Hi everyone! I've been having a lot of fun lately doing presentations on my platform at schools around the state. For those who don't know what my platform is about, let me explain. In life, we as a society, often spend more time focusing on what we can't do versus what we can. Utah's Disability Law Center has a program called "Everyone Can" that I have been working with to talk about this issue with school children all over the state. With "Everyone Can," I use children's books and my own experiences to create a dialogue about how everyone has something to contribute, whether they have a disability or not. It is our job to not only figure out what is great about us, but to help other people see what is great about them. We can often see attributes in people that they cannot see themselves. Kids are sometimes better at that then adults but it is a lot of fun to see their reactions to the characters in books with disabilities.
I always give the kids the chance to ask questions about me so they can learn and perhaps not be as intimidated by people with disabilities in the future. I have gotten asked every question under the sun including: "How do you put your pants on?" "Are you married?" (When I tell them no, they look so sad because to them, 23 is way to old to get married now!)"What is your favorite type of penguin?" My personal favorite was from a little boy in a town that obviously likes to hunt. He asked me this after discussing how much feeling I have in my legs. "If I shot you in the leg with my gun, could you feel that?" I tried not to laugh as I explained we probably shouldn't try.
I have definitely had so much fun at the schools I have visited so far and I know I will have many more interesting stories to share in the future! Hope everyone who reads this is having a fantastic day!
-Kim
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