Friday, May 27, 2011
Article on Nick in Spring 2011 OHSAA Magazine
https://acrobat.com/#d=XRp8*-f38W8ZSyEUi1hXig -
Hi everyone,
The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), www.ohsaa.org , published its Spring 2011 Magazine with an article on Nick. It can be viewed on their web site or by clicking the link above. A great article:)
Blessings:)
Amy
R-Word - Spread The Word To End The Word
Hi all,
http://www.r-word.org/r-word-not-acceptable-psa.aspx?tr=y&%3Bauid=8390770
We saw this GREAT Public Service Announcement while watching one of our favorite TV shows this week, GLEE on Fox. Hard to believe people are so ignorant that they don't "get this", it's like basic manners and "being a decent person" to me, but I am so glad they have this campaign because there is just NO good excuse or reason for this and I agree, it's not acceptable in any way. Pass this on!
Blessings:)
Amy
PS- I found a lot of great information at www.r-word.org including the following which I found very on point (under "resources" on the web page):
"Spread the Word to End the Word
Action Kit
KEY MESSAGES AND TALKING POINTS
It is time we Spread the Word to End the Word™ and build awareness for society to stop and think about its’ use of the R-word. That R-word is something hurtful and painful – “retard” or “retarded.” Most people don’t think of this word as hate speech, but that’s exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and friends. The R-word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur. Visit www.r-word.org to make your pledge today.
· Young people around the world are taking a stand and raising awareness of the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the words “retard” or “retarded” and are helping encourage others to think before they speak.
· Did you know the pejorative and ever increasing use of the R-word in today’s society further perpetuates the stigma and negative stereotypes that face people with intellectual disabilities?
· Up to three percent of the world’s population have intellectual disabilities - that’s 200 million people around the world. It’s the largest disability population in the world, perhaps you know someone?
· We ask that you help us change the conversation and help eliminate the demeaning use of the R-word from today’s popular youth vernacular and replace it with “respect.” We are asking for your help in creating a more accepting world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and all those people that may appear different, but have unique gifts and talents to share with the world.
· We’re asking every person - young and old - to help eliminate the demeaning use of the R-word–a common taunt used to make fun of others. Often unwittingly, the word is used to denote behavior that is clumsy, hapless, and even hopeless. But whether intentional or not, the word conjures up a painful stereotype of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It hurts. Even if you don’t mean it that way.
· People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are capable and enjoy sharing life experiences – listening to music, playing video games, watching the latest movies, and yes, having fun – as well as working together toward athletic excellence and mutually enriching one-to-one friendships as demonstrated constantly through Special Olympics and Best Buddies International. They can attend school, work, drive cars, get married, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many ways.
· Special Olympics’ Multi-National Public Opinion Study of Attitudes toward People with Intellectual Disabilities, conducted by Gallup, reveals that throughout the world, over 60 percent of people still believe that people with intellectual disabilities should be segregated in schools and in the workplace. This is intolerable. We need massive attitude change now to attack and reverse the stigma that is destructive to the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and a barrier to growth.
· Did you know that by casually using the word “retard(ed)” to refer to an action as less than ideal you are making someone with an intellectual disability feel less than human - whether you mean to or not? Demeaning any of our fellow human beings by using inappropriate words toward any population negatively impacts all of us." (www.r-word.org under "Resources")
http://www.r-word.org/r-word-not-acceptable-psa.aspx?tr=y&%3Bauid=8390770
We saw this GREAT Public Service Announcement while watching one of our favorite TV shows this week, GLEE on Fox. Hard to believe people are so ignorant that they don't "get this", it's like basic manners and "being a decent person" to me, but I am so glad they have this campaign because there is just NO good excuse or reason for this and I agree, it's not acceptable in any way. Pass this on!
Blessings:)
Amy
PS- I found a lot of great information at www.r-word.org including the following which I found very on point (under "resources" on the web page):
"Spread the Word to End the Word
Action Kit
KEY MESSAGES AND TALKING POINTS
It is time we Spread the Word to End the Word™ and build awareness for society to stop and think about its’ use of the R-word. That R-word is something hurtful and painful – “retard” or “retarded.” Most people don’t think of this word as hate speech, but that’s exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and friends. The R-word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur. Visit www.r-word.org to make your pledge today.
· Young people around the world are taking a stand and raising awareness of the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the words “retard” or “retarded” and are helping encourage others to think before they speak.
· Did you know the pejorative and ever increasing use of the R-word in today’s society further perpetuates the stigma and negative stereotypes that face people with intellectual disabilities?
· Up to three percent of the world’s population have intellectual disabilities - that’s 200 million people around the world. It’s the largest disability population in the world, perhaps you know someone?
· We ask that you help us change the conversation and help eliminate the demeaning use of the R-word from today’s popular youth vernacular and replace it with “respect.” We are asking for your help in creating a more accepting world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and all those people that may appear different, but have unique gifts and talents to share with the world.
· We’re asking every person - young and old - to help eliminate the demeaning use of the R-word–a common taunt used to make fun of others. Often unwittingly, the word is used to denote behavior that is clumsy, hapless, and even hopeless. But whether intentional or not, the word conjures up a painful stereotype of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It hurts. Even if you don’t mean it that way.
· People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are capable and enjoy sharing life experiences – listening to music, playing video games, watching the latest movies, and yes, having fun – as well as working together toward athletic excellence and mutually enriching one-to-one friendships as demonstrated constantly through Special Olympics and Best Buddies International. They can attend school, work, drive cars, get married, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many ways.
· Special Olympics’ Multi-National Public Opinion Study of Attitudes toward People with Intellectual Disabilities, conducted by Gallup, reveals that throughout the world, over 60 percent of people still believe that people with intellectual disabilities should be segregated in schools and in the workplace. This is intolerable. We need massive attitude change now to attack and reverse the stigma that is destructive to the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and a barrier to growth.
· Did you know that by casually using the word “retard(ed)” to refer to an action as less than ideal you are making someone with an intellectual disability feel less than human - whether you mean to or not? Demeaning any of our fellow human beings by using inappropriate words toward any population negatively impacts all of us." (www.r-word.org under "Resources")
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
We Are Still Here !
Hi all!
We are still here! I know it's been some time since my last post. Please bare with us. This is the busiest time and there is so much going on in the Hyndman household and our lives.
Some highlights since my last post...........
We're also dealing with a few challenges which I don't wish to get into at this time but I will post about it soon when I have more time and clarity.
One final thing, we get Nick's new power chair tomorrow, which we ordered for him to make it easier to get around campus (and faster and safer) next year. We now just need to get a van with a lift for Nick which we're working on and we're going to need help from the Bridges to Transition Program to pay for the modifications which are actually $24,000 (just for the modifications, we were originally told maybe $8000-$12000, but it's actually$24000), on top of the cost of the van. The modifications cost as much as the van! To get this help, it can take months and there are a lot if steps involved and we are now waiting to hear from an "expert" that has to come to do an assessment from New York. We're hoping he calls soon. We're worried we won't get the van in time for college and if we don't, he won't be able to use his power chair. It's too heavy to lift ( a couple hundred pounds and large), so we're trying to figure out a back up plan in case. Anyhow, we have to believe it will all work out. Greg and I know we have to be flexible, take things from week to week and go with the flow because we might have to revise our plans at the last minute. It's so stressful for me but it is just the way it is. i DO believe it will all work out!
I'll try to post with updates soon and after graduation, I'll post some new pictures.
Blessings:)
Amy
We are still here! I know it's been some time since my last post. Please bare with us. This is the busiest time and there is so much going on in the Hyndman household and our lives.
Some highlights since my last post...........
- Nick received his award from the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) that I mentioned in my last post. It was a very nice ceremony at the high school for seniors and the athletic director gave a wonderful presentation before Nick's award that moved many to tears. Nick received a standing ovation. :-) Nick is now in his last full week of high school! Next week, he has senior exams and picnic and his last full day is Wed. He'll have rehearsal for graduation Friday morning and his graduation ceremony is Sunday May 29th! We have his cap and gown. It's going to be a happy and emotional day and we're planning a nice dinner for family at Mancy's Italian afterwards.
- Bella had her violin concert and it was beautiful. She also played the violin in her school talent show. This week is busy with extra practices/rehearsal and her dance recital is this Saturday. She has three dances and a five year dance for the finale as she has been at this dance studio for five years this year. (she was at another studio before that for a few years and before that she took preschool ballet at the YMCA) She loves dance! Right now, hip hop is her favorite. (this changes from time to time!) Greg participated in Bella's school career day last week and was one of several presenters talking to the kids about what he does at his work. Bella was his assistant for one of the sessions. It was so cute and I love that he did it. Bella's last day of school is the week of Memorial Day.
We're also dealing with a few challenges which I don't wish to get into at this time but I will post about it soon when I have more time and clarity.
One final thing, we get Nick's new power chair tomorrow, which we ordered for him to make it easier to get around campus (and faster and safer) next year. We now just need to get a van with a lift for Nick which we're working on and we're going to need help from the Bridges to Transition Program to pay for the modifications which are actually $24,000 (just for the modifications, we were originally told maybe $8000-$12000, but it's actually$24000), on top of the cost of the van. The modifications cost as much as the van! To get this help, it can take months and there are a lot if steps involved and we are now waiting to hear from an "expert" that has to come to do an assessment from New York. We're hoping he calls soon. We're worried we won't get the van in time for college and if we don't, he won't be able to use his power chair. It's too heavy to lift ( a couple hundred pounds and large), so we're trying to figure out a back up plan in case. Anyhow, we have to believe it will all work out. Greg and I know we have to be flexible, take things from week to week and go with the flow because we might have to revise our plans at the last minute. It's so stressful for me but it is just the way it is. i DO believe it will all work out!
I'll try to post with updates soon and after graduation, I'll post some new pictures.
Blessings:)
Amy
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