.007-05:00

Like something out of a Dr. Seuss poem, this black and white photo posted by Cory Doctorow of a city building covered in coats top to bottom struck me as funny. My first thought was how warm the building looked. My second was - what's with all the coats?

They were from a merchant's overstock and he decided to get rid of them by hanging them out for all to see, which worked. People flocked to buy them and the police had to intervene, but every coat sold.

Sometimes people ask why I write this blog. I tell them because it shows people things they might not otherwise see. Maybe every now and then I even write a few words that someone fancies. I, too, have an overstock - not of material goods of any kind, because most likely I'd give those away - but of ideas, experiences and spiritual material, the kind that we all have in stock but maybe we don't take the time or have the time to share it.

Lately I haven't had much time at all to actually write on this blog. I've done the best I could to put up videos and links when I can. I've had years where I wrote so many posts people would ask- what's with all the posts? Circumstances change. Living with quadriplegia is never dull. Working, managing aides, keeping the equipment up, etc. can be like two full time jobs. I spent unplanned hours yesterday on a recalcitrant caster that was pulling the wheelchair out of line and causing an old injury to flare up. Then an aide came over and was able to work on it some more, but the time flies. Fitting the scheduling and tasks into the same 24 hour day can be daunting.

So here's to hoping that 2012 will be a year where I can write more on this blog. I certainly have material.

Explaining spinal cord injury to kids - and everyone else

2012-01-07T18:36:00.006-05:00

I ran across a blog post talking about how to explain spinal cord injury to children. I remember after my accident going through this with my niece and nephews - except for the youngest who was born after I acquired quadriplegia.

Years after my accident I rolled into a room to discover my niece and nephew watching a home video in which I was walking. The room fell silent and both of them sent surreptitious glances at me.

"You were walking," one of them said.

I nodded, thinking that they were still fairly young when I had my accident. Perhaps, in fact, they didn't remember me being able to walk.

Apparently not. Both of them stared at the screen in fascination at the upright, homo sapiens moi.

"Wow," one said.

I was tempted to say something flip like "And now I do wheelies" but instead I let the moment be. It was what it was.

And then I asked them if they had any questions for me that they had been reluctant to ask.

Needless to say, they did, even though I thought they "got it" - that my life had gone on, I still worked, played, and did not sit around thinking about life before disability. This taught me a valuable lesson when dealing with not only kids, but adults when it came to my disability - always expect the unexpected perspective because it's about their perception, not mine. I live with my disability every day, but they don't.

I'm not talking about casual acquaintances or strangers here, but people who are close to me. Everyone had their own process and questions arose when questions arose. There were times at first that I felt I was explaining quadriplegia on a daily basis but now as the years have gone by I realize that those questions fade as others accept - and learn - what is.

I also realize how important it is/was for those who are/were close to me and love me to be able to ask those questions when they need/needed to.

Book Announcement: Getting #Married

2012-01-06T14:38:00.002-05:00

Doesn't everyone write a book days after getting married? Meredith did....check it out at the link below....

Book Announcement: Getting #Married

via Virtual Abbey blog-

So why the book? You'll find more about this in Getting #Married, but I was astonished by how online tools made it possible for people to attend without schlepping to Baltimore. When I went back to review hashtagged tweets, I was further amazed by the level of participation. And as a sociologist, I couldn't help but notice how 21st century technology was helping us reclaim everything good and right about celebrating Christian life in community. Just had to write about it and Getting #Married: Using Social Media to Celebrate the Sacred is the result.

The book is also available on Kindle.

My4Hands

2012-01-01T10:48:00.003-05:00

Happy new year to everyone! I wish you all a happy and healthy year.

Today I'd like to pass along information about a product I just saw over on twitter. It's called My4Hands - and I'm going to post a video below to give you an idea how it works.

Shopping at a stationary Store from My4Hands on Vimeo.

I like the simplistic design and the affordable price tag on this one. Often I find myself needing to keep things that are hot or cold off my lap because I lack sensation and don't want to burn myself. I also need to be careful not to dislodge medical devices I sometimes wear. This product promotes independence which I'm all for too.

I haven't tried this product out, but I can imagine all kinds of uses for it around here! Here's the inventor talking about why he came up with the idea-

My Story - Why I created My4Hands from My4Hands on Vimeo.

Here's a link to a page to view more videos and to get more product information.

You can also find the inventor on twitter at @My4Hands

A very special Christmas story

2011-12-25T16:34:00.002-05:00

A story about fifty pesos, a Christmas past and an act of kindness that changed a holiday memory forever.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T16:04:00.001-05:00

Wishing everyone a happy holiday this year.

I will honor Christmas in my heart,
and try to keep it all the year

Charles Dickens

L'Arche Christmas Pageant: Led By A Star

2011-12-24T05:24:00.003-05:00

L'Arche is a community where those with developmental disabilities and those who choose to share life with them, live, work, play and pray together. This pageant was put on by L'Arche Cape Breton.

via its site:

L'Arche Cape Breton was founded in 1983 when Tom and Anne Gunn invited Janet Moore to come and live with their family. Today we are a community of approximately 50 people and in 2011 we will be celebrating our 28th year as a L'Arche Community.

Giving Back

2011-12-23T08:07:00.001-05:00

via YouTube:

Inskip Elementary School Principal Elisa Luna talks about raising money for the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center and her own personal physical recovery after being paralyzed after being shot last year by a disgruntled teacher.

Early Days of Guide Dogs for the Blind - Video

2011-12-21T17:58:00.000-05:00

Sharing about dwarfism...and interdependence

2011-12-20T10:05:00.000-05:00

Haley and Emily talk about being friends after they met in kindergarten and lessons they've learned about interdependence.

In the Land of the Incontinent, a poem

2011-12-19T16:00:00.003-05:00

In the Land of the Incontinent
There are many islands
Surrounded by the Ocean of Shame
Each has its own flag
Mine - a sabre in equipoise over a leg bag
Ready to cut off a strap or a connector,
Slice through the whole damn bag
Strewing the contents asunder
Wildly proclaiming the freedom to freely piss
Wherever
Just once.

There are many solitary boats in the Ocean of Shame
No ocean liners at all
Small sailboat masts wave and wink,
Rowboats rock and collide with each other creating
A momentary, instant camaraderie expressed with shouts of
"You're in, you're in!"
But each sailor steadies his own course
No one has thought to start a boat club
Or regatta races
There is no winner's cup
No banquet

Everyone hurries home to her own island
As darkness falls
Lowering the flag then
Tripping and rolling over
Boxes of catheters and diapers
We all have our own treasure and bounty of
Devices that stick on us and in us
Bags that bind us or hang off us
(Generally defeating the purpose
Of their names like Freedom
Some continent marketing genius
Came up with).

I want to water flowers, draw a new yellow brick road,
But instead struggle with valves not meant for those
With limited dexterity
And wind up spraying my socks
In the quiet of a bathroom over a toilet I no longer apparently need
But am not allowed to sell
To pay for all this paraphernalia

My island is open to anyone
If you happen to sail by
Bring your own supplies
For I often run low
But I promise you will not go home hungry
Or feeling quite so alone
As you set out on the Ocean of Shame
Which I hope some day enough of us will rename
By flying our flags high.

Seeing Eye graduate, in her own words

2011-12-18T21:02:00.000-05:00

Cookie Cutter World (ASL)

2011-12-17T08:54:00.000-05:00

Graduating Western Michigan U artist has upcoming exhibit

2011-12-16T20:43:00.000-05:00

Quadriplegic Playing Virtual Violin

2011-12-10T12:24:00.002-05:00

Before acquiring quadriplegia, I played classical guitar. It's probably the number one thing I miss doing. So I was fascinated when I saw this video. What a wonderful thing to be able to do again!

Paraplegic Changing Tires on Car

2011-12-09T07:53:00.001-05:00

A paraplegic demonstrates how he changes the tires on his car in this video.

From Where I Sit: Chapter IV: International Day of Disabled Persons

2011-12-03T12:50:00.000-05:00

From Where I Sit: Chapter IV: International Day of Disabled Persons

Statement by the National Council on Disability on the 19th Observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, 2011

2011-12-01T09:07:00.001-05:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Council on Disability today released the following statement on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, 2011:

NCD observes the 19th International Day of Disabled Persons, first recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992. The theme of this year’s observance is “Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development.”

Why is meaningful involvement by persons with disabilities in international development important? The United States invests billions of taxpayer dollars into foreign assistance programs that foster international diplomacy and development annually, aimed at improving the quality of life for people around the world. These programs develop economies, promote democracy and governance, provide humanitarian assistance, build new infrastructure, and advance and protect human rights. Given that 15 percent of the world population is made up of people with disabilities, and growing, the United States cannot effectively accomplish the goals of foreign assistance programs unless it ensures programs are accessible to and inclusive of people with disabilities.

Conservative estimates by the World Health Organization suggest more than one billion people, an estimated 15 percent of the world’s population, have a disability. 80 percent of these individuals live in developing nations. Although people with disabilities make up a large segment of the global population, they continue to face worldwide discrimination and segregation at alarming levels. Moreover, numbers are likely gravely underestimated because people with disabilities are typically shunned, hidden from public view by their families, and commonly excluded from community activities.

Exclusion from the built environment prevents use of necessary services and resources that non-disabled populations take for granted. These barriers have a negative, spiraling effect. Physical barriers also keep people with disabilities from using voting centers, polling places, courthouses, administrative agencies, schools, and embassies.

Those who aren’t hidden by families or communities of origin are often left to languish in institutions – further removing them from civic and social engagement. Conflict and poverty continue to increase the incidence rates of disability in less developed and industrialized economies alike. Already significant numbers are rising due to a variety of factors including aging, poverty, armed conflict, as well as improved data collection.

Overseas economic development will not be successful unless people with disabilities are included. If development is not inclusive, the significant numbers of people with disabilities in developing countries will hinder the very economic growth the U.S. seeks to facilitate. NCD recommends both micro-level solutions to spark income generation in coordination with large scale interventions to create the kinds of legal and regulatory structures to better serve and benefit from the contributions of people with disabilities.

As the world observes the 19th International Day of Persons with Disabilities, NCD welcomes the opportunity to focus greater attention to workable solutions to concerns faced by people with disabilities, their families and the diverse communities people live in around the globe.

About NCD: Founded in 1978, the National Council on Disability is a small, independent federal agency comprised of 15 Presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed Council Members and a small staff, who advise the President, Congress and other Federal agencies on disability policy, programs and services.

More information on NCD's website at: http://www.ncd.gov

FuelCall Gas Station System

2011-11-29T07:19:00.004-05:00

Are you a driver with a disability who needs assistance pumping gas? Check out this new site called FuelCall Gas Station System.

You can read more about its development here.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

2011-11-24T11:13:00.004-05:00

So grateful for all my friends, online and off - thank you all for a great year filled with many blessings.

Here's what's happening at my house- my cat Kady has turned out to be younger than we thought when she was rescued and is acting like a kitten! So big brother Riley, who is now over a year old, is like the cat in this video, where the kitten keeps trying to sleep on him. (I think he likes it sometimes.)

Hope you and yours are safe and enjoy the holiday.

Some tips for new quads

2011-11-20T10:34:00.001-05:00

A video showing how a quad uses her cell phone and computer.

November 17 Hearing on ADA and Accessible Transportation

2011-11-16T14:38:00.001-05:00

from AAPD Advocacy:

On Thursday, November 17 the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) will hold a full committee hearing on The Americans with Disabilities Act and Accessible Transportation: Challenges and Opportunities.

This is an opportunity to let the HELP Committee know important accessible transportation is for people with disabilities and urge them to take tangible, immediate steps to fund projects that promote transportation access.

Did you know? Twelve percent of people with disabilities have difficulty getting the transportation they need, compared to three percent of people without disabilities.

Access to affordable and reliable transportation allows people with disabilities important opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, housing and participation in community life. Because our nation’s investments in transportation infrastructure have disproportionately favored cars and highways, those who cannot afford cars or do not operate cars often lack viable transportation options. People with disabilities—particularly in rural areas—need accessible, affordable transportation options that bring employment, health care, education, and community life within reach.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public transportation services, such as city buses and public rail (subways, commuter trains, etc.) and requires that public transportation be accessible.

We must let the HELP committee know how important these provisions of the ADA are for our community and demand that our leaders focus on the need for transportation equity. This is the time to overcome the challenges and take advantage of opportunities in order to fulfill their obligations to Americans with disabilities.

Contact members of the HELP Committee to let them know how important this issue is to you.

Click here for more information on the hearing and Committee members

Overheard from a wheelchair

2011-11-03T15:54:00.005-04:00

Screaming loudly at your kids "It's not polite to stare!" eight times in a row isn't polite either. Actually I hadn't noticed the kids were staring...

Ability Awareness....

2011-11-02T18:20:00.001-04:00

...by the students and staff at the University of Illinois.

Facing Disability

2011-11-02T17:45:00.003-04:00

...is a site with resources, including videos, for families dealing with spinal cord injuries. Individuals, family members and experts answer common questions to help the newly injured and their loved ones find information.

You can find the site here.

Lives Worth Living | Fred Fay and the Disability Rights Movement | Independent Lens | PBS

2011-10-27T17:06:00.001-04:00

Lives Worth Living | Fred Fay and the Disability Rights Movement | Independent Lens | PBS

Premieres tonight on PBS. Check your local schedule

City of Chicago wants to get tough on drivers who misuse disabled parking placards | abc7chicago.com

2011-10-27T09:06:00.000-04:00

City of Chicago wants to get tough on drivers who misuse disabled parking placards | abc7chicago.com

Get Closer by Pro Infirmis

2011-10-26T09:07:00.002-04:00

YouTube:

Pro Infirmis conducts an experiment: there are only a few people who don`t have empathy with disabled people. Nevertheless, the passenger seat in the public bus next to Fabian often stays empty. Handicapped people are a regular part of our society.

So, get closer.

via @lcarterlong

InsideToronto Article: Quadriplegic artist uses human tracker to express her vision

2011-10-23T09:47:00.000-04:00

InsideToronto Article: Quadriplegic artist uses human tracker to express her vision

Artist and advocate Judith Snow shows work in show ...

RIP Wonder

2011-10-21T15:58:00.004-04:00

My friend Sue's service dog, companion and my cat Riley's friend Wonder passed away very suddenly from lymphoma. Please keep her in your prayers and thoughts.

Ablevision learns about helper monkeys

2011-10-21T08:35:00.001-04:00

via YouTube:

Helping Hands is a great organization that trains capuchin monkeys to help people with disabilities with every day tasks such as fetching items, loading DVDs, and even face scratching! The monkeys are amazingly intelligent and provide a great source of companionship. For more information about Helping Hands please visit them at www.monkeyhelpers.org

Triangle's Ablevision is a national, award-winning television show produced by people with disabilities. For more information about Ablevision, to donate, or to order DVDs, please visit www.ablevision.org

Fun with Amputees- What to do with an empty pant leg

2011-10-10T15:32:00.002-04:00

Love this video from the series by x360xgamer over on YouTube. Recommend the whole series of videos, which talk about serious - and funny- issues he deals with as an amputee.

Courage Center Shining Star award: Jenny Mundo, quadriplegic

2011-10-08T08:48:00.000-04:00

Q&A about Flying as an Amputee

2011-10-01T17:49:00.001-04:00

Rainbow- a song about Autism and ASD

2011-10-01T12:32:00.000-04:00

via YouTube:
Rainbow" was composed, performed and produced by Matthew Lien for World Autism Day and ASD Care Network.

CALL FOR PHOTOS: This was originally produced for ASD Taiwan and the current video is temporary. We will soon create a final version AND WISH TO USE photos THAT you provide us, rather than the many stock images we relied on for this temp version.

I hope like this video can be universal and available to ALL who have been touched by autism. So please, if you have a photo you would like to contribute, please email to info@matthewlien.com. Thank you!

My Take on Disability

2011-09-26T13:32:00.002-04:00

Jake Scholl, who has muscular dystrophy, talks about some of his life experiences in this video.

The best cashier ever

2011-09-19T18:32:00.004-04:00

I had to switch up my aide schedule this week due to some work deadlines and needed a few things from the grocery store before an aide will be available.

When I got up to the cash register, I had assorted cans of cat food and a loaf of bread in my lap, which was poor planning. I realized that the cans would be difficult to get up onto the conveyor belt and they were rolling haphazardly around my lap.

Poor grocery placement. Shame on me, I know. I really should know better after umpteen years in a wheelchair.

Anyhow, as I was pondering what to do, I saw the cashier suddenly standing in front of me. She asked if I needed help and when I said yes, she reached over and placed my items on the conveyor belt for me.

After a long day of work, I'm so grateful she asked and helped me out.

Thanks. Best. Cashier. Ever.

Rolling Around In My Head: The Gathering Place - remembering those with disab...

2011-09-11T18:45:00.000-04:00

Rolling Around In My Head: The Gathering Place - remembering those with disab...: It's just outside my door. The gathering place. The place where those of us with disabilities are to go in a crisis. Should there be a fire,...

On this Labor Day, we recognize....

2011-09-04T20:19:00.002-04:00

...that disabled workers are always in a recession.

The National Organization on Disability honors nine companies that hire Americans with disabilities.

Disabled passengers left at airport

2011-08-31T15:55:00.001-04:00

http://news.scotsman.com/transport-news/Disabled-flyers-left-at-airport.6827207.jp

Life is not always a bowl of cherries, but...

2011-08-25T22:19:00.002-04:00

ProfessirX shows how some quadriplegics can eat them using tenodesis to grasp objects.

Really like what he has to say about respect between quads.

Mary goes for a walk in her power chair....

2011-08-21T22:46:00.002-04:00

...and the neighborhood kids follow along on their bikes and scooters.

Amputee extreme crutching

2011-08-18T12:36:00.001-04:00

My aide, the artist

2011-08-17T09:39:00.001-04:00

One of my aides is an artist. She is only able to work seasonally for me, since she is attending college more than a commute away, but when she's here we occasionally have a chance to put her artistic skills to use.

Most of the time, however, that's not the case. But whether she's washing dishes or writing out a note with an illustration, I always see her as an artist. I wonder if she knows that.

Guess she does now.

Blind biker Matt Gilman shows his moves

2011-08-10T10:21:00.001-04:00

The No Show

2011-08-07T05:58:00.001-04:00

I wrote this poem for folks living with disabilities whose aides have pulled a no show or whose funding has been cut off for help and for those who can't imagine being a person waiting for help that never comes

It is true what they say
There is work no one wants to do
That is why no one showed up
To feed you all day

The builders are out back
Their noise the only sound of life
Til they leave at dusk

By 5 am there still is no food no rest
Just echoes of hammers on nails
Chain saws buzzing
Floor planks dropping in place
Good work done proudly

By 8am the hammers are flying
The crew back on the job
They can build a room in weeks
But no one can show up to make you a sandwich
Or put you in bed

Don't be that way they say
Let the hammering drown out the rumble of your stomach
As you roll toward the window
Waiting for help that never comes

Copyright 2011 Ruth Harrigan

The Microaggressions Project

2011-07-31T08:23:00.009-04:00

The term microaggressions was originally used to describe racialized experiences.

The Microaggressions Project seeks to provide a place to post events, observations and experiences of microaggressions [defined by the authors as subtle ways in which body and verbal language convey oppressive ideology about power or privilege against marginalized identities.]

"Often, they are never meant to hurt- acts done with little conscious awareness of their meanings and effects... their slow accumulation during a childhood and over a lifetime is in part what defines a marginalized experience, making explanation and communication with someone who does not share this identity particularly difficult."

What I like about this project is how it encompasses so many experiences. A quick glance at the front page includes a deaf person, gender issues, racial issues, LGBT issues, and more - particularized experiences with details about how people feel as recipients of microaggressions that are far too common.

I also like that

"This project is NOT about "showing how ignorant people can be in order to simply dismiss their ignorance. Instead, it is about showing how these comments create and enforce uncomfortable, violent and unsafe realities onto peoples’ workplace, home, school, childhood/adolescence/adulthood, and public transportation/space environments. "

This article addresses how experiencing microaggressions throughout a day from other people or the environment affects people with a disability.

If anyone thinks it's not a big deal to have your space intruded upon with microaggresssions, go on over and read a bit. If you're experiencing microaggressions, go on over and post what's happening.

To learn more about becoming an ally, check out the video below.

Poem from March 21, 2011

2011-07-30T11:32:00.002-04:00

I'm catching up on posting a few things here :)

You await me in the stillness of
Ever present peace
Yes I pray
Yearning all day
For silence

Ruth Harrigan Copyright 2011

NEW SITE ANNOUNCEMENT: Parents and self advocates...

2011-07-30T09:44:00.001-04:00

in the disability community, please check out and consider joining the Special Needs Directory.

"Disabled and Living in the Real World"

2011-07-28T10:34:00.003-04:00

Grace talks about living with arthrogryposis

More info on Arthrogryposis

Grace's blog

Amputee bike riding

2011-07-26T09:22:00.002-04:00

Wes talks about bike riding and rock climbing experiences as an amputee. His video shows footage at his college campus where he is attending a graduate program.

Would you please move your van over so I can park illegally ?

2011-07-24T10:18:00.001-04:00

So here's a new one.

A guy asked me to move my van (although it was parked legally within the blue lines) so he could park in the hash tags after I exited my van. I told him that parking in the hash tags is illegal. Undeterred he told me that he did it all the time and he has handicap plates. I repeated it's illegal because it blocks van users from getting in and out. Then he assured me that blocking me in wasn't an issue. And it isn't - for him.

Hash tags are not an extra parking spot.

7 year old writes book to raise money for service dog

2011-07-23T13:36:00.001-04:00

Read all about Evan here

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/7-year-old-writes-book-to-raise-money-for-a-service-dog/2011/07/22/gIQAiOqHUI_story.html?wprss=rss_local

A difficult affair

2011-07-16T18:26:00.001-04:00

I've realized the limits of language this week. I'm in the process of hiring new aides or, as some might say, replacing aides.

Those words are ridiculously inadequate.

I can't replace a person. Each aide I work with is unique. Every time I interview someone, I look for certain qualities. Reliability - because I need them to show up. Willingness - so they can be my hands and legs.

I'm feeling impatient with words. I hate that I can't explain what this process is like to friends. How do I know who will work out? I don't. I can't replace someone's sense of humor or another's caring touch.

I guess at what a person will be like in moments when I need them most. And that feels inadequate too.

I know it's a leap of faith. And so I choose someone.

Sometimes they make the choice, like the woman who walked into the interview, stared at my wheelchair and said she couldn't handle it. I smiled thinking I already knew that with the sense I've developed. This works the other way too, like a very young man whose smile lights up the room when he talks about how he'd love a job like this and why.

More interviews on the way. The music student who says he can play the violin for me. The out of work dad who just wants a shot at any job. The college students who mostly want a summer job for a summer that's almost over.

This is a permanent position, I tell them. I know that's an illusion, that although some aides stay for years, others move on quickly.

And so must I.

Not so smart car

2011-07-10T10:58:00.001-04:00

One of my friends who works in the corporate world has been having an ongoing issue with parking her car in the employee lot so she can get into work. She has an accessible vehicle with a ramp so it requires a handicap spot with hashtag area to lower the ramp.

Anyway the company did provide a van accessible spot but other employees, mostly those without any disabled placard or plates, park in it irregardless of the fact that it's not only marked as a handicap parking spot but as reserved.

The other day a smart car without a disabled placard parked there. She said it was a very small smart car, so she parked next to it in a regular spot and was able to put her ramp down because of the extra room. When she came out the not so smart car had been towed.

I couldn't help chuckling though at the image of a smart car in a handicap spot with room left for the ramp on her car to go down, labeled not so smart car.

Adam returns to the gym

2011-07-09T13:42:00.000-04:00

Adam's first time back at the gym after losing his leg to cancer.

Get a boundary

2011-07-05T08:10:00.002-04:00

I used to be shocked when I first became disabled by the rude and really intrusive questions and things some people said to me. After awhile, I realized that others with disabilities also dealt with this too.

It happens with strangers, but I've also experienced it with aides, which can be a problem since they are privy to private information anyway. They come into our homes and have access to information most nondisabled folks can choose to keep private This makes us vulnerable When aides misconstrue their job and don't treat a disabled person as an autonomous adult, boundary violations occur frequently.

There are a shortage of aides around here, but I draw the line when my boundaries repeatedly get crossed. I speak up and tell the aide her behavior is inappropriate. Some, unfortunately, escalate while others pull back on what they do, stung by my "lack of gratitude" for their unwarranted advice on what I should eat, how I should do things or how they would handle this or that. This is usually no big loss as I find that aides who are doing their job right dont have time to spew advice and opinions.

I'd rather do without the help than deal with a constant stream of inappropriate comments. Being physically dependent should not mean we have to listen to unsolicited advice or criticism about how we live, what we eat or wear, or any other aspect of our life from someone who is paid to physically assist us.

Independence days

2011-07-03T10:58:00.001-04:00

Nadal is fighting back in the third set of the men's finals at Wimbledon. Tennis matches are never over until the last ball is hit. Tennis taught me a lot about battling through to the end and never giving up.

And so it goes with making inroads with disability rights. Sad to say our rights as people with disabilities are usually things taken for granted by non disabled folks, like being allowed into restaurants or being able to get products that are accessible or aisles that allow us to get in and out or even just being able to get housing or transportation.

The latter explains why the former still goes on. We have an invisible housebound and institutionalized population of people with disabilities who don't even get out, much less assert their rights. The fact that this is okay is not okay.

Tomorrow is July 4 here in the States. Independence Day. I will say a prayer for my brothers and sisters who don't have independence. And then I will continue to use the independence I have to make inroads, as all of us who can must do.

Claire's Story : Muscular Dystrophy

2011-06-28T19:31:00.002-04:00

Via YouTube:

Claire has a form of Muscular Dystrophy, and has been using a wheelchair for the last ten years. With her condition deteriorating, her movement has become more limited. Recently she found herself unable to lift her arm to reach the key in the lock of her front door. While this should have been a relatively simple matter, it took 12 months before the relevant agency organised for an accessible door to be fitted. In the meantime she was forced to use a side gate without a padlock to get into her own home. While she waited for the new door, someone broke into her house while she was home.

Every Australian Counts is the campaign for the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme. The NDIS will revolutionise the way people with a disability, their families and carers are supported in this country.

www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au

Ouch

2011-06-25T06:57:00.000-04:00

Notice how my blogging just seemed to stop mid-week?

My mom broke her ankle on Thursday and is in the hospital. Luckily it's a clean break.

My mother has an extraordinarily high pain threshold. While she was in the ER, the doctor asked her how her pain was on a scale of 1 to 10 and she said "I guess a 6." He said "It's broken," and she repeated it was a 6. He offered her pain meds and she said a Tylenol would do.

Apparently she gave in and had two Tylenol on Thursday night at the insistence of the nurses.

She told me she really only needed one.

Summer Safety Tips from Reeve Foundation

2011-06-24T23:56:00.000-04:00

This video addresses safety tips to avoid a spinal cord injury.

A virtual cane for the visually impaired introduced

2011-06-21T09:22:00.001-04:00

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110621006129/en/Yissum-Presents-Virtual-Cane-Visually-Impaired

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Father finds his calling through son's disability - USATODAY.com

2011-06-19T10:28:00.000-04:00

Father finds his calling through son's disability - USATODAY.com

Two brothers go to Easter Seals camp...

2011-06-17T18:59:00.002-04:00

Mini-Doc: Brothers Camp from Christine Lee on Vimeo.

In this 2008 video, two brothers share some of their experiences at an Easter Seals camp.

Summer camp for kids on vents

2011-06-14T09:10:00.001-04:00

Read all about vent camp

http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/13/vent-camp/

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Fun with Wheelchairs - Drifting

2011-06-13T14:26:00.002-04:00

What is there to say? A driveway, a tarp, water, a wheelchair user with imagination....

And this is love

2011-06-12T09:29:00.001-04:00

A senior couple in front of me on line at the bakery. The woman orders donuts, saying "Those are your favorites, dear" to her husband. He stares vacantly ahead.

The donuts arrive. She holds his up for him to take a bite. His face changes, brightens with recognition. He says "Thats my favorite!" She beams at him and, smiling, they go to a table where they sit chewing on their donuts, holding hands.

They look like they are sixteen.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Riley to the rescue

2011-06-10T08:46:00.001-04:00

We had a power outage last night from about 7pm until dawn.

Thing is, my recliner was in an upright position at the time and I haven't been able to sleep laying down due to my congestion, so it was a long night. When the FIOS low battery alarm went off shortly after midnight, Riley tossed and turned then woke up and stood in front of me as if to say "Well?"

"can't fix it, dude, it's in the basement. "

"really? Just tell me what to do. "

I must have imagined it.

I think.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Short, not so sweet

2011-06-09T16:01:00.001-04:00

Have been dealing with a sinus infection and my voice recognition thinks I'm Boris Karloff which makes it difficult to write much.

This morning I scanned the headlines on disability news from the last few days and saw the article about how a cab driver put a service dog in the trunk.

Just when I think I've heard everything...

He had his license revoked and was fined.

Story here.
http://www.examiner.com/adaptive-travel-in-denver/denver-cabby-license-revoked-for-service-animal-cruelty

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Walt Ramsey (July 5, 1952 - June 5, 2011)

2011-06-07T18:12:00.001-04:00

Rest in peace, Walt. Thanks for all the memories.

The Tao of Flash

2011-06-06T09:04:00.001-04:00

When we were kids, we desperately wanted a pet. My parents let us have a fish and a scrappy outside cat, but it wasn't until I was in my preteens that we had our first pet.

Flash was an all black male cat, a stray who wandered into our garage, with the help of a bowl of tuna. My brothers and I figured that if we could get a cat or dog into the garage , my father would see how great it was to have a pet.

It worked, with some encouragement on our part At first we thought Flash was pregnant, but after my father discovered him sleeping in the garage and took him to a vet, we found out he was just an elderly obese cat. So my brothers named him Flash which we called out as he ambled slowly across the floor.

My father actually liked Flash because he was predictable. If you brought Flash a bowl of food, he ate and ambled back to his blanket. If you went to the garage to get a tool, Flash greeted you to see if you had food, then went back to his blanket. He was a lot more predictable than four noisy kids.

Even to this day, I remember finding my dad crying, kneeling down and petting Flash in the garage when he thought no one was looking. I was shocked. Here was my dad, the guy who supposedly hated pets, who wanted nothing to do with them, petting our stray cat. I never told anyone until now that my dad visited Flash in the garage every night and even talked to him. Eventually Flash was allowed into the house. One night my dad just grumbled. "You kids might as well let that cat inside. "

But there you have it. It's part of the magic of pets. They win over the hearts of those you'd think least likely. I call it the Tao of Flash. There's a bit of it in every pet I've lived with.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Kady now

2011-06-05T18:13:00.001-04:00

My new kitty Kady has stopped waking up and looking around, frightened at strange surroundings. Now she knows where she is and sighs

I wonder how many times this young cat has had to move. My vet says she was hit by a car and broke her leg, pelvic area and jaw, but the injuries healed possibly in the wild. Sometimes Kady drags her leg. As she eats, food flies out of one side of her mouth sometimes. She tosses her head to swallow.

I marvel at her trust as she looks at me, eyes wide, with more recognition each morning.

She asked me to feed her last night for the first time. Yes, I said, I'm the Cat Mommy around here. She blinked at me and followed my wheelchair. And yes she is afraid of wheels.

She has good reason to be. But we will teach each other how to be with that.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

If you think that took a long time....

2011-06-04T15:18:00.001-04:00

Just back from going over to Dunkin Donuts for an ice tea. The cashier was rude because she was annoyed by how long it took me to get my change due to my lack of dexterity. At one point she pushed the coins into my face as I struggled to get the dollar bills. This did not bother me since I lost respect for her when she acted out like that.

Then she told me I should have given her a penny and there wouldn't have been change. I laughed and told her if she thought getting my change took too long , waiting for me to give her a penny would really be an issue for her.

By the way, their straws and condiments weren't at an accessible height. This sort of behavior always gets my ADA radar going.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Donnie Wittler's story

2011-06-03T16:45:00.001-04:00

Accessibility Advocate Donnie Wittler tells his story: He fell out of a tree at the age of 26 on 9/11/98, severing his spinal cord between the 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae, and resulting in incomplete quadriplegia. He uses a wheelchair for mobility and has limited finger dexterity.

Donnie exposes a little known fact about many so-called "accessible" restrooms: they have major barriers for someone like him with limited finger dexterity.

Riley gets a sister!

2011-05-31T20:39:00.003-04:00

Last week I adopted a 2 year old female American shorthair mix (tabby on white) named Kady from the rescue shelter that saved Riley. Because he's settled in so well and is still young, I thought it would be nice for him to have companionship.

Things have been busy around here, but Kady has settled in nicely! Right now both cats are hanging out with each other, taking turns at the window and occasionally chatting. They're not playing together yet, but that'll be next. Riley is showing Kady his toys, hitting balls and mice toward her.

No pictures of them together yet, but I'll get some as soon as she's more comfortable.

Guest Post from musician Brent Flicks

2011-05-29T09:05:00.002-04:00

JUST A THOUGHT
By: Brent Flicks You can find Brents sites at
www.bflix.ca & www.weareautumn.com

Life...What is life? For some life is a destination, for others it’s all about the journey. Life can lift you up, or tear you down, all in a matter of seconds. Life can sweep you off your feet when your limbs are unstable, or it can come around the corner, out of nowhere, and punch you in the gut when you’re looking the other way. Life can be a companion, or it can be the most lonely feeling in the entire world. Whether you believe you came from somewhere, or believe you came from nowhere, life is something we all experience. It has been said that we all live, but not all of us feel alive. It has also been stated that the only constant in life, is death. But where do we go when death arrives at our feet? Well, some believe that we are taken to a much higher, and better place, where we are reunited with past friends and family. Others believe that we are transformed, and reincarnated, coming back into another life, as another form. Some believe that we’re just gone. Every individual has their own definition of life, and what it means to feel alive. Some believe that a career is the most important aspect in life, others believe that simply happiness is the way to go. Some plan for the future, near or far, and others live each day one step at a time. One of the best quotes of all time, comes from a former Beatles member, and incredible songwriter, John Lennon. Lennon once said, "When I was 5 years old, my mom always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘\pard fs28 happy.’ They told me I didn’t understand the assignment and I told them they didn’t understand life."
Sometimes life throws you a curve ball, and you have to step out of the batter’s box, take a deep breath, reset, and step right back in, prepared to slam the ball out of the park. The path that you thought would lead you to your destiny, doesn’t always stay straight, it often has forks in the road, and even completely different roads altogether. Joseph Campbell once said, "You must give up the life you planned in order to have the life that is waiting for you."
Whatever life is to you, wherever you want to go, or don’t want to go, just remember that our time on earth is short, and for some of us, even shorter. Tell people close to you that you love them. Share your dreams and beliefs with anyone that you feel will listen. Chase your dreams and never give up. Trust your instincts and never be redirected by others’ opinions or ridicule. Take chances to reap rewards. Never, EVER, let your fear, or nerves come between you and a possible life changing experience. Live your life as if it’s an opportunity to achieve greatness and change the world. Lastly, and most importantly, live your life as if nobody is watching. That’s what’s on my mind...what’s on yours?

Siblings of people with disabilities

2011-05-27T09:28:00.001-04:00

This 28 minute video from Attitude TV explores relationships between siblings and people with various disabilities.

The only problem is the suspension....

2011-05-26T10:47:00.005-04:00

...says an Australian cattleman who has quadriplegia and is crossing the Tanami Desert in his power chair. You can read more about it here.

PSA: Spread the word to end the word

2011-05-24T21:08:00.001-04:00

via YouTube:

"Not Acceptable" is a powerful and compelling 30 second television PSA which gives voice to a variety of diverse communities each of whom expresses that it is not acceptable to call them by what were once common words, but are now recognized as offensive slurs. It culminates in actress and self-advocate Lauren Potter from "Glee" stating that it is not acceptable to use the word 'retard' and she and "Glee" co-star Jane Lynch make a call to action to stop using the word and to promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to make their pledge online at http://r-word.org.

The PSA was launched by the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, an on-going initiative from Special Olympics and Best Buddies to eradicate the derogatory use of the word "retard(ed)" from everyday use and promote the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Adapting a Violin

2011-05-23T17:18:00.002-04:00

George Muller, born with aphalangia, won violin lessons but couldn't play the instrument right-handed. A teacher came up with a solution: she reversed the strings and moved the chin rest, but the sound wasn't right.

Claire Givens designed her first left-handed violin for George, which was made in Beijing. George is now playing along with his teacher. We wish him many happy hours with his new instrument!

It's my life: Life as a disabled person in a mainstream world: What are the effects that the Media has had on Dis...

2011-05-21T16:25:00.000-04:00

It's my life: Life as a disabled person in a mainstream world: What are the effects that the Media has had on Dis...: "Disability in the media has always played an important role in shaping the lives of disabled people. For many years the only stories shown w..."

Losing some posts

2011-05-18T10:23:00.001-04:00

These days I'm not quite sure when I put a post up that it will stay there. Hopefully the issues will be ironed out soon. In the meantime I'll continue to blog because my,philosophy is always to light a candle rather than curse the darkness

Sticky Love Notes

2011-05-15T09:38:00.001-04:00

A couple meets in the park and exchanges sticky notes as they flirt....no, I'm not going to give away the ending...

Test post

2011-05-14T10:16:00.001-04:00

Blogger has been down so just putting this up as a test. More to come hopefully

Later

Asking for help

2011-05-09T09:27:00.001-04:00

Victoria Mavis talks about her disability and asking for help tying her shoes in the grocery store.

A message from Riley: Feline Update

2011-05-07T12:45:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone! Hope you're enjoying Spring. Just a short message from me, the rescue kitty, letting you know how well things have worked out just in case you're thinking about letting a rescue pet rescue you.

I'm happily settled into my new home after a long winter. Can't believe it's taken me all this time to train my so called owner and the aides, but I have things the way I want them at last.

1. It's everyone's job to feed me. No exceptions Even if you're paralyzed. Use an assistive device. Geesh
2. I now have three napping areas set aside for me, aside from the bed. Finally folks got their act together an d have put down plush blankets in all three spots.
3. My cat toys are no longer in the way. Everyone is trained to roll and walk around them.

I still don't like storms since i was left out and abandoned during a thunder storm, but no one has figured out how to make those stop. I meow until someone picks me up but I'm less scared than I was. I prefer snow because it makes no noise.

My so called owner was a mess when I got here after she lost her cat Buddy. She's doing much better now that I'm around.

I hope someone reading this decides to check their local animal shelters for a cute pet like me. I wasn't in great shape when I was adopted (everyone kept calling me a handful, whatever that means), but with a little patience and love, my so called owner says I'm just as happy now as Buddy was.

And I think that's a very good thing.

[image description: A photo of Riley, a tabby on white, looking at the camera, cocking his head as he stands in front of a window.]

The good folks at Animal Allies took good care of me until I was adopted. Please consider helping them continue their good work with a donation.

Christopher Duffley performs at Annual Gala

2011-05-05T18:07:00.003-04:00

Meet Christopher Duffley, a young musician who was born blind and with autism. He performs at the Triangle Annual Gala in this video.