Encouragement:Superheroes really do exist.. Make-A-Wish has done it again, granting a five-year-old's wish to become a superhero and save the day

Welcome Back Readers~

Many of you may remember the inspirational story of Batkid; Miles Scott's wish to become a superhero after finishing his last chemotherapy in the hopes of curing his leukemia in 2013. To accomplish this task, the Make-A-Wish foundation enlisted the help of the entire city of San Francisco. Well, Make-A-Wish has done it again. This time granting the wish of five-year-old Kaheem who is also diagnosed with leukemia to become a superhero. Kaheem (a.k.a. Super Kaheem) lives in Maryland, but was given many tasks in order to save DC today, including freeing the DC mascots, so they were able to attend  tonight's game.

For more on this inspirational story, please go to:

http://www.ibtimes.com/kaheem-saves-dc-photos-make-wish-superhero-visits-capitol-helps-santa-captures-hearts-2461766

http://www.fox5dc.com/about-us/season-of-wishes/223926688-story

Please consider giving to the Make-A-Wish foundation at:

http://wish.org/#sm.001w7pysilx1epy10fk11ozirt4vg

An Old Christmas Favorite, "Help is on The Way" (from The Preacher's Wife)

Welcome Back Readers~

I can't remember if I ever posted this music video from Witney Houston or not. At any rate, it's a classic..In the film "The Preacher's Wife", she plays the wife of a discouraged preacher whose church is on the verge of closure. It is then that he makes a desperate plea for help and Dudley appears.This song is a subtle reminder that  God  is always working in the background- whether or not we see him. May this song serve as  an encouragement  as we enter this  season  of hope.

Abilities Expo Experience

Welcome Back Readers~

This weekend I had the pleasure of going to the 2016 Abilities Expo. For those of you that are unfamiliar with this event, it highlights different technologies and resources meant to enhance and/or increase independence in the lives of people with disabilities.For instance, have you ever wondered what it would feel like to "run"? I certainly have..  Well, with the help of Ainsley's Angels, I have the opportunity to take part in marathon in which I wouldn't otherwise be able to. You see, the organization has volunteers in  Virginia as well as other parts of the country who will act as the feet of  those are unable to walk; therefore giving them an experience they will always remember- the ability to run with the breeze in your hair and the vibration of the ground beneath your feet.

For more information on this organization, please go to:

http://www.ainsleysangels.org/

Looking forward to "running" sometime soon

Reflections for the upcoming season; Debbie's update

Merry Christmas.

Even as I dictate this, I can't believe it's that time of year already. For those of you that have followed this blog over the year, you probably understand what I mean..  Since losing my job almost 2 years ago, posts on this blog have been pretty sparse. Partly because I've been spending my time mailing out resumes  to appropriate contacts as well as dealing with  Social Security in  the interim. That's a whole  other story within itself. But I digress

The fact is I haven't been quite myself since.  True, the job help me out financially but even more than that it gave me a reason every morning-  a new sense of purpose. You see, I've always felt a calling when it comes to advocating for the disabled; I just wasn't quite sure how that criteria will fit into the job description;  that is until I started writing blogs on web accessibility- things sort of fell into place after that. I loved my job, people  appreciated me. More than that, having  financial independence gave me a new sense of freedom; I was able to support myself and continue living the apartment.  In hindsight, this began a negative pattern of self-reliance. I almost  forgot who had provided the job in the first place and how to be grateful in the first place

Hence, I can't help feeling that's why I am where I am right now. Not as a punishment, mind you but allowing me the time to get my bearings and learn a deeper dependence on God then ever before. Still, that doesn't mean I am not disappointed that I have to move back in with my parents in February. I will certainly miss my place.

I've heard it said that Christmas comes when we need it the most. That's certainly true this  Christmas. I need  God to renew to me the joy of my salvation.

With that, I leave this  question to you my readers: What present would you give your heart this Christmas?

Mine would be a new sense of faith and hope for the future
(Yes I know the verse Jeremiah 29:11- that God already provided for that but it's another thing to fully leave on that promise day in and day out, I'm only human!)

Get a Sneak Peak at ‘Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors : Circle of...

Dear Readers,

Following in the footsteps of Dolly Parton's inspirational story entitled "The Coat of Many Colors," comes the second installment "Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love." Since overcoming the loss of little Larry, the family has seen their share of difficulties, this time is no exception, as they are trying to scrape up enough money to have a decent Christmas. To that effort, their father takes a job working in a cold mine. But will this job cost him his life?

The movie premieres on November 30 at 9 PM. Comcast users can  easily catch up on the story by  searching for  Coat of Many Colors," on-demand

New Season of Little People, Big World

Welcome Back Readers,

Little People, Big World returns for its 12th season on TLC; having grown up watching the Rolloff the family, I am looking forward to seeing how the family grows together as well as individuals. I applaud them for staying strong as a unit despite their separation. I look forward to seeing Zach and Jeremy taking more of a leadership stance on the form as well as in their personal lives. They've both grown up so much over the past few seasons; I can't believe they're both married now!

For more information, please go to the following pages:https://premieredate.tv/tv-series/2346-when-will-little-people-big-world-season-10-premiere-release-date.html

http://www.tlc.com/tlcme/5-things-were-excited-to-see-on-the-new-season-of-little-people-big-world/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=littlepeoplebigworld&sf39443603=1

Encouragement: Lizzie Velasquez

Hello Again Readers~

A few days ago, I had the privilege of watching A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story on Lifetime. This documentary tells the remarkable story of how she lives with an undiagnosed disorder and coped with bullying at a young age. This disorder, diagnosed within the documentary, causes Lizzie to not gain weight and have cardiac issues. Some people may feel uncomfortable seeing her at first; but over time, they forget her disability and listen to the heart her message.

For more on her remarkable journey: please see the following resources:

http://imwithlizzie.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/lizzitachickita

https://twitter.com/littlelizziev?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Meet HK- How a Unlikely FriendshipTransformed 2 Lives

Welcome Back Readers,

While listening to  Delilah on IHeartRadio one evening, she introduced her book  of the month club selection. This month, she chose The  Awakening of  HK Derryberry: My Unlikely Friendship with the Boy Who  Remembers Everything. This book tells the inspiring true story of how one chance meeting transforms two lives for the better. You see, HK was born with cerebral palsy and  several  other disabilities;  in his young life, he had encountered numerous  difficulties from not knowing  how to interact in social situations to  dealing with  physical problems

HK  is now 26-year-old  and a wonderful young man. It has been eye-opening learning about his  transformation due to  Mr.  Bradford. On the flip side, I'm sure Mr. Bradford is more open to God's leading in his life.

For more information on this  book or their  amazing friendship, please  go to:http://www.hkderryberry.com/

Encouragement: Jen Bricker actively lives out her faith

Welcome Back Readers~

Being adopted and disabled, many could look at Jen Bricker and say she has every right to view her life with a "glass half empty" perspective; she, on the other hand, does not feel that way at all. Born with no legs and growing up in a Christian family, Jen believes everything happens for a reason and that the circumstances of her life have made her into the person she is today. In her book Everything Is Possible, she explores the inspiring events leading up to her adoption and the unexpected revelation of having a gymnastic superstar for a sister as just some of the monumental events responsible for developing a active and moving faith in God.



For more information on Jen, please see the following links:

https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Possible-Finding-Courage-Follow-ebook/dp/B015J8UAVG#nav-subnav

http://www.lifenews.com/2014/09/03/mother-was-forced-to-abandon-her-daughter-with-no-legs-now-shes-a-gymnast/

https://nineyearpregnancy.wordpress.com/2016/09/26/you-are-not-a-mistake/

https://twitter.com/search?q=jen%20bricker&src=tyah

"Fault in Our Stars" Couple Katie and Dalton update

Dear Friends,

I am sad to report that the real-life Fault In Our Stars couple has passed away. Dalton died at the hospital in ceiling was, where he had been battling complications related to his illness. Katie died five days later at home in Flemingsburg, Kentucky surrounded by friends and family. The two had hoped to be together during their final days, however, Dalton had been too sick to travel. Despite this, Katie FaceTimed her husband during his final days.

At his funeral, Dalton's mother made a statement, saying "I truly believe Dalton had prepared a place for his wife, just as the pastor talked about yesterday at Dalton’s service. I am thankful she got to spend time with her family Saturday, as hard as it was after watching her husband pass.”

For more information regarding this world wind romance, "A Match Made In Heaven" please go to:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/22/health/cystic-fibrosis-katie-prager-death/

http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/18/health/cystic-fibrosis-dalton-prager-death/index.html

http://www.washingtonstarnews.com/real-life-fault-in-our-stars-couple-update-katie-prager-passes-away-five-days-after-husbands-death

Micah Fowler takes center stage in Speechless, giving Disabled Community a voice

Welcome Back Readers,

According to a new study, over 95% of disabled characters on TV shows are played by able-bodied actors. To be honest, I'm not surprised. There needs to be more diversity of disabilities shown on television. This would hopefully develop a new understanding for general audiences and begin a open dialogue of how to interact with the disabled community.

Apparently, I'm not the only one that feels this way. Scott Silveri said he based the comedy off his own experiences, having a disabled sibling with a disability. In attempt to be authentic, he felt it was important for a real disabled actor to play the part. That's where Micah comes into play;Like the character of JJ that he plays on the series, he also has cerebral palsy. The series will attempt to uncover the myth of what it means to have a disability; although it does that and so much more.

Speechless airs on Wednesdays at 8:30 PM





 For more information on the show, or Micah Fowler, please see the following links:

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/09/20/speechless-micah-fowler-breakout-star

http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/speechless-abc-premiere-creator-disabled-actor-micah-fowler-1201867014/

https://www.buzzfeed.com/arianelange/micah-fowler-speechless-abc?utm_term=.ygR1LEOxk#.hvZwnK81L

Encouragement: Real Sportsmanship

Dear Readers,
It's the beginning of another week and I thought I would start it with a little encouragement. 

When I say the word football, what comes to mind?

Football..

Touchdowns..

Tackles..

I bet good sportsmanship isn't at the top of the list.

But Max Akin tried to change all of this with with one simple act. He passed his homecoming crown to a friend, K.L. What's more? K.L has cerebral palsy


To find out more information on this story, you can go to:
http://www.wfaa.com/sports/high-school/homecoming-king-passes-crown-to-friend/318892002

Encouragement: Teens with cystic fibrosis give "For Better or For Worse" new meaning

Welcome Back Readers~

They say the Lord works in mysterious ways, that's certainly true for Katie and Dalton Prager. At the age of 18, the two became friends and bonded over Facebook learning they  had something in common- they both had cystic fibrosis. Despite knowing the risk involved, a romance blossoms. Two years later, the couple married. But this story doesn't have fairy tale ending you'd expect. While Katie did undergo a lung transplant, it has failed and now she has entered hospice. She remains positive focusing on quality of life now rather than quantity. Her husband plans on being transferred to a hospital closer to her in Kentucky

For more details of their story, go to: 

http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/09/health/cystic-fibrosis-fault-in-our-stars-couple-hospice/

Paralympics are on tonight- September 7

Dear Friends,

Since my dad wrote about the "unseen" Olympics last week, it is with great pleasure that I highlight the disabled athletes representing their country in the Paralympics starting tonight. I hope you will join me in listening to their courageous stories; hopefully this will create a new understanding for what people with disabilities encounter on a daily basis.

Here is the Paralympics schedule-

http://www.nbcolympics.com/news/paralympic-schedule

Wining in the Unseen Olympics

Wining in the Unseen Olympics

Welcome Back Readers~

            You may recall that I sometimes have guests write posts for this blog; that way you are able to my disability from a different perspective than my own. For instance, a while back my dad shared the impact assistive technology has had on creating a sense of independence in my life;. This time, though, he shares a more personal side-comparing my struggles (and those of the disabled community) to that of the Olympics! I think you will find it a interesting comparison...

            Without further ado..

            For the past two weeks Debbie and I have watched a few Olympic events together, but none were as inspiring as the nights we watched swimmer Katie Ledecky win in an individual event, and then  in a team event. She was beaming with a wonderful smile and was so happy to have won the gold medal.  And, watching her, we were very happy for her, too. Her hard work, dedication to practice, and commitment to a goal were rewarded – in public, with the admiration of many watching around the world. These events are for the top competitors in the entire world, and at the point in time of those Olympic events, there was only one “best” in the world, and she was the gold medal winner. It must be intensely gratifying to receive the accolades on such an occasion!

            As I thought about these exciting events, I thought about another unseen Olympic competition- on that also requires dedication, persistence, and endurance in the face of challenges on a daily basis. But there is no massive audience, no cheering and little recognition for the effort.  This competition is not for the best physical athletes, but instead for those who are physically disabled.  

            I think of my daughter, Debbie, whose completion is with discouragement and despair. Her Olympic challenge is not for a week, but for a lifetime. The event she competes in is to live her life trusting in the love of a faithful Heavenly Father, even in the presence of her quadriplegic condition, enduring the physical and social trials of her life.   I watch her complete and win on a daily basis.

       The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about the athletes of his day, who competed in biennial games near Corinth to win a wreath made of pine boughs. He asked them, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. (I Cor. 9:24-25)

       
     The unseen Olympic events that Debbie and all believers compete in are the trials of life that test our faith in the unique circumstances of each of our lives. Debbie, in her own special way, faces sever physical limitations that render her immobile, and unable to freely use her hands to care for herself of enjoy eating a meal by herself. The other challenges of cerebral palsy are nagging inabilities, discomforts and pain. In spite of this, her daily contest is to trust her life into the hands of God’s grace.  She seeks to “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:24). That is, to glorify God by revealing Christ’s character in her life – a yielded spirit in the presence of a significant and very visible adversity in life.            

    We each face adversities in the circumstances of our life, and we do not compete in the special “Swim Lanes” where Debbie competes. But we each face the challenge to live for Christ and “press toward the goal”.  

            Yes, Debbie is a winner in the unseen Olympics in her own right – and the unseen audience is her Lord and Savior. She smiles, just like Katie Ledecky, as the Lord gives her his inner peace to know of His love. 

MUSIC Monday

Dear Readers~

Occasionally, I will post music videos on this blog meant to inspire and encourage you. This week, I would like to highlight music from Lauren Daigle's album How Can It Be  Although a majority of the songs have a upbeat tempo, the themes center around the same topic- keeping our minds on Christ and remembering His character even in the midst of trials. My favorite happens to be the track entitled "Trust In You"; I hope you find it as encouraging as I do.


Lyrics for Lauren Daigle's Trust In You

Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see

I’ve tried to win this war I confess
My hands are weary I need Your rest
Mighty Warrior, King of the fight
No matter what I face, You’re by my side

When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There’s not a day ahead You have not seen
So, in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want Lord and nothing less

When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation; the rock on which I stand

Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There’s not a place where I’ll go, You’ve not already stood

When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!

God is not finished with me ( or you) yet!

Welcome Back Readers~

          Our church has spent the last several weeks studying Philippians. In this book, the disciple Paul is writing to the church of Philippi from prison; despite his circumstances, his outlook is quite positive. Why? Because Paul is keeping his eyes fixed on Jesus. He is certain that no matter what is happening God is in control and is taking care of everything! He is not afraid of what the future holds, instead, he believes the work of Jesus will continue with or without him. Philippians 1:6 says, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Paul reminds us that this does not happen overnight, rather it is an ongoing process of spiritual growth. It begins with God's justifying work of the cross, where he paid the ultimate price for all our sins. Once we accept this free gift of salvation, it is then that the transformation takes place.. Although we are sanctified or "set apart" by the work God accomplished on the cross, it is the circumstances of our lives that develop through character and faith. Philippians 2: 12 -13: "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

In today's world, we act as ambassadors for Jesus Christ. If we are truly walking by faith, our lives serve as beacons of hope to those around us. That does not our lives will be perfect; instead we will point the way to someone who is! Paul continues in verse 14-18, saying " Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky  as you hold firmly to the word of life poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.  So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

With that thought in mind, I came across the following song by Matthew West. It is called "Mended"

Hope you enjoy..

Born This Way: Season 2 Official Teaser | Premieres Tuesday July 26 10/9...

Dear Readers,

It's hard to believe it's been four months since my last post.  During that time, I've had Botox for a second time, continued with therapy, and enjoyed the rest of my summer.The therapy went well; I succeeded in getting enough extension in my left arm to get  a Seabo  Stretch device.  This allows me to keep my arm stretched for extended periods of time without the assistance of someone. Right now, I am up to three hours a day in the splint.  The only downside being, I  am limited on how much I can do while I'm in the device. Ultimately, the goal is to start wearing the device at night.

Sadly, this treatment for CP (like many others) is only temporary.  It has to be repeated every three to six months in order to maintain elasticity and stretch of the muscles.. That leaves me with the age old question: What's Next? At this point, I really don't know. I just know I don't plan on making Botox a routine event on my schedule. I had hoped that this treatment would be maintainable over time but as my doctor puts it my flexibility is like that of a rubber band- the muscles can be stretched, but the reality is they will always return to its bent position (unless they are constantly stretched). Otherwise, surgery may be my only option.

Still, I am doing my best to live a life without limits. Just like the young adult cast of the series "Born This Way".  Season 2 of the series airs Wednesdays at 10 PM

Encouragement: Tim's Place

Welcome Back Readers~

I'm sorry it's been two weeks since my last post; but here is a bit of encouragement to get your started out right...

Meet Tim Harris the first person with down syndrome to own his own restaurant. He lives in Albuquerque New Mexico and has been in business for five years. In a strange turn of events, though, he has decided to close down in pursuit of a new dream- a life with his girlfriend,Tiffani Johnson. The two met at Down Syndrome convention.

To read more about this story,
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/down-syndrome-couple-gets-their-happily-ever-after/

Karen Kingsbury's Baxter Family novels to come to life..

Dear Readers,

Following the success of "A.D.: The Bible Continues" Roma Downey has decided to bring Karen Kingsbury's popular characters of The Baxter Family to life. This 22 book series begins with "Redemption" which chronicles the marital issues of Tim and Laura Baxter Jacobs; from the very beginning, Laura is determined to try and make it work insisting they go to counseling. But as with life, things are never that simple. For more information on the Karen Kingsbury series, go to:
 http://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Series-Baxter-Book-Karen-Kingsbury/dp/0842356223
For more  on the upcoming TV series, it can be accessed here:

http://deadline.com/2016/02/roma-downey-the-baxter-family-faith-based-novel-tv-series-1201694238/no

RISEN Official Trailer - In Theaters Feb 2016

Happy Friday Everyone~

After the Virginia area was the bombarded with snow, it took us a while to dig out. I hope any fellow readers in my area are doing well with the snow and things are getting back to normal. That was quite a storm. 

Anyway, I thought I would share with you a upcoming movie that shows the resurrection of Jesus from a unique perspective- that of a Roman  soldier. In the movie,  Clavius (played by Joseph  Fiennes) and his aide  Lucius (Tom Felton) are given the task of finding out what happened to Jesus'  body in the weeks following his crucifixion in the hopes of preventing an uprising and finally putting to rest the rumors of a risen Messiah. In the process, though, he grapples with his own questions of faith; in the end, this will affect his own spiritual destiny.

For more information on the movie, please visit

http://www.risen-movie.com/

RELATED ARTICLES:
http://www1.cbn.com/joseph-fiennes-risen-converts-bible-movie-critics-refreshed-gospel-story

National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Day

Hello Everyone~

Yesterday was National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Day. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic lung disease that eventually spreads to other organs;it is a genetic disorder which causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs and pancreas. Approximately 30,000 people in the US suffer from CF. In fact, two of Matt Roger's own children have it. Matt is a member of the Hallmark cable channel "Home and Family" staff that appears for segments occasionally.

"That [CF] is not the banner of the Rogers household; the banner of the Rogers household is Jesus is Lord. That's my banner every single day and greater is He that is in us than all of that that's in the world.."

He continues saying,"... Because the second I put the label of cystic fibrosis on them, they're going to wear that and that's what they're going to become and I don't believe that. Faith isn't denying a problem's existence but it's denying the influence of that problem in your life. So I have this problem but I have this God that's bigger than the problem and that's where I keep my focus.."

Matt's children, Mason and Sam, require two hour daily breathing treatments. People with CF eventually require lung transplants which can cost $40,000 with insurance ($800,000 without insurance)



Christina Davidson's Foundation aims to provide support for those who cannot financially afford the cost. For more information on the foundation, please visit: TheCDFoundation.org

Pro Surfer Bethany Hamilton Talks About Motherhood

Welcome Back Readers~

Many of you may remember when Bethany Hamilton made headlines after losing an arm as a result of a shark attack back in 2003. From the very beginning, the 13-year-old refused to look at her disability as an obstacle to accomplishing her dream of becoming a professional surfer; now 26 years old, Hamilton continues to inspire millions with her unstoppable personality in the midst of life's challenges. In a recent article on Daily Mail Online, she opens up about becoming a new mother and the lessons Hamilton hopes to pass down to her son, Tobias. Tobias was born on June 1, 2015, weighing 7.9 pounds and measured 21 inches long.

Hamilton experienced no problems during her pregnancy and labor; however, all of that changed when Bethany and husband Adam brought the baby home. Tobias developed colic, a condition that causes infants to become fussy and are inconsolable with bouts of screaming or crying. The cause of colic is unknown but common theories revolve around food allergies, overstimulation, and anxiety. Along with that, the couple had two figures out different ways of accomplishing daily tasks such as putting on a diaper. For more of  the interview, feel free to view the following link:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3408579/Midnight-cravings-colicky-newborn-changing-diapers-feet-Pro-surfer-Bethany-Hamilton-reveals-caring-new-baby-one-arm-challenging-surf-board.html?ito=social-facebook

A Fragile Life Worth All Our Love

Dear Readers

This week our church celebrated Sanctity Of Life Sunday; having a disability myself, I am adamant that every life has value and purpose in this world and that they had that right to fulfill God's role for them.. The following blog is a perfect example of this. Please check it out!

http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-fragile-life-worth-all-our-love

American Idol 2016 Audition – Mario Bonds – Inseparable

Hey Guys~

Yesterday's auditions of American Idol featured a variety of talents including that of Mario Bonds. Bonds was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease at the age of ten; faced with a lifetime of blindness, he struggled to accept his disability.. Check out this inspirational and see if you agree with the judges sentiment!






http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2016/01/21/blind-man-american-idol-audtition-ends-in-tears/

High School Athlete of the Month: Hunter Gandee | Sports Illustrated

Welcome Back Readers,

Okay, so I missed writing on this blog last week but now I'm back. Some of you may recognize this brother duo of Hunter and Braden Gandee from a post I wrote last year. Braden has cerebral palsy; In an ongoing effort to raise awareness for the plight of those with disabilities, the two decided to take a 40 mile track from their home in Temperance, Michigan to Ann Arbor. How was this accomplished? Simple. His brother carried him piggyback the entire way.This year, the duo decided to take it one step further walking 57 miles; this time to raise money to get a more accessible playground. Hunter was named High School athlete of the month in Sports Illustrated

Similar news articles:
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/12/15/high-schooler-athlete-cp-work/21684/

Technology Review: Amazon Echo

Dear Readers,

I have decided to review Amazon Echo in the hopes of providing information to those wondering about its usability to those with speech as well is physical disabilities. For those unfamiliar with the technology, Echo (a.k.a. Alexa) is Amazon's own voice recognition service that allows people to listen to music, make lists and control their home simply by using their voice. I received Alexa as one of my Christmas gifts and after just two weeks using it- I LOVE IT!

Here are just some of my favorite functions:

1. Access to the radio- Since I am unable to use the radio in a traditional sense (through the tuning  of a dial, I love that the technology allows me to turn on the radio to  listen to my favorite stations by voice. I  simply say listen to 97.1  FM to hear that channel. This is especially convenient when I want to listen to the radio from from bed at night.
2. Sleep Timer-  This makes listening to the radio even more convenient because I can set a duration of time and it will automatically shut itself off
3. Access to Audible- Up until this point, I have been listening to my  audiobooks using Siri on my iPhone; that has worked, but Amazon Echo is better because of its speaker sound and volume.
4. Ability to change volume setting by voice- Alexa allows  users to adjust speaker volume settings simply by saying "increase" or "decrease". Additionally, you can change the volume setting by saying "volume" followed by a number ranging from 1-10. (1 being the lowest volume setting; 10 being the highest)
5. Connection to Pandora, IHeartRadio, Amazon Prime, podcast libraries, and Bluetooth
    a) Pandora- With a Pandora account, users can select certain music genre to play and use the "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" command to improve your personal station.
    b) IHeartRadio-similarly, this channel allows users to personalize music based on different genre, music artists etc.. The station also gives you access to live radio stations such as KLove, Wash 97.1 FM
   c) Amazon Prime-Echo obviously has access to Amazon Prime own music library; unfortunately, this means you have to have a membership.. I believe it's Amazon's way of competing with applications such as iTunes etc.. The membership is $99/year and provides access to videos, Kindle books and selected Amazon music. On the flipside, you can still get access to music you may have bought through Amazon, simply say "play music" or specify the specific album or song you wish to be played.
  d) Podcast libraries- Alexa also has access hundreds of podcast users can listen to, simply saying the podcast name you are looking for.
  e) Bluetooth access- Hooking  Amazon Echo via Bluetooth allows users to access music they have on their phone. The one negative is that you can't simply play music by specifying a title, it will automatically search for music on Amazon Prime. Users must select their music by clicking on their phone. However once this is done, they can change songs on the album or artist simply by saying "next" or "previous".

6. Quick Training- This feature allows users to train Alexa to respond quicker to their voice by going through more training of specific commands that Amazon Echo frequently hears. The more you train, the better it gets..
7. The Amazon Echo website and phone application- This website is especially helpful because it allows me to access and change settings and stations by voice through the computer if the technology is having a particularly hard time understanding me. The Apple application provides remote access when users are not close by to the device

Common Commands

Here is a list of commands I use:

1. "Alexa"- By default, this is command that wakes up the device; it lets Amazon Echo know you want it to do something..
2. "Listen to.." or "Play."- this command starts specified music or applications linked to the technology.
3. "Increase" or "Decrease"- As explained earlier in this post, this command adjusts the volume setting to a specified preference.
4. "Start", "Stop", "Resume"- These voice  functions play or stop stations or apps in use on the device.
5. "Sleep Timer"- this command sets a duration of time to stop the current application or music from playing.

As you see, there's a lot the technology can do, it is continually being updated to include more applications and commands

Encouragement: Girl's Best Friend

Welcome Back Readers~

Two nights ago I came across the inspirational story of Bella and George. 11-year-old Bella has Morquio syndrome, a rare genetic disease that attacks the bones.  Since birth, she has relied on crutches or a wheelchair to get around; but that all that changed when George entered her life.George is a Great Dane trained as a mobility service dog; his 131 pound body acts as a support as his master walks. Check out more on this story and its update below:




UPDATE:
https://www.facebook.com/JOURNALIST.TANYA.CARTER/?fref=nf

A New Year, New Start

Welcome Back Readers~

Happy New Year. I hope you had a wonderful time with your friends and family during Christmas break; I certainly did. Now last year had its share of up and down, but through it all God has remained faithful. I continue to hold on to the truth that no matter what comes my way even in my days of doubt and uncertainty He is there- holding me, strengthening my faith and creating a future better than I could ever imagine imagine.. The future may be unknown to me but I know Jesus is already there and sees what's ahead for me!

I am actively searching for another job since my other one concluded in June. Honestly, it surprised me and that's why I haven't written on this blog since then. I kind of lost sight of my purpose and felt I had nothing new to say. Having said that, I have decided this year would be a great time to start fresh. I am making a promise to you my readers- a promise I want you to hold me accountable to.. I plan on writing on this blog at least twice a week. Granted, that's not the only thing I will be doing; along with continuing the job search, I plan on starting to write on my fiction book again (once I find the most recent version.)

So, feel free to email me when you feel I may have forgotten I put this in writing.

Anyway, this Youtube clip was featured on the news during Christmas break and I thought I would share it with you. 17-year-old Lauren Brocious uploaded the video to cheer up a friend who was encountering bullying in school. She had encountered similar circumstances and decided to do something about it. The audience reaction has been overwhelming, the clip receiving over 98,000 views.

Check it out