Back to School and Living with Cerebral Palsy
Naturally, with school beginning again, I have gotten a couple of private emails about going back to school. One such note made me sad and mad at the same time. A young gentleman wanted to be a Spanish teacher, but he has cerebral palsy and is technically blind.
College
First, he is having trouble getting the help needed to transition into post-secondary education. While it’s hard for all kids, individuals with cerebral palsy definitely have extra challenges and pressures associated with college.
I wish I had the answers. Unfortunately, I already had 2 children when I went to college. So, I did most of my classes locally or online. My best advice: don’t wait for student services to offer help. Tell them what you need. Also, if you need help, let people know how they can help. Sometimes, people are actually too helpful, which makes it harder.
In short, you need to be proactive, in order to reach your goals. Don’t be shy. Be assertive.
Naysayers
Second, a school guidance counselor told him to pick a different occupation that did not require him to deal with people. Admittedly, if working with people is a source of stress, will adversely effect other health concerns, or is related to some other problem I am not aware of, then maybe the advice is good.
HOWEVER, there are still people that are prejudiced or uncomfortable around individuals with disabilities. Times have changed, but for some people not so much!
So, if this is ONE person’s opinion, forget it! Choose the career that will make you happy and feel like a productive member of society! Don’t let one naysayer pull the plug on your dreams.
In the case of this one young man, I want him to know that I had a college professor that was totally blind! Yet, I remember him as a good teacher. Of course, he had student aids that probably typed up or proofread the materials handed out in class. The school may have provided other accommodations, but he taught until he was an old man.
You never know what you can/cannot do until you give it a try. So, when you think about going back to school and living with cerebral palsy, make sure your dreams fit in there somewhere, and go for it!
August 25th, 2010 at 4:44 am
Greetings! Is it OK that I go a bit off topic? I am trying to read your website on my Blackberry but it doesn’t display properly, any suggestions? Thank you for the help I hope! Lamar
August 25th, 2010 at 10:57 am
Lamar,
I have no idea what might be causing your problem. I know nothing about blackberries. So sorry.
August 25th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
A+ would read again
August 26th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Nice post! GA is also my biggest earning. However, it’s not a much.
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Mike,
Thank you very much! I have been Living with Cerebral Palsy for almost 51 years now. So, it’s easy to write about what I know. I just hope others living with disability find this blog encouraging.
If you have any other ideas for topics that might be helpful to others, let me know.
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Thank you! I am assuming GA is Government Assistance. Yes, I know. It’s hard to make ends meet, even for those that have great jobs. Almost impossible otherwise. But, the important thing is to do the best we can, and live life to the fullest, under the circumstances. Best wishes! Hope you come back again.
September 3rd, 2010 at 3:15 am
Thanks alot this made for intresting reading. I really adore your site, the theme is really cool. I have visited here numerous times but never commented, just wanted to let you know… Keep up the excellent work! Another thing i like to do when reading blogs is play Flash games
Worlds Hardest Game and Crush The Castle are the two favorite.
September 5th, 2010 at 5:57 am
What a post!! Very informative also easy to understand. Looking for more such blog posts!! Do you have a twitter?
I recommended it on digg. The only thing that it’s missing is a bit of color. However thank you for this information.
September 7th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Thank you! You can call yourself one after graduation. But, it’s only good if you get a job!
September 7th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
I wanted this blog to be a place where we can help and encourage one another. I’m glad it helped you.
September 7th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
If you have student loans that can help people with disabilities further their education, sure. You can add you link to your comment. But, in the future, make sure the comment relates to living with CP, not just advertising. Okay?
September 7th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Yes, I have Twitter. https://twitter.com/WriterwPurpose Thanks for the recommendation. Yes, this particular blog doesn’t have a colorful picture, but most of the others do. I guess I need to change the format so all of the posts show as a whole. I hope you come back again.
September 7th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Do you have any specific questions I can answer?
September 8th, 2010 at 11:15 am
I have removed a lot of spam comments. If your legitimate comment got caught in the cross-fire, I am so sorry.
However, I hope to have solved the problem with a captcha program. All you have to do is type in the read letters, and it will let it go through.
If you are colorblind or have trouble, just contact me directly, and I will make sure your comments get posted. Even if you disagree, as long as the comment is civil and legit, I will post it for you.
Thanks.
July 4th, 2011 at 10:30 am
49ers tailgating,