Wed get off subject, then back on track again. We should also respect when a disabled person reclaims slurs to turn them into something powerful. In 2000, I wanted to find a way. She told him she must wear the mafos for short distances and use the wheelchair for longer outings. I would not want to be any other way than who I am. by Adrienne Aiken I became a part of the Easterseals family in 1999. The camp staff is comprised of professionals and college students recruited from around the United States, as well as internationally. Easterseals Fairlee Vacations allows adults 18 and over with developmental and physical challenges to achieve greater independence through travel experiences. How do you think the friends youve made since you were blind are different than the friends you made when you could see? This question came from Emjoy Gavino, the actress whod be playing the lead. Easterseals Camp Fairlee Tour 6,426 views Aug 2, 2018 37 Dislike Share Save Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore 149 subscribers Welcome to Easterseals Camp Fairlee! While I understand the sensitivity and appreciate them wanting to be respectful to the community, it was sometimes frustrating to be called out for the words I used to describe myself as though I didnt have a right to it. I used my talking computer to email the stage manager and let him know I was interested. They were curious how we, as two blind people, share a space together and how certain tasks are handled. They were obsessed with books and video games. I cant translate our language for you (its very blindness specific), but I will tell you this much: one term we often use around here is blind-proofing the house. My passion for music was re-ignited! 5) As for shopping, Juan primarily orders groceries using Instacart and has them delivered to us. For this theme song, I used my knowledge of how it feels to be underestimated and patronized for being disabled. Almost ten years ago, I started a blog called The Geeky Gimp, where I shared tabletop and video game reviews, as well as TV and movie critiques, all under the lens of disability and accessibility. Easterseals141 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1400AChicago, IL 60604 | 800-221-6827 (toll-free)Easterseals and its affiliate organizationsare 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Sessions in 2022 vary in length from 6 to 15 days. We had dial-up internet, AOL, message boards, instant messaging, and e-newsletters. I went through depression, and I thought things were never going to get better. However, as time passed, she approached the point where she was outgrowing this gait trainer. In addition, a nurse is always on site at the new health center and a physician is on call 24/7. Oh, and Joan Baez. I answered right back with an enthusiastic, yes!, I didnt lose my sight until I was 26 years old, so Id seen Audrey Hepburn in the film version of Wait Until Dark on TV when I was a kid, and I had found the film absolutely terrifying: it centers on a cool-as-ice criminal who smooth talks his way into the home of Susy, an unsuspecting blind woman who has no idea she has valuables hidden in her apartment.. as though I didnt have a right to it. In my mind, I was a nondisabled person with nondisabled friends. Activities include swimming, climbing, pottery, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, nature, music and art. Disabled people are often forced to choose between having their basic healthcare needs met and being able to afford a home, entertainment, and socialization. This, along with the memoir I wrote, Shouting At Leaves, is helping to shape a new narrative around autism and disability, one person at a time. Did I have to take the long road? If you think this doesnt apply to you, remember that anyone can acquire a disability at any time. It means we are ostracized from communities and othered by society. Phone: 302-324-4444. From campfire sing-a-longs to boating, nature walks, swimming, and arts and crafts, accessible camps provide all the excitement and activities available at mainstream summer camps. Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore has eight locations. All facilities and programs are accessible. I have to scour Pinterest for ideas. Example: passers-by in my neighborhood often call out a friendly Hello, Beth! but unless they tell me who they are, I really have no idea who is greeting me. Your submission has been received! Erins work has been featured in The New York Times, USA Today, HuffPost, and other publications. I slowly acquired recording equipment, software, and knowledge. Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore61 Corporate CircleNew Castle, DE 19720 | (410)778-0566Easterseals and its affiliate organizationsare 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. And while that might be true for some aspects of my life, I have realized that, in my case, autism has provided me with more abilities in many areas. Jake is able to soar on a zip line, sing his heart out in "Fairlee's Got Talent" and savor new foods in a safe and nurturing environment. At minimum, my door and the bulletin board outside my office will be decorated. But whenever I heard music, my eyes would dance along to it, and my breathing would keep the beat. And, most importantly, they called themselves disabled, without shame. Location: 22242 Bay Shore Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620. Easterseals Camp Fairlee - Camp America Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore has eight locations. (You know hed make an appearance in my blog somewhere. ) I am forever grateful that my parents instilled in me that I could do and be whatever the heck I wanted, and continually fought for my rights and acceptance when I was too young or unaware to fight on my own. Easterseals Camp Fairlee | 22242 Bay Shore Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620 | Phone: (410) 778-0566 | Fax: (410) 778-0567 | Email: fairlee@esdel.org Autumn has in the past year and a half been hit with some life-changing health issues. Through Easterseals events, advocacy, and financial contributions, we can all make our communities more inclusive - learn how you can get involved. Fairlee Manor offers conference and meeting space available for rent. I am married to a man who can see, and I was newly blind when they were staging this show. And just because I was using. As a kid, I was diagnosed with challenges that go along with autism, such as sensory processing disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Stayed tuned for more updates! I didnt believe her at first, but she was right! While I really enjoyed getting the texts, I was missing the live interaction with Mung so we set up a video call with him, me and my daughter Autumn (school nurse and big fan of his). Ive learned much from my parents about advocacy simply by being their disabled daughter in a society that wants to sequester me from my community and their refusal to let that happen. It seemed to bring joy to those around me and things took off from there. 1 Camp Easterseals Camp Fairlee Special Needs Camp: Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Disabilities, Down Syndrome, Physical Disabilities Coed Overnight Camp - 6 to 80 years-old Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia Camp Tuition Range: $2,000.00 - $6,500.00 Camp Accreditation (s): ACA Accreditated Camp Location 22242 Bay Shore Road Erin runs the Disability Readathon with her friend Anna, which focuses on authentic disability representation in media. It brings me much joy to see he is doing well. 0. Some new additions in Camp, Fairlees modernization include: an activity center with a full-size gymnasium, and art studio, outdoor pavilion, health center, seven climate controlled cabins. I enjoy being out and about, so Ill go to the grocery store in person if its a smaller order. Camp Fairlee | Chestertown MD - Facebook With each diagnosis, I watched her pivot and adjust to a new normal. Through Easterseals events, advocacy, and financial contributions, we can all make our communities more inclusive - learn how you can get involved. PDF State Of Maryland 2023 Bond Initiative Fact Sheet As a veteran service-provider for children and adults with disabilities, Easterseals meets the need for accessible camping with 140 camping and recreation facilities across the country. Easterseals Vice President of Development, Manny Arencibia (L), thanks long-time supporter, Mark Engberg (R) for . Oops! Well done, Dorothy. Now, let me introduce you to my student, Kayla. In my blogs, I often write about Easterseals, the students and the miracles I see on a daily basis. We provided a colorful piece of stationary to families and they responded by sharing their love an appreciation on paper. Easterseals campers experience the joys and challenges of camp in a fully-accessible setting. While I understand the sensitivity and appreciate them wanting to be respectful to the community, it was sometimes frustrating to be called out for the words I used to describe myself as though I didnt have a right to it. Easterseals141 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1400A, Chicago, IL 60604 | 800-221-6827 (toll-free)Easterseals and its affiliate organizations are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. So instead, Ill make a list of what Ive learned so far about living with another blind person! When I was 25 years old, I was diagnosed with an eye disease called retinopathy. Camping and swimming are synonymous with summer! By Erin Hawley It wasnt until my early college years that I referred to myself as disabled. During the height of this work, I noticed how uncomfortable my online moniker would make nondisabled people. I am also proud to be a woman, but I dont say, I am a person who is a woman, so why do that with disability? (He is quite the talker) He leaned his head to the side, looked at us and exclaimed Im really popular at my school. My mom was a beast when it came to sticking up for me something I didnt fully realize until I had to stick up for myself. Im truly happy inside this isnt a faade They were in romantic relationships. So I tried my best to create a custom back support. Heck yeah! Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore | Home Easterseals Camp Fairlee Honors the Memory of Charles Rochester, Jr. Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore61 Corporate Circle, New Castle, DE 19720 | 302-324-4444Easterseals and its affiliate organizations are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. I feel like I *should* know by now, but I dont, and thats okay. CHESTERTOWN Easter Seals Camp Fairlee is celebrating 60 years of offering . I thought and thought about this, and finally something came to me: I could write about the time when a live theater in Chicago asked me to be a tech consultant for a play there. Also, participants are grouped with sessions for children from 6 21, and adults 21 +. I am married to a man who can see, and I was newly blind when they were staging this show. Making all them sad cats sit back and meow What a busy year its been! Easterseals Camp Fairlee Summer Camp Respite Fairlee Vacations A camp for people of all abilities! Easterseals Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore. If any of you have read my blogs in the past like here, here, here, here, and here, I periodically give updates on one of my favorite graduates of Easterseals. Im very specific in my craft, wordsmith. Visit About Us to learn more about Easterseals. But there were no reverse walkers available on the market that came with larger back supports like the one that Kayla needed. I copied them from my iPod onto this CD for you.. These challenges were very hard for me to deal with as a child. Each weekend has its own theme depending on the month and season of the year and activities are geared accordingly. Everyone is at a different place in acceptance and understanding of disability within themselves, and we should allow them to grow without shunning them. We all deserve freedom and choice. For the latest news, schedules and information about Camp Fairlee services sign up for our monthly enewsletter by emailing fairlee@esdel.organd noting your request in the subject line. Easterseals campers experience the joys and challenges of camp in a fully-accessible setting. Learn more here. When media about disability is so often negative and full of stereotypes, and society is only shown these negative portrayals which can embolden ableism, it is easy to see how someone who is disabled would internalize these and feel shame for who they are. For over 75 years, Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore has been leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. It snaps easily into place onto the walker, and there are two additional straps to help it remain stable and in place for Kayla when walking. Its hard to believe that he is 10 years old already. That adds a little pressure, but its all good. My mom was a. when it came to sticking up for me something I didnt fully realize until I had to stick up for myself. Due to lack of funds going to Medicaid, they are unable to pay skilled nurses enough for home care. Our reunion was as fun as ever. Being called an inspiration simply for existing as a disabled person. pity and I liked who I was too much to apply that label to myself. I am proud to be disabled. My thirsty mind soaked it all in. I was not in denial. Camp Fairlee provides a traditional summer camp experience for children (age 6+)and adults (21+) with various disabilities including developmental, autism, CP, MD, MS, orthopedic impairments and other disabilities . That is, making the place safe and accessible for us. We need to ensure a percentage of new homes being built meet accessibility standards. Dorothy is a retired market researcher who volunteers for Easterseals in a very unique way. I spent years inside what I called glass a thick, syrupy layer between me and the world. _Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore, The Mia Shorteno Fraser Scholarship Fund - For Campers of Veterans/Active Military Families, facility rental for your group or conference, My Disability Pride: Music, Songwriting, Advocacy, Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong, Blindness Has Its Benefits: Recognizing a Proud Moment, Moving in Together: Accessibility Hacks for Blind Couples, One Can Only Dream: Medicaid Limits to Homeownership. What is great about activism, though, is its constantly evolving. Such a beautiful, thoughtful gift. But they chose not to see it or have the patience to help us cultivate our skills. I am proud to be disabled. Dont paint me with Located on the Chesapeake Bay. My mind was blown. I spent years in sometimes abusive institutions, group homes, and schools. I was eventually put to work in a sub-minimum wage adult workshop. Today, I realize that my autism, my disability, has enabled me to view the world in a unique way. The philosophy at Camp Fairlee is to provide a, nurturing environment with 1) choice of age appropriate activities that best fit, the interests and abilities of our participants and 2) the support which enables. Myths & Facts About People With Disability, Easter Seals Western and Central Pennsylvania website, My Disability Pride: Music, Songwriting, Advocacy, Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong, Blindness Has Its Benefits: Recognizing a Proud Moment. Mostly because I am never sure. It was the correct term used by the disability community at the time. We should also respect when a disabled person reclaims slurs to turn them into something powerful. Located in Chestertown, MD, Fairlee Manor Recreation and Education Center is a beautiful, residential/recreational and respite camp on 250 sprawling acres on Fairlee Creek which offers campers from age 6 and up the opportunity to experience the joys and challenges of camp in a fully-accessible setting. Today, I realize that my autism, my disability, has enabled me to view the world in a unique way. We are halfway through 2023. You can push me back all the way The positive feedback I receive after speaking lets me know that I am making an impact on disability and how folks with autism are viewed and treated. Explore News & Stories about the impact of Easterseals services nationwide. Once home, I put a tactile dot on the ID card so I can tell which is which. Click here to download the Camp Fairlee brochure, Click here to download the Camp Fairlee application. So no matter how many sticks I bundled, I was paid the same as the person next to me sleeping on their desk. Because of my disability, I am empathetic. Proud to be blind? Such a beautiful, thoughtful gift. And the things I have been through because of autism, although very difficult, have shaped me into the person I am. Learn about issues that affect children and adults with disabilities, veterans, seniors, nonprofit management and advocacy. Because of steady growth and increased demand, we recently invested over $6.5 million to totally rebuild Easter Seals Camp Fairlee, including all new cabins, an updated health center, activity center and dining hall. She is also a content producer for her YouTube channel From Erins Library, where she shares her bookish opinions, travels, and family life. I am also proud to be a woman, but I dont say, I am a person who is a woman, so why do that with disability? Each bowl has a different texture. The letters were hung in the hallway for staff to read and the response was better than I could have imagined. That is our tradition. I tried to explain. One day, I would love to have my own home 2 bedrooms and an office Id turn into a library. When Kayla first started preschool, she needed a full wrap-around chest support, along with the sturdiness and width of a gait trainer, to walk. Located outside of beautiful Chestertown, Maryland, Easterseals Camp Fairlee has been providing recreation and respite for individuals age 6 and up since 1954. by: Jennifer Msumba The dis in disability implies that someone is less able to do things. For disabled people who dont work, whether because of their disability or because their state does not have a program like WorkAbility, homeownership is near impossible due to costs and Medicaid income limits. Show Me Information For Children Adults Seniors Caregivers We're Local! Easterseals mission is to provide exceptional services, education, outreach and advocacy so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities. Chestertown, MD 21620. People want to meet me so they can think theyre cool, theyre open-minded, you know, they can tell other people that they have a friend who has a disability. We do this through life-changing Programs and on-the-ground supports for children and adults with disabilities, families, and local communities. Sometimes, were not always good at announcing where were at or if were passing with something. Easterseals Camp Fairlee is a residential summer camp program filled with fun, tradition, friendship and individual growth. It was the correct term used by the disability community at the time. That means I only have 2 nurses. When I was in high school in the 90s, social media as we know it today was not a thing. Easterseals Camp Fairlee 22242 Bay Shore Road Chestertown, MD 21620 Visit our Website Phone: (410)778-0566 | Fax: (410)778-0567 Primary Contact: Sallie Price Year-Round adventures for all ages and all abilities! I have acquired representation with a company that pitches my music to these different mediums. But Im showing out now I would later realize this was the light I was given to shine in this world. Recently I have been thinking about the life coping skills we can learn from Easterseals students. Eventually, we started to question why we thought it was important to separate disability from our personhood, as though disability was something shameful or negative. Elhers Danlos Syndrome is a condition where your connective tissue is too stretchy and cannot support your body properly. Kayla has been attending our approved private pre-school program in Levittown since September of 2020. I realized I could learn to do anything I wanted to. Is there any event in my life that left me feeling proud to have a disability? Yes, but I have landed exactly where I am supposed to be. I speak to young people in high school and college, as well as at companies and disability organizations. Through my self-education of feminism and anti-racist work (raise your hand if you grew up reading bell hooks), I connected with other like-minded activists, which included other disabled people on message boards. Once my stress level started going down, it was fun coming up with cool and unique ways to organize. I have been living in a much more independent situation where I am allowed access to my musical instruments and technology. The Youth Daily Adventure is for children ages 13 - 21, and The Adult Daily Adventure is geared for adults 21+. Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore is seeking an Assistant Director at Camp Fairlee. I am forever grateful that my parents instilled in me that I could do and be whatever the heck I wanted, and continually fought for my rights and acceptance when I was too young or unaware to fight on my own. As a kid, I was diagnosed with challenges that go along with autism, such as sensory processing disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. 3) I learned how handy tactile dots can be! While a larger sized gait trainer could have been ordered for Kayla, it would have been significantly larger and cumbersome. Little did these doctors and staff members know, but I actually have a genius IQ. Celebrate with us at The Chase Center on the Riverfront on October 19th as Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore commemorates 75 years of creating an inclusive community. I learned that disability is not a bad word, and disability can mean powerful rather than pity. Since Ive had Muscular Dystrophy my whole life, my own disability was nothing odd to me or a hardship I had to endure; sure, days or even months were difficult at times because of ableism or my own health but who doesnt have bad days, and arent some people just extremely ignorant? Located outside of beautiful Chestertown, Maryland, Easterseals Camp Fairlee has been providing recreation and respite for individuals age 6 and up since 1954. It helps me get into the part. She reasoned Susy would be a jazz fan. I struggled with what I called getting stuck on things and would spend hours repeating words or actions in order to soothe the urges inside my mind. Maryland Autism Summer Camps - CampResource.com When I was 25 years old, I was diagnosed with an eye disease called retinopathy. It can also easily be removed to allow the walker to be folded and transported by her caregivers. Resources and supports for the Caregiver! And, most importantly, they called themselves disabled, without shame. Something went wrong while submitting the form. I joined songwriting groups online and was told time and time again that I had a real lyrical gift. We keep our Keurig K-cups in two bowls that sit right next to each other on the kitchen counter. college students recruited from around the United States, as well as internationally. Can my wheelchair squeeze down a narrow hallway? Do I have disability pride? She is a sweet and social 4 year old girl who wears purple glasses and has a head full of curls and a smile that can light up a room. Well, I didnt exactly start using disabled I started off with person with a disability, as I thought it was important that folks understood I was a person first, who happened to have a disability. I could copy songs I heard exactly on the piano. Many attempts to have Kayla walk in a traditional reverse walker without a back support were unsuccessful. Erin Hawley is from Keyport, New Jersey, and works as the Communications and Digital Content Producer for Easterseals National. Reclaiming words helped me shove the ableism aside as best I could and get on with my life as best I could, alongside other disabled people and our allies. When I first started working at Easterseals, I asked if it was ok to decorate. Yeah, not very motivating. We help, participants with disabilities experience safe, healthy and success-oriented, recreational opportunities. This negativity can also impact the rights of disabled people, like getting access to school or access to voting. This negativity can also impact the rights of disabled people, like getting access to school or access to voting. Offered during the summer, participants in the program reside at Camp Fairlee during the week, but activities involve a daily field trip to nearby points of interest including the seashore, state parks, zoos and other attractions in nearby cities such as Washington, Annapolis and Baltimore. It is made out of the tri-wall I mentioned above. I would not want to be any other way than who I am. During Autism sessions, the ratio is 1:1. Some Bob Dylan tunes, too, she said. I harnessed my years of being targeted with that rhetoric, knowing I was not alone. Virginia Special Needs Summer Camps - CampResource.com Easterseals Camp Fairlee provides recreation and respite services for children and adults with ALL t Camp Fairlee | Chestertown MD As housing prices continue to rise, everyone is struggling but the additional burdens we put on the disability community make it even worse. Camp Fairlee celebrates 60 years. I began writing songs, and in these songs, I poured out my stories and all of those emotions and observations that my sensory-sensitive mind had taken in over the years. Whether that be loud noises, crowds, or busy visual stimulation, I took it all in yet had nowhere to put it. I wont lie, I always worry about our children after they leave the nurturing environment of Easterseals. I didnt want to change and knew I didnt have to. Hopefully seeing the old pictures of the little faces, artwork and hand prints that families added to the letters, will bring smiles to all everyone that reads them. I was hired to write the theme song for the Easterseals podcast Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong, which is a huge honor. That all of us in that workshop were capable of more. Easterseals mission is to, provide exceptional services, education, outreach and advocacy so that people, with disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities. She had the opportunity to work closely with the students and I believe it gave her direction in what career she would ultimately choose. And just because I was using person with a disability, that didnt change whether someone automatically judged me or was ableist toward our community. And even if you never do, everyone benefits from having disabled people living in the community rather than a nursing home. This disability pride month, I am leaning into my disabled origin story, recognizing the reasons disabled people often struggle with their own identities and may feel uncomfortable with labels. A passport may be necessary on some trips. That little girl with two braids in her hair that hated herself is gone. Thank you! Easterseals Camp without Barriers addresses the needs of children and adults with disabilities and allow them to experience joys and challenges unique to summer camp many camping and recreation facilities across the United States now offer fully-accessible camping.