As the Richmond Disability Examiner for www.examiner.com/richmond, my knowledge of disability resources have expanded.
It's amazing how many resources are available for those in need, especially those available from the state.
And, I've been amazed at how many resources are seeking volunteers -- have a few hours, there are many places seeking your help.
The disability community evolves around need and resource and a place to find the two. Check out the disability resources in Richmond at www.examiner.com/x-37348-Richmond-Disability-Examiner.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Connections 2010 Event
I had the privilege of attending the Connections 2010 Event in Richmond, VA on Saturday. An event offering an abundance of resources for the disability community.
Sixty+ vendors provided information about their specific resource to hundreds of attendees. As the Richmond Disability Examiner, I was amazed how receptive the vendors were to my offer of FREE PUBLICITY for their outreach. They were eager to share their resource with the Richmond community.
I learned a lot about resources and events since accepting the challenge of writing for http://www.examiner.com/. My scope of disability knowledge has expanded to include such things as Music Therapy.
I also learned a lot about ME during these past nine weeks of writing -- God is in control of my future. Through his leading, and my obedience to that still small voice, the 35 articles written have educated 2,135 readers in nine weeks! Wow.
What does my future hold as a writer -- GOD KNOWS, I'm just along for the experience!
Sixty+ vendors provided information about their specific resource to hundreds of attendees. As the Richmond Disability Examiner, I was amazed how receptive the vendors were to my offer of FREE PUBLICITY for their outreach. They were eager to share their resource with the Richmond community.
I learned a lot about resources and events since accepting the challenge of writing for http://www.examiner.com/. My scope of disability knowledge has expanded to include such things as Music Therapy.
I also learned a lot about ME during these past nine weeks of writing -- God is in control of my future. Through his leading, and my obedience to that still small voice, the 35 articles written have educated 2,135 readers in nine weeks! Wow.
What does my future hold as a writer -- GOD KNOWS, I'm just along for the experience!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Niki Swann Ms. Wheelchair VA 2010-2011
WOW! I now have a new appreciation for judging. It is a serious obligation, and certainly not one to be taken lightly.
It was a learning experience for me; it stretched my comfort zones by miles. It taught me valuable lessons in seeing beyond the physical. These ladies were amazing -- totally amazing. The ROLLED through their fears and ROLLED into victory lane. All of them were winners in my eyes.
2006, four years ago, I walked through the doors of the Holiday Inn, Midlothian,VA as a volunteer. 2010 I walked through the doors of the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center as a judge. Four years of incredible growth and knowledge in the disability community.
The Ms. Wheelchair America program has changed the lives of EVERYONE involved - from the contestants, to the volunteers, to the judges. NO ONE crosses their threshold and remains the same. If they do -- they left their heart outside the door.
I leave you with this motto: VOLUNTEER - it literally changes your life!
Nancy
It was a learning experience for me; it stretched my comfort zones by miles. It taught me valuable lessons in seeing beyond the physical. These ladies were amazing -- totally amazing. The ROLLED through their fears and ROLLED into victory lane. All of them were winners in my eyes.
2006, four years ago, I walked through the doors of the Holiday Inn, Midlothian,VA as a volunteer. 2010 I walked through the doors of the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center as a judge. Four years of incredible growth and knowledge in the disability community.
The Ms. Wheelchair America program has changed the lives of EVERYONE involved - from the contestants, to the volunteers, to the judges. NO ONE crosses their threshold and remains the same. If they do -- they left their heart outside the door.
I leave you with this motto: VOLUNTEER - it literally changes your life!
Nancy
Saturday, March 20, 2010
New Title ...
Since becoming involved with the Ms. Wheelchair America Program, life has been an adventure.
For me, a new title ... Richmond Disability Examiner for www.examiner.com/richmond. I write about my favorite things e.g. resources and events for the disability community. Check out my website at www.examiner.com/x-37348-richmond-disability-examiner.
AND ... I am attending the Ms. Wheelchair VA 2010-2011 Pageant at the end of the month, but this time, not as a volunteer, but as a judge. Oh my -- I feel like I have graduated from a four year university. Four years ago I stepped across the threshold of the Ms. Wheelchair VA 2006-2007 Pageant as a volunteer. This year I step across the threshold as a judge. I was overwhelmed at the offer.
AND ... the sequel, The Adventures Continue, is close to going to press. Hard to believe it has been almost a year since My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007 was released. Once again, we will release the sequel at the World of Possibility Expo in Maryland on May 14th.
Stay tuned for additional events -- they never end to amaze me at what the wheelchair users can accomplish.
For me, a new title ... Richmond Disability Examiner for www.examiner.com/richmond. I write about my favorite things e.g. resources and events for the disability community. Check out my website at www.examiner.com/x-37348-richmond-disability-examiner.
AND ... I am attending the Ms. Wheelchair VA 2010-2011 Pageant at the end of the month, but this time, not as a volunteer, but as a judge. Oh my -- I feel like I have graduated from a four year university. Four years ago I stepped across the threshold of the Ms. Wheelchair VA 2006-2007 Pageant as a volunteer. This year I step across the threshold as a judge. I was overwhelmed at the offer.
AND ... the sequel, The Adventures Continue, is close to going to press. Hard to believe it has been almost a year since My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007 was released. Once again, we will release the sequel at the World of Possibility Expo in Maryland on May 14th.
Stay tuned for additional events -- they never end to amaze me at what the wheelchair users can accomplish.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The Power of Language
Did you know that WORDS hurt? I'm sure you do. But do you also know that the use of the wrong words can also inflict pain? I'm sure you do also.
Kathie Snow's article "People First Language" reminded me of the power of words. Her article references the correct use of descriptive words relating to the disabilities community. Please read her entire article at http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/
What did I learn?
"Handicapped" is an archaic term -- it's no longer used in any federal legislation - that evokes negative images (pity, fear and more.)
"Disabled" is also not appropriate. Traffic reports frequently say, "disabled vehicle." (They once said stalled car.") In that context, "disabled"means "broke down." People with disabilities are not broken down!
Words are descriptive - they describe a person, a place or a thing. To correctly describe people, we must use the correct descriptive word.
The most important lesson I learned from her article:
People First Language puts the person before the disability, and it describes what a person has, not who a person is.
For example:
SAY - People with disabilities INSTEAD OF - The handicapped or disabled.
Let's take Kathie Snow's advice and THINK before we SPEAK.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
Kathie Snow's article "People First Language" reminded me of the power of words. Her article references the correct use of descriptive words relating to the disabilities community. Please read her entire article at http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/
What did I learn?
"Handicapped" is an archaic term -- it's no longer used in any federal legislation - that evokes negative images (pity, fear and more.)
"Disabled" is also not appropriate. Traffic reports frequently say, "disabled vehicle." (They once said stalled car.") In that context, "disabled"means "broke down." People with disabilities are not broken down!
Words are descriptive - they describe a person, a place or a thing. To correctly describe people, we must use the correct descriptive word.
The most important lesson I learned from her article:
People First Language puts the person before the disability, and it describes what a person has, not who a person is.
For example:
SAY - People with disabilities INSTEAD OF - The handicapped or disabled.
Let's take Kathie Snow's advice and THINK before we SPEAK.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Happy New Year
Welcome to 2010 --a year of promised memories that will change your life.
My 2010 is certain to be full of adventures with my wheelchair angels -- specifically Cathy Porter, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007. Life is never dull when I'm volunteering with Cathy and her incredible friends.
Cathy, and eight wheelchair angels, boarded the Celebrity Mercury for a twelve day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. Their goal -- to enjoy the open seas and an adventure of a lifetime.
Travel with the differently abled is an adventure indeed. What I saw was amazing -- wheelchair ladies dancing the night away with the able bodied. And yes, they made a HUGE impression on the passengers of the Celebrity Mercury.
Such an impression was made by Juliette Rizzo -- she won the dance contest against four able bodies couples. Her dance - THE TANGO. Her partner - Gabriel, a cruise professional dancer.
The Navigator Nightclub was overflowing with guests -- most unaware that one couple was differenly abled. It was a magic moment when Juliette and Gabriel rolled to the center of the dance floor -- then the music began and moment by moment the audience was mesmerized by the performance.
Dancing a TANGO is difficult for the able bodied, but add the power wheelchair and you have a sight to behold. And it was -- the judges were amazed and the audience, well the applause spoke loudly of their approval.
Five couples competed, but only one would take the trophy -- and that couple was Juliette and Gabriel. Visit http://www.nancycarey.com/, click on Eastern Caribbean to take a look at the winning couple!!!
Disable Does Not Mean Unable is Cathy Porter's motto -- and she proved it on this cruise. Juliette and Cathy danced the night away -- every night of the twelve day cruise.
SO ... if you're afraid to take a chance to experience LIFE, remember my wheelchair angels.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
My 2010 is certain to be full of adventures with my wheelchair angels -- specifically Cathy Porter, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007. Life is never dull when I'm volunteering with Cathy and her incredible friends.
Cathy, and eight wheelchair angels, boarded the Celebrity Mercury for a twelve day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. Their goal -- to enjoy the open seas and an adventure of a lifetime.
Travel with the differently abled is an adventure indeed. What I saw was amazing -- wheelchair ladies dancing the night away with the able bodied. And yes, they made a HUGE impression on the passengers of the Celebrity Mercury.
Such an impression was made by Juliette Rizzo -- she won the dance contest against four able bodies couples. Her dance - THE TANGO. Her partner - Gabriel, a cruise professional dancer.
The Navigator Nightclub was overflowing with guests -- most unaware that one couple was differenly abled. It was a magic moment when Juliette and Gabriel rolled to the center of the dance floor -- then the music began and moment by moment the audience was mesmerized by the performance.
Dancing a TANGO is difficult for the able bodied, but add the power wheelchair and you have a sight to behold. And it was -- the judges were amazed and the audience, well the applause spoke loudly of their approval.
Five couples competed, but only one would take the trophy -- and that couple was Juliette and Gabriel. Visit http://www.nancycarey.com/, click on Eastern Caribbean to take a look at the winning couple!!!
Disable Does Not Mean Unable is Cathy Porter's motto -- and she proved it on this cruise. Juliette and Cathy danced the night away -- every night of the twelve day cruise.
SO ... if you're afraid to take a chance to experience LIFE, remember my wheelchair angels.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
Monday, December 28, 2009
Christmas Memories
Christmas 2009 is history – and with it are incredible memories of time shared with family and friends.
Every Christmas I write the Carey Family Yearly Review – a month-by-month recap of the year; a tradition since 2001. Although it takes me hours and hours to write, it is a gift that keeps on giving year after year. Each member of my family receives their own PERSONALIZED review with words of wisdom from the Father in Heaven.
Thank GOD for the calendar on my refrigerator and my monthly reviews – they hold the memories in great detail. If I had to “remember” all the details of 365 days, it would be a MIRACLE.
As I wrote this year’s review, my heart overflowed with memories that changed our lives – from the marriage of my youngest son to the engagement of my eldest son. My sons are not my little boys anymore – but my adult boys whom I cherish and love deeply. They are expanding our family with daughters. I’m blessed to call them my friends as well as my sons. As a young mother I watched them grow in physical size and strength. As a mature mother, I now watch them grow in spiritual strength. Although the world tries to snatch them away, their faith keeps them close to the heart of God.
Children are GIFTS from God and we need to remind them daily how precious they are to us. We need to remind them constantly of God’s love for them – not just on Christmas.
It’s the little things that make our children feel important – thought of – cherished. And for this mom, it’s postcards. As an avid photographer, I use my photography as postcards to send special scripture reminders of how much God loves them. And you know, they receive them with love. Since they are truly personalized, they become keepsakes.
I’m blessed to have two sons – two precious gifts from God. Regardless of their ages, they are still my babies.
Christmas is over – a new year will soon begin. Add a new tradition to your Christmas to-do’s. Write a letter to your children – tell them how much you love them. Send them cards throughout the year – reminders that you are thinking about them. Two precious gifts that cost little, but are priceless.
From this mom to all moms around the world – SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH YOUR CHIDLREN TODAY. Tell them how much they mean to you – Tell them and SHOW them.
Nancy Carey
www.nancycarey.com
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007
Every Christmas I write the Carey Family Yearly Review – a month-by-month recap of the year; a tradition since 2001. Although it takes me hours and hours to write, it is a gift that keeps on giving year after year. Each member of my family receives their own PERSONALIZED review with words of wisdom from the Father in Heaven.
Thank GOD for the calendar on my refrigerator and my monthly reviews – they hold the memories in great detail. If I had to “remember” all the details of 365 days, it would be a MIRACLE.
As I wrote this year’s review, my heart overflowed with memories that changed our lives – from the marriage of my youngest son to the engagement of my eldest son. My sons are not my little boys anymore – but my adult boys whom I cherish and love deeply. They are expanding our family with daughters. I’m blessed to call them my friends as well as my sons. As a young mother I watched them grow in physical size and strength. As a mature mother, I now watch them grow in spiritual strength. Although the world tries to snatch them away, their faith keeps them close to the heart of God.
Children are GIFTS from God and we need to remind them daily how precious they are to us. We need to remind them constantly of God’s love for them – not just on Christmas.
It’s the little things that make our children feel important – thought of – cherished. And for this mom, it’s postcards. As an avid photographer, I use my photography as postcards to send special scripture reminders of how much God loves them. And you know, they receive them with love. Since they are truly personalized, they become keepsakes.
I’m blessed to have two sons – two precious gifts from God. Regardless of their ages, they are still my babies.
Christmas is over – a new year will soon begin. Add a new tradition to your Christmas to-do’s. Write a letter to your children – tell them how much you love them. Send them cards throughout the year – reminders that you are thinking about them. Two precious gifts that cost little, but are priceless.
From this mom to all moms around the world – SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH YOUR CHIDLREN TODAY. Tell them how much they mean to you – Tell them and SHOW them.
Nancy Carey
www.nancycarey.com
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007
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