Adversity Brings Strength

http://encouragement100.com/?p=420

I was thrilled reading this story of Peng Shulin. His life is a feat of endurance, a triumph of the human spirit in overcoming extreme adversity. Next time I want to complain about something trivial, I won't. I'll remember Peng Shulin instead.

Goodbye to Stereotypes

http://www.wltx.com/news/national/article/121995/2/Teacher-Born-With-Down-Syndrome-Breaks-Sterotypes

Nothing I like more than a happy, sappy story! With drive, love for what you do and a vision for the future, it is possible for dreams to come true. Just watch...

Heartwarming story of struggle and success

Undeniably, we all have challenges in our lives. It's part of being human. I appreciate stories like this, to reinforce to me that success comes with drive, committment and love and support from others.

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/12/31/2553241/his-field-of-dreams-helps-others.html##

For your viewing pleasure!

The Joint Committee on Children’s Issues is a group of legislators (currently 5 senators and 5 representatives, both democrat and republican ) who have the charge to discuss things related to children. Luckily, the chair of that committee is Johnson County’s own Senator Lynn and the co-chair is Johnson County’s Representative Kiegerl. I say “lucky” because both are not only concerned about children, but concerned about children with disabilities!

This committee has agreed to allow the DD community two days of hearings!
· Tuesday, Dec. 7th the committee will hear about autism
· Wednesday, Dec. 8th will be devoted to the DD waiting list
· The hearings are held at the capitol in Topeka
· 9:00 start time ending around 4:00
· Hearings will be held in room 546
· There will be a break between noon and 1:30
· There is underground parking which can be accessed from 8th St (the North side of the capitol)
· This committee won’t officially take action, but will formulate recommendations that go to leadership

This hearing is open to the public so feel free to attend (part or all). It will provide a great opportunity to listen, learn, support and advocate. It is really an awesome experience!

We have a list of families that will be providing testimony and representing all of us concerned about these two issues. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they share their stories.

JCDS gets "YouTubing"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_ASrJFwwmo&feature=player_embedded



Check out our attempt with modern media. We're a long way from the old VCR cassette tape aren't we? Life is grand....

There's No Place Like Home

http://www.nbcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_kansas/johnson_county/homes-renovated-and-made-more-accessible-for-residents

Many thanks to Channel 41 KSHB TV for filming this spot about the latest Friends of JCDS accessible home. As Dorothy says..."there's no place like home"!

Monday Morning Update

Your Monday Morning Update:

Are you afraid to pick up your phone in the evening due to the possibility of having to listen to one more robocall? Are you tired of answering the door to view a well-meaning neighbor standing on your porch, anxious to provide you with a flyer about the merits of their candidate? Are you weary of seeing television ads about the dreadful or swell things that political contenders have been up to?

Well, the days of having to put up with all of this is almost over because General Election Day is just around the corner! Even through all the confusion and mixed messages, I hope you listened, read, learned and studied, because your vote will help to determine who will represent you and advocate for individuals with disabilities during the coming years.

· Advanced voting in person starts Oct. 19 through Oct. 30th. Go to www.jocoelection.org to find the location nearest you.

· Advanced voting by mail is an easy option for many. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm Oct. 29th. Obtain an application at www.jocoelection.org/advapp.pdf.

· Vote in person at your assigned location on Nov. 2nd (election day). Voting hours are 7am – 7pm. To find your polling location, go to www.jocopolo.com and put your address in the box labeled “address lookup”. Your location magically appears! Now how easy is that?


Please take the opportunity to vote because your vote DOES make a difference!