Neverland Series

 Background Story (Mini Version)

One of the sessions I attended at the NACDD conference in our nation's capitol last summer was titled: "Disability Book Week" - Disability representation in literature. For me, to admit that this session was legitimate would not be an understatement and I genuinely loved getting to learn something new within the disability population. The presenter was such an engaged speaker whose expertise left me in a lot of awe over how much they knew in regards to putting individuals with disabilities being represented in the most inspiring way possible. Did I forget to mention they had NINJAs in their slides along with so many other well known Disney and fairytale characters??? It was so much fun getting educated on something where disability is not being shunned in literature, but to help so many people get a more respectful and meaningful way of who we are. I cannot necessarily remember too much other than just being inspired--with how eloquent the presenter was being able to get their message out there and believe me, it was just simply amazing to learn about. 

LONG STORY SHORT---My mom ordered me last week one of their YA books recently and have gotten through more than most of it. I am currently reading the A Villainous Peter Pan Retelling - "Becoming Hook" and wow it's a lot dark and intense, but my goodness it is so much fun!!! I especially love that Tink is a part of the story in the sense of being there to help Captain Hook out in saving the lost boys. You will be amazed with how the storyline draws you into a world of magic and fantasy while trying to find out if the lost boys will be saved from their captor who used to be a good guy and now that is reversed into something that you need to read for yourself to find out more about :)

Free Write

Speakers Network Presentation (Wednesday Afternoon)

THIS WEEK---One of my colleagues and I will be presenting about the self advocacy movement to a very small group of individuals who need to know how important this subject is within the disability community. I am definitely if not slightly anxious with how this will turn out and genuinely hoping for the best outcome, no matter the awkwardness inside of that training room. After my mom and twin sister drop me off, they will leave somewhere to do their own thing while I'm busy with this presentation. 

31st Birthday Together (July 10th)

Obviously...I could not leave this out of here!!! I am excited for the chance me, my twin sister along with our best friends to celebrate our birthday a little bit earlier than usual. As far as plans go with this, I cannot wait to spend quality time with people I love so much and make a lot of new memories!! We are planning to attend a musical that I have never seen before and having dinner with our friends. (Stay tuned for more updates about this later!!!) 

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Untitled Post

LATER THIS YEAR---I will have an opportunity to participate in something that I know is gonna impact my life forever. I am grateful to be able to do this with my colleagues on the speakers network & helping the new council members feel good about what they are getting themselves into. I don't necessarily have lots of details that can be shared right now, but I will make sure to post about this when I've got a clearer idea with how things are going to be. I am very excited to see what unfolds from this experience and just look forward to whatever happens along the way!!! 

Throughout my first three year term of serving on UDDC has been an incredible, rewarding, motivating & life changing experience. I will admit that this journey has allowed me to grow in ways that I never could have imagined were possible, which if you ask me is not an understatement. LONG STORY SHORT--- It has given me more opportunities to keep moving forward & not try to rework the past. I have continuously seen myself realize that the potential I have to do hard things and not worry about others think. I am truly grateful for the patience, unconditional love, support and kindness that my colleagues have never failed to share with me throughout my years of service. I can never repay them for their willingness to remind me of what I can do as well as elucidate things I may not quite understand. I especially loved the opportunity with being able to travel to Washington, DC to learn what other DD councils are working on and learning the importance of disability representation in literature, etc.

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