Jessica Grono is an educator, speaker and writer. Jessica has a degree inEducation. She is a wife and mother of two children. Jessica has several blogs because she enjoys educating people on cancer, cerebral palsy, parenting and general knowledge. Jessica is former Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania.
Handicapped-accessible parking spaces are for people with disabilities. In a recent news report, a disabled California man said he was physically assaulted because he asked someone not to park in a handicapped-accessible space. I don’t understand why anyone would have a problem with being asked to move out of…
Read moreLast week I wrote a column directed to husbands with wives who have cerebral palsy. This week I want to switch the roles and address wives with husbands who have cerebral palsy. Even though I’m not a man, I have dated men with cerebral palsy and other…
Dear Future Husband of a Wife with cerebral palsy: Let me be the first to congratulate you on choosing your wife. I hope you chose wisely someone you love and with whom you share many of the same hobbies and goals. You fell in love with her for so…
Aging affects everyone differently, but with cerebral palsy aging has a whole different outcome. As a woman with spastic athetoid quadriplegia cerebral palsy, I’m still learning what aging does to my body. Studies to better understand aging, the body and cerebral palsy are increasing. With more information…
Having cerebral palsy and good oral health can be difficult to achieve. The physical act of brushing teeth is far from easy when you have trouble keeping your mouth open, staying still, fighting the gag reflex, biting and tongue thrusts. Unfortunately, many with cerebral palsy often forego the…
As a woman with cerebral palsy, finding a book with a character who has the same disability is difficult. When I was a teenager, I read all the young adult romance books I could get my hands on. I would have loved to see a character with a…
Movies are usually liked because they are relatable. Seeing many movies that portray a character with cerebral palsy isn’t very common. There are some, but the character is either sick, dying or wants to die. Either way, they’re unrealistic. However, I felt very positive about the movie…
January is a new month and year, which marks a whole new start. Having cerebral palsy shouldn’t stop anyone from making new year resolutions. I like Christmastime, but I also always like opening a brand new calendar to write down my New Year’s resolutions. I rarely complete…
Heroes come in all shapes, sizes and locations. Some heroes are even animals, such as a service dog for someone in a wheelchair or with a disability. What makes a hero? How do you spot a hero? Everyday heroes are among us because most heroes are quiet…
Do you have a person who has cerebral palsy or a physical disability on your holiday shopping list? Are you at a loss about a gift to buy them? Something that will be helpful, and they also would enjoy? I have compiled a list of items that I…
Have you ever considered becoming a personal care attendant? These essential workers enable people with chronic illnesses to be as independent as possible by assisting with daily living tasks such as transportation, shopping and house chores. Not everyone is cut out for this important work, but if you…
Fortunately, personal care services are granted to those with physical disabilities. Waiver programs make these very important services affordable. I am blessed to have personal care services so I can live as independently as possible. In my experience of having personal care, I’ve seen good and bad attendants,…
Thanksgiving brings to mind family, friends, traditions and food. At this time of the year, being thankful and grateful for what we have keeps us optimistic in a complex world. Having cerebral palsy can sway some to complain and concentrate on all the things missing in their lives.
