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 Personal Perspectives
The following is the first in a series of articles submitted to Disability Network from people with disabilities. We hope these personal stories will offer a unique insight into the day-to-day life of a person with a disability.
My "Disability" by Samuel McLennan
 I've struggled to live amongst the "norm" throughout my entire life. One reason is my questioning and unwillingness to deal with what I view as "silly, trivial collective drama." But the real reason has been with me since birth: I have Autism.
In the old days, many called us impaired, insane or idiot savants. Now there are new labels like "High Functioning" or Asperger's. But these are just labels and labels ignore the person. So the question remains: What is Autism and how does it affect the person?
In a general sense, Autism is a disorder that affects a person both mentally and socially. We tend to not socialize well, and we generally have trouble seeing and doing things that those without Autism would see as "normal." We also tend to be very organized, to the point where everything has to be in order, and by order I mean our own order; whatever order makes sense to us.
Again, this is only a general sense of what Autism is. Every trait of Autism is as unique as the individual. With regard to how Autism affects a person, I can only speak of my own past experiences; my own personal reflections as a person with Autism.
From birth, I had "autistic tendencies." Usually, when infants want or need something, they cry. I never cried, even when I needed something. Not crying turned into not talking until I was around seven. Until that time, I relied on bodily behaviors, such as flapping my arms, to communicate.
I did not eat foods with certain textures, like macaroni and cheese. Not even as a kid! When I needed something, I would hit the cupboard, or even my parents. Even when I didn't need anything, like if I was too full to eat while at a restaurant, I would throw a tantrum. To know what I was saying, my parents had to read my body language and they spent many hours learning psychology.
In school, I needed an aide at my side, not because I had trouble with anything, but because I wouldn't focus on the assignments. It was a tough childhood for sure, but it did eventually get better. However, I was still lacking socially, especially with regard to understanding slang and sarcasm.
Living a normal lifestyle was difficult, especially through puberty. I won't reveal much of my teenage years here, but I was troubled. Not depressed or addicted to drugs, but I was nihilistic and somewhat aggressive. However, everything I had interest in, everything I had a knack for, I actually did rather well and I had numerous awards, such as perfect attendance, honor roll and a music award.
So now I've graduated high school, I've earned my Associate's Degree, and I've even received a driver license. I'm attempting to do things independently, socially, academically and personally. I've come a long way these past years, and I thank many people for that; family, teachers and students. It was these last few years that I've really matured and seasoned. And now it's time to move forward again. Hopefully, I'll be able to find work and then I can write another chapter in my success story about overcoming my "disability."
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Editor's Note: If you are a person with a disability and you are interested in sharing your story, please feel free to email Matthew Ivan or call 989-835-4041.
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Amber received her Bachelor's degree in Family Studies from Central Michigan University, while also double minoring in Communication Disorders and Psychology. Amber spent several months as a paid intern at Disability Network, working in the skills development program. Amber is an avid swimmer and she has played water polo for many years. In her spare time, Amber enjoys bike rides with her dog "Battie," watching movies and creating Do-It-Yourself craft projects. 
Gail Carter worked previously at Guardianship Services of Saginaw County as a representative payee. Gail earned a Bachelor of Professional Accountancy degree from Saginaw Valley State University in 2010. Gail also has a Bachelors Degree from the University of Louisville. Gail has an extensive background in human resource management in a retail environment. She enjoys traveling to Louisville, as well as Virginia and New Mexico to visit her sisters. Gail spends her spare time renovating their 1927 home with her husband, Scott.
Central Michigan University is holding its third annual disability awareness fair at Finch Fieldhouse on Saturday, October 29th, from 10am - 2pm. 
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is pleased to issue a Request for Input (RFI) to solicit input from diverse stakeholders regarding its initiative to integrate Medicare and Medicaid for individuals who are eligible for both programs (dual eligibles). MDCH is
