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 the embarrassment of finding out […]
Dating Guidelines For the Cautious Read More »
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. Access to housing and employment
#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 country did not want to
Ideas Change Systems. The #2 Old School Way to Embracing New World Realities Read More »
There’s no denying it: as caregivers, providers and family members, we love the idea of natural supports, but don’t really believe they will work. Sure, you have read our blogs about Mikelle and how fantastic “the community” can be. And, trust me, it can be incredible. But, is community and natural supports a
Natural Supports. Do They Work? Depends. Read More »
A Note from Katherine Carol. (the Mom) I sent this poem to members of the Roommate Club like Lauren Perfors, Kari Delany and Adriana Carlson Pogar. It wasn’t long before I heard from them all. Yep. This captures the experience of knowing Mikelle. I could see the smiles cross their beautiful faces as if I
10 Things I Like About You Read More »
By Mikelle Learned This year, like many before, I spent the night before Independence Day at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. The Colorado Symphony performed and blew me away! I looked around around and saw community in action shining beautifully under the summer sky. I had a ton of fun just relaxing and
The Denver Community Celebrates the 4th of July! Read More »
Dropping in after day 2 of our Community Summit at Ellenburg, where we are speaking on engaging the community and connecting those with developmental disabilities. We are so lucky to have a fantastic community that allows us to lead by example, showing ourselves and others every day how to empower those with disabilities to lead
Hundreds of Community Summit Enthusiasts! Read More »
A Case for Inclusion Mikelle Learned and Jerome Stewart were introduced to each other by a thoughtful teacher that had a hunch these two might be friends. Jerome played football, ran track and was a well-liked senior at East High School. He, like Mikelle, was a recent transfer student from another high school. When they
Inclusion Works. Mikelle and Jerome’s Lasting Friendship Read More »
I remember a time in rehabilitation history when we were eager to take the personality out of people with disabilities, wash them clean of anything we didn’t think people in the community would accept. Back in the day, professional educators and rehabilitation personnel were uncomfortable when adults with disabilities would pass out hugs like candy for the
Tim’s Place- Another Example of the Brilliance of Community in Action. Read More »
By Ian Harwick Being friends with Mikelle and preparing for a surprise is always good. As strange as that sounds, if you are prepared for the unexpected, you can move quickly. As my friendship with her has morphed over time, I have grasped three key insights: understand what you are working with, be flexible at
Do Your Shoes Match Your Friendship? Read More »
