Notes from Virginia

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

This is the introduction to the presentation Tracy gave at the ARC Conference in Virginia on August 12:

Finding my voice is the reason I am here today, in your presence. Prior to having my outlet of supported typing, I looked like a person lacking in self control. With the fine training of master trainers I found my voice, leading to living life the way I had imagined it might be with communication. Having communication means I now have the means of educating others in self advocacy. To have my community know I have gifts to share has changed the way I look at myself. I now feel intelligent and my self worth matches my inner voice of intelligence.  Not having education that is appropriate further isolated me as a child.  Inclusion is key to finding voice which is the path to finding purpose. My purpose in life was voraciously consuming my inner thoughts until it was freed by finding my voice through typing. Now I share my story to others to ensure inclusion in all schools. It is my mission to make certain that inclusion laws are established in the United States. Isolating by institutionalizing people must end. It is the right time in history to replace old discrimination with the presumption of competence.

Getting by with a little help from my friends

Monday, August 15th, 2011

Good morning to all my loyal friends and fans. Today I am feeling hugely inspired by two cool communication supporters who have not seen the film.  Frank and I have known each other for years but have not been able to connect through my typed words.  Today I get to be one of the guys and to watch my movie with him so he can see my greater mission of educating the world on inclusion, competency and the importance of being able to partake in meaningful conversations with cool friends like Frank.

I have to tell you all that my anxiety that I wrote about last week is missing — it must have floated out of my ears because this week has been awesome.  I was able to connect with old time friends Cindy and Frank and a new friend, Kati, who is young and full of curiosity and determination which is exactly what we all need in thinking about quality support people.

I hope you understand the message I am trying to convey, which is that a friend is someone who respects your intelligence and it is a feeling of integrity to be with people who get my intelligence even though they are not always able to engage in typed conversations with me.  Frank your heart is golden and respect among us is what I value most.

Now every one’s mission for today is to look within your systems of supports and bring in the values to create a circle of congruent commitment.

Typing away my anxiety

Monday, August 8th, 2011

My mind is racing with thoughts pounding out my ears today.  I have been put in a situation where my self-regulation skills are being tested.  My team, who I love, is in disarray and not together because of much needed vacations.  I write to you all today to show that my focus is still here because typing is my outlet just as off loading through speech is many of your outlets.  I think I am in a place of anxiety but I assure you I am a man in control through my finger tip.  I am inspired today because I have determination not to let my autism be King for the day.  I have trusty side kicks, Rachel and Dotty the boss woman here to keep me in check so my body and mind can be at the same pace.  Anxiety is a downfall, but typing it out is much more productive.  I am looking forward to seeing my team together again but the rough weeks without them are necessary to test my ability to maintain control over my being.  My aura is getting brighter today — see you all on the road next week.  Watch out Virginia here we come!