Archive

Word cloud centered on Inclusion with the words Belonging, Access, and Participation.

An Invisible Separateness

Our culture has introduced the idea of inclusion (age appropriate participation with our peers) for years.

Black and Blue

I started to become aware of the existence of my disability through the stares and general lack of awareness of other people around the age of four. I did not feel different.

Beyond Disability and Disability Awareness

I have read too many articles that feature a story about an individual with a disability who has not been served or who has been turned away from a gym or some other public facility because staff did not know how to provide for or accommodate the need of the individual.

Red handwritten words Prevention, Inclusion, Diversity, and Respect on a white background.

Bullying Prevention

I turned on the television recently and watched yet another story about a person with a disability being bullied, victimized, and hurt. As I watched the story, I thought about times in middle school where I too was bullied.

Change transition diagram moving from ending, losing, and letting go through the neutral zone to a new beginning.

Change Transitions

I recently read an article by Barbara J. Linney called "Surviving in a world of change." Ms. Linney effectively illustrates that when unwanted change is thrust upon people, we experience a range of emotions.

Mustard seed (2)

Reflections about a Mustard Seed

Five years ago, I wrote this piece after reading an article titled The Struggle for Faith . Its premise still resonates deeply with me today.

Two black question marks on a light gray background.

Questions and Skates

People frequently ask me questions about my disability. I am asked: “Can I ask you what happened?” “Why do you walk with ski poles?” The best variation that…

Smartphone displaying an incoming call from an unidentified caller.

The Unexpected Phone Call

Recently, I went in for a series of routine and preventative screenings and tests. I had to have the tests performed adaptively, where I was seated in a chair versus standing to have the tests performed.

Row of upright red-tipped matches with one burned match in the center.

Burnout for People with Disabilities in Athletics

Burnout is a subject that has been widely researched in the Health, Sports, and Fitness disciplines. Studies show links between burnout and musculoskeletal diseases including chronic neck and back pain and osteoarthritis for women and cardiovascular disease in men.

Graphic representing change and choosing a new direction.

Change

I recently read an article by Carla Kimbrough-Robinson called “ Change Happens: Deal With It. " Ms. Kimbrough-Robinson writes about how change is inevitable.