Author: Jessica Grono

Cerebral palsy has had a major impact on my life as well as the people important to me. A negative outlook is easy to have when thinking about living with a disability. Often I can visualize myself without cerebral palsy, and it feels so real. But, I know I wouldn’t have all t(e terrific opportunities as I do now if I didn’t have cerebral palsy. Hockey is one of the reasons that I feel happy to have the life that I live. Now we are a part of the Philadelphia Flyers. Do not get me wrong, cerebral palsy is not…

In 2016, the Phoenixville YMCA held its very first All Ability Halloween or Accessible Halloween event! Accessible Halloween allows children with disabilities to go trick or treating without barriers. I helped organize the event from the first day. I had first learned of the idea when I played in the power chair hockey tournament in July 2016. I met a new friend, and she told me all about the successful event in Michigan.  I remember being young and couldn’t fully participate in Trick or Treating due to accessibility issues. My local YMCA was very happy to help with this event.…

Job searching is a normal action for most a dults because it’s good to make an income and being able productive in society. When you have a disability, especially cerebral palsy, finding an employer to hire you isn’t easy. Hiding a physical disability is nearly impossible, and a physical difference is the first attribute someone notices. How does someone with a disability find employment? When does a person with a disability tell the potential employer about their disability? Hopefully, this article will help you do your absolute best to try to get that employer to give you an opportunity. Do you…

The American with Disabilities Act had a birthday celebration during July. President George Bush Senior signed the brilliant act official on July 26, 1990. People with disabilities celebrated across the country because this American With Disabilities Act brings hope to people who have disabilities to have both freedom and equal opportunities. The ADA has done wonderful things and have opened many doors that have been closed for too long. However, we still have some work to do. For the most part, folks with disabilities are still not accepted in many employment situations. Often an employer will focus negatively on the wheelchair…

The word “limitation” means so much more to a person with a disability than to someone without a disability.  Try not to limit someone. For someone with cerebral palsy, the word limitation begins to be heard and often repeated as early as infancy. I remember hearing limitations from doctors, teachers, camp counselors, family and friends my whole life. However, I never set limitations on myself and didn’t accept what others felt I could or couldn’t do. When you have a disability, such as cerebral palsy, all the outside world seems to focus on is your limitations. To limit someone means…

Pre school age children are so much fun, and their little minds are going full blast. When a child has cerebral palsy, the fun doesn’t need to stop. In fact, they need the stimulation and experiences perhaps even a bit more than someone without cerebral palsy. Love, time and creativity always goes far with children. School is approaching. Being a parent to a child with cerebral palsy can leave you wanting ideas to help your son or daughter. I compiled a list to help give you some ideas to use with your child as soon as possible. My main bit…

Two years ago for Christmas, Jeff bought Jason a balance bike. Balance bikes are without pedals to teach your child how to balance. He didn’t quite get nto it at two years old. However, when Jason turned three and the weather became warmer, Jason caught on quickly. Now he’s a little pro on his balance bike. Jason and I have a little routine that we both look forward to especially before he went to pre k. After lunch, I take him on a bike ride around our neighborhood. It’s a good way to exercise, get fresh air and spend time together.…

October starts off fun fall holiday events and celebrations as we enter the end of the year. Having cerebral palsy doesn’t mean that a child or parent with cerebral palsy can’t participate in the fall Halloween celebrations. Modifications, research and planning ahead makes Halloween not only possible, but enjoyable for all family members. As a young girl, fall and Halloween seemed more challenging to me than fun. Finding a costume that stayed on me would be the first task. My involuntary movements from cerebral palsy made getting the costume on more difficult. Then the question would be where would I…

Have you checked out your wheelchair lately? July is the month to make the wheelchair beautiful to match your personality because July is National Wheelchair Beautification Month. Time to show off your style along with your unique taste. Illustrator and wheelchair-user, Horace Knowles, had the idea to Velcro a florist’s water tube to the top of his wheelchair to display flowers. His goal was to show his happiness and put a smile on the faces of others who saw him. Knowles hoped that other people that use wheelchairs would also use creativity in expression of their wheelchairs. Over the years…

My son, Jason, had his first day of pre kindergarten today. Ironically , he slept in until past 8 o’clock which never happens. I can’t believe we are at school age already. It seems like yesterday that I just found out I had Jason in my belly. The baby and toddler years flew by except the potty training stage, of course. I think with a second child time goes by faster than when you only have one. One baby gives you more time to cherish every detail and figure things out. With two children, you can get so busy with…