“The reality is that I, you, and everyone else on the spectrum need to help the world understand that having challenges – even extreme ones – does not mean a person does not have abilities and contributions to make to the world.  Ability isn’t a binary thing.  Unfortunately, many people who have limited experience with disabilities tend to act like it is, so when challenges are emphasized, lack of ability is assumed.” – Lynne Soraya

It’s 1  : 10  PM on day 1024 of my journey towards independence and I’ve managed to  publish my Disability of the Day feature, pray, sleep – I stayed up past midnight reading – stretch my hamstrings,  brush my teeth, take off my dirty t-shirt and turtleneck and put a clean t-shirt and hoodie on, feed myself  All Bran Flakes for breakfast,  read Joshua 7,  tweet and Facebook about my campaign  – no luck today but my friend and speaker Ramon Thomas who gives talks to parents about online safety donated $33 yesterday (thanks Ramon you’re awesome) now I only need $450 more in 104 days to reach my goal – spend time outside playing catch with my brother (he threw and I caught) – I caught the ball three times I’m so proud of myself  (having Cerebral Palsy makes things like catching really difficult for me) – and practice typing with both hands.

Yesterday reading Teen with cerebral palsy sails the Channel solo – an article about Natasha Lambert, who was born with atheroid cerebral palsy, which affects her limbs as well as her speech, conquering the English Channel in a small sailing boat – I felt a twinge of pride people like her prove that although people with “disabilities” have a lot of challenges they have a lot of abilities. Watch Natasha reaching her destination below: