Read My Language, Don’t Judge My Outer Expression

Friday, February 25th, 2011

It is with much patience that I receive from my team that I am able to work toward the positive place that I preach. It is important to read my language through open mindedness and not judge my outer expression. It is best to know that autism is not the easiest thing to cope with. Families have a lot of hard work to do to find ways to communicate in the way chosen by the person. Options need to be explored as a team with the choice being made by the person communicating.

I listened to and gave testimony at the Vermont State House this week. It came to mind, while listening to others’ stories, the value of communication in helping others in coping in their lives and being productive. I hope my story is heard by the families who are struggling to find out what their child is thinking. My friend, Rick, shared in his testimonial, his success since having communication supports in his life. He is able to work and tell his parents he loves them. All children need to communicate their inner thoughts.

I want you parents to seek out communication partners for your children so you can get inside their minds to see how they need to be supported. Behaviors that hurt are a longing to try to break free from the hold of not being able to communicate.

-Tracy

Do Not Cut Human Services

Friday, February 18th, 2011

I met with the Vermont Secretary of Human Services yesterday to discuss impending cuts to adult developmental services in Vermont. Other self advocates shared the impact cuts would have on their lives. For someone to have to give up important life improving services is to take away their freedom. People might think it is not important to have time out of our homes but they are incorrect. We want to work. We want to participate in our communities. Cutting services is not the right way to treat the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Larry and I have the best teams but many people have no family. Max, who works for Green Mountain Self Advocates, spoke of a woman whose mother recently died. Her mother was her only support person. To think of how she will need so much support but the services may not be available to her truly is inhumane. I will be sharing my story again next week at Mental Health Advocacy Day. Please take the time to talk to your legislators to let them know how important developmental services are. We matter in our communities. Please fund our services.

-Tracy

Making Life’s Edges More Smooth

Friday, February 11th, 2011

I think New York was the greatest place to teach the presumption of competence because the people are open-minded free thinkers. It is nice to have the free thinkers on our side. They promote freedom of ideas for all people no matter how those ideas are communicated. Larry and I had the best time partying in apartments overlooking Central Park. Harvey and Pascal jogged the park with running partner gusto, while Larry and I chilled in swanky accommodations waiting for the next important meeting of the minds.

The premiere felt like going on Broadway with the fans shouting our names like paparazzi. It was the most premiere moment of intelligent thoughts coming together. It brought smiles to our faces to know our work is important to others. To see the difference our film is making makes me proud.

I have become more free because of the travel the film has allowed me the opportunity to do. This is my goal in life-to make life more free for all people in the World. People need to have freedom to follow their dreams. The most important thing is to keep moving toward your goals even if you struggle to be heard. Communication takes patience. People need organized and dedicated people to make life’s edges more smooth. The best people are dedicated to trying to alleviate the tension by working to talk in calm manners to help us get untangled from the anxiety.

Freedom takes a lot of push from self advocates and their team to get people trained to presume competence but it is important. Let’s spread the message. Let’s finish in our mission to turn the World to positive places.

-Tracy

Let’s Give Our Future Generation Hope

Friday, February 4th, 2011

It is my hope that politicians read my blog.

It is important for them to know the needs that people in the World have; it is not just the basic needs but the vital need to communicate. Looking into the deep dark eyes of my student who types her troubles with handling her life, you have to see the inhumanity in proposing cuts to her communication or education services. I see the tears of pain in her eyes today of knowing that the legislature is in control of her life. It is hard to think what happens to children in the World who have no communication in their life.

It is important to the World for us to have voices. Our ideas contribute important wisdom to the World. I hope you politicians never look into the loving eyes of children and think of money. We need to invest in our kids. They need your support. Let’s give our future generation hope.

I will see you in NYC.

-Tracy