The last post of the week..

Hello everyone~



It's that time of the week again, Friday. You know what that means-the beginning of the weekend. I don't know about you; but I have nothing special planned. Just spending some time with my mother since my dad is away on business..

Onto today's post, I know I often stress the importance of this blog to encourage and inspire in any way possible. Another powerful story illustrates this same point of view..

take a listen-
http://www.joniandfriendsradio.org/listen-now/2009/1/28/lynn-wheeler/

Encouragement: the best laid plans/disability acronyms

Okay~

I'll be completely honest, this week's postings turned out nothing like I planned. Simply because I was waiting on something that didn't happen. In the long run, I think it best for me to wait until the timing is better and believe me it will be worth the wait. You see, I was going to have my father Guest Post on the trials and tribulations of having a disabled child. I know for a fact he's learned a lot through his experiences and I'm sure they will help my new and old readers understand how much I truly have grown throughout the years. (I'm trying not to toot my own horn here, lol)

That being said, my dad's post will have to wait. Look for his post in another two weeks, hopefully, my plans will work out better then. Anyway, I had interesting conversation with one of my readers . We discussed the difficulties that many people with disabilities with the school system today. Believe me, I know how hard it can be to see someone's potential and yet struggle with the system to get where you need to be. That leads me to my next point. It's so important to know what your rights as well as the acronyms involved in special education. I came across this very informative website.

Feel free to take a look:

http://www.disabled-world.com/disability/education/special-education-acronyms.php

Person with brittle bone disease given a new lease of Extreme Makeover: House Edition

Okay~


By now, my readers probably understand the importance perseverance and positive attitude have on our life. It's become a important theme in my life as well as many others with disabilities. No matter how often I come upon it, I continue to be amazed at the number of people who are speaking boldly because of disability, NOT in spite of it. It's those people that prove on a daily basis that it is possible to live this - a full life without focusing on our circumstances.

Lately, the media seems to show an understanding of this. At least one show in particular -Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The most recent episode featured The Grys' Family. This family is not your ordinary one. Besides having two biological sons, the couple has fostered over 25o children over the past 25 years. Many of whom have suffered physical and mental disabilities. Three of these children were eventually to become part of the family.

One in particular has become a bright star. Despite being born with brittle bone disease, eight-year-old Jake had never let that stop him. Although he is able to get around by scooting around on his bottom, the house still remains quite a danger with a number of stairs and obstacles to overcome. You see, brittle bone disease causes the bones in his body to break more frequently and easily than most people. That's why Jake has big hopes for his new home.

"This week is very special. It's not only about Jake and the fact that we want to give him a independence and an accessibility he's never had; it's really about honoring a family.. " explained Ty Pennington.

After talking with the family members, it was pretty obvious they had a variety of of interests. For example, Becca has an interest in dancing; while her twin sister Abby has an interest in sewing. On the other hand, biological sons Josh and Zach just like to relax in their basement apartment. Besides fostering children, Stephen and Jeannie have also an interest in birds.

So, with the family off in Disney World, the crew went to work.

The first step in the process was destroying the house that had limited Jake so much. So, with the help of Jake 's "magic" powers, the house crumbles. Jake often pretends he can open up doors by simply saying the magic words.

One designer, Ed Sanders, focused on the boys' apartment. After speaking with them, it was pretty obvious that the two balanced each other out . To symbolize this, he built two chairs out of the two parts a "ying-yang " symbol. Another designer, Didayer Snyder made a desk with a a pop-up sewing machine for Abby's room.

For Jake, they have included a automatic elevator with two buttons; one at wheelchair level, the other at floor level-so whatever position he is in, he is always able to get around. In terms of the bathroom, everything is at floor level including the sink .

"When they come back from vacation, Jake is going to live in a world he's never imagined, it's called independence. And like for the first time ever, Jake's gonna do whatever he wants on Jake time.," Ty said with a smile.

-- -- -- --
Citation for TV program: "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" ABC Channel 7 WJLA, 11 January 2009.

This week..

Dear Readers,

My apologies for not posting at all this last week. It passed in a whirlwind, as a lot was going on around our house. First, a good friend of mine came to visit me from Michigan. It was a good time for me, considering we hadn't really seen each other in nine months. It's always amazing to me how some friendships can pick up right where they left off like no time had passed. However, in some small way, I can't help but feel things have changed.

I know we are each are growing up to be that the woman God wants us to become. It's just happening for us in different ways and at different times. This friendship challenges me in many different ways. On the one hand, I look at her and question my own faith. After all, she is so outspoken and knows who she is in her relationship with God. Me? I am more soft-spoken when it comes to matters of the heart. I've always been that -that's the way God created me. Still,, I can't help but wonder whether I'm doing things right. I have too remind myself that God can still use me. It's not MY JOB to change someone's life. It's God's stirring on someone's heart; he's just using me as an example of how a life can change. Sometimes, it's even a positive to show that people make mistakes-that way it shows that anything is possible.

During the week, I also trained my second personal assistant. It's been quite a adjustment, getting used to someone in my apartment for a long periods of time. I can't get much done writing wise. You see, I'm kind of used to people coming and going in my apartment back where I used to live. They don't do it that way here.

Anyway, I have some interesting surprises coming up next week. Stay tuned

Encouragement: Blind contestant on American Idol

So,

Here's a interesting piece of information for all you readers out there. For the first time in eight seasons of American Idol, there will be a contestant with a disability. Born almost completely blind, 23-year-old Scott McIntyre is taking a big leap of faith being on the show.

"I have a passion for music which a lot of people have. But I have been through some incredible challenges in my life which I have been able to overcome.. whatever platform this gives me I hope I can be an inspiration. "

I will be rooting for him.

Blast from the past

Okay,

So I forgot to post Friday, I'm sorry. I know I posted for Wednesday late. But I figure it is better to start the week fresh.

Anyway, I received an amazing e-mail from one of my readers last week. He reminded me once again why I write this blog-to inspire and encourage others. This e-mail proves that everyday is a opportunity for miracle if you are open to it and things do come full circle. Let me explain. When I first began to this blog, I focused on bringing information rather than experience to my reader. As a result, my primary source was the media. One of my first ideas was showing the impact of disabilities on TV. The first program I featured a young man named Cole. Despite having CP, Cole participates in karate. You can find my original post here:

http://alifewithoutlimitsrollinintothefuture.blogspot.com/2007/02/representation-of-disabilities-in-media.html

To make a long story short, someone who knows Cole e-mailed me. He is still doing great work on behalf of people with disabilities. He now blogs as well.

Get to know this remarkable young man at his blog:

http://www.colemassie.com/

Late again

Hey Guys~

Yet again, I am running on my posts for the past week. I haven't been feeling quite up to par lately but things are looking up. Anyway, here is another disability blog which focuses on remaining positive despite the doldrums of life. Something I need to be reminded of, as of late

http://www.doitmyselfblog.com/2008/the-master-in-applied-disability-studies-continues/

New version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking

Okay,
As I sit down to write my second post of the new year, I am once again hit with a overwhelming sense of irony. For my longtime readers, you may remember where I'm coming from when I reveal today's topic-Dragon NaturallySpeaking. That's right, it was one of the first topics on Rollin' Into the Future. I am coming back to the topic now because Nuance came out with a new version of the software in August. I'm sorry for my late report of the application, but, as you know, I've had a lot on my plate since the move.

Overall, the new version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking (Version 10) is pretty much the same as older versions. The company has tried to make several improvements, such as adding a "search the web" command. This command allows you to search the web simply by voice; no more opening Internet Explorer and typing in the search terms.

While these improvements are welcomed, I have noticed slight dictation difficulties. For example, there is an option to upgrade your voice files with the new version. That doesn't always work out as planned. I tried doing that for a couple days but my accuracy was really good until I went through quick training

All in all, I really haven't noticed any drastic improvements.

This is where the age-old saying "why fix what not broken" comes into play.

Beginning of a new year..

Happy New Year!

Well, another year is upon us. I have to admit it's going to take me a while to stop writing 2008 on my posts; I'm so used to it now. That being said, let's get started with the first post of the new year.

On a daily basis, it's easy to get discouraged with the one's disability or circumstance. But if we do that, not only do we limit ourselves and dismiss opportunities in front of us. Below is a list of 10 famous inventors that accomplished great things despite their handicap. Take a look. I think you will be surprised..

http://www.articledoctor.com/disability/10-famous-people-with-disabilities-581