Thoughts for a New Year

Sitting here in Los Angeles where I am spending the year I realize a few very interested things. One, I am expierencing the holiday season where there is not a frop of snow on the ground anywhere! This is such an alien concept to me! With the weather beingg in the high 60s this whole week I am actually enjoying this modified version of what they call winter here in Southern California. It certainly has given me a whole new perspective on the idea of a White Christmas!

As the the first decade of the 21st Century slowly comes to an end and a new one begins there are many thoughts that have been racing through my mind about the future of persons with disabilties. With the American with Disabilities Ammendmant Act passing and a new President office who has put healthcare at the forefront of his agenda which in my humble estimation is critical for the future of all Americans but especially those with disabilities.

As we enter this new decade the disability community I believe must be more vigilant in finding ways to truly define what it means to be a community. How do people and organizations dealing with a myriad of disabilities ranging from Cerebral Palsy, MS, Muscular Dystropy to Autism and Spinal cord Injury among many others find commong ground so that they can work together and fight the good fight TOGETHER! How will the disability community be defined for the 21st Century and its impact not only on just different types but even in broader context looking at areas of race, gender and sexual orientation. Disability impacts us all- it must be given the credence it deserves within political, business and cultural circles. Moving forward into this next decade these are the areas that I will dedicate my working life to explore & define and hopefully create a better life for many. I am eager to welcome 2010 and the new decade ahead!

A Promise...

In the new year (and new decade) I promised myself I would do more writing to look at disability issues throughout the lifespan focusing on every aspect of ones quality of life. While my interests are numerous and even more important is that readers find valuable information from everything from education to employment the goal is simple - share strategies that enhance all.

So, as we enter this new year & new decade I make this promise- I will continue to write and share my thoughts, expierence and ideas on disability and aging issues and the impact on our daily lives..

Please Mr. President....

Please Mr. President give me healthcare! The past few days have been truly life altering. I was denied healthcare insurance due a pre-existing condition
(Cerebral Palsy) which angered me to know end. I moved to California for a brief period of time and needed to get in state insurance which started me down this long and windy road. Through every step of the process I have been made to feel shamed for something I cannot change - the fact that I have a disability! It is crucial that I have basic healthcare coverage so that I can have a better quality of life. It makes no sense to me that healthcare companies don't see the inherent value in underwriting a person with a disability - someone who will be a loyal customer
(assuming the company provides valued services)throughout the course of there life.

We are on the eve of a vote that will change the landscape of healthcare in this country. While the Bill can be seen as flawed by many it does provide the opportunity for millions of uninsured Americans to be covered. This is a seismic shift in our healthcare system and I believe in our way of life. This means people like me with pre existing conditions will be able to participate in a more a robust way of life.
So on Christmas Eve I hope that Congress can provide a wonderful gift under the tree for all Americans!