A home on the web for all with disabilities and those who care for them!

Today I gave a presentation about epilepsy awareness and safety.  I had a very receptive audience of women most of whom worked with people who had a disability, or who had children with disabilities.  Many of the women who attended had some expirence with people who had epilepsy. 

Having worked last night I was over tired which mixed well with nervous. I  became hyper and giddy.  It went well that way though. On the elaluation sheets some people discribed me as being funny or entertaining.  I might as well take that as a compliment.  

Today was the Imagine Walk and family fun Day at Goddard Park.  It raises money and equally as importantly, awareness for Project Autism.  My aunt and I had the pleasure of joining thousands of others from all walks of life in this great accomplishment. It is truly a wonderful thing to see so many people come out on a dreary Sunday morning to show they care about people whose lives are affected by autism. 

There were activities for children, characters such as Elmo, Buzz Light Year and the mascot to the University of RI's sports teams ( a ram) walking around and happily greeting people of all ages.  There was a horse ride, bouncy house for children to jump on, a petting zoo. 

This was my first year at the walk and I hope to attend again. I highly recommend that anyone who is able to attend such gatherings for important causes in their area do so.  If you can not attend you could donate , or simply spread the word about causes dear to yourself.  There are so many causes and so many people in need in our world today.  In the spirit of this web site I also point out there there are so many disabilities that need attention.

I ramble.  But I also reflect on how important it is to help our fellow human beings as we travel through life.

POETRY:

I walked today.

Only about a mile.

Not so far for me.

But when thousands walk the mile.

Or wheel through the mile.

Or ride a stroller that mile.

Much gets accomplished.

One person makes a difference.

By many together make a greater difference.

Let's all walk together

Lets all make a difference 

Reflection:

What can you do, or what do you do to make a difference?

Thanks for reading my blog!

Because I have epilepsy it is not obvious that I have a disability.  At least it isn't so long as I do not have a seizure in front of my employer.  This gives me the much debated choice.  Do I tell my boss or not?  I already told her I was not comfortable walking her mother down the stairs because my balance is very bad (a side effect of my medications)and if I fall I do not want to take her 95 year old mother with me. She was very understanding and while I carry Doris' walker downstairs Marsha takes Doris down the stairs gait belt and all.

Perhaps I am afraid of rejection, or of being treated like a child because of my epilepsy.  Ideally people should treat people with understanding and respect with or without a disability.  Ok, that's obvious.  -at least it ought to be but in many societies and cultures since the beginning of recorded history it was not.  And some people still don't get it. 

Anyway, that is a different topic all together.  Some say you better tell your boss, others, No it's your right to say nothing.  And I wonder am I ashamed to say something?  Just afraid that rejections from the past will repeat.  I'll be left jobless, with low self esteem from rejection.  One question with many angles.  TO Disclose or not to Disclose?

This past week my friend with whom I graduated college came to visit me.  She has Cerebral Palsy and is in a wheel chair. We both had a great time and using the ride bus and some taxis got around Providence quite well.  (Though we never did make it to Wal Mart).

I found that most people were helpful and well meaning.  It would be no surprise to anyone with a disability that some people are just not sure how to respond to people who have a disability.   I thought I share just a few other observations.       

I watched how the man in one of the shops was speaking directly to me as I stood behind Christy, even though it was she who asked the question and needed no help in explaining herself or comprehending his words. 

I watched too as the bus drivers assumed that Christy was the one who had the ride program and that I was her attendant.

I watched as the man in the museum let one of us in for free. 

When I met a deaf woman on the bus, I did use to what little ASL I know.  I looked at her, annunciated and SHOUTED MY WORDS!

POETRY:

Disabled people don't do things the wrong way

just a different way

their experiences may be different

and thus their insights

they have different frustrations

and different triumphs

but disability is a long word

its inclusiveness is broad

perhaps those with perfect health and perfect ability                                                                 

are the ones missing out

on something

to unique to explain

Question:  How have you found society treats you when they discover you have a disability?  (Feel free to respond)

  Thanks for reading my blog!

ANDREW:

I wish I could read his mind

He laughs but does not speak

or sign, or point to a card

He cries when I don't know why

what do I know? 

But he reaches out to my hand

and I see a smile 

I rub his back

I think he likes that

What future will he have?

I wonder

But for now I just love

and assist to the best of my ability

and

selfishly perhaps,

I wish I could read his mind

 What are the greatest joys, and what are the most challenging things when it comes to working with or raising autistic children?