Category Archives: Disability Resources
The Importance of Outreach
Colin and Oscar Roze practice on my speech device
I am beaming happy, elated, and completely in awe of the opportunities that I have been given in the last year. Who else has been so lucky as to be invited to speak at schools, social organizations, and programs throughout the Midwest to do what they enjoy most?
It does not matter to me whether I sell 1 book, or 100 books in a month; what really matters to my heart and soul is that I have done what I am truly passionate about; teach. I know that I have brought at least a bit knowledge to those who have heard me present. I know that I can continue to raise awareness about individuals with special needs wherever I go.
Friends at Red Tail Coffee book signing
It makes me feel so grateful that I have had a chance to speak at big venues such as TEDxFront Range and Lululemon; but also, that I have had so many individual interactions with children and adults alike within my community. I feel my confidence grow with each conversation I have that ends with a smiling person walking away from me.
My new friend, Kyle, at TEDxFront Range
I have the power to change the world; and I am doing it, one presentation, one person at a time!
Dude, the Fun is Just the Same!!
I like to do many activities that other able-bodied people do, it may look a little different and take a bit more support; but I have just as much fun as you.
One thing that can stop me in my tracks, though, is one little word that begins with the letter “R.”. The word “retard” is a hurtful word that means more than what many think it does. It’s not a light word to be thrown about among friends. It is a word that carries a lot of weight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUB1az40gUM
Just like anyone else, I don’t like to be labeled or referred to as anything less than the person who I am. When I hear the word, “Retard,” it makes me feel sad and hurt. It makes me feel like my power has been taken away; like I cannot do all of the things that I would like to. It makes me feel angry and resentful of the people that use it with such carelessness.
I don’t like to feel all of these negative emotions. I like to be positive and try my best. I like to believe we are only limited by our own imaginations. I like to think that if others truly understood the impact the word “retard” can have, they would stop using it, Completely; and not just brush away the concerns of the differently-abled by explaining they “didn’t mean it in that way.”
To all of those who use the r-word regularly,I have one simple request:
Think before you speak.
We all live in one community, one world, and we can make it better if we show each other the same amount of respect that we expect for ourselves and our loved ones. We all need to be aware of the power the words we chose to use can have.
Spread the Word to End the Word!
Awesome in Action, Co 