GLENDA'S VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR.

As we drove through high moors, which were tinged with the purples of flowering heather, drinking in the scent and admiring the views, I thought that Glenda would enjoy a virtual visit to the Danby visitors centre.

Whilst the boys played with Oliver's new Nintendo DS lite [whose ''toy'' is it ?!]

I asked Glenda a few of the questions that touch on things that have resonance in our lives.
Here is the interview :

Q1.
Do you feel that having cerebral palsy affected you ability to form friendships? Maybe it made you more determined to do so, or you were more reticent as a result of having a disability?

A.
To be honest, yes, I feel my cerebral palsy affected my ability to make friends. In class and in group settings I am quieter because of my speech impairment. However, the friends I do have I truly value. They have taken the time to learn Glenda-ish and to look beyond the cerebral palsy to see me. They are good friends.

Q2.
Have you ever considered the use of a VOCA [speech aid], and how do you feel about them?

A.
In the early days I refused to use the synthesized voice communicators because, with the state of technology, I felt they were more difficult to understand than I was, and I preferred to do it myself. A few years ago I used a text-to-speech program to give my first public speech. It was an amazing experience! Since then, I discovered NeoSpeech's Kate and it was love at first sound byte! Now Kate and I are becoming close friends as I learn ways to use her voice. 

If technology had been what it is today, then I may have been more receptive to using a communication device when I was young. And, if I had seen someone like Stephen Hawking using one to give lectures, then I may have been more open to trying one. Role models are key here.

Nowadays, I think these devices can be useful if care and time are taken in finding or developing a communication system that best suits the individual's needs. Otherwise, the communicator can be as limiting as no voice at all.

Q3.
Do you feel that disabled women are well enough represented or adequately considered within the feminist landscape? Do you feel that fighting against disabilism is more relevant to your life than fighting for feminist ideals as a disabled woman.

A.
I am not familiar enough with the feminist movement to say whether women with disabilities are adequately represented. My focus has been more on increasing awareness and accessibility for people with disabilities. However, the core principles of both movements are the same: equality and the power to make decisions that affect us. 

I read one article in which Gloria Steinem posed the question: where are we (women) in history? The same can be asked of people with disabilities.

Q4.
What equipment [can be more than one thing] do you most need or desire that you cannot get, or fund yourself?

A.
I really could use an adult-sized manual wheelchair. Only half of me fits in my old juvenile-sized wheelchair that has no rubber left on the wheels. I haven't had the time or energy to begin the funding application process. 

Darrell and I live on the third floor of a condo building; it's a beautiful unit. There are four doors to contend with to get outside. Automatic openers on two of those doors would make life easier. At the moment, Darrell and I cannot afford the $4000 per opener. I have not begun researching funding options. And, we would need approval the council, which might take some convincing. 

While I'm still dreaming, a van that holds two or more wheelchairs and equipped with a chauffer would also be nice!

~

I do hope that Oliver's life will be as happy, interesting, exciting and fullfilling as Glenda's, and that he'll have the same desire for independance.
The fact that equipment, and the funding of it, are such complicated issues is sad. And a real pain !
Many thanks Glenda, for your virtual visit. Maybe one day you'll be able to make a real trip to the U.K.

If feeling so inclined please vote for Glenda to be paid to blog for a year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLIVER !

Today, August 28th, our most beautiful, bright, witty, brave, clever, occasionally stroppy but always loved, delightful son was eight.
You want pictures?






The restaurant staff had some issues with the candles !

A little knitting.

A QUICK ROMP

through Oliver's weekend.
On friday he went trike training. We got lost, were late and annoyed a somewhat grumpy and judgemental physio. As it turned out, just under an hour on the trike was more than enough for Oliver. Especially as it was the first really warm day this summer.

We really appreciate the efforts that Whizzkids go to, to organize these events. We appear to be rare in this, judging by the very small turn out. We live over an hours drive away. At least we made the effort [says she,defensively !].
Then we had a preliminary trial of, and discussion about, a possible new manual wheelchair. This may take a while. I'll show pics next time. when it's more interesting.
Stuck in a traffic jam for two, hot hours on the way home. Kept the chick amused by singing and ''dancing'' whilst we sat and stewed !

Saturday was a lovely sunny day. It wasn't raining. A shock to the system ! I had a fabulous, enjoyable and relaxing afternoon sitting in the garden chatting and knitting with two friends. Great company. Lets do it again girls !
Oliver couldn't decide whether to stay and chat with the girls or go into town with Daddy !
Daddy won by a narrow margin.

Sunday was spent in the garden [never waste a warm and sunny day] whilst Allan went to the match. Lunch, games, chat and a small amount of knitting [as allowed !].

Look at that sky !

I feel sad. The holidays are almost over and it's only just started to feel like summer. At the beginning six weeks feels like such a short time, but it just flies by. I hope that some of it was fun for Oliver.

Tomorrow shall be a bigger post, because tomorrow is a very big day ! ...