Living With Disabilities/Expert Profile

Expertise

I have been disabled since birth. I was diagnosed with cleft palate and ADD. Early test results indicated I was boderline mentally retarded. In the 70's the testing was very subjective and did not take into consideration different learning styles. I have been beaten up, ridiculed, and made an example of by bullys as well as so called experts. My guidance counselor went as far as to meet with my parents before my senior year and tell them I would be lucky to get a job at McDonalds. So at age 49 with 4 degrees under my belt (A.A.S Occupational Therapy, B.P.S Recreational Therapy, B.S./M.S. Occupational Therapy) and over 28 years of working with disabled individuals I think I have beat the odds. I am familiar with ADA, school services, as well as hollistic medicine.

Experience in the area

28 Years of experience as a Recreational / Occupational Therapist working both in the private and public sector with varying disabilities.

Organizations

AOTA

Publications

National Library of Congress- The Effect of Special Olympic Training on Grip Strength in the Metally Retarded

Education/Credentials

AAS Erie Community College - Occupational Therapy BPS Brockposrt State - Recreational Therapy BS/MS D'Youville College- Occupational Therapy

Awards and Honors

Leadership award - Erie Community College Outstanding Student Award - Erie Community College Winifred Craddock Award ( Outstanding Recreation Student) Brockport Pinicale Non- Traditional Student Honor Society - D'Youville

What do you like about this subject?

I like that in the realm of disabilities that research and solutions are ever changing. That individuals with disabilities have more of a voice in the process of thier care.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I am not sure at this juncture of my life.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

The term Handicapped was coined in 1800's England. Id a person was "different" they would be placed on a street coner with a cap in thier hand to beg for money. Hence the word "Handicapped".

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Some owners of SNF's are out to make money anyway they can. Explioting both the patients and therapists.