Don't Let a Disability Define You

Hi everyone, Yvonne Heath here. I am back in the studio
at Hunters Bay Radio. I am in the studio with Melissa Perry.
Melissa had some many amazing things to say on her show that we decided to do TWO shows. (It was really fun!) We were talking about
your journey with Nathan, raising three boys and Nathan who has Cerebral Palsy and special needs. Let’s touch on a few things that
we said were the most important for community to know
as you travel this journey.

We talked about Nathan, his personality and how funny he is.
We also talked about being genuine and kind towards people with disabilities, what questions to ask and how to not frame a question. (Using kind and respectful curiosity). We talked about balance.
We talked about self-care for the caregiver.
Let’s be honest, balance does not exist! (At times).

We did a two part series, and in the first we spoke about
“person first”, what that means is to not label a person by their
disability. For example, instead of using the words autistic child,
we use child with autism. Not labeling them or defining them by
their disability. The disability does not define them. It is a small
part of a whole person. I think it is important to recognize that and
to talk about that. We also spoke about being a caregiver, we have to
fire the martyr, and be OK to ask for help, and also as community, if
we see that someone appears to be doing OK, Just Show Up for them.

Be a part of their community. It takes a community to raise a child,
it takes a community to raise a child with special needs ten fold.

Tune in our show.
We will share part one this month and part two next month.

Melissa Perry Part One

Thank you Melissa for being awesome.
Thank you Nathan for being a shining star.
​I just love you! I am not even afraid to say it.
Thanks bye for now!


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