Susan Odgers: Adapted in TC
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Adapted in TC: Advice from others only goes so far
Ten days ago, I observed the 37th anniversary of my stroke. As anniversaries go, I had a very busy, long work day followed by a late brief dinner with my husband.
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Adapted in TC: Planning for fire takes on whole new meaning
Fire!!!! For people with disabilities, senior citizens and other high risk populations, this is an especially terrifying declaration.
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Adapted in TC: Dancing with all the other stars
The dancer in me can work with the wheelchair. That’s what I kept telling myself as I nervously waited to go on stage two weeks ago.
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Adapted in TC: Author, retiree inspiring
One of my childhood friends had her leg amputated last year due to infection. She's new to the area and I've gotten reacquainted with her. She's shared some of the trials of living with limb loss.
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Adapted in TC: Assistance doesn't equal abuse
Over the years, many able-bodied people have told me that what they'd fear most about having a disability like mine would be depending upon other people.
Continued ... - Saturday, November 17, 2012
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Adapted in TC: Accessibility continues to challenge
From what I've heard, folks are collaborating with many other people with disabilities. They're reaching out to include able-bodied allies. They're writing and calling the owners of the restaurant. Again. Letters are also being written to Mario Batali. They're researching the facts with city and state building code enforcers. They're arranging meetings with elected officials, creating a public education campaign and consulting with legal experts.
Continued ... - Saturday, September 22, 2012
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Adapted in TC: Couple starts life together
Today, Dessa and Ryan are getting married in Traverse City. I have the honor of officiating at their wedding. Standing, Dessa is 3'6" tall. Ryan is a man of average height.
Continued ... - Saturday, August 25, 2012
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Adapted in TC: Camp challenges writers
I went to summer camp this year.
Continued ... - Saturday, July 28, 2012
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Adapted in TC: Friend goes on bizarre trip
My friend Jeff, 73, has been on a bizarre road trip of sorts for the past five months.
Continued ... - Saturday, June 30, 2012
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Adapted in TC: Awkward and winning times
After the work week I'd had, I needed a weekend to lounge in bed in my comfy shabby pj's, read books and magazines, sleep, eat great take-out food, watch movies, sleep some more, cover my face in a creamy mint green mak, whip my hair up like Pebbles Flintstone and chill out.
Continued ... - Saturday, June 2, 2012
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Adapted in TC: Adapting a home
'Home for sale by owner. Move in condition. Owner moving to condo due to hip & knee replacements. Call for more information & showing."
Continued ... - Saturday, May 5, 2012
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Adapted in TC: Great fashion strides
I'm in fashion heaven. Celia Mulder, my personal knitter, just made me a beautiful short cape and flower headband.
Continued ... - Saturday, April 7, 2012
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Adapted in TC: ADA is a beginning
A few weeks ago, my husband Tom and I checked into a "suites" hotel downstate for business. When Tom went to check our room, he noticed that the accessible room had a queen bed in it. We had reserved an accessible room with a king bed.
Continued ... - Saturday, March 10, 2012
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Service dogs become members of the family
- Saturday, February 11, 2012
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Adapted in TC: Relationship's strength is at its core
In the beginning when we take our vows, few of us think "in sickness" applies right then. Perhaps we'll have to deal with that when we're really old or maybe everything will stay right until we die. In this moment, such matters are not in our reality.
Continued ... - Saturday, January 14, 2012
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Adapted in TC: I'm not hoping for a miracle
- Saturday, December 10, 2011
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Adapted in TC: Holiday humor helps
- Saturday, November 12, 2011
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Adapted in TC: I try to wear my disability well
- Saturday, October 8, 2011
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Adapted in TC: Make anger work
- Saturday, September 10, 2011
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Adapted in TC: Oracle is back to Batgirl
DC Comics' decision to change Oracle back to Batgirl has drawn a wide range of responses.
Continued ... - Saturday, August 13, 2011
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Adapted in TC: Issues not limited to US
I live in northern Michigan. I write about disability, health and life. Every month, I receive lots of emails, letters and calls from readers. This column is also posted all over the world, by people I don't even know. Recently, I received a letter from a reader in South Korea. The writer wanted me to know how seniors and people with disabilities are shown respect in his culture. I was fascinated by his depiction of respect. Our own American Indian neighbors share similar teachings with their youth. His letter made me wonder about columns like mine in other parts of the world.
Continued ... - Saturday, July 9, 2011
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Adapted in TC: Raise concerns, raise voices
I'm sure most groups do not intentionally intend for their meetings or events to be unwelcoming. Yet there's often inadequate parking, locations isolated from public transportation, lack of sign language interpreters and/or assistive hearing devices, nonexistent Braille or large-print materials, inaccessible restrooms or rooms, confusing signs, poorly shoveled snow and untrained facilitators. Many people with disabilities may also not know that groups receiving state and federal money need to have an Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator who can meet citizen accommodation requests. For the person with a disability, you have a right and responsibility to participate. The deep process of shifting one's perspective from nonparticipation to participation begins with paying attention — then engaging.
Continued ... - Saturday, June 18, 2011
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Adapted in TC: Dad's role important
A few weeks ago, I discussed a family life survey with my college students. In a large class of students from 17 to 70, very few students said they'd discussed puberty, sexuality, pleasure, love, relationships, health, values or becoming a full human being with their fathers. Those who said that they had had these conversations were met with quiet awe. In my own life, I've been fortunate to have two very different fathers. The combination of both men has given my life a unique richness.
Continued ... - Saturday, May 14, 2011
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Adapted in TC: Nursing done well is a godsend
Nurses have played a tremendous role in my life. I believe I'm alive because of their care. This is National Nurse's Week, a week to honor the science, art, practice and profession, according to the American Nurses Association. Nurses value rapport, communication and advocacy. They know how to have a full conversation with a patient. They use empathy, compassion and caring to interview a person to learn what they need to know.
Continued ... - Saturday, April 9, 2011
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Adapted in TC: For better and worse
On Saturday, April 24, 1976, I awoke with a Charlie horse in my calf. I got out of bed and tried walking it off. I was a college student, cyclist and waitress and thought I had strained my leg. I was 18. Looking back over the past 35 years, I'm aware of what has turned out better than I thought and what hasn't.
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RAW: Brad Paisley Forgets Lyrics To His Own Song
