Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

November 25, 2020November 25, 2020

The Beauty of Interdependence

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

February 5, 2020May 6, 2020

A Spontaneous Video Brought New Perspective

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

Last month, I wrote about how I took the plunge into the world of sharing my perspective through video on social media. Having been socialized to feel shame, embarrassment, and ... Read more

February 4, 2020May 6, 2020

Spasms Are a Daily Part of Life with CP

Cerebral Palsy News Today Columns

Spasticity is common with many types of cerebral palsy (CP). Everyone handles spasticity differently, and spasms vary depending on the extent of CP. Because I have athetoid mixed CP, spasms ... Read more