As my semester comes to close, this will be my last blog post for a bit. I hope to come back and add to it in the near future, but when I'm going to is uncertain. I would like to thank the 28 members of my FACEBOOK group, my 6 FOLLOWERS, and those of you who have shared my content with others. I hope I have served my community well and if you have any suggestions for the future of the blog, please feel free to e-mail me @ s.a.kondracki@gmail.com.
Best Regards and Happy Holidays,
Susan Kondracki
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Driving and Disability
Growing up with a disability, nothing has ever stopped me from accomplishing any of my goals or dreams, but learning to drive has definitely been a big obstacle. The CT Department of Motor Vehicles has a handicap sector where you can get a handicap permit and qualify for special training
or controls. 
I can drive foot controls, but it was extremely difficult. I lift my foot up back and forth instead of moving my ankle, so it gets tiring.
I now have hand controls and even though it is much easier, getting a license test is such a hassle. After failing my test in 2007, I went to apply for the test again in August and was put on a waiting list. Even though it is great to be able to use hand controls, working with the handicap DMV is awful.
In order to qualify for hand controls, get training, and a test, you must file medical paper work to document your disability, even it is unchanging. Then you must call to check on the status of your application. This past summer I filed my paper work in August because I could not get through to them all summer. I started calling for an application in June and having to call the Commissioner's office because NO ONE would call me back.
Not only is communication difficult, but the test requirements are ridiculous! The test is 90 minutes long and includes going on two highways 30 min of city driving and backing in, K Turns, and Parallel Parking. The "able bodied" person's test is 15-20 minutes and does not include highways. I feel this is an extremely unfair process. The DMV also gives the same test to everyone, whether you have a minor disability like mine or you are paralyzed. The whole process is very frustrating, and I was wondering what everyone thought about it. Has anyone else had to go through the Handicap Sector of the DMV?
If you want to look into getting special training, you can call 860-263-5097. I hope you'll have better luck than I have. I will be taking my test in January 2010.
or controls. 
I can drive foot controls, but it was extremely difficult. I lift my foot up back and forth instead of moving my ankle, so it gets tiring.I now have hand controls and even though it is much easier, getting a license test is such a hassle. After failing my test in 2007, I went to apply for the test again in August and was put on a waiting list. Even though it is great to be able to use hand controls, working with the handicap DMV is awful.
In order to qualify for hand controls, get training, and a test, you must file medical paper work to document your disability, even it is unchanging. Then you must call to check on the status of your application. This past summer I filed my paper work in August because I could not get through to them all summer. I started calling for an application in June and having to call the Commissioner's office because NO ONE would call me back.
Not only is communication difficult, but the test requirements are ridiculous! The test is 90 minutes long and includes going on two highways 30 min of city driving and backing in, K Turns, and Parallel Parking. The "able bodied" person's test is 15-20 minutes and does not include highways. I feel this is an extremely unfair process. The DMV also gives the same test to everyone, whether you have a minor disability like mine or you are paralyzed. The whole process is very frustrating, and I was wondering what everyone thought about it. Has anyone else had to go through the Handicap Sector of the DMV?
If you want to look into getting special training, you can call 860-263-5097. I hope you'll have better luck than I have. I will be taking my test in January 2010.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Breaking Down Barriers
Twenty-seven-year-old, Derek Downie has dreamed of becoming a doctor since age 6. Now a senior chemistry major at Texas Tech University, Downie has plans to go into the pharmaceutical field and hopes to be accepted to medical school soon. What sets Derek apart from every other college student in America? He has been deaf since the age of 7 and is unable to speak.
After reading about Downie in, Student Lives Life in Silence, Dreams Big, from the Daily Toreador, Texas Tech's student newspaper, I knew I had to feature him here.
Living a mobility disability I tend to compensate for any physical discrepencies by bringing out my outgoing, bubbly personality (I talk too much ha), so it is hard to imagine living a life in silence. Even though he cannot verbally express himself, Downie finds other ways to communicate and has never let his disability get in the way of his goals and living day to day life.
"'I never think that I had a communication barrier,' Derek Downie said. 'To be honest, I have barely experienced any communication barrier in my whole life. I taught myself to be independent and depend on myself to make the communication work effectively between students and myself.'"
Downie communicates by lip reading, using American Sign Language and sometimes writes things down with pen and paper. Being deaf has certainly never stopped him from advancing academically or socially. His best friend Robert Morrison explains in the article that at first glance, Downie seems like he would have a hard time in life, but his confidence and abilities inspire many.
"'I’m sure everybody he met thought there was no way this kid can make a contribution in anyway: He can’t communicate in the way society says he has to communicate. But he is an incredible inspiration to me in setting my own personal goals and living out my life without excuse.'"
Overall, whether you have physical impairments, mobility issues, or sense related barriers, disability should never allow you to push the pause button in life. Having a disability can and is a rewarding part of life for many.
After reading about Downie in, Student Lives Life in Silence, Dreams Big, from the Daily Toreador, Texas Tech's student newspaper, I knew I had to feature him here.
Living a mobility disability I tend to compensate for any physical discrepencies by bringing out my outgoing, bubbly personality (I talk too much ha), so it is hard to imagine living a life in silence. Even though he cannot verbally express himself, Downie finds other ways to communicate and has never let his disability get in the way of his goals and living day to day life.
"'I never think that I had a communication barrier,' Derek Downie said. 'To be honest, I have barely experienced any communication barrier in my whole life. I taught myself to be independent and depend on myself to make the communication work effectively between students and myself.'"
Downie communicates by lip reading, using American Sign Language and sometimes writes things down with pen and paper. Being deaf has certainly never stopped him from advancing academically or socially. His best friend Robert Morrison explains in the article that at first glance, Downie seems like he would have a hard time in life, but his confidence and abilities inspire many.
"'I’m sure everybody he met thought there was no way this kid can make a contribution in anyway: He can’t communicate in the way society says he has to communicate. But he is an incredible inspiration to me in setting my own personal goals and living out my life without excuse.'"
Overall, whether you have physical impairments, mobility issues, or sense related barriers, disability should never allow you to push the pause button in life. Having a disability can and is a rewarding part of life for many.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Discovering Hidden Talent
Every week I try to find an inspiration person with a physical disability. This week's inspiration is Cindi Bernhadt. After reading her story in the article, Drawing From Inner Strength, it is clear that Bernhadt does not let disability stand in her way.
After becoming quadriplegic or paralyzed from the shoulders down, Bernhardt had to learn how to write with her mouth. After learning how to spell her name and began to doodle. She never dreamed she could or would become a professional artist, but doing so has definitely given her a life purpose.
"When you're first disabled of course, it seems hopeless and helpless. But there is always something that we can contribute to society,'she says." "'Whether you have a physical disability or an emotional, or whatever it might be, if you can't change it, you got to work with it,' Bernhardt advises."
Before becoming a successful artist, she was a student at the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, which is an organization that helps disabled artists advance their skills and create a community to display and sell their work.
Bernhardt's story sets the example that whether you are born with a disability or acquire one later in life,it does not have to stop you from discovering your dreams!
After becoming quadriplegic or paralyzed from the shoulders down, Bernhardt had to learn how to write with her mouth. After learning how to spell her name and began to doodle. She never dreamed she could or would become a professional artist, but doing so has definitely given her a life purpose.
"When you're first disabled of course, it seems hopeless and helpless. But there is always something that we can contribute to society,'she says." "'Whether you have a physical disability or an emotional, or whatever it might be, if you can't change it, you got to work with it,' Bernhardt advises."
Before becoming a successful artist, she was a student at the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, which is an organization that helps disabled artists advance their skills and create a community to display and sell their work.
Bernhardt's story sets the example that whether you are born with a disability or acquire one later in life,it does not have to stop you from discovering your dreams!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Dating and Disability
For many people with physical disabilities, dating is a hard subject, but if you've ever been afraid of dating before, college is the time to break out of your comfort zone.
Growing up with cerebral palsy I never experienced many problems in the dating department. I was your normal teenager with crushes and things, and had my first real boyfriend at sixteen. That lasted on and off for 4 years, but I had other boyfriends in between the breaks and after and my disability was never an issue for him.
Although we broke up for reasons unrelated to my disability, when we became serious (being together for three years), his father had A LOT of degrading concerns. He asked my mother who is a strong woman who would stick up for anyone if "Our kids would be messed up?" and if "My problems were genetic." This made my mom enraged and caused a huge feud between his father and I for a long time. He regrets saying that now, but exemplifies the ignorance of some.
Besides the run in with his father, I have never had any other issues with dating prospects or their parents.
For Sacred Heart graduate Emily Lupica, 23, who also has Cerebral Palsy and walks with the aid of a walker, dating hasn't been impossible, but she has had some challenges.
"I always have to disclose right away for the most part because the walker is there," Lupica says. "I mean with people I talk to online I let them get to know me first before saying it, and I wont bring up what I have unless asked so even if I'm standing talking to a guy in my walker I wont be like by the way I have CP."
She claims that no one has refused to date her because she has a disability, but she too has seen the ignorance of people.
"My last ex told me to get faith healed, so obviously it can be an issue!" Lupica adds.
Best Advice for Dating
--Be open and honest about it
--You don't have to tell him/her right away, but embrace questions
--Relax!
--Appear confident, even if you totally don't feel confident! (If you appear confident, it will radiate and you'll be very surprised of the positive results and encouragement)
--Don't let your disability stop you, let your awesome personality shine
Growing up with cerebral palsy I never experienced many problems in the dating department. I was your normal teenager with crushes and things, and had my first real boyfriend at sixteen. That lasted on and off for 4 years, but I had other boyfriends in between the breaks and after and my disability was never an issue for him.
Although we broke up for reasons unrelated to my disability, when we became serious (being together for three years), his father had A LOT of degrading concerns. He asked my mother who is a strong woman who would stick up for anyone if "Our kids would be messed up?" and if "My problems were genetic." This made my mom enraged and caused a huge feud between his father and I for a long time. He regrets saying that now, but exemplifies the ignorance of some.
Besides the run in with his father, I have never had any other issues with dating prospects or their parents.
For Sacred Heart graduate Emily Lupica, 23, who also has Cerebral Palsy and walks with the aid of a walker, dating hasn't been impossible, but she has had some challenges.
"I always have to disclose right away for the most part because the walker is there," Lupica says. "I mean with people I talk to online I let them get to know me first before saying it, and I wont bring up what I have unless asked so even if I'm standing talking to a guy in my walker I wont be like by the way I have CP."
She claims that no one has refused to date her because she has a disability, but she too has seen the ignorance of people.
"My last ex told me to get faith healed, so obviously it can be an issue!" Lupica adds.
Best Advice for Dating
--Be open and honest about it
--You don't have to tell him/her right away, but embrace questions
--Relax!
--Appear confident, even if you totally don't feel confident! (If you appear confident, it will radiate and you'll be very surprised of the positive results and encouragement)
--Don't let your disability stop you, let your awesome personality shine
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Anything Is Possible
Stephen J. Wampler is a prime example of my life philosophy, just because you have a disability does not mean you're disabled! In Summer 2010, Steven Wampler will become the first person with cerebral palsy to climb to the top of El Capitan peak in Yosemite National Park,according to an article put out by PR Web entitled, New Website Launches Wampler Foundation:Helping Physically Disabled Kids Have Richer Lives The peak is twice the size of the Empire State Building.
He is doing the climb for two reasons:
1) To prove anything is possible
2) To raise money for The Stephen J. Wampler Foundation
This foundation provides wilderness programs for disabled childern. It is a week long sleep away camping program set to teach disabled childern that they can be independent and live fulfilling lives. It provides them with many oppuntunities to gain daily living and social skills. "As one participant noted, 'I now realize that I'm NOT just disabled, I've got so many things to do and accomplish!'", as stated in the article.
Wampler decided to create this foundation that provides these services because he too was sent to an Easter Seals camp for disabled kids at the age of nine. He calls it a "life changing adventure". He wants other disabled kids to have these experiences and thats why he created a foundation that pays for kids to attend various programs.
For more information about Wampler, his life and his efforts, you can visit his wife's blog, Elizabeth's blog and check out this Saturday Night Live video below.
He is doing the climb for two reasons:
1) To prove anything is possible
2) To raise money for The Stephen J. Wampler Foundation
This foundation provides wilderness programs for disabled childern. It is a week long sleep away camping program set to teach disabled childern that they can be independent and live fulfilling lives. It provides them with many oppuntunities to gain daily living and social skills. "As one participant noted, 'I now realize that I'm NOT just disabled, I've got so many things to do and accomplish!'", as stated in the article.
Wampler decided to create this foundation that provides these services because he too was sent to an Easter Seals camp for disabled kids at the age of nine. He calls it a "life changing adventure". He wants other disabled kids to have these experiences and thats why he created a foundation that pays for kids to attend various programs.
For more information about Wampler, his life and his efforts, you can visit his wife's blog, Elizabeth's blog and check out this Saturday Night Live video below.
Wamp Video from Michael Brueggemeyer on Vimeo.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Connecticut Colleges and Handicap Accessibility
Under the ADA, college campuses and universities must provide students with a disability services office that contains educational resources and the proper handicap accessibility options. Connecticut Colleges and Universities, specifically CCSU, WCSU, SCSU, ECSU, and Uconn, have done a lot to make their campuses more accessible to students, but some still have a long way to go.
Most of the CSU System's disability services goals are the same. "Our principal responsibility is to provide services and supports that promote educational equity for students with disabilities," SCSU's Disability Resource Center.
"The Office of Student Disability Services has been charged by the University to provide students, faculty, and staff with assistance and information on issues of access and full participation for persons with disabilities at Central Connecticut State University," CCSU Disability Services mission statement.
Although Central and Southern sound similar in their mission, Eastern and Western seem to take a more personable approach to help those with special needs.
"We foster a welcoming environment of mutual respect that treats all people as individuals in a courteous, friendly, fair, helpful, and respectful manner. We strive to identify and remove barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from being full and equal participants in the university experience," says AccessAbility Services representative, Laurel Obstgarten.
**To the right is Laurel (3rd in back row) and other staff at Western** (WCSU Website)
For anyone with a physical mobility issue, one of the biggest concerns on a college campus is handicap accessibility.
As far as CCSU is concerned, there are ramps throughout the campus to help students get to class and elevators in each building, but from a personal standpoint, I believe disability access needs to be looked at and reworked. I am afraid of some of the academic and dorm building elevators because they need to renovated. I often refuse to take the elevator and prefer to take the stairs, but for students who cannot do that, I suggest CCSU Disability Services look into this issue.
Southern, Western, and Uconn seem to all be very accessible. Uconn even being one of the top universities in the country for their handicap accessibility and disability resources.
"It is very handicap accessible," says SCSU Disability Resource Center Director Deborah Fairchild. "We pride ourselves on that. Every building has an accessible entrance and elevator."
"As of right now, all buildings have handicap accessible entrances, and working elevators. We have worked with the Facilities department by developing a new curb cut outside of the Science Building so that wheelchairs can move easier," adds Obstgarten. "We are also working with that department to ensure that all bathrooms are handicap accessible. Students with mobility impairments that are registered with our office are also granted the accommodation that if an elevator breaks, the class is asked to move to an accessible floor. We have a student/faculty group called the Accessibility Committee that meets to discuss any changes that need to be made to the campus."
On top of having a great disability services center Uconn is taking their services above and beyond the CSU schools with their Beyond Access Program
Beyond Access can be broken down into three separate programs:
--SEAD (Strategic Education for students with Autusim spectrum Disorder)
--FAST (Focused Academic Skills Training)
--TASE (Technologies for Academic Skills Enrichment)
The overall program goes above and beyond "typical" disability service duties, and I would highly recommend you check it out. Once again, if you have a disability a lot goes in to picking the right school for you. It is hard to know which campuses will be most handicap accessible and/or fit your personal needs, but it is important to look into the Top 10 most accessible universities in the country.
Most of the CSU System's disability services goals are the same. "Our principal responsibility is to provide services and supports that promote educational equity for students with disabilities," SCSU's Disability Resource Center.
"The Office of Student Disability Services has been charged by the University to provide students, faculty, and staff with assistance and information on issues of access and full participation for persons with disabilities at Central Connecticut State University," CCSU Disability Services mission statement.
Although Central and Southern sound similar in their mission, Eastern and Western seem to take a more personable approach to help those with special needs.
"We foster a welcoming environment of mutual respect that treats all people as individuals in a courteous, friendly, fair, helpful, and respectful manner. We strive to identify and remove barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from being full and equal participants in the university experience," says AccessAbility Services representative, Laurel Obstgarten.
**To the right is Laurel (3rd in back row) and other staff at Western** (WCSU Website)
For anyone with a physical mobility issue, one of the biggest concerns on a college campus is handicap accessibility.
As far as CCSU is concerned, there are ramps throughout the campus to help students get to class and elevators in each building, but from a personal standpoint, I believe disability access needs to be looked at and reworked. I am afraid of some of the academic and dorm building elevators because they need to renovated. I often refuse to take the elevator and prefer to take the stairs, but for students who cannot do that, I suggest CCSU Disability Services look into this issue.
Southern, Western, and Uconn seem to all be very accessible. Uconn even being one of the top universities in the country for their handicap accessibility and disability resources.
"It is very handicap accessible," says SCSU Disability Resource Center Director Deborah Fairchild. "We pride ourselves on that. Every building has an accessible entrance and elevator."
"As of right now, all buildings have handicap accessible entrances, and working elevators. We have worked with the Facilities department by developing a new curb cut outside of the Science Building so that wheelchairs can move easier," adds Obstgarten. "We are also working with that department to ensure that all bathrooms are handicap accessible. Students with mobility impairments that are registered with our office are also granted the accommodation that if an elevator breaks, the class is asked to move to an accessible floor. We have a student/faculty group called the Accessibility Committee that meets to discuss any changes that need to be made to the campus."
On top of having a great disability services center Uconn is taking their services above and beyond the CSU schools with their Beyond Access Program
Beyond Access can be broken down into three separate programs:
--SEAD (Strategic Education for students with Autusim spectrum Disorder)
--FAST (Focused Academic Skills Training)
--TASE (Technologies for Academic Skills Enrichment)
The overall program goes above and beyond "typical" disability service duties, and I would highly recommend you check it out. Once again, if you have a disability a lot goes in to picking the right school for you. It is hard to know which campuses will be most handicap accessible and/or fit your personal needs, but it is important to look into the Top 10 most accessible universities in the country.
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