Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

February 24, 2021February 24, 2021

Embracing My Choice to Walk Away From Insensitive People

It is not my responsibility to teach others how to be good people. This realization became crystal clear when attempting to outline on paper my grievances with a personal relationship ... Read more

February 10, 2021February 10, 2021

Survival Has Become My New Sparkle

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

I have a confession to make: Sometimes I’ll fake a smile. I’ll tug the corners of my mouth taut while my wide eyes stare into the camera. Getting through the ... Read more

January 13, 2021January 13, 2021

I Finally Got My Happy New Year’s Eve

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

I’ve got a bad habit of collecting memories I don’t have. I adorn the shelves of my mind with milestones I’ve never reached, organizing them into lavish frames that contrast ... Read more

December 16, 2020December 16, 2020

Redefining Disability as We Know It

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

“‘Disabled’ is not a bad word.” I see this phrase pasted across social media with increasing frequency. As much as I appreciate people with disabilities sharing their perspectives, I have ... Read more

November 25, 2020November 25, 2020

The Beauty of Interdependence

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

Independence is a word I heard tossed around frequently as a child. It hovered above me at Individualized Education Plan meetings in elementary school, and it filled pages for my ... Read more

November 11, 2020November 11, 2020

When My Fight for an Inclusive World Came Full Circle

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

Inclusion. I see this word flickering across social media frequently these days. As popular as it is on Instagram and Facebook, it was unpopular during most of my years growing ... Read more

October 28, 2020October 28, 2020

Watching Dreams Come Alive on the Big Screen

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

When I heard the news about the debut of my town’s first drive-in movie theater a few weeks ago, I was elated. A montage of dreamy snapshots flickered across my ... Read more

September 30, 2020September 30, 2020

Let’s Talk About Sex and Disability

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

“Can you even have sex?” Scooting back on my massage table, I brace myself against the wall. Taken aback by the abrupt question, I consider my response. “Yes, I can.” ... Read more

September 2, 2020September 2, 2020

Speaking Up for Academic Empowerment and Success

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

As a new school year approaches, I want to share some of my own experiences with education. Navigating school with a disability, especially higher education, can lead you down a ... Read more

August 12, 2020August 12, 2020

The Extraordinary Doctor at My Front Door

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

“Can you make me a coffee and cream when I get there?“ The text flashes on the screen of my phone and I smile. Replying yes, I eagerly await the ... Read more

July 29, 2020July 29, 2020

The Art of Seeking Support From Others

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

I’ve found myself feeling hurt lately after heartfelt requests for support from friends seem to have come up short. It occurred to me that perhaps people are just unaware of ... Read more

July 8, 2020July 29, 2020

The Wrong Kind of Right

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

Some days, you keep it to yourself. You look into the eyes of another faceless doctor looking back into yours, telling you the wrong thing. You keep breathing in and ... Read more

June 24, 2020June 24, 2020

The Human Bean: Connecting Beyond Coffee

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

Sometimes you find the love you’re looking for in the most unexpected places. This Friday, I found it curbside at my neighborhood café. As the owner of a coffee business, ... Read more

June 10, 2020June 10, 2020

You’re Invited Into the Pandemonium of My World

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

In the dimmed hospital room light, I hoist myself into a sitting position. The room swirls momentarily as my brain attempts to find equilibrium. Bending my elbows, the IV catheter ... Read more

May 13, 2020May 13, 2020

Celebrating Half a Year of Wiggling with You

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

It occurred to me recently that I have been writing this column for more than half a year. My mind has been delving into contemplation about what this opportunity has ... Read more