Showing results for "virtual voice" in People with Disabilities

When Jackie Schuld’s therapist suggested she might be autistic, she scoffed. She knew there was no way she could be autistic. She was in her mid-30s and ran her own therapy private practice. Everything she learned about autism in her Master’s program in mental health counseling didn’t apply to her. She could make excellent eye contact. She could engage in deep conversations. She could attend social gatherings. She could make it through abrupt changes and remain flexible. How could she be autistic? The more she learned about autism — how it internally impacts autistics and how it can...

“I’m gay, and I love it!” Dennis, an acutely sensitive pre-teen with a social-emotional learning disability, explores his sexual orientation during the ’60s when gays were deemed mentally ill. Nestled in the cozy suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts, timid young Dennis bears the weight of society’s pressure to fit into his parents’ American dream. He longs to satisfy his desire to kiss the boy of his dreams, but will violent bullying and sexual experimentation in his teens with his juvenile delinquent best friend take him down the wrong path? Will his unexpected popularity in high ...

Friends and family expected Ken Cruickshank to continue playing sports, traveling, engaging in mischief, and raising an active brood after marrying his soulmate, Karen. Indeed, all proceeded to plan until an invisible enemy strengthened its grip on his body and mind. Goals, abilities, and many dreams grew forever affected by progressive disease. After an accident crumpled his weakened body, the author dug deep to rediscover the optimism and hope he'd once considered his essence. Ken realized that the illness he blamed for stealing his identity was also the path to wisdom and a life of ...

This collection of autobiographical tales answers many readers' questions regarding the lives of those needing service dogs. What sorts of challenges do the legally blind face? How does one go about obtaining a guide dog? How can disabilities affect relationships? How does one cope with being diagnosed with a chronic and degenerative condition? Can an animal really become a dear friend? Not only are these stories engaging and heartwarming, but 100% of the profit from each purchase will be donated to Guide Dogs for the Blind in order to raise funds for those who need a canine companion. ...

In this raw, intimate and honest memoir, Greenlee shares the surprising lessons and adventures she encountered after the devastation of her sudden and profound loss of vision. She takes the reader past the gates of Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California, and into the 28 days of intensive training required to graduate with a guide dog. Surrounded by supportive community of staff and students, Greenlee faces the bondage of her Confucian upbringing and finds freedom far beyond mobility with a guide dog.

AN INSPIRING MEMOIR BY A DETERMINED PERSEVERING DISABLED MAN Steven Salmon, an author with severe Cerebral palsy, gives us a very personal in-depth look at his life in IT’S A NEW LIFE! MOM IS GONE. Raw, honest, and endearing, Steven writes movingly about the death of his mother, about the humiliations of ordinary life, his hopes and dreams, and his adjustment to living in a group home. Steven is unable to use his hands and uses Morse code to write, tapping out letters using his head. With a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Writing from the University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point, and ...

My physical and mental struggles after a catastrophic motorcycle accident and ending up a paraplegic in a wheelchair, Cindy's absolute dedication and her unwavering devotion, your family and friend's loving support, the skills and patience of most of the staff you have had in the various medical facilities - it all adds up to one stunning story of horrible luck, remarkable resilience and a heart warming relationship that binds it all together.

UNDER THE SECOND RIDICULE: A Philosophical Fable of Perseverance and Creativity is a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by artists and creators in their quest for self-expression and originality. This philosophical fable delves into the idea that creativity often comes with a price - the price of being ridiculed and criticized for one's work. The title refers to the notion that it is not enough to withstand ridicule once, but that one must be prepared to endure it again and again to truly persevere in their artistic pursuits. Through a series of vivid and imaginative ...

Mary Hahn, a wife and mother of three sons who are all on the autism spectrum, knows what it is like to struggle, to belong, to find purpose, and to find her place both in the workplace and in our world. She knows how downright painful it can be for someone on the autism spectrum to maintain eye contact, to effectively control emotions, and to communicate proficiently. Pulling strength from her family, her faith, and deep within her soul, she has completely turned her life around. Once too shy to introduce herself during an orientation and look her colleagues in the eye, Mary now speaks on ...

Catherine Hughes remembers exactly what she was wearing that fateful day, April 19, 2001 - an orange polo shirt, khaki capris, brown suede boots, and a matching brown suede button down blazer. This was the day that she thought she would make it home to schedule an evaluation for her son before heading to work for her evening shift. This was the day she thought she was on her way to getting answers about her son’s struggles. This was the day that she thought she would soon obtain services that she believed he desperately needed. This was also the day that her son was taken from her arms, ...

Isaiah was eighteen years old when he was diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum along with having OCD. It was a relief for the young man to finally have a name for what he had been feeling and experiencing for so long. For his parents, it was a different story. They had never observed any signs or symptoms that would have led them to believe their son might be autistic. At least, there were none they knew to look for. Autism in Hindsight is a conversation between mother and son about getting diagnosed, working through it the process, and learning to connect the dots. Along the way they ...

Dan McSkimming was a Deputy for 18 years and on the SWAT team (SET - Special Enforcement Team) for 13 years— all with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office. A normal adjustment of his rifle led to a visit to a chiropractor which would change his life forever. A stroke sent him to Cottage Hospital—the same Hospital of his birth. At age 43, Dan had to learn to live all over again—how to talk, eat, communicate, love… This is the true story of a shocking tragedy and trauma, the fear, despair, and triumph of a first responder, in his own words.

As parents, individuals, and family members of people on the autism spectrum, we all share common themes that include unconditional love, determination, and unity. This book was created to inspire parents and individuals with personal experiences from the people who have loved ones on the spectrum. The stories shared in this book speak about the challenges that families face on a day-to-day basis and also their remarkable accomplishments. Autism can have a profound impact on the individuals diagnosed and on the people who love them. Often, stories of autistic people and their loved ones are...

In a world where 1 in 44 people are diagnosed with autism, it is important to hear the voices of people who have lived experience. In this book, one young man with autism describes his “wonderful childhood,” recognizes many people who have touched his life (and includes a photo gallery of some of them), recollects joyous memories, recalls proud accomplishments, and shares some life lessons learned along the way. He comes from a family of bestselling authors and editors, and now he has decided to share his story, in his own words. Meet Christian Tomko!