August CCMS Conference in Des Moines

Once again I want to thank Jackie the committee for inviting Dena and I back to Iowa for the 2011 CCMS Conference. This was a nice size conference, not to big that you are not over whelmed by topics, but diverse enough to peek everyone’s interests. I still love the idea of presenting last. By that time I have a good vibe for the group and can gear my talk towards their goals.

I asked Jackie if this was our audition for hosting the Oscars. Since we did two back to back sessions for 1 and a ½ hours each, it was a challenge not to repeat our selves, but think Dena and I did a good job.

After the presentations, a mother of an autistic child come up to me and said thank you for explain your choice not using an ACC device. She said they tried using a device for communication, the mother notice that her child stopped communicating when not speaking for their selves. So they ditched the device, I always say parents know best for their children.

A visit to a 4th Grade class.

As always everything went wonderful at McDonogh yesterday. When talking with 4th graders, I think it’s important to let them know. It’s ok to be yourself and life is More interesting when you have friends that a bit different from their self.
After spending an hour with the students we like to see how well they can understand me. I left them with this sentence: Everyone can contribute to life. %90 of the students had no problem putting that together.

Bring On The Next Engagement

The weekday after a speaking gig always seems to be the loneliest. Not only that are on a high of doing a good presentation, but also that we get to spend some quality time together. When we get home Dena goes off to work taking care of Missy J. while I go back to my studio, or emailing making connections for our next engagement. On the other hand most couples do get these opportunities to escape from everyday median life.

KSU Engagement Follow-up

Last night I received this surprise from Adam Oglesbee Hi Dan, I know it’s been a while, but I thought I would let you know some good news. This evening, Kennesaw State hosted the Registered Student Organization awards banquet to recognize the achievements some of the 200 organizations have made on campus. ABLE was up for "Outstanding Global Awareness’ Activity." We were up a...against other organizations who had very good activities. Dan, you should know that you took home the award for that honor. I thought I would tell you. Dick Stafford and I will send you a copy of the award. Take care buddy and thank you for enlighten our campus with your presence.
I believe we got this award together, because Adam’s determination to seek me out.

My Fears....

last weeks visit to AU was my last engagement for this year. in 08 I had 14 gigs and this year I end up with 15. this has been excellent considering how everyone has been seeing budget cuts. I knew it was only a matter of a before I and the disability world were more impacted by the economies.

I could understand the lack of interest for planning a speaker to come presenting at schools and organizations. To me it is more alarming how programs are being cut that help the disabled community. I just learned the rolling access fund by DDA will gone by the end of the year. This program could purchase equipment not covered by Medicare, insurance, and impossible to pay on a limited income.

Also MCIL is closing up within 3 weeks, this has been a great resource and advocate for the disable in Maryland. My fears are that the cuts will go deeper and our quality of life will roll backwards.