Click to join ysdisABILITY
This sounds like a death sentence. Numerous laws have been passed, which are supposed to enable the disabled to receive a public education, obtain jobs, afford accessible housing, attend college, and so on. Even though these laws are written down on paper, they are rarely put into affect. So, what should you do? Please, read my research paper entitled Viewing the Physical Disabled World, Books For Disability, DAWN, Law, Health Policy & Disability Center, Disability Watch, scan Vermont's Disability Issues, disability resources, NJEA, Justice For All, Disability Arts & Advocacy, Unite People With Disabilities, Support Dystonia, People in Motion, disability journals, leaf through Incitement Newsletter, Community Health Law Project, Legal Services of New Jersey, Constitutional Rights for Handicapped Citizens, check out Disability Rights Commission, Disabilities Unlimited, Corporation on Disabilities and Telecommunication, Disability Advocates - California and Sacramento Disability Advocate Organization, Health & Disability Advocates, Advocates for Disabled Citizens, Disability Advocacy, Disability Rights, Idealists, view Kids on the Block, Bridges 4 Kids, study the Disability Guide, ADA Information Line, Employment, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, skim through Illinois DVR, Educational and Disability Resources, DRM Guide, eyeball NEW JERSEY COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENT, glance at Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, New Jersey State Resources, Emergency Prepareness for the Disabled, or Red Book of Middlesex NJ, analyze Pacer Center, CP Law, NCDDR, NARIC, Tell Us Your Story, Plan NJ, Accessible Society, Inclusion Daily Express, and refer to Protection and Advocacy.
Even though many people have told me that I, a physically disabled young adult, would never do anything, I refused to listen to these nay sayers and began to pursue my dreams. After I graduated
high school in 1988, I was severely abused in two state institutions, specifically designed for physically disabled young adults, for eight months. Eight months of HELL! As soon as I returned home, I attended northeastern community college A for the next four years. In 1994, I graduated with an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. Having a positive attitude is essential in order to overcome my education battles.
Designing web pages and attempting to learn how to program in Java, during my spare time, has been challenging as well as fun. During the summer of 1998, I enjoyed designing and editing web pages for Merck, which expanded my horizons and helped me to pay for school. At the moment, I live with my parents in Matawan New Jersey. Living with my parents certainly does not make me less of a competent person. Funny, many non-disabled adults live with their parents and they are not viewed as incompetent.
In August of 1999, I graduated from a northeastern university as a part-time psychology major. Being an undergraduate senior, being a member of The National Honor Society in Psychology, writing for the school newspaper and literary magazine, completing my thesis, and making Dean's List twice were tremendous accomplishments! In addition, the Eastern Psychological Association (EPA) presented my thesis at a Boston conference held in March of 1998. Being a student was and still is very frustrating at times socially as well as academically. Now that I have successfully earned a bachelors degree in psychology, I simply refuse to retire to Florida! It is my dream to attend graduate school so that I can become a psychologist for physically disabled young adults. Eventually, I will make this dream reality.
Meanwhile, I had planned to update my computer skills by earning a Computer Science Degree at northeastern community college B. In September of 1999, I enrolled in a class entitled Introduction to Programming in C++. After a month and half of not learning A DAMN THING, I dropped out. I just felt lost realizing that it was pointless to earn another Associates. Since I could only take one class per semester, it would take nine years or more to learn C++, Object Oriented Programming, Virtual Basic, and Java. I did not have the energy and the patience to sit though endless lectures regarding binary numbers. By the time I master programming, all the languages would be obsolete and it would be unlikely to obtain a job because I would not have at least two years of job experience concerning computers. Thinking about all this is exhausting!!!
YOU WON'T BELIEVE HOW I FOUND WALDEN UNIVERSITY! During the last week of August 1999, I discovered that I CAN enroll in a psychology graduate program without leaving home, and taking the GRE! Walden University, Seton Hall University , Southern California University, and Fielding Institute are all accredited schools that offer ON-LINE Masters / PhD degrees. This means that it is possible to become a psychologist for physically disabled young adults. After five years of being told that I cannot attend graduate school due to not being able to take the GRE and not having proper physical assistance, I am completely dumbfounded that NOBODY SUGGESTED ON-LINE GRADUATE PROGRAMS!!!
After two years of advocating for my student's rights, I received an on-line MS Psychology Degree from Walden University in May of 2002. My graduate classes began March 2000. March flew by, and I was shaking my head in disbelief because on-line graduate school was EASIER than traditional undergraduate school in terms of completing the work. However, as soon as I started working on my thesis, I suddenly wished that I had the opportunity to attend a traditional graduate program. Also, my dreams shattered into tiny pieces all over again! Somehow, everything worked out just fine. Graduating was miracle!!!
In March of 2003, Northcentral University became accredited!!! Northcentral University was the first on-line institution to offer several PhD programs without having to physically attend any residencies! I have been accepted into Northcentral University to pursue a PhD in Organization Psychology. Having this degree would have enabled me to become an on-line consultant for physically disabled young adults. Unlike Walden University, Northcentral University did not have regular semesters and classes. Students worked at their own time schedules and with professors on a one-to-one basis. For instance, I completed Information Research Strategies (first class) in less than a month and earned an A! After enrolling in my second class, I dropped out because the professor did not respond to any of my e-mail messages. Also, when he finally responded, he intended to fail me because he did not like my writing. Since I did not want to retake the course with the same professor, I dropped out of Northcentral University. I strongly suspected that this professor discriminated against me because he knew that I had a physical disability. However, I did not have any substantial evidence to prove it. Any way you look at it, it was completely ridiculous to fail me after finishing the first class assignment! After realizing most graduate students were gainfully employed, I felt even more disgusted, outraged, and so on. For more information, see recommendation letters.
Before I became employed, I pounded the payment from 1994 to 2005. Here is my experience. When the economy was good, I did not have a job. Now that the economy turned bad, I still did not have a job. Funny, various people kept referring me to Division of Vocational Rehabilitation / Division of Developmental Disabilities. When my non-disabled brother had difficulties finding a job, nobody referred him to Division of Vocational Rehabilitation / Division of Developmental Disabilities. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Division of Developmental Disabilities have never assisted me- Before attending Brookdale Community College, I went to my local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation plus Division of Developmental Disabilities. Numerous Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Division of Developmental Disabilities counselors highly recommended that I should attend a sheltered workshop! I simply refused to sort nails, build bird houses, finger paint, learn numbers and the alphabet, etc. *The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation should help all people with disabilities instead of only one individual with a disability. Most disabled people, who want to attend college through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, are only allowed to be full-time students. Eleven years later, I have my Masters in Psychology from Walden University and so many skills! I just wanted to be treated like "non-disabled" people. I did not want to utilize Division of Vocational Rehabilitation's / Division of Developmental Disabilities' services! I just wanted a "regular" job! I have accomplished so much more than the average "non-disabled" person! Please, read Superior Student, Seeking a Post-Secondary Education, and Professional Goals. For additional information, click on employment struggle.
On February 16, 2007, I submitted a course proposal to teach Psychology of Handicapped on-line for Middlesex County College. I quickly taught myself how to search for college textbooks and software because I never received any assistance. It was disheartening to rediscover that there are not many college textbooks on developmental disabilities. To my amazement, there are many textbooks about other minorities such as African Americans and Gender Issues. Why? It is quite simple. As long as people with disabilities do not have a voice, they must continue fighting the good fight in order to gain equal rights and equal opportunities. When I finally found an appropriate textbook, I was so thrilled! After the course proposal was approved on 4/4/2007, I designed Psychology of the Handicapped on-line classroom in WebCT 4.1.1 format. I collected numerous Internet links to support the course materials because the textbook did not come with SOFTWARE. I plan to teach this course as an adjunct during Spring 2008. Originally, I was going to teach it this Fall 2007.
On February 13, 2007, Dr. Anthony Balzano, Social Science Coordinator from Sussex County Community College, also responded to my e-mail concerning on-line teaching. He asked me to teach two sections of General Psychology! Since I will probably teach Introduction to Psychology and Psychology of the Handicapped next Fall for Middlesex Community College, I will only teach one section of General Psychology.
From 2/15/2007 to 3/1/2007, I designed General Psychology on-line classroom in WebCT 4.1.5 format for Sussex County Community College. I plan to teach this course as adjunct during the Fall semester (9/4/2007 – 12/21/2007).
On September 8, 2005, the psychology chairman, from Middlesex Community College, responded to my e-mail regarding on-line teaching. To my amazement, he was so impressed with my credentials! Together, we both decided that I should design an on-line version of Introduction to Psychology! He mailed all the course materials to me. Then, I, with the wonderful assistance from the director of online instruction, created the on-line classroom in WebCT 4.1.1 format! Since I prepared my class before designing the on-line classroom, learning WebCT 4.1.1 was very easy! Hopefully, I, an adjunct, will be able to teach Introduction to Psychology next semester (Spring 2006)! For more information, see recommendation letters.
Being offered this opportunity is a dream come true because so many people have been saying, "You need to teach in a traditional manner before teaching on-line." for years! Also, I have been rejected from numerous schools since 2002. Since I have been fighting the good fight all of my life and accomplishing so much, I refused to give up on teaching on-line. I would like to thank Bernie Poole, my best friend and colleague, for being my touch stone. Second, I would like to thank Donna Rose, from the Monmouth Housing Alliance, for writing a brilliant recommendation letter. Third, I would like to thank John Gutowski, Middlesex Community College's psychology chairman, for giving me the chance to teach on-line! For additional information, click on Yvonne Singer: A Paragon of Perseverance by Irene Towt and Her greatest lesson is her tenacity by Chandra M. Hayslett.
From 3/28/2007 to 3/30/2007, I designed and revised an Introduction to Psychology on-line classroom in WebCT 4.1.1 format for Middlesex County College. I plan to teach this course as an adjunct during the Pre-Summer and Fall II semesters (5/21/2007 – 7/5/2007 & 9/24/2007 – 12/13/2007).
Starting 5/21/2007 to 7/5/2007, I taught an Introduction to Psychology on-line course at Middlesex County College for seven weeks (Pre-Summer I semester). Responsibilities included:
Beginning 11/28/2006 to 12/9/2006, I designed and revised an Introduction to Psychology on-line classroom in WebCT 4.1.1 format for Middlesex County College. I plan to teach this course as an adjunct during the Spring II semester (2/20/2007 - 5/8/2007).Starting 2/20/2007 to 5/8/2007, I taught an Introduction to Psychology on-line course at Middlesex County College for eleven weeks (Spring II semester). My responsibilities included:
Beginning 4/13/2006 to 5/19/2006, I designed and revised an Introduction to Psychology on-line classroom in WebCT 4.1.1 format for Middlesex County College. I plan to teach this course as an adjunct Pre-Summer and Fall II semesters (5/22/2006 – 7/7/2006 & 9/25/2006 – 12/14/2006).Beginning 9/25/2006 to 12/14/2006, I taught an Introduction to Psychology on-line course at Middlesex County College for eleven weeks (Fall II semester). My responsibilities included:
From 5/22/2006 to 7/7/2006, I taught an Introduction to Psychology on-line course at Middlesex County College for seven weeks (Pre-Summer semester). My responsibilities included: Starting 9/19/2005 to 12/14/2005, I designed and revised an Introduction to Psychology on-line classroom in WebCT 4.1.1 format for Middlesex County College. I plan to teach this course as an adjunct during the Spring semester (2/21/2006 - 5/9/2006).Beginning 2/21/2006 to 5/9/2006, I taught an Introduction to Psychology on-line course at Middlesex County College for eleven weeks (Spring semester). My responsibilities included:
In a word, the star has finally landed! Many people, with severe physical disabilities, are not employed! So, what makes me special? Not a damn thing!
Well, people's opinions like that are simply bad manners--your achievements are your hard work, intellect and perseverance, a monument to your life, but not a miracle. To me "miracle" has a negative connotation, and anything to do with your credentials and achievements shouldn't be slated "miracles," unless said degrees were simply bestowed upon you. But they weren't--you worked hard for them--so in my mind, "miracle" certainly doesn't fit in this context. (Semantics, I suppose). Perhaps, the miracle is in your ability to overcome the consensus of mass human (societal) stupidity regarding the intellect and potential of people with disabilities. - Sara Norman
From May 2, 2005 to March 2, 2006, Monmouth Housing Alliance HIRED ME as an independent contrator! My website maintenance functions were to update general information as requested, to maintain bulletin board and notify staff of need for response, to respond to outside requests for links, to insure banners / ads are current and events haven't expired, and to change / update technology and language as appropriate. For more information, see recommendation letters.
On October 21, 2004, a state agency offered me a temporary job. Of course, I immediately accepted the assignment of co-designing a web site for people with disabilities. I patiently waited to receive the job application and time sheets in the mail. Since my partner and I had approximately one month to complete this assignment, I called the agency to inquire about receiving my application and time sheets. The agency had no intentions of mailing these items to me. Instead, this organization wanted to hire me as an independent contractor. However, the organization refused to send me a contract and payment forms. I am beyond outraged, disgust, and so on. How could a state agency, assists people with disabilities, attempt to take advantage of me!!!
On October 9, 2003, United Way of Monmouth County assisted me in my job search! Basically, United Way e-mailed my resume to additional non-profit organizations. Two organizations were interested in my services. Once the organizations realized that I was disabled, they no longer wanted to take full advantage of my dynamic skills. I still remain completely in a state of shock for the following reasons! Volunteering is an act of kindness. Most people would not volunteer to design / edit / maintain web sites because it is very demanding work. Organizations or individuals, seeking volunteers, really do not need the help. If they needed assistance, they would begin to appreciate folks, like me, who are educated and motivated to make the world better.
Starting 8/24/2005 to the present, I became editor of the disability directory (http://open-site.org/Society/Disabilities/) located on the Open Site - The Open Encyclopedia Project (http://open-site.org/).
Beginning 9/17/2004 to 5/2/2005, I have volunteered to edit web content, and to create and maintain a bulletin board for Monmouth Housing Alliance (http://www.housingall.com/). This volunteer assignment was made possible thanks to the United Way of Monmouth County. For more information, see recommendation letters.
Starting 7/13/2004 to 12/19/2005, I have volunteered to upgrade and maintain Dr. DeWindt’s DLA/DVTI Project Homepage (http://www.dla-dvti.org/). Before this, I volunteered to review her web site on 6/24/2004. For more information, see recommendation letters.
From 11/14/2003 to the present, I have volunteered my services to help maintain the EdIndex, a web portal to K-12 education resources managed by Bernie Poole, Associate Professor of Education at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Additional assignments included designing an animation, two menus, and a table with pop-up links. This portal may be viewed at (http://www.pitt.edu/~poole/edmenu.html). For more information, see recommendation letters.
One of several tasks I have been responsible for on this website has been writing reflections based on quotes from famous people in Poole’s Archive of Thoughts for Teachers located on the web at http://www.pitt.edu/~poole/ARCHIVE.HTML. Our goal is to have a Thought and accompanying Reflection for each day of the K-12 school year--180 in all. If there is interest, we plan to publish this in hard copy as a motivational booklet for K-12 teachers. For more information, see recommendation letters.
Beginning from 10/15/2003 to 10/17/2003, I volunteered to review Project Linus, NJ (http://www.blankiedepo.org/) Web Site.
Starting from 8/31/2003 to 9/28/2003, I volunteered to promote and to crop photos for LifeWise Community Projects, Inc. (http://www.lifewise-nh.org/) Web Site.
Beginning from 8/21/2003 to 8/23/2003, I volunteered to edit content to the World Association of Persons with disAbilities (WAPD) Web Site.
Starting from 11/7/2002 to 8/11/2003, I volunteered to help maintain the Monmouth County Department of Human Services web site. On 12/2/2005, I discovered that all my hard work was deleted from the site, and the site had been restored to the way it was before I worked on it. This meant that nobody else volunteered to work on this site. This is still very upsetting because I never understood why I was given the cold shoulder for designing a great site out of the goodness of my heart.
For more information, see recommendation letters.
Crack the shell...
I have a severe case of Cerebral Palsy, which affects all of my limbs including my vocal cords. Cerebral Palsy is not a progressive disease and it is not contagious. Cerebral Palsy is brain damage. When I was born, I did not breathe for forty minutes because the umbilical cord was wrapped three times tightly around my neck. I did not receive any oxygen to my brain. This caused many brain cells, located in the Cerebellum, to die. These cells controlled motor functions such as standing, walking, feeding, writing, talking, balance, and so on. Due to not being able to breathe, my lower part of my body is spastic. This means that I have contractors in my hips, knees, and ankles. In other words, I cannot straighten out my legs and feet to stand or walk. My upper part of my body is athetoid. This means that my arms flail in all crazy directions due from having involuntary movements. Since I cannot walk, I zoom around in a wheelchair. Also, I need total care. What does total care mean? Somebody has to toilet, feed, shower, shave, drive me, brush my teeth and my hair, transfer me from manual to power wheelchair, transfer me from manual wheelchair to bed, wheel me to my computer desk, turn on my computer, and so on.
In conjunction, I wear a headpointer (a hat attached to a long metal rod) on my head to type. Since I can only press one key at a time, it takes me a several hours or days to compose a document. Even though I require physical assistance from other people, I am slowly physically improving from Spinal Cord Stimulation. Just because I have Cerebral Palsy does not mean that I have to remain unemployed, to be socially isolated from my peers, and so on. GIVE ME A CHANCE! If you decide to email me, you may receive a few prewritten responses at first due to the following reasons: I receive a ton of email on a daily basis. It is also difficult to determine who is nasty or nice. Since people come and go rather quickly, I have trouble remembering who is who. So please, do not be offended if you receive a list of questions and so on. Please, do not assume that I think you are a criminal. Many of you think that meeting on-line is just like an annual tea party or something. :) Just remember that you know more about me than I know about you.
I am glad you ask me about myself, b/c too many people, even one's with disabilities tend to be trusting and get rolled. I always taught my clients to question other poeple, because all too often they were just happy to get attention of some kind. - Bert Kormann
Justin Dart, who had Polio, was a leader of the international disability rights movement and a renowned human rights activist. Christopher Nolan, who had written a novel entitled Under The Eye Of The Clock, has a severe case of Cerebral Palsy and types with his headpointer. Billy Golfus, an award-winning journalist, became brain injured in a motor scooter accident ten years ago. Dan Keplinger, who has Cerebral Palsy, paints with his headpointer. Even though Bradley Walker has Muscular Dystrophy, he became a country bluegrass singer. Gaby Brimer, who also had a severe case of Cerebral Palsy, composed a few published novels with her left foot. Kyle Maynard, who has Congenital Amputation, wrote a book entitled No Excuses. Bill Porter, with mild Cerebral Palsy, is a door-to-door salesman. Arthur Campbell Jr., also born with Cerebral Palsy, strongly advocated for his rights. Mattie Stepanek, who was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, played his Heart Songs. Ken Kroll, a married gentlemen with Cerebral Palsy, wrote a novel called Enabling Romance. Ed Roberts, who had Polio and lived at home with his mother, was an advocate for people with disabilities. Greg Smith, with Muscular Dystrophy, is currently running The Strength Coach. Although Annette Funicello has Multiple Sclerosis, she still is friends with Mickey Mouse. Christy Brown, another famous author, had Cerebral Palsy as well. He painted and typed with his left foot. Nancy Mairs, who has Multiple Sclerosis, charms the world by writing articles and novels. Stephen Hawkings, a very popular scientist, has ALS and uses a voice synthesizer to give lectures. Although Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali have Parkinson Disease, they are fighting the good fight in the center ring. Christopher Reeve, who became severely physically handicapped from a horse riding accident, inspired other disabled people to keep reaching for the stars. Brooke Ellison, who became severely physically disabled from an automobile accident, is currently earning a PhD from Stony Brook University. Even though Joni Tada became physically disabled from a diving accident, she continued LIVING by getting married, writing a few novels, and promoting her religious beliefs. Richard Pryor, a comedian with Multiple Sclerosis, lit up the sky with his dynamic personality. Although Patricia Neal became physically disabled after having numerous massive strokes, she made a full recovery and returned to her acting career thanks to having a very unusual husband. John Hockenberry, a paraplegic news reporter, makes the public aware that the disabled are people too. John Callahan, a quadriplegic cartoonist, and Geri Jewell, another comedian who has Cerebral Palsy, tells the world, "Folks, did you know that disabled people have the ability to laugh and to make others laugh?" Henry Holden, another comedian who has Polio, also informs the public, "Attitudes are the real disability." Itzhak Perlman, a musician who also has Polio, teaches the world, "Disabled people can certainly dance." Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind, strongly advocated for disabled rights as well as women's rights. And yes, even President Franklin D. Roosevelt had Polio. In short, many other people refuse to let their handicaps interfere with their success.
If all these people were non-disabled, they would not be considered to be inspirations / heroes because society would accept them. I would rather be your friend than an inspiration. If I was an inspiration, I would be selling Hallmark Greeting Ecards.
Even though I have a speech impediment, I can speak quite well. If people take time to listen to me, they will have little difficulties understanding me. In addition, they should not be embarrassed, frightened, or feel bad to ask me, "What did you say? Can you either repeat or
spell the words?" Since I just love to speak, I do not mind repeating or spelling because it is better than talking to the walls. However, I become angry when people pretend to understand me. If you would like to speak to me, send me e-mail regarding who you are, how did you find me, and why do you wish to converse with me. Just remember that I cannot physically use my fingers or my toes. So please, don't say, "Hi" and walk away! It would be lovely to see the honesty in your eyes, and to share life with you. Funny, some of you thank me for being so candid and open, and wish to be friends. However, you are so reluctant to be honest and open with me. Why? If I ask for your social security number, you have every right not to correspond with me. Just because I am physically disabled, does not give you permission to ask me questions concerning my financial circumstances! Why? Just like you, I AM A PERSON! Do not tell me that you love me, try to take advantage of me, and abandon me. This is not a friend or even puppy love.
Crack the shell...
Unfortunately, most people do not know how to relate to me because they cannot see past my disability and accept me for who I am. Furthermore, they rarely smell the roses; therefore, they hardly have the time to listen to me.
on being understood verbally: don't know if you know, but gerry's mom (died last year)had a stroke ...maybe 15 years ago. she ultimately regained quite a lot of her physical abilities, but she always had to work on being understood. it was difficult for her that people who she was close with 'disappeared'. i think it was because (sadly) that it took some work to understand her and people got 'embarrassed'. what a stupid reason to lose a friend. anyway, gerry was always good (as your mom is) about stepping in to help bridge the gap. i remember having to work very hard to understand her. when we spoke on the phone, i got some of what you said, but missed a lot, too. it's hard. everyone's patterns are their own. - Andy McDonough
Even though making friends is like climbing the Rocky Mountains, I still socialize by entering Online International Dating, friendship and chat, Disabled Dating 4 UK Disabled Singles, Relationship Talk, Free Dating Sites, My Happy Date, Passion Dates, MySpace, Disabled Dating and Friendship, CP Group, My Best Date, Dating 4 Disabled, Enable Date, 24 Hour Personals, Dating Tips, Love Byrd, Age Match, Dating, DrDating.com, Totally Free Personals Dating, Ask Yenta, Datemeister, Match Doctor, Disabled United, Craig's List, Lesbian Dating, People Meet, Singles Net, Udate, Kiss, Yahoo Personals, FriendFinder, NJ Forums, Web Date, Great Expectations, Dateable, eHarmony, Jewish People, Ability Online, Devotees, ASCOT, Swoon, Seeking you, Mailing Lists, Jewish Singles, Jewish Mates, YID, The Right One, Friendship, Relationship Talk, One-and-Only, Personal Ads, Singles Clique, Yahoo Clubs, Disabled-Freedom, AOL Personals, Valenti International, Dating Direct, Christian Matchmaker, Lava Life, Match, various newsgroups, WAPD Chat Room, Computer Dating, or Dating Guide.
It is my dream that more people, with disabilities, would socially interact with each other, and advocate altogether for their rights. Throughout the years, I sadly discovered that many disabled people do not wish to correspond with one another. In fact, they seem to be very jealous of my accomplishments. I have received numerous nasty and hurtful e-mail messages from them. This is truly unbelievable, ridiculous, and sad. I can completely understand their feelings of anger and frustration. Most people, with disabilities, do not have the opportunity to be mainstreamed into public school, to receive a high school diploma, to attend college, to be employed, and so on. In fact, many of them are institutionalized because their families refuse to LOVE them. On the other hand, one would think that disabled folks would want to strike up a friendship with me because we have a lot in common. Believe it or not, they think that they will be accepted by only associating with non-disabled people. However, very few non-disabled people are interested in being friends with disabled people. Although I will never understand this, I am still very committed to changing hearts and minds.
When I advocate for my rights or just want to communicate effectively, I snail mail or e-mail letters addressing my concerns. When Billy Broke his Head is a video that demonstrates many physically handicapped people advocating for their basic rights, which is a daily challenge. Advocating to be heard and recognized as a person is certainly worth capturing a falling star. However, as soon as you stop fighting the good fight, you certainly will not amount to anything and you will slowly die.
Your Friend, Yvonne
PS: Twenty-six years of college, the mere smell of ramen noodles sends Ralph into hysterics.
Send your comments to me 
Mail!
Return to homepage
