SUMMER 2013
Individuals with Disabilities Express About Life EXCLUSIVE: Summer Has A Lot To Offer Tahlia Brookins Check Out Our Fashion, Beauty, ANTM Beauty Marks & ALL – Health and LIFE AFTER Top Model Fitness Sections page 33 Twin Feature: Ms. Wheelchair DC Meet Lakendra Nelson Empowering The Ashely and Alex Disability Community Find Out About From Her Platform Their Special Bond page 22 page 63 Barbie Thomas Ryan Chalmers Accomplished Pushes Across America page 69 Bodybuilder & So Much More Bassey Ikpi page 43 Proud & Confident $ 6.00 About Living with Bipolar Disorder i.d.e.a.l Magazine Summer 2013 page 59
Message from CEO
Summer is here, and what is so special about the summer weather? I know…I can enjoy the weather and I get to do a lot of trav- eling with my friends and family. Most importantly, I am able to wear swimsuits that expose my body. As a Person with a Disability, I wasn’t always comfortable exposing the marks surgery left on my body. I wanted to keep my surgery scars covered so people wouldn’t stare at me and ask any questions about what happen right there. Now that I am older, I am more confident about my surgery marks. I no longer re- fer to them as scars, but now think of them as Beauty Marks. I believe my Beauty Marks are what make me unique as a Person with a Dis- ability. Our Beauty Team has a campaign called Beauty Marks, which allows People with Disabilities to submit their Beauty Marks photos not to feel ashamed, but to be inspired and empowered. If you were unable to participate in this campaign for this edition, you can always participate next year in our Summer 2014 Edition.
Our feature cover story is Tahlia Brookins, who appeared on Cycle 12 of America’s Next Top Model. She was the model that has burn scars from a car accident. Even though she didn’t win the com- petition, Tahlia has inspired people with and without disabilities to love themselves and to feel empowered as the person they are. Feel free to see what Tahlia has been up to since Cycle 12 of America’s Next Top Model.
I would like to wish everyone safe travels during the summer season with friends, family or even if you are traveling alone. Thank you for checking out the Summer 2013 Edition, and we will chat again in the Fall 2013 Edition.
Sincerely,
i.d.e.a.l. STAFF
Executive Board
Zarifa Roberson CEO/Founder/Publisher A Note from the Editor Ashely Washington Editor-N-Chief (On Leave) Hello Readers,
Emmanuel Altenor Hello Readers! Acting Editor-N-Chief The summer season has come upon us, and I couldn’t be more excited. I enjoy the winter, however, the cold weather overstayed Maggie McBride Assisting Editor it’s welcome this year. Now it’s time for the three B’s: barbeques, bathing suits and beaches. The season is a perfect opportunity Timika Scruggs Elliott to enjoy good company in an outdoor setting, whether it be in the Assisting Editor sand or at an old-fashion backyard cookout. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Jessica Hunt Legal Council Please be sure to check out some tasty summertime recipes in Aneesha Lane our Heath and Fitness section to compliment your outdoor feasts, Graphics Designer and all the latest summer trends from the Fashion Department. It’s summertime! Get out there and enjoy the atmosphere! Beatrice Heath Web Designer Be Blessed, Theresa Copeland Chief Finance Officer Emmanuel Jaleel King Photographer
Morgan Amos Internship Coordinator
Editorial Department Leslie Respher Editor Deborah Pierro Editor/Writer Latoya Plummer Deaf & Hard Of Hearing Editor Karley Bayer Writer/Blogger Marissa Sladek Book Review Writer Joseph Kolodziej Writer Lorraine Hunt Writer
Emmanuel Acting Editor-N-Chief,
Beauty Department Everel Watson Beauty Editor Susmita Baral CHECK US OUT ON Assistant Beauty Editor Maria Folk Assistant Beauty Editor www.itsanidealworld.com
Health and Fitness Department Callan Campbell Health & Fitness Editor Kristin Leavy-Miller Assistant Health & Fitness Editor Cassie Strong Health & Fitness Writer Natalie Berjarano Health & Fitness Writer
Fashion Department Tessa Viole Fashion Editor Debakshi Dey Sarkar Assistant Fashion Editor Brittany McGillick Assistant Fashion Writer
Entertainment Department Zehra Yousofi Entertainment Editor Autumn Banks Assistant Entertainment Editor Jason Borelli Entertainment Writer Leroy Moore Krip Hop Column Tony Denis Entertainment Writer
Sports Department Christopher Sardone Sports Writer Joseph Kolodziej Sports Writer Patrick Mulranen i.d.e.a.l. Magazine Company Sports Writer PO Box 18303 Philadelphia, PA 19120 Telephone: 267-574-2054 Website: www.itsanidealworld.com 56 69
DR. LEE HUMPHREYS 7 LET’S TALK ABOUT
DR. MARILYN 9 SICKLE CELL 37
ALLSUP SS 11 FIT AND FABULOUS 41
SSI SSDI DIFFERENCES 14 KAREN PETERSON 53
ANDREA FREEDMAN 16 THE 2014 WINTER
DARE TO BE BEAUTIFUL 18 PARALYMPICS GAMES 56
ASHELY AND ALEX 22 AMAZING JEFFO 57
AHEMA ASARE 24 FASHION MISFIT 61
SHATIKA TURNER 27 RYAN CHALMERS 69
KRIS HOP NATION 29 NY TRIP 71
BURN SURVIVOR 33 CHECKLIST for Travel in the Friendly Skies
By Zarifa Roberson
I love traveling, especially by plane. Which is why I compiled a helpful check- list for all of your summer travels whether alone, or with friends and family.
1. Make sure you arrive at the airport two hours prior to the time your flight departs. Mondays and Fridays are the busiest days to fly, so your waiting time getting through the TSA Gates will be longer than usual.
2. I always make sure I go the convenience store to buy all the food my heart desires prior to going to the airport so I won’t have to buy food there since the majority of the food is expensive.
3. Remember, no liquid substances such as water, coffee, sodas, etc. are allowed past the security gates. If these items are found in your carry-on lug- gage, they will be confiscated.
4. If you decide to rent a car once you get to your destination, make sure you bring a copy of your reservation just in case the car rental cannot find your reservation in their system.
5. Many rental car companies offer hand controls on their vehicles. If you need them, make sure you add this modification to your reservation.
6. Try to travel with a small luggage carry-on bag that can fit above you. If you have difficulty reaching above you, there is always a nice flight attendant or passenger to assist you. There is no cost for the carry-on item. If you do decide to carry a bigger suitcase, the airline may charge a luggage fee. Be sure to check with the airline about the luggage fee.
7. If you are a Person with Mobility Impairments, make sure you check with the airline to have someone assist with a wheelchair or other transportation device; take you to your connecting flight, outside of the airport to a shuttle or to a person who is picking you up from the airport (You can make these ar- rangements while making your airline reservations).
Lastly, make sure you enjoy your travels!
6 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L DR. LEE HUMPHREYS: CORNELL’S DR. LEE HUMPHREYS ON TEXT- TO-911 MOBILE COMMUNICATION FOR THE HEARING AND SPEECH IMPAIRED BY DEBORAH A. PIERRO
On January 18, 2013, I had the privilege of increase disparities between different kinds of users, interviewing a genuinely nice and down-to- and so a technology like a mobile phone…there’s been a fair bit of research about how it impacts the hearing earth woman, Dr. Lee Humphreys, Assistant impaired community. Wanting to make sure technolo- Professor of Communication at Cornell gies did not increase disparities…particularly com- University in Ithaca, New York. Lee has been munication technologies. I have not had any hearing at Cornell for 4 ½ years. She got her Ph.D in impaired students, at least that I’ve known, so I have 2007 and taught at the University of two personal experiences to relate: Wisconsin-Madison before coming to Cor- 1. When I was an undergrad at Cornell many years ago, one of my jobs from which I had many to pay for nell in 2008. The following is our interview. college was a reader for a visually impaired student. He couldn’t do the readings, and I thought how diffi- DAP: You are an Assistant Professor of Communica- cult it must have been for him. It raised my awareness tion at Cornell University. What is that like? that these disabilities impact a student’s performance. LMH: It’s amazing. I’m a very lucky person. For I read his textbook into a recorder so he could listen to my job, I teach amazing students a class on mobile his study material. Cornell had that service. communication in public life. We look at politics and 2. One evening, we flew into Syracuse, so we had public health, family and interpersonal relationships, to drive from there to Ithaca at 1:00 in the morning. and the developing world without landline phones. There was a car that had gone into a ditch and you What does it mean to all of us having cellphone ac- could tell it just recently happened. We pulled over to cess. Some of my students are designers, computer help and found that the woman driving was hearing scientists who want to develop the next cellphone and speech impaired. The woman wrote down notes app. We talk about universal design and use of mobile for me, so I got out my iPhone and called her friend. technologies for different communities of users. The She had previously texted her friend and tried to wake other thing that I do is research on how people use him up with no luck. I called 911 for her and called and make sense of different kinds of social media and her friend, who said that he would come and get her. mobile technology. It was freezing cold, so she sat in our car with us until the police came. That experience helped me to realize DAP: How did you get interested in the Text-to-911 the importance of E911. The FCC making a positive Plan and helping the speech and hearing impaired, ruling on it made me feel really good. and why? LMH: I think it came out of my class and wanting DAP: How does Text-to-911 work? to make sure that we design technologies that don’t
Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 7 LMH: E911 has already been in age about the announcement; USA LMH: More than anything, I think place before Text-to-911. 911 Today had an article about it. The there’s an important role for maga- was based on landlines with fixed carriers are beginning to roll it out zines such as i.d.e.a.l. I had never locations, whereas E911 was for now. I think in some places it might heard of the magazine before and mobile phones which could be be available, but I’m not entirely I thought it was great when I came anywhere and could dispatch emer- sure. Perhaps, the one other thing across it. People are not always gency services. Mobile phones to mention here is that although it aware of the choices they make don’t have that capability. E911 will take a while to get Text-to-911 as technology designers and users said that all mobile phone carriers up and running across the country, where it would serve the speech/ (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and the starting in June of this year there will hearing impaired communities. like) have to put through a 911 call be an auto-reply system to alert those The choices they make can help regardless of whether or not people who may text 911 if the message was all people. I think it’s important pay their bills, and whether they not received and they should make a for people with speech and hear- have service with them or not, the voice call. ing disabilities to have a voice and call has to go through. This hap- be heard so that their needs are pened over a series of years, start- DAP: What have your greatest chal- met by advanced communication ing in or around late 1998. They lenges been doing this work? technologies as well as the public realized that having the call go services that rely on these tech- through was not enough, but that LMH: I think, actually, there are nologies. A colleague of mine is they had to locate where the phone a couple of different things. The an engineer who does work around was because the billing address amount of infrastructure it takes to be building better systems for people was little indication of where the able to roll this out is quite large, so with mostly physical impairments. phone is. for instance, not only do the carriers He has studied the iPad and how to This ruling was passed in about need to change their systems so a text use it if you have a disability—is it 2001. They said that by 2005, the message will always go through, but an improvement or not? carriers had to be able to locate the 911 call centers also have to have the phone, so they had to provide the technology to be able to receive DAP: Is there anything else that the longitude and latitude of caller those messages. It’s a pretty robust you would like people to know? within 50 to 300 meters. They system that needs to be systemati- would use various kinds of location cally updated. LMH: I think just that we should technologies to locate the phone, continue to want improvements such as triangulating between cell I think the emergency communica- from our mobile phone providers towers. tion systems are always trying to play to make them accessible for hear- One remarkable statistic is that 70 catch-up to commercial use of com- ing and speech impaired commu- percent of 911 calls come from munication technologies. The FCC nities. The FCC is making steps cellphones. and NEServices are looking to next toward this, but I think it could be On December 6, 2012, the FCC generation 911, so 911 is not only even more enhanced. announced Text-to-911, which says about phone calls and text messages. that by May 2014, the wireless The next wave will be for citizens For information on the FCC an- operators will make available the to be able to send different kinds of ability from cellphones to be able information (videos and photos) such nouncement about Text-to-911, to text directly to 911. that first responders can have more please go to info about the environment that they http://www.fcc.gov/document/ DAP: What successes have you are going into to make it safer for chairman-genachowski-announces- seen with this plan? them to assist the people in need. commitments-accelerate-text-911. LMH: I haven’t heard of any DAP: Do you have any advice or Dr. Humphreys can be found on stories yet about its use because words of wisdom for people with the Web at http://communication. they’re just rolling the plan out speech and hearing disabilities? cals.cornell.edu. now. There was some media cover- 8 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L INTERVIEW WITH DR MARYILYN: A Discussion with Dr. Marilyn Fraser-White of the Arthur Ashe Institute
BY KARLEY BAYER
Q: What are the missions of the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health (AAIUH)? A: We design, incubate and replicate community-based behavioral interventions in trusted venues that empower individuals to address health conditions that unequally affect multi-ethnic communities. Our vision is an equitable healthcare delivery sys- tem that reduces health disparities, improves outcomes for underserved groups and better prepares a more inclusive workforce. We share our founder’s values of jus- tice, service, inclusiveness and excellence, and recognize access to quality health- care as a basic right for all.
Q: The Arthur Ashe Institute is located in Brooklyn, NY. How has this locale im- pacted the AAI? Why is Community so important? A: The location has greatly impacted the work of the Institute in that we are eas- ily accessible to the people we serve, and we are also part of the community we serve. The individuals served by the Institute are representative of the community.
Q: When and why was the AAIUH created? A: The Institute was created 1992 by the late tennis champion, humanitarian and ac- tivist, Mr. Arthur Ashe. The Institute was created to address the inequities in health.
Q: You are listed as Assoc. Dir. Research &Training Community Health Outreach. What exactly does that mean? A: I am currently the Deputy Director of the Institute. I still function in the capacity of directing the Institute’s research and training activities, which include commu- nity-based participatory research, behavioral health research and health promotion, and health education training.
Q: Why did you become a part of the Arthur Ashe Institute? A: I enjoy being able to train community members about their health and discuss
Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 9 reducing risks for disease. It has been such a great Q: What is the mission of the Taskforce on Community experience promoting health within the community Collaboration? and providing health information in a manner that is A: This group was created to provide opportunities for easily understood. collaboration among members of the various academic departments at SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Schools of Nursing, Public Health, Medicine, Health Q: Can you tell us more about the scientific advisory Related Professions, Graduate Studies, etc.). council, the leadership council and the health and beauty council? A: The scientific advisory council is made up of re- Q: How can people get involved with the AAI? What searchers, including physicians, who provide scien- are the qualifications for becoming a volunteer? tific guidance to the work of the Institute. All of the A: Anyone interested in participating or getting in- Institute’s councils are made up of volunteers who volved with the Arthur Ashe Institute should contact serve in an advisory capacity. The health and beauty us. Our general number is 718-270-3101. Our general council is made up of community leaders, including email is: [email protected]. Ms. LeeAnn stylists, barbers, disease survivors and clinicians, who Hicks is in charge of our volunteer program and can be provide guidance to the community outreach activi- reached by email at [email protected]. ties of the Institute.
Q: What is the purpose of the Health Science Acad- emy Pipeline? How do students become involved in this program? A: The goal of the Health Science Academy is to increase minority representation in the health pro- fessions. High school students with an interest in the health professions, and who are students of the participating schools (11 high schools in Brook- lyn), participate in the program. Students enter the program in their 10th grade and participate in the program through the 12th grade. The Academy also has a middle school component in which students from the three participating middle schools are part of the Institute’s program.
Q: How does the Arthur Ashe Institute interact with The Brooklyn Health Disparities Center? A: The Institute is a key partner of the Brooklyn Health Disparities Center. The Center is a partner- ship between the Institute, SUNY Downstate Medical Center and the Office of the Brooklyn Borough Presi- dent. The Institute oversees the community engage- ment activities of the Center. The Institute’s CEO, Dr. Ruth Browne, is one of the Principal Investigators of the recently funded Center grant from the NIH-NIM- HD, and she serves as one of the Center’s Directors.
10 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L U.S GOVERMENT: Unemployment and the Uncertainty of Social Security
BY BRIAN SCHULTZ
their benefits run out before they are able to find work. It seems almost impossible to turn on the news This has the potential to jeopardize the future of those or read through a newspaper without some men- with disabilities who may not have the option of work- tion of the unemployment rate in America. We hear ing years from now. different stats, different reasons for those stats, but rarely do we ever end up with a clear understanding The grim reality of the Social Security Disability In- of what the future holds. One of the more frustrat- surance Trust, the fund to which a portion of all work- ing aspects of the media is their hatred for certainty. ers’ payroll tax is allocated in order to provided disabili- When something is certain, there is usually no ty benefits to those in need, is that it is going broke. The reason to keep reporting on it, and that is bad for OASDI 2012 Report, which is a summary of the SSDI business. The more you begin to look at unemploy- status, has revised its previous estimation stating that as ment in America, the more you get an understanding of 2016 the emergency reserves currently being used to of the effect it can have on everyone. provide benefits will be depleted. At that point the SSDI will only be able to pay out 79 percent of an individu- Looking at the current unemployment rate, we al’s benefits. Why is this? This will mainly be a result see it hovering around 8 percent. However, we of the number of people receiving benefits continuing know that the unemployment rate is much higher to increase as the number of individuals paying into the within the Disabled Community, as well as minority SSDI program through their payroll taxes continues to based ratings such as Women, Blacks and Latinos. decrease. Unlike the rest of Social Security expected to The rate also does not account for those who have go broke “someday”, we expect the Disability Insur- stopped receiving benefits while still out of work. ance portion of the program to bottom out in the very The stats usually tell a much different story than the near future if Congress does not make serious long-term reality of the situation. You may have seen the un- adjustments as soon as possible. employment rate decrease slightly and been misled to believe more people found work, but as you look It seems as if everything may be working against further, you saw the rate of applicants for Social the Disabled Community with the current state of our Security has also increased slightly. Today we see economy. But it is important to remember that the the rate in those applications beginning to decrease. programs are still there for you. There is still support This should indicate that a number of individuals and there are still individuals out there willing to help. I living with a disability have found a job, but that is had the opportunity to conduct an interview with Tricia not necessarily the case. Since 2010 the rate of ap- Blazier, the Personal Financial Planning Manager for plicants seeking disability benefits has exploded and the Allsup Disability Life Planning Service. Tricia, many attribute this to unemployed workers having who has been with Allsup for several years, described Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 11 the company as, “a nationwide provider of Social very few things in life are free, and part of the arrange- Security disability, veteran’s disability appeal, and ment with Allsup is that they receive 25 percent (up to Medicare plan selection services. We help people $6,000) of any Retroactive payment you are entitled to with disabilities get the benefits they deserve so they in benefits. What you as the applicant must determine can secure their financial futures.” Allsup also issues is whether the value of Allsup’s expertise and conve- a quarterly Income at Risk Report to the public. This nience outweighs the time you can afford playing the report analyzes the current unemployment rate along waiting game. with rate of applications submitted to Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI. Their goal in releasing Something Tricia Blazier said stood out to me the report is to shine a light on the “unique challenges because I feel it really echoed how many in the Dis- individuals with disabilities face related to unemploy- ability Community felt. She said, “Employers need to ment.” understand the significant contribution workers with disabilities can offer in the workplace and the loyalty Blazier went on to explain, “Many people with and dedication they have to their jobs.” I wish more disabilities attempt to work as long as they can, but employers recognized this truth. In today’s political they may come in and out of the labor market as they climate, there exists a war over entitlements. There is try to manage their disability. Particularly when jobs no use pretending anger and resentment does not exist are scarce, it can be difficult to re-enter the labor mar- even when it is all too often directed toward those who ket. While searching for a job, their conditions may need the help rather than the abusers. As the economy also worsen to the point that they are unable to return continues to crawl toward recovery, employers should to work. It’s important they understand the SSDI ask themselves, “When replenishing my workforce, application process.” I am inclined to agree. I do not should I focus on hiring those who tried to get into the believe in this age of direct access, the average per- program only after unemployment benefits ran out, or son fully understands the bureaucratic nightmare that show my appreciation to someone who has done every- is the Social Security Administration. The process thing in their power to get out of that program.” may take years before resulting in a recipient obtain- ing their benefits. With more and more American suffering through a disability with the knowledge that it is better to have a job in this recession than For a free evaluation or for more information about not, the efforts of Allsup to inform the public on the process results in less applicants stuck playing the eligibility for Social Security disability benefits, people waiting game. can contact Allsup’s Disability Evaluation Center at (800) 678-3276, go to www.allsup.com or visit us on Allsup advertises a 97 percent success rate for Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/allsupinc. those who complete the process with them, and acts as the middleman between their clients and Social Security. Currently only about 35 percent of ap- plicants receive benefits on their first attempt. This average has remained consistent over the years and most applicants are aware of it. Many see the high rate of denials is more of a weeding out process in the hopes that only those who truly need the benefits will remain persistent. Allsup achieves an impres- sive rate of receiving benefits for 52 percent of their clients at that first stage of the application process. This increases the likelihood of applicants receiving their benefits sooner rather than later, while giving the applicant the peace of mind that they will not be denied due to a lack of fully understanding the pro- cess or making any errors along the way. However, Social Security Disability Justice Think you or a family member or friend may have a disability that qualifies for Social Security Disability?
Have you been denied by Social Security for your disability benefits?
Can’t get anyone on the phone from SSA to answer your questions?
Let me and my team of experts help you!
You shouldn’t have to go at it alone.
Shepherd Disability Advocates
Email: [email protected] Call 1-6017-911-SSI (1-601-791-1774) SOCIAL SECURITY:
What’s the Difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits?
BY MOLLY CLARKE
Though most new applicants don’t realize it, the •meeting the financial requirements for the pro- Social Security Administration (SSA) actually has gram, which sets a limit on the amount of income and two different Social Security Disability (SSD) other financial resources you can have available each programs: month from “all countable sources”
•Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which Who is Disabled? is a benefit program for disabled workers and their The SSA strictly defines the concept of disability. To qualified dependents meet that definition, your medical or psychological AND condition must: •Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a •be formally diagnosed by a qualified physician need-based benefit program for disabled workers or medical practitioner
Who’s Eligible for SSDI? •be well documented and meet “burden of Basic eligibility requirements for SSDI include: proof” requirements •having a qualified disability that meets the SSA’s definition of disability •make it impossible for you to find and keep a job in any field of work; and •meeting the financial requirements of the program, including the limit of income you can earn •have lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 each month; and months, or result in death
•having enough work credits built up over What are the Financial Requirements for SSDI? the last 10 years of your employment history before The financial limitations for SSDI benefits are based becoming disabled on “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA)—the SSA’s way of measuring the ability of workers to earn a liv- Who’s Eligible for SSI? ing. If you exceed the monthly SGA, even if you meet Basic eligibility requirements for SSI include: all other requirements, you will be found ineligible to •having a qualifying disability that meets the receive SSDI benefits. SSA’s definition
14 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L The SGA is adjusted annually to reflect inflation and other changes in the U.S. economy. The 2013 SGA is:
•$1,040 per month for non-blind applicants
•$1,740 per month for blind individuals
What’s the Difference between Social Security What are the Financial Requirements for SSI? Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits and The financial limitations for SSI benefits are based on the “Federal Benefit Rate” (FBR), which is the maximum amount of SSI benefits a person or couple can Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits? receive each month, but is also considered the threshold for eligibility under this need-based disability program.
The FBR is adjusted each year to account for inflation and other changes in the U.S. economy. The 2013 FBR is: • $710 per month for a single person
• $1,066 per month for a married couple
The SSA’s calculation of your available income and other financial resources is complex. Some income and resources count toward your FBR, while others don’t. Financial resources and income from “all countable sources” determine your eligibility for SSI benefits. To learn more, visit here: (http://www.socialsecurity- disability.org/glossary/supplemental-security-income-ssi).
How do You Get Work Credits? Although the SSI program doesn’t require work credits, the SSDI program does. To qualify, applicants must have a certain number of work credits over the past 10 years.
If you’re applying for benefits as a dependent, under the work credits of another qualified worker, then that worker’s credits must meet the SSA’s requirements. To learn more about how work credits are earned and calculated, visit http://www. socialsecurity-disability.org/glossary/work-credits. Another good website is http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/. INTERVIEW WITH ANDREA FREEMAN: Sweet Success
BY JOSEPH J. KOLODZIEJ
In order to be more than just a statistic classified by what she cannot do rather than what she can, Andrea Freedman decided it would taste sweeter to have her own business rather than be pigeonholed by the care- less, misinformed assumptions of the masses. She wants the community to enable, rather than disable, her life and endeavors. It’s a classic case of a confi- dent, peremptory self-perception overcoming circum- scribed social stigmas.
Her example is one that the local community and the all-encompassing world should not only embrace, but illuminate. By doing so, the far-reaching thoughts regarding people of her aptitude could be amended to shift the public thought in Andrea’s favor.
Q: You opened your first business at the age of 17. How was that possible for you at such a young age? The store has all sorts of sports memorabilia featuring Please tell us more about your niche in the market. items from the 32 professional football teams and 200 Did you need parental consent? different balloon designs. We also have Bobble Head dolls. If you’d like even more information, you can A: Yes, I started my first real candy business at 17 find out more about the business at my website: http:// years old. I had a candy kiosk called “Andies Can- thesportsnutstore.com. dies” when I first started but when the mall closed, I moved into a store in Ellicott City which sold candies My parents helped me to start my business and help and collectibles. I did that for about two years before me now, but not as much as before. They help me with opening up my new store last summer. Now at age taxes and bookkeeping. I take care of the other opera- 26, I own a sports store called “The Sports Nut” in tions though, including but not limited to hiring and Eldersburg, which is also in MD. At first we were at firing employees and ordering inventory. The Shoppes at Carrolltown in the Carrolltown Cen- ter next to a local Kmart. But now we can be found Q: What is your disability and when were you diag- at 1532 Liberty Road between Quest Diagnostics and nosed with it? Did this diagnosis change your belief Weichert Realty. about the world, yourself or your life?
16 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L help than others.
Q: Was your disability your prime inspiration for start- ing your business, or do you supposed you would have done so otherwise?
A: I didn’t want to get stuck in a typical “disability” job, so my mom helped me think of an idea that would be more of my own business. My family is very busi- Sweet Success ness-like, so maybe I take after them and would have done it anyway.
Q: Does your disability interfere with your ability to be successful in your endeavors, or does it fuel your drive to succeed even more?
A: No it doesn’t make a difference.
Q: Have you received any recognition for your achieve- ments in accordance with your disability?
A: Yes, I won the Junior Achievement entrepreneur of the year award in high school. I have been featured on local television and publications. I have also spoken to regional and national audiences.
A: I was born with mild developmental delays and Q: So what lies ahead for you in your goals and life? was slow at learning and reading. I have better math If anything, what do you hope to give to the world skills. I never knew anything else, so I just learned to through your life and what do you hope to get in return? live my life like anyone else. A: As far as my life in the near future, it is an upcoming Q: What kind of public reception have you received marriage to a man named Jesse who also has disabili- from those whom you shared your diagnosis with? ties. Do you have any siblings? What I really want out of life is just to open more stores A: They couldn’t believe that I had a disability. I and grow my business. I hope the community keeps just act and look a little younger than others my age, supporting me with my goals and endeavors. although I sometimes have less coping skills than others. I have a twin sister, but she does not have any disabilities.
Q: What is your own perception of yourself both pub- licly and privately in relation to your disability? Do you see yourself as someone who is actually disabled or someone who is juxtaposed unfairly next to a term that is shrinking or diminishing of your capacity or identity as an individual? Can you elaborate please?
A: No, I just think I have a disability and need more
Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 17 DARE TO BE Beautiful Beauty On A Budget healthy. To maintain healthy skin, Mix ingredients. Leave on 10-15 try the following fruit recipes. minutes. *(Cucumber can be used Incorporating Natural Please note that results will depend as an alternative to lemon if skin is on health and current condition of sensitive) Products into Your skin, hair and scalp. Please consult a medical professional for chronic issues Cucumber Nourishing Mask Beauty Routine prior to application. Cucumber Before applying masks, make sure Avocado Milk, yogurt or powdered milk BY: MARIA FOLK that skin is clear of any and all cosmetics and lotions. 1 egg white (Smoothing) Nature has provided us with fruit and vegetables that are packed Skin Recipes Apple Facial Best if made in a blender. Estimate with vitamins and antioxidants that amounts for preferable consistency provide many health benefits. When 1 tablespoon applesauce 1 tablespoon honey, warmed and yield. eaten, these vitamins and minerals Hair are helpful in aiding the body to 1 teaspoon yogurt or sour cream (optional) combat disease. Their low fat Some hair products can be and calorie content aid in helping (Cleanses, Exfoliates, Hydrating, Calms, Soothes) expensive. Even though some of the body to obtain and maintain them are very good, some of the healthy weight. Although fruits and Combine all ingredients. Smooth on ingredients tend to be harsh on the vegetables provide a myriad of hair and scalp. Why not experiment benefits when taken internally, they face and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by with natural products that are can also be used to clean, hydrate inexpensive and already accessible and improve texture and tone cold water. Keep refrigerated. to you in your home? To avoid of the skin. It also provides the harsh chemicals, incorporate natural proper nourishment needed for the products into your beauty regimen. maintenance of healthy hair. Honey and Lemon 2 tablespoons honey (warmed) Body and Shine: After washing *1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon hair, beat an egg and massage into The skin is the largest organ hair. Rinse out with COOL water and acts as a shield by protecting juice or from concentrate (Brightens, Hydrates, Helps Acne- (avoid hot water—the egg will the body against extreme scramble in your hair). temperatures and potentially Prone Skin) harmful chemicals. For this reason, Conditioning: Put mayonnaise it is imperative that skin remains in hair and rinse out with COOL water (avoid hot water). For best results wrap hair in Go visit or have a friend visit the salon. This is to see plastic bag (or headwrap of your choice) and leave in if they are being honest about their services and their overnight. place of business.
Dry Hair: Heat up a ½ cup of olive oil. Massage Make sure that it is wheelchair accessible if the salon through hair, paying close attention to ends. Wrap states so for their business. hair in plastic and a warm towel. Leave on for 30 minutes. Wash out with a mild shampoo. Make sure the shampoo bowls and styling chairs are able Oily Hair: Add a tablespoon of vinegar when rinsing to accommodate your needs. hair to cut down on grease.
Hair Brightener: Squeeze two or three lemons in I know that if everything is to your liking, you will a liter of warm water. Pour mixture over hair and become a client. It also makes that business look at work through. Rinse after 10 minutes. you as someone who is serious about getting what they want. That will make that business respect you more because you put so much into finding a salon that is Sources satisfying to you. In my experience, I have found that some salons don’t really think about being handicap http://natureshomespa.blogspot.com/2012/08/fruit- accessible. Some salons even think that being handicap facials-alpha-hydroxy-acid-aha.html accessible is giving assistance when needed. That would http://www.natural-homeremedies-for-life.com/ not make a client comfortable during their visit. Please fruit-mask.html investigate the salon of your interest. You want to be http://www.essortment.com/natural-hair-care- satisfied when getting salon treatments. Good luck and recipes-60589.html I hope that you can find a salon that you can build a relationship with.
To Be Or Not To Be Handicap Beauty Marks Accessible, That Is The Question Finding The Right Salon 1. Name: Karley Bayer Age: 36 BY: EVEREL WATSON Location: Baltimore, Maryland and
Everyone wants to be comfortable in a salon, spa or barber shop. People want to build a relationship with their stylist. Sometimes this takes some investigation. Here are some suggestions to getting a great place for yourself.
Find places that you have heard about or that you have an interest in.
Research on the Internet to see what they offer in services and if they are accommodating to your needs.
Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 19
Beauty Marks (Where is your Beauty Marks location was deemed old enough, I was told that it was too late. on your body?): There was too much damage. So I was thrilled when I discovered that I could have my shoulder replaced. I did “The Greek word elaia means “olive.” The word came it. I had a piece of my body cut out and literally thrown to be applied to moles, presumably because they are away. A part of me was simply discarded. You know dark and rounded. Sometimes it was generalized to how some people say that twins can feel each others’ “blemish,” as is done with the Latin equivalent, Naevus. pain? I didn’t feel it when my own joint was destroyed. I posit that it could also mean “birthmark” or apply to Maybe I watch too many movies, but I find that kind of other permanent or long-lasting skin marks.” (http:// amazing. www.isidore-of-seville.com/astdiv/melampus.html) So now I have this titanium left shoulder and beautiful I have a lot of olives. That sounds cuter than, “I scar. I had something like a dozen staples holding my have a lot of moles.” I have so many that it would be flesh closed. My shoulder looked like a zipper. I could ridiculous to point them out here, so I am going to not love that mark more if I had paid to have it focus on my doctor-made beauty marks—my scars. tattooed. And while I didn’t gain much (but hope and a small increase of motion), I’m still extremely proud of I’m quite proud of my scars. They are proof of my that scar. survival through something fairly serious. I have been cut open and rearranged twice so far.
The summer that I graduated from high school (1994), I had my right wrist broken, reset and fused. This was supposed to help me accomplish more tasks because my wrist had been very deformed (it is again). The doctors and therapists thought this deformity was hindering my ability to do many tasks. So the surgeon cut open my wrist, broke pieces off one side and put them on the other (same wrist). I had two six-inch rods in my wrist for several months while the bones knit together again. While my wrist may be curved again, I still have a six-inch scar on the top of my I survived a surgery and had minimal pain during wrist and hand. It’s always visible, so people tend to recovery. I was off painkillers within three days. I ask, “What’s the about?” I consider it a failed attempt survived a month living in a nursing home. I had so because I LOST the ability to do some things while my many needles that I no longer fear them. And I did wrist was in a cast. something that I was told was impossible. This helps now that the doctors tell me that having my knees and hips Then there’s my favorite scar—on my left shoulder, replaced is out of the question. Sure, they can’t make it where I had the joint replaced. I find it amazing happen now, but who knows what will be possible in 10 that science and medicine have evolved so far that years? I’m not giving up on my hopeto become bionic, man can now take out organic parts of his body and to have my flesh covered with replace these parts with metal and…at least with me, I battle scars. can’t tell the difference. 2. Name: Dana L. Washington All of my joints are fused due to a childhood battle Age: 49 with Arthritis, so I have VERY limited range of Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania motion. For most of my life, doctors told me that once my growth plates closed, I would begin the Beauty Marks (Where is your Beauty Marks location on process of having ALL my joints replaced. But when I your body?): On my neck from a tracheostomy. 20 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L [email protected] www.belamoursalon.net Services: All Natural Hair Care Salon Handicapped Accessible
Accessible Hair Salon
BY ZARIFA ROBERSON
There are many Beauty Salons and Barber Shops that are not handicapped accessible and we have found one hair salon in Philadelphia, PA which they are handicapped accessible. Please view their information below. Handicapped Accessible meaning that your place of business is accessible to People with Disabilities such as a wheelchair is able to go in the bathroom along with the person, there are no steps leading into the business, etc. For information on handicapped accessible, please go to the U.S. Department Of Justice American with Disabilities Act Homepage at www.ada.gov.
Bel A’Mour Salon 100 East Roosevelt Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19120 215-455-1144
Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 21 REAL LIFE: Twins Feature: Meet Ashely and Alexandra
BY MAGGIE MCBRIDE
Studies have shown Growing up in North Caro- lina and Virginia, there were no that the occurrences of community outreach efforts to Cerebral Palsy in twins be found for families with chil- dren with disabilities, but neither are quite rare—ap- Ashely nor Alex seem to find that proximately one per- unusual or a hindrance. In ways, it was helpful to their mother’s cent. When speaking goal: to ensure that each sister with 25-year-olds Alex- was treated equally and as her own person. She set the same andra and Ashely Wash- standards for each of her daugh- ington, however, the ters, fully expecting each child to put her best effort into everything sisters agree that Ashely she did. “Honestly,” says Ashely, never received preferen- “she made me prove I couldn’t do something before she let me off tial treatment as a result the hook for it.” of her Cerebral Palsy, In fact, it seems that neither of which left her partially them became fully cognizant of paralyzed from infancy. Ashely’s disability for quite some time. When asked about that pivotal moment when Ashely’s disability came into focus, they both have intriguingly different 22 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L Twins Feature: Meet Ashely and Alexandra
answers. While Alex first realized doesn’t walk as fast as I do, so I own her high school experience at the potential impact of her sis- need to slow down so that she can a performing arts school. “I was ter’s Cerebral Palsy when Ashely keep up. People kind of walk a fine surrounded by friends who simply underwent major surgery at six line. You don’t ever want to make accepted me for me, and it was the years old and had to miss school someone feel like they can’t do for beginning of a new confidence that and recuperate extensively, Ashely themselves.” has followed me through college distinctly remembers seeing her- and the beginnings of my profes- self on a video standing differently Though they may share a sional life,” she says. from her sister—but it wasn’t until birthday and a childhood, the twins her second surgery in 2005, after agree that they could not be more which she basically had to relearn different: Ashely has a competi- how to walk, that she distinctly tive, perfectionist quality that spans noticed the difference in her gait in across her interests in academia, comparison to others. theatre and, as a child, competitive dancing. In contrast, Alex quips “I’ve never wanted her to feel that their mother was simply grate- like I treat her like there’s some- ful that she graduated. In spite of thing wrong with her, but I’ve also their differences, though, they have learned that I don’t want to dismiss always been close, and grew even her disability,” says Alex. “I tend closer once they separated to go to to walk very fast and there was different high schools and became a period, I guess, when… in my truly well-adjusted and comfort- mind… there was nothing wrong able with themselves as individuals. with her, she’s just like me, that Ashely’s refusal to let her disability, sometimes I guess I would forget or her status as a twin, define her about those things—like that she made it possible for her to truly Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 23 AHEMA ASARE: Ahema Asare Living In the Face Of Sickle Cell Disease
BY LORRAINE HUNT
culture of their homeland in Ghana. So, they sent Ahema and her brother to live with grandparents and extended family members in Ghana for a time, where she was immersed in the ethos of her fam- ily. “I learned to speak Twi,” (a Gha- naian language belonging to the Akan language group). While there, Ahema’s symptoms first began to present them- selves, achy joints in her case. She tells me, “It started while I was in Ghana. I was around three or four but because it Ahema Asare is the Director of the is common there, they knew how to treat Grants Management Department at the it holistically without pain killers, al- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where though they had a different name for it.” she has worked for the past nine years The people of Ghana have known about looking for, writing and administer- sickle cell disease for hundreds of years, ing service grants for programs that calling it ahotutuo in the Twi language. supplement clinical care, such as WIC (Women, Infants and Children) grants or After spending her formative years pediatric obesity programs. A demanding immersed in Ghanaian culture, Ahema job to say the least, but Ahema was also returned to Brooklyn, where her symp- born with sickle cell disease. Born dur- toms continued: “I didn’t get sick very ing a time when doctors did not test all often. Maybe, I’d be ill for three or newborns for the disease, she would not four days once a year. So, when I was be diagnosed until she was 18 years old. young and back to living in America, I That’s not to say that she wasn’t cared would go to the doctor and the doctors for or treated. would start testing me for everything. But they never thought to test my blood, Born in Brooklyn, New York on ever. Then I would get well and they’d December 26, 1969, her parents wanted send me home.” She sighs, “You would to make sure that she and her brother not think that since my parents were from only knew the stories of their ancestors, West Africa, they (the doctors) would but actually learned the language and have thought to test for sickle cell, but 24 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L not one ever did until I was 18.” nopathy, which occurs when sickle was or is common, sickle cell dis- She continues, “I think that people cells damage blood vessels in the ease is typically diagnosed during have stereotypes about what a retina, causing problems with her infancy today. We now know that person with sickle cell looks like, vision. She has had several eye sur- there are inherited survival benefits and since I didn’t look like that geries in order to maintain her sight. in carrying a single sickle-cell gene stereotypical sickle cell patient, the in malaria infested areas, because Ahema Asare Living In the doctors didn’t test me. They expect Sickle cell disease (also known by carrying a single sickle-cell you to be jaundiced or for you to as sickle cell anemia) is a life-long gene, people are more resistant to be really thin, and I didn’t have blood disorder that occurs when red malaria since infection of the ma- Face Of Sickle Cell Disease jaundice. I looked like a normal blood cells are in an elongated form, laria plasmodium is stopped by the kid. So maybe in their heads it rigid and sickle in shape. These cells sickling of its cells which it infests. didn’t occur to the doctors that I lose the flexibility of normal cells, No one knows when or why the might have sickle cell disease.” which results in a multitude of com- first mutation occurred, but they plications that can result in a lifetime do know that there have actually Finally, when Ahema was 18 of pain and a shortened life expec- been at least four independent years old, she was seen by a rheu- tancy. Sickle cell disease was first mutational events, and they believe matologist at the University of described by Doctor James B. Her- that three were in Africa and one Pennsylvania who decided to test rick in 1904 as a “strange disease” in Saudi Arabia or Central India her for everything including sickle that causes asthmatic conditions and between 70 and 50,000 years ago. cell disease, giving a name to her blood flow problems such as body illness at last. ulcers. Forty-two years would pass Although symptoms of the dis- before doctors would have a true ease had been written about as ear- She would spend time in Mas- understanding of the disease. Herrick ly as 1846 in America, the disease sachusetts and California before and his intern Ernest Edward Iron would not even receive a name un- returning to the Tri-State area first discovered the elongated and til 1922 when Vernon Mason began (New York, New Jersey and sickle-shaped cells in the blood of calling it “sickle cell anemia.” To- Pennsylvania), finally settling a 20-year-old dental student named day, doctors and researchers know in Pennsylvania. A 43-year-old Walter Clement Noel after he was that “sickle cell anemia (HbSS or grant writer with a MBA in Health admitted to Chicago Presbyterian SS disease; HbSC or SC disease) Administration, as well as degrees Hospital with anemia earlier that is a specific form of sickle-cell in International Business, Business year. Sickle cell would not be widely disease caused when there are two Law and French Minor to round- researched until 1946 when three re- identical alternative mutations of out her undergraduate studies all searchers first discovered that sickle the same gene at the same place from Temple University, sickle cell disease was the direct result of on a chromosome. There are also cell has not slowed Ahema down. sickle-shaped celled hemoglobin, rarer forms of the disease known as Ahema is also a certified sickle cell also known as HbS. Linus Pauling sickle beta-plus-thalassemia (HbS educator/counselor. and his two colleagues Pertuz and /β+), sickle beta-zero-thalassemia Mitchson discovered this sickle- (HbS/ β0). The common denomi- She explains, “Yes, I’ve been celled hemoglobin did not perform nator is that all forms of the disease fortunate. I haven’t been ill often. as well as normal hemoglobin. They can cause some pain, suffering It has not stopped me from doing also demonstrated that abnormal and even death in extreme cases. anything that I have wanted to do. hemoglobin was passed along on Painful episodes can be triggered Because my parents didn’t know genes, making it the first disease to by dehydration, stress, fatigue, what it was, they just treated my be linked to genetics and the muta- extreme temperatures or are some- symptoms as simply as they could, tion of a specific protein. times inexplicable. applying heating pads and giving me Tylenol, until I felt better.” Usually occurring more com- Ahema explains her form (SC Although she was only mildly monly in African-Americans and Disease) to me: “People with the affected as a child, as an adult she people from tropical and sub-tropical SC form of sickle cell tend to have has had several bouts with Reti- regions of the world where malaria more problems with their eyes and may not have as many episodes as those with SS. But this is not always the case. Disease symptoms are unique to each person. Two people can have the same form of the disease but suffer very different outcomes. One person may be hospitalized monthly while another may just need a Tylenol to be well within a day or two. While triggers like dehydration, fatigue and stress as an adult make Ahema more sus- ceptible to bouts with the disease, she has been fortunate not to have needed any long-term hospitalization.
About two million Americans—including about 10 percent (or one in 12) of the African-American popu- lation -carry the sickle cell trait. One in 500 African- Americans and one in 1200 Hispanic Americans are stricken with a form of sickle cell disease. There are several promising treatments including bone marrow transplantation, which can cure some forms of the disease.
26 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L INTERVIEW WITH SHATIKA TURNER: SHATIKA TURNER: POET AND STUDENT DISABILITY: CEREBRAL PALSY BY DEBORAH A. PIERRO
In early January, I spoke with Shatika Turner, 22, about herself, her accomplish- ments and her disability. Shatika is disabled with Cerebral Palsy; however, it has not affected her speech skills. Shatika is a poet and she has self-published a book of her poetry titled The Ill Truth. The book is available for purchase at www.amazon.com.
Education. Shatika has been attending full-time online classes at Suffolk County Community College (located in Selden, New York). During our telephone interview, Shatika was at her day program, which is for people with traumatic brain injuries. It is a social environment with classes such as horticulture, music and cognitive skills. She has been attending this program daily for about a year through the Head Injury Association in Hauppauge, New York (Long Island).
Living Situation. Shatika used to live in Woods Services in Langhorne, Pennsylva- nia. During her time there from May 2007 to August 2010, she ran the school store, read to children, and got paid. Woods serves people with exceptional needs includ- ing developmental disabilities, challenging behaviors and other special needs during all stages of their lives. Whether a child, adult or senior, the focus is always on the individual. Special programs of learning, working and leisure allow each person to enjoy maximum achievement and independence (information taken directly from the Woods website, www.woods.org on 1/26/13). Shatika now lives in a group home with three other people who have similar disabilities. She likes it but is trying to get her own place. It is going well so far with Supportive Housing, and she is waiting to hear back from them.
Living with Cerebral Palsy. Shatika is in a wheelchair and she also uses a walker. She can walk up and down steps, but it is very hard. About having CP, she says, “In the beginning when I was a little kid, it was very hard (why me?). As I grew older, I began to look at my disability as a blessing. I’m still here, meeting my goals and I am a voice for people with CP. I try to advocate for kids in foster care who are neglected by family and/or abused while in foster care.” Shatika went through these things herself. In fact, she got out of foster care at 21. She still hears from family, like her brother who got spinal meningitis at age three and is now in a rehabilita- Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 27 tion center. While she does not see the people in foster care anymore, Shatika has forgiven her mother saying, “I forgive but don’t forget.” Daily Life. Shatika says she has a pretty routine daily life. She gets up and gets ready for the day care program five days a week. The program is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., even when she has school. She attends her online classes, then showers, eats and goes to bed. She says, “My back and hips hurt sometimes, but not severe- ly. I used to go out to physical therapy, but I now have it twice a week at home.”
Challenges. “I can’t always go where I want to go because I don’t have reliable transportation and I don’t know how to drive. Everything else is doable because I find a way to work around the challenges” she explains. As far as medical care is concerned, Shatika says, “I get great medical care. The supervisor of my house makes the appointments. There are no problems and I have all the support I need.”
Hobbies and Activities. Shatika is interested in writing poetry, watching movies and collecting DVDs—mostly action, comedy, singing and dancing. She bowls sitting in her wheelchair and using a ramp to push the ball down. She is left-hand- ed, so she can’t use the walker and bowl. She says she wants to learn how to cook, but it is hard because she gets startled easily. She uses the computer all the time for school and personal things. Her favorite websites are Facebook (CP groups), YouTube (she has videos on YouTube), the Pandora radio website, Google and Tumblr blogging to talk to other people.
About Shatika’s Book The Ill Truth. Shatika started writing when she was 12. “At first, I wanted to write songs, but poetry really grabbed my attention.When Grandma died, I looked at poetry as an outlet for my feelings, about no one listen- ing to me and nowhere to go. Writing poetry helped a lot. I started putting my poems on Facebook and people complimented me; they called me an inspiration and said they could really relate to what I was doing. Some of my poems rhyme and others don’t. I self-published on CreateSpace, but I wasn’t able to travel and promote my book. Writing the book helped me to forgive my family and let them see my life through my eyes, to help them understand.” The Ill Truth addresses is- sues such as abuse, overcoming suicide and dealing with relationships. The words written from the hands of this talented writer will stick with you for a lifetime.
Words of Advice. “CP never held me back from doing anything I wanted to do. Regardless of my disability, I have been able to achieve a lot of things. I don’t look at my disability as a crutch. I just use it and go with it. I have the disability, but the disability doesn’t have me. No matter what disability you have or situation you go through, you can always achieve anything you want to achieve.” Shatika advises, “Do not just follow your dreams—walk hand in hand with them.”
Advice for Caregivers. “Don’t assume our feelings. Ask us about them.”
Check out Shatika’s book, The Ill Truth, at www.amazon.com or at www.createspace.com/4080994.
28 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L Sweep sweep, Spring preciation Month. Does June Kleaning with Krip-Hop also recognize Black disabled Nation: Artists/Activists music? More to come. News Kolumn * Feb. 1, Gabriele Campus Hello Peeps, DjKame of Italy landed an in- terview about Krip-Hop Nation, his involvement and his music Hey readers, its more than the in a disability magazine called weather, its all what we wear SuperAbile Magazine. It’s and we are wearing our Krip- in Italian. Here is the English Hop sharp threads! Google translate version. Scroll down to the English ver- sion. THANK U, Gabriele Cam- News Briefs: pus DjKame!!
* Krip-Hop Koncerte rocked the Bay Area like an earthquake Artist’s Korner with a lineup of Krip-Hop musicians/poets, and we also Artist’s Korner honored the late Blind Joe Toni Hickman is back but this Capers. time with a documentary about the Black Community. * Krip-Hop Nation made some deep connection to artists/ The 16 th strike documentary is musicians with disabilities in a film that is titled after a poem South Africa with Phumlani aka written by Nikala Asante, also Wackoo Banda and Johannes called The 16th Strike. This doc- S. Kumalo, who will be in our umentary deals with all the ail- Around The World segment ments we face as African/Black with their statement about their people in America. We have be- work and more. come a complacent people. We are murdering each with no re- * Yes, it’s the summer and gard for life, police is murdering do you know that the month us and it isn’t even reported. We Hop Nation Hop of June has been African- are the largest group of people American Music Apprecia- that are suffering from heart - tion Month. It was originally disease and diabetes, and we started as Black Music Month don’t have a strong economic by President Jimmy Carter, support system. We need a fix- who on June 7, 1979, decreed ing, and this film is set to remind that June would be the month us of how great we can be. of black music. Since then, presidents have announced to My name is Toni “Alika” Hick- Americans to celebrate Black man. I am a survivor of two brain Music Month. For each year aneurysms and a stroke. Be- of his term, President Barack fore all of this happened, I was Obama has announced the ob- signed to Suave House/Univer- servance under a new title, sal Records as a hip-hop artist. African-American Music Ap- I have worked with some of the Krip deal with economics and how we G-tazz and co-founder for Zu- are the largest spending group luland gospel Choir. I love hip- in America, but still the poorest hop music since I was young. group in America. We deal with We used to be a group of young our health, our men going to jail boys and girls doing hip-hop and becoming slaves all over dance and music, some people again for the prison system under they didn’t like what we were the new Jim Crow. doing because we were sending We hope everyone will support good message to the youth, until this film. Krip-Hop also has- art I was stabbed next to my spinal ists on the soundtrack! I am very cord. I was using a wheelchair grateful for Leroy Moore and all he for a year. Fortunately I’m walk- does with Krip-Hop. ing today, although I’m limping, but I thank God for that. Now Contact Hickman @
After becoming partially para- It is a great pleasure for us (Your lyzed and learning to love the True Standpoint) to link with new me, I decided to create an Krip-Hop Nation, an organiza- album titled “Crippled Pretty,” tion of great stature and deep because the world around me ethical values. We highly ap- was “Crippled” with wanting to preciate Krip-Hop Nation as the be beautiful. Not long after that, voice of the voiceless. It restores I linked up with Krip-Hop Nation pride and recognition to the un- and not only became an activist recognized and often silenced, for people with disabilities, but yet very effective segment of also started performing with Le- society: people with disabilities. roy Moore and his team. We see Krip-Hop Nation carry- ing intrinsic ability to change the Now, I am not only an activ- mindset of many people around ist for people with disabilities, the world toward people with but also for African Americans. disabilities. We suffer from many things as Phumlani aka Wacko Banda a people, on top of the things In essence the parallels between we deliberately do to ourselves. YTS Family and Krip-Hop Na- We no longer value who we are Hello, tion can be drawn from shared and must change our mindset values evident from YTS’s call if we are to change our reality. (My name is Phumlani aka Wacko for power in unity. It is from this This is the passion behind The Banda, I’m the co-founder for G- point of view that our mantra: “ 16th Strike documentary. We tazz Records from the group name We would rather have one hand from hundred people than two YTS is on a mission to reach out hands from one person” seems to all nations throughout the ends to resonate with great intensity of the earth, equipping and build- the need for us to join hands ing through all mediums and tools with an organization such as of communication, whilst reveal- Krip-Hop Nation. ing mankind’s true purpose on earth and equipping mankind in It is therefore our desire to work the seven mountains of: with Krip-Hop Nation in the circumference of the initiative • Business we have recently introduced, “FOCUSING ON WHAT YOU • Government GOOD@.” It is still in the initial stages, yet its potential is ex- • Education ponential, and that is where we Johannes. S. Kumalo feel we find a common denomi- • Arts and entertainment nator with Krip-Hop Nation. Merchandize/Projects Fighting poverty by recognizing • Religion and grooming identified talents •The Black Kripple Delivers while at the same time creating • Media Krip-Love Mixtape came out opportunities for them is the fer- on Valentine’s Day 2013. Go to vent passion driving this initia- • Family http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/le- tive. roymoore YTS not only proclaims, but seeks Your True Standpoint is a South to manifest the divine favor that •Get new Fezo CD, “Vocal Tai African registered organization humans have been ordained to Chi.” It will be online on sites (CK2012/123/4567) with a vision walk under. We share much joy like CD Baby, iTunes and oth- to positively influence and equip with those individuals throughout ers. Get a taste here https:// every individual or organization the earth who have been rightly soundcloud.com/dasoultoucha that we make acquaintance with positioned to wage war against through various concerted ef- poverty. •Hard of Hearing Black Oak- forts at alleviating poverty. land, CA base writer, poet and YTS fully values the input of all its mother, Joy Ellen, published her We understand and acknowl- members and recognizes the ef- book Signs of Life: Past, Pres- edge that every individual and forts of all its associates and part- ent and Future. That can found organization on earth has a pur- ners. The website is still being online at http://www.amazon. pose for existence that needs worked on but contact us at com/Signs-Life-Past-Present- to be discovered and fulfilled. Future/dp/1462848052 No person or organization is [email protected] on the face of the earth by ac- •Zululand Gospel Choir is cident, but every individual or Regards, working on a Gospel song organization is created to solve for Krip-Hop Nation in South a unique problem. We endeavor Johannes. S. Kumalo Africa. More info coming. to help realize each individual’s Phumlani Wackomagic Banda full potential. This is intended to South Africa address the Pandemic of Pov- Check u out next time! erty that has imprisoned many people from living to their full Leroy Franklin Moore Jr. potential. Founder of Krip-Hop Nation Berkeley, CA USA The Journey of Acceptance of a Burn Survivor The Journey of Acceptance of a Burn Survivor
By: Susmita Baral
We can all admit that it is our dream to live resulting in second- and third-degree burns on her stom- in a world where people are not judged by ach, legs, left arm, and right wrist—she’s no stranger to their differences but instead accepted for who being judged. they are. That said, if we take a candid look at “I had one to two surgeries each year until my fresh- ourselves then we can agree that what makes man year of high school, so my experience growing up us different is perhaps one of the quickest ob- wasn’t the best,” shares Tahlia. “Kids can be very mean; servations we make. In fact, if the findings in I went through the name calling and the teasing.” studies by neuroscientists are to be believed, we all judge within the first 30 seconds of Tahlia reminisces about how even at a young age, children can pick up on differences in people and will meeting a new person. avoid individuals for being different. In fact, in elemen- tary school, her fellow classmates told her that she had But if Tahlia Brookins, a candidate in Cycle 12 of a disease, and in middle school, she was called a “burnt America’s Next Top Model, had her way she would waffle.” Despite such incidents, she was able to develop change this inherent, human tendency and replace it a circle of friends who defended her whenever there with acceptance. was any name calling or she was excluded for being different. “Society has this common factor where we judge people by their cover. We judge them before know “Yes, it was traumatic and yes, it sucked, “ admits the them,” shares the 22-year-old. “No matter the posi- Arizona native. “But, at the same time, I was able to tives or negatives, no matter the physical appearance make friends and meet people that truly cared for me.” or mental state, or how they socialize or how much money they have—we judge people.” It was with the help and support of her friends through whom she eventually gained the confidence to embrace Having grown up with burn scars on her body from a her scars and not let them hold her down. Before, she kitchen accident at the young age of eight months— Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 33 used to cover up her body as much as she could. She even wore sweaters and gloves in the Arizona sum- “I felt like I wasn’t doing it for me,” says Tahlia. “I mers. But with time, she learned to accept herself and was, but I also wasn’t. I was doing it for the people who wear what she wanted. didn’t have the confidence to embrace their so-called physical shortcomings.” “I didn’t wear my first pair of shorts until my sopho- more year of high school and I didn’t wear my first Tahlia’s confidence and acceptance of her scars is bikini in public until I was a junior. It’s almost like a evident in her warm and personable personality, and in switch flipped,” she reveals. her outlook on life. She passionately shares how she doesn’t see herself as a “burn victim” but rather, as a “I never found myself attractive in any way; no mat- “burn survivor.” ter what people told me,” she adds. “But now I don’t care. I am able to see that I am who I am. I like my Through all her life experiences, Tahlia reveals that she body and accept me for me.” wants to tell everyone—those with scars and without scars, those with disabilities and without disabilities, What exactly helped her accept herself? In her sopho- and those of all genders and backgrounds—that they more year of high school she met her high school should accept who they are with pride. sweetheart and she had an epiphany: She could not change who she was, so she either had to accept her- “Do not be afraid. Do not hide. Accept who you are for self or continue hiding and being scared. The change who you are. Because the only person you have to im- and path to acceptance was gradual and didn’t hap- press is yourself,” says Tahlia. “I had to learn that and I pen overnight, says Tahlia. And she admits that even am incredibly confident after accepting that. If I could now, sometimes it is still a challenge when she goes teach anything to anybody: Just be confident. Do not let through hurdles. society rule you.”
One such hurdle she faced in adulthood was in her third month of nursing school—she is currently pursuing a nursing career and is in her final semester of nursing school—where her instructor, a certified professional who worked with burn victims, held a conversation in public with a graduate about how nasty burn scars are. Tahlia admits her instructor didn’t know that she was a burn survivor, but she still had to remove herself from the classroom, as ignorant comments like those upset her.
“It’s people with that mindset and those that auto- matically pass judgment; they are the reason why too many of us hide behind clothes or closed doors,” she shares. “That’s not fair, because we don’t have a fighting chance. Even as an adult, it’s amazing to me how society treats people with differences.”
By participating in a national modeling competi- tion and speaking about her scars, Tahlia was able to facilitate a conversation about how society views dif- ferences in individuals and has become a role model for change. She discloses that being able to open up about her scars on national television was a liberating experience. 34 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L
SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Desire to Inspire
BY CHRISTOPHER SARDONE
“Change attitudes, encourage research, and developed social skills through the relationships educate society, and inspire peace in the she formed as a member of a team. Willis attributes competitive swimming to instilling in her the drive to world community”: This is the mission of the Spe- inspire others. In a comment to CNN last year, Wil- cial Olympics, founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy lis maintained that despite the difficulties of living Shriver, the sister of President John F. Kennedy. It is with Asperger’s syndrome, “I know that my future is the world’s largest organized sports competition for bright, even though I’ll still have challenges to face, men, women and children with intellectual disabili- it’s not going to stop me from living my life.” ties, serving over four million athletes worldwide. Ef- fectively enhancing the lives of millions, the Special In a world that often treats people with intellec- Olympics encourages individuals with disabilities to tual disabilities unfairly, the Special Olympics has develop confidence, build relationships and feel ac- allowed millions like Karen Willis to grow, enhance ceptance through the medium of sports. their abilities and to be a part of unique community. While participation in the Special Olympics has Karen Willis, a 21-year-old Alabama native, is a increased greatly since its inception, its global out- Special Olympics swimmer. Willis was diagnosed reach has expanded even more impressively: 1000 with the developmental disorder Asperger’s syn- athletes from 26 US states and Canada competed in drome at four years old. At nine, she began swim- the inaugural International Special Olympics Summer ming lessons, and at 11, joined a swim team at the Games. The 2011 Games hosted nearly 7,000 athletes Montgomery Therapeutic Recreation Center. In July, from 170 countries. The cultural significance of the 2010, Willis’ team participated in the Special Olym- Special Olympics is worldwide as, to use the words pics USA National Games, held in Lincoln, Nebras- of President Barack Obama, it “taught our nation – ka, where she competed in the 50-yard backstroke, and our world – that no physical or mental barrier can 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle and the 4x25- restrain the power of the human spirit.” yard freestyle relay, picking up two bronze medals, a silver medal and a fourth-place ribbon along the way. For a Special Olympian, however, accolades are only secondary prizes, not the true award.
Karen Willis’ experience competing in the Spe- cial Olympics has influenced her life significantly and provided her with the opportunity to cultivate abilities that are useful in everyday life. She built self-confidence by way of struggle and preservation, 36 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L HEALTH: Let’s Talk About Sickle Cell
BY LATOYA PLUMMER
One of the three dimes of the famed Things passed down from one TLC girl group has it. Tionne “T- generation to the next generation Boz” Watkins has lived with it since are sacred. Stories, delicious reci- she was a child. One of the National pes, antiques, clothes and the likes Football League’s star running backs of those are of pride and joy. But ran with it. Atiim Kiambu Hakeem- not everything genetic is deserv- Ah “Tiki” Barber, one-half of the ing of the positivism, depending Barber twins creating ruckus during on what angle you shift the mi- his heydays, survives it daily. Even croscope from. Acquired Immune hardcore rappers spat rhymes with it. Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Mobb Deep’s Prodigy is living proof. breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, When playing as a young poet in diabetes and asthma are several of Love Jones or mimicking the flam- the most common health destruc- boyant swag of a player like Frankie tions amongst people who are Lymon, Larenz Tate acted with it. non-white. Although it frequents A soldier of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Blues the paths of people of African or graced the stage with memorable Indian descent, it is still one of the versatility of jazz, enabling people to least-talked about diseases. overlook his struggle. Miles Davis went to his grave with several victo- Amongst the mentions of those ries of some of life s toughest battles, with it, one can easily notice that and he embraced life with this incur- they are people of African and able one. Hereditary and cureless, Mediterranean descent. People Sickle Cell has found its way on the from South and Central America, Most Wanted List of diseases crip- the Caribbean and the Middle East pling the nation, mostly African- are no stranger to it as well. Americans. Known in the world of African- Americans as Sickle cell anemia, it is a hereditary disease carried in twenty days. eyes and skin known as jaundice down through families. It is a type are noticeable in physical appear- of anemia that indicates that the Certainly, this is not a disease ance. Ulcers on the lower legs, blood inside the affected individual one can conveniently pick up off blindness and confusion in think- has lower than normal count of red a bookshelf or an aisle in a depart- ing are parts of the painful crises. blood cells. It is where red blood ment store. It is a lifelong disease Affected men experience erections cells are formed into a shape that obtained through inheritance. called priapism. Priapism is painful is identical to crescent or can be People who have the disease are and prolonged. When the spleen called an abnormal sickle. Normal- born with it. The two genes for becomes completely affected, ly shaped like a disc, the red blood sickle hemoglobin come from both infections occupy a seat inside the cells carry oxygen to the body. parents—one from each. If one par- bodies of those who have anemia. An abnormal type of hemoglobin ent has the sickle hemoglobin gene Pneumonia, Urinary tract are two called hemoglobin S is believed and another parent has a normal of the infections susceptible along to be the cause of the anemia. An gene, the child from these parents with Osteomyelitis (bone infec- illustration of what a hemoglobin would not have the anemia. Instead, tion) and Cholecystitis (Gallblad- consists of is a protein inside red they would have the sickle cell trait. der infection). Affected people also blood cells that carries oxygen. The The difference between people with experience discomfort in joints that shape of the red blood cells chang- the trait and those with the anemia are painful, often caused by arthri- es due to Hemoglobin S, hence the is who has the disease. Those with tis. Their growth and puberty can reason why it turns into the shape the trait do not have it nor do they be delayed as well. Some people of crescent or a sickle. have the symptoms of sickle cell live their lives with almost no anemia. However, like those with symptoms. There are those who The sickle shaped cells are very anemia, the people with the trait can frequent the hospital as if its’ their weak and carry less oxygen to the pass the sickle hemoglobin gene to second home with crisis and infec- body tissues than needed. Although their children. tions. There are different levels of it is weak, it has enough strength crisis. They range from vaso-oc- to get into small blood vessels. Although they are born with it, clusive, aplastic, sequestration and Stiff and sticky, it also breaks up symptoms of the anemia usually haemolytics to mention a few. the healthy blood flow. Because of are visible after four months of age. this, the amount of oxygen needed Affected people suffer episodes One would have thought that to deliver into the body tissues also known as crises. The crises are because of how long the disease lessens. Old red blood cells are always associated with pain. Pain has been present, the community replaced by new ones through bone is often felt in the bones in certain would be very well educated. Even marrow. The life span of a normal locations of the body—the back, the though it emerged thousands of red blood cell in a healthy body is long bones and the chest. The dura- years ago, it was not officially 120 days inside the bloodstream. tion of the crises vary case by case. documented until 1910, by Dr. After the 120th day, it dies. The Often it lasts from hours to days. James B Herrick, after noticing normal red blood cells have the The amount of episodes differs, as that one of his medical students obligation of carrying oxygen and some have just one every few years. became severely ill and had red removing waste product from the Others may have more than one blood cells. An honest rating on the body called carbon dioxide. On per year. Most experience episodes education of sickle cell amongst the other hand, the abnormal sickle that could require the attention of the community based on those who cells live for an average of 10 to doctors during a stay at a hospital. suffer from it is not an impres- 20 days. Because the bone marrow At a younger age, Children suf- sive one. The community is not as has a systematic approach where fer abdominal pain attacks. When educated about what the disease it is given time to make new red the disease becomes more severe, is, what it does and the symptoms blood cells during the estimated more symptoms are noticeable and associated with it. Regardless of 120 days life span, it is not desig- unavoidable. They include fatigue, the fact that research has not been nated to quickly replace the new shortness of breath and rapid heart as informative as should be, it is a red blood cells with the ones dying rates. Paleness and yellowing of the known fact that millions of Ameri- cans are affected by it, more in the African-American community than others. One in 12 African-Americans has a sickle cell trait.
Survivors and those that have loved ones affected by the disease want for the national and local sickle cell organizations to be more vocal. Collectively, they have to reach out. They have to rid of the image of the disease as a “black disease” and replace it with something such as genetic disorder. Research centers and funding to complete the research findings need to Theresa Copeland, occur collaboratively. This will enable hospitals and doctors to understand the disease better and figure MSM/CEO Manage out venues to treat their patients the best way they can. Information about the disease needs to be more exposed so that people can advocate for themselves Your Business, LLC when they are faced with symptoms or diagnosed with it. If you know someone suffering, treat them with dignity and respect. Counting them out without talking to them about the extent of the disease can be extremely hurtful. Like every other disease affecting Serving your millions, a strong support system for those suffering from something is usually needed. management, accounting and tax needs
P: 215-680-1902 theresa@ manageyourbusiness-now.com www.manageyourbusinessnow.com
Make everyday a God-Purpose Day!.. troberson FUTURE STARS: It’s A Family Affair BY AUTUMN BANKS
Charles “Loyalcee” Exil and Kevin “Biggs Money” Exil are the sibling rap duo, Firsklass, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The duo has been writing and producing since they were young with musical influences ranging from J. Cole and Michael Jackson to Lil’ Wayne and the Notorious B.I.G.
Their biggest influences have been their father’s music and others around them. The brothers have always grown up with music in their house. While Charles was influenced by the people around him, Kevin was influenced by his love for being on stage as a dancer. Both were encouraged by their friends to continue rapping after hearing them only a few times.
When they were infants, Charles and Kevin were diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, a predominantly genetic condition whose primary symptoms include painful episodes, swollen hands and feet and a com- promised immune system. Charles, the older brother, was diagnosed as an infant after his grandmother noticed that he was crying more than an infant should and had a feeling something was wrong. Kevin was diagnosed when he was born, as the sickle cell genes passed on to him.
Having sickle cell anemia affects the brothers on stage (especially when one of them has to go on alone) but they understand the effects that the disease has on the blood and are always prepared. When asked how they prepare for a show, Charles stated, “Practice, pray and al- ways have an alternate plan if something goes wrong.” While on stage they like to have fun and have little surprises during the show.
Firsklass doesn’t currently have any performances scheduled, but their album, Flight 101 is available on iTunes, through their website flyinfir- sklass.com and on reverbnation.com/Firsklass.
40 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L & It’s A Family Affair Sweet Ginseng
act well under pressure may not realize the amount How Time of strain they place on their body as time goes on.
Management It is important for people to understand that stress can be controlled by a matter of time management Lowers Stress and prioritization. By prioritizing events and activi- ties, we can take charge of what we can control in By Natalie Bejarano-Dugarte life in a way that lets us know what is most impor- tant. Placing events in the order which we feel is Those of us who like to remain busy throughout most important allows time to accomplish urgent our lives may struggle with time management issues and important tasks first, rather than wasting time on or feel as though we have too much to complete in a things that are not of an important nature at the time. short span of time. Our body’s natural response to chaotic events (or stress) in our lives spark a “fight Another way to prioritize is by making a list of things or flight” response that is always the same, no mat- to complete within a given amount of time and label- ter the trigger. When we feel like we are not control ing them as either urgent or “things that can be done of our lives, stressors may kick in as a reminder at a later time.” Though the idea is not to procrasti- that we have more work to do than we feel capable. nate, organizing our time in such a way proves ben- eficial to our well-being. Not only does it teach proper Stress can create havoc within bodies by mani- organization, but if done consistently it can result in a festing undesirable symptoms that we may not even life that will be managed far easier and stress-free. think about. The saying, “stress is the ultimate killer,” Time management is critical to ease stress and anxi- has been backed up by numerous research studies ety because it enforces a certain amount of control that have all pin-pointed the fact that stress cre- over our schedules. When people stress, they usually ates situations within us that may worsen or disturb do so because they feel as though there is not enough existing problems. For instance, patients who have time in a day to get all of their necessary work done. heart problems may find that their issues worsen By taking control of our assignments and schedules with increased stress and anxiety. The body does when prioritizing tasks, we can limit this behavior and not discriminate between small stressors and large assisting ourselves in the process. stressors because it cannot tell the difference be- tween the two. Whether you know it or not, each time we stress we create a series of events in our bodies (much like a domino effect) that will overtime leave us with depleted energy and loss of cognitive func- tioning. People who stress more than others may become accustomed to it as time goes on because it becomes something they are unconsciously used to. However, people who claim they respondBerrylicious or Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 41 Barbie Thomas Callan: Do you still work as a motivational speak- –Armless Body- er? Could you tell me a little bit more about that? Barbie: Whenever I get asked to do it, I do. I’m go- builder, ing to be speaking at a physical therapy school sometime soon. I’m going to be going to Canada Handi-capable next year to speak at a big charity group, so when- Human? ever I’m asked to speak I do. I’d like to do it more.
By Callan Campbell Callan: I was just curious if your bodybuild- ing took precedence over being a motivational speaker as far as how you delegated your time? Barbie Thomas is a 35-year-old bodybuilder and motivational speaker. At the age of two, Barbie had Barbie: If I was invited to come speak some- a tragic accident where she was severely electro- where on the same day that I was planning cuted while playing on a generator that left her with to compete, I would do the competition be- both arms amputated. Despite this drastic change cause there’s so much work that’s put into it. in her life, she continued to move forward to make strides charged by the unrelenting support and Callan: Yeah, absolutely. encouragement from her parents and the rest of her family. Barbie: But I try to relate it to whoever I’m speaking to. If I’m speaking to a group of young children at a school, I Today, Barbie is the mother of two boys, attends try to relate it to them. Earlier this year I spoke to a girls’ various events as a motivational speaker and has soccer team at one of their banquets and I just try to an impressive record as a body builder. Although relate it to them and sports and things that are going she understands that the scoring requirements are on in their lives at their age, so it’s relevant to everyone. stacked against her due to her irreparable asym- metry, she still gathers impressive scores and read- Callan: Awesome! I read your blog, barbiethomas. ily places ahead of others she competes against. blogspot.com, and I scrolled back a bit and I saw a Even though she is seen as an iconic figure in her specific post called “Special Blessings” that was realm in the disability and body building communi- about you attending an event for those with limb differ- ty, she requires herself to be more than a woman ences and your mixed feelings, but you were surprised with a physical disability. She has developed a lev- by the outcome. Has that changed your life in any way el of depth and understanding about herself and since?” (In Barbie’s blog, “Footnotes”, May 2012, she her needs, as well as those around her to read- talks about the apprehension of focusing on an identity ily manage the well-rounded life she’s acquired. made by disability rather than the identity she’s creat- ed by being herself and doing activities that she loves. “If you choose to survive and go on with life, do every- A little girl with a prosthetic hand approached Barbie thing that you can do, then you’re not handicapped.” and was elated when Barbie told her how she’d paint the nails and put rings on the prosthetic she had as a Callan: How did you get to where you are today? girl. The girl’s excitement brought some light to Barbie that day and she was thankful to have that moment.) Barbie: It started when I was a child, really be- cause my parents never allowed me to say ‘I can’t. Barbie: I don’t know that it’s changed my life, but I think And I think that it’s relevant in all parts of life, re- it opened my eyes a little bit and made me maybe a ally, because if you don’t give up, you can reach little more open to being involved more with the ampu- your goal and get what you want to get. You can do tee groups that I was never involved with before. whatever you want to do if you just believe that you can. Callan: Myself, I’m a quadriplegic and I was in a car Callan: Could you elaborate a little bit on accident when I was 18 and have a spinal cord some of the things that you do differently? injury. There was something I saw in one of your You- Tube clips that was called “Count Your Blessings” Barbie: Well, for instance if someone with arms is and you were saying how you were looking at Val- going to do walking lunges, they’re going to prob- entine’s Day cards and a woman came to you and ably hold dumb bells or weights, and I can’t do that. spoke with you a little bit. I get that in stores some- So sometimes I use a weight vest and I have to use times too, where you’re told that you’re an inspira- the Smith machine if there’s a free-weight squat bar. tion and everything like that, but you were saying about how you just wanted to have your alone time Callan: That’s great that you’re able to adapt. Well, and I totally get that. It’s like, ‘Listen, I’m doing my thank you for taking the time to have this interview errands, now’s not the time for me to give a speech with me and being a part of the magazine! and I just want to do what I got to do.’ That’s how I feel.” (On Barbie’s YouTube channel, “FitnessUna- rmedBarbie”, she speaks about a woman with an amputated leg below the knee approaching her in a scooter and telling Barbie what an inspiration she is. Barbie was nice and thanked her but didn’t want to take the time to delve into a lengthy conversation about disability, strength and inspiration because she was in a hurry and was running quick errands.)
Barbie: Yeah. I mean, some days it’s OK and some days it’s like, ‘My God, can peo- ple just leave me alone for a little while.’
Callan: Yeah, I totally get it. And it was so cool for me to personally see that because I feel really bad. I could tell that you felt bad because you felt that it was a responsibility maybe to give her that? References: Barbie: I think God puts people in our paths for a rea- http://barbiethomas.blogspot.com/ son and so maybe I was supposed to encourage her http://www.fitnessunarmed.com/ and I totally just blew it off. I believe that disabled or http://www.youtube.com/user/FitnessUnarmedBar- handicapped is really a mindset more than a physi- bie/videos cal thing. If you choose to be the victim and choose to be ‘so called’ handicapped then you will be. If you choose to survive and go on with life, do every- thing that you can do, then you’re not handicapped. Cupcakes and
Callan: That’s an awesome message there. Cocktails! My last question is about your workouts. I was wondering if you adapt your exercise By Kristin Leavy-Miller equipment at all and how you would do that.
Barbie: No, I don’t adapt my equipment at all, al- Looking to balance the sweetness of yum- though sometimes I have to be creative with my my cupcake icing with a chilled cham- workout a little bit, but I use the same equipment at pagne cocktail this summer? Try this deli- the gym that everyone else does. cious combination and satisfy your taste buds! To Itch or Not to Itch? The Journey of a Food -Allergic Toddler
By Kristin Leavy-Miller
“What’s wrong with our baby?” was the constant question my husband and I asked ourselves after two solid months of sleepless nights. Our 15-month old son, Carson, was miserable every single night. He woke up scratching his skin from head to toe and cried ev- Bubble Berry ery couple of hours as over-the-counter antihista- mines wore off and the itching became unbearable. 1 chilled bottle pomegranate blueberry juice 1 chilled bottle of Champagne or Prossecco (pre- Of course our first instinct was to try to make ferred) him as comfortable as possible. Most par- Fresh blueberries ents can attest to how it breaks their heart Fresh strawberries to be helpless against their child’s misery. Champagne Flute Our second instinct was to immediately call his pedia- •Rinse fruit and slice strawberries length wise trician. We recognized that Carson was dealing with •Fill ¼ glass with Prosecco or Champagne an allergy of some sort, but we could not figure out •Fill another ¼ with pomegranate blueberry what exactly the allergy was to. “Is it the detergent? •Repeat steps 1 and 2 in layering motion Soap? Something in the carpet? Cleaning products?” •Garnish with sliced strawberry on rim •Top with fresh strawberries and blueberries, enjoy! Although we had already begun to advocate for him *look for “less sugar/calorie” versions of juice in with his pediatrician, it was now time to conduct a your local grocery store for a low-cal version deeper investigation. His pediatrician checked him out and decided to send him for blood work to help pinpoint exactly what was causing his discomfort. His blood test revealed that he had an egg and milk allergy.
Many people have food allergies and have learned to manage them safely and successfully. According to the Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), “Nearly 15 million Americans have food allergies.” So we were relieved to finally have some answers to his itchiness and were all looking forward to getting some much needed rest… or at least that’s what we thought. Two weeks later we were back at his pediatrician’s office. The same symptoms had continued even 44 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L though we had removed both egg and milk from his This allowed for all other traces of medicine he diet. This time his entire body was covered in raised, took prior to clear his system. This was necessary itchy flesh-colored bumps. We were so incredibly in order for Carson to receive an accurate read- baffled since these allergens had been removed ing on a skin test to be performed in a few days. from his meals, saddened that he was feeling worse and completely exhausted, as an average night of Sixteen mini prongs punctured his back simulta- sleep only produced two to three hours each day for neously. Each prong contained suspected allergy months on end. causing substances. Carson immediately began to scratch. He was having a clear reaction to some of If the blood work clearly showed his allergens and the suspected allergens. After a few minutes, his al- these things were no longer a part of his diet, why lergist came back to review the test site on his body. was he so sick? What he told us was overwhelming. In addition to an egg These were questions we were adamant about and milk allergy, our son was allergic to fish, shellfish, having resolved as we strongly continued to advo- peanuts and tree nuts. Carson was allergic to six of the cate for Carson. We were relentless with calling eight most common food allergies listed by the FDA. his doctor to make sure we figured this out. His pe- diatrician reviewed his blood work again and pre- The allergist gave us a strict diet to follow for Car- scribed children’s Zyrtec and a higher dosage of son. He also gave us three full pages of specific Benadryl to see if that would bring him some relief. foods to avoid which listed “hidden” ingredients in foods that often trigger an allergic reaction. He Unfortunately, this was still not enough to keep Car- prescribed a daily oral medication, a topical ste- son comfortable. In fact, he continued to get worse. roid, as well as an epinephrine pen for anaphylaxis He had now developed dark lips, dark rings around (a severe allergic reaction that can result in hives, his eyes, dried and split corners of his mouth, and swelling/closing of the throat and mouth, or sever a full layer of dry, itchy skin. In addition, his appe- asthma). The allergist also suggested logging on to tite was nearly non-existent at this point, resulting in foodallergy.org for advice, support and meal options. weight loss. There were days where his breathing suddenly changed (and at times slowed), and sud- My first reaction: TEARS. I could not help but think back den hives would cover his entire body. to all of the foods I prepared and offered over time My heart was broken as my motherly instinct and feel like the culprit during this miserable journey. said to “FIX IT,” yet his father and I were clue- less on how to make it better. Couple that feeling My second reaction: “Oh my goodness, what do I with lack of sleep, and I was an emotional mess. feed him?” I was now afraid to feed him. After leav- ing the allergist’s office, I spent three solid hours in Once again, Carson’s father and I reached out to the grocery store reading every label and compar- his pediatrician. We advised her that we believed ing it to the list of foods and ingredients to avoid. we needed a more aggressive approach to his well- Unfortunately, defeat was slowly taking over as I being. She agreed, as the process of elimination left the store with only fruit and vegetables that day. in identifying his illness had reached her limit, and she suggested that it was time to bring in a spe- After speaking with family I slowly felt reassured that cialist. She referred us to a well-known allergist in this was something we could handle. I knew it would our area. We made an appointment immediately. be a slow process, and that it takes time to learn, but eventually we would get to a point where we could The allergist immediately recognized Carson’s manage his health safely, efficiently and routinely. discomfort. He asked detailed questions about his diet and previous allergen testing. He took him After six weeks of reading all labels, checking the off of his current medications and prescribed a foodallergy.org website, calling his allergist with steroid for a few days to keep him comfortable. questions and connecting with others for sugges- Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 45 tions on where to shop and how to safely prepare munity, and use food allergy websites like foodal- food, we FINALLY got into a routine and Carson was lergy.org for help. Although this challenge can seem starting to slowly, but surely feel better. impossible, it’s important to remember you aren’t the first to experience it, and people are generally eager Every day is a challenge in making sure Carson is to share their findings as they too had a personal jour- safe. Although he is feeling better, there are still ney. days where he comes in contact with items which •Learn where to shop—One of the biggest challeng- can cause him to break out in hives, itchy skin and es was figuring out where to buy safe pre-packaged discomfort. We have learned over time that we foods that catered to people with dietary needs. also have to change our eating habits to keep him Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Mom’s Organic safe as well. Although there aren’t as many sleep- (Maryland area only) all cater to people with special less nights, there are still a few each month when dietary needs. a food or product containing an allergen crosses •Beware of dining out—Over the years, restaurants his path. Sometimes it’s from cross-contamination have become more aware of food allergies and will at a restaurant, other times it’s something on the (at times) attempt to adhere to special requests. hands or toys of his playmates. The key is not to However, this is not full proof as cross-contamination stress, but to be proactive and prepared to be reac- from using the same cooking utensils and proteins tive if necessary. We love our son and will do what- from other foods can contaminate the air. Some res- ever it takes to keep him healthy. Unless Carson taurants have a heightened sense of awareness, and grows out of some of his allergies (which is a pos- offer a separate allergy menu. Red Robin is an ex- sibility), this will forever be a day-to-day challenge. cellent family restaurant option as their allergy menu But because of his pediatrician and allergist, we is listed by allergen and comes separately from the now have a better understanding of what it is to be regular menu. Also, Chic-fil-a offers safe foods op- the parent of a food-allergic child. Today Carson tions on their website. Log onto allergyeats.com for a is happy and healthy, and almost two years old. list of allergy friendly restaurants in your area. •Know that nothing changes overnight—Discomfort at Below is a list of things which aided in our food al- any age can be miserable. However, learning to man- lergy journey. I hope they are helpful to any other age will take time. Stay in contact with your health- parent experiencing a similar situation: care provider and follow doctor’s orders. Before long, •Advocate for your child—Call your pediatrician as life as a food allergic child and parent will be as nor- often as needed to make sure they know some- mal and healthy than ever before. thing is wrong. Without advocating, you can prolong recovery. www.foodallergy.org /Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Net- •Schedule an appointment with an allergist—Al- work though the process of elimination can be a lengthy US Food and Drug Administration process, it’s necessary to make sure you are on the www.allergyeats.com proper road to recovery. Self-diagnosis can be mis- leading and delay recovery time. •Ask Questions – Don’t be afraid to call your health care provider and ask questions. The more you ask, the more you learn. •Read all labels—Allergens can hide in all foods Gabriel Gerbic - from hot dogs and sandwich meat, to crackers and popsicles. So make sure you read all labels, and Strength and look things up if you’re unsure what they are. This process can take some time, but over time you will Conditioning begin to recognize them and it will become routine to avoid these items. Specialist Finds •Use your resources—Talk to people in your com- Passion in Help- anatomy and ability to think outside the box. Our facil- ity has both accessible and standard equipment. The ing Disabled accessible equipment allows wheelchair users to ex- ercise from their chairs and we also use a lot of func- Patients tional training devices like balls, bands and cables that allow people to accomplish their fitness goals. By Natalie Bejarano Natalie: What exercises are the most beneficial for individuals with disabilities? Gabriel Gerbic is a trainer working with people with disabilities. Residing in Phoenix, AZ, he is a Gabriel: This depends heavily on the type of dis- certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and ability, but there are exercises that increase holds certification with the International Society functional capacity and improve activities of for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). daily living. The stronger a person is, the easier I recently had the pleasure of getting to know Ga- the tasks they perform will be. At the end of the briel as he led me through his many years of ex- day, there will be less fatigue and more energy. perience to explain what he does best in his field. Our goals are: improving measures that allow people Natalie: Do you have a personal website for use or with disabilities to accomplish daily routines, improve social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter? fitness and health conditions, and weight control. An- other very important issue is joint stability, so focusing Gabriel: Our facility’s website is www.spofit.org or on the opposition muscles to their daily activities al- http://www.facebook.com/disabilitysportscenter. lows people to strengthen both sides of a joint and end up with less joint problems or injuries from overuse. Natalie: How do you best interact with your clients? Natalie: How often do you work with People with Dis- Gabriel: I try to take the user knows best approach, abilities? keeping them comfortable with their initial choices and offering more variety and complexity as they Gabriel: I work with People with Disabilities on a daily see appropriate. Until someone tries something basis. Our fitness center is specifically designed for new, they will never know if it’s an option for them. People with Disabilities, so this has definitely pro- Natalie: How would you describe your ex- vided me with a real education on different types of perience in working with people that disabilities while teaching me about challenges and have disabilities? Is it rewarding? benefits of exercise and activity.
Gabriel: I think working with people with disabili- Natalie: How did you get into the health ties is very challenging and rewarding because and fitness field? Has your profession every disability has a unique set of factors to ad- been something you always wanted to do? dress. There are ranges of motion, strength, bal- ance and coordination issues that can alter a Gabriel: I’ve always been interested in the human general workout plan, but if you have alternate body. However, after my injury I found that I enjoyed exercises and enough knowledge to find work- learning more about physiology and how exercise arounds, the workouts will be much smoother. could benefit me in my daily life. I’ve always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with others in the health field, Natalie: What ways do you use or alter equip- such as those in the physical education realm and ment to work for people with disabilities? students and others facing disabilities. Given the fact that there has not been good, resourceful infor- Gabriel: Altering exercises is the name of the game mation for people with disabilities in the past, I have when it comes to disability. Finding new and unique been trying harder to get more information out there ways to do the same exercise takes knowledge in to help people with their wellness, fitness and over- all nutrition goals. I believe that the general fitness industry has ignored people with disabilities, and this is where I step in to assist these individuals.
Natalie: How has this experience shaped you and changed you as an individual?
Gabriel: I really enjoy being able to share informa- tion with people. Given the number of health and fitness myths, I enjoy answering questions properly and promptly and guiding or shaping someone’s future. This has been a very rewarding experience and it has given me a true sense of purpose. I am also very pleased with those that I have af- fected positively throughout my time as a trainer. Sweet Zucchini Cupcakes
Natalie: Is there anything else you would like people (Courtesy of menushoppe.wordpress.com) to know? Yields twelve cupcakes You will need: Gabriel: I’m a T-12 paraplegic and was injured 24 •1 ½ c all-purpose flour, years ago. I used to compete in wheelchair body- •1 c packed dark-brown sugar building, but now I compete in rowing, track and •2 tsp. baking powder field, and archery. I love being outdoors, working in •½ teaspoon ground cinnamon my yard and gardens, and doing all kinds of activi- •½ teaspoon salt ties. I really enjoy culture, cooking, exercise and •½ c coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts living life to the fullest. My favorite quote is, “You •1 zucchini (10 oz.), coarsely grated ( 1 ½ c) don’t have to like it; you just have to do it!” •½ c vegetable oil •2 large eggs, lightly beaten •½ tsp. pure vanilla extract •Cream Cheese Icing Cupcakes: Summer Treats, Directions: Summer Drinks •Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cupcake tray with foil liners. Set aside. By Cassie Strong •In a medium bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Then mix in nuts. It’s summer! While your backyard garden is growing, •In another bowl, mix zucchini, oil, eggs, and vanilla. use some of your extra produce to create sweet •Add the zucchini mixture to the flour mixture until just treats. That’s right, cupcakes with fruits and veg- combined. etables! What better way to have something sweet •Pour batter evenly into cups. and not feel shameful for cheating on your diet! •Bake 40-45 minutes •Bake until a toothpick test comes out clean. •Cool in tin for ten minutes •Icing cupcakes.
48 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L •1 ¼ c confectionary sugar •½ c (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature •1 tbsp. honey •1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
Directions: •In a medium bowl, beat confectionary sugar, unsalted butter, honey, and ground cinnamon with an electric mixer until smooth (4-5 minutes).
S’mores Cupcakes
(Courtesy of homeiswheretheholmansare. Banana Cupcakes with Honey-Cinnamon Frosting blogspot.com) Yields 24 cupcakes (Courtesy of trailx.org) You will need: You will need: •1 box chocolate cake mix, batter prepared For cupcakes: according to package directions •1 ½ c all-purpose flour •1 ½ c crushed graham crackers •¾ c sugar •¼ c sugar •1 tsp. baking powder •5 tbsp. butter, melted •½ tsp. baking soda •5-6 full sized Hershey’s Milk Chocolate •¼ tsp. salt Bars (1.55 oz. each) •½ c (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted •2 c mini marshmallows, for toppings •1 ½ c mashed bananas (about 4 bananas), •1 whole banana for topping Directions: •2 large eggs •Preheat oven to 350° •½ tsp. pure vanilla extract •Line two muffin tins with cupcake liners. •In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker Directions: crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Drop a tablespoon •Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12 cup muf- amount of the mixture into each cupcake liner. Press fin/cupcake pan with paper liners. down to form a crust. •In a medium bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking pow- •Bake the crust for five minutes. der, baking soda, and salt. •Prepare cake mixture according to box. Fill liners •Make a hole in the center of the mixture and add 2/3 full. butter, mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla. Mix •Bake 15-20 minutes, until cupcakes are set. these together in the hole. •Break Hershey bars into small pieces and melt in •Mix into the flour until just mixed. microwave. 30 seconds on 50% power. Stir after •Fill batter into cupcake liners each 30 seconds. Repeat until melted. •Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the toothpick comes •Spoon a tablespoon of melted chocolate on top of out clean. each cupcake, spreading to cover. •Cool completely, then frosting cupcakes with •Once chocolate is set, frosting with Marshmallow Honey-Cinnamon Frosting. Buttercream. •Put mini marshmallows on a baking sheet. Broil for 15 seconds. Remove from oven and place on top of Honey-Cinnamon Frosting: cupcakes.
You will need: Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 49 Marshmallow Buttercream:
You will need: •½ c butter (room temperature) •1 c Marshmallow Fluff •2 c powdered sugar •2 tbsp. milk Directions: •Mix butter and fluff on medium speed until smooth. •Slowly add in powdered sugar with mixer on low. •Add in milk and turn speed up to medium and mix until all combined and smooth.
References: http://cookiesandcups.com/smores-cupcakes/ http://cookiesandcups.com/cake-batter-blondie/ marthastewart.com Lavender Mint Tea
(Courtesy of myrecipes.com) Summer Drinks – Ingredients: •¼ Cup fresh lavender petals -or- 4 Tea Iced Tea Recipes spoons of dried lavender flowers •1 Cup fresh mint leaves (whole or thinly By Callan Campbell sliced) •4 Cups water -or- boiling water Summer is finally here! With new hot weather comes Optional: new iced drinks to enjoy the sweltering summer •¼ Teaspoon minced rosemary days. Tea is a tasty low-calorie and versatile bever- •2 Teaspoons honey (to taste) age with a wide spectrum of beneficial properties for health. Not only is it easy to make, it’s also inex- Method 1 Directions: pensive and easy to supplement other ingredients Place all ingredients (excluding honey) in a sauce pan. to make fun and exciting drinks to enjoy any time Pour 4 cups of water over the ingredients and bring to of the year. This summer the elements of lavender, a boil. Allow to simmer on low heat to desired strength, mint, lime and cranberry are the bright new twist to about 15 to 20 minutes. Carefully strain ingredients kick back and enjoy the summer season with. and either serve hot or allow to cool and serve as iced tea. Add honey to taste.
Method 2 Directions: Place ingredients in a large bowl and pour 4 cups boiling water over the contents. Cover the bowl with a towel and allow to steep for 4-10 minutes. Strain ingredients and either serve hot or allow to cool and serve as iced tea. Add honey to taste.
50 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L Lemonade Mint Iced Tea and serve cold.
(Courtesy of trialx.org) Boston Iced Tea
Ingredients: (Courtesy of boston.fourseasons.com) •3 Tablespoons crushed fresh mint leaves Ingredients: -or- 1 (1 ounce) package fresh mint leaves (about •1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen cranberry 1 cup loosely packed) juice concentrate •2 tea bags -or- ½ cup of instant iced tea •15 tea bags powder •1 Cup white sugar •½-1 Cup white sugar •1 Gallon water •1 (6 ounce can) lemonade frozen concen trate, thawed Directions: •Depending on serving size: 3 cups water Place water into a large pot and bring to a boil. Add 1 -or- 1 Quart boiling water Cup sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the tea bags •Depending on serving size: 4 Cups cold and steep until it’s at the desired strength. Stir in fro- water -or- 2 Quarts cold water zen cranberry juice concentrate and allow to cool before serving. Method 1 Directions: Take a 1 Gallon pitcher; place 3 tablespoons of These recipes are inexpensive, easy to make and crushed mint leaves, then 1 Quart of boiling water, ready to drink in about 30 minutes to an hour. Try followed by ½ Cup of instant tea powder and 1 Cup these today and enjoy your summer season right! of sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar and let stand for 15 minutes. Lastly, stir in 2 Quarts cold water and lemon frozen concentrate. Serve over ice. Option- References: al: Strain leaves. Allrecipes.com Tasteofhome.com Method 2 Directions: Southern.food.com Boil 3 cups of water in a sauce pan. Once at a boil, take off the heat source and add 2 tea bags along with 1 Cup of mint. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and strain mint. Add ½ Cup of sugar and stir until dissolved. Finally, pour tea in a 3 Quart container. Stir in 4 Cups of cold water and lemonade frozen concentrate. Serve over ice. Sweet Lime Iced Tea
(Courtesy of gactv.com) Ingredients: •4 limes, juiced •6 black tea bags •1 ½ Cups white sugar •1 Gallon boiling water
Directions: Boil 1 Gallon of water and pour into a gallon-sized jar over the 6 black tea bags. Allow to steep for 45 minutes then remove the tea bags. Stir in sugar and lime juice until the sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 51
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APPLE DESIGN ANEESHA LANE GRAPHIC DESIGNER REAL LIFE: Stepping Out BY ZEHRA YOUSOFI
Karen Peterson is a choreographer, director, and a performing artist. In 1990, she founded Karen Peter- son and the Dancers, a non-profit organization that does community performance, presents various dance programs, and offers educational workshops on a local, national and international level. What makes Karen Pe- seen terson and the Dancers a unique performing art group is their inclusive art form that allows individuals with or without a disability to be united on stage.
The idea of having a “mix-ability” dance group originated 23 years ago, when a former actress in a wheelchair wanted to perform. Karen was greatly fascinated and inspired by the thought of working with her. “She encouraged me to include her in the perfor- mance and I was interested in collaborating with her,” says Karen. Shortly after the collaboration, Karen remained deeply vested in the idea of mixing danc- ers with different abilities in a performance. “For me, choreography is about able-bodied students working with a student in a wheel chair or a student with Down syndrome,” says Karen. Every person has a different movement capacity that engages my creativity.
Today, Karen Peterson and the Dancers have a consistent year-round performance of mix-ability works, teach in schools, provide experiences for in- terns, and tour abroad. Karen strongly believes that the “mix-ability” performance is inspiring for both herself and the audience. “My interest is in the challenge of staging and choreographing performers in order to cre- ate an artistic, inclusive vision that removes the audi- Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 53 Spring 2013 I.D.E.A.L 53 ences’ prejudices about an individual’s abilities or improvisation and research we are more able to under- disabilities.” stand who we are and what we can do together,” says Karen. A few challenges that Karen faces is being accepted as a valid art form by others involved in Karen Peterson believes that dance is a wonder- contemporary dance and to try to develop new audi- ful healing tool and a great way to physically express ences each year. In addition, Karen has to ensure that one’s emotions. “I think it is important for everyone to the stage, the audience seating and dressing room are find an outlet and have a voice for themselves. There is accessible to the performers as well as the audience power when you can physically open your emotions to members. Karen strongly feels that these performers the world. Teamwork, creativity, diversity, self realiza- provide a “can do” positive experience for the audi- tion and the collaborative spirit are built into the Karen ence one that allows them to see beyond their disabil- Peterson and Dancers Company now in its 23rd year of ity through the collaboration with others. making a difference,” says Karen. She finds inspiration for her pieces rooted in an idea, music, physical information, storyline or an abstract directive. Initially in the planning stage, she finds out about dancers’ strengths and weak- nesses through improvisation and uses movement that evokes something special about that person. Focus, commitment to the moment and good work ethics are the first elements of a dance artist. “My intention is to bring different abilities together and discover where our common denominators intersect. Through Spring 2013 I.D.E.A.L 53 SPORTS: The 2014 Winter Paralympic Games
BY PATRICK MULRANEN
It was July 31, 2012. The Summer Olympic The Games we know today include five classifications Games were being held in London, England. It of athletes: people with visual impairments, athletes started out as a typical day, but ended as a day that who’ve had limbs removed by amputation, those with true sports fans will never forget. Michael Phelps, spinal cord injuries, people with Cerebral Palsy and in- U.S.A Olympic swimmer, became the most decorated dividuals with many other sorts of physical disabilities. Olympian of all time by earning his 19th gold medal in the 4x200 meter relay. This could possibly be the The Winter Paralympic Games are scheduled from last time we witness this historical milestone. So let’s March 7 to March 16. These games will be comprised embrace it! However, there are many more records. of five different winter sports including Alpine skiing, Remember, records are made to be broken. So, there a biathlon, cross-country skiing, ice sledge hockey and is only one real question to ask: What’s going to hap- wheelchair curling. This will be the first time Russia pen next? has ever hosted the Paralympics. It will also be the first appearance of para-snowboarding at the Winter Para- In the winter of 2014, The Winter Olympics and lympic Games as well. Xavier Gonzalez, International Paralympics are going to be upon us. Both of these Paralympic Committee chief executive, had only one Games are going to be held in Sochi, Russia. This thing to say about this newly added event: “It is impor- would be the 22nd Winter Olympic Games and the tant for the growth of the Winter Games that there are 11th Winter Paralympic Games. Now, we all know more sports and more medal events to contest.” what the Olympics are, but do we all understand the true significance of the Paralympics? This is an amazing way for people with disabilities to show their athletic ability. The Paralympics is a great The Paralympic Games started out as an event cre- way to get everyone involved. Sochi, Russia is prepar- ated by a neurologist, Sir Ludwig Guttmann, in 1948. ing for this wonderful event by providing easy acces- He created a sporting event for veterans that were sibility to these disabled athletes. For example, the city disabled in WWII with spinal injuries. He believed is being equipped with elevators, chair lifts, ramps, slip- playing sports could be a great form of rehabilitation. resistant hard surfaces and other types of equipment are This event was very successful and by 1960 it had being added to assist those with physical disabilities. evolved to an Olympic-style competition with partici- So, set your calendar now for Mach 7 to March 16, pants from all over the world. 2014. It is an event that you surely don’t want to miss!
With that said, the first Paralympic Games were held in Rome, Italy in 1960 and it involved 400 athletes from 23 different countries. Originally, only wheelchair athletes were invited to compete. Now the Paralympic Games have grown exponentially.
56 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L LAUGHTER MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER: The 2014 Winter Paralympic Games AMAZING JEFFO THE MAGICIAN BY MORGAN AMOS
Ask any magician and they will tell you that, keeping the crowd entertained through various sets of magic tricks can be difficult. But try having to do pocket tricks (as Amaz- ing Jeffo calls it) while blind, now that’s something worth watching! Jeffrey Smith (Amazing Jeffo) has been prac- ticing magic tricks full-time for twenty-two years. He has done 3,500 shows in twelve different states.
“I do magic tricks because it avails me of opportunities to teach. I see what I do as an opportunity to dispel myths and stereotypes about people with disabilities,” Smith said. Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 57 Smith, fifty-five years old, got his age of ten, stop him from achieving start as a magician two ways. He what he wants as well as using his did volunteer work at Vision Lost disabilities as a positive and influen- Resources, formally known as St. tial insight for others with disabili- Paul Society for the Blind, and he ties. “I want to make people laugh also worked several freelance jobs and I also want my book to open up before becoming a magician. As doors for me to publicly speak to for Vision Lost Resources Smith people with disabilities and for them said, “They asked me to speak with to see us in a positive way, as another the kids their about being blind. It thread in the rich tapestry of our was scary for me because I stutter. society.” I wanted to make my presentations to the kids interactive and deflect Smith credits his mother with pro- attention away from my stutter- viding him with his spirit of tenacity ing.” He continued, “Despite what to overcome and embrace his many people may see of me visually, my disabilities. “My mother didn’t mince greatest fear over the years has words, she had firm rules, and she been my stuttering, because I’ve treated me like my other siblings.” always had a lot to say and that Smith had chores and various respon- created frustration not being able to sibilities, and according to him, his say it and risk embarrassing my- mother didn’t excuse him from any self.” of it because of his disability. Simply, his mother made sure that he felt like Being a magician has opened up a normal kid growing up. so many doors for Smith to use his sense of humor to let people see Smith describes himself as offbeat that his disabilities are “secondary and says that it is because of his to his personhood.” “Humor allows sense of humor and how he can laugh me to show people that I am aware about the situations at hand. “People of my environment and surround- maybe need to look at the funny in ings and also puts less focus on my life and see that there is humor in disabilities,” he said. Smith allows situations,” he said. people inside his world by magic, and also through his book. Smith’s Smith and his wife Devon live in book called Seeing Light in the Minnesota with their dog Krypto, Darkness: A Story of Surviving and recently celebrated their ninth Affliction with Laughter and Grace wedding anniversary. You can view allows readers the opportunity to Amazing Jeffo’s pocket tricks by learn about the physical challenges going on YouTube. His book, which he’s had and the approaches he’s will be out in late fall, will be avail- taken to overcome them. able through his website at www. amazingjeffo.com, eBook via Ama- Smith hasn’t let his stuttering, be- zon, and at Barnes and Noble. ing visually impaired, having Ileos- tomy (he was the second-youngest to acquire Ileostomy back in 1964), stemming from Ulcerative Colitis, having Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Iritis (Arthritis in the eye), which led to his being totally blind by the 58 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L
FUTURE RISING STAR: Def Poetry Jam Poet Bassey Ikpi Does Not Let Bi-Polar Disorder Get in Her Way BY TONY E. DENIS
Bassey Ikpi is an internationally rec- ognized poet, writer and health advocate. Her powerful poems and commanding stage pres- ence have led her to stages around the world, including Nigeria and the Netherlands. It also landed her a spot on Russell Simmons Pres- ents Def Poetry Jam Tour. Recently, Bassey Ikpi has been a leading advocate informing the public on the importance of mental health.
Ikpi opens up about how she discovered her mental health condition. “While I was touring, I could tell something was not right. I would order room service, fruit plates with no melon, a glass of ice with no water. I lost 30 pounds. Finally I broke down, a friend found me backstage in the dressing room in the corner crying before a show.” In Janu- ary 2004, Ikpi was diagnosed with Type 2 Bi-Polar Disorder. Type 2 Bi-Polar Disorder is a less severe form of Bi-Polar syndrome—it involves episodes of hypomania and short periods of severe depression.
60 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L After Ikpi received help from a doctor, Ikpi be- gan rearranging her life. In the beginning of 2011, Ikpi founded the Siwe Project, a global non-profit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness throughout the global black community. “By providing opportunities for dialogue and the uplifting of new narratives and dis- course, the Siwe Project aims to encourage more people to seek treatment without shame,” says Ikpi.
Ikpi also suggests finding the right doctor. She urges mental health patients to speak frankly to their doctors: “I gave my doctor a list of things I did not want. I did not want a medication that would make me gain weight. I did not want a medication that would make me spaced out.” Building that relationship with a doctor is vital to getting the proper treatment. It is im- portant to ensure proper treatment for a diagnosis. Ikpi remarks that “if a medication does not make you feel like yourself, it is not for you.” Bassey Ikpi Does
Ikpi continues to speak out about mental health awareness. “I can’t be mad from people who are igno- rant and don’t know about Bi-Polar Disorder. It is our responsibility to inform them about our condition.” Through the Siwe Project, Ikpi gives thousands of oth- ers a safe space to talk about their own mental health conditions. The website provides a wealth of informa- tion on news, personal stories and politics affecting the mental health community.
As Ikpi gets older, she chooses to focus her attention more on her position as a writer and mental health advocate. After more than 11 years working as a professional poet, she has shifted gears toward build- ing her non-profit organization and promoting mental health education. Through Ikpi’s work, she joins the voices of thousands of others who show that you can be talented, beautiful, smart, successful and still have Bi-Polar Disorder. “I started speaking out to remove the shame involved with mental disorders. I want people to be able to say ‘yeah I have Bi-Polar Disorder, and I also have an amazing career, and a closet full of shoes.’” CHRISTOPHER DIXON: A Musical Mind BY ZEHRA YOUSOFI
seizures that can be over in a matter of seconds. “I get At the age of 27, Christopher Dixon is greatly petit mal seizures which are just like eye flutters or invested in achieving his goal of becoming a mu- smaller-type of seizures...usually in the morning,” he sic composer and helping others. He takes music remarks. In some instances, Christopher has endured lessons at the Albuquerque School of Music while tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures, attending classes at the University of New Mexico. which can last longer and affects the entire brain. Additionally, Christopher performs musical pieces on his piano for his local church on a regular basis. Thankfully, he has not experienced a grand mal for He also volunteers with the local youth ministry, a a long time now. However, there is a constant concern little league baseball team, the Special Olympics and that they may occur at any time. “They can happen in the University of New Mexico Lobos. However, the public,” Christopher notes. “Some of the warnings are journey to follow his dreams has been difficult. At like I feel that I’m going to faint or light-headed, dizzy 18 months, Christopher was diagnosed with epi- [and] dehydration...” As a precaution, he is continu- lepsy. With this condition he still maintains a strong ously aware of his environment and surrounds himself focus toward music composure and helping others. with others. He currently takes a series of medication to control his seizures. He hopes of building an album His passion for music began at a young age. “I of his own and pursuing a degree in physical therapy to learned to play the piano by ear,” says Christopher. help others. “It was not until I went to Junior High School that I learned how to read music.” In his free time he plays and composes musical pieces independently. Christopher draws his inspiration for music through his work and by a variety of previous artistic works. “I just play on the piano,” he recalls; “make little tunes and then just build upon it, make it into a song. I like to listen to artists like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, all different types of music. I just like their pattern that they use in their music. I try to create patterns of my own.” Christopher describes his music composition fitting for a background score for movies, video games and entertainment. He also writes songs and lyrics.
Throughout Christopher’s life, he has suffered from epileptic shocks. On a daily basis, he has absence seizures, which is also known as petit mal A Musical Mind 2013 Summer •Tribal prints, Swimwear Trends� woven fabrics, and beading In my opinion, byTessa Viole these swimsuits weren’t made for the water. These were Whether you have or haven’t purchased most likely meant for a new bathing suit for the summer yet, here is models and tanning on what you can expect to see on the models and the beach or by the in stores! pool because the fabric is woven •Bright and tropical instead of being water resistant. This specific trend is all about being exotic, However, to each their own. If this is more your colorful and definitely getting people to take kind of style of a bathing suit, you’ll be happy notice. Pictured are the California Waves to know that it’s one of the top six trends for Swimsuit and the INC (International Concepts) this summer. I do have to admit that the prints Ruffle Tropical-One-Piece Swimsuit from and colors are beautiful, and I wouldn’t mind Macy’s (http://www.macys.com/). trying one. If you’re looking to splurge, try the Both pieces of the bikini ViX Swimwear ‘Tribal’ Bikini from Nordstrom are priced at $24.00, (http://www.nordstrom.com/). The top is priced while the one piece at $140.00 and the bottom is priced at $115.00. is priced at $69.98.
• Bandeau Even though this style has been around for a while, it’s becoming more popular as the years go on. You may sometimes see girls wear a non- bathing suit bandeau top underneath a sheer or a low cut top in place of a camisole. There are a lot of different bandeau style bikinis out online or in stores, so you’ll have a lot to choose from. My favorite is this bikini from Victoria’s Secret (http://www.victoriassecret.com/). Pictured is the Forever Sexy BioFit Top with Forever Sexy Matching Bottoms. This swimsuit varies in price since you can customize the style of top and bottom to whatever style feels the most com- fortable. Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 63 The top of this bathing suit is priced anywhere this season. But what makes summer different between $48.50-$54.50 while the bottom than spring? is priced anywhere between $28.50-$44.50. Also, for those who aren’t fond of bikinis, they The color pink is very in whether it’s worn on do make bandeau one-piece bathing suits. This blouses, pants, shirts or even your lipstick. next bathing suit is from Macy’s. The Ruched Wearing this color will help give a stronger sum- One-Piece Bandeau bathing suit gives all of the mer look to your outfit. Don’t like pink? No prob- style of a bandeau bikini in a one-piece and is lem! Red is also a good color to wear (especially priced at $98.00. as lipstick!).
•Monokinis Another trend (that I personally like a lot) is Much like tankinis, monokinis are a mix be- the military parka look. It pretty much goes with tween a one-piece and a bikini. They provide anything. So no matter what your style, wheth- more coverage than a bikini provides, but less er you’re going for a more casual, cute or sexy than a tankini. These are perfect for those who look, you could easily accent your outfit with this are health conscious and don’t want the major- piece. ity of their body exposed in the sun, but still want to look sexy and get a bit of color. One of Leather! It’s still in folks. Although, let’s be hon- the monokinis that provide a woman with more est, when is it not in? Not very many people can coverage is available at Victoria’s Secret and pull off the leather pants look, but have no fear! is priced at $79.00. This bathing suit features You could still add leather to your look with a a wireless push up top for extra padding and light jacket, or even a cute skirt! added comfort. Outfits comprised mostly of white are also in this summer. Scared to wear white? Go for candy •High Waisted Bottoms tones! Pastel colors mixed with white, or maybe This is for the girls who are curvy and love even a light beige will also work for this summer. it. Show off your curves while emphasizing your legs. This bathing suit is from UK based One thing that seems pretty big for this summer company ASOS (http://www.asos.com/), but is denim, specifically jeans. There are a pletho- they offer international shipping. It’s priced ra of different styles and looks you can pull off at $69.28. This particular swimsuit combines with jeans. You could wear bright colored jeans three trends: the bandeau top (with straps), (like orange, green, electric blue) and pair them the high waisted bottom and geometric print. with a brightly colored top to pull off the color This is definitely a win! blocking look. Or you could play it safe and wear a more neutral colored shirt, like white or beige. If you don’t feel like buying red jeans, go for the pastel look! It’s a softer color tone, making Summer 2013 it easier on the eyes. You can pair it off with a blouse and some wedges to complete your look! Fashion Tips If you want to give lots of character to your By Brittany McGillick look, go for printed pants with floral, leopard, or Rorschach designs. Bleached jeans are also another fashion trend for this summer, and you Many of the summer trends of 2013 are very can look even trendier by adding a cut-off top to similar to trends we saw last spring. Floral your outfit. prints and bright colors are very in, and slight- ly baggy, comfortable clothes are also still in Lastly, backpacks! They’re not just for school judging round called ‘fish bowl’ questions. Nel- or travelling! Lots of styles and colors will be son was not only presented with the crown that available this season, so pick one that com- night, but she was also awarded with The People pletes the look you’re going for and fits all of Choice Award. your personal everyday items! This achievement counts as a big one for Laken- Don’t be afraid to try a new look this summer! dra Nelson, who was born into a loving family in With all the patterns that are trending for Washington D.C. in the summer of 1987. Lak- this season, you’re sure to find something you’ll endra, who was born with an inherited disorder love to wear. called Osteogensis Imperfecta (also known as brittle bones), was not expected to live long. � She went through many tests and trials during If There’s a Will, her childhood, but Lakendra is a fighter. She was privately schooled until she was five There’s a Way� and was then admitted to the D.C. Public School, where she faced multiple hindrances. By Debakshi Dey Sarkar She was eventually rusticated from there. Looking at her grave schooling scenario, the fourth-grade Lakendra asked a simple question The day she realized that achieving every- in a public meeting: “Why can’t I go to school?” thing she wanted was in believing just two After that public meeting, she and her family words—“I can,” was October 27, 2012. Lak- were assigned a lawyer who not only helped her endra Nelson was honored with the title of get an entry back into the school, but also as- Ms. Wheelchair D.C. 2013 and accepted the sisted her through her complete schooling. crown. Lakendra was always resolute about making The title of Ms. Wheelchair D.C. brought something good out of her life. In 2002, she along respect, love, a feeling of achievement penned down an essay for her English teacher, and the power to give back. Like Uncle Ben who had agreed on letting her take part in her tells Spiderman, “With great power comes class assignment. Lakendra came out with flying great responsibility,” this is how Ms. Nelson colors, winning the essay contest out of thou- felt about her crown and the responsibilities sands of students in the D.C. area. She received that came with it. her high school diploma in 2006, graduating from Dunbar Senior High School. Nelson said, “I am no longer just an advo- cate for myself and my child, but now I am “Never settle for what others say is possible an advocate for the many people who live in with your life,” is what Nelson proved when she the Washington D.C. area with a disability. I gave birth to her 28-week premature child in strive to show those individuals that anything 2010 who she named Lakenzie Myrikal Nelson. is possible with a little faith, push and drive.” Lakendra was told in the past that she would never be able to give birth, but she proved This title reassured Nelson that dreams are medical professionals wrong with her will and achievable by keeping faith in them. The Ms. inner belief. Wheelchair D.C. pageant was held at The HSC Pediatric Center in Washington D.C. Her child changed her in many ways. Like all The event consisted of two individual judg- mothers, she strived to give her child the best ing rounds. The first round required her to of everything. Nelson said, “Once I became a present a platform speech and the next was a mother, I realized I needed to better myself not only for myself, but also for my child. I She has gained a whole new passion for wanting set out on a mission to do just that. I enrolled to help those with disabilities after having met at Everest College to become a medical assis- so many people like her in and outside of the tant.” events she goes to because of her Ms. Wheel- chair D.C. title. Lakendra believes this to be the best career for her because she wants to give back to Finally, Lakendra Nelson signs off with an in- children with disabilities just as nurses did spiring message for the youth with disabilities, for her. She finished college in the summer of “Always believe in yourself, even when most 2012 and attended her graduation ceremony people may doubt you. If someone ever says on March 23, 2013. you can’t, won’t and you never will, look them in the eyes and tell them I CAN, I WILL, AND In the coming future, she aspires to help WATCH ME WORK!” those who are in medical facilities receive the best possible medical care. She also wants to LOST mentor young girls with disabilities.
Nelson found out about the Ms. Wheelchair D.C. pageant through a friend on Facebook FASHION DESIGNER who told her that she would be a good candi- date for the pageant. Today, she is standing on a totally different platform altogether including offers to appear and speak at vari- ous places.
“I look forward to being at the Abilities Expo D.C. in March. I will use that as an opportunity to speak out about helping women be them- selves in spite of and because of their disabil- ity,” said Nelson.
66 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L LOST FASHION DESIGNER
i.d.e.a.l. Magazine is looking for Fashion Designers with Disabilities to be highlighted in our new Fashion Department. We are a quarterly magazine for Urban Young People with Disabilities. This is a GREAT opportunity to showcase your fashion designs in our amazing magazine. Feel free to check out our website at www.itsanidealworld.com and you can download a FREE copy of the magazine in our media section of our website. If you are interested, feel free to contact Tessa, Fashion Edition at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you! Nicole Marie Gonzales Nicole Marie Gonzales
Nickname: Nikki
Age: 18
Hometown: Lafayette, LA
Loction: New Iberia, Louisiana
Disability: Mental & developmental due to a major stroke
Martial Status: Single
Kids: None
Hobbies: Shopping, TV, socializing
Pets: “Saffron”-a female Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Goals: To one day live independently and get married
Inspiring Words: I know I have problems but I am happy, oh so happy, and I love life.
MAKING A PUSH: Christopher Sardone interviews Ryan Chalmers, Paralympic Athlete
BY CHRISTOPHER SARDONE
In an effort to raise awareness of the potential of persons with a disability, American Paralympic athlete Ryan Chalmers will be pushing his wheelchair from Los Angeles to New York City on a 71-day journey that begins April 6 and concludes June 15. Chalmers’s Push Across America is hosted by the non-profit charity organization, Stay-Focused.
Ryan Chalmers was born with spina bifida, a condition in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth. He was first exposed to the sport of track at the age of eight while in a hospital recovering from surgery. Through his experiences in track, Chalmers began pursuing other sports such as skiing, baseball, soccer and basketball, the latter of which he competed in throughout college. At the London 2012 Paralympic Games, he participated in the 400 meter, the 800 meter, the 4x400-meter relay and the marathon.
In 2005, Chalmers became a member of the Stay-Focused organiza- tion. According to their website, the mission of Stay-Focused is to provide teenagers and young adults with disabilities with the opportunity to “gain confidence, develop leadership skills and to become more independent” through a scuba diving program, where the focus is on participants con- necting with others and challenging themselves.
Push Across America was conceived in a coffee shop in 2009 dur- ing a conversation between Chalmers and Roger Muller, the founder of Stay-Focused. “At that time in my life,” Chalmers explains, “I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the organization because it had made such a difference in my life. Roger made mention of a person who was planning on running across the United States, and he just kind of casually asked me
Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 71 if I could do it, if I could push across the country.” As the event begins to move forward, numerous Excited by the idea, Chalmers viewed it as the perfect media outlets have taken notice. Push Across America opportunity, allowing him to put two passions togeth- is garnering attention from the likes of CBS, CNN and er: Stay-Focused, and track. Sirius XM Radio, providing the event with the invalu- able exposure necessary for promoting awareness and Initially motivated by his desire to make a differ- making a difference. ence in the organization, Ryan Chalmers acknowledg- es that his Push Across America has the potential for Through traversing the 3,500 miles that fall in be- something bigger: to alter the social perception of the tween Los Angeles and New York City, Ryan Chalmers capabilities of people with disabilities in the United is attempting to achieve something greater than individ- States. Accustomed to domestic competition, Chalm- ual success or personal glory. Rather, Chalmers has his ers found his experience in London as “eye-opening.” sights on a higher triumph: change. Through a tour de He explains that “there were 80,000 people in the force of uncanny focus, power of will and sheer athleti- stands. In United States, you go to a national event cism, he is making a push toward changing a perception and there might be 100 people at the stadium, and that pervades America’s collective consciousness. He is 90 percent of the people are parents of the athletes. challenging America to see disabled athletes as athletes It was eye-opening just see how people treated the first. wheelchair athletes there; they treated them as ath- letes, and not just as this feel-good story about some- one with a disability wanting to do something. It was really eye-opening for me as well to see the potential of what wheelchair sports could become.”
72 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS: My Trip to
the Big Apple BY MORGAN AMOS
It was my first time for everything. It was my first plane ride, my first time traveling with friends, and my first time seeing New York. It’s true what they say New York is the city that NEVER sleeps. I departed for NY on January 2. (F.Y.I. DO NOT go to NY in the winter. It was cold and I was freezing my be- hind off). Although excited, I was a bit sad to leave my family for a week. I am a homebody, so departing from them was a bit unnerving, but needless to say the feel- ing of wanting to go home was quickly diminished. As I boarded the plane and took my seat near the window, I was taken aback by how beautiful the sky looked. I had a 6:15 a.m. flight going and a 9 p.m. flight coming back so I got the best of both worlds. Being able to see the sky in the morning and at night is an image I’ll never forget.
We had a layover in Baltimore which almost caused us to miss our flight. That was an experience in itself for me. Hearing, “Morgan Amos please make your way to gate A-your flight to NY will be departing soon” gave me a feeling of excitement that settled in the pit of my stomach as I realized that this was really happen- ing. I was going to NY! Upon my arrival to NY I didn’t know what to expect, so I was a bit anxious. There was supposed to be an accessible van picking me up, but that didn’t happen. Once the van arrived I had to get out of my chair and climb into the van. I don’t like asking for assistance with things, so having someone Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L 73 help me in the van sucked. Making our way to the hotel in Manhattan was decent. We got to our hotel and checked-in. We had requested an accessible room in advance, but when we got there the room was not accessible. I guess they call having one handle bar up top and along the side of the tub as accessible.
The week in NY was memorable. I saw Times Square twice. We went to Central Park, SoHo, Green- wich Village, and took a water taxi to see the Brook- lyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and the Statute of Liberty. It’s safe to say we mainly visited the “tourist attractions.”There’s this place in NY called Holey Ice Cream that in my opinion sells the BEST ice cream and you have a choice to have the ice cream be sand- wiched between doughnuts. My friends who were with me on the trip tried it and fell in LOVE. I would include a picture but they’d kill me.
After three days in NY I was ready to call it one sight-seeing. On the last day, I was ready to catch my and head home. I was kind of over it and had the feel- flight and head back to the place I call home-Chicago. ing that I came, I saw, I conquered. The crowds, noise, and living out of a hotel for a week had taken its toll. I had completed the tourist thing and I will say this though, we may not have visited was ready to head back to my bed, my family, and my and seen everything that NY has to offer, but the home. places we did see were beautiful and remarkable. NY I enjoyed my time in NY. It was definitely an ex- has such rich history and its buildings and various perience. I have to be honest- NY is expensive and landmarks are proof. At night NY proves why it’s the I wouldn’t live there, but to visit it is not bad. Some city that never sleeps. There are massive amounts of people say that you have to visit a place more than once people on every corner and bright lights that illumi- to truly get the feel for it. That may be the case, and nate the sky from various angles as billboards show who knows maybe I will visit NY again someday. My advertisements and pictures of celebrities. Each night friends are already talking about the next trip they plan as my friends and I made our way back to the hotel to take and are forcing me to come with them. They’re we would talk and then of course wind down for the saying a cruise or Las Vegas. Who knows if I’ll go, but night. Every ten to fifteen minutes or so all you would if I do I bet it will be an adventure. hear is opening and closing of doors as the people on our floor were going in and out of their rooms.
It got to be the fifth day, and I’ll be the first to admit with two days left it was bittersweet for me. I had an amazing time traveling with friends (I would travel with them again), taking what was considered accessible taxis (I was practically in the back of their trunk if they would have had one. The space where the trunk would have been was used to place my chair there), laughing, eating food and just having a great time.
Around the sixth day I geared up and was ready to leave. My friends and I took one last go round 74 Summer 2013 I.D.E.A.L First-ever Living Well With A Disability SM Conference & Expo Pennsylvania
is taking center stage in the disability community, hosting the first-ever Living Well With A Disability Conference & Expo on August 23-26, 2013 in Lancaster, Pa.
Held at the Lancaster Marriott and Lancaster County Convention Center, the event will challenge people with disabilities to discover their very best lives as they test the latest assistive technology, gain knowledge from national speakers, dive into the action of adaptive sports and much more.
Attendees will also have the rare opportunity to meet celebrity guests with disabilities including... Sundance Channel’s original docu-series “Push Girls” star Tiphany Adams and NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” winner Josh Blue.
www.livingwellwithadisabilityexpo.org Space is Available!
If you would like to see your business in our magazine please contact Zarifa Roberson at zroberson@ itsanidealworld.com
Thank you for checking out our Summer Edition and make sure you check out our Fall Edition- coming soon