A Wheelchair View

2012, the Year of Starting Over

2012-01-11T23:07:00.000-08:00

Photo by Envy Graphix

Here we are in 2012! Has the excitement worn off yet? For methis is a new year that compliments a new chapter in my life both personallyand professionally. I have embraced the symbolic nature that a new year holdsand I am rolling with it as far as it takes me! However, I might have to stopoccasionally to recharge my batteries.

2011 was a year of great loss. My family and I got hit withsome financial difficulties, which caused my already strained marriage to buckleand implode. I have had to sell most of my photography equipment, to make endsmeet and keep us fed. And my daughter has had her own life changing strugglesshe has had to endure. We have deemed 2011 the year of “Murphy’s Law (‘Ifanything can go wrong, it will".) I want to educate and enlightenothers by my experiences but, I also want to maintain a level of privacy andprofessionalism; please bear with me while I find that balance. Needless to sayI was happy to see the end to 2011 and begin 2012 the “Year of Beginnings,” asI do hereby deem.

So, here I am, stripped down with no husband, no home, nocar and no studio. As I begin building again I recognize that my foundation is alot stronger with additives that were lacking before: education, experience,and a new open spirituality that is more honest and authentic than I have everknown. It is as if I am arriving to a new destination as a new person. I saythis because I am not the same person coming out of the marriage as I was goingin, and I am thankful for the experience. I have learned a lot about love, lifeand relationships.

January 1, 2012 began a new calendar year and it brings newhope to everyone with a resolution. It is extra special to me as I transitionto a new life on my own. I will be moving into my own place (as soon as I findone), restocking my photography equipment and focusing on my creative journey.I don’t mind admitting that I have a ton of obstacles and my struggles from mymarriage are not going anywhere anytime soon. But I am going into this New Yearwith rejuvenated hope, and I will be drawing strength from the people I havecome to know, who have deeply enriched my life.

The creative journey is not an easy travel. I have been criticizedas a dreamer and another drop in the deep ocean of the inspired. I assure you,as a physically challenged woman who has seen the dawning of the ADA, rockyroads are my road home. When you know every little bump and groove you becomefamiliar and even comfortable with the ride. I am not ever giving up.

A few years ago I hit a brick wall when I lost my breaks inmy wheelchair accessible van. My head hit the steering wheel and left me withlacerations that stretched across my forehead and exposed my skull. I also hada broken nose and eventually had to have some teeth pulled. Despite having anamazing plastic surgeon and dentist I had a real hard time feeling like myself.Even today, although when you look at pictures of me before the accident andafter, most people don’t know the difference. But for me, getting over a shavedhead, two black eyes and a broken nose left its imprint on the image I see inthe mirror. The picture above is very special to me, not just because it wastaken by my good friend Nic of Envy Graphix, but because it is a reminder thatwounds do heal.

So raise your glass of metaphorical champaign and lets toastto a year of new beginnings, stronger foundations and the inspiration to build.

Jesse

2011-09-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite portraits of my son Jesse, and believe it or not it was taken with a Kodak point and shoot. I used to carry that Kodak Z740 everywhere and made quite a pest of myself on my college campus, before upgrading to a Nikon D50. Then I continued my photographical reign of terror with a zoom lens and a safer distance. = )

Today is my son’s birthday. He turned 24. He lives with his fiancé and his son in my home town where I am going to be moving in the next month or two and I am looking forward to more family time with them. I remember the day he was born so well. My ex husband and his mom went into the labor room with me and I was experiencing more pain than I have in my entire life. Despite that, like they say, you forget all about it when you are holding that little baby in your arms. Childbirth is a great testimony to the power of love and joy that washes over your traumatized worn out body, and fills it full of peace and hope for the little future you hold in your hands.

Jesse has grown into a beautiful compassionate man who has artistic aspirations of his own and I am still flooded with the joy and the love I felt on day one.

Happy Birthday Baby!

Two Windows

2011-09-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

Two Windows

Through two windows of this little pink house
shined a light that once only burned for him
But past the pain, past the tears
past regret of wasted years
Her light begins to shine once again
Only this time it’s for herself

United We Fall and Then We Get Back Up

2011-09-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

"If my glass looks half empty, it is only because I've been blessed with the opportunity to share half of its contents with someone who was thirsty." Maria R. Palacios

When I was first married to my husband we moved to an apartment complex where I met two women who changed my life completely. We were all three survivors of abuse of various degrees. One of us was molested and controlled; one of us was brutally raped at gunpoint, and the other abused, neglected, and was forced to live with the man, whom she is certain killed her mother. Not only were the three of us survivors but we all used creative writing to cope and to work through the healing process. Our real healing didn’t really begin individually until we joined together and became friends. Together we supported each other; we drank coffee, buried ourselves in self-help and psychology books and shared our poetic journals. I gained strength that I never knew I could have again and while my experiences will always be a part of who I have become; I have reached a place of peace. In healing, the beautiful compassion for other people rose out of the ashes.

When 911 happened I was getting ready for work and my husband yelled for me to come to the TV. At first I thought it was a movie, then, as I was trying to wrap my head around the idea of a plane accidently crashing into the towers, the second plane hit. I realized that we were under attack. I wanted to keep my daughter home from school and stay home from work, cuddled, safe and sound in our home. That did not happen. We had to go on and keep functioning and take care of our responsibilities; at least, that is what my supervisor convinced me of when I called in. I know what you are thinking… “Etha, are you seriously going to draw comparisons from personal tragedy to a national one?” The short answer is yes. I hope you bear with me as I tie it all together.

The Seven Stages of Healing - I want to preface this by saying that going through these stages is a loose journey. You will have revelations that progress you in some areas, and trip on triggers that will cause you to regress in others.

1. Shock and denial, an attempt to avoid pain by denying the loss – This is your mind trying to wrap its head around what has happened. It is hard to contemplate the evil that one or a group of people can do. I personally do not believe that people are in essence evil but broken or defective, but that is another subject.

2. Pain and guilt, a period of devastating pain and feelings that life is out of control.

3. Anger and bargaining – This is a reaction to the events after the reality of them sets in. Anger can be used as motivation if it is channeled as strength and motivation to make changes.The down side is if it is allowed to fester it can be very destructive. Turned inward it can turn to self loathing and become destructive from the inside out; like over eating, sleeping around, drug and alcohol addictions or it can be externalized and breed prejudice and hate to the point of violence toward another human being.

This was the perfect time to provoke a war and get the country involved with very little question. I do not state this to revive any conspiracy theories around the war. I am simply demonstrating how the psychological state of the country allowed the government to move so quickly.

4. Depression and loneliness, or a period of reflection – This is the point that you realize you have to let go of what is gone and continue. Life goes on.

5. Upward turn, when the person begins to adjust to the loss and begins new routines and starts to envision life after.

6. Reconstruction – Finding a way to memorialize or pay tribute. John Walsh did this after his son was brutally murdered by creating America’s Most Wanted.

7. Acceptance – Learning the valuable lessons of the experience and keeping what is useful and discarding what is not. This is the place where inner peace is born. Tragedy and loss is not something that can ever really be forgotten nor should it be but eventually in order to really be healed you have to give yourself permission to be happy.

Like the various degrees of trauma my friends and I faced, we as American’s share the trauma of 911. The trauma that people suffered at ground zero is far deeper than the onlookers nationwide. Some of us lost family members while others simply watched on TV in their homes. But we all were affected that day and it is not a day we will ever forget.

I learned by both experiences that Americans are amazing. They are resilient and strong and in the face of darkness they can pull together and embrace one another, support one another and build each other up. Sharing the commonality of 911 as a country strengthens and binds us. It has given us the opportunity to learn the lessons of that day so that we can use that wisdom in our daily lives and pass them down to our children. We have the opportunity to pay homage to all those that were lost that day by living the best way that we can and grow into a new America, a stronger America and a more UNITED America than ever before and we can celebrate our half empty glass by knowing that we can provide for those who thirst.

But this… This is just my Wheelchair View.

Jesi’s Ghost

2011-09-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

Jesi's Ghost - By Etha Walters

Winston Churchill said “When you are going through hell, keep going.”

He said this with the certainty that if we did keep going, we would come out on the other side. However, that doesn’t mean that we will come out unscathed or not have to shed a few layers, to leave part of ourselves behind. Life is a series of deaths and rebirths. It’s no wonder that religious foundations are built on concepts like reincarnation and being “born again.”

No one that I know understands this better than my friend Jesi pictured above. Inspiration for “Jesi’s Ghost” came from her life and the times she has walked through hell. Her mother was murdered when she was young, she was a victim of abuse and neglect, the father of her oldest child committed suicide and still Jesi kept going. If I could alter Webster’s I would put Jesi’s picture beside resilience. Living through one thing would be horrific enough but Jesi has kept going grabbing the wisdom that comes from the experiences along the way. She has gone on to college majoring in Applied Psychology and her only addictions are cigarettes and caffeine. She has also gone on to start the website True Emotions themed on the premise that you are never alone. There is always someone out there who can relate to whatever you are going through.

Jesi’s Ghost represents the darkness and it is not to dwell in the dark places or the metaphorical deaths but it is about the life that comes after.

Apartment Hunting on Wheels

2011-06-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

It has become a long term goal to move to Cincinnati, Ohio from my small town of Hamilton, Ohio for quite some time. The reasons are countless, more accessibility in housing, transportation and jobs, as well as more opportunity to show and sell my artwork. My husband and I are going through a separation so I thought that this is the moment to make the big move happen. One more leap of faith into the middle of great hope and humble dreams.

Here in Hamilton there are few resources for the kind of independence that a big city has to offer, but moving further away from family and into the arms of friends that I haven’t even made yet is both scary and exciting. However, I know if I do not make the effort and take the risk I will regret it. With every goal comes effort and resilience. I must keep a determination to go knock on the next door when the one I have been beating on closes. Sometimes I feel like I am just having a staring contest with a teddy bear and it is inevitable that I will be the one to blink; but that kind of negativity has got to be shaken off and persistence has to take its place.

I am looking for a two bedroom apartment for me, my daughter, and her boyfriend. It must be accessible and it MUST be on the bus line. This doesn’t sound like it should be an issue right? Lots of places have ground floor apartments or elevators and 2 bedrooms are the most commonly rented. Did you know, that in Cincinnati there are high rises that have all accessibility with elevators, wide doorways for wheelchairs, shower bars in the bathrooms, and call buttons on a string in case there is a fall? There is even a garbage shoot so you don’t have to worry about taking out the trash. How cool is that?! These complexes are also on bus lines and have shuttle service. They are perfect…except, they are one bedroom and do not allow children.

I am not saying that there is not something out there that has all of that and accepts families too. I am just saying I haven’t found it yet. But I will. Accessibility for me is a flat entrance and a shower bar on the bus line. This simple but complex problem is one of many people with disabilities and when I started this I did not realize what a learning experience it was going to be.

I have learned of many disabled people that stay in relationships that are not working because they feel they have no place to go. While I have no intensions of plastering my marriage drama on the internet, I felt I had to write my experience to encourage and to stress to those that are in unhappy situations that there are resources out there. You just have to find them. I have learned by my past experience that in order to receive a hand you must first reach out your own. We get so caught up in chasing our independence sometimes that we forget that there are times when everyone needs help. “Help us, help ourselves” It should be plastered on every wheelchair in America.

So I am in search of, this might lead me straight to Cincinnati, or it might lead me back to my hometown for a while where my family is to lick my wounds and regain my momentum I don’t know. I hope you’ll stay tuned to find out.

Neglected but NOT Abandoned

2011-01-17T09:25:00.000-08:00

Park Bench Secrets by Etha Walters

First post of the New Year and I of course have many resolutions to achieve in 2011 which included a new commitment to my blogs. 2010 was a tuff year with financial hardships that resulted in having to sell some of my photography equipment just to get by. There was also an assault on my daughter that changed her life and ours. So we were glad to see the promise of change in a new year.

In November, I started working at JC Penny. I am working as a greeter. It is a far cry from my profession and I had to choke down some pride in regards to stereo-types, but I am really glad that I did. The people that I work with are amazing, it is like entering a close nit family and I was a long lost cousin. The customers are awesome too. Every day I talk to someone new and I get something out of every conversation. I get told stories, jokes and people share little pieces of their life with me. I find myself feeling very blessed and inspired, creating photographs in my mind. I can’t wait to get back out on a shoot and put this experience, this inspiration into practice. This job is also flexible allowing me the time to indulge in my photography while I climb out of this financial hole. Soon, I’ll have my bills paid up and I will be able to start buying back what I have lost (a good excuse to upgrade = ) )

I don’t really think about how much easier my life would be without a disability. I have received too many gifts that I would not have without it. I see able-bodied folks struggle every bit as much. Life is a roller-coaster ride regardless. You just have to take the downs with the ups and hang on for the loop-de-loops.

Pictured above is “Park Bench Secrets.” This was taken at Cox Arboretum in Dayton Ohio. I shot it with my trusty Nikon D70 at 160mm, F/5.3, 1/500 sec.

Well that does it for my Neglected but NOT Forgotten post. I will be writing again soon.

Hope all is well in your world!

Love

~E~

Trails and Trials of a Wheelchair Photographer

2010-07-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

Of all the terrains I have been on this one looks fairly simple. I rarely challenge my scooter's mobility when I am on a solo shoot. I am comfortable with pavement and shallow gravel and trails through low cut grass. I did recently get into a situation that was a steep incline and of all of my concerns I never thought that a stall on a steep hill would happen. Especially with well charged batteries. That is exactly what happened. I almost topped a steep incline, not much higher than the one pictured here and right before reaching the top my scooter stalled and stopped.

Having a fear of heights I was determined not to look back the very long slowly rising incline. I pulled my key out and pushed it back in to try to restart it but nothing. The circuit had been thrown and the button I needed to reset it was out of reach from my position. This is typically when anger and fear ultimately kick in. I got my cellphone and called my husband. While I was waiting I cursed under my breath. I not only cursed my scooter but the manufacturers of scooters as well and recalled all the arguments that I have had with the healthcare system that having a physical challenge does not mean that life and adventure has to stop. If engineers who design these mobility scooters would consult the physically challenged to arrange little safety buttons where they can be reached from a sitting position, my life that day and the days ahead would be much easier.

Logically I knew I was safe, the anti lock breaking system would ensure that the scooter wouldn't roll backwards and even if it did there was a long steady stretch that would give me plenty of time to stop. I was in a straight position so as long as I didn't twist around too much it wasn't going to tip over, it was just the idea of having my back to a hill.

When my husband got there he released the break and turned me around and I coasted down the hill. At which point we removed my battery, hit the reset button and restarted the scooter, I by that time had a smile back on my face.

In a world of flourishing technology you would think that options for people with a few physical challenges would have better tools to utilize (within affordable reach) but my husband would tell you that I would just push my limitations more and find new ways to get myself in trouble. = )

Independence Day Parade 2010

2010-07-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

In my Sophomore year of college I went through a very metamorphic and painful change. It was my year of enlightenment, the year I realized that the more I learned the more I knew very little about this world, the universe and how things work. I went head to head with an English professor whose heart and soul was into that years presidential election. That year I stood on everything that I was taught to believe and voted for a President that if I had known what it meant, the things that would transpire after and the regret I would feel afterward I would have never voted that way.

It is very difficult to give up what you know sometimes when you have held on to it for so long, even for the truth. However, there comes a time when you have to ask yourself do you really want your fundamental beliefs centered around something you know is a lie?

In this picture are some kids riding on a float in the 4^th of July parade. Independence Day! The day that marks freedom and liberty. The kids are all holding signs that represent what freedom in America means to them. I was able to catch a single moment and while I am certain that it was not the intent of the children, I was left with an image that struck a chord deep in my heart.

The girls holding the signs that read Betsy Ross and Sarah Palin are both looking away from the very sad looking kid holding the Martin Luther King sign. I am sure that he was wishing to be somewhere else but the symbolism of the moment reminded me made me think of the division that this country is moving toward. Maybe it is only because that, thanks to that English professor, I am more aware of that growing line. Or maybe that division has become more visible with the election of our first black president and it is rippling through other minority groups. Fundamentalists desperately trying to hold on to the way things were and reaching back in history to grab onto something thats gone, blow the dust off of it and repackage it to work for today.

I know that is a lot to get from one photograph, and perhaps I am reaching a bit. But the 4th of July and it's reminder of freedom, liberty and everyones right to the pursuit of happiness left its impression on me that day, and for my little part of what I can offer America in the way that I vote will never again be left to blind confidence but will be researched and challenges and thought out.

A Wheelchair View: Life Beyond Death

2010-06-29T22:21:00.000-07:00

A Wheelchair View: Life Beyond Death

Life Beyond Death

2010-06-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things as a kid was to get on my bike (I had a big three wheeler) and ride with my younger brother down the long driveway of our farm in a little town called Miltonville, and go to the Miltonville Cemetery across the street.

We enjoyed reading all the stones as if they were part of a giant history book and made it a point to stop by the old well that rested in the center of the place. Despite knowing where we were, we grew up believing that there was something that came after death. We were fascinated with the thoughts of ghosts like most children are, but our faith was in an afterlife and for me I enjoyed going because of the spirits that still lingered like the birds, squirrels, rabbits, the trees and the wind. Even the statues and the stonework seem to have spirits of their own.

The photo of the "Twisted Tree," was taken at Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton, Ohio and serves as an example of some of the wondrous things you can find within the gates. I find myself still carrying those feelings I had as a kid. Losing loved ones is never easy and cemeteries are often viewed as places of sorrow but even though I have grieved over loss, I still feel a great deal of peace as I look at the history captured with each stone, each flower and each tree.

I am planning to go back and visit Miltonville Cemetery soon, I am almost afraid of what I will find there because it was so old but we will see. I have decided to make a tour of it, visiting different cemeteries. Soon I will put up my series on cemeteries on my website so be looking for that.

Do you know of some places I should visit?
Publish Post

A Wheelchair View - Changes

2010-04-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

I have been neglecting this blog a lot lately and to my readers, I am very sorry. My mind and my life has shifted into career mode concentrating on my photography.

Photography is a risky field to get into, even more so for a physically challenged woman in a wheelchair. I am not saying that to lead into any sort of pity trip, that's not my style. I am however, pointing out some pretty obvious challenges that there are to being a photographer in a wheelchair. For example, high and low shots have to be approached somewhat more creatively than someone who can climb a latter, or lay down on the floor. It doesn't mean that I can't get the shots that I want, it just requires a bit more of a journey to get there.

I have grown to look at challenges as adventures, sometimes things work out as planned, sometimes they are a bloody nightmare. Sometimes I get the shot that I am working for and sometimes, more often than not, it comes out better. The point is even when I fail I wheel away from the experience with something positive... always!

But photography isn't something I could do if I didn't love it. Regardless of your physical capabilities photography is a career that takes resilience and determination. It takes business knowledge as well as knowing your camera and making an image work. Photography has taught me not only to see the world as it is, but also to see it as it could be. I can't imagine doing anything else.

One of the other biggest challenges I have faced is getting people to take me seriously. It is an age old stereo type that is still alive and well and just part of life as a challenged person. I don't worry about it too much because I know eventually my work will speak for itself. Also, I have also come to know that everyone of us have stereotypes to overcome whether their black, white, old, young, Christian, Pagan, or Democrat or Republican; at the end of the day they don't amount to a hill of beans if you don't let it.

So now that my career is in focus and I am shifting the dynamics of this blog to my experience looking through a lens and how the world reacts and life with challenges in general, I am hoping that those of you who are reading stick around and even more so, find something here worthwhile to stick around for.

Taking the Physical Challenge

2010-01-12T02:58:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas the disabled community lost two of it's members by the taking of their own lives. One had been suffering greatly with AIDS and the other was crushed by chronic pain and financial pressures. When I learned of this my blood ran cold and the horrific idea that more was to come during this economic crisis flooded my thoughts.

My own experience is not exempt from the hardships that these men face. There are many things that I need that I don't have the resources or the money for. I am still amazed at how many people assume that a disability paves the way to an easy life, that the government takes care of the bills and medical needs. While there is awesome help there are also many strings and many road blocks that a disabled person has to overcome to gain financial Independence and stability. When it is gained it is very fragile, it only takes one bout of sickness, an injury or mechanical failure to rip it away.

I didn't bring you to this dark place to talk about the doom and gloom of giving up. I brought you here because the suicide of these two men set off alarms that health care reform is important to all of us but even more importantly than that we are in need of inspiration to keep up the fight and to allow our resilience to strengthen.

I have been disabled since I was 10 months old and I don't know what it is like to be any other way. So when someone who was once abled-bodied becomes paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair, grabs his new disability by the horns and takes the physical challenge I am impressed. Below is a video of this gorgeous man and he is only one of many who can accomplish great things if given the right tools. The resources to gain these tools are so vital.

Are You Going to Finish Strong?

2009-10-16T01:27:00.000-07:00

It is so easy to get caught up in the mediocre problems of life. In these times we find ourselves fighting over healthcare reform, unemployment, the deficit and we bicker and rant amongst each other harming feelings and the weight of overwhelming responsibility can make us want to give up.

As a disabled person with my own day to day challenges these feelings of hopelessness affect me as well. Lets face it, with a disability everything can be twice as hard but that isn’t always the truth. Sometimes, I have it easier. For example, I can sit in line at the grocery store and my feet will never grow tired. I can travel for miles in buildings such as offices and department stores and it is all with the push of a button.

This evening had been a evening of discouragement and the overwhelming weight of my responsibilities were crushing my spirit. Then out of the blue came a video from a friend that changed everything for me. (No I am not selling snake oil or get rich quick schemes.) But prepare for a change in perspective and then join me in replacing all those doubts and discouragements with one simple question; “Are YOU going to finish strong?”

New Lines of Communication as Voice Recognition Gets Better

2009-07-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

Although we live in a time that is especially financially challenging for people with disabilities it is still an exciting time to be disabled. Now, I realize how that sounds and it is certainly not something I would wish on anyone but if you are human and growing older challenges are inevitable. So we all can celebrate the evolution of technology that is opening new doors to people with disabilities.
One awesome technology that is getting more sophisticated is voice recognition software. I have just written a blog on the new 3G iPhone that was just released this month and one of the features that the iPhone has is a voice recognition software program. The touch screen technology can be a challenge for some users who have difficulty with hand control and voice recognition can be a helpful alternative. I myself have not had the pleasure of experiencing the 3G first hand so I cannot speak on its accuracy but I have heard wonderful things about this feature.

While Windows Vista comes with voice recognition that can potentially operate navigation on your computer and dictate. As a writer with double jointed fingers and spastic muscles I was particularly attracted to dictation and the potential of cutting my blogging time in half; but like all things Vista it has left a lot to be desired. I have been working with Vista’s program for a few days now and I can say the more I use it the better it behaves so training is an important part of the set up. I still have my doubts that I will ever be able to use it for everything but I have discovered that my relationship with Vista has evolved beyond my at first, cynical expectations.

I know money is tight for everyone and it is especially so for people with disabilities and upgrading to Vista may be costly so I recommend experimenting with Tazti (tasty) which is a free program that helps with navigation of your computer. Even though it does not have dictation capabilities I was extremely impressed with its functionality and user friendly navigation. It is totally free of adware and annoying emails. I encourage you to try it out.

For those of you that have Vista don’t give up. It is a little temperamental but I have been persistently working at it and training it to my voice and it is getting better. Of the two programs Vista offers so much more potential though it may take some time to get to it and then again there is always Windows 2007. = )

Have you had experience with either of these programs and want to share your experience? Leave a comment. I will look forward to hearing from you.

The Gateway to Lenovo

2009-05-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

In search of the right computer package that was economy friendly ended with a Lenovo K220. I was looking to get away from the old clunky LCD monitor that our old Gateway and E-machine had and replace it with a nice wide screen. I was also looking for storage and a faster processor. I work with a lot of graphics and photos and space is a must. I had never heard of Lenovo until I started shopping for a computer but once I found out that there was a long history with IBM it put me at ease. I found a fantastic package for under a thousand that had almost everything I was hoping for. Check out these specs:
LCD Size: 22.00 in
Speakers: LCD Sound bar
Operating Systems: Windows Vista Home Premium
USB Ports: 8
Microphone Jacks: 2
VGA Ports: 1
DVI Video: 1 DVI on Graphics Card
Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 2.50GHz Socket LGA775
Memory : DDR3 2x2GB
Total Memory: 4.0GB
Memory Speed: DDR3-1066 (PC3-8500)
Hard Drive Capacity: 640GB, 7,200RPM
Interface: SATA
Optical Drive Type: DVDRW Dual Layer ,
Optical Drive Class: DVD±RW DL
Media 16-in-1 Types: MicroDrive SecureDigital Memory Stick Multimedia Card Memory Stick Duo Memory Stick PRO Duo Memory Stick PRO xD Compact Flash II Mini SD Compact Flash I SecureDigital High Capacity, RSMMC, MMC Mobile, MMC+, Mini SD High Capacity
Audio Description: Integrated Audio
Graphics Description: Integrated Graphics GPU/VPU: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 Video Interface: DVI
Communications Description: Integrated LAN Support
Monitor Mount Webcam

As you can see the Lenovo is pretty loaded and with a price of around $700.00 it is a great package for basic computer needs. The performance thus far has been fantastic and my biggest complaint is the quirks of vista. I look forward to getting comfortable with my new PC environment and being more productive.

How New Nikon D5000 Brings a Little Accessibility to Photography

2009-04-23T23:55:00.000-07:00

When I first saw the Nikon D5000 it was love at first sight! As it happens I have been shopping for a new digital camera to replace my Nikon D50 and at first glance it appeared to have everything I am looking for and then some! However, writing for a technology rental firm has taught me to study reviews and talk to other users before buying the next big thing.

So I set out to find out what the Nikon D5000 had to offer and I found myself with quite the dilemma. The Nikon D5000 has a swivel display with LCD cover built on it and I found this feature reason alone to want to go and buy it. As a wheelchair photographer there has been many times that I have been in a crowd and needed to get my camera up over my head to get my shot; usually missing that “moment” due to shooting blind. I have wished for something like this for some time. After all, this feature was available on camcorders, why not a still shot?

The D5000 is a 12.3MP and has the same type sensor as the Nikon D90 and the upper level D300 which promises great images even in low lighting. The Nikon D5000 also has a lot more shooting modes so that beginning photographers have the opportunity to be more creative.

Unfortunately, this fairy tale doesn’t have a happy ending for me. Because despite the swiveling LCD screen, movie making capabilities and many cool features borrowed from the D40, D40x D60 and D90, the Nikon D5000 has a few issues that are a deal breaker for me. The biggest issue here is no remote flash capabilities for studio lighting so while this camera is on the edge of being on a professional level it was mostly designed for the consumer who wanted extra features that a point and shoot does not offer. Here is a wonderful review that I found listing all the amazing features and the limitations of this new camera from Nikon.

Bottom line is if you want creative possibilities and have some extra cash the Nikon D5000 has all the bells and whistles you could want. However it is not for the professional who wants to work with remote flashes and studio lighting. So my love affair with the Nikon D5000 turned out to be a really big crush. Gosh it’s hard to find true love these days. ;)

Campaign Launch for Marijuana Has Legalization Back on the Table

2009-04-21T06:18:00.000-07:00

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws Foundation (NORML Foundation) a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization, established in 1997, has launched it's first pro-marijuana ad campaign to air on select cable outlets like CNN, CNBC, Fox News Channel, Fuse, FX Networks, G4, MSNBC, CNN’s Headline News and Spike TV. This brings a lot of hope for chronic pain sufferers.

NORMAL reports that:

Since 1965, over 20 million Americans have been arrested on cannabis-related charges—90% for possession-only; over 900,000 cannabis arrests are expected again this year.

Millions could be saved in tax dollars if these people were never arrested to begin with and most have chronic pain and no criminal background other than possession.

On a personal note, my husband who has suffered with chronic pain for 12 years, could benefit greatly from its use. After seven back surgeries he lives on a drug regimen of 35 pills a day, including two different kinds of morphine. Despite the array of medications available to him not a lot of relief has been gained. We like the idea of having a more natural alternative or at least supplement. My biggest concern is the potential of addiction and it becoming a gateway to heavier drugs. NORMAL advocates with strict regulations, education and age restriction, legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana could be beneficial.

Here is the ad:

Stereotypes, Counter Productive Super Sensitivity and Empowerment

2009-03-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

I tried to avoid writing about it but after tons of email in my box about the subject I decided it was time to inject a different perspective here. Obama flying without a script and the eloquence that we are all used to in his speeches, made a reference to the Special Olympics and his low bowling score. After the show he immediately called the Special Olympics and made an apology. Since then I have seen demands for public apology.

I must confess, the first thing I thought of when I heard of Obama’s joke on Leno, was Brittany Spears. How many jokes and crude references have been made at her expense? Jessica Simpson has also been the target of many jokes. These are the “poster girls” (please pardon the expression) for “dumb blondes.” This shows that women are still under the scrutiny of ethnocentric thinking. I bring up this comparison to say that people are always going to make stupid jokes at the expense of someone else. I’m not saying it is right, in fact I think Brittany and Jessica deserve apologies too and all the blondes for the blonde jokes, and all the Hispanics, the elderly, gays, African Americans and Indians and for the horrible jokes about Catholic Priests and small boys. Who defends their pain and embarrassment? Yet, everyone, even perhaps yourself makes a joke at the expense of someone else. We as disabled people have developed our own ethnocentric thinking about able bodied people. We make assumptions about what people are thinking when they look at us based on stereotypes all the time without considering that we might be wrong. Keeping our guards up and missing the opportunity to make a connection in fear we might get our feelings hurt.

It is important to speak out against all kinds of derogatory and hurtful things However super sensitivity can be counter productive to our cause. Now before I start getting a bunch of hate mail I just want to say that I get it. I understand. If I had a dollar for every time someone told me to stop speeding, or asked me if I’m going over the speed limit or some silly one-liner to that effect, I could pay the federal deficit and my daughter’s college tuition. Sometimes it is annoying, after all it is hard to feel sexy or attractive when people are constantly eyeing your wheels. Some times it is embarrassing when people call attention to our infirmities. But I have learned the context of their remarks most of the time is simply trying to make conversation, or they are trying to lighten up the anxiety of what they are feeling in efforts to put their self and believe it or not you at ease. I view it as this, joke gets made as an expression of acceptance from them (as misguided as it is) and by joking back it is an unspoken acceptance from you to them. It allows a real connection and puts people at ease and people really appreciate that. I know some people are just plain mean but the ignorance of those who fear is something all races, sexes and religions and body types have to deal with.

My point here is that when you are quick to put up defenses you are pushing people away and to really make a difference we need to meet people half way and draw them in, let them get to know us. Laugh with them, joke with them and don’t take it all so seriously. Eventually it will hit these people that we are not so different after all and maybe they will even get past our disabilities and see how gorgeous we are ;)

Want to do something about the stereo type? Why don’t we consider the Special Olympics? The term “special” has become some what of a derogatory term when referring to people with disabilities. I remember the references to “special” education and the automatic referral to those people who attended was “r.” Why don’t we give the Special Olympics a more empowering name like “Ablelympics?” By making changes in the dynamics in how we introduce ourselves to the world we present a new picture of association. The media COULD be more of a help in this area but we have to start with ourselves and eventually people will hop on board.

I realize I am challenging our disabled community to think differently about things and I am aware that my views are not going to be the most popular. However the brutal truth of the matter is we own the responsibility to change perception. We own the ability to shape the new stereotype any way we want and I have seen it happening with our art and athletics and our progress is something to be proud of. In closing I want to say that those with intellectual disabilities are a huge target to many horrible jokes and acts of hate. I believe that stereo types need to be changed. I hate for anyone to be poked fun of out of meanness. In Obama’s case it was a temporary moment of ignorance. What Obama said was wrong, and he apologized. I am sure he understands the weight of stereotypical thinking and he is truly sorry for the incident. We should let this one go and choose our battles for the most positive outcome and be proactive in our own cause; because we are not helpless or powerless.

I’m Sorry Isn’t the Hardest Thing to Say

2009-03-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, regression and retaliation the foundation of such a method is love – Martin Luther King Jr.

One of the hardest things to say, is I forgive you. When someone important to us wrongs us and hurts us deeply it is much easier to hold on to anger. Anger gives us strength, it gives us the illusion that we are in control of ourselves and nothing can touch us again, hurt us again and we begin to feel that we will never hurt again.

In most religions, at least, the constructive ones, we learn that anger is like your first experience with cocaine. It gives a feeling of invincibleness and strength and it empowers; but as we continue to "use" it and breathe it in, it becoms an addiction and to embed itself within our being. It begins breaking down what is good in us and begins destroying our relationships with other people and within ourselves.

This is something I learned from my experience years ago when someone I loved was hurting me. I know what it is like sitting in waiting for the opportunity to get my revenge. I also know what it is like to take that revenge out on myself as if I deserved more pain for allowing it to happen.

I forgive you

It is the place where the heart begins to beat again and where new dreams are born. It is the place where you let back in the people who love you and say goodbye to those toxic people who have to figure it out for themselves. The important thing is to set yourself free from a drug that not only has the power to destroy the beautiful person you are but the family and friends who love you.

I write this with survivors in mind and a friend who is lost in the proverbial "drug," but it applies to anyone

Brightest of Blessings My Friends

Love Etha

VR Lens for the Wheelchair Photographer

2009-03-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked by one of my “Twitter Mates,” if I would write a little something on what it is like to be a wheelchair photographer. I of course am very happy to oblige. I want to talk a little bit about the equipment that I have and why I chose it.

I own a Nikon D50 digital SLR, and two lenses. One lens is the standard 28-80mm lens for close range shooting, like headshots, or focusing on a specific object. The other lens is a 55-200mm VR. VR stands for vibration reduction and vibration reduction is a disabled person’s friend! I don’t have cerebral palsy but I do have many of the same characteristics such as spasticity in the muscles that can cause a little bit of a tremor. I really didn’t realize how much I did it until I started taking pictures. Holding a steady shooting position can be a challenge for any photographer sometimes and the VR feature helps reduce movement. It also helps the lens shoot sharper pictures under lower light.

Optical zoom is also a friend to the wheelchair photographer. So many places are inaccessible and the longer the zoom the more places that can be accessed. Optical zoom is more important than a digital zoom. Digital zoom crops your image in camera and then enlarges it, resulting in huge loss of information. An optical zoom moves your lens closer to the subject leaving all the information in tact and then cropping can be done later using a photo editor. Remember, with an image you can go from big to small but going from small to large pulls the image apart and degrades it, so you want to keep as much information in tact as possible; especially if you are printing. Even though printers typically print at 5mps choosing a camera with more will give you larger pictures; this allows you to take pictures at a greater distance and allows you to crop the out the information you don’t want to produce the image you want without degrading it.

There are many challenges to photography, from trying to hold two buttons down with double jointed fingers to focusing the camera on a tripod. I can only offer my own experience and ideas. As disabled people we find creative ways to find accessibility in a inaccessible world and photography is no different. I hope my experience and my challenges will encourage you to get out there and be creative!

Jerry Lewis Humanitarian

2009-02-23T11:55:00.000-08:00

If it’s pity we’ll get some money. I’m just giving you the facts. Pity … if you don’t want to be pitied for being a cripple in a wheelchair, don’t come out of the house. - Jerry Lewis
May 20, 2001
Interview on CBS News Sunday Morning

I want to make it clear that I am not an angry advocate who is pissed off at the world and nit picks at every little thing an "abled bodied" person says or does; but I picture the humanitarian award given to someone like Mother Teresa or Bono. Jerry Lewis has brought his integrity into question by making some pretty discusting remarks about not only the disabled community but blacks and the gay community as well. To me a true humanitarian would not hold public contempt for certain groups of people but intead encourage the embracement of diversity and promote harmony.

Jerry Lewis, the longtime spokesman and fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award on Sunday evening for his tireless efforts on behalf of the group. During his 43 years as host of the group's Labor Day telethon, the organization has taken in almost two billion dollars.

Every year as a kid my family and I would gather around the television to watch the Jerry Lewis Telethon. I remember the knots of anger twisting in my stomach as Jerry would put his arm around a small child sitting in a wheelchair and talked about pity and mercy and giving. To me it was as shameful as a peddling preacher or greasy used car dealer trying to pawn his latest rust bucket on anyone gullible enough to drive off in it.

In the 70’s and early 80’s my family was fighting for my right to be in public school and for my civil rights to education and opportunities that should be given to everyone. It is hard to convince people that a “crippled” child can learn and grow into a fully functioning and contributing member of society; when the stereotype pictured that same “crippled” child as someone who is helpless and someone to be pitied.

Apparently my feelings on this issue are not alone as protesters gather to speak out against the award. Here is a video with more on the protest.

The Protest

… I realize my life is half, so I must learn to do things halfway. I just have to learn to try to be good at being a half a person… - Jerry Lewis
September 2, 1990
from Jerry Lewis’ article, “If I Had Muscular Dystrophy,” Parade magazine

We have come a long way since the days of Jerry Lewis and even the media has embraced the disability movement to demonstrate that we have a whole life not just a half of one. We have children and get married, we graduate colleges and get jobs, we play sports and dance; and we do it sitting down.

As Adidas Says Just Do It!
Watch:No Excuses

The 43 year run of the telethon raised 2 billion dollars, Jerry has been committed in his efforts and I believe his heart is involved with his convictions; but the telethon also embedded 43 years of pity into our society toward people with disabilities. I think we have all learned that disabled doesn’t necessarily mean limited. Having a disability is not a tragedy; the tragedy is buying into the lie that life is over when you get one.

For more information on the protest please visit the Trouble With Jerry Website.

I love to Hate Computers

2009-02-10T21:40:00.000-08:00

I can't help it. I get up in the morning and the first thing I do is flip on the computer. As Ralph (my husband’s evil emachine) boots up I go in the kitchen and make me a cup of caffeine, sometimes coffee but most of the time it is tea (I like to pretend it is better for me) Then I race back to check my email and see what exciting things I have missed since I shut Ralph down the night before. I’ll admit it I have joined the culture of computerized socialization, diving into newsgroups and social networking sites and email and Googling every subject that ever crossed my curiosity.

Lately, my ritual has been disturbed by a worm that reeked havoc on my WinBook (Tabitha) from my daughter cruising myspace graphic sites while she is supposed to be working in her virtual classroom as she is home schooled. As Tabitha was crashing I hurriedly worked to retrieve as many documents and pictures as I could and transferred them to Ralph. I of course also transferred the virus. So Ralph crashed too. Luckily I keep everything backed up on Lacey (my external hard drive.) After a series of reformatting and calling for help and reformatting again I finally performed an F disc and managed to get Ralph back on track.

Tabitha was not so lucky, something happened during the F Disc and I could not get her to accept windows. Needless to say I accepted my rank as “Private” in the Tech Army and took it Tabitha to a higher ranked Tech for help. Maybe I should stick with photography, graphics and Googling. Anyway, I am informed that Tabitha is back in action and meanwhile Ralph is having conflicts with the new Yahoo Messenger, Chrome and Itunes I suspect either my video card or my processor (sigh)

The good news is we filed taxes today and new computers are in the plans. I am long over due for an upgrade that can handle today’s graphic programs like the Adobe CS3 suite that I have been pining for. By the end of the month I shall have a new computer to name that will be dedicated to my morning ritual and working.

Provisions For Americans With Disabilities Included in Stimulus Bill

2009-02-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

This February 16, 2009, Presidents Day; the final version of the Stimulus Bill is expected to be complete and ready for President Obama’s signature. The Stimulus Bill is intended to give the economy a boost and increase job availability. In the latest draft, the stimulus bill includes several features that apply to people with disabilities.

Here is a list of some of the provisions as listed on the legislation page:

• Allocates $500 million to states for Vocational Rehabilitation grants to help people with disabilities prepare for gainful employment;
• Provides an immediate, temporary increase of $450 in individual Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits ($650 per couple) for 7.5 million seniors and people with disabilities;
• Allocates $7.5 billion for repairing public housing and making energy efficiency upgrades to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) -assisted housing, including a new program to improve emergency efficiency -- with new insulation, windows, and furnaces -- in low-income housing for disadvantaged groups, such as seniors and people with disabilities;
• Sets aside $13 billion in grants for schools for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, increasing the federal government's share of the costs of the special education law to 27 percent -- higher than at any time since the IDEA became law more than three decades ago;

• Provides $600 million to states to assist in making IDEA services available to children with disabilities who are two years of age or younger and their families; and

• Protects Medicaid health care coverage for millions of Americans, by providing an estimated $87 billion in additional federal matching funds over a two-year period to help states maintain their Medicaid programs in the face of massive state budget shortfalls. This could help offset cuts in 39 or more states that are facing budget shortfalls

Several changes are likely to happen before the bill finally becomes law.

Insomnia Turns Mild Mannered Woman into Lover of Fighters of Foo!

2009-01-22T01:53:00.000-08:00

Ok, ok, so I have always loved the Foo Fighters but it is true that my lack of melatonin bliss has made me a little quirky or at least more so than usual.

I have tried warm milk which just gave me indigestion, sleeping pills that knock me out for exactly 2 hours and I am back up again. I have tried journaling. I have even tried staying up all night well into the next day in the hopes that delirium will knock my insomniatic behind out for about six hours.

Ok, I confess I sleep just fine during the day…there I have said it. I have turned into a Vampire! I am sure it will work itself out. Winter always kinda gives me the blahs anyway...I am a summer girl through and through(must be the leo sun sign thing ;).

Maybe my body is still celebrating the freedom of school and having to be somewhere at a certain time or the fact that we are in a new house, but at least I am still productive. Since my laptop is down and we only have one computer and my daughter is home schooled, she gets on the computer during the day for school and I go to work at night (I work from home) It makes it kind of hard when you have to call people but it is only till I either get the laptop fixed or I get a new one, which ever comes first…LOL or maybe I should just rent one ;)

I am also getting my house together, drawing, writing and even shooting a couple of people (with my camera of course). I really miss all my friends at school and being in class though. I am a social creature despite being a Fighters of Foo loving vampire. Maybe it is time to FINALLY set up that party I have been wanting to have.

Many Disabled Americans Share This Minority Victory on Inauguration Day

2009-01-20T02:12:00.001-08:00

While I have never been spit on, enslaved or beaten and I have never experienced the bold disdain for being disabled I still identify with the discrimination that many African Americans face. You see, in my life, I have been asked to leave a restaurant by a manager who claimed that my presence was upsetting the other patrons. I have been denied access to classroom activities in school. I know what it is like to have teachers refuse to have me in their class rooms and I have also been denied jobs I was qualified for. I have tasted the bitterness of discrimination and I have witnessed first hand the heart wrenching abuse of those who have in history been viewed as less than human.

In our American history disabled people have been enslaved, imprisoned and euthanized. Cases among cases go to court every year over sterilization and institutionalization and the right to live.

I will never forget Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks but I will also not forget Terri Schiavo and the bitter fight her parents gave to keep her alive and the failure of our system to not only rule on the side of life but to allow a woman to starve in her bed. While Thomas Condon will spend 2.5 years in prison for gross abuse of a corpse for taking pictures. There is a grey distorted line in what is sacred.

While Obama isn’t a super hero and he is not going to change things over night this Inauguration day is a celebration of the changes and the strides we have made in our society. A Black man is our President and he represents that we can all achieve regardless of our condition. He represents how attitudes can change and America is paving the way for a more tolerant and accepting generation that can take diversity and use it to bridge gaps. He represents the “Dream” that Martin Luther King had. So while he may not be a super hero that is going to replenish our economy over night or rid the world of her evils and bring world peace, President Obama is still an American Hero and his inspiration could become contagious and we could all work together to usher in a new America, and the change that she so desperately needs.

Accessibility a Disappointment for the Biggest Inauguration of Our Time

2009-01-14T23:25:00.000-08:00

This Election Day was an exciting and proud day for all minorities. Obama’s win is a profound example of how the face of America has changed over the last five decades. It is a representation of true equality and equal access to the greatest job anyone could have in the United States of America.

This January 20th America will unite to swear in her very first African American President marking this Inauguration the biggest of our time. Despite claims of being the most accessible of inaugurations the International Press takes notice that equal access unfortunately does not apply; including seniors, the disabled and parents of young children, it's going to be a fierce challenge to see Barack Obama take the oath of office.

Washington Metro has warned that the days before, during and after the Inauguration crowds and security conditions will limit access of service. Station escalators will be turned off which means long lines at elevators that are needed for wheelchairs, strollers and the elderly. Washington Metro went as far as to advise all those who need assistance or special accommodations avoid coming downtown Washington on these days.

What about the challenged people who work downtown?

Then once people in wheelchairs or with walkers get to the site where swearing-in is due to take place, they will be met with the challenge of bumpy surfaces, grassy areas, and possible weather issues not to mention the challenge of inaccessible porta-potties and limited accessible restrooms. Backpacks and diaper bags are banned from the seated area on the National Mall as well as push chairs such as wheelchairs and strollers.

Technology Exceeds Health Care Service and Repair

2009-01-11T22:52:00.000-08:00

As you know, I work for a technology rental firm, and the service that they provide is invaluable to the traveling business person that has to jet all around the country and even the world for presentations or meetings. For example if you have a presentation to give in Miami you could have all your audio visual needs set up and ready to go when you get there. You can even have a laptop waiting for you with all the software you need waiting for you at your hotel.

As a disabled person I truly wish that all services could be made this worry free. Over the holidays I had the joy of not only wrestling with a Winn 32 Worm but I also had wheelchair battery go bad. I would charge it over night and be dead within the hour and I would have to charge it again. What a nightmare to be reliant on technology for daily functions. I called 7 different companies in a 20 mile radius and the ones that carried my batteries would either not accept my insurance or want up to $250.00 up front.

My insurance is willing to pay 80%. After three weeks of searching, arguing, calling insurance companies I finally found a company in Covington KY who traded my bad batteries for new ones and I paid no money up front. They even took the time out to answer my questions as to why they were willing to work with my insurance and all these other companies would not. We come to the conclusion that many health supply companies must be suffering and cannot wait for a insurance pay out when the possibility of getting cash upfront is presented. I had paid cash for my wheelchair so I imagine it was easy to assume that if I have the resources to buy a whole scooter, then batteries should be no problem. My situation three years ago was completely different.

Moral of the story is good companies are out there if you shop around for them. Given the right resources people with disabilities are able to do just about anything. However independence is fragile. So I find myself hoping that concept of worry free technology rental will become contagious in other areas and become the next new craze!

So my wheelchair and my computer are back up and running and I am running all over the place. I have new lessons learned and some inspiration to do a little research on why it was so difficult for me to get batteries. I am sure this is not just isolated in one area. What are your thoughts?

More Photography is on Flicker!

2008-12-04T23:06:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share a slideshow of my albums that are on flicker... enjoy! I know I enjoyed creating these.

There are also few portraits of me that my old friend Sheila Adner took.

My Latest Photoshoot

2008-11-30T22:50:00.000-08:00

I had Brittany come over last week to work on some of her graduation pictures and we took a variety of shots. I thought that I would share a few with you. I own a Nikon D50 that I call "Frank" I also have a Nikon speedlight which I refer to as...can you guess? Flash! Together they become Frank-n-Flash! Yes I know that Halloween is over but I enjoy the nickname. I know it is a bit odd to name my technology items like my computer(Tabitha), cameras (Frank, George, and Ringo) and external hard drive (Lacey), but it keeps life interesting; besides people name their cars...Right?

Anyway, back to Brittany. I shot her in my new house which was such a joy and I had the opportunity to use different backgrounds throughout the shoot. Check this out ;)

She brought her kitty with her for a few shots. Her kitty was amazingly good and I think she actually liked the attention.

After several changes of clothes we decided to do a couple of shots that were a little more mooody. So I created a couple of black and whites.

She wanted something serious, so I gave her serious...

We had an amazing day and we had lots of fun and we have tons of pictures that I will put on the new website that I am developing. I hope you enjoyed these.

Thanksgiving in Perspective

2008-11-26T13:50:00.000-08:00

Reporter "What are the best things about life?"
Brendon: "Having one."

Man! **sniff sniff**

I'm going to hug my kids

2008-11-26T10:43:00.001-08:00

Changes in Education for Children with Disabilities

2008-11-19T15:09:00.000-08:00

The time has come and Butler County is implementing the updates applied to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004. Ohio updated the special education rules, effective July 1, 2008. The purpose of the update to requirements is to improve and ensure that children with disabilities have equal opportunity, full participation in education, independent living and economic self-sufficiency.

In her introduction letter to the Operating Standards for Ohio Educational Agencies (OSOEA) serving Children with Disabilities hand book, Susan Tave Zelman, Superintendent of Public Instruction lists the new emphasis on the following standards:

• High expectations and support;
• Intervening services provided as early as possible;
• Evaluation of research-based interventions;
• Highly qualified teachers;
• Flexibility in requirements in reevaluating student progress and needs;
• Instruction in general curriculum, presented in settings with non-disabled peers as much as possible;
• Goals and services for transition into life after high school; and
• Equal participation in education and school activities for those in nonpublic school.

Access to OSOEA handbook is available here via PDF.

More changes are being taken into consideration and there is a public review and comment period for this draft document that is open until 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 21, 2008. To review and submit feedback on the manual or for more information go to the OSOEA
website.

Early screening is very important and If you suspect your child has a disability, contact the special education director in your school district. Here is a contact list for local schools in the Butler County Area
• Edgewood City School District: 867-7572
• Fairfield City School District: 829-4311
• Hamilton City School District: 887-5000
• Lakota Local School District: 644-1212
• Madison Local School District: 420-4778
• Middletown City School District: 423-0781
• Monroe Local School District: 539-2536
• New Miami Local School District: 863-0833
• Ross Local School District: 863-6150
• Talawanda City School District: 273-3572

I'm Home

2008-11-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

This is my new house. As you can see it is all flat and there are no steps. Jon is still getting things from the exterior of our old house but for the most part we are moved and we can consentrate on getting settled in our new home.

We have gotten started on the dining room that once had the same style paint job as the living room shown here. A white wall with one boarder going all the way around the living and dining area. A little lower and it could have been considered chair rail decor but it was about a foot and a half to high on the wall for that. Well I had different plans in store for my dining room, this shows it in transition. I'm not finished but I thought it would be cool to share my progress.

Please stay tuned... More to come

PS... if you are wondering how I painted, a broom handle and a roller goes a lonnnnnnnngggggggggggg way : ) Jon has to do the edging at the ceiling but for the most part I was able to do most from my wheelchair.

Business Traveling for People with Disabilities

2008-10-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

When it comes to employment there are many issues that people with disabilities have to take into consideration. Accessibility is one of the biggest concerns. Airports today are very disabled friendly with gate to gate service and accessible transit service in most cities. Hotels have also made accommodations by wheelchair accessible rooms complete with roll in showers and shower chairs.

But what about lugging all your technical things around? Projectors, computers and getting set up in time for a big presentation can be a big concern. Well… I have an answer for that too! Travel Techs! Your travel tech will take all the equipment and software needed to your presentation destination and have everything set up and in working order by the time you get there. All you will have to do is look over your notes.

So working and traveling with a disability is not only possible it can be virtually stress free with a little bit of advanced planning, good communications and the right services lined up.

Here is more information on Travel Techs.

Packing and Moving in a Wheelchair

2008-10-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, I am disabled due to head trauma at 10 months old. My disability has simular traits to cerebral palsy. I have occasional mild muscle spasms. My right hand has limited use due to tightness that draws it up a bit. I also have limited motion in my legs. My condition is not progressive though, as I age my challenges will become grater but it all depends on how well I take care of myself, just like anyone else. I give you this background to help you understand the process of my packing to move into my new house.

I use a scooter...

I prefer a scooter instead of the traditional type wheelchair....

Because when you sit back in a traditional wheelchair and put your feet up on the foot rests you have very limited motion. I'm not talking about the wheelchairs like the para's use to jump stairs and do tricks on skateboard ramps. I am talking about an electric wheelchair like this one. Do to the lack of proper control in my right hand I can not use a manual wheelchair. Anyway, with a scooter I can stand up and sit down with grater ease. I can twist my seat and pick things up off the floor. When I go to the grocery I drag my grocery cart behind me, much like a choo choo train. I move furniture around by pulling my scooter up to it and push it or I stand up and move the furniture a few inches, sit down move my scooter closer and repeat the process.

Moving with a wheelchair is a looooooooooooonnnnnng process but I do it and I really really love my husband because he lets me do it. Our first date consisted of him helping me move into my apartment in Hamilton. I had just got out of my car and popped the trunk when he pulled up. He caught up with me at the back of my car and instead of taking over my move he handed me a box before he took one of his own. I knew right in that moment he was the one. OK OK it was a combination between that, the cowboy hat he was wearing and the strawberry milkshakes he used to bring me. Every once in a while he still brings me one. Anyway, my point is People naturally want to do everything for me. I don't get offended because it is natural to want to help someone who is struggling. My family and my close friends know if I need help I will ask for it. They also know I wont ask for it unless I have made absolutely sure that I cannot. Call it my idea of extreme sports if you like, but when I go to bed at night with sore muscles and blisters on my hands I feel good... real good.

...And so it starts

2008-09-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hi, I am Etha, and this is my blog. I know that there are lots of blogs out there to read but I am glad that you took the time to stop by mine. So, let's see... about me... I am a physically challenged mom and photographer. I work as a web writer and I just finished my AA in Fine Art.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH Piece of news, I am buying a house :) It is on land contract and I am still amazed at how this opportunity came around but this house is modified for a disability. It has widened doors, big rooms, an awesome kitchen and no stairs or steps of any kind. It also has a two car garage that will keep my husband entertained for hours... What more could a woman want? I will post pictures soon. We aren't able to move in till October 19th so it will be a bit. Oh well plenty of time to pack right? 26 days and counting....