INDEX: This section gives the descriptions of each section on CPC. You can also view the section's description by hovering the mouse over a section's graphical link.TYPES OF CP: This section explains the common types of CP and their classifications based on how they can affect the body EMAIL DATABASE: This database is the very heart and sole of CPC. It allows people with CP, both young and old, to communicate with each other and share experiences or advice.CPC DIRECTORY: This section is a list of links around the web where you might find other useful information on CP and other disability related content.DISABILITY BULLETIN: This section allows people to post disability related questions to other visitors on the site; announce medical studies; any other information not associated with any current section on the CPC site.SHARE A STORY: This section allows people to share their stories (both good and bad) about living with CP. This is a completely anonymous Section (at your discretion) so that you need not fear people finding out who you are if that is your choice.ADA LAWS: This section is a copy of the Americans with Disabilities Act information site. It contains the guidelines concerning the Americans with disabilities rights, fairness, and public access.AGING AND CP: This section is a report on how the aging process can affect a body with CP. This should be a must read for all visitors to the site. I will continue to add to this report as new information becomes available.DISABILITY WORKPLACE: This section can be used as a tool to help aid a disabled individual looking for a job. You might be surprised at what some of the experts say about how to approach the job market when you are disabled.
HOW SSI WORKS: This section will aid you in finding out if you qualify for Supplemental Security Income. These rules and regulations are plentiful. CPC strongly recommends you view this section before perusing the SSI route.MEDICAL NEEDS: This section lists online companies where you can purchase medical supplies and equipment. Ordering what you need online offers privacy, convince, and very often cheaper then purchasing from brick and mortar stores.DISABILITY NEWS: This section allows you to keep up with the latest news and events around the US and the world related to the disability community. The section is updated constantly so please visit often.THERAPIES FOR CP: This section discusses some of the different treatments used to treat CP. Some of these include Physical/Occupational Therapy, HBO, TES, Biofeedback and others.AWARDS & WEBRINGS: This Section contains information about the many web rings CPC has joined and awards we have won. It also includes information on how to sign up for our very own web ring or award.FUN STUFF: Occasionally I like to have a little fun on the web. Here you will find information about my hobbies and my many collections of items. This portion of the site is not directly related to CPC. Its just for fun :o)CONTACT CPC: This section allows you to communicate with CPC is several ways including email, ICQ, and out guest book.RECENT UPDATES: This section can be used to find out what changes have been made since you last visited CPC. This page is always updated when CPC is updated no matter how small the update.CAUSE SUPPORT: This section tries to help disabled individuals by supporting several causes that actively promote the awareness and fair treatment of those with disabilities.
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My Story and Cerebral Palsy 2

Page 2b of 8

A good example of how bad things were for me was the time I was accused of beating up another kid with my crutches. We were coming back from PE (which I was not allowed to participate in, only watch) at the time. I had gotten an early start back towards the classroom because I was slower then the others. There were about four others in the classroom at the time when an argument ensued between two other boys. The argument led to one of them throwing their book bag at the other.  During the fight, my crutches got kicked out from under my desk. Just before the teacher walked in with the other students, the two boys stopped and sat back down. I was trying to get my crutches back under my desk when the teacher asked what had been going on. One of the boys told the teacher that I had accused him of trying to trip me and in retaliation; that I had hit him in the stomach with one of my crutches. The three others in the room at the time did not defend me. I was sent to the office and given a weeks detention.

There was also another incident about two months later. During lunch, the kid I sat across from kicked me. Because the lunchroom seats were those types that are all chained together and very narrow, whenever I sat down at one of them I had to hold on to the edge of the table to keep from loosing my balance and crashing to the floor. At the time the kid kicked me from under the table, I was not holding on to the table. In addition, I had a fork full of applesauce. The sauce went all in my face and I hit the floor. When I finally got up off the floor, I threw the fork at him, but it missed and hit a girl standing in line about five feet from the table.

We both were told to go to the office and explained what happened to the principal. The boy flat-out denied that he kicked me and said that I tried to throw the fork at him because I thought he said something about me that I didn't like. In my defense I tried to recruit a girl that I knew who saw what really happen. She told the principal that she did not see anything, but others told her that I started it all. As a result, I got suspended for a week.

After all the bad experiences I went through during this time, I began to wonder if this was what the rest of my life was going to be like. I was so tired of being left out of everything. I used to always go to my room and cry and ask "why me?" What did I ever do to deserve my disability? I was tired of being blamed, picked on, ignored by girls, and all those other things that happen in life for those of you with CP or another disability that know what I'm talking about.

Well, a few years have passed and things have changed mostly for the better. I have since accepted my disability and do not let it hinder me. I try to do everything on my own, but I realize that I can't do everything. Things definitely improved when I got to college. Most people don't care about someone's physical impairments. However, there are still a few that make a big deal out of it.

Well now that I have finally graduate from college, I’m looking for a job. Unfortunately, it hasn't being going to well. I even drove 240 miles roundtrip one time only to get a resounding NO for employment. Five different companies have turned me down. I hope this isn't a bad sign. I'm going to keep trying though and pray things will work out.

You would think that somebody with advanced computer skills, that people would be knocking down my door to hire me. You know I herd the other day that looking for a job is the absolute worst job in the world. I am beginning to believe it.

UPDATE: (09/01/00)  I have now found a job after just about giving up all hope. I am a Programmer II for the Administrative Office of Courts. Things are going pretty well. I'm having to get back on a schedule again after almost a year from graduating. I have to do 110 miles a day to and from work, but I am hoping to move closer before the first of the year. I am leaning the ends and out of the job world so its at least good experience. There are already nights I've had to work late to try and get things done. So I guess I'm getting a full dose of everything. 

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