Lying on my dog bed after a busy couple of weeks, I cannot believe all that has taken place.  A year ago, I was spending my days learning skills for Dori, now, I’m using them one after the other in professional as well as community settings.  What used to be my dream to assist someone has now become my reality. Each day holds exciting surprises and what people don’t realize is how instrumental Dori is to my life.   As we stood at the bottom of the State House steps, it became apparent just how important advocating for independence is to the lives of people with disabilities.  Dori introduced me as her sidekick during her speech, but perhaps, she is mine.  As she talked about her progress from growing up in a State Institution to being maintstreamed, I  sensed that people realized dreams are possible.  Encouraging individuals to reach for the stars and work hard, people understood anything is possible.  Dori discussed service dogs and how without me, she wouldn’t be … [Read more...]

Sometimes I wonder where I've been, Who I am, do I fit in? Make believing is hard alone, Out here, on my own!   Standing in front of the crowded conference room, these lyrics run through my head as I gaze out at the expectant crowd.  It wasn't that long ago I was searching for my voice, looking to find my niche in this fast-paced world.  Knowing I had something to share, something to give to others, I wondered daily where was my place in  this galaxy of life? I didn't see people like myself in the classrooms I sat in day after day, nor did I see them in the leaders of businesses or organizations.  Who was I to emulate, who would see my dreams of independent living as viable?   That was nearly twenty-five years ago and today, as I lead this self-advocacy training, I realize so much of who I am came from taking chances.  I had to believe I could make a difference and utilize my experiences to help others achieve their dreams.  As I told the group … [Read more...]

Have you ever imagined what it’s like to live in a world where you can’t read or comprehend words? Picture a six year old girl sitting in a classroom, the teacher calls on her to read aloud in front of her peers, and no words come out. Her cheeks are flushed; she begins fidgeting in her seat, and she grows quiet as well as pensive. Rather than enjoy learning or developing a love for books, instead she begins to despise them. “Why, you might wonder?” Without language, she can’t function independently or socialize among her peers with ease. With the growing number of children and adolescents being unable to read, programs are needed to facilitate the process. Keep in mind this is not an easy feat. When you’re younger, your main focus is to fit in with your social group. And, if you cannot read, then you become a target for criticism or negative remarks. Knowing this, our local library set up a program to help children develop as well as utilize skills to become … [Read more...]

  Have you ever wondered what makes PAALS so special? Is it the adorable dogs they train? Or, is it the dedicated volunteers or prisoners who raise and foster them? Perhaps, it's the devoted Executive Director and her husband, Jen and Chuck Rogers, who selflessly give of their time as well as home to improve the quality of life for individuals like myself. Maybe, it's the generous sponsors and benefactors who contribute money or resources to keep the program continuing. No matter the reason, PAALS continues to change lives in the community. This week, I had the opportunity to meet an amazing man who works to overcome life's challenges to move forward. His positive, shining spirit truly touched me. Having faced the perils of war, this brave soldier works hard to integrate back into life. No matter the circumstance, he rises to the occasion, asking not what can be done for himself, but what he can do for others. As I witnessed this man's compassion and true courage … [Read more...]

On a cold, blustery Fall day, as the mountains rise over the myriad of colorful trees, I am reminded of the joys of having a service dog. With Thanksgiving soon approaching, the impact of the last ten months washes over me like the beautiful leaves falling over the ground. Had you asked me ten months ago what would stand out as the memorable moments of the last year, my answers may have surprised you. Casper has taught me to shine and sparkle in ways I did not even imagine possible. Casper has a calm, quiet presence. With his gentle demeanor and strong desire to help me, he works diligently to meet my needs. The past few months in particular, Casper has strived to remind me I am the leader. He shows me daily that he expects me to lead his “pack.” In the beginning, this was quite difficult for me because I had a hard time being firm with this sweet, loving canine with soulful eyes. However, for him to succeed, finding and utilizing my “voice” was essential. In … [Read more...]