Christmas Tales from the Disability World

I have no new thoughts on Christmas. But while the huband and kids are out doing last minute holiday errands (taking chairs and disposable party tableware to relatives) I wanted to share some excellent disability Christmas carols and Christmas tales from some of BBC message board's most illustrious disability bloggers.

The Real Meaning of Christmas..

There is a compliation CD that has a song entitled, "The Real Meaning of Christmas". I heard it this morning and it was a nice reminder as we finish up the last minute shopping, holiday eating, festivities and post Christmas Boxing Day, that we should take a few minutes to rest, reflect and be greatful for all we have. We forget and overlook our many blessings--so, give someone a call, send one of those sloppy sentimental email cards and practice random acts of kindness.

Peace

Don't Mess with Me-- I have a 504 Plan!

I have created a Teenage Advocacy Monster!

He prowls the hall of a public school, that shall not be named:

1. seeking lairs to use for private test taking
2. bouncing other kids from the library study carrels
3. running teachers from unofficial break areas

He marks his territory:

1. setting up time to use the computer lab for his test modification that can be administered
2. setting up time after school or during study halls to have his extended time test modification

He stalks him prey:

1. commanding the Building Specialist (code language for Special Education Teacher) to get get him out of class based tests
2. ratting out teacher non compliance to the Building Coordinator of Special Education
3. demanding his test modifications from teachers
4. reminding teachers about his test modifications
5. demanding again his test modifications

He takes his prize:

1. He gets his test modifications
2. He doesn't feel the need to explain his test modifications to peers
3. He brags about his test modifications when he gets good grades and others fail
4. He brings home his test and quiz grades-- WITHOUT BEING ASKED

I have created a monster.

I am so proud!!

How do you spell Elliot (Spitzer)?

Today was the last day of the legislative calendar in New York State. Legislators returned to the Capitol Building Complex (euphemistically called 'The Egg') to pass a flurry of end-of-the-session, go-out-with-a-bang, give-ourselves-a-quick-raise, and not-pass-too-much-that-while-l make-those-who-didn't re-elect a lot of us happy.

So, we are left, like a prom date, after the big fanfare, hoopla, and romance are done, wondering "What comes next?"

We have a New Governor (Eliot is spelled with one L) and Lieutenant Governor Patterson-- the first blind or visually impaired official at this level. There are more websites (election, write in your opinion, transition team, inauguration, online ads, and Hevesi spin doctoring) and levels of social marketing in this administration than you can shake a stick at. The inauguration is shaping up to be uber PC-- with representation from organizations, vendors, business across the state, to make Jesse Jackson's concept of the rainbow coalition look monochromatic.

Meanwhile, we are still wondering if this 'relationship' with Eliot is going to work out or not.....

Stay tuned.