My Journey to a BA

Last Final

Just finished my last final of college undergrad. 17 months ago I was told that I could not complete a degree in Liberal Studies at NDNU. Eight years ago I was told that I could not go to college to do behavior problems and I really should work in a back room. But yet tomorrow I will get my BA. Impossible is nothing. Never underestimate anyone. Have high hopes and use inclusion to get there.

6/10/16

"Ableist, Stereotypical, and Offensive" or: Why I Hate "Me Before You"

Legacy

   Once upon a time there was a young women  who went to a grad fair.  Seeing  all the graduation ceremonies  they  left because there were things for other graduations , Black Grad,  Asian Grad but no graduations for those with disabilities.  Being  a disabled  advocate she went to the disability program and  mentioned it to the staff.  The staff liked it so they  put it on. Today was that day.  It was a fun day. This will be an annual   celebration   at the school. This is pretty good legacy to leave behind.  

 For those of you that are worried that this means  this graduate will not  be included  in the traditional ceremony, Don' t worry she will walk across the stage in  ten days.

Happy b day Book girl

 Book girl is amazing.  She always is looking out for  me.    She is awesome.   Happy b day  Book girl   Love you  lots.



 AZ   

Happy Mothers Day 2016

  Hi  guys sorry   I have been absent.  OCD  has not been kind to me these  past few months and I  am graduating and  generally  really busy.   But  I wanted to blog  for  Mothers day.





     My mother is the best mom I could  ever ask for.  She  is  strong beautiful  and wise.   There have been many times where I wanted to quit college. After an horrible college experience  I  did not  want to go back to school.   My mother was there   and was firm in her  stance.    I would finish  college no matter what.   I am now graduating  with my  BA in June.


     Whenever   I am in one of my  ocd meltdowns there is only one person that I  want to  talk to  it is my mom.   My mom may not  be trained in mental health.  She does her best and helps  talk me through things.    I know  its not easy to deal with - for both of us- but  she does it well.

 For all mothers  of disabled kids, and fathers too.  Thanks for  loving  us, helping us,. Thanks for  holding us,  talking to us,  playing and planing.    Motherhood  is not an easy job  for any parent but you do it and we love you for it.     For any  mother of a disabled  kid  who thinks that they are not doing enough  for their  kid.  Let me  assure  you that you are doing  the best  you can.    

And for my mother.

 Thanks for everything that you have done for   Princess  Bookgirl and  me.    Love you always.



AZ

National CP Day 2016 : Wishing Out Loud Please Do not pretend

          On this national CP Day  I  have  a request.     Do not pretend.



        I am a 24  year old college senior,  who graduates in June.   I understand  a lot of things.  I love to  read and devalued  Harry  Potter Books in my youth.   I  am very  good writer, despite   not having the best proof reading skills.   While  math is not my strong subject,  I can count change pretty well and worked at a Cash Register.

 Me Jumping rope. Notice my right arm is bent 

 Yet  it is  still apparent that I have  a disability.    My face mussels are very  tight and I can not control my  eyebrows at all .  My arms sometimes bend in different ways.   This does not cause me  pain and in fact it is only looking at photos and videos  that I realize that my arms bend in a  unique way.   I  have an  uneven gait, and  I do not always dress  the way other young adults  dress due to  sensory issues  and  always  being cold.

  The Biggest  thing that happens though is my speech.  I have a speech impairment.  My muscles in my mouth are  tight.  I do not open my mouth wide when I am talking.    I have dysarthria  that  is the result of Cerebral Palsy.    

  Please  Do not pretend that you understand me when I am speaking.


  My real name is hard to say.  Its four syllables long  with an R in  one of its syllables.  I hate my name but have no  ideas for a new name.   I  am still considering  a new name.  

 Me Eating a Banana.  That is how big  my mouth is 

     In the  meantime  if  I  come up and introduce myself to you and you're not sure what  I said, or anyone with a speech impairment  please  I   ask you to  to  asks us. to repeat what we said   We know  when you can not understand  and it sucks.  I know you think that we can not understand the difference and its an awkward situation; however,  it hurts.

 When you  pretend  to understand me.   I feel disrespected,  I  feel  like what I have to say is not important - which  makes it hard  especially since I'm nearing  the age to enter the l job market.  Please  presume  that I am making sense.  Please   be a little patient and   work with me;  ask  me to show you, or write it down.   Enlist the help of  others around you.    Let's work together  to  get my point across.  Because  what I have to say is important.