For able-bodied parents, seeing disabled parents may seem outside their scope of perception. We are ‘exotic’, ‘inspiring’ and indeed ‘not normal.” For disabled mom Jennifer Senda, parenting her six-year-old son comes with a slew of questions. “I often get asked…
Four and a half years ago, Danny Baird was involved in a dirt bike accident that left him a quadriplegic. Despite his injury, Danny’s love for racing has not changed over time. He can still be caught on his bike,…
Rose’s husband became a quadriplegic at 22, but that certainly hasn’t made their lives inadequate in any way, shape, or form. Rose shares the normalcy she and her husband found after his injury. “I think we’re just so blessed to…
In 2005, 16-year-old Matthew sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed. Matthew’s mother, Angela, reflects on Matthew’s progress since his accident. Angela recalls that in 2009, Matthew was determined to earn his associate degree post-injury. He had…
The essential act of caregiving is to make sure another person’s physical and/or emotional needs are met. But, what happens when one gets so invested into caring for another, that they neglect their own personal needs? Peter Rosenberger has found…
Melanie Reach was born with multiple disabilities, including vision loss and cerebral palsy. She shares some important advice for parents who are raising children with disabilities. Melanie bases these tips on her experiences with her own parents. Self Advocacy Self…
Breakfast is an essential meal of the day, as it provides you with fuel to take on the day! Paul, a C6-C7 quadriplegic, shows step by step how he independently makes an omelette. “A lot of times when you’re a…
Having the ability to stand and look someone in the eye is an action that Michael Powell will never take for granted. Michael, born with cerebral palsy, has raised money for his very own standing wheelchair. He proclaims that the…
Mason, a C5/C6/C7 quadriplegic, demonstrates his daily morning routine which includes applying deodorant, brushing his teeth, shaving, using mouthwash, and washing his hands. Applying Deodorant The first step in Mason’s routine is applying deodorant. Mason says that while he was in…
“There is nothing more enriching than having a family,” says Jeff Thorn. Jeff, who refers to himself as ‘totally’ blind, is a parent in every sense of the word. He is a father to his three biological children. A grandparent…