Thus far "HASH IT OUT WITH JANE" has focused primarily on the struggles and accomplishments of people with disabilities. This will continue to be the main focus of this podcast but it's important to realize that just because a person can walk, reach the top shelf at the store, or go to the toilet independently, does not mean his/her life is easy or without challenges.
The current job market and economy are providing seemingly endless obstacles yet few opportunities. This is scary and depressing for many. My good friend of more than ten years, Frank Kitchen, joins me on October 1st, 2012 to share his positive perspective on how to use what you've got to get ahead during these challenging times. To learn more 'Frank wisdom,' check out the websites below!
Music Featured On This Episode Include;
Technology savvy I am not. My new smart phone is still in its box because I'm intimidated by it and I am not ashamed to admit it (maybe slightly embarrassed though.) There are some technological advances that I am much more eager to learn about. Specifically, I am considering getting an e-book reader. The most popular of its kind is the Kindle.
When I first learned of these devices I honestly thought they were stupid wastes of technology. Plus, I really love books and have no desire to replace them. However, recently I was doing some intense research which involved shuffling around a stack of books. In the process, I pulled a muscle in my shoulder. Keep in mind that I am a 38lb dwarf with brittle bones. Shuffling around a stack of books is a full blown work out for me.
This incident made me change my previous assessment of e-readers. Then I began to think about how much easier grade school, high school, and college would have been for me if I had access to this type of technology. Moving and manipulating my text books was probably the hardest part of school for me because the books weighed nearly as much as I did. If e-readers are not already considered "assistive technology for people with disabilities," they should be.
I still love my books and have no intention of replacing them. An e-reader may definitely be in my near future though, to help me with those intense research projects. My pulled muscle is almost totally healed now too, in case you were wondering.
Over the past few years I have become increasingly more aware of Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. I've read a little about it and I had talked to a few folks who either worked with people who were Autistic or had a family member with either Autism or Asperger's Syndrome. Although I found it all very interesting, I really didn't 'get it.'
Then I started corresponding/conversing with those who are actually Autistic or have Asperger's. This does not in the least make me an expert yet, I think I get it now. I get that Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are two mysterious and fascinating states of being that our simple minds need to label as diseases or disorders because we don't seem to possess the proper language or intellect to really understand them.
My point here is, if you really want to know what Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are, talk to those who identify with those terms. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network would be a great place to make such connections.
As the hostess of "HASH IT OUT WITH JANE" I have interviewed numerous interesting and successful people with disabilities who are breaking stereotypes in all that they do. Among the ranks of previous guests are authors, dancers, activists, educators, musicians, and now an actress!
Teal Sherer is an L.A. based actress who has blond hair, a pretty face and a nice big set of wheels that get her where she needs to go. No, she's not one of those lady's in that docudrama on The Sundance Channel. Instead, she is the star of her very own show called "My Gimpy Life!" It is a hilarious TV show about real trials and tribulations of being a woman wheelchair user. Until a major network realizes that Teal Sherer is an extremely talented Actress who's show has limitless potential, "My Gimpy Life" can be found on YouTube.
In our very candid interview, Teal and I discuss how she came to be a wheelchair user, how a healthy sense of humor helped her accept her new reality, and the future of "My Gimpy Life."
During this episode I poke a little fun at our wheelie sisters on The Sundance Channel but it's all in good humor. Part of celebrating our diversity is being able to laugh at ourselves...or, I'm just a snarky bitch. You decide!
The podcast episode of "HASH IT OUT WITH JANE" featuring my interview with Teal Sherer will be uploaded on Monday, September 17th.
Today I added a new feature to this blog. You'll notice that on the bottom of this page there is now a "Donate" button. Don't worry, you don't have to pay to read The Adventures of The Gimp Avenger. You are welcome to contribute to my 'public service fund' though. These funds will go toward things like; transportation to protests, advocacy meetings, and peer-support sessions, bail, lunch for my team and I while we're on a mission, duct-tape, batteries...etc.
While I often operate in conjunction with various Disability Rights organizations, time has proven that I am a much more effective Advocate and Activist when serving independently. The Adventures of The Gimp Avenger is not a non-profit organization because I don't follow rules very well and I'd likely screw it up. So, the only thing you'll get in return for your donation is personal satisfaction that you made a wise investment!
Last night while the beautiful Blue Moon glowed in the sky I launched the first official Podcast of HASH IT OUT WITH JANE. This first episode is brief yet gives listeners an idea of what to expect from future episodes. I'll be posting two episodes a month which will vary in length. Going solo as a Podcaster was not an easy choice but I'm very optimistic about the show's future! Be sure to go on iTunes and subscribe so you'll get each new episode as soon as I post them.
Dope beats provided by KOUNTERCLOCKWISE and ECHO aka George Lee II, both from Cleveland, Ohio!!!!
