Did you know that one out of every five people have a disability, and 90% are hidden? That sounds like a lot of people, doesn’t it? Therefore, there is not a reason to be afraid. We all have fears, ambitions, and feelings. Let’s say someone told you to get to Walt Disney World without saying how.  There are a lot of ways to get to Walt Disney World: bus, train, airplane, just to name a few. The goal is to get to Disney. It is the same concept with someone who has a disability. We all do the same things, but in different ways and different times. We are all more alike than different!

-Sara R.

After having a beautiful delivery with my new baby my thoughts were telling me that the worst was over. All I would have to do is concentrate on raising my child, going back to school, being a wife, and achieving my dreams of advocating for the disabled community. Sounds easy-peasy right?

Well, just a couple of weeks ago I was invited to an old friend’s baby shower. My cousin and I went together. Unlike other siblings of mine, I love to take Mathew with me everywhere I go. I don’t want to leave him for someone else to watch him while I party.  So we arrived and walked in and say hi to people.

A Baby Shower Invitation

This baby shower was not like most baby showers. They have all kinds of beer and liquor and food, and people dancing and stuff. My cousin and I decided to sit down and eat. While we were eating Mathew got hungry. I got the bottle out and start feeding him. Immediately people started to ask my cousin if that was her baby and say how adorable he was; but my cousin said “No, he is her baby” while pointing to me.

After she said that to them they gave me this look like they are surprised. Once I saw them give me that look, people started to talk amongst each other and started saying “Oh, that’s her baby?” I felt like I was being displayed with my son at a museum. I have never felt more hurt and embarrassed.  When I got home I began to think, and said to myself that I definitely would have to do something about bringing awareness to the community this upcoming October. I am tired of people here in Miami not being respectful of the disabled community. I need to make a change. Of course, I would need the help of my fellow members. One voice can be powerful, but imagine what 5 or 6 can do?

-Cinthia

Well 2009 was a very big year for me. I’ve gained and lost, learned and forgotten things, and I’ve accomplished the impossible. To me 2009 was the year of proving people wrong.

I got my drivers license when everyone counted me out, I got an award for community service at an animal shelter, and I finally have chosen a career path and feel happy with myself. My resolution this upcoming year is to overshadow 2009 and to do even more to make a difference and show that being visually impaired isn’t a limitation but a bump in the road that can be overcome if worked on hard enough.

-Josue

ipod touch

I got an iPod touch for Christmas this year. It’s amazing! I love it! The device has everything a teenager could possibly want: Phone, internet, music and many more features I have not figured out how to use yet. With the touch of a button I have access to all the music I want at my finger tips. Believe me when I say this, “I take music very seriously.” So if you by any chance are as big of a music lover as me I recommend getting an iPod touch as soon as possible.

-Megan