Put the Able in Disabled

Does anyone know that there will be a disability parade in NYC celebrating the 25th anniversary of the American disability Act in NYC?   Happening on July 12 2015.   Only July 26.1990, just 4 years  before  I was born the American Disability Act was passed. On December 23. 1994, I was welcome into this world as a healthy premature   baby after 3 months of intensive medical care in the hospital I receive medical neglect from staff. Shortly of an year old my parents found out I had Cereb ral  Palsy, placing myself into the disability population and the Ada generation as I am the first generation  to see and experience the greatest of the ADA.   I am grateful that I grew up in this generation of more people who are now more aware and accepting to people with disabilities, but I would  never want to forget those who struggled, faced harsh living conditions and some even died from such life style leading to making a difference...

Who am I? My name is Ketrina I believe in the People First Term. I am often label a person who is wheelchair bound. I am not confined to a wheelchair, I use it mostly for mobility My disability does not define my personality or disability it mainly defines my abilities, goals or dreams. I accept my identity don't get me wrong thats a gift that my family was given. It take me  a while to understand and realize things will not change. This was medical work.. I often felt down and ask myself Why me? Justice needed I will say But doing what I love since age 14..I got inspired with such vision... The happiness grew with me as I became an young strong youth advocate Thats who I am?  

I learned about People First Language when I started my Partners in Policymaking Course. It  made me a better advocate than I am today Many workers\aids that I have worked with often use the phase "wheelchair bound"  to define me and against They often pick or do for me instead of asking me utilizing my rights of choose. Also they often spoke to my mom before they address me. My mom will always have mothers rights but still.. One of the workers once told me you are wheelchair bound..you can't do anything for yourself I wanted to give up from that day one  They often just picked up my sneakers and put it on..I would get upset but I only wanted to keep the peace.  I recently realize why all of this was happening  A few days ago   my nurse came from my Home attendant agency and made some changes to my plan of care because I told my old msc which was over 6 months ago to call them to make some ch anges to my plan of care because they have on ...

Keep on labeling me another statistics is all it is its funny how all those labels still don't match I am an advocate all over for people with disabilities in my first semester of college I made it to national honor GPA 3.0 and still doing well. How do you label and individual such word mild mentally delayed since I had my last psychology evaluation at 16 years old and continues to follow me today ..its has been documented.. I am afraid that this will impact me in my future job wise and agency wise even though I feel many of these agency places a philsophy view on indivduals like for example " Oh shes wheelchair bound she can't transfer she can't be apart of our supported employment because you can't transfer on her own..that's discriminating..I explain..At times they see an individual like myself  their first point of view is that I am in a Day program although I have nothing against it its better than being home but where is the productive in abilities instea...

In the West Indians  People lack disability awareness The just label everyone disable and never realize the potential  a person with a disability can have like myself They lack medical care and treatment  They lack proper medical equipment and makes people with disabilities have decrease growth and strength  My family be where my parents are from are shock to see all what I can do and all what I am doing They often put me down and think I am mental challenge but I often prove them wrong but this still don't understand my parents never use my disability as an excuse.. People in the island with disabilities don't have the system of inclusion so they don't attend school or anything now more child with hearing impaired are trying to be included in school but always feel that the students will make fun of them. Not everybody that they call disable is disable I they say many disabilities can affect you physical  and intellectual  but I am going to be hones...

When my heart hit that special place it hit home. It was all from downfalls and people judging me and refuse to realize i was full of potential..at times i wanted to give up but i always got back up and started again..Failing was just never in me I was always a determine person my self confidants back than seems to slow me down often put when I was first brought into an agency called United Cerebral Palsy and having an MSC at SKIP OF NY brought me to a complete new life and world. When UCP heard about my story and what I wanted to do and always continue to thank them for all they're doing for me and my family I earn respect they admire my hard work and how I wanted to reach far in advocacy levels and go to college. They help me make all these great things happen today I always want to thank my dad for his work towards my mission when I first told him about my vision and plans in changing the world for people in the developmental delayed community he smiled and said okay..Later o...

When I started  going to a Saturday Recreational Program we did a few things than we do now I would say even if its jewelry making and more than we do now  I would say. Even if its jewelry making or even broad games. Over the years many things open my eyes and allowing me to have a different views I realize that going to this program on Saturdays bored me, I still go a few Saturdays when I want to get time away from home but nothing productive happens there that is where I would like to see changes.I am just like every other teenager out there who enjoys doing different things and being active. All we do is eat and relax and chat with friends many indivduals that attend this program is low functioning to high functioning which I understand but in each person disability, they have abilities and can be productive of some kind.