Give Me Your Tickets...

     I have always been a fan of amusement parks, arcades and what not. On July 2nd, I got the opportunity to go to the Big Top Amusements in Kingston, Mass. I got to explain to the workers that sometimes it is hard to find video games that are on the right level for wheelchair users. I am not one to cast doubt on people, however, I truly think that tolerance begins at home and until someone steps up and realizes that, we are not going to have a more peaceful and safe place for kids to just let loose. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

The Playground Train Stops Again..

     It is interesting how you make connections doing the smallest things.  During my investigation of the Pembroke Community Playground, I got to meet with a mom of a special needs little girl named, Madison. We shared stories, advice, and the building blocks to life that can make C.P. very successful.  To me it is interesting how my tiara draws a crowd sometime. But hearing other people's stories humbled me so much in knowing that I need to be a great educator, leader, advocate and all around role model for the next generation of girls that have disabilities. I think in this day and age, people are a lot more judgemental because they do not understand things. But at the end of the day, all it takes is a little bit of compassion, a sprinkle of a common bond, and open ear to vent to. That being said, it is very nice to see that the Cerebral Palsy community is a live one and is willing to pass on their wisdom and knowledge to the next generation because, let's face it, as strong women, we want to see the bullying stop and they want to make the world a better place. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower

Fun At the Fair.....

     On June 30th, which happens to be my birthday, I got to enjoy all the activities at the Pembroke Family Fun Fair.  There was face painting, and live music and so much more.  However, the highlight of the day for me was the petting zoo. I might be thirty one years old, but I'm still just a kid at heart and I am a sucker for baby animals.  In fact, one of my birthday requests was to go to the petting zoo, as odd as that sounds for how old I am. So, in reality, Ms. Wheelchair Mass. gave me my birthday wish because I got to cuddle and love on some very cute animals. It was also good for the little kids to see me interact with animals, knowing that I could care for them and hold them and be capable of showing a loving bond, despite having a disability. My philosophy is to show by example and that is what I got to do that day.  Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

The Old Ballgame

     Again I think it is a real important part of being Ms. Wheelchair Mass. to get involved in the community, both with abled bodied and children with disabilities. I was invited to cheer on the young men of the Nor'easters team of the Babe Ruth Baseball League at Magoun Field in Pembroke, Mass. on June 29th. Coach Jose was so gracious to host me and allow me to cheer on his team. The best part of the day, however, was being able to root on these athletic young men to victory. Way to go on your win, guys!! I hope you kept it up for a really good season. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Hey, It's Too High..

     The next stop on my playground train takes me to Halifax Community Playground in Halifax, Mass.  Although this is a very tailored, kid friendly playground, there are some major flaws as far as wheelchair accessibility is concerned.  On June 28th, I came to realize that although there are many different pieces of equipment to be used and enjoyed, the majority of them have raised curbs or lips to get onto the wooden pieces. To me, this is highly unsafe for a child because if any child is like I was when I was young, I was not going to let a raised curb stop me from getting to my friends, even if that meant tipping backwards.  Although I do not condone this behavior, from a very young age I have not been a fan of the safety tip wheels on my chair. I understand their purpose and as an adult I understand that they are important, but frankly as a child, I did not care and if my mom would put them down, I would quickly explain to a friend how to put them up. That being said, children are more prone to choose fun over safety, so I think it is the playground's responsibility to make some changes.  Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Funnel Ball Returns...

          On June 27th, I made my next stop on the playground trail. This was at Hanover Community Playground. I was delighted to see that they have a similar funnel ball game that other playgrounds did.  People underestimate the use of this game for gross motor skills. The only problem that I found with this version of the funnel ball was that unlike the shorter version, which was more round, this version was indeed higher and more narrow. So this is not to say that a wheelchair using child could not use the equipment, but I do believe that it would make it much harder to do.  Even for me, as an adult, I could barely have a complete reach to the bottom of the funnels. In fairness however, I do not have full extension or range of motion in my elbows. That being said, if a child had similar C.P., they would find it even more difficult that I. It is promising however to see versions of this style equipment pop up from place to place, in hopes that more adaptive equipment will be installed as they get developed and money becomes available. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Cast Your Ballot..

     On June 25th it came time for the people of Mass. to do a state senate election. I used my title to do a meet and greet with the people that were going to the poles. I feel as though, as Ms. Wheelchair Mass., it is very important that we set the example from a political perspective, in order to make our vote count and have our voice heard. There are so many issues, including accessibility, health care, employment, education, etc. that affect individuals with disabilities on a daily basis that if we choose not to get out and vote, we are not taking seriously our role as advocates for each other. It is so important that we make law makers understand that individuals with disabilities are a group of consumers who have very strong opinions and can be politically powerful. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

My Playground Quest Continues...

     Some times, when you are a title holder, your platform speaks to you and develops a mind of its own and you as the title holder just go with where the advocacy takes you.  I did not think that I would be this invested in adapting playgrounds, but I realized how important this is for a school aged peer to be able to keep up with and enjoy recess with his or her abled bodied friends.  So, my next stop was Bryantville playground on June 25th.  I was impressed with some of their equipment, especially their funnel ball game because they did have two sizes, one a higher size for older kids and a smaller one for younger kids, but what they do not probably realize is that the smaller version is excellent for wheelchair using students because it gives them exercise, as well as connecting with their peers. So all in all, I hope to see more of this style of equipment in more playgrounds.  Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Tic Tack Toe...

     My journey through playgrounds continues.  On June 24th, the day brings me to Hobomock Playground in Pembroke, Mass.  The only particular item I was fond of here, as far as wheelchair and disability accessibility was an over sized Tic Tack Toe game.  The reason that this worked out nicely was that it was easily chair level, first and foremost, but secondly it also was very easy to spin. This would mean that children with gross motor problems could easily take part in a recess or playground activity with their peers.  It is just unfortunate to see that an entire playground, especially one attached to a school, only has one item that is of this height and of this ease of use. Hopefully in the future, we will see more accessible playground equipment come to schools nation wide.  Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Deanna, the Painting Saint...

     My Mom is a very, very talented artist. She can draw, she can paint, she can craft and do many creative things.  Although I share my mother's joy of creativity, due to my Cerebral Palsy, I have extreme fine motor problems which means that I may have damaged technical genes to be able to paint and draw and anything fine tuned.  I have very creative ideas in my head, but have difficulty getting them on paper or craft items. On June 22nd, I wheeled into Deanna's pottery shop called, South Shore Pottery, in Abington, Mass. She,. from minute one, was a supporter of my cause, donated the pottery to paint the minute she heard what my cause was and graciously explained to me that despite my disability, there are plenty of tricks and small tweaks we could do to make my pottery look like a million dollar work of art.  Deanna was so patient with me. She is perhaps one of the sweetest, loving, and caring shop owners that I have ever come across on my journey. She made me feel as though on that day, my disability disappeared. I always wanted to be like my mom because she is my role model and for that day, I felt like I was carrying on my mother's name. I was doing just as good of a job as she was.  Deanna changed my life in the fact that I will never again doubt the ability and power of adaptation. My plate that I made there is so important to me because it incorporates my Ms. Wheelchair Mass. journey, as well as my Cerebral Palsy awareness.  Sometimes in life, there are people that you are slated to meet for a reason, Deanna is that person for me because, as independent as I thought I was, I was given the gift of knowing that I could carry on a family legacy of art that day.  Deanna mentioned to me that this might be a good fundraising item, but  I would never part with it because it is a part of me that I never thought I could accomplish. I am eternally grateful to Deanna forever. If there was a such thing as Ms. Pottery Massachusetts, she would absolutely take the crown, but for now she must settle with my never ending gratitude and my hopes that many more people with physical disabilities would cross her path, so that she can give them the same gift, as she is so talented at bringing out the best in people. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Arts and Crafts Time

     I think that arts and crafts are a really fun way for people with disabilities to express themselves.  I had the luxury of going on June 20th to the Pottery Playce in Hanover, Mass.  The gracious owners, Emma and Kathy, allowed me to use my creativity to paint a plate that reflected my platform that I could use pictures for my board for Nationals.  My plate reflected the Mass. State colors of blue, white and yellow as well as my platform slogan, Advocate, Educate, and Empower. This was an exciting day for me.  Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Next On the Playground Journey

     On June 17th, I wanted to stop and evaluate the North Pembroke Elementary School playground, as far as it's accessibility. This was especially important to me because this was my playground as a child, seeing as though this is the school I attended.  One of the things that stood out to me the most was actually making more ramps that were even with the sidewalk because although there were temporary put in to meet the sidewalk alley way, there were not flush with the sidewalk itself. So no matter what a child has for a chair, power or manual, they would have to at least go somewhat up on a threshold and for me taking children's safety into account, this was not acceptable.  The other problem that I had was there playground was covered in stone and stone is hard to push on and also gets caught in the wheels. Even with me as an adult in an adult size chair, this took far too much effort and it would tire a child out quickly, especially in a manual. Hopefully the school will heed my advice and make the appropriate changes.  Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Daddy's Little Girl

       My Father has always been a major support in my life. He is the person who gives me the most strength. Ever since I was a young girl, he was at every surgery, every therapy, doctor's appointments, IEP meetings and everything in between.  My dad may not have always agreed with the amount of independence my mom gave me at a young age, but he has always been the one to push me to have an independent and successful life. My father who worked tirelessly to make sure that I never wanted for anything and that I always had what I needed. My dad is super proud of the fact that I am Ms. Wheelchair Mass. because he feels like I am putting action into the morals and values that he taught me surrounding my disability. I have always been his little girl and I always will be no matter how old I am. One of the things that I valued most about my dad is that he has been so supportive in my Ms. Wheelchair Mass. journey.  He has driven to the far away events. He has made sure that I have had everything that I needed for Nationals and beyond, so it was really important to me that I make Father's Day, during my reigning year special. My father chose for me to take him to one of his favorite restaurants, The Wicked Good Cafe in Lincoln, Rhode Island. During that time, we laughed, we talked and we were simply father and daughter. I love you, Dad and thanks for everything.  Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Hockey Throw Back...

       On June 16th, I was invited by hockey instructor, Leo to be an example to his skaters about never giving up. This took place during what was called, Hockey Skill Night or Power Skating.  This took place at the Hobomock Ice Arena in Pembroke, Mass.  Honestly, this was an extremely fun event for me because my brother no longer plays hockey, however he played for 27 years of his life, so as much as he identifies with a hockey rink, so do I.  This was his home base hockey rink where he first donned hockey skates. This arena will forever hold a place in my heart because I grew up there. I could never be upright on skates, like he could, but my family made sure that they taught me the importance of the game, the importance of team sports and most importantly most of his hockey teammates treated me as though I was one of their little sisters as well. This is why when I got to finally skate with my brother at Cronin Ice Arena, it was a really emotionally moving experience because I never thought that I would ever be on that side of the ice, toe to toe with my favorite hockey star. He may never of made it to the Bruins, but one thing that he has taught me through his coaching of little children and his endless love of the game, is to pass that positivity and the never give up spirit and always head for the goal to the next generation of skaters because never know if your words will inspire a youth to have the drive to go to the NHL.  Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Fore.....

     On June 15th, I was also requested to attend the Adaptive Sports Fair at Braintree Rehab Hospital. Many of you who know me, know that alot of my services for my disability in the past, have come through Braintree Rehab Hospital.  I deeply trust in their expertise in helping people to live very full and adaptive, active life styles. This was an eye opening experience for me because I was never the athletic one in my family. I was the artsy, drama kid, who liked to be creative. But in a lot of ways, I looked up to my older brother who was the sports God of the family. There was not one sport that he could not pick up quickly, everything from golf to ice hockey to soccer and more.  To be perfectly honest with you, in a lot of ways, when I was younger I was jealous of his athletic abilities, but being a kid growing up in the 80's and 90's in a not very active disability community my Mom found activities that she could adapt for me instead of pre-adapted sports. It was an eye opener and a learning experience to see all of the programs that are available for everyone from children to adults that included adaptive cycling, adaptive golf, adaptive kayaking and more. I want to use this new found knowledge to pass it on to families so that some people with disabilities may get the opportunities that I did not know existed. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Ready...Set...Go

      On June 15th I had the pleasure of giving the opening speech at the SBAGNE Walk and Roll in Canton, Mass. It was held this year at the Mass. Hospital School. It successfully raised 10's of thousands of dollars for the people affected by Spina Bifida throughout Greater New England.  Although as many of you know, I dp not have Spina Bifida myself, but I have made a tremendous friendship with Ms. Wheelchair Mass. 2010, Santara Sen, who does have Spina Bifida and as many people have often said, the Ms. Wheelchair Program is a sisterhood in which we change minds and change the world.  It was so great to see how many walkers and runners and rollers came out for a cause that is near and dear to me.  In my speech, I honestly wanted to give a sense of positivity to the walkers, rollers, and runners to help them understand that it is through organizations like, SBAGNE, that we can turn people's lives around and make more independence.  But more importantly we can form bonds of advocacy. Despite the funky suntan that I got that day, it was all worth it in the end. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Needs Major Improvement

     My playground field trips continue. My platform this year, Advocate, Educate, and Empower focuses so much on allowing young people to understand that even though a disability occurs, it does not by any means mean that it should ever let you down from having fun.  This is why I was so disheartened on June 12th, when I visited the Richard E. Gifford Memorial Playground in South Weymouth, Mass.  Honestly, being the eternal optimist that I am, I would like to say that hopefully with a little bit of advocacy, we can change the dynamic of this playground because it is not at all disability accessible. There is not one piece of equipment that a child that uses a wheelchair could even reach.  Even as an adult, who uses a wheelchair, I had a hard time reaching for the bars, stairs, or any other piece of equipment. This is just a shame, if you ask me.  Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Just Keep Swimming

     On June 10th, I was asked to visit with the staff of Island Grove Park in Abington, Mass.  For those of you who do not know, Island Grove is a retreat area, mostly visited by family for the summer months where they can do swimming, pool games, diving, and nature walks.  For a very long time, I did adapted swimming. This was a great therapy for me, so I believe that many other people with disabilities should have the same opportunity to do so.  This is why it is important for me to educate staff members about extra safety concerns when dealing with physical disability concerns because although we can enjoy a dip, a dive, or some Marco Polo, we may need some assistance to make it happen. This assistance may not at all be huge. It could be something as simple as helping someone get into the water.  This is why is is so important for me to advocate for physical activities.  Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

In Desperate Need of Tip Wheels

     The next stop on my playground trail honestly disappointed me. This was at the Rockland Memorial Park Playground. I visited there on June 5th and there were so many adaptations I would like to see be made. First and foremost, as a safety issue, I would like to see the town eliminate the course sand that they used in the playground because it is incredibly hazardous for both manual and power wheelchairs  to get around. I know that even as an adult trying to push my way around this playground was a chore because, even though I had my tip wheels down, there were so many times that my chair itself felt as though it was going to sink into the sand.  I believe that if a child was here with his or her friends, they would run the risk of falling easily and that is not acceptable with me. Hopefully, I can use my position to start to get this situation re-adapted. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

More Than Just Hopscotch

     After meeting with Tom from the Pembroke Commission for Disabilities, I wanted to make it a mission to see what differences could be made at playgrounds so that kids with disabilities could live a carefree playground filled childhood.  The first stop on my search was on June 3rd, at the Whitman Memorial Town Green Playground in Whitman, Mass.  I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed by the amount of disability friendly equipment that they had in one space. Most importantly for me, was the lowered make believe spaces, which included a fire engine, an ambulance, and a puppet show, all of which were easily chair level with a great amount of space. Even in an adult chair, although my feet stuck out, I was able to safely get around and inside to be able to reach all of the buttons.  I highly think though that the kid next to me was jealous that I hogged the fire engine for so long. But hey, you have to do some things for advocacy, right? Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

We Meet Again, Mrs. Howard

     The Kingston Intermediate School was the venue for my next appearance.  The librarian had set up a book club meeting with me and her sixth graders, after they had finished reading a novel about an adolescent girl with Cerebral Palsy. On June 7th, I had a chance to discuss the book with them and I also found out that these were remarkable young people who had set up a disability awareness course for every grade level in their student body, so that they may be able to experience different types of disabilities, may they be visual, sensory, or physical disabilities. The ironic part about this was that the kids from this class were Mrs. Howard's sixth grade classroom students and this shows how full circle life can come because Kaitlin or Mrs. Howard was a woman that I graduated from my own high school with. It was nice to be able to know that I was making a different in my own community, not with just strangers that I meed for the first time. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Let Your Hair Down

     In my hometown of Pembroke, Mass., there is a carnival that is sponsored by the Historical Society that is held every year.  On May 30th, I attended with my family.  I have been going to this carnival for as long as I can remember. When growing up in little town suburbia, these events are a big deal.  My mom had always made sure that I was able to ride the amusement rides and I could take full advantage of the fair, just like my peers.  One of the adaptations that my Mom used to make was to make sure that someone rode along with me on the rides, bracing my body so I would not get injured or fall out.  It was a fun experience going back, wearing my crown and sash because it is always important to remember where you came from to get where your headed.  I got to ride on the carousel and although I may have looked a little strange wearing my tiara, it was nice to be able to be a role model for these kids and show them that despite being a wheelchair user, I can let my hair down and now that I am older, I may not have needed someone to brace me while riding in the sleigh, but I can still have as much fun as when I was five. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Like Me, But Different

      The Martha Jones School in Westwood, Mass. has a disability awareness program called, Like Me, But Different.  I had the opportunity to speak to the second grade students on May 29th.  The purpose of this program, unlike many other disability programs, is to show that my life is particularly normal. I explained that despite having Cerebral Palsy, I have a learner's permit to drive, I own a business, I went to college, I know how to swim and other basic life skills that these kids could relate to.  One of the most touching parts of the program to me was that there was a little girl who had a hearing impairment, who after the program was over, decided to tell me that her goal was to go to college like I did. It is these little things that make the Ms. Wheelchair Program worth it.  Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

The Fire Is Still Burning

     There is a fire in my belly. It is not one that will go out lightly. It is a passion for advocacy that drives me to better understand in what ways I can help my fellow individuals with disabilities.  On May 29th, it was Halifax Fire Department's turn to hear my educational speech on the extra concerns of wheelchair users. I love no matter how many fire departments I go into, it never gets old. It is a matter of showing them the importance of a little extra TLC when handling a wheelchair or any adaptive equipment. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Welcome to Blood Draw Alley

    The VA Medical Center in Brockton is one of the hubs for the veterans of Mass.  On May 28th, I got to tour the Brockton campus.  This was unlike a normal doctor's visit because it is always a special place that can take care of veterans that do so much.  My father goes to the VA in Brockton, so to see and meet the people that take care of him so well was my opportunity to give back to the people that gave to my family. One of the stops of the tour was known as, Blood Draw Alley.  This is the portion of the hospital where they check blood sugar, INR levels, etc.  I may have a few tattoos, but no needles for me, thank you. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Parade, Parade, Parade

   On May 27th, I attended three separate Memorial Day Parades in my hometown and surrounding communities.  One of the reasons that this is so important to me is because my family on both sides has a strong military background in the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard. I really strongly believe in supporting the military because they are the main reason that we have the freedom that we do today.  If it was not for the men and women who fought with honor and valor, there would be no such things as Disability Rights.  Often times as Americans we take for granted that we do live in a highly adaptive society and without fighting for independence, we would see none of this.  There three parts of the day that were particularly difficult for me. My brother went to school with a Marine named, Brian McPhilips, who was killed in action in 2004 in Iraq. There was a special float dedicated to him in my hometown. In another one of the parades, they honored a fallen soldier who was best friends with my boyfriend, named Benjamin Sherman.  I have very fond memories of Ben and his ability to make a positive out of any situation.  The third thing that touched me was in the Marshfield parade. There was a trolley full of Vietnam Veterans and my father, indeed, is a Vietnam Vet himself. He is perhaps one of my greatest heroes. He has taught me so much about survival and appreciation for small victories. It is for these three men that I wear the crown on this day. Rest in peace, Brian and Ben. May your spirits be with God. To my father, 'Some man may capture my heart one day, but you have captured it for a lifetime". Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Hey, Do You Sleep In Your Wheelchair?

     On May 22nd, I was requested to speak at Norwell Public Library in Norwell, MA.  Not only did I read my favorite children's book by Reymon Jourdan, "Willie the Wheelchair", but  I had the children do an activity in which they created what their own wheelchair would look like if they were the wheelchair designer.  I explained to them that the wheelchair comes in all different shapes and sizes for all different types of people.  My wheelchair was personalized by my rehab tech, Mala. It has my name and a crown on the back.  Although I must say I did get the crown embroidered before I competed for Ms. Wheelchair Mass. and even before it was a thought to compete. But it would have looked a little silly had I not won. Having these kids however, design their own wheelchairs brought up the opportunity for me to answer some very logical questions from the kids.  My favorite one of the day was, "Hey, do you sleep in your wheelchair". All of my wheelie friends would tell you that it would be very uncomfortable, in case you were wondering.  Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Hanging Out at Hanlon

     On May 21st, I had the pleasure of speaking with three classrooms of energetic and positive second grade students at the Hanlon School in Westwood, Mass.  This was set up in a question and answer type format which for me, as Ms. Wheelchair Mass., is the most fun because you never know where the hour or two hours is going to take you.  At this time, when I did this presentation the Bruins where in a play off battle, heading towards the Stanley Cup, so one of the things that impressed the children so much was when I could explain to them that, as Ms. Wheelchair Mass., I actually got to try adaptive skating and adaptive hockey.  This was especially important to me because the kids were so excited about the Bruins, I wanted them to understand that people with disabilities could be incredible athletes as well. Until next time, Advocate Educate, and Empower.

Clinical Therapy and Me

     For those of you who don't know, I have a Masters of Clinical Therapy in Social Work. I graduated from Simmons College in 2006. One of my passions since is having people understand how mental health affects physical disabilities. I took the opportunity on May 14th to tour the Plymouth V.A. Medical Clinical.  This was special to me on a lot of levels. One of the things that they do is they specialize in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, so for me to be able to be an advocate for people that have mental health disabilities as well a physical disabilities is a really big bonus, as far as I am concerned.  On a personal level, my first boyfriend fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and he came back with PTSD from what he saw in battle. He was never quite the same. So, this gives new meaning to making your reign and your platform your own because I do not think if this individual didn't touch my life in the way that he did, I would not have such an appreciation for the need of mental health advocacy. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

Sparky and Me

     On May 13th, I did yet another disability safety awareness training with the members of the East Bridgewater Fire Department. This is a topic that I am extremely passionate about because knowing that my family members are first responders, EMTs and firefighters, I kinow that until I had a disability, they didn't necessarily realize the extra safety concerns that went along with the rescue of a person with a disability. One of my cousins runs a training school for first responders, EMTs and firefighters.  I got to use some of the knowledge that he teaches to his students with these firefighters as a refresher that the needs of their communities are ever changing.  This day would not be complete unless I had a photo opportunity with fire safety mascot, Sparky. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.