Fashionably Advantaged Magazine

Spring 2014 Issue

Staff Founders, Editors and Publisher:

Lesley Wilks lesley.wilks@fashionablyadvantagedmag.com Ashley Wilks ashley.wilks@fashionablyadvantagemag.com

Contributors:

Lesley Wilks Editor-In-Chief/Content Developer Teanna Ross Design and Layout Creator Sa’Mel Wilks Technology Blogger Dynasty Wilks Sports Editor Ashley Wilks Art Director/Fashion Director Jacqui Yawn Intern Rhonda Stevenson Guest Writer

For Media and Advertising Inquires:

Email: info@fashionablyadvantagedmag.com FASHIONABLY ADVANTAGED MAGAZINE TM wholly, or in print, without prior permisssion. is protected by copyright and nothing may be reproduced, The acceptance of advertisement does not indicate editorial endorsement.

Copyright 2013 Fashionably Advantaged Magazine All Rights Reserved.

FASHIONABLY ADVANTAGED MAGAZINE is a Trademark owned by Fashionably Advntaged Magazine, LLC.

In Every Issue PAGE 5

Table of Contents

Letter from the editors - “Live Your Dreams” PAGE 20

Meet the contributors

Features

PAGE 58

Recognition Spotlight PAGE 22 Handicap This

Be You, Find Your Inspiration - The Embrace You Project

Whose Help’n Who - Military Edition

The Sports Spot

Fashion

Sports Intro

Stylin Let’em Know - Sunshine King PAGE 38

Aaron Fotheringham is Extreme - Wheelchair MX Extreme Sports

PAGE 41

Health & Nutrition

PAGE 26

PAGE 33

Xeni Fashion - Fashion Wear for the Disabled Define Your Style - Stephanie Spangler PAGE 42

Define Your Style - Allison Cardwell Write-Up PAGE 29

Mommy I Wish I Could Tell You What They Did to Me in School Today PAGE 40

PAGE 62

Dream Big - When I Grow Up PAGE 64 PAGE 65

PAGE 68

Living Right Intro PAGE 69

Healthy Hearing PAGE 71

Dancing to the Beat of Her Own Drum - Corrina Gutierrez PAGE 74

Candise Jordan Say’s You Can Do It Too! PAGE 81

My Sister, My Hero - Cathy Porter

Actin the Part

Little Known Facts - Spina Bifida

Technology

PAGE 44 PAGE 48

PAGE 82

Normal People Scare Me

Get Hip Technology Blogging

Unbeaten - Oz Sanchez

Extras

PAGE 63 PAGE 77

Chair Aerobics Lifestyle, Culture & Entertainment PAGE 45

Women Embracing Abilities Now - Janice Jackson PAGE 47

Did They Really Say That PAGE 53

4 Wheel City

PAGE 83

Stay Hip - Rhonda Stevenson has the Answers

Who We Are

Fashionably Advantaged Magazine

is all about making a difference in the lifestyle, fashion, beauty, health and entertainment world.

We pride ourselves and are committed to showing that no matter what an individual may look like physically, their limitations, disabilities and disadvantages may be we can all be uniquely fashionable.

With this magazine we hope to showcase the abilities of many outstanding youth and adults with disabilities.

We recognize that there is no other magazine that embodies the fashion, heath, beauty, and entertainment world like we do and we are here to infuse a little awkwardness in peopls’s lives.

Editors Note Close your eyes, sit back, and now think back to the time when you were a child and you wanted to be a fireman, doctor, singer, actress and/or dancer. For some of us we wanted to be all those things and more, for others we knew exactly what we were going to be and no one could tell us any different; whatever the case the possibilities of what we wanted to be were limitless, as a child we didn’t have to worry about rejection because we were dreamers and we believed.

Many times too often in our lives we are told that we can’t do something or be something because we have physical or mental disabilities or because we look different. The fact that society plays a big role in how people view themselves is seen every day in the media. Society has taught us that beauty is the pretty girl who is the skinny model type and that the guy who is muscular athletic and tall is what everyone should look like and it doesn’t matter if they have talent, as long as they fit the mold, then it works. Society has made us believe that no one wants to turn on their Television and see someone who has a physical disability or who is heavier or of curvier body type because individuals that look like that are not what society usually calls beautiful especially when it comes to media purposes.

Because of this many of us have given up on those dreams that we once had when we were young; because we start to believe in the message that society is selling. So it becomes easy for us to believe that we are not accepted and before we know it those dreams that we once believed in began to fade away.

We’re not going to put all the blame on society because even then, at the end of the day it all comes down to how much we believe in ourselves; and in our own dreams and how hard we are willing to work to make those dreams come true no matter what anyone thinks of us or our differences.

In this 2nd issue of Fashionably Advantaged Magazine we have chosen to focus on DREAMS and what it takes to make our dreams come true... We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed writing it. Live Your Dreams!

Sincerely,

Lesley Wilks President Ashley Wilks Vice President Sa’Mel Wilks

Contributing Editor

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Growing up Fashion was just apart of who I was. Its what I lived and dreamed.

Fashion is one example of freedom of expression that allows many to demonstrate how they’re feeling on the inside, which shows through our outward appearance. The most important enjoyable part of putting pieces of clothing together is that it doesn’t really matter about the price tag.

The important elements to remember when it comes to designing or picking an outfit off the rack are the dynamics of texture, shape and print.

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Music has always been the joy to my heart. As a young girl I only dreamed of being in front of the microphone and performing for a crowd with my hair brush.

I realized and understood that music makes you feel a feeling that can be indescribable; It was like a necessity just like water and food. Napolean Bonaparte said it best “Music is the voice that tells us that the human race is greater than it knows;”and “Where words fail music speaks”-Hans Anderson

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FAM Contributors Technology Blogger Sa’Mel Wilks grew up surrounded by individuals with disabilities she learned at an early

age that individuals with disabilities were no different than she was or anyone else for that sake; she believes that the dreams and hopes of those with disabilities are just like any other person who wants to succeed in life. In balancing it all Sa’Mel attends college on a regular where she hopes to cmplete her studies in Psychology. In her spare time this technology blogger loves landscape photography and has a love for all things CSI. Email: samel.wilks@fashionablyadvantagedmag.com

Sports Editor Dynasty Wilks has always had a love for working with individuals with disabilities.

Growing up she knew she wanted to help elderly and youth with disabilities to learn to understand that they could be all that they wanted to be in life, as long as they had the right encouragement. From her prespective Dynasty believes that those with disabilities aspire to be so much more than the stereotypes that society puts them in. In keeping her priorities straight she hopes to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is a fan of all things football.

Email: dynasty.wilks@fashionablyadvantagedmag.com

Graphic Designer Janice Recede

is an upcoming graphic designer from the San Francisco, Bay Area.

Janices’ work has been featured on flyers, mixtapes, single covers and websites throughout the internet. One of her most famous pieces of work is the back cover of recording artist Trey Singz “#lemmeholdatdeat” mixtape.

Email: jnicelove@gmail.com View Work: madebyjnicelove.tumblr.com

Guest Writer Rhonda Stevenson is well too familiar with the struggles that individuals with disabilities

are faced with. As a mother of a 30 year old daughter, who was born with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Rhonda says what she has learned from her daughter’s life is what she shares with others whenever she can. Rhonda believes that when parents of a child with a Disability come together as a team, the support is a plus to everyone’s life. She continues to spend her days motivating, mentoring and providing advocacy for youth with disabilities.

Email: rhonda.stevenson@concast.net

Intern Jacqui Yawn

is a fun and creative intern from San Diego who enjoys participating in wheelchair sports especially soccer in her spare time. She is currently studying for her Master’s Degree in American Literature at San Diego State University where she also has an interest in disability literature and is also an intern writer for San Diego Entertainer Magazine. Her work includes film reviews, event pieces, interview articles and celebrity gossip.

Email: jacqui.yawn@fashionablyadvantagedmag.com View Work: www.sdentertainer.com/author/jacqui/

Graphic Designer Teanna Ross is the Owner/Kreative Eye Design, a Los Angeles based Graphic and Web

Design Consulting Agency. Ms. Ross prides herself in providing her clients with out of the box solutions. She is passionate about what she does and enjoys educating business owners on various branding/marketing tactics enabling them to take their business to the next level.

Email: tross@kreativeeyedesign.com View Work: www.kreativeeyedesign.com

Recognition Spotlight

HANDICAP this

By Ashley and Lesley Wilks

Handicap This! is a based on a true story of two friends by the name of Mike Berkson and Tim Wambach. Their

story started back in 2001 and is a story that continues on today but through a stage play this is based on the two and their true friendship. Mike Berkson and Tim Wambach hope this show will further their message of ‘Judgment Not Allowed’ and inspire all of us to do more with what we have. Handicap This! will stir your senses, challenge your thinking and wake up your attitude. It’s a look at breaking down barriers and living with handicaps - most of all about EVERYONE’S potential.

Ashley: What was it that brought you and Mike close to each other?

Tim: Mike’s sense of humor and his ability to have fun in any situation was what brought me close to Mike. He is so witty and his zest for life is contagious. Couple all of that with his attitude of perseverance and it was a match made in heaven.

Mike: Tim didn’t pre-judge me. He may have been an adult in age, but not in spirit. He rolled with the punches and made my day more enjoyable. We seem to share the same sense of humor. We are always laughing about everything and nothing at all.

Ashley: What is the age difference between you and Mike?

Tim: Feb. 14th, 1974 Mike: Feb 4th, 1989 Ashley: Oh Wow! Lol that’s pretty cool! Did you ever think that a friendship like what the both of you have would be possible? Or was it something that never crossed your minds?

Tim: I think what has made it work for so long (I met Mike in the summer of 2001) is that we never really had any expectations of each other. Our whole relationship has been extremely organic. It just keeps growing and growing into something bigger and better.

Mike: Yeah, I don’t think it ever really crossed our minds. We enjoy each other’s company and have been able to turn our relationship into something bigger than ourselves.

Tim: I will try to give you the medium sized answer. Back in 2005 I did a cross-country run, to bring awareness to CP, to Mike, and to show people what was possible, because I wasn’t a runner before that. Anyway, after the run, Mike and I would be asked to speak to various groups. Every audience we were ever in front of LOVED US! They wanted more. One day after we had just spoken at a parents group, I brought up the concept of turning our speeches into a show.

Mike: I was all for it! Only problem was we didn’t have the first clue about how to turn what we had into a show!

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Tim: So, I contacted a friend of mine, Molly Mulcrone, who was a Theatre Major and just someone that we both thought would be able to help us come up with something.

prime movie season, so it was a challenge to get through.

I overcame it with my sense of humor and having a lot of positive people around me.

Mike: Molly was GREAT! She would interview us and give us homework assignments. She really would dig deep into who we are as individuals as well as how we were together.

She would come over to my house and just observe me and Tim.

Tim: Mike, I think they meant the show?

Tim: We contacted Molly in April of 2008. We didn’t have a timeline or anything like that. We just wanted something that would be a true representation of our relationship. We took our time and didn’t rush it. Molly had Mike and I take acting classes at the local community college and I was even in a play to learn more of what it takes.

Mike: It was a lot of fun because we were taking the class for a specific purpose. We had an outcome in mind.

Tim: Molly finished the script on Labor Day 2009. Then the work really started. We built our and we debuted Jan 21, 2010.

Lesley: Well that’s awesome! How long has Handicap This been in production?

Tim: Concept started in April of 2008. Our first show was Jan. 21st, 2010.

Ashley: What is your ultimate goal that you want to accomplish with Handicap This?

Mike: We want to do our show on Broadway in NYC! Because, if we can accomplish that – we will have made a huge impact in the special needs community.

Tim: We want to change the way that people look at people with handicaps. In our experiences too often people see Mike’s chair and they immediately think that Mike is mentally challenged. My whole thing is for people to see the individual, not the chair or the handicap. We want to perform for as many audiences as possible. Right now (June 2012) we have performed for over 10,000 people.

Lesley: What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

Mike: I had a spinal fusion in 2006. It was a 12-hour surgery that required 6 weeks recovery time. In the middle of summer, if you don’t know me, I LOVE the movies so summer time is

Mike: Oh. Well….you take that one.

Tim: Really our biggest challenge with the show was “liftoff”. From the inception of the idea until opening night was over 20 months. A lot of pieces had to come together to make that happen. We always had the big picture in mind and that really has guided us along the way.

Ashley: Where do you all draw your inspiration from?

Tim: I think the easy answer is to say from each other and there is a lot of truth in that.

Mike: I would say our audiences. Something happens when an audience experiences our show, hard to describe.

Tim: The impact our story has on people is visceral and it never ceases to amaze us how people are affected.

Lesley: When people see you doing what you are doing what do you think they are saying?

Mike: People say we changed their outlook and perceptions of people living with a handicap.

Tim: Another way to say that is we change people’s perspectives as well.

Mike: I think each audience member can take a lot away from what Tim has done.

Tim: And there is NO DOUBT that people are moved by Mike’s sense of humor and his attitude. People leave the show with a lot, on top of what Mike already said, I know they leave thinking that Mike is absolutely hysterical. People leave the show with a lot, on top of what Mike already said, I know they leave thinking that Mike is absolutely hysterical.

Mike: And they look at Tim as someone who will go that extra mile to help. I think the able-bodied people really relate to Tim, because here is a guy, that just went after something.

He didn’t let anything stand in his way.

Lesley: What is the ultimate message that you guys want to convey to your audience?

Ashley: What type of Barriers do you look to break down with Handicap This?

Mike: First and foremost, preconceived notions. The idea of “I can’t” we turn into “I can!”

Tim: People tend to look at differences negatively, we say, “Celebrate your differences!”

Lesley: One of your description statements says that you want to challenge peoples thinking, how do you go about doing that with Handicap This?

Tim: Our message is 3 fold. 1) Never give up. 2) Make the most of what you have. 3) Educating people about all abilities.

Mike: The candidness and the truism of the show. Since this is a true story and everything actually happened, people are forced to look at the bigger picture and evaluate their own situation.

Mike: What is so great about our show is that it hits everyone. The special needs community feels empowered.

The able-bodied community is educated and inspired. We are able to accomplish these three things because we Educate, Empower, and Entertain.

Tim: I always try to challenge people to look at the individual.

Not a chair or a handicap, but a person.

Ashley: That message sound like something that we try to convey to our audience and readers as well. What subjects does Handicap This touch on? Do you think that those subjects are realistic?

Tim: It is a 2-man show. Mike and myself.

Mike: Cerebral Palsy, school, perseverance, humor, society.

Tim: Everything is real. We use our relationship to teach.

What happened to us is highlighted for everyone to see.

Lesley: How often do you all put on a show?

Mike: It varies. As much as we can!

Tim: It seems that Fall and Spring are busier then Summer and Winter. But we will do a show anytime, anywhere!

Lesley: Humor plays a part of in your shows, why do you think it’s important to bring about a sense of humor to your performances?

Mike: It isn’t brought up as much as it is naturally funny.

When people are laughing they are not judging. Humor is a great way to break down barriers.

Ashley: How many characters participate in your show when being performed?

Lesley: What are some of the stereotypes that you think people have about individuals with disabilities? And what do you say to those who believe them?

Mike: I think that people automatically think if you are in a wheelchair than you must be mentally challenged as well.

Sometimes, I get the feeling that people think that we don’t have anything to offer society. The show speaks for itself. If you want to learn more about us go to http://www.HandicapThis. com visit our Fan Page on Facebook and share our Tweets on Twitter!

Lesley: Not only do you and Mike use Handicap This as a platform to bring awareness to the disabled community; but you also have the non-profit organization called “Keep on Keeping on,” can you give us a little info about this organization and what it does?

Tim: We received our 501c3 status in August of 2007. We help those living with severe physical handicaps, like cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, by purchasing hospital beds, paying for speech and physical therapy, we have bought Spring 2014 | 24

wheelchairs, iPads, and other equipment, we have made home modifications like widening doorways and our current project is putting an elevator in a home. We are constantly looking at ways to raise more money and gain more volunteers. Our non-profit organization is currently a 100% volunteer organization. We basically started after the cross-country run in 2005. In keeping with what Keep on Keeping on (KOKO) means, in the summer of 2014, KOKO will be re-doing the cross-country run. If you would like more information on whom we are or how you can help, please visit http://www.KeepOnKeepingOn.org Ashley and Lesley: We thank you guys so much for taking time out to answer our questions!

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Who’s Help’n Who

Military Edition

BEAUTY IS….

ACCORDING TO KEBRA MOORE

By Lesley Wilks

Kebra Moore is quite the unusual military spouse. On

the Eve of December 24th in 1999 Kebra Moore was involved in a motor vehicle accident, which left her paralyzed in the lower extremities; but despite her physical limitations Kebra continued to maintain a positive mental attitude and outlook on life that has helped to inspire many today. As a mother of two young man, wife to Master Sergeant Marquis Moore (USMC) inspirational speaker, recording artist/ singer and CEO of the foundation called “Focusing on Ability” Kebra has continued to push on and has not let anything get in the way of her career or her spirit. . With features on the cover of the April 2011 Gospel USA Magazine and her current sophomore project titled “Beautiful” which is a campaign that covers the topic of self-esteem and bullying; Kebra has outweighed the odds by using her music and inspirational messages, to raise the awareness and to inspire other military spouses to not give or conform to society’s definition of beauty by simply loving themselves regardless of skin complexion, body shape, size type or disability. To find out just exactly what the definition of Beauty is to Kebra Moore, check out her interview that she did with us here at Fashionably Advantaged Magazine.

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Lesley: What does your campaign “Beautiful” focus on?

Kebra: Beautiful focus on the inner beauty that God has created, self-esteem and knowing that you are beautiful no matter what type of disability you may have.

Lesley: How long has your campaign been running and how long do you want it to run?

Kebra: The campaign is in its 2nd year. Each year the campaign will focus on different issues. This year the campaign focus is spinal cord injuries.

Lesley: What was the motivation behind starting your campaign…is there a specific story that you can share that lead you to it?

Kebra: The motivation behind the campaign is focusing on my personal story. I became disabled from a car accident, and instantly became paralyzed from the waist down.

Lesley: Is this just a campaign that you built for woman or is it something that is geared towards both military spouse woman and men?

Kebra: This campaign is focusing towards all. If I can help people no matter the gender I have done what the campaign has intended for me to do. I have personally helped some military wives with issues in their lives.

Lesley: What is your true definition of beauty?

Kebra: My definition of beauty is what is created from the inside. People say beauty is within the eye of the beholder, but beauty comes from first how you feel about yourself, how you carry yourself as a woman and man.

Lesley: Do you think that being disabled has changed your perception of what beauty is or have you always believe what you believe about beauty?

Kebra: Yes, becoming disabled has definitely changed my perception of what beauty is. I have always carried myself with respect and gave respect to other. However, becoming disabled I saw how others perceived me. It just showed that some people perception of living with a disability they could not get pass the wheelchair and their thinking was I am not beautiful. So at times, I felt I had to prove my self-worth.

Lesley: Your song titled “Beautiful” is AMAZING! Both Ashley and I loved it and we loved the message that comes from it. How did you come up with the concept and lyric content for that song? And is this song a huge part of your “Beautiful” campaign?

Kebra: Thank you both!! :-). The concept came from my personal experiences from just people in my life I came across who treated me differently because I am disabled. I dealt with other young women and teenagers who were going through self-esteem issues and the pressure of being a teenager. Yes, the song is a part of my campaign as well as my personal story.

Lesley: As a disabled military spouse have you come across other military woman and men who are disabled and how do you go about helping to encourage them to push on through their disabilities?

Kebra: Yes, I have come across some military spouses who are disabled, and we share stories and idea to help each other. I have also become friends with disabled veterans who served in the Iraq war.

Lesley: As with any person we know that there could be days when we all may feel like giving up, what encourages and motivates you to continue on and push through the hard days that you may experience?

Kebra: Yes, there have been plenty days where I have fallen short. I am a prayerful woman and I have my faith to keep me motivated. I have my husband Marquis Sr. and two children Marquis Jr. and Maurice who have brighten the days when I felt like giving up.

Lesley: What advice would you offer to military spouses who are not disabled but who have a disabled husband or wife?

Kebra: I will offer them to always keep faith and positive. It is hard to always understand what someone is going through if you are not the disabled. I know at first it may seem like an un-winning battle but through time, it will be well worth it. I use my husband as an example all the time to show how he stood behind me through all the years I have been paralyzed, and look at us. Married for 13 years and counting...LOL. Thank you so much for the opportunity!!! - Kebra Moore

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Write-Up MOMMY, I Wish I Could Tell You What They Did to Me in School Today “Mommy, I Wish I Could Tell You What They Did to Me in School Today” takes its audience on an informative but emotional journey.

This book allows us to enter the minds of 10 children who have different disabilities.

Through their minds and eye we are introduced to some disturbing and actual events that have taken place with these children when left in the care of teachers and staff, who are supposed to be trust worthy of caring for those with special needs. Working in schools that serviced children with specials needs for almost a decade and witnessing many staff members abuse and neglect many of the innocent children is what inspired author Richard Stripp to write “Mommy I Wish I Could Tell You What They Did to Me in School Today.” Richard felt that reporting to school administrators and to the state authority the atrocities that many of the children and youth were experiencing did nothing to prevent the actions from re-occurring. Richard felt that it was necessary for someone to speak for those who couldn’t speak for themselves.

About The Author As a child growing up, Richard really didn’t have any career goals; he began working on cars while in high school and was good at it. After he graduated, Richard planned on entering the military but was unable to do so due to his medical diagnosis of Epilepsy. Eventually he started his own auto repair business, which he operated for over 20 years. After Richard sold the repair business, he purchased a pub. During that time, a close friend was killed in a motorcycle accident, which caused Richard to be depressed for a long period of time. His wife suggested that he start doing some work with children with special needs. So Richard began doing part-time respite work with children with various disabilities, such as autism and cerebral palsy through an agency that was funded by the State. His ability to successfully work with the special needs population lead him to being offered a job in a school district. Through his newfound job, Richard was able to learn of the many things that happen behind closed doors with many of the children with special needs. That is when Richard took a chance to tell the stories of others. Due to the fact that Richard had always struggled with Dyslexia, as well as Attention Deficit Disorder, and reading was very difficult for him, he and others found it quite amazing that he was actually able to sit down and write a book that took him approximately one year to finish. The book has become a great learning and teaching tool and has even received the attention of President Barack Obama.

Author Q &A Is the book, “Mommy I wish I could Tell You What They Did To Me In School Today,” based on your own personal experience as well?

To some degree, yes. I mentioned earlier some of the things I struggled with as a child. Although I was capable of talking about things that happened to me while I attended school, I didn’t. Attending school during the 50’s and 60’s was a lot different than it is today. Learning disabilities weren’t understood as well as they are today. Teachers and students didn’t really understand how hard it was for someone like me to learn what was being taught. Homework was a nightmare for me. I would read, or I should say, try to read an assignment.

I had no idea what I read when I was finished. Teachers would call me lazy and stupid and tell me that I wasn’t trying. I was ashamed to talk about this at home. I didn’t understand myself why I did so poorly at school. Ironically, my Dad was a teacher as well but teachers just weren’t aware at that time of how extreme learning disabilities could be. Many of the children I talk about in the book suffer from seizures. I know from my personal experiences how scary that can be, which helped me to understand what and how they are feeling. This is also something I talk about in the book, something I couldn’t bring myself to talk about for many years. It sounds silly now, but at the time, I was embarrassed and ashamed that I had seizures. I was made fun of by some kids and called a “spaz.”

What do you want people to take from reading “Mommy I Wish I Could Tell You What They Did To Me In School Today?”

I want people to know what can and does happen to special needs children while at school. Parents of special needs children should be able to send their loved ones to school thinking that their child will be safe, educated, and cared for by individuals that are adequately trained and willing to always do their jobs in an appropriate manner; unfortunately, that is not always the case. Also, as I stated in the book, it’s important to remember that the majority of people that work with special needs children in our schools are very dedicated and caring.

Most importantly, I want people to know that changes can and must be made that will insure that these innocent children are kept safe while they are at school, and treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

Changes for the better won’t happen if folks don’t know that a problem exists. People must speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves. On a page in the book prior to the first chapter, I quoted Dr. Martin Luther King: “Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.”

How much success have you found in being an advocate and in telling the stories for children with disabilities who can’t speak for themselves?

Success is a tough thing to gauge. Many people have many different ideas of success. I would like to think that I have had a lot of success in being an advocate for special needs children. People have told me that watching and listening to me has helped change the way they interact with all children in a positive way. In regards to my book, I will consider it a true success when there comes a time when there is no longer any need for it.

What is some of the positive feedback that you have received from parents?

Let me share with you some of the things that folks have posted on the book’s Facebook page:

“Thank you for writing a book that talks about the hard stuff and also about hope that shares your experience from your work in schools and also from your own childhood. “Be Truthful, Gentle, and Fearless.” I think your book embodies that Gandhi quote…May God bless you and your wife for your work with special needs kids, for the way you live and move in the world demonstrating for others the kindness and love you would want others to have for you.” ~ Dawn

“You have done more for me and my family then you can ever imagine. You opened my blissfully ignorant eyes and made me realize that, although there are many wonderful people who truly care about kids like my son, there are also very bad and cruel people out there and I need to be aware of it.” ~ Kathy

Why was it important for you to tell these stories?

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“I had talked with you awhile back when I was reading your book. I have to say to this date that book had the greatest impact on my life than anything I’ve ever read. Sometimes we trust blindly. I was one of those people. My son cannot tell me anything. Now I know to keep a very close eye and ear to the school. There are many levels of abuse. I learned that from your book. Like talking about the child in a negative way because you think they can’t hear or repeat you. It is a rare, unique book that has live changing abilities!” ~ Tracey

“I just read the book straight through, and am very moved. As a teacher of students with severe special needs, I found it truly motivating. While I hope my standards and respect for each child make a positive effect on his/her life, I can’t help but think how every teacher preparation program should have an ethics component that includes material such as your work. Thank you.” ~ Susan

“Your book came in the mail today. I took it to a doctor’s appointment I had earlier to read while I wait. The minute I read the first paragraph in Adam’s story I knew I would be crying any minute now. I had to find my composure, so I don’t look crazy in that waiting room. I took a few minutes and continued reading. One hour later, I could not put the book down; I didn’t even hear them call my name. Back home now, I just finished it. WOW! First let me say that, I am taking it with me to my son’s school Wednesday and I will demand that as many people read it as possible. It’s such a simple, honest, heartfelt, cruel, educational, empowering read. It’s written beautifully! It made me cry on several occasions, but it made me mad at even more. I am still processing it... I think that, what you wrote about everyone falling into traps is so true... Reading this I realize that I’ve done the same at home in front of my son... I spoke of him, his disability as if though he did not hear me, or understand. You made me analyze my own parenting, and I will be a better mother because of your book. I will respect my son more, I will listen better, even though he is non-verbal, and I will LOVE more, if at even possible. Thank you.” ~ Kathy And finally, realizing that children are the future, I must share a post from a 13 year old girl named Shelby:

“I got your book for Christmas yesterday and I finished it already. I fell in love with it. It’s an amazing book and I learned a lot about special needs children and what they go through on a daily basis and how they are treated.

The way that some of the kids were treated was so mean and cruel, like they couldn’t hear and like they didn’t have feelings like we do but I was truly amazed by how you made so many of the kids day just by a small hello or a how are you today and showing that you care. Some of the kid’s stories brought a tear to my eye. And I absolutely love your book ♥” 31 | Spring 2014

Has there been any negative feedback from others? And if so how have you handled it?

The only negative feedback that I have received is a concern that the book will make people who work with special needs children look bad. When this occurs, I remind them of a quote from the book, which I mentioned earlier: “It’s important to remember that the majority of people that work with special needs children in our schools are very dedicated and caring.”

What do you look to accomplish with this book if you have not accomplished it already?

I hope to create enough public awareness in regards to what I wrote about so that people will demand that changes be made.

Cameras or “web-cams” in the classrooms that parents have access to at any time will eliminate the majority of problems that I discuss in the book.

What encouraging words can you offer to parents and children who have experienced some of the things you speak about in this book?

stories, demand better for our children and hold people accountable for their actions. Know that your child is a gift who is as fortunate to have you as a loving Mom or Dad as you are to have them as a loving Son or Daughter. And finally, as you teach your children, don’t forget to learn from them as well. I’ll close by sharing a couple of things that Noah, a child who has a chapter in the book, taught me before he left this earth at the young age of 13: “…THAT BEING STRONG HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HOW MUCH WEIGHT YOU CAN LIFT ABOVE YOUR HEAD. THAT WHEN YOU’RE FIGHTING FOR SOMETHING, YOU DON’T HAVE TO STOP UNTIL YOU’RE GOOD AND READY. THAT YOU DON’T HAVE TO SPEAK A SINGLE WORD TO BE ABLE TO TELL SOMEONE THAT YOU LOVE THEM.THAT ONE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE ON THIS EARTH FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME TO MAKE A PROFOUND IMPACT ON THE LIFE’S OF OTHERS. NOAH, YOU REMINDED ME JUST HOW PRECIOUS, YET FRAGILE, LIFE CAN BE AND HOW WE SHOULD NEVER TAKE TOO MUCH FOR GRANTED. ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD COULDN’T BUY WHAT YOU WERE SO WILLING TO GIVE TO ALL OF US FOR FREE…”

Know that changes can and will be made that will prevent these things from happening in the future if we all share our Spring 2014 | 32

Fashion

STYLIN’ LET'EM KNOW SUNSHINE KING MODEL ON WHEELS AND PROJECT HELP Written by Ashley Wilks

Fashion model, dancer and native of Baltimore, Maryland Sunshine King, an advocate for domestic violence and spinal cord injury awareness, wasn’t always disabled. But after tragedy struck the day of November 6, 2004, Sunshine came to the reality that she had been given a second chance to be an inspiration to others just like her. Sunshine sustained a T4T5 incomplete spinal cord injury after being attacked and shot 4 times by her then husband. Yet to this day she still manages to model and dance because she never lost her center or herself. Now at the powerful and bold age of 33 Sunshine wants individuals with disabilities to understand that whatever their dreams are, they should go for them; because that is exactly what she is doing. She doesn’t believe in allowing others to tell her what she is capable of doing. Therefore, she chooses to show them what she is capable of doing. In this real and inspiring interview Sunshine explains her motivation for creating her company, Sunshine Project HELP, how she was able to overcome and forgive, and enlightens us on what her view of being fashionable is.

Ashley: What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

Sunshine: The thought of having more freedom with my passion in life inspired me to become an entrepreneur.

Ashley: I know that domestic violence was the life changing event that caused you to become disabled; after your life changing event did you have any doubts that you would ever be able to dance and model again? Did you think it was impossible to continue on with your dreams?

Sunshine: Well, right before my injury I was going to start a modeling company for petite models since I am 5’4 and had a hard time getting modeling jobs. Therefore, my injury gave me more determination to keep my dream alive with a twist of wheelchair models. With the ability to still use my arms I did not think twice about my goal. The only problem was to find more people to join me in modeling and dancing in wheelchairs.

Ashley: What motivated you to continue to accomplish your dreams of being a dancer and model?

Sunshine: My son and my Faith motivated me to never give up. I had to be strong for my son and I. Ashley: I know that you have a degree in Reflexology, so was reflexology something that you were always interested in before becoming disabled or was it something that you took an interest in after becoming disabled?

Sunshine: About 7 months before my injury (in 2004) I went to the Baltimore School of Massage Therapy for their open house. I always wanted to help people. In high school I wanted to become a sports therapist. Therefore, as I got stronger I decided to pursue with my dream (in 2006) and went to the Baltimore school of Massage and became the First Student to graduate with a spinal cord injury as a massage therapist in 2007. As I was taking classes there I was introduced to reflexology briefly during my studies. In 2008 I was performing at the disability Expo modeling and dancing with my group call Sunshine Models On Wheels.

I saw one of the vendors giving (which looked like) foot massages. I knew I had to see what was going on. So after our performance I went over and asked the vendor what is “Sole Healing”? Mr. Steve Steinberg informed me that it is the name of his company which is a reflexology service. Lucky he had a customer and I asked if I could view his work. He said “sure” and informed his new customer and I that it is stimulating the nerve-endings in the foot to help release the toxins. I later began to study under him and have done some outreach projects with his company since then. I have been in love with wellness since high school and found my love with reflexology. I am too the proud owner of Sunshine Wellness Center (Healing. Educating. Loving. People.) LLC. I am a massage therapist, reflexologist, Qi Gong instructor, Reiki degree 2 practitioner, and supplementary health advisor.

Please go to www.sunshinewellnesscenter.org for more information.

Ashley: Speaking of the Sunshine Help Project, how would you define your organization and what is it geared towards?

Sunshine: My company Sunshine Project H.E.L.P (Healing. Educating. Loving. People) is about healing through the arts with holistic services. We are dedicated to ensuring people who have a spinal cord injury get the proper information, support, care, training, love, medical supplies, and proper equipment to better our health. Please go to YouTube: Sunshine Project HELP: American Dream 2010.

Ashley: What advice would you give to both men and woman who have been victims of domestic violence?

Sunshine: I would advise them to never give up hope, to advocate for others, and to live life to the fullest!

Ashley: How did you come to terms with the fact that your husband at the time was the one who caused you to become disabled? Have your forgiven him for what occurred?

Sunshine: Oh my, I came to terms when I saw him coming out of the bushes pointing a gun at me 6:20 am November 6, 2004. It took me 4 long years to learn and truly understand how to forgive him for all that he had done. I went by the area that the attack occurred and the ground was turned over due to a water line break and my heart told me to let go and that was God telling me and showing me it was time to forgive. Sadly at times, I still can’t believe that a person of whom I shared my hopes, dreams, fears, and self with would do anything harmful as such. We were married not out in the streets. I’m old school faithful, encouraging, loving, and honest person.

Regardless there is NO reason to want to take someone’s life especially me “the wife.” Forgiving him made me more powerful and light at heart. Truth is that people would tell me Spring 2014 | 34

or ask me to forgive him and had no freaking clue what it took to do so. I apologize for saying this BUT if you are telling someone to “forgive” but have NOT been through it yourself please don’t push it without teaching them how to forgive.

Ashley: In an uncanny way what happened to you was tragic and unexpected, but in a roundabout way you overcame it and you managed to turn it into a positive experience, you basically turned sour lemons into sweet lemonade. What did it take for you to get to that point?

Sunshine: Funny you asked... I was in rehab for physical therapy and I think it was a few days before Thanksgiving.

Everyone was getting on my last nerve. My wonderful but none thinking staff was not getting the picture that I just could not take that crap anymore!! They wanted me to get through life without taking a step back to reflect what the hell has happening to me and why! WHY!! WHY!!!!! I would never know why this has happened to me. So that day I got out of my bed into my wheelchair and left out of the hospital to get some air. As soon as I went through the last doors to my freedom was my mother coming in right in time. Looking back I am sooooooooo glad that I was able to grieve through that tragic moment of my life early in my journey. I meet a lot of people who been living with their disability for years without grieving and you can see that they are still stuck emotionally.

This is why I developed Sunshine Project H.E.L.P to assist people.

Ashley: The Sunshine Models on Wheels is another part of your entrepreneurship, what exactly does it involve?

Sunshine: Sunshine Models On Wheels are the 1st diverse wheelchair modeling & Dance group who wheel in style with a smile down the runway. Modeling is our way to raise funds for our organization Sunshine Project H.E.L.P, Inc. {Healing. Educating. Loving. People}So if you have a Spinal Cord injury and would love to be a model, love fashion, have a great smile, and just want to try something NEW then we are looking for YOU!!

Ashley: How would you describe your style?

Sunshine: My style goes by my mood. I thank of myself as a Diana Ross, Beyoncé’, and Janet Jackson on wheels.

I love my hair to be BIG and my quality of performance like Beyoncé’ and Janet Jackson. Therefore, that’s my style.

Ashley: There is already a stereotype out there that people with disabilities are not fashionable or that we can’t live a lifestyle like those without disabilities. Why do you think it is important for woman and men in the disabled community to be more aware of how we carry ourselves?

Sunshine: If you had styles before your injury don’t lose it. But ladies we can’t wear “Daisy Dukes” anymore because it will look like designer depends lol. If you did not have style, learn fast since you will always get 90% of the attention in the room.

We don’t have to look institutionalized with our disability. We are still human not Zombies. My motto is “Style is Always with Us Walking and On Wheels There’s No Stopping Us!” by me, Sunshine King Ashley: What encouraging words can you give to individuals with and without disabilities who are striving to achieve their dreams, but find that there are obstacles in their way?

Sunshine: I encourage you to “Step out and Roll out on Faith Not by Sight,” but from the Bible “We live by Faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Photo’s Courtesy of Sunshine King

Spring 2014 | 36

Xeni considers the needs of women who cannot stand, straightforwardly by designing jackets, coats and

March 2012 see the launch of Xeni, a capsule collection of stylish functional clothing specifically designed for women who appreciate and seek out well-made garments but who are physically impaired.

Xeni has ben reated to offer stylish women who have difficulty manipulating clasps, buttons or zips and every design has been carefully considered to make each garment easy to wear and able to put on independently. The inspiration behind the collection stems from the designer herself who was unable to find garments which suited her needs.

The collection uses magnets as self-propelled fastening for jackets and coats as an alternative to buttons and zips. Magnets enable the garmets to close smoothly and automatically.

dresses that do not go under the seat. This enables the individual to take their jacket or coat on and off easily.

Trousers have been designed to provide extra length along the back line, to ensure the correct length for women who sit down all of the time. The Xeni trouser uses no fiddly fastenings.

Tunics and dresses are key silhouettes as they remove clutter from the waist area, where the body folds up when sitting. The Thais Dress has been designed to accentuate the shoulders and uses four panels allowing extra fabris to be introduced in order to accomodate both lack of trunk condition often found in wheelchair users a well as the way in which the front and back lines of the seated figure to one another.

The Marianna Dress is perfect for formal occasions and constructed using two materials. The vibrant ink blue silk duchess satin shawl and black jersey dress set each other off providing a sensuous feeling of luxury. Alternatively the Livia Dress is dubbed the LBD for wheelchair users.

In addition, Xeni’s Capuchine Coat has been designed for women who have difficulty with manipulating buttons and zips, women who may use wheelchairs or who may be able to stand. This coat hangs to just below the knee level and is available in shower proof, navy blue waxed cotton and in black wool and cashmere mix. This provides the advantage of the two sides of the garment seeking closure as described above. To view the entire collection log onto www. xenicollection.com. The collection is launching online in March 2012. Follow the designers journey by logging onto www.xeniblog.com today.

For further information please contact Iroquois PR 020-7490-2099 or becky@iroquois.co.uk

Fashion

Fashion Wear for the Disabled Ann Oliver Creates a Magnetic Sensation in Xeni Collection Interview Conducted By: Ashley Wilks | Edited By: Lesley Wilks & Jacqui Yawn

Ever had that annoying trouble of trying to struggle into your clothes that have those awful zippers and buttons? Your

fingers are scrambling, but yet not quite able to grasp anything to clothe yourself right. By the time you are done dressing you are exhausted and feel that you have been through a full out battle. It is your own battle against clothing. More specifically, it is a battle against stylish clothing. Many disabled women will admit that it is hard to find clothing in one’s style without those evil buttons. Even when you do find clothing without the specific fastenings, the clothing ends up looking like something your grandma’s closet threw up.

Thankfully, fashion designer Ann Oliver, 60, has just created a whole new fashion label for disabled women of all ages

to enjoy. Oliver’s label, Xeni Collection, was recently launched last March. The Xeni Collection has no use for buttons and zippers. Instead, the clothing line uses magnets to help people with their clothing. As the wearer puts on her clothing, she can use the magnet’s strong pull for its partner to clasp the clothing together. This form of self-propelled fastening is a first for women in the adaptive clothing. “Xeni has been created to offer stylish women who have difficulty manipulating clasps, buttons or zips and every design has been carefully considered to make each garment easy to wear and able to put on independently” (Xeni Collection).

It is easy to see how much positive feedback Oliver will receive for her innovative designs. One has to wonder what

was the inspiration behind the designer’s ideas of fashionable adaptable clothing. As a woman who suffers from MS, Ann Oliver understands what it is like to struggle in finding clothing that suits you. In 1990 Oliver was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Sadly, within that same year, her sister had succumbed to the same disease. Those with MS often suffer from fatigue, numbness, dizziness, pain, spasticity, and problems with balance and walking. Any person with a disability that has one of these symptoms can see how difficult it can be to get dressed, let alone working.

As a result of her condition, Ann had to cut down her work as an architect in London, and then forced to retire. Out of

work and with no avenue to bring forth her individualistic creativity, Ann began to fall in to an acute depression most of 2009.

However, after seeing a neuropsychiatric at the National Hospital in 2010, Ann Oliver became a new woman. Not wanting her disability to drag her down into oblivion and despair, Ann started looking for ways where she could make an impact on people’s lives. She wanted her reason to exist in her life. Through her quest, Ann was able to her own outlet to pour out her long denied creativity. That outlet was the fashion world for disabled women like her.

By combining her intellectual experiences of disability with her own flair for style and design, Oliver created a fashion

explosion of beauty and taste for all disabled women. The explosion that burst forth from Oliver is the Xeni Collection. On March 10th, the designer launched her clothing label so that people with all kinds of physical disabilities (arthritis, lupus, paraplegics, quadriplegics, MS sufferers, and more) could enjoy the pleasure of choosing their own stylish clothing without the worries of hassling with buttons and hooks. The clothing designer is even working on plans to try and launch her own jewelry line someday.

Oliver would not have been able to accomplish her dream if it weren’t for the support of her loving husband and her

daughter, Frances. The family used the savings they had built up over years to provide the financial back up needed for Oliver’s clothing label. The designer’s husband has also had to juggle with his architect career and being Oliver’s primary caretaker. Her husband’s dedication to Oliver and her dream is a perfect example of a man who loves his wife.

In addition to Oliver’s family support, the designer has the pleasure of having many amazing friends to discuss her

fashion ideas with. Week after week the fashion fusionist teams up with her friends to toss around a variety of fashion ideas. The whole group has gone with Oliver to many events for her fashion label (photo shoots, pattern graders, business meeting, etc) while carrying Oliver’s sample garments to display. It is easy to see how Oliver has been able to accomplish her dream goals with friends and family such as hers.

Now, with Xeni in full swing, women with physical disabilities can have their dreams of living their lives in style. Just

because one loses their ability to walk doesn’t mean one should lose their sense of vitality and beauty. Women shouldn’t be forced to hide their individual beauty behind their wheelchairs and walkers. They should put their beauty in full display and now they can thanks to Ann Oliver and her Xeni Dream.

Photos Courtesy of Xeni Collection

39 | Spring 2014

My Sister,

Write-Up

My Hero

Author Nancy Carey through her inspiring words

provides her audience with memoirs and stories of hope and encouragement. Her book entitled My Sister, My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007 was written to help bridge the gap from disabled to abled! Throughout this book we learn of the encouragement and precious moments that helped to inspire not only those that came in contact with Nancy’s sister, Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007 Cathy Porter, but that also that encouraged Nancy herself. Nancy acknowledges and draws encouragement from Cathy Porter her “Hero” as she calls her and felt that she had such a story to tell as a woman who has triumphed over all adversity.

My Sister, My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007 brings recognition and reminds us that being different is not a setback in life. If anything it shows us that we are the only ones who can hold ourselves back from achieving our dreams if we choose to. This book is filled with emotions of laughter

and tears and is guaranteed to open your eyes and heart.

It educates both the disabled and non-disabled by showing that no matter your circumstances or trials; that you can accomplish anything that you want to as long as you push through.

My Sister My Hero Author: Nancy Carey Publisher: Nancy Carey Private Pure Trust Year: 2009 All Ages ∙ 279 Pages + Pictures ISBN: 978-0-578-01606-1 Price: $24.99 www.nancycarey.com

Define Your Style Where do you currently reside? Carroll

County, Maryland

What is your disability? Statistic Cerebral Palsy

from waist down

Who are your favorite fashion designers if you have any? Michael Kors, BCBG, Marc

Jacobs & Miss Me

What are your favorite 3 pieces of clothing that you must have for the Fall? Tunic sweater,

Leggings and Designer Boots

What is a piece of clothing out of your closet that you must always rock? White

T-Shirt and my Miss Me jeans are a must !!!

Provide us with your twitter name: I do

I am Stephanie Spangler

I like change and despise habit. I procrastinate because I work better under pressure. Laughter is my best medicine.

Hands down, I am the queen of sarcasm and dry humor. I take my commitment to God, family and my friends very seriously.

I am a leader not a follower. I am deep but not complicated. I am NOT easily impressed. I am a creature of ambition and a strong independent woman.

not have a twitter account but you can find me on Facebook!

Heroes: Corrie Ten Boom, Jerry Lewis, Helen Keller & Anne Frank Favorite Colors: Magenta, White & Turquoise Hobbies: Custom modifying cars for Sound, Speed and Performance.

Things I really like are Food, Music, Going to see a good band, Car and Bike shows, Speed & Sound, BMX, Hiking, Mosaics, Camping, Traveling, Jet Skiing, Reading, Getting my hands dirty, Learning to cook, Listening to other peoples stories, Drifting, Theology, Pandora, Mythology, Architecture, Stained Glass, Non-Profit Organizations, Volunteering, Working out, Adrenaline rushes, The Holocaust Museum, NYC, Bingo, Beaches, Quotes, Castles and Fireworks!!!

Favorite Car: Nissan Skyline GT-R & Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.

Some extras: I love to eat candy; I keep a secret stash right next to my bed. I am obsessed with Hello Kitty!

Allison Cardwell Where do you currently reside? What is your disability? I spend the majority of my time in Tucson, Arizona where I’m a sophomore at the University of Arizona, an incredible, fully accessible place to live and learn. During holidays and summers, I’m lucky enough to go home to Sunny San Diego, CA. I have Cerebral Palsy, and use a wheelchair for mobility Who are your favorite fashion designers if you have any? True Religion brand jeans are my designer weakness. With other things, I usually don’t go for any specific designers; I’m a fan of anything flirty and fun!

What are your favorite 3 pieces of clothing that you must have for the Fall?

Living in Tucson, Fall weather is anything under 100 degrees! I’m loving the crop top trend, flowy, sheer tops, short shorts, and gold gladiator sandals.

What is a piece of clothing out of your closet that you must always rock?

Steve Madden knee high leather boots!

Pictures Courtesy of: Barb Cardwell and Hannah Bastian

Little Known Fact

Spina Bifida Written by: Jacqui Yawn

What is Spina Bifida? You may be wondering what that is. However, you may have and not have not noticed or met someone with Spina Bifida and never realized it.

Spina Bifida was discovered in 1885, when the Clinical Society of London published their report of the medical defect and its affects. The term means that the baby literally has a “split spine” when it is in the womb and its spinal column is unable to close all the way.

Prior to the 1960’s, the survival rate for those born with Spina Bifida was significantly lower, only 10 to 20 percent. Antibiotics were not introduced until the 1940’s and shunts did not come in to play until the 1950’s. (1) One of the more severe conditions of Spina Bifida is hydrocephalus.

1.

Pruitt, Lisa J. “Living with Spina Bifida: A Historical Perspective.” Pediatrics Perspective. V. 130 N.2.

Aug 2012 ** Hydrocephas

Is a blockage of cerebrospinal fluid and, if left untreated, the buildup can cause a large amount of damaging pressure to the brain. A majority of those who are born with the more severe type of Spina Bifida, Meningomyelocele, have this condition. However, it can be “commonly treated by surgically implanting a shunt—a hollow tube—in the brain to drain the excess fluid into the abdomen.” (2)

2.

** National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Spina Bifida http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/spina_bifida/spina_bifida.htm

Today in society, “Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States.” (3) It is documented that there are eight babies born each day with Spina Bifida in the United States.

Depending on where the opening of the spine is and how deep it is, Spina Bifida can lead to paralysis of certain levels of the spinal cord and latex allergies, but it can also contribute to abnormal development, skin breakdowns, excess fluid to the brain (hydro), ADHD, and a range of learning difficulties. There are four different types of Spina Bifida: Occult Spinal Dysraphism (OSD), Spina Bifida Occuta, Mening Not every person diagnosed with Spina Bifida needs the same treatment. Individually, with the right help and adaptable aids or equipment, those who live with Spina Bifida can lead healthy lives and be productive members of society.

To learn more about Spina Bifida go to: www.spinabifidassocition.org

3.

** What is Spina Bifida? Health Info Sheet.

Spring 2014 | 44

Lifestyle, Entertainment & Culture

Women Embracing Abiilit ies Now Interview/Article By: Lesley & Ashley Wilks

Lesley: Tell us why and when was W.E.A.N created?

Founder/Director Janice Y. Jackson, MS

W.E.A.N. (Women Embracing Abilities Now) is a peer counseling/mentoring program servicing women with varying degrees of dis-ABILITIES. It was started and is directed by the beautiful, fabulous and adjunct professor of the University of Baltimore Janice Jackson. At the age of 24 Janice was hit by a car while talking to a friend by a young man who dropped a cigarette while driving and was left to live life as a C 5-6 incomplete Quadriplegic. With no answers and nowhere to turn to for assistance in coping with everyday life as a dis-ABLED individual after her recovery, Janice knew that she needed to create a program that would connect woman with other woman who had been through similar experiences.

To date this program has been a great success and more than anything has been a great part of helping woman to regain the confidence that they once had before their disabilities. Lesley and Ashley Wilks of Fashionably Advantaged Magazine got a chance to interview Janice Jackson gain more insight about her passion known as W.E.A.N.

Janice: In 2005, Women Embracing Abilities Now (W.E.A.N.) was birth out of a 15 year support group that I started for women with dis-ABILITIES. As I identified the problem of women with new dis-ABILITIES being prematurely release back into the community without proper coping skills, I knew that my non-profit organization was crucial . W.E.A.N. believed that women with dis-ABILITIES needed holistic healings; mind, body, and soul. W.E.A.N. also saw a need to educate young ladies with dis-ABILITIES about self-esteem, body image, and self-advocating. The main reason for initiating this education is because these young ladies are our future women with dis-ABILITIES. Lesley: One of W.E.A.N’s goals is seeking to empower and enable women with dis-ABILITIES to become more productive what are some of the things you do to accomplish this?

Janice: W.E.A.N. help makes empowerment possible through its mentoring program that creates partnerships between women with new disabilities and women living successfully with their dis-ABILITIES. This early intervention gives these women hope and encouragement. As a result of W.E.A.N.’s one-on-one and group mentoring women who once wanted to give up because they could not accept their dis-ABILITIES, now live in their “New Selves” as successful moms, wives, partners, employees, students, community leaders, and most importantly as “Women.” W.E.A.N. also enables these women and women who have been living

awhile with their challenges to become more productive by conducting workshops, seminars, and social events where the mentees can literally transform their own lives by changing the way they think and feel about themselves and their disABILITIES. And when their thinking changes, they can control their actions better and work towards being better women and accomplishing their goals.

Janice: W.E.A.N. believes that it is vital to provide all women with dis-ABIITIES with opportunities of self-enhancement.

We provide the motivation that works to make these women feel good about themselves. We want them to learn to view their self-worth and to understand that their dis-ABILITIES are just a small part of who they are and does not define their womanhood.

Ashley: W.E.A.N is known as a peer counseling/mentoring program servicing women with varying degrees of disABILITIES. So does this mean that everyone who is involved in the mentoring and counseling others are individuals themselves with disabilities? If so why did you choose to use just individuals with disabilities?

Lesley: Are you solely based in Baltimore or do you travel to provide services?

Janice: Yes, W.E.A.N.’s mentors are all women with disABILITIES. I chose these women because when they say “I understand, they really understand.” Our mentors offer mentees the empowering opportunity to acquire and share valuable mutual support skills in areas where they themselves may have experienced difficulties. By drawing upon their own experiences, W.E.A.N. mentors become effective and valuable resources for others. Also, W.E.A.N. mentors are living successfully with their limitations and have decided to be mentors and role models because they have developed a stronger sense of their own unique beauty. Through mentoring these women convey strength and self-confidence and also encourage personal growth and self-respect in other women and young ladies with dis-ABILITIES. All of the women in W.E.A.N. are amazing and a great asset to the organization.

They definitely put the “WE” in W.E.A.N. I love them all like sisters.

Ashley: Why do you feel that is important to offer peer counseling?

Janice: One of the most significant benefits of W.E.A.N’s peer counseling is connecting women to other women who have had similar experiences. In this sisterhood there is first the feeling of relief – “I am not the only woman experiencing this.” These women have a place to find answers, share ideas, brainstorm, network -with other women who have” been there, and done it.” W.E.A.N.’s motto is “Every Woman Is A Queen”, which has given us the name “W.E.A.N. Queens and we treat ourselves as such. Through peer counseling mentees can look beyond their issues and see their royalty.

Lesley: Why is it important for you to provide women with new disabilities opportunities to experience selfenhancement?

Janice: Yes, we are based in Baltimore but our vision is to have W.E.A.N. chapters all around the country.

Ashley: One of your well known events that take place every year is the “Queen for a Day” event can you tell us more about this event and why it’s important?

Janice: W.E.A.N.’s “Queen for a Day” is a wonderful annual community event where we beautify women and young ladies with all types of dis-ABILITIES. It is a fun filled day of pampering providing services such hair styling, make-up, nails, and massages. These services are rendered by family members, friends, professionals, and volunteers which makes it an amazing community involved event. After the pampering the Queens are treated to a wonderful lunch and given the opportunity to show case their inner and outer beauty as they are crowned and sashed. They also receive fantastic gifts donated by Maryland businesses. This event is so important because it makes these women and young ladies feel good about themselves. It also helps them not to buy into the negative stereotypes that society has in place because we do not conform to commercial images of feminine beauty which these women and young ladies may feel is unattainable.

Lesley: What is your overall message that you would like to present to woman with disabilities who are struggling to accept themselves as they are?

Janice: My message to these “Queens” would be to embrace their differences and understand that their uniqueness makes them who they are. This may not be an easy process, but they are the only ones that can transform their “Suffering into Successes” and become “Victors and not Victims.” I SEND MY LOVE TO THEM ALL!

Lifestyle, Entertainment & Culture

Did They Really Say That?

Written By: Jacqui Yawn

There are often times where people are unsure how to interact with individuals with disabilities. Due to their lack of experience and interaction, many of the able-bodied are unsure how to approach a person with a disability and talk with them. So rather than coming up to a person with a disability and introducing themselves and comparing interests, the individuals often ask the first couple questions that pop into their head, “What is your disability? How did you become disabled?”

This question can make any situation prickly; depending how comfortable one is with their disability and how the person phrased the question. There are many people who will just ask the question out bluntly without any consideration for the person’s feelings; others will ask it in a more shy and nervous way. Rather than inquiring about what makes us who we are as people or how our day is, they want point out and know what makes us so different. It is as if they believe that since people have disabilities they can not have normal conversations with those individuals.

The big shocker is the fact that that able-bodied individuals have trouble seeing individuals with disabilities as regular normal people who study, have a career, socialize, date, etc. They just see the disability and have difficulty looking beyond that. We should not blame the individuals who have trouble seeing past our differences, instead we should be questioning the low number of individuals with disabilities being portrayed in the entertainment, study, and media. We hardly see any disabled individuals portrayed as normal citizens. If they were, people would have more awareness and knowledge on how to approach the individuals with disability.

When approached by such individuals how do you usually handled the situation? Do you take offense? We would love to hear your stories and opinions on this subject. Email us at info@fashionablyadvantagedmag.com.

47 | Spring 2014

Write-Up

Normal People Scare M e Interview with

Kerri and Taylor Bowers Written & Edited By: FAM Staff

Kerri Bowers is not only a speaker and advocate for families dealing with autism, but also works as a seminar leader and filmmaker for the cause. The filmmaker is a mother of two sons, Taylor and Jace.

In the past years Kerri has created three films with her sons. The first is the film, “Normal People Scare Me,” which centers on those with autism from a first person perspective. Kerri’s 23-year-old son, Taylor, was diagnosed with autism and is now residing in an independent living facility. He is also attending a community college with aspiring dreams to become a filmmaker. Taylor had come up with the idea and creation for the “NPSM” film when he was 15. Joey Travolta, John Travolta’s late son, assisted the mother and son with the movie’s production.

Kerri’s second film, “The Sandwich Kid,” was created with her son Jace when he was 12. Within the film, Jace interviews siblings of those with disabilities and gives his own perspective of growing up with an autistic brother.

The last film is the “ARTS,” which focuses on the use of arts to help with parents reach out to their children with autism.

The film delves in the importance of using music, dance, drama, and more as stepping-stones to build skills for people with disabilities. Kerri recently did a tour, “The Art of Autism,” that had autistic performers specializing in music, dance, comedy, acting, etc.

Today, “Normal People Scare Me” has drawn widespread attention across the country. Its audience includes congressmen, senators, teachers, parents, children, and more. To get behind film’s background and inspiration we have interviewed Kerri to talk about her self, her sons, and the film’s success.

If you can could you please provide us with a little background and well-known facts about yourself that you would like the world to know about you and Taylor. (The can be fun facts, funny facts, etc.)

I have been an artist all my life. When Taylor was born, problems were apparent from the time he was 4 months old. It was what I call the dark ages of autism. There were very few resources for kids back then. There was no internet to provide ideas and supports, so I made things up. I created strategies in the arts to help emerge my son.

Spring 2014 | 48

When Taylor was 6 months old, I put paint on his finger tips and dragged his little fingers across a canvas. A voice in my head said, “What the %&^$ are you doing, Keri?” The answer came back to me, “I don’t know, but keep doing it.” Today we would call that sensory integration, something we did not understand back in 1988. I used music to dance and help him move his body and connect the hemispheres of his brain. In addition, I’d sing songs about the social skills and behaviors I wanted him to learn. One lyric example I used was, “Put on your shoes and tell me that you love me...” As he grew older, 2 and 3 years old, I would take pictures of him to “show” him his stiff smile and help him learn to relax his muscles. I would film him to show the desired and undesired behaviors and then ask him what he saw. I always asked what he saw and did not tell him. He had very little language then. After asking, I’d make suggestions, but not put words into his mouth. We used a picture system so he could express the ideas he could not put into words. “Is Taylor happy or sad?” In time, Taylor began to speak more and more. I attribute that not just to speech therapy, but also to the arts that helped him grow his soul, his language, and social abilities.

Please provide us with Taylor’s age and where both of you currently reside as well.

Taylor will be 24 on Christmas Eve, 2012. He lives in an independent living program in Simi Valley that is facilitated by the ARC of Southern California. Recently, Taylor graduated to a more independent program, “SSIL.” What that means is he will receive fewer services despite his needs. I am worried about this, but the system wants to move people along, especially those who are so-called “high functioning.”

On some levels Taylor has developed remarkable skills. On the other hand, his executive and administrative functioning skills still lack nuance and pragmatic approaches. I might chose to call this a gratuitous move from the system in California wherein they can say he’s accomplished “enough’ to move him along. Does that mean he is ready? NO! He still needs more comprehensive direct supports, which it appears he will not be receiving in this new arrangement. I live in Thousand Oaks, California. Additionally, I am an advocate, speaker and educator in special needs. Over the past two decades I have worked with hundreds of kids one-on-one in my camps, social skills groups, sibling workshops and individual programs..

The best part of my work is facilitating workshops and key note talks. I love to travel and interface with live audiences, where I can provide “in the moment” strategies for parents and professionals. I tend to be very creative that way.

What was the purpose behind creating the film “Normal People Scare Me?” The purpose was to give Taylor a voice. He was passionate about film and wanted to create something that would make an impression upon others. We decided together that showing great numbers of people with a first-person perspective in autism was way better than merely showing Taylor’s singular life. So we decided to work on a project around various scenarios, including sensory issues, eating issues, what’s hard/easy about autism, how do you feel about having autism, and asking the central question, do “normal people” scare you? It became a film about a global community of autism and not just one person’s journey. We believed that anyone viewing the film would see themselves or a family member in at least one of the 65 subjects Taylor interviewed.

It was challenge for Taylor personally. Sometimes the dream

is bigger than the process steps. Sometimes his vision was not about how hard it was minute-by-minute to make a film.

He was enthralled by the outcome – not the process steps which often elude those with autism. Taylor grew weary at times. He was often frustrated. It was not easy, but he knew once we started, no matter how hard it was for him, he needed to complete the project (that was the deal we made when I agreed to make the film with him). Taylor had to be committed and I held him to that standard, though it was challenging at times for sure! I put a large amount of funding into the project and so I made sure he understood making the film was the real deal. He believed in himself and me to support him, and so he said yes despite his many urges to back away from the project at times. To make this film Taylor needed major supports. Joey Travolta mentored Taylor and me through all the processes.

This film was released in 2006; do you think that it has received the recognition that it should have received since its release date?

Or do you feel that it has surpassed the amount of recognition that you and Taylor believed it would get?

“Normal People Scare Me” definitely surpassed our expectations! We had no idea our work would leave such a pasting impression. Taylor was featured in a three page spread in People Magazine and also twice in Scholastic Magazine.

We were on the “Today Show”, “Geraldo” “Paula Zahn (CNN),” “ACCESS Hollywood,” “Extra, Lifetime”, “Naomi Judd Show”, and featured in many other media outlets. Universities and disabilities organizations began (and continues today) to use the film to “train” students and professionals. The State of Connecticut used large portions of the film in a statewide training film, saying in their request to use the film, “We could not possibly re-create the critical scenes in the film.”

Taylor and I were asked to speak all over the world, including Holland, Qatar, Canada, Japan, and all over the U.S. From these experiences, Taylor has gained skills in speaking, traveling, scheduling, and overall life skills. The film has been a boon not just to Taylor and myself, but also for others who “see” themselves or their kids in our interview subjects.

Did it shock you when your son Taylor approached you about wanting to do a film like this? How did you respond?

I involved Taylor in community giving from a very early age.

I believe all kids should be involved with community service no matter how great their challenges. I wanted Taylor to both support his community and to find support for himself, as

service helps one to look outside our own world – especially the prism of autism to “see” other people. After many years, when he was just about to turn 15, he announced to me, “Mom, this year I want to pay for the gifts myself for giving.

How can I earn some money?” I told him he could clean the swimming pool. “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... I don’t think so!” He exclaimed. “I want to make videos and sell them.” h I gave him a long dissertation on why he could not make a film at such a young age; how one needed to go to film school. I gave him a long dissertation on why he could not make a film at such a young age; how one needed to go to film school. “It’s just not done that way in Hollywood.” I said. Just then I turned to look at my son and in his eyes I saw disappointment. I reflected how I was told Taylor might never walk or talk. “We sure did show them,” I thought to myself. “Taylor,” I said, “Everything I just said is not true. It’s a lie. You can make a film. I don’t know how to do it but I will help you.” I suggested we make a film about what we know – autism. That night he came to me and said “Mom, I want to call the film ‘Normal People Scare Me.’” A week later we met Joey Travolta who mentored us to make this first film. At first, it was a 10-minute student film for a film festival for high school students. The response was overwhelming, and the film won best in show, and. Emails came in from around the world. It was then we decided to invest in a feature film. A year later the 90-minute version of the film came out, and during that year, Joey mentored Taylor and I in the process of making the film.

Did you ever have doubt that doing a film like this would be something that both you and Taylor could bring to reality?

Once I said, “YES! Let’s do it,” I never looked back no matter how hard things got. And believe me, with a kid (he was 14-15 then), there were times it was very hard to follow through. But I never doubted we would complete the project. We had a lot of great support and cheerleaders along the way.

In what way does the film, “Normal People Scare Me,” educate parents and others in the disabled community?

“NPSM” shows real life situations and answers questions from first-person accounts. Because the film shares the world of autism from a first-person experience, and not from a clinical or observational point of view, it hits home more authentically. It also shows what one young man can do to make a difference.

Spring 2014 | 50

Is this just a film for the disabled or is it something that even those without disabilities can enjoy and learn from?

Mostly people with autism or professionals who work in the field have watched the film. However, I have received emails of praise from people who saw the film who have nothing to do with autism who have said – to the extent: “Wow! What an eye opener. I really understand autism now.”

What has been yours and Taylor’s biggest Challenge? And how did you overcome it?

Taylor is bright and open-minded. He is inquisitive and even funny. But as I mentioned previously, his executive and administrative functioning are and always have been a big issue. He has an idea. He knows where he wants to go and what he wants to achieve, but the process steps between the idea and the outcome are blurred. He often cannot figure out what steps to take to accomplish his outcomes. Take community college for example. Taylor has had big dreams, but has failed to meet the needs of homework and projects – though in his mind, he knows all the right answers. We are working on this now. He is on academic probation for his failures, but is now accepting help from outside sources to be successful. Taylor can also appear to be “lazy.” Perhaps that is a part of it, but it also appears to me that often he is just confused about what steps to take and he has a hard time asking for help so he will just stay static. Taylor has never had a job, but he can bring an audience to its feet. This again is due to his executive and administrative functioning skills. I say of young adults like Taylor, whom society does not see as “disabled” without proper supports, they do not fall through cracks. They fall into an abyss – a vapid hole. We are working on one-to-one aid support to up level Taylor’s goals in these areas. By the way, Taylor can cook, clean, shop and bank with minimal supports. Because that is what we have focused upon over the past several years. He has a friend who worked on academics and recently received his AA degree, but he cannot cook, clean or shop. There is “limited” room in the brain to focus on one thing at a time. We as parents, professionals and self-advocates must choose what we focus on.

What has been your greatest accomplishment with the film “Normal People Scare Me?” As stated, we have had many international, business, and personal opportunities for success after making this film.

Taylor also appeared in his brother’s film, “The Sandwich Kid,” 51 | Spring 2014

and subsequently, “ARTS.” Still, I would say the greatest accomplishment of all for Taylor is the building of his selfesteem. He is VERY humble about his accomplishments, but his self-esteem has blossomed. He is confident and very happy as a 23 year old.

As a mother and son duo in the film business do you ever find it hard to separate business and personal life?

Personal life? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Yes, I do find it very hard.

My joy comes from the advocacy I do in life, the arts, theater, gardening, and nightlife, but I have recently found less joy in those activities. As budgets diminish and services are cut, I care more about my work than a personal life. As a longtime widow, I have loved and lost, enjoyed great relationships with very powerful women whose friendships have meant the world to me. In recent years, however, due to several set-backs due to the economy, I mainly focus on work and have less interest in my personal life. I find it extremely hard to separate the two, preferring to focus on my work in advocacy. The past two years, I have been focusing on my tour, “The Art of Autism” (www.the-art-of-autism.com). My business partner, Debra Hosseini, created a book of the same title, Hosseini, created a book of the same title, which I edited and supported her to create. I work globally in the arts and autism, teaching techniques in the arts to empower communication, language, processing, brain work, social and life skills, find and gross motor, and cognition. My greatest joy, besides my two boys, is in giving and transforming lives. I am the art director for the Friendship Circle of the Conejo Valley. I still do lectures and workshops globally and also work with an emphasis on “Transitions,” based on my workbook “Mapping Transitions to Your Child’s Future.”

Aside from the film “Normal People Scare Me,” you have other films that have been released to date as well; do these other films focus on the disabled and autism community?

I made my second film, “The Sandwich Kid,” with Jace, my youngest son. It was his story about growing up with a brother with special needs. In the film, Jace interviews dozens of siblings (with all disabilities) about what’s hard, and what’s wonderful about growing up as a sibling surrounded by disability. Jace interviewed his brother as well. The two of them had a very rocky start. They could not be in the same room alone together for 9 years of their life. Jace deeply resented his brother, mostly for Taylor’s inability to talk with him. Jace was always a very sophisticated chatter box. It was

painful for him to reach out to Taylor and get a cold shoulder.

Also growing up in waiting rooms for Taylor’s numerous weekly groups and services was tedious. They finally “found” one another over a card game Taylor offered to teach Jace.

From that point on, they began to find common ground. They both had to grow into a relationship with one another. It did not come easily or early on. I made my film “ARTS” in 2009. This film depicts people with an array of disabilities and shares how the arts can be used to support everything from language, to social and life skills, to cognition, fine and gross motor skills, self-esteem and more. There are a number of internationally known self-advocates in the film, including Temple Grandin, Stephen Wiltshire, Stephen Shore, Elaine Hall, Jerry and Mary Newport, Geri Jewell and more.

What is your ultimate goal that you look to accomplish with these films?

To continue to make film of course! I have two very important films in the works, but I am delayed due to funding. One is about sexuality, love, relationship and safety. The other is about spirituality and disability. I’ve got a great cast lined up with a comprehensive story line. If anyone reading this wants to participate on the back end, I need funding! These two topics are so critical to the special needs world and are very much under-represented in our support system.

What is the motto or quote that both you and Taylor live by?

“Mom, if you’re not vulnerable, your audience can’t hear you.”

Taylor at 16...

What do you say to other parents and children out there who would love to do what you and Taylor are doing?

I say paint your child’s world with the “ARTS.” What is their carrot? How do they learn? Auditory? Kinesthetic? Tactile?

Etc. The arts provide outstanding opportunities to improve so many skills. Does your child love music? Use song and rhythm to create social stories, improve language, and anchor skills. Create social stories in song to focus on desired behaviors. “Put on your shoes and tell me that you love me...”

Does your child love fine art? Use it to create communication, expression, and self-esteem. Use colors to describe your child’s feelings. “What color is happy? What color is sad?”

Does your child love movement? Dance? Use movement to join the right and left-brain hemispheric communication.

Huge benefits to movement! Learn about it (www. autismmovementtherapy.com). Computer skills?

Use the computer wisely. It is NOT a substitute babysitter!

It is a tool that can enhance your child’s skills and should be used as a tool. Too much online time is not a good thing – convenient as it may be. Join in legislation reform. Don’t let lobbyists, politics or the economy decide for you. Take 10 minutes each week to address local and national issues.

Take care to make sure that new laws and legislation does not leave your child/adult out in the cold. The world’s economy is changing. Our “kids” are the first to be dismissed. I know you are tired. I know your job is great. Just don’t forget the pyramid, legislation on the top, trickling down to where services are needed. These services are being eroded as we speak. Make your voice heard. I once stood in front of a California congressman and asked “Are we a constituency at 180,000 strong of people with disabilities in California?” He said “No!” To which I expected. Then I asked... “If we came together as the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, caregivers, and advocates and were, say, 600,000 strong would we then be a voice?” He replied. “Yes, then you would be. Your voice matters, but we tend to let others do this work and then complain when the laws and erosion of services take place.”

Be a voice.

Also, figure out where you are coming from. Are you angry, guilty, sad, and overwhelmed? Administer oxygen to self first or you will not be able to properly and best help your kid. A child’s disability is a family issue. It is not just about your kid.

It is about the whole, you and your family being strong enough to be consistent, guilt and anger-free, and to build the blocks of success to help our kids through their lifetime. We need a lot of strength in this process. Today at 23, I STILL have to be a voice for my son. He is not yet ready to be wholly on his own despite the fact that he lives semi-independently. Autism is a lifetime disorder. We need the strength to carry on, and to leave our children a legacy when we are gone.

Photo Credits: Keri Bowers

Spring 2014 | 52

Lifestyle, Entertainment & Culture

4 Wheel City

Living & Dreaming Through Hip-hop Interview Conducted by Lesley Wilks | Written By Jacqui Yawn

Music can be in a variety of ways and be produced in a many forms. There are those who use music to express their pain, to find a solution to their troubles, to teach, to dance, to express joy, to express sadness, etc. However, there are also people who create music to inspire others. The 4 Wheel City is an entertainment organization that does just that, inspire.

The group’s goals are to use their form of hip-hop music to push people to live and move on, and to never give up.

Motivational speakers and hip-hop artists Namel “Tapwaterz” Norris and Ricardo “Rickfire” Velasquez started the organization to “show the world that people with disabilities can still have talents, dreams, and deserve to be treated equal.”

In 1997, Rick, a senior in high school, was walking to his home in the Bronx from school one fateful night. Ahead him there was a huge commotion with people running and yelling, “He’s got a gun!” The high-school senior then found himself on the ground bleeding. A stray bullet fired by the unknown shooter had hit Rick. Remembering that chaotic night, he said, “I was screaming, and it was crazy. It happened just that quick.”

In 1999, Namel was basketball player and a member of a rap group. He was only 17 when he came across an event that would change his life. The young teenager was attending his sister’s birthday party when his cousin, after playing with a gun, accidently shot Namel in the neck. The bullet left the teenager paralyzed from the chest down. After that event, Namel’s group moved on, without him.

Later that summer, Namel and Rick first met when Namel was released from the rehab-hospital. Namel’s mother found Rick, who lived in the building project next to Namel in the Bronx, and introduced herself. She then asked the young man to be her son’s friend since Namel didn’t know anyone else in a wheelchair. Rick agreed and swapped numbers to maintain contact.

When both men realized their similar interests in hip-hop music, Namel and Rick struck a friendship that would lead to great things happening in their life.

The magazine had the pleasure of interviewing Namel to discuss the pair’s inspiration for the organization, the positive effects of hip-hop, their goals, and the organization’s success.

The two young men first started out working together as artist and producer. They soon realized the effects the music was having on their lives and self-esteem. Nervous over the possibility of record labels refusing to sign deals with people in Namel and Rick decided to launch their own record label company. In 2001, 4 Wheel Records was born and the pair successfully completed their first two albums.

When asked what was the inspiration for using his musical talent to motivate other people with disabilities, Namel replied, “After a couple of years we began to notice things that we felt weren’t fair for people in our situation (in wheelchairs), like places not being wheelchair accessible and people underestimating and discriminating against people with disabilities. Then after doing peer mentoring at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City we realized there was a population of people lacking self-esteem and needed some inspiration. As well as the flip side of that we wanted to show them and the world that people with disabilities could still have talent, achieve their dreams and be a productive part of society. Thus as an artist I began to write songs based on our lives that focused on those issues, and we began performing them as 4 Wheel City for our audiences.”

Once the men started getting more and more positive reactions from the crowds, they knew they had to keep going. It was their audience that inspired Namel and Rick to continue on with their hip-hop music. Namel has stated that through hip-hop they became motivated and thus the music saved their lives.

Namel’s and Rick’s goal in their music is to show people that they are not alone and they should follow their dreams.

Rick and Namel’s message is also about never giving up and living life to fullest despite limitations.

When asked why it was so important to Namel to spread the message, he replied, “Because we live it! We are examples of what is possible. We have had every reason and excuse to stop chasing our dream of being Hip Hop artists but we didn’t stop. And now we are living our dreams literally and putting in the work. We feel like it is part of the reason we are still alive and we have a responsibility to inspire others to do the same, follow their dream no matter what it is.”

In order to reach out to people, the pair first started their hip-hop motivation music at many public audiences in schools, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals. In addition, they visited the Mount Sinai Hospital where the men soon saw themselves transform injured patients to motivational mentors for others who have newly acquired their disabilities.

Namel and Rick believe that through hip-hop and culture, if used the right way, people can become positively motivated.

“Hip Hop music is extremely influential. We use it in a positive way so we have been getting positive results like having the opportunity to use this interview. We look at Hip Hop as a tool or weapon for change and use it that way,” Namel stated.

When Namel received his bachelor’s degree for Business Management in 2006, he and Rick decided to push further in their hip-hop motivation project. The pair launched their own non-profit organization, 4 Wheel City.

When asked what drove them to launch the organization and label company, Namel replied, “The beauty of me and Rick working together is we both are independent, have strong character, confident, and love what we do. Which gave us the drive to keep making music on our own in a homes recording studio in Rick’s house and share those songs with our fellow people with disabilities who would understand them. Before we knew it we created our own market that appreciates what we do and now we don’t worry about being accepted by the music industry anymore because we have found our own market and niche. And instead of chasing the music industry we are bringing it into our world and city, 4 Wheel City.”

In the music organization, Namel writes his own music and Rick produces his own original beats. So what inspired them with the unique nicknames? Namel went with Tapwaterz because of his rap style. To describe his style, the rapper stated, “My flow is like water and I can rap and tap into beat while keeping it a little rugged like water.” Rick chose to combine his first name with fire to create Rickfire as a way to describe his fiery beats.

Since the launch of 4 Wheel City, the rapper and producer have been broadcasted on news channels such as CNN and ABC. The New York Daily News has listed the pair as one of the “50 Unsung Heroes.” Namel and Rick were also nominated for an Underground Music Award.

When asked if the group has changed the image of rap music, Namel agreed. He stated, “One way we have changed it is the fact that we are getting invited to places that normally don’t welcome Hip Hop music like Music Therapy Conferences, Disability Expos, the Olympics, etc. We just love when some random person who just finished seeing our show but doesn’t listen to rap music comes up to us and say they don’t listen to listen to rap but enjoyed our music and message. Or when Fox 5 and CNN News Cameras came to our project neighborhood in the Bronx to interview us, because normally they only come when something bad happens.”

Through their music, the pair constantly strives to reach out to their audience. Through schools and colleges, 4 Wheel City has spread their message on making responsible decisions and the affects of gun violence.

“As victims of gun violence, we feel lucky to still be alive and still have a chance to speak about it. Thus it is important because too many young men are losing their lives over nonsense and guns are responsible. As Hip-Hop artists we all have the freedom to say what we want and often gun violence is promoted in Hip Hop as it is in many other forms of entertainment like movies and TV. So it’s important that we focus on gun violence as a society as a whole to change the culture and give young people other options to solve their problems” Namel stated.

4 Wheel City has also played in various local clubs and radio stations. Through the industry they got the chance to work many artists who accepted their disabilities. Some of the artists they have worked with include Da Dog Pound and Snoop Dog. The men have interviewed artists for their TV show such as Fat Joe, Fabulous, Outcast, and Bone Thugs N Harmony. Namel has stated that he hopes they get the opportunity to work with Kanye West, Eminem, T-Pain, and Ceelo Green.

After having so much success in the music industry we asked Namel if there was any advice he would give to other young hip-hop artists with disabilities who feel they can’t make it in the music world. Namel’s inspiring advice is, “Stay optimistic, as much as you can. Don’t wait for people to do the work for you. If you have an idea or chance, go for it. Do your research and network with the people and establishments around you, embrace challenges and setbacks, have patience, and don’t be afraid to take chances.”

After performing at this year’s London Paralympics and at the Pittsburg museum, the pair has many others coming up. On October 5th they will be having a performance in New Jersey for the Disability Pride Parade. A new mixtape will be released in November near Thanksgiving. 4 Wheel City will be performing again in December at the Eastern Michigan University. In the beginning of next year, the duo will be broadcasted on a new global TV show on the cyber network. In addition, Namel and Rick will be going on a new tour next spring and will be having a new documentary next summer/fall.

You can listen to their current single, “Welcome to Reality”, on ITunes.

Photo’s Courtesty of 4 Wheel Hip-hop The one with the girl with medal is from the Paralympics her name is British Tennis Bronze Medalist Jordanne Whiley.

4 Wheel City and Snoop Dogg 4 Wheel City and Jay Z

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Lifestyle, Entertainment & Culture

& Culture

The Embrace You Project With

Film by Nick Lopez. zepolocityfilms@gmail.com Producer: Tamara Mena Photographer: Gabriela Hasbun (www.gabrielahasbun.com) Hairstylist and Makeup Artist: Gabriela Chavez Stylist: Abilen Mora Embracers: Angelica Galang and Stephanie Sablan Special THANKS to the Team who brought The Embrace YOU Project come to life!

Tamara Mena Written By: Jacqui Yawn

Interview Conducted By: Lesley Wilks

How does one accept the terrible self-changing

moments life throws your way? Do you move on and accept meekly your life as a victim? No, you take charge and see the

changes as a different and exciting adventure. Don’t look to the past when you have a whole new future ahead of you.

Tamara Mena, in her project “Embrace YOU,” brings that message of acceptance to women of all disabilities. Mena’s

project goal is to teach women that no matter what hurdles are placed; one should accept their life and who they are. Obtaining the self-acceptance of life is very difficult for most women with disabilities. Throughout their whole lives, women are constantly judged based upon their physical appearance by society’s ideals of bodily perfection. Society’s judgment of physical perfection makes life even more difficult for women with disabilities because society tells them that disability marks one as imperfect.

Inhuman. A freak. It is no wonder that women with disabilities have to constantly struggle to accept who they are and embrace their life.

The “Embrace” projects helps the women find that goal of self-acceptance. Tamara Mena understands what is it like to

have a life-shattering moment happen and learn how to adapt and accept her life after.

Tamara was born and raised in Mexico. When she was thirteen, her family decided to move to the US in Northern

California so that their precious daughter could have great educational opportunities that would lead to a better life. This shift in scenery and family was no picnic for the teenage Tamara.

“I went to high school (a difficult age) in the U.S., all in a new country, no friends, and had an accent… I

was the girl who no one knew or cared much about to being the girl who won “best smile” my senior year and, most importantly, I graduated at the top of my class.” – Tamara Mena.

After Tamara graduated high school she moved on to her next goal, going to college. The college student had high

hopes of obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree and Modeling career in San Diego. However, in October 2005 the young woman

changes as a different and exciting adventure. Don’t look to the past when you have a whole new future ahead of you.

Tamara Mena, in her project “Embrace YOU,” brings that message of acceptance to women of all disabilities. Mena’s

project goal is to teach women that no matter what hurdles are placed; one should accept their life and who they are. Obtaining the self-acceptance of life is very difficult for most women with disabilities. Throughout their whole lives, women are constantly judged based upon their physical appearance by society’s ideals of bodily perfection. Society’s judgment of physical perfection makes life even more difficult for women with disabilities because society tells them that disability marks one as imperfect.

Inhuman. A freak. It is no wonder that women with disabilities have to constantly struggle to accept who they are and embrace their life.

The “Embrace” projects helps the women find that goal of self-acceptance. Tamara Mena understands what is it like to

have a life-shattering moment happen and learn how to adapt and accept her life after.

Tamara was born and raised in Mexico. When she was thirteen, her family decided to move to the US in Northern

California so that their precious daughter could have great educational opportunities that would lead to a better life. This shift in scenery and family was no picnic for the teenage Tamara.

“I went to high school (a difficult age) in the U.S., all in a new country, no friends, and had an accent… I

was the girl who no one knew or cared much about to being the girl who won “best smile” my senior year and, most importantly, I graduated at the top of my class.” – Tamara Mena.

After Tamara graduated high school she moved on to her next goal, going to college. The college student had high

hopes of obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree and Modeling career in San Diego. However, in October 2005 the young woman came across a moment in her life that would change her world upside down.

“I was on top of the world. I had just moved down to the city of my dreams, San Diego; I was working, going

to school full-time, pursuing my passion of modeling, and looking forward to graduating from college.” – Tamara Mena

For a night of carousing and excitement, Tamera, her steady boyfriend Patrick, and some friends made a decision to

travel to Rosarito, Mexico. The group took a taxi in their desire to take precautions against the chance of drinking and driving.

Sadly, the dangers of drinking weren’t the only road dangers they needed to avoid. On the way to Rosarito, the taxi struck a horse in the middle of the street, killing the driver and Patrick instantly under the cab’s crushed roof. Tamara’s life was spared due to the heroic actions of her boyfriend who covered her with his arms. However, Tamara’s body sustained many life-threatening injuries that included a severed spine, broken bones, and crushed lungs. Tamara was devastated when told of her inability to walk and of her boyfriend’s death.

“In seconds, I went from feeling invincible and an “I can-do-it-all” girl, to feeling helpless and fully

dependent on some of the most basic things, but I had a very loving family and a great support system always there to help me in all ways. With all those loving people by my side (especially my family), my faith, a good attitude, seeing myself as a survivor (not victimizing myself), I moved forward in life and accomplished many dreams and goals.” – Tamara Mena

Despite the losses, Tamara refused to give up her life to her disability. She knew that by saving her, her boyfriend gave

Tamara a second chance in life. A life chance Tamara was not going to ignore. Two years after her accident the student received her degree Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies at California State University and was the Summa Cum Laude of her class. Tamara is now a speaker and Ambassador for Esko Bionics.

“She has modeled for a number of businesses ranging from TiLite Wheelchairs, a titan in the industry to the internationally

known fashion designer, Norma Kamali, being the first model in the US with a disability to model a major fashion designer’s

clothing line.” (Tamara Mena Site)

Not willing to accept her life as a victim, Tamara decided to take charge of her life and make her life an adventure.

She also wanted to bring her message of acceptance to women of all disabilities. Thus the idea of “Embrace YOU” was born.

Tamara’s “Embrace YOU” project has drawn widespread attention from all directions. She has helped women with disabilities learn to accept their situations and move on with a positive mind for the future. In order to understand what motivated this inspiring woman we have interviewed Tamara to talk about her self, her goals, and the project. a half years after my injury, with the help of an exoskeleton (a wearable robot). It is not the same as the “walking” I knew before my injury, but I was able to stand, take steps, hug and look at my loved ones while standing up, and WALK thanks to Ekso, which has been one of the greatest things that has happened in my life after my injury; although I reiterate that I learned to accept my situation, paralyzed and in a wheelchair and continued to love life, shortly after my accident because regardless of my circumstances, I was here, alive, and I was not going to take this for granted.

3. What more can you tell women with disabilities who struggle to maintain their own social lives? Any tips for those women who try to date?

1. What was it like recuperating from the accident and living with your new disability?

It was extremely difficult because in seconds not only did I lose my ability to walk, became paralyzed from my mid-chest down, lost my voice, could not speak for a couple months, and faced several medical complications, but I lost my best friend and the person I loved with all of my heart. Aside from the difficulties related to adjusting to my new life, the biggest loss and the hardest thing, by far, after my accident was Patrick’s unexpected death. Going back to college was far from easy, especially because I had to be hospitalized several times during school. Still, I was able to major in Communication Studies and graduate from college with the highest honors possible and I was the Commencement Speaker in front of 10,000 people.

2. Do you still struggle to find a cure for SCI? I don’t because I always felt that being alive and surviving my accident was the biggest blessing, even if I now had to live life with a SCI and in a wheelchair, and regardless of if I was ever able to gain anything back. However, I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to walk again five and

The most important thing is to accept that things will never be the same, if a disability is acquired, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be better. Just because one may have a disability, it does not mean we are less or that we can’t have an equally fulfilling life, and that certainly includes dating. However, most people in society or abled-bodied people (I say this because I was one once) don’t know how to act around someone with a disability, for the most part and often times. It’s important that we, people with disabilities, love and fully accept ourselves, before others can do the same and love us for who we are.

Once you know and accept who you are, set and accomplish goals for yourself, you gain confidence. It’s vital that we project confidence and comfortableness in any scenario under any circumstance and this makes things easier for others. When it comes to dating, there is nothing more attractive than meeting someone who is confident and comfortable “in their own skin” and with themselves.

4. What can you tell us about the project? What are your goals for it?

The Embrace YOU Project is dedicated to help women accept, and embrace who they are. The journey of this project began at the end of 2010 as I started thinking of ways to encourage many women to further than just “accepting” their situation, embrace it. Knowing and accepting any life situation is vital,

but embracing it, embracing YOU is a further step in this process to help you be fully proud of who you are no matter what. Embracing what something is or who you are helps you be confident, bring it from the inside out, and project it! That’s what I wanted to share across through this project, so born was: The Embrace YOU Project! The Embrace YOU Project Video documents: The Embracer’s photo shoot, some “behind the scenes” footage, some of the final powerful photographic images, and a short and sweet but encouraging interview with the women sharing their journey in knowing, accepting and embracing who they are, including their struggles and advice for women in general.

5. Why did you choose to create the “Embrace You Project?”

The Embrace YOU Project is important because, often times, we struggle with accepting our situation, especially after a life changing or hurtful experience. I chose to create this project to encourage and remind everyone to do the following: Not only should we try to accept ourselves and/or our situations; but further than accepting, it’s very important to embrace who we are, regardless of any circumstance or any imperfection we may have. We all have imperfections; no one is perfect and we must accept those in order to be fully proud of who we are and what we have to offer.

6. What was it like being a part of its production?

Being part of this production has been incredibly enriching and has helped me grow in many ways. I stumbled upon several challenges. Not everything ran smooth all the time, but that is just how life is and we have to learn how to overcome any obstacles (which is what happened with this project), but we still made it happen. I had a vision and I knew where I wanted this to go, but it was a team effort. It took very talented and special individuals, their participation and support for this vision I had for that to come to life, share this message with others, our journey, and I’m very proud of how everything turned out.

7. Who are the other women behind the video, Angelica Galang and Stephanie Sablan? Can you tell us more about them?

The two “Embracers” Angelica and Stephanie are both very special women. Both ladies are driven, strong, determined, and love life! We are all different. We have been raised differently, different cultures and life experiences, as well as different ways of becoming disabled and, therefore, different levels of spinal cord injuries (SCI) and journeys; but at the

end, in a way, it was our spinal cord injuries what brought us together in life. Angelica has been injured longer than Stephanie. After Angelica’s injury, she has been able to accomplish many of her goals, such as going back to school, graduating from college and now moving on to law school, which is so exciting, and a huge accomplishment, and is also a strong wheelchair quad rugby player. Stephanie has been injured for a much shorter time. She has been paralyzed just a little bit over a year and has put a lot of her focus and efforts on being there for others as a mentor, helping others accept a SCI and move forward, also co-leading with me the first Young Women’s SCI Support group at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. In her short time of being injured, she has promoted her message to bring awareness on the dangers of texting and driving, as that is part of her story, and she has been able to already go back to work and is again doing what she loves as a career. They both have shown their drive to live a fulfilling life and not let their injuries stop them from doing what they love, accomplishing what they have always wanted to do, including dating after their injuries, accepting and embracing who they are. I’m sure they’ll continue to accomplish more and more goals, as they continue to maintain their passion for life, their drive to always move forward and embracing who they are.

8. What do you hope to accomplish with the project?

Vision for the Project: I hoped the images created, by outstanding photographer Gabriela Hasbun, would help all women directly involved in this project by reassuring them of their beauty (including the wheelchair) and endless potential.

Beyond hopefully helping these women more directly involved in the project, I created the Embrace You Project with the main hope to impact the rest of the world through the creation of positive and captivating images and footage.

However, the ultimate goal is to inspire and encourage other women to beyond accept, embrace everything about themselves and, regardless of any life circumstance. Result of the Embrace YOU Project: The women involved, were all helped and impacted differently by the Embrace YOU project; but most of all, we were all empowered through this journey!

Most importantly, through this empowerment, we wanted to uplift everyone, all women, including women in wheelchairs through the interviews that would be in the video. The positive images in this footage, the women’s personal stories, experiences, and advice to all women, at the end of the day are to empower others to embrace life. It is about knowing and accepting yourself; be proud of who you are no matter what, and as I like to say, “own it!” EMBRACE it ALL!

Lifestyle, Entertainment & Culture

Dream Big: When I grow up Spotlight Meet Brooklyn Gibson Hometown: Dallas, Texas Age: 4 years old Disability: Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus & Bilateral Clubbed Feet.

When I Grow Up I want to be a “doggy doctor” aka Veterinarian.

Hobbies: Cheerleading for the “Texas Cutez.”

Photo Credit: Brittany Gibson

Write-Up

Unbeaten DVD: Unbeaten-Oz Sanchez A Steven C. Barber Film Publisher: Polaris Global Year: 2010 Price: $24.99 http://www.unbeatenthemovie.com/ Unbeaten an award winning documentary directed by filmmaker Steven C. Barber is a an inspirational story that chronicles the exploits of 31 paraplegics for six days as they make their way in wheelchairs and hand cycles in what is known as the toughest road race in the world.

This documentary follows some elite racers of the US one of them being current Paralympic gold medalist Oz Sanchez of the Paralympics Squad. Oz Sanchez is known as one of the world’s fastest man in hand cycling. Through this documentary we learn of the struggle, determination and self-discovery that many of these individuals face including Sanchez while living out their dreams.

The story told is a message to countless individuals who are dealing with their own physical limitations worldwide. It tugs at your emotions helping you to appreciate the determination that these individuals have. The message that Unbeaten presents to its audience is that it that perseverance is possible for anyone who try’s hard enough in spite of the obstacles and this team had many.

Sports

The

Sports Spot

Sports Editor Dynasty Wilks

Both Oz Sanchez and Aaron Fotthingham show and continue to defy the odds despite their disabilities and or physical challenges. They are an encouragement to many others including youth and athletes who are in their same situation. They prove to the world that no matter our circumstances that if we continue to push on and push ourselves that we can accomplish it all and be who we want to be in life and live out our dreams.

Spring 2014 | 64

Sports

Aaron

Fottingham is

Extreme Written By: Dynasty Wilks

20-year-old eye candy and motocross athlete Aaron Fotthingham, also known as “Wheelz,” has definitely made a name for himself over the past 6 1/2 years. Aaron who currently spends most of his time on the road and residing in hotels was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and has never let his Spina Bifida disability stop him. By believing that his only disability is that he is unable to let his wheelchair hold him back, Aaron has truly learned to make things work for him. Chasing his dreams has not been an easy ride, but it’s definitely been a wicked one and we mean that in the most intriguing way. We got a chance to catch up with Aaron, as he made his way across seas to complete his tour, to find out what this appealing young man had to say about his most known accomplishments, his biggest challenges and his love for metal fabrication…

Dynasty: What is your disability?

Aaron: My disability is that I am unable to let my wheelchair hold me back... but I have Spinal Bifida, but I don’t think of it as a disability but more of an opportunity!

Dynasty: How long have you been competing in the sport?

Aaron: Not too many competitions yet, but I’ve been riding since 2000!

Dynasty: What is your reason for competing in this sport?

Aaron: I ride, because it makes me happy, and it’s just what I’m passionate about!

Dynasty: Thus far, what has been the greatest accomplishment of your athletic career?

Aaron: For me the Double Backflip has meant the most to me, because it was so hard, and it hurt me so many times, and when I was so close to throwing in the towel, I kept trying and then I landed it, and it just showed me to never give up.

Aaron: Sometimes I’ll get frustrated or injured and it upsets me, but I use the anger to push on and try it again. I’d never quit doing skate parks, it honestly makes me so happy, and I will be riding till I’m dead.

Dynasty: What are some of your well known tricks that you enjoy doing?

Dynasty: Growing up were you always entertained by sports or did you have any other passions?

Aaron: Handi-plants, front flips, backflips, 180’s, double backflips...

Aaron: I was always into extreme sports, and always watched X GAMES.

Dynasty: In 2006 you landed the first wheelchair backflip, and in 2010 you landed the first wheelchair double backflip, do you remember what was going through your mind both times? And did you ever believe that you could accomplish that?

Dynasty: When people see you doing what you do what do you think they are saying?

Aaron: The thing that goes through my mind when I land a new trick is just so much joy, more than I can describe, and it gives me more confidence for future tricks!

Dynasty: What is your ultimate goal?

Aaron: Ultimate goal? I want to take over the world with WCMX (wheelchair moto-x) and get more people out there having fun, and get people on chairs to ditch all the excuses and go LIVE LIFE! Dynasty: What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

Aaron: To this day, the biggest challenge is fear. I still battle it every day, and that what stops a lot of people from trying the sport of WCMX. But in life you have to push past your fears and work through your challenges.

Aaron: Well, I see a lot of jaws drop...so.... hahahaha Dynasty: Aside from extreme sports, what other activities do you participate in?

Aaron: I enjoy Metal Fabrication, and video editing along with photography!

Dynasty: What is your approach to motivating young athletes (especially those with disabilities and or limitations) to pursue sports?

Aaron: I just would like to say, that, you’re only as disabled or limited as you let yourself believe. If I woke up every morning and thought about everything negative or if I thought about not being able to do something then I wouldn’t be able to do it. Biggest obstacle is in your mind, so think positive and go live your life! Never slow down!

Photo Credit: Amy Barnard Photography

Dynasty: Do you have a motto, quote, or song that you live by?

Aaron: “When life gives you a wheelchair, find a skate park!” - Aaron fotheringham Dynasty: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Aaron: I’m inspired by people who don’t stop, don’t give up, and do everything to reach their dreams, such as, Travis Pastrana, Chad Kagy, Jamie Bestwick, and the whole Nitro Circus Crew!

Dynasty: Have you ever thought about giving up? What encouraged you to continue?

Spring 2014 | 66

Health & Nutrition

L iving

Right

To live right means that we must take care of our bodies, both mentally and physically; especially as disabled individuals we must work even harder to make sure that we are in the healthiest state as possible. One of the things that we tend to overlook is our hearing. Having healthy hearing is just as important as anything else is. Because without healthy hearing we will not be able to enjoy the beautiful sounds that we hear daily. We must be willing to do all that we can to take care of our precious ears and do all that we can to avoid suffering from things such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear aches etc.

It is said that stress can be one of the leading causes to suffering from hearing loss and tinnitus. According to the American Psychological Association, 77 percent of Americans report regularly experiencing physical symptoms caused by stress .

Scientists believe constant worry elevates levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline and increases blood pressure. These things can lead to circulatory conditions; because your ears are organs that rely on good blood to operate efficiently, such disorders can damage your hearing too .

So what can you to do take care of your ears, elevate stress and related issues? Well on the next couple of pages you will be introduced to both a doctor, and 3 different fitness instructors who will help you to appreciate your hearing and gain more knowledge on how you can take care of your overall physical body in ways that will rid you of stress and keep you moving.

Photo Credits: http://www.hear-it.org/Tinnitus-and-stress

________________________________________ Don’t Stress About Hearing Loss, Educate Yourself http://www.healthyhearing.com/content/articles/Tinnitus/Ringing-in-ears/51256-Don-t-stress-about-hearing-loss-educate-yourself

Healthy Hearing Your Complete Hearing Aide Information Source http://www.healthyhearing.com/content/articles/Tinnitus/Ringing-in-ears/51256-Don-t-stress-about-hearing-loss-educate-yourself

Spring 2014 | 68

Health & Nutrition Dr. Michael Draughon

Teaches Us About Healthy Hearing HEARING LOSS (Causes and Implications) Michael A. Draughon, M.A. CCC-SLP Alderman Speech Pathology Services, LLC

www.aldspeech.com

Photo Credit: www.aldspeech.com

Our sense of hearing is one that we take for granted each day. We are bombarded with thousands of various sounds

which may range from speech to birds chirping to the sound of a siren blaring from a fire engine or a passing police car. Many sounds go totally unnoticed and we rarely give a thought about our hearing unless something happens and we are confronted with the possibility of a hearing loss. What is considered normal hearing? What are some causes of hearing loss? How do we know if we have a hearing problem that should be addressed by a medical professional?

To gain a better perspective of hearing loss we should first look at how hearing works in the human body. Sound waves

first enter the auditory tract through our ear canals where it is directed to our eardrum. Once there, sound sets off movement of three tiny bones within our middle ear know as the ossicles. The ossicles consist of three bones (the malleus, the incus, and the stapes). Then stapes is also the smallest bone in the human body. From there, movement of the ossicles causes a reaction in the inner ear within the cochlea. The cochlea is a fluid-filed mechanism with microscopic parts which convert sound waves into electric messages that then travel to the base of the brain through the auditory nerve. Once in the brain those sounds are interpreted.

What is normal hearing? Normal human hearing can be measured in terms of loudness and pitch. We can measure

loudness in decibels (dB) and we can measure pitch in terms of frequency using units known as hertz (Hz). In terms of loudness, normal hearing is considered to be between 10 dB to 15dB. To give you a better understanding, a helicopter flying overhead may be about 100dB. In terms of pitch, normal hearing is between 20Hz and 8,000Hz. The higher the frequency, the higher the pitch is perceived. For example, a singer with a soprano voice may have a higher pitch (higher frequency) than a singer who sings bass or baritone (lower pitch, lower frequency).

There are 3 basic types of hearing loss; conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss.

Conductive hearing losses occur when sound is not conducted through the outer ear canal and to the ear drum and on to the ossicles. With conductive hearing losses, the symptoms may consist of difficulty hearing faint sounds. Causes of a conductive hearing loss may include the following: 69 | Spring 2014

*ear infection (otitis media) *colds *ear wax *allergies *perforated or torn ear drum *Swimmer’s ear (otitis media) Conductive hearing losses are usually corrected medically or with surgery. A sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear, cochlea, or the nerve pathway. Some causes may include: *toxic drugs *head trauma *exposure to loud noises *genetic hereditary causes *illness (Meniere’s disease –which may cause vertigo or dizziness) A mixed hearing loss may consist of a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing losses.

It should also be noted that hearing loss in children between the ages of 0-6 years is highly detrimental to speech and language development. This is the period in their lives when speech and language is acquired. If they are unable to hear sounds, chances are their speech and language may develop slowly which also may impact their ability to read and write, therefore adversely affecting their academic growth. Many young children have frequent colds and ear infections which may lead to a conductive hearing loss. Other children may suffer from congenital hearing losses as well.

What are some symptoms of hearing loss? Hearing losses may manifest themselves in the following ways: *muffle hearing *difficulty understanding what people are saying *listening to the TV. or radio at higher volumes than in the past *ear pain, itching, irritation *Pus, fluid leaking from the ear *vertigo (dizziness

If you or your child is suffering form one or more of these symptoms, you should consult a physician. You may require the services of an Otolaryngologist/ENT (ear, nose, throat doctor) and/or and Audiologist. For more information regarding hearing loss and hearing conservation, contact the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) at www.asha.org.

References: *American Speech-Language Hearing Association www.asha.org *“From Hearing & Children” 3rd Edition, J. Northern, M.Downs, 1984 *”Introduction to Audiology, Frderick Martin, 1986 *WebMD www.webmd.com

Spring 2014 | 70

Health & Nutrition

Dancing to the Beat of Her own Drum Written By: Lesley Wilks

Zumba® fitness instructor Corina Guiterrez is showing people how it’s really done with her “No Excuses” attitude. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Corina believes that everyone can do all things. Despite her Osteogenesis Imperfecta disability, a genetic bone disorder that causes brittle bones, this hasn’t stopped her from accomplishing her dreams.

Fashionably Advantaged Magazine caught up with the very busy eclectic and humble Corina Guiterrez; we got a chance to find out from her view point on why she feels it’s important for people with disabilities to stay active, what encourages her to keep going and what made her take on becoming a certified Zumba® instructor.

Lesley: What inspired you to start doing Zumba?

Lesley: What was your biggest challenge that you faced when you decided to become a licensed Zumba Fitness® Instructor?

Corina: I don’t recall facing any challenges when I decided to become an instructor.

Lesley: What do you look to accomplish as a licensed Zumba Fitness® instructor? Do you find that people doubt you and your skills because of your limitations? If so how do you handle it and if not why do you think they don’t?

Corina: The desire to get physically fit inspired me to start doing Zumba Fitness®

Corina: I believe it was more curiosity rather than doubt, on how I would be able to Zumba® in my wheelchair. I handled it by demonstrating how I do it.

Lesley: Have you always been a dancer or is it something you just decided to take up one day?

Lesley: How does it make you feel when you see people responding positively to what you are doing?

Corina: I have not always been a dancer but I’ve always loved to dance. Only danced for fun & entertainment.

Corina: It makes me feel great. Part of me becoming a Zumba Fitness® Instructor was to inspire others to believe in themselves & go after their dreams.

Lesley: How long have you been doing Zumba Fitness®?

Corina: I’ve been doing Zumba® for two years. Was a student for a year and became an instructor the second year.

Lesley: Do you ever think that you will venture into owning your own Zumba fitness center?

Corina: I am not sure because I have a whole lot of goals, dreams & desires to fulfill. I take things one day at a time and rely on God to guide me. I am also a motivational speaker and running a fitness center takes much of your time & is a huge responsibility I do not desire to take on in the near future lol.

Lesley: What type of exercises do you incorporate in this healthy program, especially for those with limited mobility?

Corina: Because I am able to move my arms and legs I do incorporate a lot of leg & arm movements in my choreography and just tell everyone to modify the moves to what they can do.

Lesley: What kind of music and exercise equipment is used within the program if any?

Corina: International music such as merengue, salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, flamenco & pop & hip hop is used in a Zumba® Class.

Lesley: Do you travel nationally teaching Zumba?

Corina: I travel wherever I am hosted.

Lesley: Besides Zumba what other endeavors do you have going on?

Corina: I am also a motivational speaker Lesley: Do you maintain a Healthy Eating routine or are you one of those individuals who can eat whatever they want and keep it moving?

Corina: I try to maintain a healthy eating routine but I do not. I am getting better at it though LOL.

Lesley: What keeps you going, where do you draw all of your energy from?

Corina: My faith keeps me going and I draw much of my energy from the public.

Lesley: What encouragement would you offer to individuals with disabilities who look to inspire and accomplish big things in life just as you are, but feel like they can’t because of their disabilities or limitations?

Corina: Knowing that the only limitations you have are the ones that you put on yourself & my faith is what has driven me to accomplish all that I have accomplished. Don’t allow fear to hold you back or keep you down from walking in your destiny and purpose. Take advantage of this world of opportunity that we are blessed to live in. Peace, love, & Blessings!

FUN FACTS ABOUT CORINA: In her spare time Corina likes to write, shop, sleep, talk & laugh. She is an active member of her local church and when she is able she likes to volunteer her time to community outreaches. She one day hopes to write a book & one day have her own line of clothing.

Pictures Courtesy of Vision Moments Photography & Zumba Fitness.

unique clothes for unique people

www.LegaWear.com

Health & Nutrition

Candise Jordan says

YOU CAN DO IT! Written By: Lesley Wilks

We did our research and learned that you run Total Wellness which is pretty much an umbrella of about 10 small businesses all related to Health, Fitness & Safety; can you tell us what those are individually?

Health: Nutrition Counseling (Meal Planning, Guided Grocery Store Tours, & Personal Grocery Shopping) Evolv Health Products, Beach Body Health Products, Vitabar Supplements, & Public Speaking (Lunch & Learns).

What made you take on a career as a fitness instructor?

I’ve always had a passion for fitness. As a child I used to steal my mom’s Jane Fonda videos and do them. When I babysat my younger cousins I used to make them workout so I always enjoyed working out. My father died when I was 5 years old so I don’t really remember him and never met my siblings until I was older. Funny enough it turns out that 3 out of 5 of us are really into fitness. Two studied Martial Arts like Dad & 2 personal trainers lol…

How long have you been a fitness instructor?

I have been a Nationally Certified Trainer since September 2005 but I was a Floor Trainer at the Washington Sports Club for a year while studying for my certification. So 8 years.

Fitness: Personal Training, Group Exercise Classes, Online Personal Training & Info Products such as E-Books & DVDs

Safety: CPR Instructor Why do you feel it’s important for people including individuals with disabilities to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Quality of Life! Whether you have a disability or not exercising & eating properly improves your quality of life. You’ll feel more energized, faster recovery from injury/surgery; feel healthier with improved immune system less headaches, stomach aches, colds, etc. Improves strength, coordination, range of motion & increases mobility.

Have you ever created modified exercise plans and eating habits for individuals with disabilities? If so did you find it as challenge to do so or did you find that it was about the same as working with any other person without a disability.

Yes I have. It was definitely a challenge. One former client was paralyzed from the waist down & had very little function of his hands due to a spinal injury. When exercising we would have to use straps since he couldn’t hold weights, I manually stretched his lower body which would sometimes cause his legs to spasm. I had to be very delicate and worried a lot more about risk of injury whenever I work with someone disabled.

It was also rewarding & very inspiring also because he really pushed himself! He was always positive & hopeful.

What do you think your role is as a fitness instructor?

I believe my role as a fitness instructor is to provide safe & effective exercise programs to my clients, keep the energy level high, keep them motivated, monitor their form, keep the classes from getting boring, constantly challenge my clients, and educate them so that they make healthy decisions outside of class.

What are some suggested exercise movements that you would suggest for a person who physically disabled?

A person that is physically disabled should concentrate on the same fitness components as someone without disabilities: Cardio, Strength, & Flexibility. Which particular exercises they choose all depends on their abilities.

For instance, if the person is wheelchair bound than there are several chair exercises that they can do. Cardio can be Torso Twist, Over the Head arm movements such as Speed bag arms, and punches. For strength Bicep Curls, Tricep Overhead Press, Chest Presses using bands, and Seated Chops. Then stretch.

If the person is not wheel chair bound riding a stationary bike is excellent cardio & swimming is a full body workout.

What does your eating regimen consist of as a fitness instructor?

I start every day with a glass of lemon water which is not only a diuretic but also helps to detoxify your blood. I eat 5-6 times daily including 3 main meals & 2-3 snacks. I go organic as much as possible. I eat at least 1 side of veggies with 2-3 of my meals. 2-3 cups of fruit as a snack, a protein snack after a workout and one veggie snack. I don’t eat red meat. I eat fish, tofu & poultry sparingly. I allow myself 1 cheat day a week which is usually Saturdays when I bowl. Believe it or not

cycling your calories is actually better for your metabolism. I practice the 80/20 rule. 80% of the time I stick to my regimen and 20% of the time I enjoy some fast food or a drink. I LOVE to eat this is why I workout so hard!

What is an eating regimen that you would recommend to someone who is not involved in much physical activity?

If someone is not physically active they should pay that much more attention to their diet. They should eat a diet similar to mine but have smaller portions. Everyone should eat at least 4-6 meals a day, organic, whole grain, lean meats, full of fruits & veggies.

Is there specific area on the body that you tend to focus on more than others?

I focus a lot on core training. Your core is a group of muscles that form the mid trunk of your body including your back & abdominal muscles. The reason I focus on core training is because your core is essential to every movement you make.

If your core is weak than your posture is also which leads to improper movements, joint instability, muscular imbalances, injuries, poor form, back pain, joint pain and other conditions.

Whether I am Personal Training, instructing PiYo (Pilates/ Yoga), H.I.I.T (High Intensity Interval Training) or my Flat Belly Boot Camp I always choose functional exercises that mimic our daily movements, balance exercises that activate our core, and interval training so that we burn fat fast!

It can be very hard for individuals with disabilities sometimes to get out to an actual gym or to use actual exercise equipment, so our question to you is do your prefer for people to use their own body strength or whatever equipment that they have around in their house hold that works for them? And if so what things would that be?

You definitely do not need a gym to exercise. In fact, I hardly ever put any of my clients on machines so we can work out anywhere. Every home should have a stability ball and a set of hand weights. If you don’t have them that is fine then you can use milk or water jugs for weights and a couch. You can walk the stairs or neighborhood, Shoulder Press with the jugs, body weight squats, wall pushups, sit on the couch and a do a Russian twist for your oblique’s.

How do you combine both your holistic training

and fitness training when instructing others?

First, I offer a FREE Nutrition Analysis with every program.

I take an in depth look at what my clients are currently consuming, eating patterns, unhealthy habits, etc and give recommendations on how to switch to a healthier lifestyle. For my Flat Belly Boot Camp participants & Nutrition Counseling clients I provide holistic meal plans.

afford organic foods then just buy “The Dirty Dozen” organic not all foods, no time to cook everyday…then cook once or twice a week and freeze your meals. As long as you are doing SOMETHING! Make some effort towards your fitness & weight loss goals!

How do you think holistic medicine can contribute to a better being meaning the mind and body of youth and adults with disabilities?

Holistic medicine is actually starting to become more widely accepted amongst those with disabilities. Holistic or Integrative Medicine that incorporates nutrition, herbal remedies, and alternative therapies into the treatment of those with disabilities helps them manage pain, nausea & stress. These treatments include Acupuncture, Yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, massage & more.

Do you think that holistic medicine makes for a healthier way of living?

Absolutely, it improves energy levels, prevents illness, has little to no side effects, it is the way nature intended on us healing ourselves.

What encouragement would you offer to individuals with disabilities who feel that because of their disabilities they can’t participate in healthy exercise regimens?

I would tell them that “Can’t is a curse word”! That is what I tell my son & my clients. It may not be as easy for you to exercise as someone without disabilities but it is definitely possible. I mean look at the Paralympics I am blown away by their heart & athleticism. They can do it & so can you!

I see that your motto is telling people to “Quite making excuses” for themselves when it comes to exercising and living healthy? Do you think that your motto has helped a lot of people to life a healthier lifestyle?

I hope so! It’s tough love! Trust me I do the same thing to myself. Quit making excuses and get it done! You are going to be faced with obstacles daily whether its time, finances, bad influences, cravings, etc. so you can’t quit every time something comes up. If you can’t make it to the gym because of work today then go home and pop in a fitness DVD, can’t

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Write-Up

The Chair Aerobics For Everyone The Videos Chair Aerobics Written by: Jacqui Yawn

Chair Aerobics helps people learn to exercise in a fun, safe and efficient way. The best part is that the audience can be anyone who has the desire to exercise, whether they can stand, not stand, limited to a chair, are bedridden, or more.

This series helps challenge people at all levels of fitness and abilities, no matter what shape they are in. In addition, there are also videos in the series that provide exercise in a variety of styles for those who have interests in multiple styles of fitness.

Here are some of the testimonials of people who have used the program: “I am handicapped and unable to walk without assistance. This video has made it possible for me to get in a good workout without stress on my legs or back.

I have recommended it to several of my friends with and without handicaps and would highly recommend it to anyone else.” (Dixie L.) “I love this video!!! Very easy to follow and very sexy...I feel sexy with my sexy, big self!!! I am going to dance the dance of 7 veils!!! Hey, Now!!” (Sandra) I never realized that sitting in a chair could make you perspire and puff! I use the chair aerobics every 2nd day and in a month I have lost 7 inches all over and

combined with a good eating plan lost 1 kilo per week.

Definitely recommend to all.” (Muffysmum) “What a nice variety of these dvd’s: tai chi, circuit training, beach party, boxing, belly dancing...I want them all! lol” (Momoko) The series has a number of videos that include the original Chair Aerobics, Chair Boxing, Chair Belly Dance, Exercises for the Bedridden, Circuit Training Beach Party, Chair Salsa, Chair Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, and Wheelchair Workout. For those who are interested in just the boring old fitness exercise routine will have to look elsewhere because Chair Aerobics brings a whole new look and style to these traditional workouts.

About the Creators The brilliant minds behind the videos are instructors David Stamps, Ronit Amaya, Heather Gerrell, Nikki Glazer, and Amanda Cook. David helps the audience with the Chair Aerobics for videos on Exercise for Bedridden, Chair Boxing, Chair Salsa, and Chair Tai Chi. He has a background in kinesiology, is AFFA and NETA certified, and has gained

over 10 years of experience as an instructor. Ronit has ten years of experience as well but in health and is a member of the National Academy of Sports Medicine. For Chair Aerobics she teaches the Chair Belly Dancing and Circuit Training Beach Party videos based on her past experience as a professional dancer and coach. Heather instructs Yoga for the Chair Yoga video. She gained her experience through her studies and training in India with Swami Kumananda and at Sacred Movement with Shiva Rea. Nikki has 10 years of fitness training and has developed her own routine that helps tone and shape the body in her Chair Aerobics for Everyone video. Amana is AFAA certified in group fitness and Mat Pilates and has a degree in exercise physiology. She instructs for the Wheelchair Workout video.

Chair Aerobics Q&A What inspired you to start something like Chair Aerobics?

The Chair Aerobics for Everyone Series was created when I (Ann) injured a knee injury and was looking for a seated DVD that I could do at home. Unfortunately all that I could find were workouts for the elderly. This made me realize there was a real need for a series that could be used by all ages.

be so beneficial to those in the disabled community who are limited in mobility?

Yes I believe that everyone needs exercise and just because you are in a wheelchair or have limited mobility doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with fitness routine.

We noticed that you have a video called Wheelchair Aerobics, what all does that involve and how different is it from your other Chair Aerobics exercise videos?

Our Wheelchair Workout DVD is done completely seated in a wheelchair. We know having side arms on a chair is a little different and more challenging than a regular chair. The instructor in this video alters the exercise with this in mind.

This DVD is mostly an upper body workout and is done at a slower pace.

How long has Chair Aerobics been around?

I’m not quite sure how long Chair Aerobics has been around but The Chair Aerobics for Everyone Series has been around for about 8 years.

Your motto is that Chair Aerobics is for everyone? How so?

The Series has 10 DVD’s to choose from everything from Boxing to Belly dancing. (Having such a variety will ensure that you can find one that will peak your interest). Some are slower pace such as chair yoga and tai chi while others are a little more challenging like the Original Chair Aerobics and Chair Salsa.

The following individuals can benefit from our DVD’s: * People who are just starting a fitness routine and are not quite ready for a class or high impact DVD’s. * People at higher fitness levels who have limited space in their apartment or for use while traveling. * Seniors and people with disabilities. * People who have issues with balance and need the stability of a chair. * People who have a temporary disability due to an injury. * Having limited mobility makes keeping fit challenging and difficult but these DVD’s help deliver a non- impact workout that will raise your heart level and help to keep you in a fitness routine.

Did you ever think that Chair Aerobics would

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What type of fitness results can people get from participating in chair aerobics?

- Strengthening and toning of the muscles.

- Improved circulation - Better heart function - Lower blood pressure - Reduction of stress level - Restored energy - Loss of pounds and inches -Aide in digestion - Relief of anxiety and depression How effective would you say Chair Aerobics has been in the disabled community?

I think Chair Aerobics has given people with disabilities a nice option to explore different interests such as Boxing, Belly dancing, Yoga, Salsa Dancing, etc. which they many not ever be able to do without these DVD’s. A few months ago we had a booth at the Abilities Expo in Los Angeles and we were excited on how much positive feedback that we had about the videos.

Where can Chair Aerobics videos be purchased?

They can be purchased at Amazon.com or for a substantial discount on our website www.chairaerobics.com What other forms of Chair Aerobics do you offer?

We have the following DVD’s in our series: The Original Chair Aerobics Chair Boxing Chair Yoga Chair Belly dancing Chair Salsa Chair Tai Chi Circuit Training Beach party Exercises for the Bedridden Wheelchair Workout Also only available on our website we have a Best of Chair Aerobics for everyone that includes the quick workouts of Chair Aerobics, Chair Boxing and Circuit Training Beach party.

On our website all the videos are $12.99 + shipping The only exception is The Best of Chair Aerobics for Every one for $29.95 You can get information on our series at www.chairaerobics.com View clips on YouTube @ http://www.youtube.com/chairaerobics Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/ChairAerobicsSeries Twitter @ https://twitter.com/chairaerobics Pictures Courtesy of Chair Aerobics

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Health & Nutrition

Actin’ the Part Many celebrities today play and act the parts of individuals who are disabled. There are many television shows, movies and theatrical plays out there where we can find our favorite actors and actresses betraying or bringing to life the true stories and tales of many real life disabled individuals and their struggles that they have had to deal with because of their disabilities.

One of those actors that FAM staff has chosen to highlight is Singer/Rapper/Actor Drake. Canadian born and raised entertainer Drake got his start and became well known for playing Jimmy Brooks on the teen television series Degrassi: The Next Generation. In the show, Brooks (Drake) is a basketball star who became physically disabled after he was shot by a classmate. Drake continued on The Next Generation until 2009, when his character graduated from Degrassi. Drake later rose to prominence as a rapper, releasing several mixtapes before signing to Young Money Entertainment. Drake through his role as Jimmy Brooks teaches us a valuable lesson that even through trials, tribulations and being disabled we can continue to push on with our dreams and that we can accomplish even the unimaginable.

Picture Credits: guestofaguest.com www.drakepictures.net

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Get Hip Technology

Technology

(COLLEGE EDITION) With Technology Blogger

Sa’Mel Wilks

With so many individuals in the disabled community preparing to go off to college around this time of year and live their dreams, here at FAM we have decided to compile a list of some of the hottest technologies and accessories that can be useful and helpful for your new journey‌Check them out!

BRAILLE SENSE SENSE U2 The Braille Sense PLUS is a notetaker for the blind with a Braille keyboard (Perkins type keyboard). The Braille Sense PLUS has the capabilities of a word processor, web browser, schedule manager, and media player, for use at work, home or school. Cost: $5,595.00 http://www.hims-inc.com

ZOOM TEXT MAGNIFER Enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, making all of your applications easy to see and use. Cost: $399.00 http://www.aisquared.com

The Zippidy Wheelchair Arm Rest Organizer lets you keep your essential items right at your fingertips. It quickly secures to any manual or power wheelchair with two adjustable straps.

Cost: $29.99 http://www.discountramps.com/zippidy-wheelchair-arm-rest-organizer.htm

BOOKS ON TAPE Provides readers with multiple disabilities the opportunity to actually Listen to book through tape or text through speech using multiple voices.

Cost: Prices Vary | http://www.booksontape.com/ COLOURS WHEELCHAIR (SABER) The new SABER offers a lot more than just a stylish look. It offers adjustable positioning for every unique body. A contoured Frame and features seat width and depth adjustability.

Cost: $2,145.00 http://www.colourswheelchair.com

PAGEBOTE FOR KINDLE FIRE PageBot for Kindle products enable the independent reading of books and other long form documents by people who cannot hold the Kindle or press its buttons.

Cost: $279.95 + http://www.orin.com/access/ pagebot

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Extras

Stay Hip: Rhonda Stevenson has the Answers With prom season coming up and the preparation of becoming college bound and possibly living away from your parents you are probably feeling nervous and have many wonders and concerns going through you mind. Especially when it comes to beauty tips for prom and trying to figure out how accommodations may work for you and your disability while in college. We’ll have no fear Rhonda Stevenson is here to help you out.

Rhonda Stevenson is a mother of a 30 year old daughter who was born with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Her daughter was diagnosed with her disability at the age of 18 months. Rhonda says since her daughter’s birth her loving family and friends have worked very hard to be her cheerleader, supporter, and advocate, shoulders to cry on, counselors, provider, and whatever is needed to continue her young life. Her daughter has been an inspiration to both her parents her brother, and many who meet her and get to know her. A bright green orthopedic walker is her foot transportation which has been many places. It has taken many years of patience, life changes, a few sacrifices, travel, funding, strength, and determination, to keep a balance in Rhonda’s life and to encourage her daughter to continue to live her life with as much joy and quality as possible. Upon graduation from high school, the challenge to attend college was one more obstacle to achieve. The accomplishment for Rhonda’s daughter to receive her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Education was a 7 year journey, delayed with a few medical issuers and course changes.

Currently she is pursuing her career as a pre-school teacher. Rhonda says what she has learned from her daughter’s life, is what she shares with others whenever she can. When parents of child with a Disability come together as a team, the support is a plus to everyone’s life, and I welcome the knowledge that I have learned to give it to others.

College Bound Students 1. College Bound or Currently a Student, Check out the college, university, or community you plan to attend or currently enrolled, for their department that specializes in providing services for the students with disabilities. You MUST register separately with this department in order to receive their services during your educational training. There are no additional fees to receive whatever accommodations you may require, (such as transportation, additional test taking time, tutoring, housing, accessible accommodations). Also request to have a copy of your IEP (if you have one available) placed in your file, as it can be a very useful tool, to your benefit. The admissions/registrar office will provide with the number of check for it on line under the college website.

2. Did you know that it is possible to request a substitute college course that will offer you the same amount of credits, to continue your education, or graduate. If you are having difficulties with a course that you have taken several times and have not been able to pass, request a meeting with your Dean, to review this possibility. Colleges and Universities recognize that many students struggle with math, or science, they would rather provide a solution to your situation than have a student drop out.

Beauty Tips 3. Try a little face primer on your eye before applying your foundation, powder, eye shadow, or eyeliner. The primer gives your skin a very smooth soft feeling and your cosmetics stay on for longer hours and your eyeshaow and eyeliner will not smudge.

Waterproof and smudge proof eye make is great, but it best to use any brand of eye make-up to take it all off, as to a lotion or Vaseline, Target, CVS, Wal-Mart all sell these products.

4. Check out FREE samples, at the Sephora cosmetic stores; look for a store inside a JC Penney’s, or an independent store.

The clerk will prepare several small generous take home samples of most face care products, and primer is a free sample.

Sephora, also has Beauty Rewards program, sign up when for free when you buy a product, will receive many free sample coupons or line or in the mail, and you will receive a very nice Sephora Birthday gift each year. Clinique, Este Launder, Lancôme also offer free sample or their products. Always try it before you buy it.

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