Hi~
Welcome back everyone.
I hope everybody enjoyed their weekend as much as I did. I'm still taking it slow recovering from my surgery. It wasn't as bad as I suspected it would be. I just can't wait for the day when I say I actually worked a nine hour day. That's right everyone. I finally have a job.. All that's left to do is sign the paperwork and report to work. Well, not really report to work. The truth is, I will be working as a consultant and doing research for a company.
Which brings me to today's topic of employment.
Did you know that October is National Employment Awareness Month?
Don't feel bad, I didn't know either until reading about it in a article.
I have decided to include the article link here, as I am still recovering from surgery and I find it hard to condense a small article such as this one. (Okay, so I am taking the easy way out this time) I Found it quite interesting myself.
Anyway, here it is:
http://www.centralohio.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/B8/20070926/NEWS01/709260309/1002
Monday, October 1, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
What Are You Staring at?: Small Voices For a New Generation
Hello everyone,
A lot of people talk about the technological advances being made in an effort to help people live more independently as a productive citizens of the USA. Some simply view these advances as just another useful tool helping them to get through another difficult day with a disability; whereas, others view this technology as in "opening to a whole new world". Either way, people view technology, I think we are missing out on a fundamental truth.
What is that truth?
Change begins from within..
To put it more simply, change begins with me. Or anyone that is, wanting to make a difference in this world. I may have written about this topic once or twice before, but I think it's worthwhile mentioning again. (Note: Although from now on, I think I am going to start using the labels to make sure I don't end up repeating myself over and over again! LOL..) Anyway, this point was reiterated to me again through a unique Nick News Special called What Are You Staring at? The show featured a panel of outspoken people (both young and old) living with the a variety of disabilities. In this 30 minute panel discussion, the group attempts to answer some difficult questions. Some of the questions centered around the age-old dilemma To Help or not to Help: when does the line stop? as well as when exactly is the appropriate time for questions. The panel is also joined by well-known disability advocates John Hockenberry and Christopher Reeve (1952-2004). Although this program is over five years ago, I think there are many important lessons that still can be heard through the voices of these wise young children.
In order to save time, I will attempt to consolidate the most poignant answers to all these issues. The first being, is it appropriate to stare at someone because they are different.
The obvious answer is no. But here's why.. Christopher Reeve put it best when he said, " No matter what kind of condition you're in, we're all part of a big family and we only become strangers when we look away." He continues, "There is no reason for us to be strangers."
The debate over whether to help someone with a disability has also brought controversy. In my case, I can often understand why. Usually disabled people want to have the opportunity to try to accomplish things on their own before finally asking for help. However, it is not impolite to ask if they need your assistance in any way. Danielle who has CP and is also blind explains, "if I am struggling and if the door is really heavy, mainly out of common courtesy, most people open the door."
Why is the response so little?
Hockenberry says it is most often fear that holds people back. He says people are often afraid they will be judged by their offer to help "as if if they say or do the wrong thing, I'm going to whip some 911 and get the disability police to come." He goes on to explain that a person's experiences and personality should be the first thing that people see when looking at someone with a disability.
Christopher Reeve adds that people should not shy away from possible awkward experiences just because someone is disabled. Take for example the simple act of shaking hands. "I'm not offended by that at all because it's just a habit that they want to greet me. Anything that comes from a legitimate motivation to make contact is great," Reeve said.
Where does this fear come from? It can come from a variety of sources.. Sometimes even family members. "I think a lot of the time, parents, adults don't know, so they keep their children from learning.. because they don't know and they 're scared," said Danielle
To ask is always a better thing to do.
Let's take a look back at the history of disabled people as well as efforts to ensure the rights of the disabled, shall we?
Originally, the disabled population was considered second rate in the United States. In fact, before 1975, there were no laws protecting the rights and freedoms of the disabled. The truth is, ensuring our rights is still sometimes difficult. In 1975, Congress passed the individuals with Disabilities Act. This law guarantees that all children, no matter what their physical or mental limitations have access to a free and public education. This includes any special equipment needed to encourage the learning process. But what about when you become an adult and start looking for a job? This is where the American With Disabilities come into play. This law ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights as someone else. Building accessibility is just one of the major issues discussed in this law.
In general, the theme of the show was patience and persistence during any difficult time. Here are just some of my favorite quotes from some wise youngsters.
Daneille: "We can do anything that anyone else can do. We just do it differently."
Jon: "What I've got is what I've got and I think it's much more interesting for me to make the most out of what I have been to think about something that may be possible sometime in the far future."
Danielle: "You look at what you can do. You don't dwell on what you can't do."
Christopher Reeve: "Whatever happens, you gotta press forward and not just say oh well this is the end. It's never the end, you've gotta move forward,"
I think it is about time as the host said, to focus more on what we can do and what we can't.
--
Citation for TV Program: "What Are You Staring at? , Nickelodeon channel 59 Detroit, at 6 a.m. , September 26, 2007. (Original air date: September 6, 2001)
A lot of people talk about the technological advances being made in an effort to help people live more independently as a productive citizens of the USA. Some simply view these advances as just another useful tool helping them to get through another difficult day with a disability; whereas, others view this technology as in "opening to a whole new world". Either way, people view technology, I think we are missing out on a fundamental truth.
What is that truth?
Change begins from within..
To put it more simply, change begins with me. Or anyone that is, wanting to make a difference in this world. I may have written about this topic once or twice before, but I think it's worthwhile mentioning again. (Note: Although from now on, I think I am going to start using the labels to make sure I don't end up repeating myself over and over again! LOL..) Anyway, this point was reiterated to me again through a unique Nick News Special called What Are You Staring at? The show featured a panel of outspoken people (both young and old) living with the a variety of disabilities. In this 30 minute panel discussion, the group attempts to answer some difficult questions. Some of the questions centered around the age-old dilemma To Help or not to Help: when does the line stop? as well as when exactly is the appropriate time for questions. The panel is also joined by well-known disability advocates John Hockenberry and Christopher Reeve (1952-2004). Although this program is over five years ago, I think there are many important lessons that still can be heard through the voices of these wise young children.
In order to save time, I will attempt to consolidate the most poignant answers to all these issues. The first being, is it appropriate to stare at someone because they are different.
The obvious answer is no. But here's why.. Christopher Reeve put it best when he said, " No matter what kind of condition you're in, we're all part of a big family and we only become strangers when we look away." He continues, "There is no reason for us to be strangers."
The debate over whether to help someone with a disability has also brought controversy. In my case, I can often understand why. Usually disabled people want to have the opportunity to try to accomplish things on their own before finally asking for help. However, it is not impolite to ask if they need your assistance in any way. Danielle who has CP and is also blind explains, "if I am struggling and if the door is really heavy, mainly out of common courtesy, most people open the door."
Why is the response so little?
Hockenberry says it is most often fear that holds people back. He says people are often afraid they will be judged by their offer to help "as if if they say or do the wrong thing, I'm going to whip some 911 and get the disability police to come." He goes on to explain that a person's experiences and personality should be the first thing that people see when looking at someone with a disability.
Christopher Reeve adds that people should not shy away from possible awkward experiences just because someone is disabled. Take for example the simple act of shaking hands. "I'm not offended by that at all because it's just a habit that they want to greet me. Anything that comes from a legitimate motivation to make contact is great," Reeve said.
Where does this fear come from? It can come from a variety of sources.. Sometimes even family members. "I think a lot of the time, parents, adults don't know, so they keep their children from learning.. because they don't know and they 're scared," said Danielle
To ask is always a better thing to do.
Let's take a look back at the history of disabled people as well as efforts to ensure the rights of the disabled, shall we?
Originally, the disabled population was considered second rate in the United States. In fact, before 1975, there were no laws protecting the rights and freedoms of the disabled. The truth is, ensuring our rights is still sometimes difficult. In 1975, Congress passed the individuals with Disabilities Act. This law guarantees that all children, no matter what their physical or mental limitations have access to a free and public education. This includes any special equipment needed to encourage the learning process. But what about when you become an adult and start looking for a job? This is where the American With Disabilities come into play. This law ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights as someone else. Building accessibility is just one of the major issues discussed in this law.
In general, the theme of the show was patience and persistence during any difficult time. Here are just some of my favorite quotes from some wise youngsters.
Daneille: "We can do anything that anyone else can do. We just do it differently."
Jon: "What I've got is what I've got and I think it's much more interesting for me to make the most out of what I have been to think about something that may be possible sometime in the far future."
Danielle: "You look at what you can do. You don't dwell on what you can't do."
Christopher Reeve: "Whatever happens, you gotta press forward and not just say oh well this is the end. It's never the end, you've gotta move forward,"
I think it is about time as the host said, to focus more on what we can do and what we can't.
--
Citation for TV Program: "What Are You Staring at? , Nickelodeon channel 59 Detroit, at 6 a.m. , September 26, 2007. (Original air date: September 6, 2001)
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Surgery or not?
Welcome back everyone,
Okay, so I know it's been a few days since I last posted. But this time I have a very good and reasonable excuse. (Chuckle). I have been recovering from surgery. If you are disabled, you most likely know the routine. Doctors come to you with a possible treatment or surgery in a effort to make you more independent or the least bit manageable. In my case, I've been lucky to have positive responses to many of those surgeries. Having cerebral palsy or any kind of chronic pain, you may already be familiar with the medicine baclofen. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant, which blocks the messages and makes relaxing easier. Taking this idea a step further, patients can opt for the baclofen pump. Although more intense, patients usually find the pump to have more of a impact. There are several steps patients may go through before finally deciding to install the baclofen pump.
First and most importantly is the baclofen trial. During the trial, patients endure a spinal tap. This allows doctors as well patients to see a greater impact when the drug is introduced directly into the spinal fluid. Measurements are taken in terms of how flexible or relaxed they are, in order to determine whether this would be a affective course of treatment. It is important to note that the oral doses of the drug are not always as effective as the intrathecal kind. That is because more of the drug can be blocked in order to protect the brain; whereas, less can be blocked when introduced through the spinal fluid. Individual results can vary, but after that, a decision is often made.
There are several other factors to keep in mind while determining whether the baclofen pump is for you. I will briefly go through some of them, but like I said, my blog is not the see all and end all of your resources. Do your own research.. You know your own body better than anyone.
Things to keep in mind..
1. There are side effects to every drug.
Okay, so I know it's been a few days since I last posted. But this time I have a very good and reasonable excuse. (Chuckle). I have been recovering from surgery. If you are disabled, you most likely know the routine. Doctors come to you with a possible treatment or surgery in a effort to make you more independent or the least bit manageable. In my case, I've been lucky to have positive responses to many of those surgeries. Having cerebral palsy or any kind of chronic pain, you may already be familiar with the medicine baclofen. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant, which blocks the messages and makes relaxing easier. Taking this idea a step further, patients can opt for the baclofen pump. Although more intense, patients usually find the pump to have more of a impact. There are several steps patients may go through before finally deciding to install the baclofen pump.
First and most importantly is the baclofen trial. During the trial, patients endure a spinal tap. This allows doctors as well patients to see a greater impact when the drug is introduced directly into the spinal fluid. Measurements are taken in terms of how flexible or relaxed they are, in order to determine whether this would be a affective course of treatment. It is important to note that the oral doses of the drug are not always as effective as the intrathecal kind. That is because more of the drug can be blocked in order to protect the brain; whereas, less can be blocked when introduced through the spinal fluid. Individual results can vary, but after that, a decision is often made.
There are several other factors to keep in mind while determining whether the baclofen pump is for you. I will briefly go through some of them, but like I said, my blog is not the see all and end all of your resources. Do your own research.. You know your own body better than anyone.
Things to keep in mind..
1. There are side effects to every drug.
2. There are two different available pump sizes. In most cases, doctors prefer to use the larger size. This just means less time in Dr.'s offices. It is a plus for anyone.
3. This is a lifetime commitment. Although the positives outweigh the negatives in most cases, patients must realize what they are getting into. The pump has to be replaced at some point or another. In my case, it's every 10 years.
That's all for now. I would encourage you to do more research on the pump is this post has peaked your interest. Here are some places to start:
http://www.medtronic.com/physician/itb/index.html
http://www.neurosurg.wisc.edu/pedbaclf.html
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article228.html
Saturday, September 22, 2007
A Note to All My Readers; plus my view on resilience
Hello everyone,
Okay, so I realize it's been FOREVER since I’ve posted on this blog. Let's just say I have been using the time for self-evaluation and improvement. God knows, I have only begun on this journey and continue to seek personal as well as emotional growth. I have a long way to go, but I'm getting there. In truth, there is only one thing that kept me from writing in this blog.. That one thing being fear. As I have tried to explain many times in past posts, the goal of this blog is to provide positive feedback and advice to those dealing what a disability. This not only includes people that live with disabilities themselves. But just about anyone, including the family members or friends of a disabled person. That being said, I felt it was my responsibility to uphold this positive spirit; Which up until recently, I didn't know whether I could do that.
To be honest, I'm not really sure if I should be writing this at all. But I figure that the best way to conquer my fear is to work through it. After all, nobody is perfect. Even though, I may be having difficulties in my personal life doesn't mean I can't take some of the advice I think important I've learned from other people and pass it on. That being said, I may stay away from the topics of a personal nature for a while. I ask just one thing of my readers during this time. Be patient with me as you have been. This transition from college life to the "real world" has been a very difficult one. More difficult than I ever imagined. Still, this summer I was blessed with many once in a lifetime opportunities, such as going on a cruise and going to Hawaii. Don't worry, the cruise and Hawaii may end up being topics for later posts.
Anyway, the topic for today's post is resiliency. This topic, or a version of it, has been on my mind for a while now. For obvious reasons. How do people cope with adversity? How does this adversity change people? For the better or for worse.. In a effort to answer the question, I will attempt to discuss the many different aspects of adversity. Take for example the motivational speech made by Amy Roloff to Central Michigan University on TLC's Little People, Big World. In it, Amy makes several good points.
They are:
Citation for TV Program: "Amy's College Homecoming "TLC channel 70 at 11 am, 9/3/2007
Okay, so I realize it's been FOREVER since I’ve posted on this blog. Let's just say I have been using the time for self-evaluation and improvement. God knows, I have only begun on this journey and continue to seek personal as well as emotional growth. I have a long way to go, but I'm getting there. In truth, there is only one thing that kept me from writing in this blog.. That one thing being fear. As I have tried to explain many times in past posts, the goal of this blog is to provide positive feedback and advice to those dealing what a disability. This not only includes people that live with disabilities themselves. But just about anyone, including the family members or friends of a disabled person. That being said, I felt it was my responsibility to uphold this positive spirit; Which up until recently, I didn't know whether I could do that.
To be honest, I'm not really sure if I should be writing this at all. But I figure that the best way to conquer my fear is to work through it. After all, nobody is perfect. Even though, I may be having difficulties in my personal life doesn't mean I can't take some of the advice I think important I've learned from other people and pass it on. That being said, I may stay away from the topics of a personal nature for a while. I ask just one thing of my readers during this time. Be patient with me as you have been. This transition from college life to the "real world" has been a very difficult one. More difficult than I ever imagined. Still, this summer I was blessed with many once in a lifetime opportunities, such as going on a cruise and going to Hawaii. Don't worry, the cruise and Hawaii may end up being topics for later posts.
Anyway, the topic for today's post is resiliency. This topic, or a version of it, has been on my mind for a while now. For obvious reasons. How do people cope with adversity? How does this adversity change people? For the better or for worse.. In a effort to answer the question, I will attempt to discuss the many different aspects of adversity. Take for example the motivational speech made by Amy Roloff to Central Michigan University on TLC's Little People, Big World. In it, Amy makes several good points.
They are:
- · Leaving the comfort of home to go to college. How was everyone going to act towards her having a disability? · What were they going to think about her being a little person?
- Her Initial reaction was different than Amy expected. It didn't matter.
- Amy said, "I perhaps made more of an issue [of my difference] than others really did."
- The thing about a difference is that you think you are the only person going through it. Sure, you can think as a limitation, but Amy suggests that you embrace the difference.
- Look at the positives.
- Learn to move on after disappointments
- · The Main Point: "yes, I'm different. But we're all different. Once we move past that, we have a lot more similarities than we do differences."
· As humans, we focus too much on the appearance of people rather than the inside, the soul and heart of person. It's more important that we get to know people from the inside out first. - "God doesn't make mistakes. I believe we are all here for a purpose and it's up to us to determine what that purpose is."-Amy
Seems like I am not the only one wondering how to deal with the trials and tribulations of life. The topic of the most recent disability blog Carnival: Resiliency. I spent most of the day reading the posts and found it very informative as well as inspirational. For that reason, I have included the link here:
Citation for TV Program: "Amy's College Homecoming "TLC channel 70 at 11 am, 9/3/2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
On the job: what does that mean for people with disabilities
Hello everyone,
Okay, so I realize it's been a while since I've updated this blog with the latest disability news. Looking at my previous posts, it's been over three months since I posted regularly. Wow, that's a long time. I am just now starting to catch up on things in my life. A lot has changed for me during this time. As my regular readers have learned, I have been actively seeking a job for a while now. Thanks to my dad and his contacts at the local university, I am beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel in terms of getting a job. By that I mean I actually have an interview! A real interview… it is set for July 13, soon after my family and I return from our usual Fourth of July vacation in Washington, DC. I am scheduled to meet with someone who deals with their hiring of general staff. There are no exact details on a position, but dad has given her a list of my abilities so she can have a chance to determine exactly where I may fit in at the University. Personally, my dad and I are both hoping that the position involves utilizing my skills as both a writer and researcher in order to help their professors. I have always had an interest in advocating for people with disabilities, so anything in the paralegal field would be great.
At this point, anything would be appreciated. I just need to get some experience under my belt of being out there in the real world. I still have a lot to learn; I look forward to experiencing both the joys and trials of having a job because I realize that it's just another part of life. In this respect, I realize I am not alone in my struggle to find a job. There are many people with different disabilities who are in a similar position. Take for example this October 2006 editorial by Ann Bauer entitled, "Willing, Able -- and Unemployable". In it, she tells this story of her 18-year-old autistic son struggling to find the perfect job. Despite his sensitive spirit and being "eerily responsible", his interview attempts remained unsuccessful. He encountered many barriers in the process of getting a job, such as a psychological test, which eliminates "people on the edge of the bell curve" at Target. She goes on to say that over the next decade 4 million people will be diagnosed with autism.
What does this mean for us as a society? Bauer answers this question by exploring the many options to her. She could sue, but for what? Bauer says , " Legal action wouldn't get Andrew, now nearly 19, working. What it would do is force him to defend himself and his abilities in court -- this young man who's still reluctant to speak at school." Wow, that gives people a lot to think about. In my opinion, the foundation of the issue still remains the same. Acceptance and understanding of a disability is vital to eliminating stereotype and bridging the gap between people. That being said, I would like to highlight some important steps public relations have taken as part of this process. For example, there is the Autism Speaks campaign. Check out the amazing "Autism Every Day" ads. They can be accessed at: http://www.autismspeaks.org/
For additional information on Autism , feel free to visit Autism Society of America at http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer
Okay, so I realize it's been a while since I've updated this blog with the latest disability news. Looking at my previous posts, it's been over three months since I posted regularly. Wow, that's a long time. I am just now starting to catch up on things in my life. A lot has changed for me during this time. As my regular readers have learned, I have been actively seeking a job for a while now. Thanks to my dad and his contacts at the local university, I am beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel in terms of getting a job. By that I mean I actually have an interview! A real interview… it is set for July 13, soon after my family and I return from our usual Fourth of July vacation in Washington, DC. I am scheduled to meet with someone who deals with their hiring of general staff. There are no exact details on a position, but dad has given her a list of my abilities so she can have a chance to determine exactly where I may fit in at the University. Personally, my dad and I are both hoping that the position involves utilizing my skills as both a writer and researcher in order to help their professors. I have always had an interest in advocating for people with disabilities, so anything in the paralegal field would be great.
At this point, anything would be appreciated. I just need to get some experience under my belt of being out there in the real world. I still have a lot to learn; I look forward to experiencing both the joys and trials of having a job because I realize that it's just another part of life. In this respect, I realize I am not alone in my struggle to find a job. There are many people with different disabilities who are in a similar position. Take for example this October 2006 editorial by Ann Bauer entitled, "Willing, Able -- and Unemployable". In it, she tells this story of her 18-year-old autistic son struggling to find the perfect job. Despite his sensitive spirit and being "eerily responsible", his interview attempts remained unsuccessful. He encountered many barriers in the process of getting a job, such as a psychological test, which eliminates "people on the edge of the bell curve" at Target. She goes on to say that over the next decade 4 million people will be diagnosed with autism.
What does this mean for us as a society? Bauer answers this question by exploring the many options to her. She could sue, but for what? Bauer says , " Legal action wouldn't get Andrew, now nearly 19, working. What it would do is force him to defend himself and his abilities in court -- this young man who's still reluctant to speak at school." Wow, that gives people a lot to think about. In my opinion, the foundation of the issue still remains the same. Acceptance and understanding of a disability is vital to eliminating stereotype and bridging the gap between people. That being said, I would like to highlight some important steps public relations have taken as part of this process. For example, there is the Autism Speaks campaign. Check out the amazing "Autism Every Day" ads. They can be accessed at: http://www.autismspeaks.org/
For additional information on Autism , feel free to visit Autism Society of America at http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer
--
Citation:
Bauer , Ann. "Willing, Able-- and Unemployable ." Washington Post.com 30 October 1998 . 28 June 2007http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/29/AR2006102900544.html
Monday, June 18, 2007
Fun at the Park
Hello everyone,
Well, I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. Mine was certainly on the unique side, considering I actually got to spend some one-on-one time with my father. For those of you familiar with our family or have gotten to know me and my family through the reading of these blogs, time is precious around here. Actually, it should be that way for everyone.. But still. So, dad and I headed out for a fun filled day at Cedar Point. The amusement park is conveniently located just about four hours from our house in Sandusky, Ohio. In general, Cedar Point is best known for its roller coasters and thrill rides. But being a disabled person such as I, it is obviously hard for some people to participate in those types of activities. That being said, I intend to highlight some of the disability-friendly tips as well as entertainment alternatives for fellow guests who are wheelchair-bound and unable to ride the rides.
First-time guests may want to visit the customer service office located in the Town Hall building. As well as fielding obvious questions about the park's rides, this office is also responsible for assessing each disabled person's ability to ride certain roller coasters based on their strengths and weaknesses. These lists are then compared to the ride's rules and regulations, coming up with your own list based on a person's personal needs; it also allows for special access for a personal assistant or guest to help you if need be. One of the most accessible rides is Paddle Boat ride. It takes guests on a river ride which towards the park; during the ride, they will enjoy interesting facts about Cedar Point and its history as well as the occasional corny joke.
Tired of their rides and roller coasters? Cedar Point has a variety of shows to satisfy guests of all ages. The most recent show, "Dazzle: Beyond Divine" incorporates both singing and dancing to create a fabulous act. Several songs included in the act are: "Dream Girls" from the popular motion picture, "It's Raining Men", "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend "and so much more.
Another thing I noticed since the last time I visited Cedar point was increased accessibility to most outside stands. By that I mean there is a tray to the height of a regular guest on which a consumer can finish the transaction with the employee on duty; however, there is also one for wheelchairs.
For more information regarding accessibility issues or just general questions, please visit
Http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/rides/special_needs.cfm
Well, I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. Mine was certainly on the unique side, considering I actually got to spend some one-on-one time with my father. For those of you familiar with our family or have gotten to know me and my family through the reading of these blogs, time is precious around here. Actually, it should be that way for everyone.. But still. So, dad and I headed out for a fun filled day at Cedar Point. The amusement park is conveniently located just about four hours from our house in Sandusky, Ohio. In general, Cedar Point is best known for its roller coasters and thrill rides. But being a disabled person such as I, it is obviously hard for some people to participate in those types of activities. That being said, I intend to highlight some of the disability-friendly tips as well as entertainment alternatives for fellow guests who are wheelchair-bound and unable to ride the rides.
First-time guests may want to visit the customer service office located in the Town Hall building. As well as fielding obvious questions about the park's rides, this office is also responsible for assessing each disabled person's ability to ride certain roller coasters based on their strengths and weaknesses. These lists are then compared to the ride's rules and regulations, coming up with your own list based on a person's personal needs; it also allows for special access for a personal assistant or guest to help you if need be. One of the most accessible rides is Paddle Boat ride. It takes guests on a river ride which towards the park; during the ride, they will enjoy interesting facts about Cedar Point and its history as well as the occasional corny joke.
Tired of their rides and roller coasters? Cedar Point has a variety of shows to satisfy guests of all ages. The most recent show, "Dazzle: Beyond Divine" incorporates both singing and dancing to create a fabulous act. Several songs included in the act are: "Dream Girls" from the popular motion picture, "It's Raining Men", "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend "and so much more.
Another thing I noticed since the last time I visited Cedar point was increased accessibility to most outside stands. By that I mean there is a tray to the height of a regular guest on which a consumer can finish the transaction with the employee on duty; however, there is also one for wheelchairs.
For more information regarding accessibility issues or just general questions, please visit
Http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/rides/special_needs.cfm
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Another reality check
Okay,
So I know it's been a while. Sure, I updated to let you guys know that I was still alive and kicking. But in retrospect, those posts did not help you if you came here looking for advice and support. For that, I am-well-I can't really explain it. All I can say is that it's been a long five months since I graduated. I have changed a lot. Those changes have not always been the best changes in the world. But well, we do not always control what happens to us. We can only control how we react and allow those changes to impact us influencing the choices we make on a daily basis! I am still trying to get a handle on that myself. I'm not doing very well at that either.
I'm not sure where to begin explaining myself. I guess it all begins with one word. Transition. According to dictionary.com, transition can be defined as a "movement, passage or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc.". Transitions have always been difficult for me. I'm one of those people who doesn't react kindly to change. Looking at my disability, you probably can understand why. I mean look at all it takes for me to live on a daily basis. I depend on people to get me up in the morning, feed me. The list goes on and on.
So, besides the obvious reasons. What makes this transition so different from all the others? Well, I have been trying to figure that out myself. I don't know how many of you are in this same situation or a similar one.. If you've been with me long enough, you've read about my experiences out in the real world, experiencing life in its purest form. Going to college and living on my home. In retrospect, it was just something I dreamed about. Something I hoped for. I mean, I knew it was possible. I had the brains and the intellect. I had proved that by graduating from a community college with a associate degree. Even graduating from high school.
But was it actually possible for me to experience the reality of going away to college and becoming an independent person, outside of being the daughter I knew I was as well as a person with a disability?
Yes, it was possible. They experiences I encountered as well as the people opened up a new world to me. They not only became part of my family, but showed me I can not only trust them. But I could trust myself. I was, in fact, able to make decisions as an adult. I was able to do things with my friends, without my parents always having to be there to assist me.
That being said, being back home is difficult for me now. Why? Because I've seen what is possible. I'm someone who can no longer be put in a box of limitations that society sometimes puts on me. It also makes things difficult when I look at that amazing progress many of my friends have made since graduating. For example, some of them have moved to St. Louis.
And yet, sometimes I feel like I'm in that box again.My job status is still nonexistent, which is probably a good thing for right now. Considering everything I'm going through. My independence has sort of gone down a bit, considering all I do is sit in front of my computer and talk to friends near and far. Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying my time off, but after awhile you start wondering whether you will ever get out there and do some good for anyone. But I do have my moments. It's just really shocking how the time off can change things for the good or the worst. Since my independence has gone down, my spasticity has gone up a ton. I am left speechless and frustrated
This just goes with the territory of having a disability, I guess. Another part of having cerebral palsy is the need for surgeries. My dorm mates know that I take medicine in a special way to decrease my spasticity. Well, I recently found out that I have to have surgery to continue with this disability maintenance. This surgery has not been scheduled yet,
Why am I saying this. I don't know, but I guess what I want people to take from this is the power of transition. You will get where you need to be in time. The hard part of life is waiting
So I know it's been a while. Sure, I updated to let you guys know that I was still alive and kicking. But in retrospect, those posts did not help you if you came here looking for advice and support. For that, I am-well-I can't really explain it. All I can say is that it's been a long five months since I graduated. I have changed a lot. Those changes have not always been the best changes in the world. But well, we do not always control what happens to us. We can only control how we react and allow those changes to impact us influencing the choices we make on a daily basis! I am still trying to get a handle on that myself. I'm not doing very well at that either.
I'm not sure where to begin explaining myself. I guess it all begins with one word. Transition. According to dictionary.com, transition can be defined as a "movement, passage or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc.". Transitions have always been difficult for me. I'm one of those people who doesn't react kindly to change. Looking at my disability, you probably can understand why. I mean look at all it takes for me to live on a daily basis. I depend on people to get me up in the morning, feed me. The list goes on and on.
So, besides the obvious reasons. What makes this transition so different from all the others? Well, I have been trying to figure that out myself. I don't know how many of you are in this same situation or a similar one.. If you've been with me long enough, you've read about my experiences out in the real world, experiencing life in its purest form. Going to college and living on my home. In retrospect, it was just something I dreamed about. Something I hoped for. I mean, I knew it was possible. I had the brains and the intellect. I had proved that by graduating from a community college with a associate degree. Even graduating from high school.
But was it actually possible for me to experience the reality of going away to college and becoming an independent person, outside of being the daughter I knew I was as well as a person with a disability?
Yes, it was possible. They experiences I encountered as well as the people opened up a new world to me. They not only became part of my family, but showed me I can not only trust them. But I could trust myself. I was, in fact, able to make decisions as an adult. I was able to do things with my friends, without my parents always having to be there to assist me.
That being said, being back home is difficult for me now. Why? Because I've seen what is possible. I'm someone who can no longer be put in a box of limitations that society sometimes puts on me. It also makes things difficult when I look at that amazing progress many of my friends have made since graduating. For example, some of them have moved to St. Louis.
And yet, sometimes I feel like I'm in that box again.My job status is still nonexistent, which is probably a good thing for right now. Considering everything I'm going through. My independence has sort of gone down a bit, considering all I do is sit in front of my computer and talk to friends near and far. Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying my time off, but after awhile you start wondering whether you will ever get out there and do some good for anyone. But I do have my moments. It's just really shocking how the time off can change things for the good or the worst. Since my independence has gone down, my spasticity has gone up a ton. I am left speechless and frustrated
This just goes with the territory of having a disability, I guess. Another part of having cerebral palsy is the need for surgeries. My dorm mates know that I take medicine in a special way to decrease my spasticity. Well, I recently found out that I have to have surgery to continue with this disability maintenance. This surgery has not been scheduled yet,
Why am I saying this. I don't know, but I guess what I want people to take from this is the power of transition. You will get where you need to be in time. The hard part of life is waiting
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