Copingwithdisability.com

Getting Around A System That Doesn’t Work - by Karen Lynn

This is an article written by Karen Lynn from http://www.whispersofhope.org

This article was originally posted at http://www.whispersofhope.org/blog/uncategorized/getting-around-a-system-that-doesnt-work

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Dear Readers, how awful is this! I got to thinking today how "every" aspect of a disabled or special needs person’s life is scrutinized by "Helpful Experts" who assume God like powers over our goals, our dreams, our thoughts, our abilities, including our wishes to have a livelihood of our own. How dear they step in front of us and block the way of our natural flow. Everything from a career choice, to how we put on our shoes and socks. Better yet, how we even go to the bathroom, is subject to morbid interest and thorough examination. It is critical, meticulous and malicious. Yet, they seem to pull it off.

Our genuine desires as human beings, to led happy, productive lives is intentionally disregarded as they fail to consider our expression of success and happiness. We are never really taken into real consideration. Even if we have some kind of challenge, as a disabled person, our desires to attain our goals or degrees, aught to be recognized and respected. Even if it is just going into work. It would be a joy to have a say so in our destination which society pays no attention or heed to.

This infuriates me to no end, as time, and time, and time again, I have strived, and attempted, and fought for every ounce and every bloody achievement that I have made today. These years of fighting with a system that does not see us as worthy to listen to, have indeed left their scars.

If only our struggles were given the same importance as other suppressed people, it would make life a whole lot easier. Instead, precious years have been frittered and thrown away, down right wasted, trying to get around artificial barrier’s of the worst kind. My dear friends, this struggle is often hidden from people who do not experience it directly, but is no less real.

If I can bring this idea into your heart’s and minds then my life long work and struggle has been worth the while.

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Karen Lynn’s Biography
Karen Lynn is a native Californian. She was born perfectly normal, and paralyzed at 5 months old due to a DPT shot. This shot put her in a coma, leaving her severely disabled, however, miraculously, she made an almost complete recovery. This shot, left her with; left-side hemiplegia, and dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy. Despite all odds, Karen went forth to triumph. She prevailed with her self-determined attitude. Karen made tremendous progress, and has left a mark on this world.
Karen not only learned to dance, but she soared. She was the first physically challenged person to search out, take on the system, and win the first Civil Rights Case in California. She gained an Associate of Arts degree in English, and she won second prize in the Kaleidoscope Literary Art Magazine international prose fiction art awards of 1983. Moreover, in 2006, this story, The Broken Hoof, was published by Publish America. She became a dance teacher in 1976, and has been mentoring special needs individuals since then. Karen has been on an un-ending journey to help others with disabilities. She has sat on the Executive Board of Protection and Advocacy Inc, and also the Clients Services Committee at Harbor Regional Center in Torrance, CA. Karen not only has her own website at:www.whispersofhope.org, but is a motivational speaker. She is a very caring, person, and is passionate about the work she does to help others.
buy Karen Lynn’s book at: barnesandnoble.com - The Broken Hoof
and
visit her site at: http://www.whispersofhope.org

What we go though as Disabled People - by Karen Lynn

This is an article written by Karen Lynn from http://www.whispersofhope.org

This article was originally posted at http://www.whispersofhope.org/blog/uncategorized/what-we-go-though-...

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The hardest part about having a disability is that no one really take us seriously. It is like pulling teeth to be heard as we wish to be heard, and taken into consideration and regarded like the rest of the world. Too many times, we as "disabled individuals" are payed no attention too, ignored, over-looked, and "be programmed" to being nice little individuals, which turn into Convenient robots. This being, because they fear we will loose control and embarrass them. Thus, we who have Cerebral Palsy, a learning disability of Dyslexia, and or any other type of disability are; tossed a bone to keep us pacified, and are patronized, and are regarded as a problem, rather than a asset to our world and our community.

We too often are looked down upon rather than regarded as someone with importance, worth, or value and worthy of attention. We are plighted beyond words because it is easier to ignore our abilities to focus on details. Time and time again I have been aware of others viewing me as a helpless, victim, and not the intelligent, confident person, that I am. We find acceptance from the public and professionals when we are cute little children, and are not a threat to society. But we grow up, have a mind of our own, and desires to fill, that acceptance immediately fades away into nothingness!

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Karen Lynn’s Biography
Karen Lynn is a native Californian. She was born perfectly normal, and paralyzed at 5 months old due to a DPT shot. This shot put her in a coma, leaving her severely disabled, however, miraculously, she made an almost complete recovery. This shot, left her with; left-side hemiplegia, and dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy. Despite all odds, Karen went forth to triumph. She prevailed with her self-determined attitude. Karen made tremendous progress, and has left a mark on this world.
Karen not only learned to dance, but she soared. She was the first physically challenged person to search out, take on the system, and win the first Civil Rights Case in California. She gained an Associate of Arts degree in English, and she won second prize in the Kaleidoscope Literary Art Magazine international prose fiction art awards of 1983. Moreover, in 2006, this story, The Broken Hoof, was published by Publish America. She became a dance teacher in 1976, and has been mentoring special needs individuals since then. Karen has been on an un-ending journey to help others with disabilities. She has sat on the Executive Board of Protection and Advocacy Inc, and also the Clients Services Committee at Harbor Regional Center in Torrance, CA. Karen not only has her own website at:www.whispersofhope.org, but is a motivational speaker. She is a very caring, person, and is passionate about the work she does to help others.
buy Karen Lynn’s book at: barnesandnoble.com - The Broken Hoof
and
visit her site at: http://www.whispersofhope.org

Determined - by Karen Lynn

This is an article written by Karen Lynn from http://www.whispersofhope.org

This article was originally posted at http://www.whispersofhope.org/blog/uncategorized/determined

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I will make this happen for myself too- just like everything else in my life- I am as determined as determined can be to move forward with anticipation and recognition with my public speaking career. And even though I have shared and spoken before, many a times, and filled many a rooms with encouragement, hope and empowerment I will keep on keeping on till that someone sees and recognizes my potential and what I have to give to the world.

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Karen Lynn’s Biography
Karen Lynn is a native Californian. She was born perfectly normal, and paralyzed at 5 months old due to a DPT shot. This shot put her in a coma, leaving her severely disabled, however, miraculously, she made an almost complete recovery. This shot, left her with; left-side hemiplegia, and dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy. Despite all odds, Karen went forth to triumph. She prevailed with her self-determined attitude. Karen made tremendous progress, and has left a mark on this world.
Karen not only learned to dance, but she soared. She was the first physically challenged person to search out, take on the system, and win the first Civil Rights Case in California. She gained an Associate of Arts degree in English, and she won second prize in the Kaleidoscope Literary Art Magazine international prose fiction art awards of 1983. Moreover, in 2006, this story, The Broken Hoof, was published by Publish America. She became a dance teacher in 1976, and has been mentoring special needs individuals since then. Karen has been on an un-ending journey to help others with disabilities. She has sat on the Executive Board of Protection and Advocacy Inc, and also the Clients Services Committee at Harbor Regional Center in Torrance, CA. Karen not only has her own website at:www.whispersofhope.org, but is a motivational speaker. She is a very caring, person, and is passionate about the work she does to help others.
buy Karen Lynn’s book at: barnesandnoble.com - The Broken Hoof
and
visit her site at: http://www.whispersofhope.org

Learn - by Karen Lynn

This is an article written by Karen Lynn from http://www.whispersofhope.org

This article was originally posted at http://www.whispersofhope.org/blog/uncategorized/learn

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Recently, Over and over again in the news and media, I keep hearing and reading about how they treat "Us" individuals with learning disabilities. After all these years, I still see how they tend to degrade people with LD, and disregard our needs and desires as human beings. They treat us with little or no respect, still. Even after all these years they segregate and label us for there OWN convinces! This outrages me! What can we do as a team? What can we do as individuals with LD to put a stop to this? What can we do to make our voices heard and to effect a change in this world and society?

I have been told…in strength there is numbers. How can we, ourselves, begin a movement towards bettering life and the world around us! Tell me?

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Karen Lynn’s Biography
Karen Lynn is a native Californian. She was born perfectly normal, and paralyzed at 5 months old due to a DPT shot. This shot put her in a coma, leaving her severely disabled, however, miraculously, she made an almost complete recovery. This shot, left her with; left-side hemiplegia, and dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy. Despite all odds, Karen went forth to triumph. She prevailed with her self-determined attitude. Karen made tremendous progress, and has left a mark on this world.

Karen not only learned to dance, but she soared. She was the first physically challenged person to search out, take on the system, and win the first Civil Rights Case in California. She gained an Associate of Arts degree in English, and she won second prize in the Kaleidoscope Literary Art Magazine international prose fiction art awards of 1983. Moreover, in 2006, this story, The Broken Hoof, was published by Publish America. She became a dance teacher in 1976, and has been mentoring special needs individuals since then. Karen has been on an un-ending journey to help others with disabilities. She has sat on the Executive Board of Protection and Advocacy Inc, and also the Clients Services Committee at Harbor Regional Center in Torrance, CA. Karen not only has her own website at:www.whispersofhope.org, but is a motivational speaker. She is a very caring, person, and is passionate about the work she does to help others.

buy Karen Lynn’s book at: barnesandnoble.com - The Broken Hoof

and

visit her site at: http://www.whispersofhope.org

Today's Journey - by Karen Lynn

This is an article written by Karen Lynn from http://www.whispersofhope.org

This article was originally posted at http://www.whispersofhope.org/blog/uncategorized/todays-journey

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Wednesday, September 5th, 2007

It is now 5 p.m. and I just came home from the doctors with my husband. I also see that it has been 5 days since I last wrote anything on my blog. Oh my… but to be honest, It was all I could do to stay focused and together the last three days. I have had an emotionally trying and draining week, trying to keep it together emotionally. I had my moments, had a good cry, of which I believe brings a good release to the heart of pent up feelings and emotions. It does a heart really good:>) Along with writing your feelings out and tearing them up, burning them and releasing them.

It helps to move through a situation at hand, however, sometimes if you can’t, if one is willing, like I have been all my life, it may take years, and years, and years in a particular area in order to have a break through or healing. Sometimes I think my issue will never end, or that I won’t be healed! It is a wound that keeps coming back time and time again. No matter how deep I dig to release this from my being, it’s still there! It haunts me like a ghost! And then, suddenly, I am lead to someone eles or lead towards a whole new direction and action in my life to take. All I find I need to have is an open mind:>))))))))))) and a willingness that never quits!!!!!

One of the on-going challenges I’ve been experiencing has physically gone on for the last 35 years. I don’t like to talk about this much, because I’ve worked on it for so long-. I am hear to tell you that I am still alive and ticking and getting to the root cause. I have learned to cope and accept my allergies to all the different food I have. I will continue on, because I must! I will seek more, and research more, and reach out to those Doctors who I think might be able to help further! You see, in the last 5 years my body has been reacting violently to foods and not getting the nutrient to what I eat.

I have been working with the best Naturopathic Doctor’s around. And Monday, I will be going to see a new Homeopathic Doctor. These challenges have been far more heart wrenching than my Cerebral Palsy and Learning Disability. When I begin to think about this for a minute, it is very painful, it is more painful, and up there emotionally with fighting for my life and my education with my Civil Rights Case , or trying to prove to the world that I am a capable person in doing anything I put my mind towards doing!

But I will survive and get through this just like everything else! I will! I really will!

Now that I have spilled my guts…I will close; as I must prepare my dinner.


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Karen Lynn’s Biography

Karen Lynn is a native Californian. She was born perfectly normal, and paralyzed at 5 months old due to a DPT shot. This shot put her in a coma, leaving her severely disabled, however, miraculously, she made an almost complete recovery. This shot, left her with; left-side hemiplegia, and dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy. Despite all odds, Karen went forth to triumph. She prevailed with her self-determined attitude. Karen made tremendous progress, and has left a mark on this world.

Karen not only learned to dance, but she soared. She was the first physically challenged person to search out, take on the system, and win the first Civil Rights Case in California. She gained an Associate of Arts degree in English, and she won second prize in the Kaleidoscope Literary Art Magazine international prose fiction art awards of 1983. Moreover, in 2006, this story, The Broken Hoof, was published by Publish America. She became a dance teacher in 1976, and has been mentoring special needs individuals since then. Karen has been on an un-ending journey to help others with disabilities. She has sat on the Executive Board of Protection and Advocacy Inc, and also the Clients Services Committee at Harbor Regional Center in Torrance, CA. Karen not only has her own website at:www.whispersofhope.org, but is a motivational speaker. She is a very caring, person, and is passionate about the work she does to help others.

buy Karen Lynn’s book at: barnesandnoble.com - The Broken Hoof

and

visit her site at: http://www.whispersofhope.org

My Personal Battle! - by Karen Lynn

This is an article written by Karen Lynn from http://www.whispersofhope.org

This article was originally posted at http://www.whispersofhope.org/blog/uncategorized/my-personal-battle

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Friday, August 10th, 2007

This morning I received the nicest complement a person could get! It was from a new friend I just met on line. A very sweet soul who came into my life with angel wings! She not only is giving me her support, but has put one of my writings up on her blog. How sweet is that- and oh how I appreciate her love, devotion, and kindness!

The truth is, that ever since I can remember, I have been passionate about getting "my life," Together, whatever that is:>)))) lol, and giving more that 150 percent to it, in everything I do. I don’t know any other way. Weather its dealing with a physical therapy issue, a learning issue, an inclusion issue, an employment issue, what ever the issue was, I have always, always walked the line! No matter what I have had to deal with, I have always spoken the truth, and given everyone my all weather they could except it or not. I payed the consequences too!

More times than not, the people I confronted, could not handle the truth. Yet I was canned in the way they decided. Most people could not, and did not know how to cope with the issue or situation at hand or with me personally! They liked to tastefully turn the tables, put me on the defensive, and make me out to be the bad guy! And I, I only want to see good for the world, I only want peace and harmony for others, and I only want to share with the world- if I could do it, so could you!
I don’t want favors, and charity! I don’t want to be treated any differently just because I have a physical disability or a learning disability. I may need some help. And I will ask, if I do! As there is absolutely nothing wrong in asking for those accommodations and in turn, receiving them, fulfilled. And giving it your all! There is nothing wrong in having the same desires as others! We are all human! Aren’t we? Why then should we be looked at any differently?

I do not think society ever dealt with a human being just like me before! A free spirit, a rebel with a cause, a person who has hope, dreams and desires, and whats to help others not have to go through what I had to go through! And to see those dreams accomplished. I am a person who is willing to go the extra mile, who is willing to take on the system, to not only see equality for herself, but equity for others! I want to see and bare witness to fairness. I want to bare witness to justice being made for my kind. It doesn’t matter to me what your disability is- lets learn to help each other and work in unison. "One for all,… and… all for one" This way all of us can have an opportunity and chance to have our wants, need, and dreams met.

We are not animals to be lock in cages. We are not extra ammunition or surplus to be shot rounds at. And, we are not criminals! We are human beings desiring the same things in life that"NORMAL" people have a chance at daily. So why can’t we! We do not deserve this kind of treatment. We are people who want to succeed in our lives- We want to see our hard deserved action recognized- We want our words to be taken seriously, and we to want to be praised and validated- we want other to recognize our achievement without being locked out of the mainstream of life! We want our lives to have meaning too!

We don’t want to just sit at home day in or day out, and stare at the four walls because we were blocked, conveniently, from earning a living, or getting a degree that we could have gotten if those professionals who call themselves professionals did not stand in our way, or label us, or made a unsound ruling and judgment just because we are shrouded with an imperfect body, or mind… this does not give anybody the right to look down upon us, or judge us.


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Karen Lynn’s Biography

Karen Lynn is a native Californian. She was born perfectly normal, and paralyzed at 5 months old due to a DPT shot. This shot put her in a coma, leaving her severely disabled, however, miraculously, she made an almost complete recovery. This shot, left her with; left-side hemiplegia, and dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy. Despite all odds, Karen went forth to triumph. She prevailed with her self-determined attitude. Karen made tremendous progress, and has left a mark on this world.

Karen not only learned to dance, but she soared. She was the first physically challenged person to search out, take on the system, and win the first Civil Rights Case in California. She gained an Associate of Arts degree in English, and she won second prize in the Kaleidoscope Literary Art Magazine international prose fiction art awards of 1983. Moreover, in 2006, this story, The Broken Hoof, was published by Publish America. She became a dance teacher in 1976, and has been mentoring special needs individuals since then. Karen has been on an un-ending journey to help others with disabilities. She has sat on the Executive Board of Protection and Advocacy Inc, and also the Clients Services Committee at Harbor Regional Center in Torrance, CA. Karen not only has her own website at:www.whispersofhope.org, but is a motivational speaker. She is a very caring, person, and is passionate about the work she does to help others.

buy Karen Lynn’s book at: barnesandnoble.com - The Broken Hoof

and

visit her site at: http://www.whispersofhope.org

The Fight For What’s Right - by Karen Lynn

This is an article written by Karen Lynn from http://www.whispersofhope.org

This article was originally posted at http://www.whispersofhope.org/blog/2007/08

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Thursday, August 9th, 2007

To often in my life, I have not been taken seriously. I have been looked down upon, and conveniently tossed aside because I was passionate about what I felt, and believed in, and how I wanted to expand my life. Down deep within me, I wanted to be accepted in this world and participate in life just like everyone else- I wanted my thoughts and feeling to matter, and I wanted to be considered just like everyone else.

But I was belittled, made fun of, and ostracized, I have walked the line, gone the distance, and climbed hurtles that most might think are the unthinkable! I have stayed as positive and as strong as I could to survive and thrive amongst the rest! Some how, some way I had to and still have to make a difference in my life, to be the best person I can be, and give back to life and all man kind what I have learned…

If I have to fight the rest of my life to succeed, I will- because there is no stopping, me!


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Karen Lynn’s Biography

Karen Lynn is a native Californian. She was born perfectly normal, and paralyzed at 5 months old due to a DPT shot. This shot put her in a coma, leaving her severely disabled, however, miraculously, she made an almost complete recovery. This shot, left her with; left-side hemiplegia, and dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy. Despite all odds, Karen went forth to triumph. She prevailed with her self-determined attitude. Karen made tremendous progress, and has left a mark on this world.

Karen not only learned to dance, but she soared. She was the first physically challenged person to search out, take on the system, and win the first Civil Rights Case in California. She gained an Associate of Arts degree in English, and she won second prize in the Kaleidoscope Literary Art Magazine international prose fiction art awards of 1983. Moreover, in 2006, this story, The Broken Hoof, was published by Publish America. She became a dance teacher in 1976, and has been mentoring special needs individuals since then. Karen has been on an un-ending journey to help others with disabilities. She has sat on the Executive Board of Protection and Advocacy Inc, and also the Clients Services Committee at Harbor Regional Center in Torrance, CA. Karen not only has her own website at:www.whispersofhope.org, but is a motivational speaker. She is a very caring, person, and is passionate about the work she does to help others.

buy Karen Lynn’s book at: barnesandnoble.com - The Broken Hoof

and

visit her site at: http://www.whispersofhope.org

What Does it Feel Like? - by Karen Lynn

This is an article written by Karen Lynn from http://www.whispersofhope.org

 

This article was originally posted at http://www.whispersofhope.org/blog/uncategorized/what-does-it-feel-like

 

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After Living a life with a physical disability of Cerebral Palsy, and a learning disability, dyslexia I realize many things. First I realize how I have gone the extra mile in everything I have done and accomplished in my life. Secondly, I’ve learned about being labeled, fighting the system, and coming out a winner with more self-worth, self confidence, and dignity to keep on keeping on-

I have had people show me their BIOS and prejudice attitudes, and I have reasoned and maneuvered around, about, and above all the insensitivity’s of human nature. I did not let people, places or things put there mark or classification on me! I left them with a mark! I left them with the teaching and knowledge: that I am like everyone else in this world. I may have C.P. and a slight inconvenience, but I am just like you! I have also instructed and imparted, by my deeds and words to be treated with dignity and respect. I have taught and educated by the path that I have taken. I have not only been assertive, but through my own tolerance, love, sincerity, kindness, and determination to light up and wake up this world. Through my actions, I have climbed the highest mountain. And I will continue to climb! I will not sit back and lethargically let people step over me any time they wish. I will teach by being me, compassion for all!

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Karen Lynn’s Biography

Karen Lynn is a native Californian. She was born perfectly normal, and paralyzed at 5 months old due to a DPT shot. This shot put her in a coma, leaving her severely disabled, however, miraculously, she made an almost complete recovery. This shot, left her with; left-side hemiplegia, and dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy. Despite all odds, Karen went forth to triumph. She prevailed with her self-determined attitude. Karen made tremendous progress, and has left a mark on this world.

Karen not only learned to dance, but she soared. She was the first physically challenged person to search out, take on the system, and win the first Civil Rights Case in California. She gained an Associate of Arts degree in English, and she won second prize in the Kaleidoscope Literary Art Magazine international prose fiction art awards of 1983. Moreover, in 2006, this story, The Broken Hoof, was published by Publish America. She became a dance teacher in 1976, and has been mentoring special needs individuals since then. Karen has been on an un-ending journey to help others with disabilities. She has sat on the Executive Board of Protection and Advocacy Inc, and also the Clients Services Committee at Harbor Regional Center in Torrance, CA. Karen not only has her own website at:www.whispersofhope.org, but is a motivational speaker. She is a very caring, person, and is passionate about the work she does to help others.

buy Karen Lynn’s book at: barnesandnoble.com - The Broken Hoof

and

visit her site at: http://www.whispersofhope.org

Self Made Destiny - by Karen Lynn

This is an article written by Karen Lynn from http://www.whispersofhope.org This article

was originally posted at http://www.whispersofhope.org/blog/published-articles/self-made-destiny

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By Karen Lynn

May 2007

Their were fifteen people that evening, assembled all in a circle, arm lengths apart. I walked into the room, and sat down and took my place amongst them. “Good Evening everybody.” “For those new in our class, my name is Karen Lynn. I am your adaptive aerobic teacher.” “Let start the evening exercises with our warm up.” I reached down and turned on my tape player with the prerecorded music. This was not easy for a person with left side hemiplegic, Cerebral Palsy. And the use of only one hand.

But thank God, for my dance teacher’s guidance and my mother’s insight. As the smooth jazz floated through the room, one of my students spontaneously asked me where my interest in dance came from. With my next exercise I began to tell her, “Dance became my life during the first meeting with Al Gilbert, my dance instructor. I was only 3 and a half years old when my mother decided to use tap dance lessons as a tool to build and strengthen my little twisted body.” As I kept teaching, I couldn’t help remembering that I was only 5 months old when I was stricken and knocked into a coma. The experts, wrong as usual, declared I only had a thirty percent chance of survival. Assuming I did survive, I was going to be deaf, dumb, and blind.

I looked up at my students, smiling broadly. “I fooled them all, as you can see, so will you?” And, as I took my next breath, for my next exercise, I noticed another student struggling to say something. “Ms. Karen, I don’t think I can do this exercise. The young student seriously said. “Where did you find the strength, and courage, to carry on in your life?” “I got it through my own life’s experience. If I can do it, so can you, for sure! Something inside of me kept driving me on. I have always, been propelled to carry on with my life in a manor of which most disabled people don’t. I have always been highly motivated to be the best person I could be. When people told me I “could not” or “would not” be able to accomplish going to college, learning English, with a learning disability, or becoming a dance teacher, it only motivated me to push myself even harder to become.”

My student smiled as her arm shot forward in a half circle to the beat of the music. Exercise after exercise the aerobic class moved forward. By the end of the hour I saw a tired but satisfied, group of students. I walked to my car and went home to prepare for my lecture in the morning. I was going to address Sean Dineen’s Civil History’s class. “Ms Karen, what was the hardest part of getting your education? An eager student asked in the second row? “I got tired and angry of being passed from one class to another never learning a thing from my primary and secondary instructors. I was eighteen years old and still could not compose a letter on my own. I worked in the community and didn’t get anywhere. I was tired of not being treated with dignity or respect.”

The students question’s brought back a lot to mind. The pride I felt the day I had my first recital, the burning anger at the “helpful counselor” who insisted for a second and third time that I was mentally retarded, and the joy on my mother face as she saw me get the degree that even she thought was impossible. “So I fought and won the first Civil Rights Case, in the state of California, in 1979. Like your professor, I don’t give up easily.” I laughed inwardly. So many battles, in so many place, it seemed to go on like a vengeance, but I rose above it all, like a warrior.

Professor Dineen then moved to my side, “I haven’t told you the funny part of the story my dear friends, sixteen years after not being able to write a letter, Karen here wrote something else. She was the prize winner of the Kaleidoscope Literary fiction Art Award contest of 1983. She also became a published author of “the Broken Hoof., in 2006.” A story dear to my heart-” For one person to achieve all these triumph seam very hard to believe or ignore. But it was all true.

As we walked out of the classroom, Professor Dineen remarked, “You know Karen, you laid the foundation for everyone else. “I know, Sean, I agreed. That’s why I wanted to teach, I needed to prove to myself that I didn’t have to settle for crumbs that people threw my way. But even so, I’ve had to freelance and accept my destiny in a world that neither recognizes me, nor the price I’ve had to pay. And, I was not able to attain the higher dance degree that I desired.” Then Professor Dineen gave a wiry look. “What do I always say, Karen, the average person would not last a second in our situation. You really did well, my friend.”

We walked out side of the building, into the fall air. With another breath Sean said. “They were really paying attention to you. You captured an interest in then that not even I have been able to maintain.” That made me feel really good inside. “Should I mention that when my article gets written tomorrow, I asked? I’m sure the folks at VSA will want to talk about that!” I declared.

VSA was a disability writing group where I came to read an excerpt of my work to my peers. After reading, I mentioned that I had been taped, back in 1985, while taking a class to show and mention to the world, my successes, and also to show how much I appreciated my mentor and teacher taking the time with me, all those years ago.

The VSA members had been burnt by the same fire I had, and could relate. But came out of it and survived, each in their own way, to make a mark in this world. They were bringing awareness to the world by living life on there own terms, and I was happy to see that I wasn’t alone.

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Karen Lynn’s Biography

Karen Lynn is a native Californian. She was born perfectly normal, and paralyzed at 5 months old due to a DPT shot. This shot put her in a coma, leaving her severely disabled, however, miraculously, she made an almost complete recovery. This shot, left her with; left-side hemiplegia, and dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy. Despite all odds, Karen went forth to triumph. She prevailed with her self-determined attitude. Karen made tremendous progress, and has left a mark on this world.

Karen not only learned to dance, but she soared. She was the first physically challenged person to search out, take on the system, and win the first Civil Rights Case in California. She gained an Associate of Arts degree in English, and she won second prize in the Kaleidoscope Literary Art Magazine international prose fiction art awards of 1983. Moreover, in 2006, this story, The Broken Hoof, was published by Publish America. She became a dance teacher in 1976, and has been mentoring special needs individuals since then. Karen has been on an un-ending journey to help others with disabilities. She has sat on the Executive Board of Protection and Advocacy Inc, and also the Clients Services Committee at Harbor Regional Center in Torrance, CA. Karen not only has her own website at:www.whispersofhope.org, but is a motivational speaker. She is a very caring, person, and is passionate about the work she does to help others.

buy Karen Lynn’s book at: barnesandnoble.com - The Broken Hoof

and

visit her site at: http://www.whispersofhope.org

If I Can You Can - by Karen Lynn

This is an article written by Karen Lynn from http://www.whispersofhope.org

This article was originally posted at http://www.whispersofhope.org/blog/published-articles/audacity-magazine-article

 

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By Karen Lynn

April, 07

Many, many years ago, when I was only 5 months old, I became paralyzed due to a DPT shot and a doctor who refused to listen to a wise woman, whom I called mama. Over night, I fell into a deep, deep sleep, and did not wake for 10 days. The doctors declared that I would be deaf, dumb and blind, but I fooled them all. That was 55 ½ years ago. Since then, I have continued to rewrite the scrip of every professional, person, and doctor who had the audacity and nerve to emphatically tell me that I could not reach my highest potential, or dream, and that I couldn’t become!

Well, that happened many times in my life’s unraveling journey. But I rose above it all-

Hi everyone. My name is Karen Lynn, and I have Cerebral Palsy and a learning disability called dyslexia. 18 months after being diagnosed, my mother found a dance teacher in Los Angeles. Dance lessons began and Al Gilbert not only took me under his wing, and gave me his unconditional love, but he taught me to dance. Soon, I was hopping, skipping, and jumping, like other young children my age. And at 11 years old, I was able to hang up my full length leg brace-never having to wear it again.

I am writing you this article not only to inspire you, but to tell you that you are not alone. Anything is possible if you work toward your dreams and believe in yourself. In my day, things were much different. Inclusion was not yet born, and mainstreaming was just around the bend. Because I was not learning like other children, my mother took matter into her own hands and spoke to the principal of the school. Soon thereafter, my school had the first instructor who understood my disability.

Sadly, after her departure, at age twelve, I spent the next 6 crucial years being passed from one class to another, never learning a thing. This pattern reasserts itself throughout my life, and yours. We are forever linking achievement with struggle and wasting precious energy getting around stereotypes and prejudice. That is where my basic thrust for knowledge first took shape, but I got tired of being defined by other people’s rules.

After several years of struggling with all the biases part of the work world, I decided I had to get a degree. There were no if’s, and’s, or but’s! I had no idea I would be making history. My “good friends” at the California State Department of Rehabilitation, demonstrated their usual amount of helpful support. This was the second time, in my life, where I was conveniently labeled mentally retarded because of an I.Q. test. Something within the depths o f my being was afire! The next thing I knew, I fought and won the first Civil Rights Case in 1979 under the Rehab. Act of 1973.

This took place 13 years before the American’s with Disability Act. And to be very honest with you, I am honored and so proud to have laid the foundation and foot work for what came later. As I am sure each and every one of you has done in your very own way. Five years after winning my lawsuit, I earned an Associate’s Arts Degree in Dance and English. That was in 1985, Two years prior to graduation, in 1983, I won second prize in the Kaleidoscope International Prose Fiction Art Awards, for my book in it infancy. Moreover, I became a fitness instructor, and have freelance since I was 26 years old. I have geared my entire life toward advocating and teaching the disabled community. I have given to others what was so freely given to me.

In addition, I have sat on the Executive Board of Protection and Advocacy Inc., as well as Harbor Regional’s, Client Services Committee, in the South Bay, of Southern California. I have participated in 5 different Disabilities Expos where I had my own booths and taught hour long demonstrations. I have also lectured, at universities, schools, and organizations, as well as participating and leading book reading events for VSA Arts, in New Jersey. To make these events possible, I have traveled throughout the United States to give of myself, and our common cause.

But, I must tell you, I am most proud of my recent publication of my book, The Broken Hoof. You can purchase this book at your local book store by special ordering it, or, you can purchase it on line at amazon.com., publishamerica.com, barnsandnoble.com, or bordersstores.com. I welcome you to visit my website at: www.whispersofhope.org and if you’d like to contact me, or arrange an exercise session, or public speaking engagement, please feel free to write or call. You will find all pertinent information on my website. I know that writing this article has been a joy and will help spread the message among all magazine readers in the community.

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Karen Lynn’s Biography

Karen Lynn is a native Californian. She was born perfectly normal, and paralyzed at 5 months old due to a DPT shot. This shot put her in a coma, leaving her severely disabled, however, miraculously, she made an almost complete recovery. This shot, left her with; left-side hemiplegia, and dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy. Despite all odds, Karen went forth to triumph. She prevailed with her self-determined attitude. Karen made tremendous progress, and has left a mark on this world.

Karen not only learned to dance, but she soared. She was the first physically challenged person to search out, take on the system, and win the first Civil Rights Case in California. She gained an Associate of Arts degree in English, and she won second prize in the Kaleidoscope Literary Art Magazine international prose fiction art awards of 1983. Moreover, in 2006, this story, The Broken Hoof, was published by Publish America. She became a dance teacher in 1976, and has been mentoring special needs individuals since then. Karen has been on an un-ending journey to help others with disabilities. She has sat on the Executive Board of Protection and Advocacy Inc, and also the Clients Services Committee at Harbor Regional Center in Torrance, CA. Karen not only has her own website at:www.whispersofhope.org, but is a motivational speaker. She is a very caring, person, and is passionate about the work she does to help others.

buy Karen Lynn’s book at: barnesandnoble.com - The Broken Hoof

and

visit her site at: http://www.whispersofhope.org