The Voiceless Minority

 I suffer many trials and tribulations like everyone else. My physical disability is an apparent battle that I struggle with. However, other battles aren't quite as obvious. Recently, the well-known actor Robin Williams took his own life because he battled depression. This is a disease, which I battle as well. The stigma of depression is overwhelming sometimes. If one finds out you suffer from depression, they look at you negatively. There are more negative consequences of depression in my estimation than with being obese or having afflictions.             With Robin Williams's death, I was set back. It shocked me that someone with such a promise and an appreciation for humor like myself, could not fight his demons anymore. It got me thinking, and to be honest, it got me questioning myself. I often wonder if I am strong enough to battle this internal struggle that I deal with every day. Hopefully, with Mr. Williams's dea...

Today is America’s birthday. I live in the best country in the world. Whether you are liberal or conservative, Republican or Democrat, we all have opportunities in this country. However, just because we live in the greatest country in the world, it doesn’t mean that people don’t often surprise me. I do have all the opportunity in the world. My disability anywhere else would be 10 times more magnified then it is. I am grateful that I was born where I was, but sometimes I wonder about people. As most of you know I am 27 years old and I have a master degree in education, but that piece of paper doesn’t mean much to my social disability. Yesterday, I was out in Erie at a movie, and I got the following reaction from a lady in her mid to late 40’s. She saw me and my caregiver and her immediate response was awwww. To this moment I still don’t know what that meant, but it made me think.. Just because I have a physical disability doesn’t mean that I have a mental one, but apparently you cannot ...

What is it to be disabled? Disability is a label that society puts on you, but this label has preconceived notions that come with it. This label often causes others to view the one with a disability as something less than human. However, there is more to disability than just a label. A recent situation that has come up regarding my disability has inspired me to write this blog.             As many of you know, I have Cerebral Palsy. Due to the Cerebral Palsy, I require aide care. In a book that I am in the process of publishing, I describe my journey through grad school and the aide care system. However, the aide care system needs a wake-up call. Recently, I have switched to an agency model of care. I am aware that this is a different type of care system, in that I do not hire my employees anymore. However, lately, I feel like a pawn in the aide care system chess game.        ...

            What a disgrace! These are the first three words that came to mind when I read an article on the social media giant known as Facebook recently. The report detailed how KFC, a chicken place famous in the U.S. A turned a little girl away because Pit bulls had recently mauled her. According to the article, "She has turned out because other patrons may be scared by her face and injuries. The link to the full report can be found at the end of this post.             When I first read this, I couldn't believe that it could be true. However, since I read the article in the day and a half, I have read other people's posts about the incident, which leaves me to believe that it is true. Not only do I feel bad for the little girl who is most likely going to have psychological damage for a long time, but I feel bad for society.           ...

It's been a long time since I have written, but I recently watched a video that got me thinking. The video is linked below. I have shared it tons of times since I have watched it. In it, the speaker Stella Young brings up an idea of something called inspiration porn.             She says that the lie that has been perpetrated is more social than physical. I could not agree with her more when I posted the following status "No, I am Not an inspiration for getting my Master's degree and having a disability. No, I am Not an inspiration for getting out of bed every day. Having a disability doesn't make me inspiration, just food for thought." I got a mix back of responses. Some did not understand my point for posting the status, my point being that the inspirational things that I have done should have nothing to do with my disability. My achievements should be based strictly on their merit. They should not have an aster...

             It’s funny what you find on the Internet. It’s been a while since I’ve written anything because I’ve been busy reading and writing a book, but today I came across something noteworthy. As many of you know, I recently graduated with my masters who have followed this blog. You may not know that I have been planning to move from my Pennsylvania home to a home in Florida.             The home is currently being built, so as far as a physical structure, I will have an accessible place to live, but moving is never simple when you are non-disabled, much less when you are disabled. Because I require so much physical care, I use at home health services to provide that care. I use these services to avoid going into a group home or a nursing home. These services fall under what is known as home and community-based services.         ...

I don't ask for very much action very often, but this is a good cause that my dad forwarded me earlier this week. Please read the letter below and if you are so inclined, join the fight to give people with disabilities opportunities just like everyone else. Thank You! Dear Best Buddies Supporter, Last week, a landmark agreement was reached between the Justice Department and Rhode Island, which will serve as a precedent for years to come and bring a much-needed change in the other 49 states. Click here for the article: http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/04/09/us/developmentally-disabled-get-more-workplace-protections.html?referrer Doors once closed will begin to open for people with IDD to move forward as contributing members of our vital workforce. Best Buddies is poised, at the forefront of the supported employment movement, to maximize the opportunities for people with IDD across the country. Anthony K. Shriver visits Best Buddies Jobs participant Arjun Hemphill at the Audi...