Carrie Writes ...
Society Perceptions
Hello, I was born with cerebral parsley causing my hearing, vision, physical and health impairments. As a child I had open-heart surgery to repair five holes and two slits in my heart. I also went through years of speech and physical therapy. Today I wear hearing aides and glasses.
I attended Class Elementary and Stevenson High School in the main streamed program. Those years were full of many ups and downs. After high school I searched for a small college which had support services for people with disabilities. I received my bachelor's degree from Madonna University in Social Work.
During my college years I finally accepted my disabilities and learned to live independently. More importantly I learned to advocate for my self and to be my own person. After graduation I went on several job interviews with many rejections. I finally found a job as a paraprofessional working with children with disabilities. I worked with chidren of all ages who had emotional, intellectual and physical disabilities. My favorite group to work with was children who were autistic. It was very challenging and inspiring.
Through these experiences I learned how much I enjoyed helping and working with people with disabilities. Unfortunely I was only a substitute paraprofessional and I needed a more permanent job. I then went on to work at a department store in customer services. As I worked there I soon realized how much I missed my true dream of working with the disabled population.
Over the years I have always kept a personal journal, writing my feelings and personal experiences. I decided to start my own monthly column based on my experiences. The goal being to help and inspire others. My topics include disabilities rights, accessibility and improving people's lives. My column was published in print and online. In addition to my column I moderate a weekly chat session on multiple disabilities. I am also writing my autobiography and short stories about teens with disabilities. When I am not writing I enjoy reading, shopping, surfing the Internet and spending time with family and friends.
In my opinion the hardest part about being disabled is coping with people's misconception of having disabilities. Unfortunately many feel the disabled are helpless and incompetent. Also many tend to draw away when people are different because they do not know how to act and don't have all the information. For example, in my younger years I have lost friends because they didn't understand my disabilities and were embarrassed. I soon learned they were not my real friends because they couldn't accept me as a whole.
When I entered college many people in my dormitory were always very protective wanting to baby me and not hurt my feelings. I soon had to learn to prove to my self and others how strong I really am.
I always see my disabilities as characteristics of my self and as challenges I face every day. I believe it is only fair to see every one as an individual and focus on their positive characteristics. I remember going on job interviews where many employers focus on the limitations rather then what accommodations can be made to fit the prospective employee needs in order to do their job. I also have found that many people are surprised that I attended college, write, and how independent I am. The lesson learned is that you never make assumptations with out having all the facts. Basically, all individuals should be treated equally and be respected.
Carrie Tynan.
Please email me if you have any comments, suggestions, or if you would like to meet online for a chat:
Email: carriewrites@yahoo.com
