Welcome back ~
Accessibility and jobs are high on the list of people with disabilities today. Rightly so. We have a long way to go when it comes the high standards set forth by the United States of America. But really, look at how far we've come in such a short time. It was not too long ago that we had to wait for specific buses to get us from place to place. Now virtually all forms of transportation are handicapped accessible, allowing us to not be "segregated" as a group. (I use the term loosely, mind you.) From the start, it hasn't been easy getting what we needed to become independent and self-sufficient citizens. But it should make us grateful for what we have knowing what we had to go through to get it.
I was reminded of this fact when I watched yet another syndicated episode of Highway to Heaven. The episode was entitled "Squeaky Wheel" and deals with a disabled veteran's struggle to work. After several weeks of being late to job (because the lift broke on the bus and they had to send for another), Wayne Secrest gets fired. The sparks a whole new journey for the couple when they cross paths with Mark and Jonathan. As part of their assignment, they get Wayne involved with their disability awareness group for the advancement of the handicapped. For example, he goes to the reopening of an old business to protest the lack of the handicapped access. As a result, the owner of the company is impressed and offers him a job in public relations.
In the end, Wayne is given the Man of the Year Award and says some inspirational remarks. In part, he says, "There is no question that throughout our lives we are continually learning new lessons. We have to in order to grow as human beings. That's why we have to go out and teach, never stop teaching making each other aware of of the special needs and problems of handicapped people. How else can we learn unless we know? Give us a chance to get to work and we'll do the job, give us a chance to be part of the world and we'll make it a better world."
Another quote that hit me was this , "I learned that your manhood isn't measured by your legs, it's not your ability to stand tall and face a fight.. your manhood- your humanness is in the mind, it's in the heart, it's in the soul!"
-- --
Citation for TV program: "The Squeaky Wheel " Highway to Heaven. Gospel Music Channel 224 GMC, 22nd June 2010. Original air date: June 16, 1989
Showing posts with label disability and politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disability and politics. Show all posts
Birthday adventures and glee article
Welcome Back Readers~
Well, it's official! I turned 30 last week. To be honest, I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it. I don't feel old; a really don't. Anyway, I had a wonderful birthday full of unexpected surprises. Probably one of my most memorable birthdays to date. As previously written, one of my best friends and roommate from the old apartment in Michigan came to visit. We had a high old time going to movies, shopping, and just plain hanging out! I'm impressed to see how much she has accomplished since I left. She's going back to school herself for a degree in technology and making waves in other areas of her life as well.. Kind of makes me wonder where my life is heading, but I am excited to find out.
I will have admit sometimes I do wonder what would have happened if I would have had the courage to stay in Michigan by myself. Would I be more independent? Would I still be living with rondalyn? Would I be dating? These are questions that I will never know the answers too; but they stick with me a lot most days... Anyway, I don't live in what if 's. Thanks for listening to my thoughts for the day.
Onto today post, you've heard me discuss the topic of disability in regards to the TV show "Glee". Well, I came across an interview with actress Lauren Potter. Lauren plays Becky Jackson, a student with down syndrome who joined the cheerleading squad.
Http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/04/12/lauren-potter-glee/7618/
Well, it's official! I turned 30 last week. To be honest, I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it. I don't feel old; a really don't. Anyway, I had a wonderful birthday full of unexpected surprises. Probably one of my most memorable birthdays to date. As previously written, one of my best friends and roommate from the old apartment in Michigan came to visit. We had a high old time going to movies, shopping, and just plain hanging out! I'm impressed to see how much she has accomplished since I left. She's going back to school herself for a degree in technology and making waves in other areas of her life as well.. Kind of makes me wonder where my life is heading, but I am excited to find out.
I will have admit sometimes I do wonder what would have happened if I would have had the courage to stay in Michigan by myself. Would I be more independent? Would I still be living with rondalyn? Would I be dating? These are questions that I will never know the answers too; but they stick with me a lot most days... Anyway, I don't live in what if 's. Thanks for listening to my thoughts for the day.
Onto today post, you've heard me discuss the topic of disability in regards to the TV show "Glee". Well, I came across an interview with actress Lauren Potter. Lauren plays Becky Jackson, a student with down syndrome who joined the cheerleading squad.
Http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/04/12/lauren-potter-glee/7618/
Encouragement: My Reflections on "The Note"
Hey Everyone,
I am taking a break on my regular encouragement series featuring Patrick Henry to talk about a movie that has been close to my heart the last couple of months. I don't want my readers to get the wrong impression, this post is not meant for entertainment purposes; although some can obviously be found.
As I'm sure you've noticed, living every day to the fullest has become a common theme through my blog. Learning this is so important because it allows us to take each day at face value. Every day, we make vital choices that determine what road our life is going to take. Where are our priorities in life? How are the priorities going to affect our future as well as those of others? As humans, we often forget every day should be considered a gift from God- a second chance to reevaluate our lives.
This is the subject of one of my favorite movies on The Hallmark Channel. Based on the book by Angela Hunt, this movie stars Genie Francis and Ted McGinley. The premise of the story is a simple one. After a fatal crash of an airplane, a burnout journalist is given a unique gift when she finds a note left by one of the deceased passengers. Felt that she was given this note for a purpose, she goes on a unforgettable journey- hoping to reunite the note with its intended recipient. In the process, the note gives her a topic to write about for her column, "The Heart Healer ." Not only did she find the note touches all whom come in contact with it, but causes her to question the choices in her younger years, including an unforgivable secret she has buried.
I hope in the short synopsis then you can understand why I shared it with you. Of course, I love the movie because it has writing in it; but, it also serves as a constant reminder that life is a gift and it should not be wasted. Recognize your talents and use them to make a difference. But most of all, it's people that matter. People need to be reminded that there is such a thing as "Second Chances". Jesus Christ first showed us this idea by dying on the cross for us so that we might be able to spend Eternal Life with him in heaven!
In truth, I don't know what I would say if I only had a few more minutes left on this earth . I don't think anyone would. But as I get older, I realize there will come on down when I will leave this earth .. That's why it's so important that nothing is left unsaid.
If you love someone, tell them .
We need each other.. to listen, to understand, to care. That's the only way we are going to make it through this world. But we also need God.
For more information on the book, please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Note-Women-Faith-Fiction/dp/B002B55XJU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254340618&sr=8-3
For more information on the Hallmark Hall Of Fame movie, please go
http://www.amazon.com/Note-Michael-Barbuto/dp/B001D7T6A4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1254340618&sr=8-1
I am taking a break on my regular encouragement series featuring Patrick Henry to talk about a movie that has been close to my heart the last couple of months. I don't want my readers to get the wrong impression, this post is not meant for entertainment purposes; although some can obviously be found.
As I'm sure you've noticed, living every day to the fullest has become a common theme through my blog. Learning this is so important because it allows us to take each day at face value. Every day, we make vital choices that determine what road our life is going to take. Where are our priorities in life? How are the priorities going to affect our future as well as those of others? As humans, we often forget every day should be considered a gift from God- a second chance to reevaluate our lives.
This is the subject of one of my favorite movies on The Hallmark Channel. Based on the book by Angela Hunt, this movie stars Genie Francis and Ted McGinley. The premise of the story is a simple one. After a fatal crash of an airplane, a burnout journalist is given a unique gift when she finds a note left by one of the deceased passengers. Felt that she was given this note for a purpose, she goes on a unforgettable journey- hoping to reunite the note with its intended recipient. In the process, the note gives her a topic to write about for her column, "The Heart Healer ." Not only did she find the note touches all whom come in contact with it, but causes her to question the choices in her younger years, including an unforgivable secret she has buried.
I hope in the short synopsis then you can understand why I shared it with you. Of course, I love the movie because it has writing in it; but, it also serves as a constant reminder that life is a gift and it should not be wasted. Recognize your talents and use them to make a difference. But most of all, it's people that matter. People need to be reminded that there is such a thing as "Second Chances". Jesus Christ first showed us this idea by dying on the cross for us so that we might be able to spend Eternal Life with him in heaven!
In truth, I don't know what I would say if I only had a few more minutes left on this earth . I don't think anyone would. But as I get older, I realize there will come on down when I will leave this earth .. That's why it's so important that nothing is left unsaid.
If you love someone, tell them .
We need each other.. to listen, to understand, to care. That's the only way we are going to make it through this world. But we also need God.
For more information on the book, please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Note-Women-Faith-Fiction/dp/B002B55XJU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254340618&sr=8-3
For more information on the Hallmark Hall Of Fame movie, please go
http://www.amazon.com/Note-Michael-Barbuto/dp/B001D7T6A4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1254340618&sr=8-1
Unique Program for Military Veterans with Disabilities
Okay,
So I was watching the news yesterday, waiting for Judge Judy to start recording on my TiVo when a segment on my Fox QC caught my attention. It featured injured military veterans, trading their wheelchairs for skis. The program was part of the "All can ski" event at San Antonio Texas's Sea World.
"We all have choices in life; we can either feel sorry for ourselves or move on," said one participant.
Other heroes and Advocates
Everyone,
I came across this article a while back. Actually, it's not a article, but an archive of articles featuring people with disabilities. They entitled the archive "Marathon of Voices". It's interesting to see the range of disabilities working towards one goal- advocacy and acceptance.
http://www.nytimes.com//interactive/2009/05/27/health/MARATHON_VOICES.html?ref=health
I came across this article a while back. Actually, it's not a article, but an archive of articles featuring people with disabilities. They entitled the archive "Marathon of Voices". It's interesting to see the range of disabilities working towards one goal- advocacy and acceptance.
http://www.nytimes.com//interactive/2009/05/27/health/MARATHON_VOICES.html?ref=health
Discrimination still exists, but it all stems from not understanding a person's disability
Hey Guys~
Okay, so I realize I am a week behind. But I have kind of developed different priorities this week. After visiting my friend and participating in her last musical recital, I continue to be amazed at how much things change- no matter how much we don't want too! But that's a part of life, I guess; learning to accept those changes and adapt to them. To be honest, that's the lesson I struggle with most in my current circumstances. I'm seeing my friends go out into the world and succeed and then I look at myself. My success is minuscule, compared to theirs. I just wish I was doing more. But then I am reminded my success is on a different standard as the world's . As a result, my dad has encouraged me to continue writing my book. It has been going well, but I am beginning to wonder whether my purpose has changed
Anyway, that's where my head is at right now. After I finish these updates, for this week and the next, I am planning to take a break for a while as I will be unavailable. I don't know how feasible it will be to update for the next three weeks.
Now, on to today's post, I actually came across this article thanks to one of my readers. At times, articles like these remind me that we are not living in a perfect world. As much as we would like to say that people with disabilities are not discriminated against, that's not always true. This article proves that. In summary, the article tells the story of a young boy who is acting out in the classroom. In response, the teacher along with his classmates "voted" him out of the classroom as a discipline. It was later discovered that the boy had autism. The teacher was later suspended, but most recently, she was reinstated.
Here is the full article:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/sfl-student-voted-out-bn061109,0,6421556.story%20say%20no
Okay, so I realize I am a week behind. But I have kind of developed different priorities this week. After visiting my friend and participating in her last musical recital, I continue to be amazed at how much things change- no matter how much we don't want too! But that's a part of life, I guess; learning to accept those changes and adapt to them. To be honest, that's the lesson I struggle with most in my current circumstances. I'm seeing my friends go out into the world and succeed and then I look at myself. My success is minuscule, compared to theirs. I just wish I was doing more. But then I am reminded my success is on a different standard as the world's . As a result, my dad has encouraged me to continue writing my book. It has been going well, but I am beginning to wonder whether my purpose has changed
Anyway, that's where my head is at right now. After I finish these updates, for this week and the next, I am planning to take a break for a while as I will be unavailable. I don't know how feasible it will be to update for the next three weeks.
Now, on to today's post, I actually came across this article thanks to one of my readers. At times, articles like these remind me that we are not living in a perfect world. As much as we would like to say that people with disabilities are not discriminated against, that's not always true. This article proves that. In summary, the article tells the story of a young boy who is acting out in the classroom. In response, the teacher along with his classmates "voted" him out of the classroom as a discipline. It was later discovered that the boy had autism. The teacher was later suspended, but most recently, she was reinstated.
Here is the full article:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/sfl-student-voted-out-bn061109,0,6421556.story%20say%20no
All a Matter of Perspective
Well,
It's that time again -the weekend. I don't know about you but I'm looking forward to it. Recent reports predict good weather, so I'm hopeful. But you never know. Still, my youngest niece is celebrating her first birthday Sunday; so, it should be a fun time.
Today, I came across an interesting website relating to people with disabilities. The author of Perspective Is Everything: Living with A Disability-What a Blessing examines the unique power that words can have in describing a person with a disability. Too often we struggle with what is politically correct an American society. How should we characterize someone who is different from us? It's a difficult question to answer, but Michael Gerber puts it in the way I have never heard before. I think you will be enlightened
Http://mgerber.blogspot.com/2009/05/watch-your-language.html
It's that time again -the weekend. I don't know about you but I'm looking forward to it. Recent reports predict good weather, so I'm hopeful. But you never know. Still, my youngest niece is celebrating her first birthday Sunday; so, it should be a fun time.
Today, I came across an interesting website relating to people with disabilities. The author of Perspective Is Everything: Living with A Disability-What a Blessing examines the unique power that words can have in describing a person with a disability. Too often we struggle with what is politically correct an American society. How should we characterize someone who is different from us? It's a difficult question to answer, but Michael Gerber puts it in the way I have never heard before. I think you will be enlightened
Http://mgerber.blogspot.com/2009/05/watch-your-language.html
World Disability Day
Hey Guys,
I'm sorry I always seem to be running behind on my posts lately. Writing for this blog, I have come to realize it's a lot more complicated than most people think it is. I try to keep up with the latest disability news and share it with my readers on a timely basis. Still, I'm not perfect. I've read a lot of blogs that are more comprehensive than mine. But I'm learning something new each and every day. Take for example today's post. I didn't know that December 3 was officially World Disability day. To read more about how many people celebrated the day and what occurred, follow this link to:
http://yesugarden.blogspot.com/2008/12/december-3rd-world-dis%20more%20comprehensive%20election%20ability-day.html%20will%20be
I'm sorry I always seem to be running behind on my posts lately. Writing for this blog, I have come to realize it's a lot more complicated than most people think it is. I try to keep up with the latest disability news and share it with my readers on a timely basis. Still, I'm not perfect. I've read a lot of blogs that are more comprehensive than mine. But I'm learning something new each and every day. Take for example today's post. I didn't know that December 3 was officially World Disability day. To read more about how many people celebrated the day and what occurred, follow this link to:
http://yesugarden.blogspot.com/2008/12/december-3rd-world-dis%20more%20comprehensive%20election%20ability-day.html%20will%20be
Capturing disability through video
Okay,
During the campaign for president, I'm sure you noticed the rush to highlight this disability issues through video. Some organizations plan to continue this momentum.. In the coming months, the United Cerebral Palsy hopes to showcase videos of people with disabilities. This was their first installment and preview of what's to come:
http://ucpeople.blogspot.com/2008/10/capturing-disability-through-video.html
During the campaign for president, I'm sure you noticed the rush to highlight this disability issues through video. Some organizations plan to continue this momentum.. In the coming months, the United Cerebral Palsy hopes to showcase videos of people with disabilities. This was their first installment and preview of what's to come:
http://ucpeople.blogspot.com/2008/10/capturing-disability-through-video.html
Encouragement: Another October, Another Disability Awareness Month
Everyone,
This is my second annual celebration of Disability Awareness Month in this blog. During this month, the main topics of discussion tend to be about the employment of people with disabilities as well and as the general understanding that needs to occur among American Society in regards to disabilities. The following is just one article that explores the impact people with disabilities have on employment.
http://www.edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/National_Disability_Awareness_Month.htm
This is my second annual celebration of Disability Awareness Month in this blog. During this month, the main topics of discussion tend to be about the employment of people with disabilities as well and as the general understanding that needs to occur among American Society in regards to disabilities. The following is just one article that explores the impact people with disabilities have on employment.
http://www.edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/National_Disability_Awareness_Month.htm
Encouragement: President Signs disability diagnoses bill into law
Hi Guys,
Here's an update on some recent legislation related to disability issues. It's official- the disability diagnosis bill is now a law. Signed on October 8, 2008, the bill is renamed Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act . The law gives the Department of Health and Human Services permission to create a grant program to gather information about down syndrome as well as other prenatal and postnatal diagnosed diseases. This information will be shared with anxious parents who encounter such a diagnosis.
For more information, please go to:
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2008/10/president_signs_disability_dia.html
Disability and politics, part two
Hello Everyone,
How's it going? I hope your week is going as well as mine. I'm sorry I didn't post on Monday, but that day was spent at the doctor's. Not to mention our family adventure at the DMV in the afternoon, trying to get everything transferred to Virginia. That was interesting. But it's finally done and can be taken off my father's "To Do" list. On a personal note, I was a little taken aback by the lack of accessibility at the DMV. I mean, my wheelchair could barely fit in the "booth" used to create photo IDs. Oh well, I'm sure many of my readers have the same problem at their DMV.
Speaking of readers, there is a new gadget I have put on my website. It helps me keep track of my readers and check how many people are following my blog. After all, this blog is for you and your input is important. So, if you have been following my blog for a while, please become a follower by clicking on the link under my readers. This will make it easier for you because every time you log on it will show you the updates I have made to my webpage . I would also love to know how many people are actually reading my blog. Sometimes I wonder.
Anyway, last week I posted a blog post on "disability and politics". Something I thought I would never do.. After all, I am not one to voice my views on this blog. I just present information that I think is useful for people with disabilities and let you make an informed decision. Well, last week I posted some articles on the McCain/Palin candidacy. As promised, here are some articles from the Obama campaign:
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/09/biden-questions-gop-disability-advocates-on-stem-cell-research-2/
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/
Looking back, I forgot to provide the link to McCain website and his official perspective on the issues. I'm sorry about that, but here it is:
http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/
How's it going? I hope your week is going as well as mine. I'm sorry I didn't post on Monday, but that day was spent at the doctor's. Not to mention our family adventure at the DMV in the afternoon, trying to get everything transferred to Virginia. That was interesting. But it's finally done and can be taken off my father's "To Do" list. On a personal note, I was a little taken aback by the lack of accessibility at the DMV. I mean, my wheelchair could barely fit in the "booth" used to create photo IDs. Oh well, I'm sure many of my readers have the same problem at their DMV.
Speaking of readers, there is a new gadget I have put on my website. It helps me keep track of my readers and check how many people are following my blog. After all, this blog is for you and your input is important. So, if you have been following my blog for a while, please become a follower by clicking on the link under my readers. This will make it easier for you because every time you log on it will show you the updates I have made to my webpage . I would also love to know how many people are actually reading my blog. Sometimes I wonder.
Anyway, last week I posted a blog post on "disability and politics". Something I thought I would never do.. After all, I am not one to voice my views on this blog. I just present information that I think is useful for people with disabilities and let you make an informed decision. Well, last week I posted some articles on the McCain/Palin candidacy. As promised, here are some articles from the Obama campaign:
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/09/biden-questions-gop-disability-advocates-on-stem-cell-research-2/
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/
Looking back, I forgot to provide the link to McCain website and his official perspective on the issues. I'm sorry about that, but here it is:
http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/
Disability and politics
Hello again,
Okay, so I was tempted to leave Wednesday's post up a day longer before posting another. Because I believe that post was an important one. That being said, I hope my readers take the time to scroll down and read the previous posts and this one before leaving my website. I also didn't want to end up forgetting writing Friday's (today's) post.
Lately, there has been a lot of debate whether the McCain/Palin partnership will work for the next presidency. Now I am not one to force my views on this blog. However, I found these two websites that might help you decide for yourself. Once I find other websites defining the Democrat's view on disability issues, I will post them here. Because I know the importance of seeing both sides of a issue.
http://disabilitymatters.blogspot.com/2008/09/sarah-palin-scores-for-disability.html
http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/09/04/your-thoughts-please/
Okay, so I was tempted to leave Wednesday's post up a day longer before posting another. Because I believe that post was an important one. That being said, I hope my readers take the time to scroll down and read the previous posts and this one before leaving my website. I also didn't want to end up forgetting writing Friday's (today's) post.
Lately, there has been a lot of debate whether the McCain/Palin partnership will work for the next presidency. Now I am not one to force my views on this blog. However, I found these two websites that might help you decide for yourself. Once I find other websites defining the Democrat's view on disability issues, I will post them here. Because I know the importance of seeing both sides of a issue.
http://disabilitymatters.blogspot.com/2008/09/sarah-palin-scores-for-disability.html
http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/09/04/your-thoughts-please/
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