Blog about children and adults with disabilities that provides access to information and resources to help them lead productive, happy and independent lives.
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.
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
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.
I received this clip today from a friend. It accompanied an email that reminded me to stay positive, no matter what life throws at you. It couldn't have come at a better time. I'm tired and sick of hospitals, pain, surgeries, medicine and having to watch our son go through so many things that a 14-year-old kid just shouldn't have to endure. Having said that, I'm now reminded that we all have hardship to endure, life is rarely fair, yet there is beauty everywhere. If Alice could find it, everyone can.
So, when you have one of these days, remember Alice and her optimism. Turn on the radio or plug in your iPod. Whatever your taste in music, let it take you someplace that's less challenging -- even for just a short while. Enjoy life.
I'm not generally one to say, "I told you so," but I really did this time.
When Apple introduced its iPad awhile ago, I told my husband it was a perfect device for kids like our son, Andrew. The screen is bigger than an iPod Touch, which is too small for Andrew to manipulate due to his fine motor limitations from cerebral palsy. And many of its entertaining features go far beyond the capabilities of a PC. Since then, Andrew has obtained an iPad of his own. He uses it to surf the internet, communicate via Facebook, download music and even explore "Romeo & Juliet" with a special application that enhances his homework. He also watches movies and YouTube on it. It is truly amazing technology.
In Andrew's case, the iPad supplements a laptop PC provided by our local school district. The laptop is great for schoolwork and books online. He can also email assignments to his teachers and track homework online. It's a great TOOL. The iPad, on the other hand, is a fabulous TOY that enables our son to access a variety of worlds and interests in an easy-to-use interface that's incredibly accessible. He takes it on vacation, to doctors appointments, to friends' houses and is now using it in the hospital (making our stay much more tolerable). Importantly, the iPad is something that Andrew shares with his non-disabled peers. There's no stigma with it, as is often the case with less mainstream assistive technology. It's just fun!
Nothing is perfect, and our son is still working to master certain aspects of the iPad and its sensitive touchscreen. Still, it's a joy to watch him as he perfects his hand movements to keep up with his passions and brainpower.
Great to hear that Steve Jobs and the folks at Apple are actually excited about the many ways their technology can help children and others with "special needs." Perhaps the best is yet to come.
Forget that we just bought a new handicapped-accessible minivan. I'm still thrilled to hear that I may not be destined to drive a minivan for the rest of my life, now that the Vehicle Production Group has created the new MV-1. This car has been specifically created to meet the needs of passengers in wheelchairs, and it does so in a way that looks safe, economical and fun -- not to mention just a little bit English. Move over Mini Cooper, here we come!
When our family traveled to London recently, we marveled that every black London cab had a ramp and could easily accommodate the five of us, including Andrew in his wheelchair. Looks like New York, along with many other U.S. cities, may now be able to follow suit. And if I'm lucky, I'll be cured of my minivan-itis forever! Silly thing to hope for with everything wrong in this world, but a mom can still dream.
With back-to-school season upon us, I thought it was worth pointing out something great that just happened in Kansas. According to local media, students at Lawrence High School recently overhauled their homecoming rules so all students are eligible to serve on the homecoming court. This is really inspiring, especially given that many school districts across the country still don't fully comply with ADA laws, which were enacted more than 20 years ago.
I was never a homecoming queen, but I remember this part of high school quite fondly and am thrilled that kids in Lawrence care enough to include everyone. 800 signatures is a lot. So refreshing to see this behavior instead of reading about people who burn the Koran. Even the youngest people in our society can challenge unjust laws and outdated "rules."
Teach your kids to advocate for things that matter to them. It really does make a difference.
