Dating is difficult for everyone at one time or the other. Disability or not, finding a date, asking for a date, and actually going out on a date is stressful. What do you do when you have a disability and want to date? Should you just forget about it and move on single for the rest of your life? No! You get yourself together, create a goal and follow your dreams no matter what people say or self doubt in your mind. I would be lying to you if I said dating is easy when you have a disability. It’s…
Author: Jessica Grono
Jessica Grono
Jessica Grono is a special education teacher, public speaker and writer. She is former Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania. She plays goalie for Philadelphia Flyers PowerPlay! Jessica is happily married with two children. She has cerebral palsy.
School is beginning after a nice relaxing summer break. I hope that you had fun with your children, and they are prepared to go back to school. As you sit down to discuss manners, school etiquette and homework policies, please add to your conversations disability awareness and about being open to friendships with children who have disabilities. I am asking you to do this as a special education teacher and as someone who has cerebral palsy. Parents often prepare their child on how to handle strangers, using their manners, what to do if being bullied and how to be a…
March is a very important and exciting month for cerebral palsy. March is cerebral palsy awareness month, and during March, we can educate, volunteer, and get to know people with the disability. Green is the color for cerebral palsy awareness so you should wear green for more than St. Patrick’s Day. First of all, what is cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy is a condition that will affect otherwise healthy movements of someone’s limbs overall body. With cerebral palsy, moving can appear to be stiff, jagged, or very active and sporadic. Movements in the right direction or the way the person…
Did you know that March 25 is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day? National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day originated in 2013 due to a government resolution < https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/sres89> to celebrate. The nation has come a very long way in accepting cerebral palsy and understanding cerebral palsy, but there is still some work to do. In my lifetime, I have seen some major improvements in the treatment of people who have cerebral palsy, and that is an excellent thing to see. I compiled a list of 15 points to consider when you communicate or with someone with cerebral palsy. These are facts…
Laura is now in fifth grade! Where has the time gone? Have you ever wanted to go back in time to see the child at a certain age again? Snuggle them, cuddle and hold their tiny hands. I’m a firm believer of savoring moments, but even still I want to go back and do it again. Laura is an amazing girl who I thank my lucky stars for each day. She is smart, funny, and has the biggest heart in the world. Jason who is four isn’t always the nicest to Laura is so lucky to have Laura. No matter…
Like I say every year, I cannot believe how fast summer has gone by. Summer goes way too fast, in my opinion, and I’m a mom of two. Back to school time always has me reflect on my own school days. Having cerebral palsy and going through the school system is quite an experience. For some, the school experience can be very awesome but for others, it can be quite lonely. My personal experience was a combination of wonderful and loneliness. I can’t help but feel a bit envious when looking at all of the technology available now to students…
As the summer closes, our attention turns towards back to school. School bags, pencils, crayons and other school supplies are at the forefront of parents and students minds. However, when the student has a disability, there are many other aspects to think and be prepared. As a teacher with a student who has a disability, there are many suggestions that you can use to not only make you a successful teacher, but your student more comfortable and ready to learn. The first step on your to do list is to research the disability of the student. I’ve sat through…
Today is my birthday but more importantly, thousands of people are being affected horribly by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. My family is watching what is going on in the news and astonished by all of the rescues. Imagine having a disability on top of that. If you are thinking what can you do to help, I am thinking the same thing. All I can think of right now is to pray and donate to the Red Cross. They’re going to need all of the help they can get. Donate right here and it’ll go to Hurricane .Harvey victims. Red Cross hurricane…
Children aren’t very complicated as we make them to be. Parenting is difficult but love is what the child wants. Parents complicate matters. Children are learning constantly and their future is shaping right in front of parents. Parents believe that we need to over schedule with activities or over indulge children with toys. Or, sometimes parents just give the kids technology and hope they’re quiet. But really children only require the basics of attention and they can grow up happy. Here are ten things that are really super fun for them. Talk to them. No need to lecture, yell or…
Have you ever had a day when you forget that you have cerebral palsy? You simply wake up, do your normal routine and don’t even think about your disability at all. Then, when you least expect it, society reminds you of how different people in society can really view you. I find myself in that situation more often than I care to admit. I’m discovering that moments like these can be painful but also reminds us that disability education and awareness are still very much needed. I wake up and get ready to enjoy a leisurely weekend day at the…