TO DREAM TO TOUCH: Dedicated To The Issue of Disabilities: February 2009

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

(86th Entry) Yes... I'm still here!!!

Things have been very hectic and I've been preoccupied with "things"! I'm still here. I can't believe I went the whole month of January without writing... But I did.

I hope to begin writing again soon. Actually I will begin writing again... very soon.

This is to let you know that I'm still here, still alive... working towards my goals.

So much has happened... hopefully you'll hear the scoop soon.

MISSION STATEMENT

I’m asking for your help! WHY?

To quote a famous line… “I have a Dream!”

I want to give back to the disabled community; the families, professionals and all who are involved with this issue, the lessons that I have learned through my own struggles and working with other disabled individuals.

My premise is… Everyone has a disability! A disability is anything that keeps us from doing, or trying, or feeling good about ourselves.

I was born with a disability and throughout my life I have struggled with what it means to be disabled.

Several of the questions I’ve asked myself are:
- How am I the same and how am I different from non-disabled people?
- What would my life be like if I were not disabled?
- Do people like or not like me because I’m different?
- Why do I (disabled individuals) bring out emotions or responses from others?

It’s my belief that all of us struggle with these thoughts and that the issue of disability can be used as a metaphor for all.

To be disabled or not to be disabled?
That is the question!

It’s a choice.

WHAT DO I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH?

As I have said… “I have a Dream!” It’s very ambitious.

- Hire disabled individuals for two factories that I am opening in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Produce DOCUMENTARIES on the following:
- The process of hiring and training disabled workers in Mexico.
- Reflective documentaries – these would be about disabled individuals, their families and the community.
- - What does it means to be disabled?
- - What effect do disabled individuals have on others?
- Disability and addictions.
- Disability and aging.
- - Use the issue of disability to help people adjust to their changing bodies as they age.
- Show the differences in how this issue affects those that are disabled from birth, from accidents and war veterans.
- Cultural differences between the U.S. and Mexico in attitudes towards disabled individuals.

WRITING
- First, finish writing a book on my life in Corporate America. The book focuses on the issue of disability in the workplace. Projected completion date… January, 2008.
- Second, finish writing a book that deals with the dichotomies of life based on the issue of disability as a metaphor. Projected completion date… late 2008.

SPEECHES/CONSULTING
- Present motivational speeches.
- Consult with corporations on integrating disabled individuals into the workplace.

Who am I looking for?
- People who have a curiosity, background or interest in the issue of disability.
- People who can ask engaging questions.

WHY? --- I need your help in order to:
- Refine or crystallize the issues, thoughts, feelings, stories and attitudes that I hope to convey, through your feedback and suggestions.
- To increase my level of comfort in talking about these issues in front of others.
- To practice expressing the ideas that I want to convey.
- To broaden my perspective, in the same way I am trying to broaden others.

What are my hopes or expectations?
- That all of us feel as if we have given a part of ourselves and have received from others.
- That we all might have a new perspective regarding the issue of disability;
- - How it affects us,
- - How we react to disabled individuals around us.
- - How we view ourselves.

I believe that it is only through dialogue that we can begin to change in this area.

TO DREAM TO TOUCH: Dedicated To The Issue of Disabilities

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

(86th Entry) Yes... I'm still here!!!

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