ilivewithadisability.com

Now that I have settled into my new home and new relationship, I’m ready to get back on the horse of real life. Well, whatever the words “real life” mean, anyway. I am thrilled with my willingness to change and try new things and get back to the things that bring joy to my life. Read the rest of this entry →

So far this year, I am breaking through into a new me. I am trying new things that I wouldn’t have done in the past. I am becoming more brave and adventurous in expressing myself and taking chances in relationships. I am breaking down walls of fear previously stunting personal growth, thus moving through my ‘rut.’ Read the rest of this entry →

Recently I shared an article about a print ad from Target for kids clothing that a number of children pictured, one of which was a child with Down syndrome.  The great thing about the ad was that Target didn’t come out and give themselves praise for including a person with a disability in their advertisement, they didn’t Read the rest of this entry →

Special education.  Thinking about this topic I’m reminded of how my school system treated most students who were “in the special ed program.” For me (back then), special ed was only for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. These students were kept apart from the other students to varying (and sometimes quite dramatic) ways.   Read the rest of this entry →

I have recently moved into my boyfriend’s house. It has been stressful moving and unpacking and organizing; on the plus side, it is exciting being in a new relationship with someone who is supportive, appreciative, loving, and creative. We are an  perfect team, and I’m having so much fun in life. I’m not currently working; well, actually, to be specific, not earning money. Read the rest of this entry →

I’ve got advocacy on the brain lately:  how to do it, who does it and when it should be done.  Lots of ideas are floating around, but I’m still trying to solidify everything.  I’m co-facilitating the next round of advocacy workshops at disABILITY LINK; the name of the course is “take ACTION!”. It will be an eight week course that helps participants get in touch with their inner advocates. Read the rest of this entry →

There are many recreational opportunities for the disabled. Many states have improved access to fishing, with wheel chair ramps and hand rails. Recreation.gov is an excellent site to explore areas to go. I am an avid outdoor enthusiast: I have hunted, fished, snowmobiled, and done thousands of miles of back country off road ATV’ing and dirt biking. I retired last year from my dirt bike and have not hunted for many years, due to my disability. Read the rest of this entry →

It’s only the momentous occasion most little girls look forward to all their young lives. Tomboy or girly girl we all dream about the day when we will don a beautiful white dress and walk down the aisle to say “I do” to the love of our life. Read the rest of this entry →

Valentine’s Day is here once again. Normally I’m not really into the whole thing, but this year I am. I suppose it has a large part to do with recently meeting and moving in with my new love. My sweetie is disabled too, and we found one another on the dating website, disabled4dating. This is my dating story of fear, taking chances, being honest, and finding love. Read the rest of this entry →

Unbeknownst to many people, especially those with very low incomes – if you are disabled, there are services available that can provide you with assistance in your area. Usually, every state has a different organization – the name might be slightly different with each state; however, in the state of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services will provide testing & determine if a person with my disability classification (severe to profound) would be eligible for assistance with hearing aids (or whatever your disability may be).
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