        In November of 1981, during my senior year of high school, I was invited to participate in a somewhat unique social experiment. Eight students from my school were chosen to attend a weeklong national high school summit in the mountains outside of San Francisco. Our delegation comprised four physically challenged students, four able-bodied students,... Continue Reading →
Almost all of us want to do the right thing. We have been told to be respectful, courteous, and understanding towards others. And, for most of our day-to-day encounters, this task is accomplished without too much drama. Sure, once in a while, we run across a difficult person who makes us angry—and provokes a... Continue Reading →
Depending on your background or experience this time of year can bring about a potluck of memories and emotions. Some cherish reuniting with relatives and sharing stories. Others, find their long, lost sense of wonder when they espy a child sitting on Santa’s lap. But, if you’ve been around the block a few dozen times... Continue Reading →
Three years after beginning monthly massages, that type of human touch experience became second nature to me. At that point, I was ready for the next step in my quest towards sensual nirvana—lap dances. So, one of my friends drove me to a strip club an hour away from home. Upon entering, I saw nude... Continue Reading →
As the years wore on, yearnings for a romantic relationship slowly consumed more of my idle thoughts. Christmas and Valentines Day were my low points. Seeing couples kiss under the mistletoe, or watching a commercial of a guy giving chocolates to a lady, served as painful reminders of what I didn’t have. At the start... Continue Reading →
Humans are innately social creatures. A strong part of each person’s identity stems from how we were nurtured by our parents and how successfully we assimilate into our assigned peer groups. For most people, this is a natural process; however, many disabled people fight a life-long uphill battle towards acceptance let alone full inclusion. But,... Continue Reading →
There used to be a time when I could simply wheel down a sidewalk or be in a public area and not be harassed. Sure, my wheelchair and I always garnered predictable stares from children and stealthy glances from adults. However, by the time I’d reached my 18th birthday, I treated such rudeness as par... Continue Reading →
My friend and I went to the supermarket last Saturday. While attempting to maneuver our van through the crowded lot, we noticed that all nine disabled spots were taken. Since we live in a relatively small town, I know there's a very sparse wheelchair population. During my 40 years of living here, I wheel... Continue Reading →
In 1977, activists occupied the San Francisco Federal Building for 26 days to fight for disability rights. Photo by Anthony Tusler. I can honestly say that I was born to be an advocate. The complications of my birth gave me a disability known as Cerebral Palsy. As a result, my speech, balance, and some motor... Continue Reading →
Why I teach writing. Yes, I teach writing. Or, more specifically, I’m currently tutoring students who have one thing in common. All of my students are adults living with a condition known as cerebral palsy. Now, before your mind goes into automatic pity mode, please understand that the people I’m about to talk about, find... Continue Reading →
The classic age-old question is, if you could speak to your younger self, what would you say? As I slide into my sixties, I’ve come to appreciate many of the words of wisdom spoken by my parent’s generation. But, when I was a young disabled advocate, I ignored any advice from my elders because none... Continue Reading →