| GimpGirl Support Meeting, 10/12 @ 12noon PST |
[Oct. 10th, 2008|02:55 pm] |
This is an online, international event that will be held in Second Life, but is accessible to those not on Second Life via IRC chat. See below for details.
We are holding our next support gathering for women with disabilities on:
Sunday, October 12th from 1:00 - 2:00 PM SLT/Pacific.
(4:00 PM Eastern Time, for other timezones, click HERE)
We hope for a continued lively discussion, in a safe and supportive space.
NOTE: This gathering is for women with disabilities ONLY.
( Read more... ) |
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| Just a thought |
[Oct. 5th, 2008|09:34 am] |
Though by no means complete (and if you would like to add one in the same spirit, I am ALL ears) here is the beginning of a list I call "Gimp Truths"
Impromptu outings are as easy as nailing Jell-O to a tree.
When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
Don't let your friends push your wheelchair when they are mad at you.
Using the fact that you look small and helpless to lure in your prey REALLY saves alot of walking.
Your handicap parking permit gives you dibs on "shot gun" on any given road trip
(ever notice how popular we become during the Christmas shopping season? I'm just saying) . |
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| Tradeshow for people with disabilities |
[Oct. 3rd, 2008|02:01 pm] |
DBA celebrations of National Disability Awareness Month. Celebrating Community Impact (Portland, Oregon) DBA is celebrating National Disability Awareness month by hosting a mini-conference and tradeshow supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities in starting or growing their business in Oregon. As part of its annual economic impact review, DBA has helped support 94 entrepreneurs, 70% of the participants communicated an increase in knowledge of skills for running a business and 36% communicated a 5% improvement in their financial status in their first year of business operation. Percentage of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Increases! According to the Department of Labor, the national census shows that people with disabilities have a higher rate of self-employment and small business experience than people without disabilities (12.2 percent of people with disabilities versus 7.8 percent of people without disabilities.) In addition, veterans with service-based disabilities that are choosing self-employment as an option are increasing according to Veterans Administration Counselor, Jonathan Berreth. October 22nd Mini-Conference and Tradeshow from 11 am – 1 pm The DBA will be hosting a mini-conference and tradeshow to celebrate National Disability Awareness month. On October 22nd from 11 am – 1 pm the community will have the opportunity to mingle with other entrepreneurs showcasing their products and services. From 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Kedma Ough, DBA Director will be hosting a ‘Bartering Session’ at the AVITA training center. The bartering session is open to the community and will include a step-by-step process on bartering for goods and services to grow your business. October 23nd Mini-Conference and Tradeshow from 4 pm – 6pm The DBA will be hosting its second mini-conference and tradeshow to celebrate National Disability Awareness month. On October 23rd from 4 pm –6 pm the community will have the opportunity to mingle with other entrepreneurs showcasing their products and services. From 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Anne O’Malley, an attorney, will be discussing a ‘Breaking Through Barriers’ at the AVITA training center. The session is open to the community and will include discussion on breaking through barriers to starting and growing your business. The event will be held at AVITA Business Center 5257 NE MLK Suite 201 Portland, OR 97211 Phone Number (503) 998-9560 About DBA The (DBA) is a business association dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities starting or expanding their business. As a project of East County One Stop, the DBA provides business support including counseling, training and resources to support people with disabilities. Visit www.dbaoregon.org |
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| October at GimpGirl Community |
[Oct. 3rd, 2008|11:24 am] |
In October, we will be talking about occupations. If you have a job, what do you do? What training did you need to get the job? How did you secure the position (through a friend, traditional application, etc.)? Do you like your job? If you are in school right now, do you have a job in mind? Do you volunteer your time to any organization?
As many of us know from personal experience, those of us with disabilities sometimes have to be creative about how we make money or how we decide to allocate our energy or time. We frequently face discrimination because of societal views on disability and a woman's abilities, which can make securing a job even more difficult. How do you, as a woman with a disability, get around these issues?
We look forward to hearing and learning from everyone's experiences! |
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| GimpGirl Support Meeting, TODAY, 9/5 @ 5pm PST |
[Oct. 3rd, 2008|09:10 am] |
This is an online, international event that will be held in Second Life, but is accessible to those not on Second Life via IRC chat. See below for details.
We are holding our next support gathering for women with disabilities on:
Friday, October 3rd from 5:00 - 6:00 PM SLT/Pacific.
(8:00 PM Eastern Time, for other timezones, click HERE)
We hope for a continued lively discussion, in a safe and supportive space.
NOTE: This gathering is for women with disabilities ONLY.
Second Life Location:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/3DE/174/22/21
(PLEASE CLICK ON SKYBOX ON 3D MAP TO TELEPORT TO MEETING)
IF YOU DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO SECOND LIFE:
You can still attend this meeting online via IRC. To visit our IRC/Second Life chatroom, go to:
http://chat.on.quickfox.net/GimpGirl
...and choose the option that works best for you. |
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| The REAL mind over matter (crossposted from my LJ and gimp_vent) |
[Oct. 3rd, 2008|10:42 am] |
Yesterday was AMAZING.
A coworker watched me staggering down the hall toward the bathroom and said, sort of sadly: Bad day, huh?
And I was all: No! I'm having a great day! What are you talking about?
And she said: I mean your legs. (I was QUITE gimpilicious yesterday.)
And I realized something. I've been wanting and wanting the value of my days not to be dependent on whether or not I am gimpy, and I'm THERE!!!! I've been there for weeks without realizing it.
Before, a big part of why my day would be ruined by gimpiness was that I'd be overwhelmed with rage at the doctor for not diagnosing me, or helplessness at not knowing what name to give this Thing. And it's gone, gone, GONE!
When my legs go, I am no longer surprised and disappointed that the period of remission wasn’t permanent. I am no longer furious for lack of answers. I no longer cancel social engagements or classes. I’m just: huh. Guess I’ll grab my cane.
The other thing? I stumbled and stuttered my way past several meetings yesterday, and no one gave me a sympathetic look. No one asked me what was going on. No one even looked like they were trying not to look.
I have achieved banality! |
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| Baby Steps |
[Oct. 2nd, 2008|12:34 pm] |
Hello my fellow gimp girls. I thought I would introduce myself in my own unique fashion.
( If you want to know )
I sum up those awkard "explaining what's up with the canes" to new friends or older ones who haven't figure out that "No, they aren't a fashion statement, fad, or "phase I am going through" like this.
"Please don't stumble on the whole "handicap, hand-capable" labeling crap. It's easy. We are gimps, you are bi-peds, and you can REALLY annoy us. Move along"
Anyway, I am told that talking about the transitions I am going through, (including a part time chair pretty soon) will help me get through the darker days. So here I am, hope I don't offend.
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| Can't I just snap out of it? |
[Oct. 1st, 2008|11:10 pm] |
(crossposted from my LJ)
I do a silly thing, sometimes.
On particularly gimpilicious days, like this one we're having here, if I have a hallway to myself, I think: "I can walk normally for the length of this hallway. I just have to do it fast, and really concentrate. Ready? Set? GO!"
And I tense up my joints and I focus and concentrate and I stagger and stumble and my knee goes out and it's all the same but faster which is admittedly hilarious.
But I secretly think that I just didn't try hard enough.
Part of my crazy is that I have no diagnosis, still, after nearly a year of neurological symptoms. And since my symptoms fluctuate wildly, there is a very good chance that tomorrow I CAN walk that hallway completely normally. Which leads to magical thinking.
But by far the MOST of my crazy is this strange bullshit idea of mind over matter. "If you put your mind to it," we Americans chirp merrily to each other, "you can do ANYTHING!"
Added with what my friend Gunther calls "hippy new age guilt." You get a cold, you scold yourself for not eating organic or 'putting out negative energy.' You get cancer? You MUST have caused it through a subconscious desire to hurt yourself, or out of a fear of your ladies' parts or something.
But, as my experience with birthing both of my children should have illustrated quite clearly: it's matter over MIND, people. Matter over MIND. My body is going to do what it's going to do. I'm just along for the ride. |
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| Funny Conversation |
[Oct. 1st, 2008|04:35 pm] |
I just had to share this conversation I had via IM with a longtime friend, as it had me laughing so hard I nearly peed myself!
---
Friend: Busy proving that I am blind, want to be my "qualified evaluator?" ;>
Me: lol
Me: um, you have no eyes. I think I'm qualified to realize that.
Friend: I think you are too!
Me: In fact I think I'm more qualified to evaluate that than most "evaluators" considering what I've seen for the last 15 years. They've never seen your eyes in a glass.
---
Oh the stupidity we go through sometimes for bureaucracies.;) |
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| GimpGirl Support Meeting, 9/28 @ 12noon PST |
[Sep. 26th, 2008|02:45 pm] |
This is an online, international event that will be held in Second Life, but is accessible to those not on Second Life via IRC chat. See below for details.
We are holding our next support gathering for women with disabilities on:
Sunday, September 27th from 12:00 - 1:00 PM SLT/Pacific.
(3:00 PM Eastern Time, for other timezones, click HERE)
We hope for a continued lively discussion, in a safe and supportive space.
( Read more... ) |
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| GimpGirl Support Meeting, 9/19 @ 5pm PST |
[Sep. 17th, 2008|01:52 pm] |
This is an online, international event that will be held in Second Life, but is accessible to those not on Second Life via IRC chat. See below for details.
We are holding our next support gathering for women with disabilities on:
Friday, September 19th from 5:00 - 6:00 PM SLT/Pacific.
(8:00 PM Eastern Time, for other timezones, click HERE)
We hope for a continued lively discussion, in a safe and supportive space.
NOTE: This gathering is for women with disabilities ONLY.
( Read more... ) |
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| Yeast Infection |
[Sep. 11th, 2008|04:35 pm] |
Hey guys. So, this question is mainly for the women in this community (or female bodied).
I have a yeast infection. I've had it for going on a week now. Trouble is, I have trouble having things inserted into my vagina due to my cerebral palsy - it just can't be done. So I bought a yeast infection treatment kit and have been using the external vulvar cream for symptom relief, but there's no way that I can insert the capsules.
My doctor wants to prescribe me a pill, but one of the side effects is "seizures," and I'm worried that might be a problem. Obviously it's not common, but I'd rather not take the risk.
So, does anyone have any advice on treating the infection without using a pill or insert? Has anyone had this problem before?
Thanks! |
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| WTF?! How do these people even get into office? |
[Sep. 11th, 2008|12:51 pm] |
In a very public display of ignorance that he will probably regret for years to come, city commissioner Corey Johnson of Georgia, chose to actually voice his bigotry, during a city hall council meeting a few weeks ago. The issue arose when a home that was being rented to two people with cognitive disabilities was considered for violation of zoning codes because neighbors believed it was a "group home". |
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| GimpGirl Support Meeting, 9/14 @ 12noon PST |
[Sep. 11th, 2008|11:46 am] |
This is an online, international event that will be held in Second Life, but is accessible to those not on Second Life via IRC chat. See below for details.
We are holding our next support gathering for women with disabilities on:
Sunday, September 14th from 12:00 - 1:00 PM SLT/Pacific.
(3:00 PM Eastern Time, for other timezones, click HERE)
We hope for a continued lively discussion, in a safe and supportive space.
NOTE: This gathering is for women with disabilities ONLY.
( Read more... ) |
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| Strangeness in the wet |
[Sep. 6th, 2008|11:20 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  exhausted | ] |
Well that was a semi disaster. I went off to catch a bus so I could get to an appointment by noon. I decided to check my LJ before getting ready - mistake. I left things too late and not only missed the bus but slipped over in the wet. Rather than go home and wait for the next bus in an hour's time, I decided (as it wasn't raining then) to walk to Edgeworth and catch the next bus there. Got a third of the way and realised that I had to go to the toilet. This is in a busy section of road between Barnsley and Edgeworth but one with bush on either side. I ducked into the bush (and out of sight) to relieve myself and then noticed a track nearby. Thinking that using the track would be a shortcut I went up it only to discover that it went the opposite way to what I thought it did, so I missed the second bus. 
By this time it came on to pour down and I was totally soaked. I gave up trying to get to the appointment (phoned in and called) and decided to explore the bush path since I was there anyway. I used to love doing this with Pegasus, though it has been a while since I'd been there. Seems that a few extra tracks had been added since then, and I promptly got lost! Eventually I staggered into Edgeworth and went to the library there, then did 5 minutes shopping before catching the bus back home. Um, I have no idea what I was thinking,
although I guess it sorta seemed like a good idea at the time. |
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| GimpGirl Support Meeting, TODAY, 9/5 @ 5pm PST |
[Sep. 5th, 2008|07:59 am] |
This is an online, international event that will be held in Second Life, but is accessible to those not on Second Life via IRC chat. See below for details.
We are holding our next support gathering for women with disabilities on:
Friday, September 5th from 5:00 - 6:00 PM SLT/Pacific.
(8:00 PM Eastern Time, for other timezones, click HERE)
We hope for a continued lively discussion, in a safe and supportive space.
NOTE: This gathering is for women with disabilities ONLY.
Second Life Location:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/3DE/174/22/21
(PLEASE CLICK ON SKYBOX ON 3D MAP TO TELEPORT TO MEETING)
IF YOU DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO SECOND LIFE:
You can still attend this meeting online via IRC. To visit our IRC/Second Life chatroom, go to:
http://chat.on.quickfox.net/GimpGirl
...and choose the option that works best for you. |
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| Job Posting |
[Aug. 29th, 2008|07:34 am] |
Girls Organizing Coordinator
Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, a Center for Independent Living,
seeks a full-time Girls Organizing Coordinator.
The Coordinator will facilitate Access Living's support, education and
action group for young women with disabilities, the Empowered Fe Fes.
S/he will provide this member-led group with peer support. S/he will
maintain a multimedia library on topics related to sexuality and
disability, including archival records of the Empowered Fe Fes. In
addition, the Coordinator will educate community-based organizations on
ablism and the integration of young women with disabilities.
Applicants must be individuals who are independent and creative
self-starters committed to social change. People with disabilities and
members of other oppressed communities are especially encouraged to
apply. We will accept applications until September 19, 2008.
Access Living offers excellent medical and vacation benefits.
Interested candidates should mail or fax a resume and cover letter to:
Neil Anderson
Human Resources Coordinator
Access Living
115 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 640-2100 (phone)
(312) 640-2138 (fax)
(312) 640-2102 (tty)
rpatrick@accessliving.org |
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| GimpGirl Community Support Meeting, 8/30 @ 12pm PST |
[Aug. 28th, 2008|10:26 am] |
This is an online, international event that will be held in Second Life, but is accessible to those not on Second Life via IRC chat. See below for details.
We are holding our next support gathering for women with disabilities on:
Saturday, August 30th from 12:00 - 1:00 PM SLT/Pacific.
(3:00 PM Eastern Time, for other timezones, click HERE)
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| "Hired the disABLED" Career Expo |
[Aug. 28th, 2008|09:57 am] |
WHEN: Monday, November 17th, 2008 10am to 3pm
WHERE: Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 2004
WHAT: 6th Annual Career Expo for people with disABILITIES in Washington, DC to meet with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies looking to recruit new talent.
PRE-REGISTER TODAY!
Get into the CAREER EXPO faster and attach your resume which will go onto a CD Disk and be given to all recruiters!
For further information, contact info@eop.com
Register for the CAREER EXPO at: http://www.eop.com/exporegistration.html |
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| A Word on Words |
[Aug. 27th, 2008|12:43 pm] |
So I haven't posted here in a while. But I've been busy. I got an internship at the Smithsonian Museum of American History, in Washington DC. I'll be helping to set up an exhibit on the history of disability in the US. It is slated to open in 2010, to mark the 20th anniversary of the passage of the ADA.
i was interviewed about the opportunity for my local paper last week. I didn't want the story to be one of those touchy-feely pieces about how inspirational I am. I tried to steer the interview more toward a discussion of my love of history, how I found my passion for disability history, what I wanted to do with it, that kinds thing.
The article came out today. It's more towards the inspirational vein than the historical one , which i kind of knew it would be, I am fine with that. I am happy with how it came out. Except for two little phrases. The reported said that I was "afflicted with" CP and that I was "confined to" a wheelchair. This does not reflect my atitude toward my disability at all. I HAVE CP, I am not AFFLICTED with it. My chair is a TOOL, I am not CONFINED to it. It especially annoys me because I was trying to convey to the reporter that I think of disability as a social problem to be dealt with by everyone, able, and disabled, and not as an individual medical problem to be pitied or cured. The fact that he used these words just means he didn't get it, which irks me. What do others think? |
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