I have almost finished my e-book! It is going through proofing and then I can get it out to you. If you don’t remember it is on a theory I have conceived about being disabled, having life goals and then the resources to reach them. It is called the Diamond Theory…
Also Srin, our volunteer recruit Liz, and I launched the new look magazine http://disabilityhorizons.com/ on Monday. I am so proud of co-editing this publication and love the new slick look. What do you think? Thanks to http://misfit-inc.com/ for their help, hard work and awesomeness.
My first major public speaking event went great at Net2Cam http://www.meetup.com/net2Camb/events/15018978/ and the video of my talk will be posted soon. I also launched my twitpoll for you to vote and send me to Bristol, Manchester, Sheffield or Edinburgh to explore whilst remote working. Have you voted? https://martynsibley.com/where-will-you-send-me
Lastly on this Friday afternoon (believe me I need the weekend now) is a little snippet into the next disability webinar – ‘The teenage years’ and an excerpt from my book.
A difficult time for any person. Hormones running wild, battling with yourself, parents and teachers, alongside the additional complexities of being disabled – a real minefield. I would say this stage falls into two parts. Whilst we have the 3 sections – social inclusion, education and work experience – the two parts are for a disabled person and their parents.
If you are a disabled teenager, I understand how difficult things feel. However, if you can do well in school, continue to look after your body (with physio etc), maintain friendships in and out of the classroom, then you give yourself a great chance for your future. By getting good qualifications, having great mates, relationship experiences and some work experience; by the age of 20, you are able to go on and do so much cool stuff. For the record, a little bit of rebellious fun is also good for you 😉
Parents, its time to back of slightly. Your child isn’t now incapable of making decisions, they will think they know best and later on you will have to let go. However, especially at 13, your actions and attitudes will play as big a part as before. Subtlety is the key. My mum could tell you so many stories of my being fretful, moody, frustrated and sometimes rude. She knew I needed to go through these years slamming the odd door, having rebellious moments (some great stories in my projects on this) and asking big questions. My parents drove me in our clunky accessible excuse for a car and ferried me to the odd nightclub. It wasn’t as often as I would have liked, but it was a lot for them. We compromised and I am so grateful they did those things enabling me to do ‘normal’ teenage activities.
The key is that the teenage years are the same, disabled or not. To embrace the added complexities of being disabled, accept somethings are too much, others will take longer and ultimately know that everyone can and will come out the other end smiling is a good goal.
To join the webinar on the teenage years taking place next Wednesday at 19.30 UK time, register here – https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/839343678 It’s totally free and very simple!!!
