Tuesday, March 24, 2009

MIDDLE AGE- I'M IN MY PRIME BECAUSE OF MY ATTITUDE

Middle age-whats that mean?I'm not exactly sure?I think it is a belief that when you turn around 50 thing should be in your life stable ,kids basically gone doing their thing and time to start taking it easy as far as work. and so...on.I have very seldom had any such understanding to the above .I have always been in and out of jobs for one reason or another.Mostly due to my disability getting in the way of advancement .I also have learned that people who hire differently abled people mostly hire them for a good conscience.and Government regulations.

My title is apropos,I have worked so many jobs -approx.20 from the starting age of 19, all sorts from teaching voice to maintaining properties and working in health care . My point is : I love to try new things and I believe learning is lifelong .With out knowledge what do you have to pass on to the next generation.I hope I can do some sort of work until I'm physically unable to move.
So many people under estimate the willingness of the disabled community to be accepted in all facets of society ,especially being gainfully employed gives us all a greater sense of self worth.I watch workers who are greeters and stock persons ,I would love to see the Government contribution of wage % for these workers.I have never been hired in this country on any affirmative action type program.I realize that I am very high functioning ,yet an obstacle for is dexterity and discalcuea a from of dyslexia.,hidden delays to the average boss yet apparent when striving to meet deadlines or quotas and in advancement opportunities.This is for me problematic in find a position suited for the accommodation I need to succeed.I am Just One in a thousand people or more who Look,act and function highly to those at first glance.My goal in writing this blog is to draw attention to the "hidden "disabilities that disable people like me even more because you don't see the problems halting me from so many Occupations.
If we are truly going to level the playing fields in society then we must address all the varying forms,latencies and physical problems that hinder a person with "hidden"challenges.Cerebral Palsy is so complex in it's nature Science is just now realizing the need to do more in depth testing as light, sound,bare metric pressure,temperature s etc. all in combination or singular action trigger the synapses not not fire evenly or at all .I am not a Dr. I am a person who lives with Cerebral Palsy and Knows what I can do and how my brain functions.I am a doer so I will never stop trying to be "normal" So To all who read this who are Dr's. and clinicians Start to Listen to those who really Know from experience,get your heads out of books,stats and Start "thinking out side the box"Be creative ,if a client ,consumer etc. says I want to work in the art field give it a shot most developmentally challenged people are "gifted "and are Right brained:thus art ,music and creative area should be your target .I have said this for years to so called Authorities on special needs and ....... well I'm 49 and I have seen absolutely no programs or advocacy in the arts field ,music field.We deserve A voice in those areas .Maybe President Obama should be advised on this matter .I will be Eager to talk to anyone who will actively listen and then fallow through.
I do my own job in promoting my music,I have found the government agencies un -equiped to venture out of the "box" so I just do what I can afford on 800.00 a month room and food take half so buying equipment or fees to join music associations is slow and expensive but as the title says I am Middle aged with a dream and I am in my prime !I won't allow age to stop me from my dream. thanks for reading Always believe in your dreams and never stop going forward.