Visually Impaired Contestant on American Idol

Last week, I wrote about a deaf contestant on The Amazing Race and now I thought I’d tell you about a visually impaired contestant on American Idol! I watched him make it into the top 36 last week and my eyes filled with tears when his mother started crying when they found out he was in!

Scott MacIntyre is legally blind but he’s also a talented musician and singer. He has two degrees of tunnel vision which according to what I read means that he basically sees through a straw. But he hasn’t let this stop him from pursuing his dreams! He began playing the piano by ear at age 3. He’s had an impressive career thus far and has now made it into the top 36!

As a big American Idol fan, I’ll probably be watching regardless. I think Scott will probably end up being one of Noah’s favorites though because he plays the piano and seems most comfortable behind the piano. Noah’s favorite contestants are always those who play an instrument (like Brooke White from last season.) We’ll be cheering on Scott as well as our other favorites in the Top 36 as they emerge.

 

Proudest Mom in America

I think I just might be the proudest Mom in America today. Yesterday we had parent/teacher conferences and workshops at Noah’s school.

For those of you who know Noah, you know that behavior can sometimes be a struggle for Noah. He has at times been physically (hitting, biting, scratching himself and others) and verbally (yelling and screaming loudly) aggressive. This isn’t something new – it’s something that has been going on for years. The frequency has slowed down a lot over the years though.

His teacher was very happy to report that he has not had any verbal or physical aggression since NOVEMBER!!!

It’s hard to put into words how proud I am of that little guy!! Noah is the type of child who responds very well to praise so J and I told him (and later Nana and Grandad did too!) how proud of him we were over and over. I told him I was the “proudest Mom in America.” He thought this was funny and wanted me to say it over and over.

I think I really am the Proudest Mom in America.

Photo Credit

 

Deaf Contestant on Amazing Race

The Amazing Race has it’s first ever deaf contestant in the upcoming season! I’ve watched The Amazing Race in the past, although it’s been a few seasons since I was into it, but I’m definitely going to be checking it out this season to see how things go for this contestant.

Twenty two year old Luke Adams is from Colorado and is a recent college graduate and a huge Amazing Race fan. Luke is deaf and communicates with ASL (American Sign Language.) He’ll be teaming up with his Mom, Margie, to race around the world in hopes of coming in first place.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out for Luke and his Mom. Will Luke’s being deaf slow them down as a team since his Mom will likely have to sign everything to him or will him being deaf be an advantage to them – they can sign and other teams wouldn’t know what they are saying unless they are fluent in ASL as well.

The new season starts on Feb 15 on CBS. I’ll be watching, will you?

 

A Very Special Homecoming Queen

On CNN news earlier, I heard a precious story about an 18 year old senior high school student named Kristin Pass who was recently named homecoming queen at her high school in Texas. You are probably wondering why I am writing about this….

Kristin isn’t your typical blonde haired, blue eyed cheerleader type of homecoming queen. She is beautiful inside and out and special – she has Downs Syndrome.

The three hundred plus students in her senior class overlooked the sterotypical nominees and voted Kristin to be their Queen! What a touching story and a true testament of the beauty of a special needs child – they really can bring out the best in a person and teach you real life lessons.

Source

 

Another Season Finale

Their have been lots of Season finales this week; Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, Ugly Betty, and Grey’s just to name a few.

There was one more finale for us and that was the end of the 2008 Spring season of Miracle League. I am sad about it this year. I have enjoyed it more this season than any other season before. Perhaps because I was Team Mom, perhaps because the kids seemed to get along well with one another. Perhaps I was just in a baseball mood all season. Who knows? 

The end of the season party was last night. It’s usually pretty chaotic. They have pizza for the kids and parents, then the kids get trophies, and then each team plays one inning. Since they were only playing one inning, the kids were asked to bring their own buddy (family member or friend) as opposed to the usual buddies which are high school students, college students, church youth groups, etc. When I asked Noah who he wanted his buddy to be, he chose Grandad. 

So, Grandad was happy to oblige and I think Noah probably had the most fun that he has had a game all season. He really seemed to enjoy himself and he had huge smiles on his face when Grandad was helping him hit the ball and wheel around the bases.

Time flies, so before we know it, it will be the fall season!

Edited to add: Noah was sitting in my lap looking at these pictures and he thinks the speech bubbles are hilarious!

 

My Special Olympian

The Special Olympics were today and Noah competed in the 25 meter wheelchair race. He did so good and received a first place ribbon!

He competed in the same event last year but didn’t do as well. He didn’t even want to finish last year and had to be pushed by someone else. But this year, he did all the work himself. He had his own little cheering squad of me, both grandparents, Holly, and Michael.

He was so cute. He didn’t know we were there yet. We had been watching the opening ceremonies and as soon as they were over, we started slowly making our way down to where the wheelchair races were. I was unsure of what time his event was when Holly said, “Um, Coley, Noah’s lined up!”

So we all quickly made it down to the area where the wheelchair races were. He was with his teacher in place, waiting at the starting line. I popped up there for a second and said hi to him, wished him luck, and then told him I would be waiting at the end. At that point, I don’t think he realized that my parents or anyone else was there with me.

The race started and he was going steady but surely. He looked very determined. His cheering squad was all at the end snapping photos and yelling, “Go Noah, you can do it! Come on, buddy! GO NOAH!” About half way down the lane, I think he realized everyone was there. He started getting very excited. When he was almost at the end, the volunteer at the end of the lane (they have volunteers assigned to each lane to cheer the kids on as they don’t always have their own cheering squad like Noahie did!) motioned for me to stand there. Noah finished and I was right there – he put his arms out and gave me a big hug and kisses. He was SO EXCITED! His “fans” (our family) started giving him hugs and telling him what a great job he did.

We all sat with him while he had his lunch waiting for his next event. Dad had to leave to go back to work and Holly and Michael had to leave to start moving into their new place. J made it but was late because he couldn’t get off work early - he did get to see Noah’s next event though. His 2nd event was the softball throw. He doesn’t really like this event and didn’t have near as much fun with it as he did the wheelchair race!

I couldn’t be more proud of my Special Olympian!!

More Pictures:

Waiting at the start line with his teacher, Ms. Lynn

He looks so determined in this one…..

Concentrating hard…..

At the finish line! Lookat that smile….

 And this is what tired athletes do……

And a fancy little graphic I made with the Special Olympic oath….

 

Wheelchair Friendly Amusement Parks and Writing

I recently wrote a review of the southern amusement parks that we have visited and rated them on how wheelchair friendly they are. It’s published on Associated Content so check it out!

I’m so used to writing about adoption that it was super nice to change pace and write about something different lately. I really feel that God has given me a talent in writing and while writing about adoption is near and dear to my heart, lately I feel like I should be writing about and for things pertaining to the special needs community.

Photo is me and Noah on Taxi Jam, his favorite ride at Carowinds

 

Improvement!

When a special needs child becomes of school age, he or she is tested by a psychologist in order to determine what level they learn at. When Noah was initially tested, he started out as “multiply disabled” which was a way to keep him from being labeled mentally disabled at just 4 years old. We (My Mom did most of the fighting in that meeting!) had to fight to get that diagnosis instead of mentally disabled.

We moved and he changed school districts by the time he was 6 so he was re-tested. He tested as “severely mentally disabled.” None of us agreed with this diagnosis, but he just wouldn’t cooperate very well with the psychologist and this school district doesn’t allow the “multiply disabled” diagnosis.

Over the years, we’ve re-done the testing and it still comes out the same. This year we re-did the testing again and just had the evaluation meeting. Noah has moved up!!! He is now considered “moderately mentally disabled.” It’s still not great but it’s better! We (his parents, Grandparents, teachers, and other people who know and love him) still don’t think that this is entirely accurate, but I’m just so happy there is some notable improvement in his testing!!

(Photo is Noah at the “Listening Center” at school, one of his favorite rewards!)

 

Team Mom

About three years ago, Noah started playing Miracle Leaguebaseball exhibition games. They  only had games like twice a year or so and the purpose of the games were to raise awareness and funds (via donations) in order to build a local Miracle League field.

If you don’t know what Miracle League baseball is, let me explain. It is baseball for children with special needs regardless of whether or not they can walk or are in a wheelchair or must use a walker. Through Miracle League, these kids are able to experience the team sport of baseball. Each child is paired with an “able bodied buddy” to help them field the ball, bat, etc. It’s uncompetitive – there are no outs or strikes – in Miracle League everyone is a winner!

The field they play on is amazing. It is made of a special “turf” that allows the wheelchairs and walkers to go smoothly on it. It was super expensive though – 5.55 a square foot!!! – which is why it took so long to raise enough money to build it.

Once the turf was finished, everyone in the community was pretty excited! J signed up to be a coach and I a Team Mom. However, I didn’t get the official title of team Mom at that point because there were too many Moms volunteering!

But this year, they were in need of Moms to be team Mom since they have expanded and there are more teams this year than last. So, I’m officially a team Mom and J is coaching again. I’m really excited. My Mom was always a team Mom, room Mom, etc. and I have always wanted to follow in her footsteps but until now, I haven’t had that opportunity because Noah hasn’t been able to participate in sports.

Noah is SUPER excited about this; however, I don’t think he is too excited to share his Mom and Dad with the other kids! He really didn’t like sharing J at first last year, but he got used to it, so I’m sure he will get used to it again.

Oh, and check out the Miracle Leaguewebsite. There’s a cool slide show at the bottom of the page that shows some of the kids playing and Noahie is in there a few times.

 

The Walking Thing

My little man is starting to get this whole walking thing down pat! It is truly amazing people to see your eleven year old finally WALKING! I just smile and laugh and marvel at him the whole time!

He walks like there is a fire though – FAST! We are constantly saying “Slow down, Noah” or “It’s not a race, Noah.” I still am really nervous when he is walking, I’m afraid he’s gonna fall down or something! He doesn’t walk all the time at home- it’s difficult inside and he’s so tired from school that he doesn’t feel like it in the afternoons.

He walked this morning at Miracle League Registration. This is the first time that Noah walked in front of anyone associated with Miracle League and they made him feel like a star; all were “ooohhhing” and “awweeing” at my miracle boy!

I’m one proud Momma! I’m always proud – but gosh, it is still surreal to see that little boy walking!

PS. Look at his face – isn’t that smile HUGE! He loves it!

 

I’m in Holland

Whenever people ask me to describe being the mother of a child with special needs, I am at a loss. How do you truly put what it is like into words? I turn to an inspirational piece written by Emily Pearl Kingsman called Welcome to Holland. I’m living in Holland and this truly articulates what it feels like……

Welcome to Holland
by Emily Pearl KingsmanI am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability – to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It’s like this……
When you’re going to have a baby, it’s like planning a fabulous vacation trip – to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It’s all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, “Welcome to Holland.”“Holland?!?” you say. “What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I’m supposed to be in Italy. All my life I’ve dreamed of going to Italy.”

But there’s been a change in the flight plan. They’ve landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven’t taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It’s just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It’s just a different place. It’s slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you’ve been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around…. and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills….and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandt’s.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy… and they’re all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say “Yes, that’s where I was supposed to go. That’s what I had planned.”

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away… because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But… if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn’t get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things … about Holland.

 

One Exhausted Momma!

Gosh, I’m exhausted and it’s been one heck of a weekend! Noah started having mini seziures off and on on Saturday after not having any for over a year. He’s been fussy, irritable, and clingy.

Called neuro and gave him extra meds and are going to take him for bloodwork on Monday morning. I’m hoping he has just grown a lot lately and needs an increase in his meds. That would be simple and easy to correct!

I haven’t slept good all weekend and am just so stressed! I had to go to church Sunday afternoon (skipped the morning service) because I was involved in a women’s tea that afternoon and was supposed to help set up and I had made the favors so I pretty much had to show up or they would have been favorless. I REALLY didn’t want to leave my baby – I’m not a new Momma, I haven’t cried when leaving Noah in YEARS but I cried and left him with my Daddy (aka the Best Grandad on the planet).

So, I go to church, do the tea thing, make small talk, and I actually did manae to relax and enjoy myself a little bit after talking to Noah and hearing that he was eating popcorn in Grandad’s lap. When we got back, Noah was on the floor playing with my Dad and toys! He looked a little bit better. Maybe he just needed a little Grandad time!

I’m still calling the doctor though!

 

Take a Walk in My Shoes

Although Noah doesn’t have autism, I found myself nodding in agreement at much of this poem which a parent shared in an email group for parents of kiddos with special needs that I belong to.A Walk in My Shoes
by C. Waeltermann, 2007 

Twas the Night Before Christmas
And all through the house
The creatures were stirring
Yes, even the mouse

We tried melatonin
And gave a hot bath
But the holiday jitters
They always distract

The children were finally
All nestled in bed
When nightmares of terror
Ran through my OWN head 
Did I get the right gift
The right color
And style
Would there be a tantrum
Or even, maybe, a smile? 

Our relatives come
But they don’t understand
The pleasure he gets
Just from flapping his hands. 

“He needs discipline,” they say
“Just a well-needed smack
You must learn to parent..”
And on goes the attack 

We smile and nod
Because we know deep inside
The argument is moot
Let them all take a side 

We know what it’s like
To live with the spectrum
The struggles and triumphs
Achievements, regressions.. 

But what they don’t know
And what they don’t see
Is the joy that we feel
Over simplicity 

He said “hello”
He ate something green!
He told his first lie!
He did not cause a scene! 

He peed on the potty
Who cares if he’s ten,
He stopped saying the same thing
Again and again! 

Others don’t realize
Just how we can cope
How we bravely we hang on
At the end of our rope 

But what they don’t see
Is the joy we can’t hide
When our children with autism
Make the tiniest stride 

We may look at others
Without the problems we face
With jealousy, hatred
Or even distaste, 
But what they don’t know
Nor sometimes do we
Is that children with autism
Bring simplicity. 

We don’t get excited
Over expensive things
We jump for joy
With the progress work brings 

Children with autism
Try hard every day
That they make us proud
More than words can say. 

They work eve! n harder
Than you or I
To achieve something small
To reach a star in the sky 

So to those who don’t get it
Or can’t get a clue
Take a walk in my shoes
And I’ll assure you. 

That even 10 minutes
Into the walk
You’ll look at me
With the respect, even shock. 

You will realize
What it is I go through
And the next time you judge
I can assure you
That you won’t say a thing
You’ll be quiet and learn,
Like the years that I did
When the tables were turned.