Dancing In A Wheelchair, No Biggie, But Underwater...

photos by: Freewheeling Norman Lomax/ Rex Features
http://www.digitalspy.com/fun/news/a403294/underwater-wheelchair-dancing-a-hit-at-cultural-olympiad-watch/

We like to not just talk about relevant topics pertaining to mobility issues and experiences, but pass on those extra unique individuals we learn about who are exceptional at proving why our blog has the title it does. Sue Austin, is one of those individuals. Watch and enjoy, as we are encouraged and reminded once again that walking really is, way overrated. Take a look at dome of her artistry.

Justin Hines - Take a Listen, You Won't Be Disappointed

 A fews years back an Ontario tourism promo was on our television. Immediately, I noticed a young fellow who was using a wheelchair singing the the song for the video. When you use one yourself, you notice these things. I was so impressed with his vocals and looked him up on the internet. Within minutes, I became a Justine Hines fan. Bonus, he's from Ontario, Canada!
Justin is a singer, songwriter who is a humble artist that views his different abilities as an opportunity for something positive, not as a negative. Loving that attitude, he is an inspiration to my husband and me and we were thrilled to learn that he is coming to our city in two days!
Just want to spread his life and music around, not just to our friends who may want to see him with us - but to whoever stumbles upon this blog.
Here's to you Justin, We wish you well.
Here are some playlists and web links to learn more about Justin.
Justin Hines Inspiring Life

"Courage" Video

"Say What You will"

Justin Hines Documentary Short

Justin Repels Down Hotel in Wheelchair

"Lay MyBurdens Down" video

Justin Is Coming To Thunder Bay, August 20th, 2013!!
Hines is playing at the Italian Cultural Centre on Aug. 20. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available at the Baggage Building, March of Dimes, MEDIchair, Painted Turtle, Print Pros Plus, SHIFT YPN office and the Thunder Bay Transit office.
Where We First Saw/Heard Justin Hines!

No Arms, No Legs, No Worries!

We all know why caterpillars are all bundled up in their cocoon or is it called a chrysalis? Hmm, must do some research. Anyhoo, this morning as my husband and I were waiting for our weekly online church service to begin, I wanted to show Craig a video interview of an incredible man we have shared with readers before, Mr. Nick Vujcic. Last February, God answered one of his prayers about marriage and now he and his lovely wife are expecting! Here is the video interview of the blissful couple.

As we were on You Tube watching the above video I gazed down the list. You know the list of other You Tube videos we might like...the list always leads to watching other videos. Videos, that you never planned to look at to begin with. That is the challenge I face every time I am on the net! The urge to look up a topic or person hits me, so I search, and before I know it, usually something else catches my eye and surprise! Suddenly, I am looking at topics that may not even be close to the original topic! Ever ask yourself this..."What was it I was suppose to be searching for?

Ooops, back to the topic, (see what I mean!). Today however, I believe we were meant to see this video. At least it was still about Nick! The film below, is a short film, about twenty four minutes, called "Butterfly Circus." At first it's heartbreaking, but keep watching! We knew Nick wouldn't be acting in something that had no purpose or point. This film has a powerful message, full of meaning and richness.

Walking, Way Overrated is meant to be a blog that provides resources and inspirational persons and stories to encourage and assist all persons who are differently abled, or for family, friends or anyone who is just interested. That being said, it means we also  share our own experiences as well. As you will see in the video, we may not have been part of any circus that exploits others who may be deemed as "unique." But, all who use various methods to move around, or if we have any visible characteristics that cause others too stare, we can relate to what "Will" is experiencing in this video. If you do hide out because the stares and taunts of others who are just plain ignorant, stop! Been there, done that. More in the next entry.

Be Inspired..."Determined to Win"

Meet Jean Driscoll!
Keeping in step with what we said we would do - meet another inspirational person who happens to use wheels for legs, just like us! Born with Spina Bifida, a cousin to Spina Bifida Occulta, which is what my husband Craig has, Jean Driscoll is world record breaking athlete who loves Jesus Christ and shares that love in some incredibly unique ways. Ways that could only happen because of her hard work and physical abilities. Coaching the first ever, paralympic racing team in Ghana, Africa is one of those ways!
Spina Bifida is a disability that affects the spinal cord in varying degrees. It is why women who are wanting to get pregnant, are to take Folic Acid because it helps to prevent any anomalies from forming in the the development of this area. Personally, most of the individuals I have met throughout my life, who live with spina bifida, generally have semi or full paralysis from the waist down and can use braces and walkers or they use a wheelchair to get around. As with most who have spinal cord issues, whatever you use gets extra strong, meaning these individuals have super upper body strength. Just like when a person who can't hear, has heightened other senses to compensate, truly an amazing feature that God designed.
Like I mentioned in a previous article, children who are like myself, born with a disability, are generally quite happy and content because it is who we are, all we know. From the age of eleven until I was seventeen, I lived in an eighteen bed institution built to provide a place for children living with physical disabilities. Most kids lived there because like mine, our home towns, weren't equipped with wheelchair accessible schools or places you could receive physical, speech or occupational therapy. Sadly, that was when I first learned that there were others who had been abandoned by their biological parents into foster care, unable to accept their child's needs. Seeing those dear peers, caused me to be extra thankful for the family I was able to visit with every other weekend and holidays. Thankfully these days, in Canada, much has changed. There are funds available to assist parents with things like home support, respite and easier access to all of those therapies that are so often needed, not to mention, wheelchair access to government funded buildings is law.
One precious lady often comes to mind when I remember my days there, Pamela had white blonde hair, blue eyes and spoke ninety miles an hour. She didn't let spina bifida stop her from anything, determined to get where she wanted, she'd often ditch her wrist crutches, lie tummy down on the floor and  using her elbows to propel her tiny, thin body up and down the long halls, leaving them with a fine polish!

Jean was also quite mobile when she was young, with the assistance of devices. It was after she had undergone many surgeries in her early teen years, that she discovered walking wouldn't be better but impossible. Facing a new way of getting around, she faced some very serious struggles. The video documentary focuses on how Jesus touches her life in ways she hadn't imagined. I don't want to spoil the story by saying too much, you will have to find out for yourself, just how many Boston Marathon records she breaks! 
Here is Jean Driscoll's Web Site - click here

Determined to Win, the Jean Driscoll Story video Documentary- click here

"Hope Out Loud"

As shared previously, there is a series of videos that "Joni and Friends Television" has produced a serious of half hour video presentations featuring the stories about those who inspire and have touched Joni's life. See, just as she is used by God to touch others, others touch her and so on and so forth. So let's pass it on so others may be blessed too. We are never alone, someone else is always out there going through similar issues. Be inspired.
Share your story too, we would love to hear from you! 


Meet Jennifer Barrick!

Meet Jennifer Barrick, a young lady who experienced an accident that changed her life forever. Her love for Jesus shines brightly and her desire is to bless others as well. (Click here to go to her website)
View audio documentary about the amazing young lady below:
The Jennifer Barrick Story Part 1
The Jennifer Barrick Story Part 2

Determined to Win | Joni and Friends

Be inspired by paralympian, Jean Driscoll! Determined to Win | Joni and Friends

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