Standing before my legislators

Friday, October 28th, 2011

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to stand before my legislators at the Washington County Mental Health legislative breakfast. My good friend, Kyle, presented beautifully the connection between communication and productivity. Because of the communication support he receives, he has worked as a legislative intern which gave him the opportunity to work on the Respectful Language Law. Our state now is looking to work on how to fill gaps due to the impact Irene had on our state. It has come down to communities being open to supporting one another. Another part of progress is recognizing the willingness of service recipients to be part of the problem solving. My state is leading the way; pay attention to Vermont. My piece to the legislators follows:

Supporting the Right to Communicate for people with Significant Disabilities

Good morning. I am Tracy Thresher from Barre, Vermont. I would like to talk to you about the Washington County Facilitated Communication (FC) Task Force. The group formed in 2008. We are a group of individuals who type to communicate. We advocate for people with communication challenges, for Quality of Life initiatives and for increased public awareness.

How would you feel if you had no voice? It is the hardest part of dealing with life, in the way people make the assumption that we do not have intelligence. Our group works to do outreach and advocacy for ourselves and others. As my idol Anne MacDonald said “Not being able to speak is not the same as not having anything to say.” Understanding Anne’s statement paired with knowing communication is the right of all is necessary. Having the support of people like Master Trainer, Harvey Lavoy, is the primary reason I have the communication needed to be successful. I urge our legislators to make communication a priority for all. Thank you.

About that place to hang my hat

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

My living situation is my biggest pressing down the language of positivity barrier.   I have come to the peaceful conclusion of making communication primarily a bridge to my living from house to house until the time comes for me to have my own peaceful sanctuary of my own making.  A foundation is built on clear communication for a person like myself relying on commitment from others.   Relationships of trust begin to truly flourish when rooted in the presumption of competence.   Working together with my team of highly motivated support people like Rachel is how I manage my quest for navigating my search for finding a communication partner who is interested in a live-in situation of assisting me with living the life I choose.  A life of peace interspersed with getting out on quiet trails of Green Mountains is my dream.   I would like my living situation to reflect the man I am on the inside rather than the pesky behaviors of autism.  And so I am committed to continuing my search of a living partner who is on a similar quest of living in peace.