Family Man

We are taking a family vacation this summer. Of course being the artistic, hippy type we need to be different. That just makes it hard to find a place that fit all of our needs, to be a family and have accessibility.
We want to go stay at a cabin in the smoky mountains. It is not a problem finding a cabin that would fit all of us, but non that are accessible. The cabins that are accessible would only have one bedroom.
Now that I look it up again, I found accessible cabins with multi-bed room in the same price range. At least I will know for next time.
http://www.awesomemountainvacations.com/cabins.htm
http://gatlinburgcabins4u.com/98/handicap-accessible-gatlinburg-cabins/

Evolving Too Fast?

The other day Dena and I went to a local hotel for breakfast, just because. It was very crowded and the only seat we could find was right in the middle of the place. Some of you may know how hard it is to get around dinning room tables that are full. So Dena goes up to the buffet.
The next thing I know is here comes a guy on a segway, I’m thinking no way. Then I notice a pony stick attach to the handlebars. So I started thinking, maybe he is disabled. The only table open is in the back of the dinning area. As the guy is making his way to table the staff ask if he could park the segway.
By this time Dena is back at our table and Dena could tell I’m getting itchy and they are in our direct sight. I see a disable sign under the seat of the segway. Dena does not, so I am the only one realize that this like a wheel chair to him.
I have more questions then answers, is there a new trend for using segways for the disabled? This is the second I have seen being use as a wheel chair. If so, should the disability sign be more visible, but does that but a label on the person? How can people be more educated with new trends for the disable?
The same goes when people find out I can use text on a cell phone.

World of Possibilities Expo

This was the third year that we did the WOP Expo. It turns into mostly a way to reconnect with friends, although I display my art work and look to make networks for speaking engagements.
This year we took Fizz Jewelry; it was over whelming, we sold over a hundred pair of earrings. We were also joined by the Ellene “Brit” Christiansen Memorial http://britmemorial.com/; this is a fund that helps makes art accessible for the disabled.
The expo is always a nice change of paste, because I can just hang and still share some of my stories.

KSU Engagement

All my life I have meant people that the connection is just there. For the third time Dick Stanford asked me to come to GA, this time to present at KSU. Since we were so close to FL. We just had to take the trip with Michael to WDW. Then Dena decided to bring her friend, Miss Julia that she takes care of. Given this as the case; we had to bring some help with us. So Pamela and T.C. were brought on board for this adventure. The drive the accessible van with 2 power chairs and all of the luggage.
We were lucky that Dick let us stay in his condo, a few blocks from Underground Atlanta. This condo was so beautiful and Olympians used it when the City hosted the Olympics. We really over stayed our visit, because the place was so comfortable.
Our engagement was at KSU it was so well done. They scheduled the reception before I spoke. It so happened to be in an area that hung a student art show from high schools from across that state. I was very impressed by the work that I saw. I also like the fact that they served virgin apple martinis instead the usual lemon aid.
I want to thank Adam for his hard work for making this event possible. He was the one who talk to Dick about having me come to the school. Adam also had research different resource of funding to sponsor my visit.
So who is that guy on top of me on the floor? That would be Carlton; he had me come speak at EU a year or two ago. We just hit it off, after that gig. We ended up going to a club until 3 a.m. then danced in the parking lot of the hotel. We had not seen each other since then, I just have no control even when the spot light is on me. From the Oscars to seeing old friends, when the king is happy everyone knows it.
Most of our trips are about meeting new people and learning how the film impacted them. This time it was about reconnecting with good friends and enjoying great times.

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.