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Author Archives: Deborah

In addition to her job as a computer engineer and her single parent responsibilities, Deborah is president of a state-wide family support group for families whose lives are touched by deafblindness, and is a tireless advocate for all people with disabilities. She writes at Pipe Cleaner Dreams and her writing has also been featured in local magazines and newspapers. Ashley’s story has also been chronicled in a book by Jonathan Mooney titled Short Bus Stories.

RTFM

Written on August 20, 2008 by Deborah

17 Comments

Again this morning, I had to explain to the aide on my daughter’s school bus that my daughter is deaf and blind. The explanation came after that aide said in a very helpful voice of normal speaking volume “Hi Ashley, do you need help?” The aide seemed a little annoyed when Ashley did not answer…

in Day In And Day Out, Dealing With Public Perceptions

- 17 Comments

An Interview With Myah’s Mom

Written on August 17, 2008 by Deborah

8 Comments

Just who is this sweet blonde cutie pictured with her equally lovely Mom? Let’s find out! Tell me a little about yourself and your family. My name is Lori. My husband and I have been married for 10 years and have 2 beautiful little girls. I have a degree in Health Science Education and was…

in Family Life

- 8 Comments

I’ve Got My Hands In What?

Written on August 13, 2008 by Deborah

8 Comments

Of the many things I want my children to experience and learn, planting and growing a garden is near the top of the list. For Ashley especially, a vegetable and herb garden represents a world of sensory experiences. The vibration of the tiller makes her whole body shake, and the ‘ah-ah-ah-ah-ah’ she voices makes her…

in Day In And Day Out, Feeding

- 8 Comments

“Eat Healthy Foods”

Written on August 10, 2008 by Deborah

9 Comments

One of my main goals as a parent of children with disabilities is to help my children become effective self-advocates. Maizie, ten years old and diagnosed with a rare chromosome disorder, Autism and Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome, is well on her way to becoming a great self-advocate. Maizie joins us today for an interview. Thank you,…

in Advocacy

- 9 Comments

Hey, Beautiful

Written on August 6, 2008 by Deborah

9 Comments

“She’s not a pretty baby”, the social worker told me for the third time. “Are you sure you want to meet her?” I hid my impatience with a calm smile and nodded yes. We drove just a short distance from the social services office, and the social worker slowed in front of a row of…

in Dealing With Public Perceptions

- 9 Comments

The Quirk Factor – An Interview with Melissa

Written on August 3, 2008 by Deborah

5 Comments

Today’s blogger interview is with a Mom whose site, The Quirk Factor, I visit daily. Even though her son’s disability is very different than the disabilities of my children, her struggles to ensure his rights and well-being are the same as mine – and most likely the same as yours. Tell me a little about…

in Advocacy, Family Life

- 5 Comments

A Dog’s Life

Written on July 30, 2008 by Deborah

6 Comments

I watched a news piece the other day about a very special place called the Rolling Dog Ranch. The Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Montana rescues and shelters disabled animals. Every animal who arrives at the sanctuary gets another chance to have a safe and loving home. Residents include blind dogs, blind horses, deaf…

in Advocacy

- 6 Comments

The Bigger Picture – An Interview With Penny Richards

Written on July 27, 2008 by Deborah

5 Comments

Penny Richards is a Mom who sees the bigger picture. In addition to posting about cool stuff in the world of disability studies, geography and history at the Disability Studies blog, Penny also shares the positive side of parenting a child with disabilities. Thanks, Penny, for sharing your views in today’s interview! Tell me a…

in Family Life

- 5 Comments

The Last To Blink

Written on July 23, 2008 by Deborah

17 Comments

I am a very positive person and almost always see my glass as half full. I don’t mind a challenge, especially when it comes to the rights of my children with disabilities. My first approach is to be pleasant and professional, but I have no problem going toe to toe. And I promise you, I…

in Advocacy, Dealing With Public Perceptions

- 17 Comments

Don’t Mess With This Texas Mom – An Interview With Candice O’Dell

Written on July 20, 2008 by Deborah

7 Comments

Candice O’Dell is the type of mother I aspire to be. She has two adopted daughters, both with their own unique needs, and she has dedicated her life to learning all she can to support those needs. Of special interest to me is her loving approach to raising a child with deafblindness. I also have…

in Advocacy, Day In And Day Out, Family Life

- 7 Comments