Original work from our Writers, Guest Bloggers and Freelancers
Something that was not immediately apparent was that I, too, would inevitably develop the same bipolar symptoms my father had and they would eventually become exacerbated by a lack of steady emotional foundation. Around the age of sixteen it occurred to me that my behavior was not typical and other people do not experience the same intensity of roller coaster emotion that I do on a regular basis.
Ask any member of the artistic team behind “The Forgiving and The Forgetting”, a new musical about one family’s struggle to embrace and accept Alzheimer’s disease, why they chose to get involved, and they will point not to a reason, but a person.
In the case of all different abilities, new strategies should be learned so that each person can complete the affected task successfully, but it must be remembered that though this person may find more difficulty in doing so, she is just as capable of that task, and possesses extraordinary capability in her own way of approaching and solving problems. And though her ‘disability’ may be identified so that she can teach herself new strategies to overcome its obstacles, it is not the key aspect of her identity. It may become part of what makes her her, but it is one of the many aspects that makes her a unique, composite individual.
Donald’s mother described his behavior as odd, even going as far as to refer to Donald as her “hopelessly insane child”. After a recommendation from the Triplett’s family doctor, Donald was sent to an institution. Unable to care for their son at home, Donald’s parents thought of this as the best decision to get their son the help that they could not provide. The year was 1937, and Donald was only three years old.
The first word that comes to mind when I hear the phrase “differently able” is strength. The terminology “differently able” is used to describe people who have disabilities or are handicapped. However, by using that phrase it gives a new found sense of optimism and provides a nondiscriminatory perceptive on those with disabilities.
When thinking of what I would write for my introductory Spork article, multiple news articles crossed my mind. I could write about movies and literature – their seemingly lack of showcased differences. I could talk about the people I meet in my day to day life. The people I see, observing and knowing. Then I thought about what affects me and my personal life. My fears and worries for a differently abled person who sits in my heart and home. This person is my little sister.
The Still Point Theater Collective has been a Chicago institution for nearly 21 years, with a focus on theater that gives a voice to those that have no voice. Founder Lisa Wagner has crafted productions that highlight social justice for outreach to schools, prisons and other communities of the disenfranchised of Chicago. The Imagination Workshop was developed in 1992 as a performance venue specifically for adults with disabilities.
The Ravenswood Players are at it again! Bring the whole family to this event featuring a story about Santa and his elves exploring letters that ask for non-material goods as gifts. Enjoy cookies, coffee, and a chance to donate to Santa Ben after the show!
He had ridden motorcycles since he was twelve years old, perching on the back of his older brothers for rides bummed to school or just to go riding in the summer. At the earliest age allowed by his parents, he had secured his very own. Through the years, he had owned one kind of bike or another, always moving up and getting larger. Now, after much hard work and saving, it was a six years old 1965 Harley Davidson salvaged from a police auction.
The Gimp Berry bush I grow on has many branches, at least one branch representing all the various disabilities. The physical disability branch is where I am fortunate enough to be born as a tasty fruit. Nearby are branches for being blind and Deaf and so on, and from the major disability branches sprout smaller twigs...
