ADA Violations

Ten years ago, my husband and I organized a group of concerned friends and neighbors to call the local school district to task in the town of Terrace Park, Ohio. At that time, none of the five public schools were accessible to people in wheelchairs. The school board contended that it had never had to "deal with this problem." We contended they simply never felt compelled to understand or abide by the federal laws.

Fast forward a decade and imagine my surprise to see this clip from Augusta, Georgia, asserting that public buildings there remain in violation of ADA laws! This is unacceptable, offensive and simply not in the best interest of Augusta.

We all need to work harder to ensure that our communities not only comply with the law but actually welcome persons with disabilities. Only then are we really welcoming these people into our communities. Everyone has something to contribute to the town in which they live. Everyone has the right to equal access under the law. Everyone should advocate for this in their community.

Fantastic Field Trips

I'm the first to criticize when something goes wrong; however, I'm also the first to acknowledge a job well done. So I've decided to share some recognition for a fabulous field trip I took last week with Andrew's 8th grade team. We visited Bear Mountain state park in New York on a beautiful fall day. Although they get no credit for the gorgeous weather, I applaud the team for planning a fantastic day for all the kids -- especially our Andrew. Here are few tips for making the most of such an adventure:

1) Reserve a lift bus. The coach bus service chartered by the school offers a lift bus that enabled Andrew to travel with all the other students -- in his motorized wheelchair. Being included like this is really important to him and other non-ambulatory students. Why isolate them in a "special ed" bus and preclude them from all the fun and comraderie?

2) Divide into ability groups. Many of the students were physically unable to complete the hiking trek to the top of the mountain (besides just Andrew). Teachers divided them into small groups and each hiked a different trail, depending upon their desires and stamina. This enabled Andrew to enjoy the outdoors with other students on a fully-paved path that accommodated his powerchair. The view was breathtaking. He really felt a part of things.

3) Offer various activities, based on interests. We did several water quality checks (led by the science teacher), had a picnic lunch, visited the zoo and even spent time at the historical museum located inside the park. Lots of options for lots of different personalities.

4) Parents welcomed. Teachers encouraged parents like me to join the fun and it was well worth it. Sometimes, we're made to feel like we need to "leave enough alone." Andrew's team actually made me feel like it was good to have me on board. Imagine that!

5) Focus on the possibilities. Rather than obsessing about what Andrew could not do, his team of teachers created a day filled with opportunities and new experiences. Kudos to all.

Disability Mentoring Day

Darn. I missed it! Wednesday was apparently Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), and what a great idea. Our son, Andrew, is now a teenager and employment is not far down the road. Parents like me really need to think about what skills our "children" will need as adults in order to live productive, happy lives contributing to their communities in whatever ways they can. It looks like Duluth, Minnesota, of all places, leads the pack in terms of activities and youth involvement. This inspires me to get more going in Connecticut. What are you inspired to do today?

I'm Just Like You

Just found this great video while surfing the web. I think the kid who talks about "disability is a word" says it all. Can't wait to show it to Andrew when he gets home from 8th grade today. One of our key challenges as parents, at least mine, is to embrace inclusion so he can excel in a world of "typical" peers...but at the same time offer him the comfort and comraderie of friends who are also challenged in ways similar to his own.

Anyone want to create a "Dreams for Kids" chapter in Fairfield County?

"I'm just like you"- Living with disabilities from Abby Kritzler on Vimeo.

Disability is Natural

We're in that back-to-school mode -- crazy! The family routine is still not fully established, and I'll be stressed out until we get there. Just answering emails and trying to stay on top of Andrew's school program seems like a full time job.

One email that came across my desk today was for an interesting website called Disability is Natural. I don't always agree with everything on this site, but the perspective is always interesting and thought provoking. The website offers lots of great ideas and recommendations with persons of all abilities. Definitely worth investigating.

Here's to a establishing a good routine soon!

Accessible Van Shopping

Our wheelchair-accessible Dodge minivan is dying a slow death. With 90,000 miles and lots of wear and tear, it's just seen better days. No longer as reliable as we'd like, and the ramp and power doors often malfunction. It's been years since the remote worked, too. Yet the thought of replacing it completely overwhelms me.

Our family has grown used to a side-entry van with bench seat in back. It accommodates all five of us and often an extra passenger or two (grandparents, carpools). As I examine new models for sale online, it seems there are countless more options available now than when we last purchased. Still can't make a decision, but there are at least tips galore on what to consider when selecting something. Check out these online resources.

In the end, we're still wondering if we are better off purchasing a slightly used vehicle rather than brand new (big $ savings). Also wishing we could make rear-entry work for us, since it's cheaper (but rules out parallel parking, which we do a lot of in NYC and elsewhere). Lastly, I'm trying to reduce my reliance on all things "high tech" (aka high malfunctioning), so a manual ramp is actually more attractive because it breaks less often (but it's not "touch of the button" convenient).

So many choices! So little money! Please tell me: what's a mom to do?

Welcome Home

Andrew returns from sleepaway camp tomorrow. He has spent the past three weeks at the Southampton Fresh Air Home in Southampton, New York. It's always an awesome experience for him, and this year was no different. The camp is specially designed for children and young adults with physical disabilities. SFAH adapts virtually every traditional camp activity so all campers can participate, regardless of their physical limitations. The counselors are exceptional; the facilities, fabulous; and the campers are delightful. Andrew loves it -- and so do we!

What makes SFAH really unique, though, is the "heart" of the camp. Whenever I leave this place I cry like a baby. It's not that I miss Andrew, which I do more than I ever would have realized. It's more that I'm overwhelmed with gratitude that such a special place exists and that our son can be a part of it. Because he is there and enjoying himself, we can rest and relax and gear up for the coming year -- storing up energy, patience and enthusiasm for what lies ahead. His world expands every summer, and he comes back more confident, mature and happy. Everybody wins...and I cry like a baby because I'm just so grateful.

So what am I thinking about as we anxiously await Andrew's return tomorrow? What has moved me to blog for the first time in almost two months?!

Given some R&R and time to reflect on family life and mine as a parent, I've come up with the following objectives for the coming year. We need to :

1) find ways for Andrew to be as independent with us/school as he is at camp;

2) find ways for Andrew to stay social throughout the school year, and not become too consumed by academic and therapeutic "obligations";

3) find ways to relax and rejuvenate as parents and siblings, and not let Andrew's special needs overwhelm our day-to-day lives;

4) help balance Andrew's experiences with typical peers and those who are also "differently abled," like him. He lives in both worlds and we need to capitalize on the benefits of both.

Starting tomorrow, our family has 11 months to work on the above. Where should we begin?