1. Don’t ‘Dis’ My Ability

2. HELLO EVERYONE! My name is Julie Carlson, I am 19 years old. I am an advocate for people with special needs. I was born with cerebral palsy. That means I did not get enough air when I was being born and my body developed differently because of that. That title just means don’t disrespect me because I have different abilities than you.

3. However, I think and feel just the same as so-called ‘normal’ people. I understand conversation and can participate. I have definite ideas and opinions, likes and dislikes. One of my favourite things is having fun with friends.

4. Here I am having fun with friends at Dry Grad. Now THAT was fun !!

5. I like these words we found on the Internet : “Not being able to speak is not the same as not having anything to say.” This is sure true for me - I have lots to say but I speak differently than most other people.

6. I make it speak with switches at my knee and shoulder. I am learning another system called Eyegaze, where just looking at the icons lets me say what I want to say. When I learn it well, it will be much faster than speaking with switches. My ACCENT Computer I use this Accent computer to help me communicate.

7. I also answer questions ‘yes’ with a foot stomp and ‘no’ with a shake of the head. Usually you can tell just by looking at my face and eyes, how I am feeling. Nonverbal Communication

8. I have a tube feed system that brings a liquid meal straight into my stomach because I do not take food by mouth. How I Eat

9. I drive a power chair through a censor system which I control with my head and shoulder. I really enjoy the independence my power chair gives me. Cruising in my Power Chair

10. However, I am not just here to talk about myself. There are many people with special needs living in our community, both children and adults.

11. Here are some of the conditions that affect people in Powell River: Down Syndrome, Fragile X, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Sotos Syndrome, Epilepsy, Autism, Asperger’s and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. But I like to think about what people are able to do. Every person is a star in her or his own way!

12. We are an important part of the community. Although we all need help sometimes; we are not our disability!

13. Choir (Spirit of the Community), Drumming, Trail walks in theTrail Rider, Self-Advocacy, Supported Work Programs, Therapeutic Riding, Skating and Exercise Programs at the Recreation Complex, Special Olympics Swimming & Bowling & Softball Here are some activities people with special needs and abilities do in Powell River :

14. Here I am at my physiotherapeutic swim session with two workers/friends who help me. In one photo I am walking, in the other I am cycling. I LOVE TO BE IN THE POOL !

15. The TRAIL RIDER is a special wheelchair, propelled by two people–one in front and one in back. It is special because it can go on all kinds of terrain. I went across the beach to the ocean where my other wheelchairs can’t go. For the first time I saw a starfish in the ocean. It was so cool!

16. Spirit of the Community Choir is a fun activity enjoyed by all kinds of people. The choir is at the Academy of Music. It is asked to perform at special community events. Groups get together at Community Living Place for weekly drumming and percussion jam sessions. Everyone has fun!

17. THERAPEUTIC RIDING Therapeutic Riding gives children and adults opportunities to ride horses. This offers many benefits, building physical strength and balance as well as a positive relationship with people and horses. The Riding program is heavily supported by volunteer help and fund raising events.

18. The kinds of things we sometimes need help with are: *Shopping *Cooking *Getting Places *Social Skills *Pursuing Our Interests *Getting A Job *Cleaning *Making Friends *Making Choices * Being the Best We Can Be

20. Just like anyone else, people with special needs help one another. Some of us are good at some things, others are good at other things. We help each other with the things we are good at. For example, I’m pretty good at making people feel loved when they’re sad.

21. A friend who speaks in the usual way and knows me well might help me to express myself if I don’t have my Accent computer with me. Is this so different than a person who drives giving a ride to a friend who doesn’t drive? I don’t think so.

22. Sometimes we have paid workers who help us. Sometimes the paid workers become friends also. I have several friends who are also paid workers.

24. ANY QUESTIONS?