A thought is A'brewin"

Lately, a thought has been taking shape in my mind. Not the greatest shape, mind you, but shape nonetheless. I find myself happy about my progress in school; how I couldn't have done this in a brick and mortar school and how as an end-user, I really love technology. I see how it has made my life broader in scope and easier in task.Then, I think about if I didn't have all these techie accommodations?

What if, I could not afford Dragon Naturally Speaking or Natural Reader with two voices? What if I never received a CCTV from DORS? And what if, my husband didn't have the project that allowed him to buy my 22 inch screen? What even about my cable internet connection that is paid every month allowing me endless hours to research the internet and connect with so many people in the world, disabled, chronically ill or otherwise? What would my life be like?

There was a time in my life when I knew and lived the answer to that question.

Before my back surgery, I spent a year house-bound and nearly bed-bound. I laid in a bed most of the day, took 16 pills to calm my body and abesent-mindedly watched television. I don't remember much of that year, but I know I shed a great many tears and made a great many promises to God. I promised I would help others. I promised I would do something important with my life. I promised I would have more fun and be less controlling. Having no control does that to you. If I could just get out of that bed.

So, back to this idea. I am trying to find a way to combine my life's experiences with disability, chronic illness and technology. I don't know if I want to train or write or travel and speak, but I want to let others know that there are options. There are opportunities and being disabled does not have to stop you.

Technology is a wonderful component of that idea. How we can use it to open doors for people. How we can restore some independence to them. How life can go on, happier, more successful and fulfilled.

I just came across the statement from President Obama and Vice-President Biden about their stand on the disability community in this country.

Here is the link: http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/disabilities/

There is so much to do within that statement. So many areas to cover, and I have decided I would like to be a part of it. Somehow. Technology and I.

Stay tuned.

Judi