Posted on: January 27th, 2012 by Sandy
Earlier this week I wrote about a neat side project I am working on that involves recording a small piece of the disability advocacy history in Massachusetts. As I’m learning about architectural barriers, the ADA, and accessible public transportation — many of my own pursuits towards independence has been put into perspective. As one of my interviewees said, back in the 70′s the goal was to “just get disabled people into the buildings… never mind accessible bathrooms.”
But now that there are laws and standards that allow people with disabilities to have a presence in society, where else should the disability rights movement go? What would I like to see from the movement? I am really happy that a reader submitted this question because it gave me a chance to think about my own small role in the movement!
Posted on: January 24th, 2012 by Amanda
Like almost everyone I know, I live on a budget. I use coupons and buy my clothes on clearance or on sale. I splurge on travel and the occasional designer purse. But really I keep it on an even keel and always stay within my budget.
Life on a budget has brought to life my brand-new second blog, The Affordable Life. The Affordable Life is all about helping others figure out ways to save a buck and learning to enjoy life on a budget. Of course, I’m not alone in this new venture. I’m joined by younger brother Aaron. (He’s a non-OIer.)
Come and join in our fun, oh and share your own money saving tips if you’re up for it. Visit us by clicking HERE or follow us on twitter @theafflife.
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Posted on: January 20th, 2012 by Sandy
“Sandy do you want to tell your teachers some things that would help you hear better?” I think I was in the sixth or seventh grade. My speech therapist that I’d been working with since the first grade had prepped me for this part of the conversation. It was early in the school year and we were gathered around a table going over my IEP plan.
In the beginning my speech therapist and I worked on pronouncing my own name. The “S” at the beginning of “Sandy” was pretty much silent to me until I was about 8 or so. “Hi, my name is Thandy” is how I would introduce myself to others as a kid. We also worked on endings of words that had a “t”, “-ed”, “-s” or the one I hated most: “-its.” She helped me learn how to carry my sentences all the way through when I spoke aloud, reminding me to not drop off at the end. I didn’t consider her to be just my speech therapist, she taught me language and how it can be used, how it benefits all of us. But the most important thing I learned from Mrs. B was how to advocate for myself.
Posted on: January 18th, 2012 by Amanda
A special congratulation is due to our friend Jacqueline from Unbreakable Stride. She recently received word that she won the $250 Team Refuel grant. Way to go! Keep up great work and congratulations!
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Posted on: January 18th, 2012 by Meg Currell
A friend shared the story of Bob Marshall, a delegate in Prince William County, Virginia, who claimed that children with disabilities were “punishment” for the mother having had an abortion previously. His exact words were:
“The number of children subsequent to a first abortion with handicaps has increased dramatically. Why? Because when you abort the first born of any nature takes its vengeance on the subsequent children.”
Posted on: January 13th, 2012 by Sandy
Whether it’s a rodding procedure or a cervical fusion, the decision to operate should be carefully weighed with your healthcare providers. You will probably have a billion questions to ask your surgeon, among them are some of the more obvious like what are the side effects? What are the risks? What will post-op care look like? Will therapy and rehab be needed?
In this post I wanted to address some specific questions that may be directly related to an orthopedic operation. Having had multiple rod related operations at various ages, I have had my experience of pre and post – op care.
Question for Pre-Op:
1. How will this effect growth and mobility?
Depending on the age of the child and the child herself, operations may impact the eventual height of the patient. Sometimes rods may need to be replaced in order to keep up with a growing child, or other times knowing how mobility may be affected can help you decide whether or not to go through with the operation.
Posted on: January 10th, 2012 by Amanda
This Christmas I was given one of the best gifts of my life! A foam roller! This $9.00 device has changed my life and relieved my back pain in a way that nothing else ever has, and that is an understatement. My brother, who is a huge fitness fanatic, discovered the magic of foam rollers and gave me one on Christmas Eve.
He explained that he knew my back had been bothering me and thought I’d really enjoy this product. The sheer relief I have felt after just one use is unexplainable. Of course, make sure to consult your doctor prior to starting any fitness program. But, if your doctor says it’s okay and you’re a mild OIer like myself you should really try it out.
Posted on: January 9th, 2012 by Amanda
There are few things I hate more than my yearly bout with bronchitis. See it strikes like clockwork, see last year’s post. Although, I learned a lesson from last year’s spell and headed the doctor at the very start of my symptoms. I even one upped myself, and did something I never do… rest.
Posted on: January 5th, 2012 by Meg Currell
The other day, I was shopping for baby clothes for an expectant friend who’s having a girl. Looking at onesies and booties and footed pajamas, I was washed with nostalgia for the days when my girl wore tiny clothes, a phase that lasted for years because of the charming OI growth deficiency. It did save me money on clothes. As I fingered the soft fleece of a pair of booties, I thought “I can’t buy these–they’d be too hard to put on.” The footed pajamas, however, would have been perfect for my daughter when she was very small, because they unsnapped from the neck all the way to the ankle. As long as she didn’t have a femur fracture, they’d be great!
Posted on: January 4th, 2012 by Amanda
I love New Year’s Eve and New Year’s. Heck, that’s why I got married on New Year’s Day. (We just celebrated two years as Mr. and Mrs., in case your interested. I’m paying homage to the big event with a wedding day preview photo.) But, this year I’m abnormally excited for the New Year.
Last year, 2011 was terribly difficult for me. I enjoyed some really great times, but I spent much of the year stressed, defeated and near tears. That’s why I can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store for me.
In 2011, I opted to go to school full time, while working full time and attempting to function as a normal human being. This ultimately led to stress, tears and a disconnection from myself and my own dreams. But, I made it through to the other side.
