Encouragement: Good News For Parents Of Children With Disabilities

Everyone,

So I continue to run behind on my posts for this week. It always figures that once you finish a task, something else arises. Such is life, I guess. I am trying to roll with the punches. Anyway, on to the bulk of today's post, I was checking my e-mail in a effort to "de-clutter" one aspect of my life and search for new topics when I was pleasantly surprised. It turns out the Senate is in the process of passing (or have passed) a new bill that helps parents in the life changing diagnosis of having a child with a disability. The bill ensures that they will receive the best prenatal and postnatal care; they will also be connected with the necessary emotional, physical, and social supports needed to raise someone with a disability.

Feel free to take a look for yourself:
http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/09/24/senate-passes-diagnosis-bill/

Another autism webpage

So,

I took another Friday off; I guess I haven't been up to writing much lately. I don't know if I ever can put into words the amount of adjustment moving to another state takes. After all, it's been almost 2 months and I'm still feeling some of the effects. But the least I have a vacation to look forward to next week. That's right, my family and I are heading to the beach and finally taking a vacation- the first of which since we moved. Anyway, that's the reason there will not be any posts for next week.

Today's post is going to be a short one. In actuality, I am still playing catch-up for the rest of the week. That being said, I came across this website looking at autism. I thought I would share with you. Despite my short analysis, it looks like a comprehensive website that explores all aspects of the diagnosis and treatment.

Feel free to check it out for yourself.

The website can be accessed simply by going to:

http://autism.expertinforeview.com/uncategorized/autism-an-incurable-developmental-disability

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

Ready for a change?

Hello everyone,

OK, so I'm not really posting this blog post on Monday. Oh the beauty of being able to post drafts early or later. Anyway, I've spent the beginning of my week on the job hunt. It's been quite difficult actually. I'm kind of limited with my option considering I have difficulty using my hands. But I haven't give up hope yet. My dream job, for the time being, would allow me to work from home writing articles. At least until I get the lay of the land here and Virginia. Wish me luck..

Onto today's post, I don't know about you but I am ready for a change. Since moving here, I haven't really felt like I've done much or made a difference for anyone. That's why I am looking forward to the season premiere of The Biggest Loser on NBC. Oh, I know the show is primarily about losing weight; but the reality is that they are making a real change in their life- a positive one that affects all aspects of their life. I don't know about you, but that's a very inspiring thing to watch. Join me in watching people's lives change for the better. Their journey starts Tuesday with a two-hour premiere. Check NBC.com for details.

Encouragement: Disability is in the same no matter where you are!

Hello everyone,

I don't know what it is about me always writing my post late these days. I never seem to be focused enough before I get distracted and go on to another task. Oh well. I'm normal. Like I tell my friends, that seems to be the state of the human condition.. Lol! Since I'm running a little bit behind, I apologize to my readers if this post isn't as developed as most. The next one will be better.



Have you ever wondered what it's like coping with a disability around the world? I mean, I know we can argue that there is more that can be done for Americans with disabilities. Honestly, though I think we are quite lucky. To prove my point, below is a article which illustrates the lengths that some people to get that freedom. Read it and then see if your perspective on accessibility and equality changes

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/craig-and-marc-kielburger/seeing-ability-through-di_b_120624.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/

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/

Encouragement: Stick To Your Story

Okay,
So I'm still running a bit behind. But I figure it's better late than never. That being said, I will be adding two posts today.. One of a encouraging nature , one of a serious nature. Let's get the fun started, shall we?

Since I haven't really written much this week, I have had a lot of time on my hands. I'll admit I have spent most of my time playing games on Pogo.com; I'm only human and sometimes I realize that it seems easier to spend your days on mindless activities rather than accomplishing your dreams. That got me thinking- I had forgotten about making God part of my day. Sure, I listen to Christian music and watch Tbaa. But something was missing lately. Then, I remembered. My devotional!

I began searching through my e-mail for Joni's daily words of wisdom. This one struck a chord; I thought I would share it with you. Keep in mind, this devotional is just a paraphrase. To get her words inspired by God delivered to your mailbox, go to the Joni and friends website along the side of this webpage.
-- -- --

Too often, being born with a disability means that people have a tendency to not take us seriously. In Wednesday's devotional, Joni Erickson Tada tells the story of Chuck, a grown man with down syndrome. Chuck and his friends were visiting church that Sunday from a nearby group home in a effort to learn more about the disabled community. As part of their service, Chuck was asked to stand up and recite John 3: 16. He did so eagerly and bowed before starting to return to his seat. The audience laughed.

Chuck's response: "That's when he stepped forward, stuck out his chest and insisted, "Don't laugh, I mean it! I really believe it!"

The congregation grew silent. Chuck has made his point. He wasn't just repeating something he had heard over and over through the years. He actually believed what he was saying.. Or as Joni puts it, " He was a grown man with a mind and a will to choose. He believed the gift of eternal life was serious, offered to him through the solemn sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His defense of the Gospel gave pause to the congregation. "

Chuck is powerful example of how God uses the weak to lead the strong. As Corinthians 1:27 says, "...God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong"

Joni's point: Chuck's disability allows him to look beyond the superficial things of this world and focus on eternity. The reality is that sin is real, hell exists, and people will indeed perish if not for the life saving plans of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Just stopping by..

Okay,

So you are probably expecting something new and exciting today. Truth is, it's getting late and I have not come across anything newsworthy. I promise tomorrow I will catch up with my posts and not let you down. But for now, I came across a new blog Carnival that I thought my readers would enjoy. Check it out:
http://athenivanidx.wordpress.com/2008/08/29/44th-dbc-disability-superlatives/
My apologies,
Debbie