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The Journey Continues

My independence has been growing the past eight years.  It is now 2008, and I love my life.  I love it because of my job working at the front desk of the YMCA.  I have worked there for 10 years.  It is cool being able to do so many things independently like taking the #28 bus to work, shopping at CVS, banking,  eating at restaurants and having my nails and hair done.

I have an awesome apartment and a cat I named "Kelly Clarkston".  I call her "Kelly Boo" for short.

I have a wonderful relationship with my mom, my family, my co-workers and my friends.  I have a best friend. We get on the bus and go to the movies and out for dinner.  She can come and stay over at my apartment. We do art projects and watch videos and play "Dance Revolution" on my TV.

I have staff that drive me to buy the groceries for the meals that I plan.  Staff also take me to Weight Watchers, doctors appointments, my therapist and the mall to do errands. I also have a reading tutor, and my reading gets stronger.  Mostly, I like The New York Post newspaper, magazines and some books. My brother also supports me in many different ways.

Montclair Adult School offers so many interesting classes that help me learn new things.  Right now, I am taking two classes, "Stretching for Strength" and "iPods and More".

Through the years, I have continued with speaking engagements at school districts, universities, and conferences.  My brother taught me how to do this with PowerPoint presentations.  My presentations always tell about my growing up in inclusive education.  I think parents and teachers should fight for inclusive education from preschool through high school, if they want their kids to live an independent life in their own communities.

For the last three years, I have served on the Board of the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education.  I am on their speakers board too.  This month I was nominated by Gov. John Corzine to serve as a member on the New Jersey Developmental Disabilities Council.  I will travel to Trenton, the State Capitol, for meetings to be an advocate for people with disabilities. I consider this a big honor.

A year ago, my father passed away with cancer.  I miss my Dad.  He called me "Pumpkin" and always made me laugh.  I miss his smile and the smell of his pipe and watching TV with him.  He was always there supporting me.  He will always be my hero.  My therapist, mom and my family are helping me through my sadness and grief.

My advice to parents is to support your children by always being there for them.  Ask them to tell you about their dreams for the future and talk about these dreams with them.