As the summer closes, our attention turns toward school. School bags, pencils, crayons and other school supplies are at the forefront of parents’ and students’ minds. When the student has a disability, however, there are many other aspects to think through and be prepared to handle. If you…
As I say every year, I cannot believe how fast summer goes by, and I’m a mom of two. Back-to-school time always has me reflect on my own school days. Having cerebral palsy and going through the school system is quite an experience. For some, the school experience…
Finding a job is a normal activity for most adults, because it’s essential to earn an income and be productive in society. When you have a disability, especially cerebral palsy, finding an employer to hire you isn’t easy. Hiding a physical disability is nearly impossible, and a…
Someone once said to me that my life was very easy. I looked at them with a puzzled expression because, although I’m not one to complain, easy isn’t how I would describe my life. I asked them for clarification on why they would say that. Their explanation was quite…
Have you checked out your wheelchair lately? July is the month to make it beautiful to match your personality, because it is National Wheelchair Beautification Month. Time to show off your style along with your unique taste. Illustrator and wheelchair-user Horace Knowles had the idea…
I have met plenty of people along the way who have cerebral palsy, mostly from my being a columnist and speaker. They email me or tell me their concerns and experiences with the disability and often request my advice. I have noticed an increasing number of people…
Playing sports when you have cerebral palsy is far from impossible. I play power wheelchair competitive hockey, and I enjoy playing it more than I thought I would. I’m probably not your typical sports person: I cheer on the home teams, but I don’t watch sports or…
When I was a child, I absolutely loved going to amusement parks. I give much credit to my parents, who carried me up and down flights of stairs just so I could laugh and enjoy roller coasters, log flumes, and any other ride I wanted to experience.
Although I am 41, I still have insecurities about having cerebral palsy. I believe that from the moment you realize that you are different than others, you psychologically feel different about yourself. Often, no matter how much you do not want to feel insecure, these feelings usually find…
Medicaid is at the forefront of people’s minds who have disabilities or are the parents of children with disabilities. Changes are happening to our healthcare system that hopefully will improve our citizens’ health and the economy overall. But some people might be confused as to why Medicaid is…