You & Me Trailer | 2018

Welcome Back Readers~

Almost 18 years after the premier of Listen To Your Heart, Freestyle Digital Media and Force Studios have joined forces to create this delightful comedy about a recently blind man and deaf woman coming together through adversity to find their own happily ever after. Starring Hillary Baack and Paul Guyet, this movie strikes that delicate balance between fighting against the stereotypes that society has when it comes to dealing with those who have disabilities and remaining humorous at the same time. Although it primarily deals with the stereotypes of those who are deaf, i.e. hearing impaired as well as those who are blind I couldn't help but relate.

Too often people look at me in a wheelchair  and assume I can't do anything on my own; as a result, they tend to treat me like a child rather than the 38-year-old young woman that I am and think I need 24 hour supervision.Why do I think is people's gut reaction? First, I think it's because I'm someone's first introduction to a person with a disability. That being said, they rely on the lessons they've grown up with, and watching those around them growing up; then there is the negative connotation that having a disability is a life or death sentence. While it's true that adjusting to a disability can take some time, it doesn't have to be a game changer. People with disabilities can live healthy and productive lives

While I do agree with the basic premise of the film, it could have done without the course language and sexual content. I think it could have had the same impact without it, but that's just my opinion.

For more information about this movie, please go to:

http://www.forcestudios.com/youme/

https://www.facebook.com/youandmemovie/

See What's Coming Up On MY LITTLE LIFE

Welcome Back Readers~

TLC is trying to broaden its audience with the addition of a new reality series featuring a number of people with different varieties of dwarfism. Each are at different stages in their life; some are looking to move out and assert their independence like 21-year-old Timberlee and her daughter while others are looking for love and the possibility of motherhood. This series follows each one of their journeys as they struggle to grow and accomplish their dreams. The show airs on Tuesdays at 10 p.m.

 For more information, please go to:
https://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/my-little-life/

Between Heaven And the Real World:: My Story- Debbie's Review

Welcome Back~

Steven Curtiis Chapman's Between Heaven and The Real World: My Story gives fans an in-depth and candid look at his life. From his upbringing to the very start of  musical career, it seems like the beginning of a fairytale. Not true. Everyone struggles. Even Steven. From a very young age, he fought feelings of inadequacy when it came to his relationship with his father as well as his musical talent, living in the shadow of his brother Herbie. Little did he know these experiences would teach them to rely on God in all aspects of his life;  this would translate into an uncanny ability to create lyrics that audiences could relate to. Steven also is an open book (literally) when it comes to his personal life- including opening up about his marriage, adoption, and even the accident that changed his family's life forever.

Little is known about how the topic of adoption came about. 11-year-old Emily first brought up the idea when she started asking for a baby sister sister. But could they really handle the challenge? After all, the Chapmans already had three biological children of their own. But when Mary Beth admitted she always thought about about the idea of adopting a child from Asia. After Emily and her dad attended a fundraiser for Bethany Christian Services , Emily was more adamant than ever that the that the family should adopt. But Mary Beth still had roadblocks that needed to be removed before even thinking about adopting from China. First, she had read about the biological children restriction; she had read that China would not allow them to adopt. At the time of their initial interest, Bethany revealed that the restriction had been raised to allow more biological children. One roadblock removed. Mary Beth had also read that most children from China were 2-three years old, when she originally envisioned adopting a baby. Christian services actually reported that most babies were 8 to 10 months old. Check. One final question: What would they name the child if they were to adopt? Upon further discussion, she revealed how much she liked the Hannah. Then, her husband jokingly pointed out the similarities between Sarah and Abraham from the Bible and their family; both thinking they could not have more children in their old age. That brought up the idea of adding laughter somewhere in the name. The two soon forgot about it.

Later, Steven just happened to be reading a Reader Digest feature about a adoptive family trying to find a cure for their son, who had an unknown illness. His name  included the Mandarin word for laughter in it. It was as if God himself was shining down on them, listening to every concern they had and answered it in his own unique way. Soon after, they traveled to China, welcoming Hannah (with the Mandarin word for laughter as her middle name- my apologies. I tried to find it exactly on the Internet, but couldn't) Chapman into the family. not long after, they added one more to the family named Stevie Joy. It was then that they realized the financial burdens that adoption causes for families and created the nonprofit organization Show Hope, which provides assistance for those willing to adopt from China. 

With Emily starting high school,, things were changing around the Chapman household. It was one week before Easter while touring in China when Steven first met Maria. She had been left by the riverbed and was later diagnosed with a birth defect, which caused her to have a hole in her heart. Originally she was For by an Australian missionary couple; but after being called back to the states, they cannot adopt her because of poor relationships of the countries. And so she had been passed on to Tim and Amy Haddon. There was a instant connection between Steven and Maria; soon, he felt, and urging to adopt her as well. Only one obstacle- getting everyone else on board. After he returned from the tour, however, he found adoption papers already signed by Mary Beth; he only needed to sign them to get the process. The Chapman family was soon complete.

On February  20th 2008, Maria began showing interest in God and his "Big, big house," Audio Adrenaline's song had been taught as part of Maria's preschool curriculum and she wanted to learn more about it. Not wanting to miss this opportunity to witness, Mary Beth called her husband into help. They talked about his house and how he paid the ultimate sacrifice so that someday she could come to live with him; but for now he would come into her heart-if only she would ask him. From that point on, Maria prayed a simple prayer and laid her heart out for all to see. After Maria was finished, Stevie Joy decided if Maria was going there someday, she'd like to go to. They repeated the process and then headed off to preschool where the teachers continued the celebration. Little did they know how important that day would become in the near future.

On May 21, 2008, their lives changed forever when Maria raced outside to meet Will as he rounded the driveway in this car. Maria was struck head-on and airlifted to Vanderbilt Medical Center. After trying everything, she did not survive

The family each grieved in their own way- Will feeling responsible for his sister's death, Mary Beth retreating into a deep depression. Steven kept reminding himself how the Lord gives and takes away.Yours later, that grief motivated them to create Maria's Big House of Hope- a medical center for children with special needs in the middle of China.

*I apologize if any of these specific details are off in terms of a timeline; I tried my best to paraphrase the details that touched my heart in the book. I'll always have a heart for adoption and helping those with special needs- though I will probably never be able to adopt because of my circumstances. But I do encourage those who will are intrigued by my summary of the book to read it on their own. I would also encourage them to take a look at the links below and consider contributing to the nonprofit organizations.

For more information about Steven Curtis Chapman,Show Hope, Maria's Big House,go to:

http://stevencurtischapman.com/

https://www.facebook.com/stevencurtischapman

https://showhope.org/

http://story.showhope.org/marias-big-house-of-hope

http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/gospelsoundcheck/2009/06/steven-curtis-marybeth-chapman.html

http://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/2015/05/29/steven-curtis-chapman-grief-daughter-unfixable/28183569/

http://people.com/archive/we-will-see-maria-again-vol-70-no-8/

Assistancee Dog Issue goes straight to Supreme Court

Welcome Back Readers~

I was watching the news last week and came across a interesting story; it involved a young girl with CP w(cerebral palsy) and her struggle to gain independence in school the help of her assistance dog Wonder. In 2009, Ehlena Fry and her goldendoodle Wonder were first paired together during training in Ohio; this opportunity made possible through a $13,000 fundraiser held by family and friends. The trouble began when they tried to transition Wonder to assist her during school hours .at first, the school agreed to a 30 day trial.This didn't work out as planned, however , and was marked with one obstacle after another. Eventually, the Fry family decided to change middle school.

Still, they believe the other school needs to be held accountable according to the Americans with Disabilities Act .

For more information on this story, please go to: 

Http://www.npr.org/2016/10/31/499876610/a-girl-and-her-service-dog-head-to-the-supreme-court

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

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

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/

Season 2 of the Push Girls

  Welcome Back Readers ~   

  Tonight is the premiere of the second season of Push Girls, an original series on the Sundance Channel. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this show, it follows four wheelchair-bound friends on their quest towards a happy and fulfilling life full of passion and love- all while living on their own. FYI: Most of the cast were injured in car accidents causing them to be either paraplegics or quadriplegics. In this episode, we find Angela (the model) struggling to restart her career as well as interview and train a new personal care assistant; that way, her "auntie" can go back to work as a massage therapist. We also catch up with Auti Angel as he deals with marriage difficulties of her own and the breaking up of her dance crew, Colors In Motion.

New episodes can be seen on the Sundance Channel on Mondays at 10 PM. Repeats of the show can be found during the week as well!

My Reflections: Then And Now

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/