Mikelle and I feel compelled to write about life with a disability, not just the challenges but the opportunities, the friendships, the innovations, and the brilliance of our communities in action as we share our everyday life living with a disability. With a little more information, motivation, we hope to share how our life is shining beautiful and maybe help you to shine beautiful, too.
Building a City Rich with Inclusive Communities
On a cool, winter evening in late February, a few dozen young, urban professionals gathered at the newest location of Lime, an upscale Mexican restaurant at the downtown Denver Pavilions’ plaza located on the 16th Street Mall in the center of Denver. They gathered to focus on building a rich,
Dating Guidelines For the Cautious
We all need a little guidance now and then, especially when it comes to finding someone special enough to date. These guidelines were written with you in mind. They’re lessons I’ve had to learn the hard way. I share them in the hopes that some of you can be spared
Love, Disability and Single Parenting, Part Two
Guest Blog Post by Katie Grange February is the month of love. Can a single special needs mom find love? Katie and I have shared many cups of coffee talking about this important aspect of life. Her story is riveting. I know her story will capture your heart
Love, Disability and the Single Parent
Guest Blog Post by Katie Grange February is the month of love. Can a single special needs mom find love? Katie and I have shared many cups of coffee talking about this important aspect of life. Her story is riveting. I know her story will capture your heart and inspire
#4 Strategy for Using Old School Ways to Embrace New World Rehabilitation Realities…Creativity
Creativity Maybe the Last Strategy for Using Old School Ways to Embrace New World Rehabilitation Realities….but it might just be the best one. You are a self-reliant person with know-how and ideas. You are surrounded by a great team and community. So good, so far. But, one thing is missing:creative
#3 Strategy for Using Old School Ways to Embrace New World Rehabilitation Realities…Community Partnerships
Once upon a time, communities were closed to people with disabilities. Steps and curbs prohibited people with mobility challenges, like my daughter Mikelle, from accessing transportation, government buildings, entertainment venues and market places. It didn’t stop there. The doors to regular education were closed tight for all, but typical children.
A Very Happy New Year To You
A Very Happy New Year After all the food has been eaten, parties have been partied and resolutions have been made it is finally time to step back and take a breather. The holidays are stressful, there’s no doubt, but they also bring a certain cheer to all who celebrate.
Ideas Change Systems. The #2 Old School Way to Embracing New World Realities
#2 Great Ideas The future for both education and adult rehabilitation systems lies in you, in the beautiful grey matter in your head. Questions and challenges lead to problem solving and ideas which then lead to changing systems. People with disabilities left institutional care because groups of parents across the
What’s the #1 Old School Strategy for Negotiating New World Rehabilitation Realties?
“I don’t wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work.” Pearl S. Buck # 1. Self-reliance My daughter, Mikelle and I serve on several boards, commissions, committees and councils focused on the future on rehabilitation and
Can Old School Ways Help Us Embrace New World Rehabilitation Realities?
“One faces the future with one’s past.” Pearl S. Buck So, how’s the IEP (or any other planning) process treating you? Are you excited for the annual meeting or have you been dreading it for weeks? Do you ever really get what you want from an IEP? Most likely your
Can Living with a Roommate with a Disability be the Best Roommate Ever?
According to Taylor Mason, Mikelle’s current roommate the answer is YES! Find out why. Both Mikelle and Taylor want to help you or someone you love find the best roommate possible and keep them! Tips and Tricks to Being a Good Roommate and Creating Your Own Roommate Ecosystem Don’t sweat
5 Steps to Self-Determination Success
Many families, people with disabilities and providers seek the simple formula for successful self-determination. We have group action plans (GAP Plans), person centered approaches, individual educational plans (IEP) and various other strategies. The search for success is innate in the human experience. We would rather follow a tried and