Fairy Princess

Up & coming not-for-profit

2011-10-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.igive.com/EXYNa2H

Fundraiser

2010-09-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

Buy a coupon book now for $5 and get a $10 coupon towards a purchase during Community Day at Nebraska Furniture Mart in Kansas City on October 23. All proceeds of KSDS coupon book sales go directly to KSDS!

KSDS will have a booth set up @ NFM on Oct. 23, I encourage anyone who is able to make the trip out to the event to do so & purchase a coupon book.

Proceeds from the book are going to a great cause!!!

Survey/Questionaire

2010-09-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a questionaire regarding the interest in Awareness about Assistance Dogs: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W8FFRKY
This link & questionaire will be active from now til 9-10-2010 @ 12am. Please take time to fill out my questionaire! Thank you!!!

Friendship Quotes

2010-06-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

Good friends are good for your health.
Irwin Sarason

A friend is one who knows us,
but loves us anyway.
Fr. Jerome Cummings

The only way to have a friend is to be one.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Spread the Word to End the Word

2010-05-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Writings

2010-03-06T16:55:00.000-08:00

"If

by Unknown

If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills,

If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time,

If you can overlook it when people take things out on you when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you can face the world without lies and deceit,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,

...then, you may be good enough to be a dog!"

Inspirational Writings

2010-03-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

"When I Got My New Dog

I asked for strength that I might rear her perfectly;

I was given weakness that I might feed her more treats.

I asked for good health that I might rest easy;

I was given a 'special needs' dog that I might know nurturing.

I asked for an obedient dog that I might feel proud;

I was given stubbornness that I might feel humble.

I asked for compliance that I might feel masterful;

I was given a clown that I might laugh.

I asked for a companion that I might not feel lonely;

I was given a best friend that I would feel loved.

I got nothing I asked for,

But everything that I needed."

Social Media

2009-10-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

Your Social Media Power Belt: 5 Powerful Tools You Need For Your Job SearchRead more: http://jobmob.co.il/blog/social-media-job-search-tools/?goback=.nvr_1839561_1#ixzz0U8p38EN6

2009-09-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am.
~Author Unknown

2009-09-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn’t merely try to train him to be semi human. The point of it is to open oneself to becoming partly a dog.
~Edward Hoagland

2009-09-04T08:08:00.001-07:00

"Always act like you're wearing an invisible crown."
-Author Unknown

Miley Cyrus - The Climb - Official Music Video (HQ) Video by Miley Cyrus - MySpace Video

2009-08-21T20:21:00.001-07:00

Miley Cyrus - The Climb - Official Music Video (HQ) Video by Miley Cyrus - MySpace Video

Shared via AddThis

Tips on how to treat people w/disabilities

2009-08-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

DISABILITY TERMINOLOGY:
PEOPLE-FIRST LANGUAGE

INSTEAD OF SAYING: USE:

Disabled -OR- crippled -OR- Person with a disability -OR-
Lame -OR- afflicted -OR - handicapped Person who has a disability

Confined to a wheelchair -OR- Person who uses a wheelchair -OR-
Wheelchair-bound Person who has a wheelchair

The mentally retarded People who have mental retardation

The blind Person with blindness -OR-
Person with low vision

The deaf -OR- deaf mute -OR- Person who is deaf -OR-
deaf and dumb Person with a hearing impairment

Invalid Person who is paralyzed -OR-
Person who has paraplegia/quadriplegia

Crazy -OR- insane -OR- nuts Person who has a mental illness

DISABILITY ETIQUETTE

Why do we need disability terminology and/or disability etiquette? Because one in five Americans has a disability. That means approximately 49 million Americans have a disability, which makes people with disabilities the largest single minority group in the US. Kansas and Missouri have an even higher percentage (KS – 28%, MO – 32%). Only about 10% of all disabilities are visible. You are probably interacting with someone with a disability every day, perhaps without even knowing it. Disability doesn’t discriminate; it affects all people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds as well as socioeconomic statuses. Everyone is at risk to having a disability in their lifetime.

People with disabilities in this country are still constantly striving for the same rights as those without disabilities. Many do work and many more would like to work. Those who work are constantly praised by their employers as being hard workers. However, many employers still fear hiring people with disabilities and often don’t see their abilities.

Fear is also a hindrance in the community and in social activities; this isolates people with disabilities. Many people with disabilities are left alone at social functions or workplace gatherings because we are afraid to get to know them. If we remember that they are people who happen to have a condition that causes them to do things a little differently than we do, and are NOT the disability themselves, then we could avoid missing out on some great friendships and business associates.

Sometimes we are not comfortable around people with disabilities because we don’t know how to act, what to say, or what to do. Two simple rules exist:
Treat a person with a disability like a PERSON.
If you’re not sure how to talk to or assist a person with a disability, ASK them.

ETIQUETTE TIPS TO REMEMBER

· People with disabilities are like anyone else; they have different personalities, likes, and dislikes. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, just as with anyone you meet.

· It is always appropriate to shake hands when meeting people – even if they have limited hand use or paralysis. You may touch their hand to acknowledge their presence, or shake their left hand if extended in lieu of the right.

· Before assisting people with disabilities, always ask if they require, need, or want any assistance. If they do, listen carefully to their instructions. Do not interfere with a person’s full control over his/her assistive devices. Never move crutches, walkers, or communication boards out of the reach of their owners without permission.

· Do not lean on a person’s wheelchair or assistive device. This is considered part of his/her personal space. Just as you don’t like to feel crowded or invaded, neither do others.

· If speaking to a person using a wheelchair for longer than a brief introduction, try to sit down so that you may converse at eye level. It is difficult for anyone to look up for long periods of time.

· When speaking to people with visual difficulties or blindness, always begin by telling them your name and where you are. If offering assistance when walking, let them take your arm and tell them when you are approaching obstacles, inclines, steps, or turns. If they use a guide or service dog, do not pet the dog. This is a working animal to assist its owner and should not be distracted or petted.

· When communicating with people who are deaf or hearing-impaired, speak directly to the person and not to his/her companion or sign language interpreter. The sign language interpreter is being used as a tool for communication, much in the same way as a telephone. Many people who are deaf or hearing-impaired can also read lips, so be sure to speak in a normal manner and avoid visually hindering communication, such as having your hands near your face or food in your mouth. Do not shout or speak into the other person’s ear. Body movements and facial expressions assist in comprehension. If communication is still not understood, it is always acceptable to write your message.

· Do not be embarrassed to use common expressions like “see you later,” “have to run,” or “have you heard”. People with disabilities consistently use these phrases in their conversations.

· When speaking to people who have speech difficulties, do not pretend to understand what they are saying if you do not. Simply ask them to repeat what they said.

· People with disabilities normally do not want their disability to be the first topic of conversation. They will gladly share details of their disability after you have become better acquainted.

· Remember that not all disabilities are visible. Just because someone doesn’t look as if he/she has a disability, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

· Always remember to use PEOPLE FIRST language.

Always let the person with a disability guide you – remember to ask what terminology is preferred or what assistance may be needed. The person should be your best resource. You also have a right to set limits on what you can and cannot do (i.e. lifting, pushing, etc). Your relationship with a person with a disability should be like any other reciprocal relationship.

Changing your attitude about people with disabilities by portraying them as regular folks will go a long way toward changing the attitudes of employers, politicians, and society. Let’s help overcome the barriers, both physical and attitudinal.

2009-08-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

Assistance Dog Etiquette

2009-07-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

In general, when you meet a person with an assistance dog, please remember that the dog is working. You don’t want anything to interrupt the dog from performing its tasks.
How should people behave around an assistance dog?The Americans With Disabilities Act guarantees people with disabilities the right to be accompanied by a service animal in all areas open to the general public. Service animal means any assistance dog or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Here are some tips to follow when meeting or approaching a working assistance dog and his or her partner:
• Don't be afraid of the dog. Assistance Dogs from organizations like KSDS, Inc. and other members of Assistance Dogs International are carefully tested and selected for appropriate temperament. They have been professionally trained to have excellent manners.
• Don't touch the dog without asking permission first! This is a distraction and may prevent the dog from tending to the human partner.
• Never feed the dog. It may be on a special diet. KSDS dogs are generally on a feeding schedule as well. Food is the ultimate distraction to the working dog and can jeopardize the working assistance dog team.
• Speak to the person, not the assistance dog! Most handlers do not mind talking about assistance dogs and their dog specifically if they have the time.
• Do not whistle or make sounds to the dog as this again may provide a dangerous distraction.
• Never make assumptions about the individual's intelligence, feelings or capabilities.
Be aware of potential architectural barriers to the individual. Be respectful of the assistance dog team. They are a working pair going about their daily lives

My Vision

2009-06-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

It is my vision to advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities. My passion lies in testifying in front of state and/or federal legislature on behalf of persons with disabilities on various pieces of legislation that will have an impact on their day to day lives both positively and negatively. Due to the challenges and obstacles that I have faced and continue to face in my life as a self advocate, it is with determination and a compassionate outlook that I will serve as an advocate for persons with disabilities. It is my ultimate dream to see a world where each and every person with a disability is included in every aspect of society, treated with respect and dignity; where all buildings are accessible to wheelchair users; where all public transportation is made accessible for persons who use wheelchairs.
To quote Anatole France, "To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe” (http://www.egreenway.com/wellbeing/will.htm#Quotations).
Due to the above, my contribution to the profession of social work will be my determination, persuasiveness and tenacity to approach and/or testify in front of politicians on behalf of persons with disabilities. In addition, my personal experience as a person with a disability will further my contribution to social work.

If

2009-06-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

by Unknown
If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills,
If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time,
If you can overlook it when people take things out on you when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
...then, you may be good enough to be a dog!

KSDS Promo Video

2009-06-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_HFXMXShk8