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.
Independence Day with Mikelle: A Celebration of Freedom and Resilience
Independence Day is a time for celebration, reflection, and coming together as a community. It represents the freedom and independence that we all cherish. I think Mikelle embodies the true spirit of community, resilience, and the American desire and opportunities to achieve your dreams. For many years, our family has
A Tale of Two Celebrations: Mikelle’s Memorable Birthday Bash
Celebrating Mikelle’s Birthday in the Shadows of Her Grandma’s Home This summer, Mikelle celebrated her birthday at the home of her brother Kasey and his wife Allison, once her beloved Grandma’s house for sixty-two years. Although it marked the second birthday without her Grandma, gathering friends in the revitalized backyard breathed
Conversations Over Coffee: Navigating a Chaotic World
The kitchen table in Mikelle’s cozy condo hosts countless conversations. It’s where the Shining Beautiful team gathers, supporting each other through the chaos and adventures of everyday life. Each day, the table—and sometimes the coffee table—is laden with coffee mugs, a fresh breakfast or a plate of freshly baked chocolate
Autism and Family Resilience: Lessons from Ezra.
.Free Tickets The tickets were free. The invitation to the movie screening arrived in my crowded inbox at just the right moment. I was searching for new opportunities for Mikelle to expand her world. ESRA The invitation was from the University of Colorado, JFK Partners program, part of the University
To AI or Not to AI: We Navigate this Important New Technology for People with Disabilities.Navigating the Decision Individuals with Disabilities
To AI or Not to AI: that is the question. As with any technology, there are risks and values of technology for all of us. Mikelle and I have been exploring using artificial intelligence in everyday life in low-risk areas. For example, I asked AI a simple question: Can you
Embracing the Beauty of Home Ownership Through Section 8
It Starts By Listening to the Dream Mikelle Learned’s story is a testament to the transformative power of home ownership, particularly for individuals navigating life with disabilities. Despite facing challenges, Mikelle’s journey illuminates the possibilities that Section 8 assistance offers in achieving this dream. In 2004, Mikelle let her community
Nuturing a Loving Relationship with Time
Most of us experience a conflicting relationship with time. Time continues to be both the adversary and the giver of great gifts. As the world speeds up, our relationship with time becomes more conflicted–especially as we grow older, especially if we are caregivers and people who have lived experience with
The No New Year’s Resolution Revolution: Embracing Personal Growth Without Pressure
When the New Year bell rang, I decided it was time for the Christmas tree to come down. For Mikelle, it was a bittersweet moment. Her month-long party had come to an end. She wore her disappointment stoically as she watched me take down the garland, the twinkling lights she
It’s Not Perfect. But, we are grateful for it.
Thanksgiving is approaching, and families gather around the dinner table, sharing stories and side dishes. It’s also a time to remember those no longer with us, whose influence shaped our lives in positive and challenging ways. Grateful for the fight. The past several months have been challenging for Mikelle and
NDEAM-October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
The Employment First Advisory Partnership, which I have been fortunate to be CO-Chair since its legislative inception continues to make progress in raising awareness regarding the employment of people with disabilities in Colorado through our efforts with our agency and local partnerships, which include Colorado APSE, the Division for Vocational
Mikelle’s Bronco Magic
Last Year’s Disappointments Don’t Matter this Year. We all hoped it would be a better year for the Denver Broncos, but it wasn’t. Oh well, we all have our building years, right? Mikelle doesn’t really care about last year’s disappointment as long as she can hang out in Bronco’s country
Part Two. Checklist for the Pioneer Generation.
Let’s start there. Who needs to be at the table? We have but a few short years to figure this out. Solutions for Consideration: Identify caregivers in Colorado over the age of 55. Send a survey/or have case managers inquire about the status of the items listed below in