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.
Planting the Seeds of Success in Supported Employment
For quite some time, I have been wondering like many of you just how we can jump start supported employment for people with disabilities. Some states have more job placements than others but search for jobs with more hours and financial reward for the supported employee. Other states find
Tales of the Divine Ms. M
Newsletter 3 Click the link above to read all about what’s been happening so far this spring at the Shining Beautiful! See who Mikelle has been hanging out with and what big things are still to come. Happy Spring!
We Got a Bite Out of the Apple
We Got a Bite Out of the Apple Ron Ustach, a Senior Engineer and the Western States Government Sales Representative with Apple Computers, recently blew into Denver on a strong March wind. This, his second visit to the Mile High City, followed his meeting with the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council
Headphones Just Went Social
Finally, a smart device for the music (or should I say muzik) industry! The music industry has just become more connected with social media – this one finally taking an innovative approach. Instead of trying to reinvent MySpace (good luck Justin) or create yet another half-hearted socially connected software with
Turn Branding to Familiarity for Small Business Start-Up Success!
Big corporations use the fancy term called “branding” and “brand awareness”. The goal is the same as it is as a small business owner trying to make a name for yourself: familiarity. The customer MUST become familiar with your business. Community building works towards the same goal, where you watch
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.