An article by Karen Lynn from http://www.whispersofhope.org
Often, the reality of our disabilities can lead to an increased instance of
depression. Our physical scars may have heeled, but the physiological and
sociological have not. Ninety-nine people out of one hundred and forty-four;
according to a recent study linked their learning disabilities with
depression and other depressive disorders. This is the result of a lack of
flexibility in the education process. Students are often placed with those
with emotional and behavior problems. Teachers are therefore, unable to give
the time needed to each individual student because they must serve as
baby-sitters to those who do not wish to participate in the learning process.
Yet, within each of us their remains a strong desire to discover “the
secret.” This means, that, most people given patience, tolerance, and a
relaxe... (more)
Inclusion has come a long way.
I attended an elementary school in BC in the early 1970’s as a ward of the
Province. At that time, inclusion meant the public school system, but a
separate classroom and curriculum. All the children with a recognizable
disability were in the same classroom. At recess we segregated ourselves. It
was a BIG deal when early in grade five, I was finally admitted to the
“regular” classroom. My peers had been prepared for my arrival by a
well-meaning system and teacher that failed to take into account my feelings
as the “object” of discussion. I wasn’t pre... (more)
Nov. 24, 2006 My father passed away the day after Thanksgiving at the age of
69. An incredibly difficult time. He passed away that morning of a heart
attack. They say it hit him so quick, that he was basically dead when he hit
the floor. Although we didn’t often show it, we were quite close. This one
hurts! At least we got to have one more holiday with him.
Also earlier this year (2007) we lost one of me & Mary’s closest friends
and former caregivers. She is sorely missed.
As of Feb. 1 of 2007 I have left my former homecare providers and have a
private individual doing my homecare.... (more)
Dear Ms. Lasek, fellow friends, and facility. I am honored to be asked here,
today, to be one of your guest speakers. Even though I am miles away,
physically, I want each and every one of you to feel my presence. I want each
and every one of you to feel my sincerity. And, most importantly, I want each
and every one of you to feel the importance of these words, and to embody
what it is that I am saying – so that my words empower you throughout the
course of your life’s work and so things like this never happen again.
Your topic was…are scientific advancements overshadowing human va... (more)
Many, many years ago, when I was only 5 months old, I became paralyzed due to
a DPT shot and a doctor who refused to listen to a wise woman, whom I called
mama. Over night, I fell into a deep, deep sleep, and did not wake for 10
days. The doctors declared that I would be deaf, dumb and blind, but I fooled
them all. That was 55 ½ years ago. Since then, I have continued to rewrite
the scrip of every professional, person, and doctor who had the audacity and
nerve to emphatically tell me that I could not reach my highest potential, or
dream, and that I couldn’t become!
Well, that hap... (more)
I am currently 31 years old I have a disability called cerebral palsy and I am in a wheelchair I was born with cerebral palsy and I have had three operations to try and manage it. My last operation went badly and I experienced very severe postoperative chronic pain for 10 years. I am doing great now and I want to help others with disabilities and chronic illnesses cope effectively with their conditions.
Christopher Kenneally
Eddie Budgen
Helen Ching
Tomer Teller
Jason Venner
Steve Capoccia
Hans van de Koppel
Chris Rommel
Andreas Sundquist
Soumya Ranjan Das
