What to do when you have a "differently abled" student in your class from?

Okay Guys,

So I'm still recovering from my big birthday week adventures.. It's surprising how just a matter of a few days can zap your energy supply.

While I'm recovering though. I figured you would appreciate this article. It's five suggestions on how to adapt the classroom for a disabled student. I know how important learning was to me, so I want everyone to be able to have the same opportunity. Hope you enjoy!
http://chronicle.com/blogPost/5-Suggestions-Concerning/23040/

By the way, I'm looking for suggestions on how to improve my blog. It's been coming increasingly difficult to find new stuff regarding disability in general as well as new technologies. Does anybody have any suggestions for me. I would really appreciate it.

Another Website regarding the Things to Think about When Choosing a College

Hey Guys,

As my readers may have noticed, I like to reminisce a lot about my experiences in college. These experienced help shaped into the person I am today. That's why I believe it's so important for people with disabilities have the same type of experience. That being said, here's another article featuring things to think about when choosing a college.

http://collegeadventures.net/blog/2009/11/22/college-students-learning-differences/

Special needs college?

Welcome back,

Since I'm not going to be near a computer this weekend, I thought I would set this post to publish a little earlier. You may have noticed I've been focusing a lot on the importance of an education this week. Partially because it just happened that way, partially because I believe a good education plays a vital role in helping a person become who they are meant to be. The following article highlights an interesting proposal of a college for students with special needs. I don't know whether I agree or not because the idea separates people with disabilities from the real world longer than usual. This may make it harder for them to adapt when it is time to enter the "real world"


http://college-reviews.suite101.com/article.cfm/a_college_for_students_with_special_needs

Encouragement: Overcoming hurdles

Hey Guys~

Since writing about my personal experiences in college yesterday, I found this article quite interesting. Born with CP, eighteen-year-old Jasmine is graduating high school this Friday along with her classmates. What makes this such an accomplishment? For starters, she is unable to speak but uses a computer with a "specially designed device " that helps her press the keys. What strikes me about this article is that some people are still putting limits on us, even though we've proved time and again that every situation is unique and can be overcome. They automatically assume the worst for us.

Good luck Jasmine

http://www.carolinalive.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=308227

It's the simple things of life

Okay,

Once again, it seems like I'm behind on my posts. There has been a lot of of drama around my household this week, so it's been hard for me to get "quality" time on my computer. But when I did, I just wanted to relax and not think. Long story short, we are on yet another search for personal assistants. Out of all my dreams, I would have never imagined it taking this long or being this exhausting -and believe me I've had my experiences. I've been getting help from personal assistance since I was 18 at least. I hate to admit it, but Virginia has been one of the hardest states to find good PA's.

But I digress..

A while back, I was talking with my dad about how lucky I was to have such a positive college experience. Part of it due to the friendly students and staff. Granted, they were a Christian /Lutheran College-but they went beyond the call of duty adapting their college to make sure I could fully participate. It was during that time that I discovered what was as a person, beyond the confines of my disability. As well as college extracurricular activities, I also became a part of the "7th Heaven" club; this was a group of guys and girls they gathered at various dorms to watch CW's 7th Heaven. These girls often accompanied me, rain or shine, to the dorm just so I could take part. This may seem like a simple task, but it was a constant reminder to me that my disability didn't play a role in my friendship with them. What a amazing lesson, that was for me.

In short, I hope this personal story shows you that the little things in life make a difference. So, if you have a friend who is disabled or struggling, do something to let them know they matter to you today. It doesn't have to be a weekly club, just remind them they matter. You have no idea how it will influence their life in the long run.

PS. I am still a avid fan of the show since it went off the air. And I still keep in touch with many of my friends from the 7th Heaven club today

Accommodations in College

Everyone~

Okay, so I'm back from my weekend trip with my mother. The weekend was busy and quite demanding for both of us. I'm still recovering; as a result, Friday's post is not going to be a big one.

If you've been reading my blog for a long time, you've heard me talk a lot about my experiences in college- how they helped to make me the person I am today. Going to college on my own wasn't without its difficulties especially having a disability. Here is yet another article featuring things to consider before taking this huge step of independence.

The article can be located at:
http://media-dis-n-dat.blogspot.com/2008/10/dealing-with-disability-access-on.html

Encouragement: Not Just Going To College

So,



Here I am, late as usual. I don't know what to say except I'm sorry. A lot of things have been occupying my mind lately. Sometimes I feel that I'm not the right person to keep up with this blog- that there is someone with more experience than me. But then I somehow keep coming back to my writing here. And well, it speaks for itself. Anyway, I'm thankful for the opportunity to share my life and heart with you. That being said, thanks for sticking with me.

Today's post is a simple one. If you have been reading this blog long enough, you know I talk about how important college is to the growing process. It's where people really begin to find themselves- who they are and what they believe in. It's through these experiences that you find out what you're truly capable of. It's helpful to be prepared. Here's just one story about how a autistic young man's journey to college.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94728606&ft=1&f=1030

Here is another version:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94429083