Upload
britton-pearson
View
213
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Don’t ‘Dis’ My Ability
HELLO EVERYONE!My name is Julie Carlson, I am 19 years old. I am an advocate for people with special needs. I was born with cerebral palsy. That
means I did not get enough air when I was being born and my body developed
differently because of that.
That title just means don’t disrespect mebecause I have different abilities than you.
However, I think and feel just the same as so-called
‘normal’ people. I understand conversation
and can participate. I have definite ideas and opinions, likes and dislikes. One of my
favourite things is having fun with friends.
Here I am having fun with friends at Dry Grad.
Now THAT was fun!!
I like these words we found on the Internet : “Not
being able to speak is not the same as not
having anything to say.” This is sure true for me - I
have lots to say but I speak differently than most other
people.
I make it speak with switches at
my knee and shoulder. I am
learning another system called
Eyegaze, where just looking at the icons lets me say
what I want to say. When I learn it well, it will be
much faster than speaking with
switches.
My ACCENT ComputerI use this Accent computer to
help me communicate.
I also answer questions ‘yes’
with a foot stomp and ‘no’ with a
shake of the head. Usually you can
tell just by looking at my face and eyes, how I am
feeling.
Nonverbal Communication
I have a tube feed system that brings a liquid meal
straight into my stomach because I do not take food
by mouth.
How I Eat
I drive a power chair through a
censor system which I control with my head and shoulder. I really enjoy
the independence
my power chair gives
me.
Cruising in my Power Chair
However, I am not just here to talk about myself. There
are many people with
special needs living in our community,
both children and adults.
Here are some of the conditions that affect people in Powell River: Down
Syndrome, Fragile X, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Sotos Syndrome, Epilepsy, Autism, Asperger’s and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. But I like to think about what people are able to do. Every
person is a star in her or his own way!
We are an important part of the community.
Although we all need help sometimes;
we are not our disability!
Choir (Spirit of the Community), Drumming, Trail walks in
theTrail Rider, Self-Advocacy, Supported Work Programs,
Therapeutic Riding, Skating and Exercise Programs at the
Recreation Complex, Special Olympics Swimming & Bowling
& Softball
Here are some activities people with special needs and abilities do in
Powell River :
Here I am at my
physiotherapeutic swim
session with two
workers/friends who help me. In one photo I am walking, in the other I am
cycling.
I LOVE TO BE IN THE
POOL !
The TRAIL RIDER is a special wheelchair, propelled by two people–one in front and one in back. It is special because it can go on all kinds of terrain. I went across the beach to the ocean where my other wheelchairs can’t go.For the first time I saw a starfish in
the ocean.
It was so cool!
Spirit of the Community Choir is a fun activity enjoyed by all
kinds of people. The choir is at the Academy of Music. It is
asked to perform at special community events.
Groups get together at Community Living Place for
weekly drumming and percussion jam sessions.
Everyone has fun!
THERAPEUTIC RIDING Therapeutic Riding gives children
and adults opportunities to ride horses. This offers many benefits,
building physical strength and balance as well as a positive relationship with people and horses. The Riding program is
heavily supported by volunteer help and fund raising events.
The kinds of things we sometimes need help with are:
*Shopping *Cooking *Getting Places*Social Skills *Pursuing Our Interests
*Getting A Job *Cleaning*Making Friends *Making Choices
*Being the Best We Can Be
Just like anyone else, people with special needs help one another. Some of us are good at some
things, others are good at other things. We help each other with the things we are good at. For example, I’m pretty good at making people feel
loved when they’re sad.
A friend who speaks in the usual way and knows me well might help me to
express myself if I don’t have my Accent computer with me. Is this so different than a person who drives
giving a ride to a friend who doesn’t drive? I don’t think so.
Sometimes we have paid workers who help us. Sometimes the paid
workers become friends also. I have
several friends who are also paid workers.
ANY QUESTION
S?