Can I Have This Dance?

Talk about heartwarming. This one makes your chest sweat. And it reminded me of several important things:

1. Kids just want to be "normal." Many teenagers want to go to their school dances, even if they can't "cut the rug" like the rest of the gang. They want someone to ask them on a date, or accept their invitation. They just want to participate and make special memories.

2. Siblings of kids with special needs "get it." JT Thomas understood Joslyn Lovell before they even shared a conversation. He has watched his brother grow up and struggle. He has empathy and a different perspective. He is a better person for it.

3. There is good news in this world, we just have to look harder for it. Most of the news stories surrounding this year's prom season centered around drinking and driving. This one got buried, but it's worth digging deeper to have your heart warmed.

Rolling Protest

Most people don't choose to be disabled. And not many pretend to be just so they can receive government benefits. In my experience, the vast majority of people with disabilities want to contribute to society and lead full and independent lives. It's just harder for them. And, as one participant of last week's London march put it, "Life is more expensive for them, too." Amen.

Governments in the UK and US need to carefully and cautiously monitor the funds they provide to assist people with disabilities, not cut them.

Kudos to the brave people who turned out last week in London. While it wasn't as beautiful as the royal wedding, it certainly is newsworthy and hopefully impactful, too.

Is This Progress?

32 acres acquired for Jacksonville community for special-needs adults | jacksonville.com

Some call it a much-needed "true" community for people with disabilities. Others see it as a major step backwards on the road to full inclusion. From my perspective, this may be a wonderful lifestyle option for people who want independence, but are limited in terms of physical or intellectual capabilities. We've always assumed, because of his disabilities, our son will need to live in an urban environment with easy access to public transportation, entertainment, work opportunities and social activities that he enjoys. This might be a high rise apartment that he shares with a few other young men. But it could also be a planned living development that works hard to create a sense of community for its residents and the people who care about them. If we've figured out a way to provide for the needs of our aging population in this way, why not take a closer look at how such a "center-based" approach might benefit people with disabilities? If someone can live on their own, great. But if they need services and resources that are more cost-effective when shared, or if they're social and fearful of being marginalized in a group home or shared apartment -- well, this may be the living arrangement of their dreams. Choice is the key for so many of life's challenges: religion, public education, affordable health care. Shouldn't we consider this possible choice, as well????

What are you looking at?

Hooray for parents who expect the most from their children, no matter what challenges they may face. This young girl has a world of obstacles ahead; however, her mother maintains that happiness is their top priority. Good for them.

Regardless of how optimistic they are, however, this family will likely get stared at a lot. Even though people come in all colors, shapes and sizes -- those that look different elicit stares almost daily. Thoughts on what do if people stare at someone you know and love:

1) Find the courage to start a conversation. You may be able to enlighten them about disabilities, human emotions or just the simple joys of being friendly.

2) Wave or say hello, even if it's awkward. At the very least, this will probably cause them to stop staring.

3) Invite them to speak directly to or ask a question about the person they're staring at. This works especially well with kids. I will sometimes ask a young child, "Is there something you'd like to say to us?" They'll usually talk about Andrew's wheelchair or ask "why doesn't he walk?" Then, Andrew can explain for himself.

4) There's no denying it -- rude people exist in the world. If all else fails, stare back. We have made this a real art in our family.

5) Never lose your sense of humor. This holds true for just about everything in life, doesn't it?!

Two Thumbs Up

Kenmore native wins his OWN TV show: wivb.com

This is so exciting. Doesn't need much commentary from me. Many friends had told me about this guy. I was too busy to even search him on Google. Then, low and behold, Oprah gives us all a chance to get to know him so much better. He is wise beyond his years, funny and will now doubt teach viewers so much. A new show, hosted by Zack, will soon air on the Oprah Winfrey Network and profile people with disabilities who travel the world. Amazing! Groundbreaking! Inspiring! And entertaining for sure! Oprah is smart. I can't wait for the first episode.

Taxi of Tomorrow

This week, the Turkish company, Karsan, introduced its proposed design for NYC's "Taxi of Tomorow" contest. If selected, it will carry the designation for 10 years. Interestingly, this vehicle features a ramp that can be deployed to either side of the "car," for use by passengers in wheelchairs. Simply terrific! Let the race begin

Prolonged Absence Unexcused

As my close friends know, Andrew has been overwhelmed with additional back surgeries and a nasty bone infection since last November (my last posting). Sorry for the prolonged absence, but life has taken a few unexpected (and time-consuming) turns. Hello 2011. Will try to more frequently come out from all the snow and ice and relay interesting and/or informative news to you on the subject at hand. Here goes...

Good people do great things. Recently, an amazing young man named Hans Smith opened doors so people with physical limitations can access the joy and fun of video games. Our 14 year old, and his older brother, as well, are keen to try this out. If only I hadn't taken the video games away so everyone would read more! Hmmm...guess I better get on that.

Let us know if you're familiar with other news of this kind. It always warms my heart to see and hear about the strides folks are making to help make recreation and entertainment enjoyable for ALL.

Now, play ball!