speaking gigs

I plan on doing some speaking gigs here in the next month or so.

Some thoughts...

I've been learning about the lack of freedom too many with physical disabilities face. It seems here in the USA, if you are on Social Security Disability, there is no way to transition to working and independence.It is either "on" or "off." I'm still on a learning curve about off of this so maybe I'm just not aware of how it is done. I can think of no reason with someone with a working mind cannot work, especially given today's technology. One theme I plan to hit on as much as possible is education. I cannot do heavy physical labor, I therefore have to use my brain. This is not rocket science. I also have to know opportunity exists. If at a young age, government disability is my only given option, how can I do any better? I'm all for government assistance for those who cannot work. It is our duty to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves.    

Bullying is another area I'd like to address. Nobody should dread going to school or work because they fear being picked on physically or verbally. We don't have to like everybody. But at least "do no harm." Unlike many, I also see the bully as suffering in some way. Remember condemn the behavior, not the person. It also may do well to take a hard look at the culture where the bullying is taking place. This may make some uncomfortable. How can we grow otherwise?

One thing I'd like do different is abandon the whole idea of the handicapped person as an over-comer / hero. People are people. We ALL have tough life situations to deal with and muddle through as best we can. We may look and often do thing differently, but we are not different from our more able-bodied brothers and sisters. Sure, there are those who simply cannot work and need a high level of care. Yet, they must be given every opportunity to be fully engaged citizens. Discrimination still exists. It is always based on fear and ignorance of the "other." No I don't mean to say a bunch of wheelchair bound thugs are gonna break in your house and take your stuff or mug you in the park. Fear of handicapped is different. What if I do or say something wrong? On a deeper level, am I looking at my future self? When I was a little kid, a neighbor used to as my parents how their little retarded boy was doing. This infuriated dad. The guy was prominent in local media and should have known better.

Just a little on what I'm getting into.