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.