I've teased the topic of dating with a disability a bit in some of my past posts, and thought that I would finally step up to the plate and provide a guy's perspective on what it's like dating with a disability. In short, it's very difficult; and stated more accurately it sucks. Not being able to slide up next to girls on a couch, or the inability to make other close contact that stokes that subtly physical "I like you" vibe is frustrating. The misguided "I need to be taken care of" stigma has been a relationship hurdle as well. All that being said, I still remain optimistic that if I stay patient then I will eventually meet "the one" who appreciates all the great things that I have to offer, disability or not. And hopefully she's closer than I think.

Shawn's Take on Dating

Most people with disabilities are put in a box they don't really belong in: The Disability box. We're never put in a box pertaining to actual traits in our personality, and this is one of the worst injustices when you have a disability. So when myself - who's first a writer, an adoring girlfriend, an obsessed hip-hop fan, a fabulous aunt, a fashionista - way before her disability, puts a crack in the box just by stepping out of my house, all I can say is one thing: Get over it.

Meet Paralyzed Ecuadorian Vice President Lenin Moreno

Here's a cool piece of trivia: the Vice President of Ecuador is a paraplegic. I LOVE to hear about politicians with disabilities - FDR, the Mayor of Vancouver. It is awesome to see someone with a disability being respected and with power. What can I say? We need more of it! VP Lenin Moreno is showing just how it's done; helping his fellow disabled brothers and sisters in a country that once shunned disability. But thanks to Moreno, that is slowly changing.

More Posts From Tiff

Jeff told his DME Complex Rehab Technology supplier, "That's crap! I will not accept a denial from my insurance company for the stander. I've got to have the stander at home to keep my leg range of motion. What can I do to fight their decision?"

What is self advocacy? Self advocacy can be described as people with disabilities speaking up for themselves.The simple act of Jeff telling this CRT supplier that a denial is not acceptable is self advocacy. Jeff is creating interest and hopefully action on the part of his CRT Supplier. Even though a person with a disability may call upon the support of others, the individual is entitled to be in control of their own resources and how they are directed.

Learn More About Self Advocacy

Growing up in a busy household; living amidst my family of seven taught me the importance of relationships. Now as a children's therapist, I see firsthand the importance of building trust and securing a nonjudgmental attitude to my children. My disability doesn't matter much when I am playing dress up or singing nursery rhymes with my sidekicks. What does matter is that I am nurturing a relationship that sustains itself on love and trust. Whether in my personal or professional life there are lots of venues in which I have met people, many diverse and different people that have touched my lives. In trusting relationships, your legs, looks, mistakes don't matter ... what does matter is the connection and feeling you have when you're with another person.

Read Heather's Post

EasyStand standing frames are now loaded on www.lmnbuilder.com, a free tool that helps clinicians write successful Letters of Medical Necessity for standing frames and other complex rehab technology. Sample justifications for all standers and accessories including the Bantam, Evolv, Glider, and StrapStand are on LMNBuilder.com. As a result of this partnership, a custom tool was made to accommodate for important elements of the standing frame LMN that should not be left out: standers considered, standers trialed, and home standing program. Be sure to share this useful tool with your colleagues. Download LMN Builder Brochure.

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