Conference Of An Internal Conversation
This Saturday, Robert and I attended the All-Born In Conference. Its emphasis was working with schools to include all children in all classrooms.
I must admit that I was giddy that Robert and I got a whole day to go out alone together. We kept discussing our game plan to ensure we both kept focused on attending the conference (and not sneaking out to our favorite book store).
The beginning keynote speakers, Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift, were hilarious, The other thing I liked about them is that one of the main themes of his Norm's speech, Being Realistic Isn't Realistic, was about how most people are hampered by perception. He reminded us all to aspire to think like Houdini. He was constantly pushing to do things instead of focusing on why he couldn't.
It was great to hear someone talking about what Robert and I talk about everyday. We usually approach problems from the perspective of: we would like to do this. How will we make this happen?
For example, I want Hannah to be able to ride bikes with the other kids on the block. There is a 600.00 bike we are looking into. In the meantime, I take her out in her wheelchair and push her around. I've also modifying a low-rider trike with seat belts, feet straps and a pole to push her in it. Somehow, someway, we'll all ride bikes together. We just have to be creative and figure out a way to make it happen.
-- Mom
Comments
Big compliments for adapting your own trike. An organization called AMBUCS provides their own specially designed adapted tricycles for children with special needs. Go to this url: http://www.ambucs.org/amtryke/what_is_amtryke.aspx or see the link under webring on my site.
You will learn the cost is high, BUT....ask for the nearest location to have an Amtryke evaluation (fitted). While there (you will learn some about what you want or don't want) ask to be placed on the "Wish List". If there is an AMBUCS chapter in your area, they might sponsor a tryke for Hannah. If not (like the city I live in) still ask to be on the Wish List. Somehow, esp. if she can be evaluated by fall, the Wish List is emptied by Christmas every year.
AMBUCS is kinda like Rotary.
Posted by: Barbara | April 28, 2008 06:05 PM