There was one time back in the day when people with disabilities were kept isolated from the rest of society such as being put into institutions.  In 1969, Niels Bank-Mikkelson and Bengt Nirge formed a sociology and psychology theory in Scandinavia.  They theorized that normalization is the acceptance of people with disabilities to have the same opportunities as everyone else.  At first the theory was applied to people with mental retardation but today it includes all people with disabilities.

Advocates have taken the position that the word “normalization” applies to the environment rather than a specific person or disability.  The idea is to focus on including everybody with disabilities rather than what “normal” means.  Everybody’s “normal” is different since we are all unique individual with unique needs.

The principle of normalization is that people with disabilities have the right to have their own freedom and to make their own decisions in their life.  Everybody, including people with disabilities have the right to equal employment and an education.  They also should have the same access to recreational activities along with the right to expand their horizons read my column about a man with Cerebral Palsy http://www.masslive.com/neighborhoodsplus/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1273562497267320.xml&coll=1

Many people see yoga as a way to be more flexible, distress themselves and to exercise the mind and body.  Yoga can also help us focus our minds to what is important to us and make us aware of ourselves.  Many people like myself practice karma yoga, which is the practice of selfless action.  This is also referred to as yoga activism, which is when individuals take their yoga practice off of the mat into their daily lives

Within yoga activism, there are some key values to guide you through your adventure in life.  One example is love and showing to others and yourself.  Another one is learning how to forgive yourself and others.  The goal is to learn how to live and move on from the past with love and forgiveness.  The third value is to always have faith in yourself, others and a higher power that everything will work out the way it is supposed to.  The fourth one is to treat yourself and others equally and remember that we are all different and unique in our own ways.  It is also important to always be honest with yourself and others.  Finally, it is the practice of helping others through volunteer work, because nothing is more valued than the feeling of helping somebody else.

With these values, yoga activism can be fulfilled with the following straggles, such as meditating to bring your mind to focus on what is important to you and how you want to help others.  Another method is to be creative in how you want to achieve your purpose and goals.  It is important to know your purpose, set your goals with an action plan and always dream beyond horizons.

My yoga practice has helped me determine that my passion in life is to help and inspire people with disabilities while educating people on disability related issues.  Every day I achieve my purpose through writing my column, working on book projects on disability issues and volunteering with different disability organizations.  My dream is to become a stronger disability advocate and reach more readers with my words.  I am proud to be a columnist, a writer, a disability advocate and a yoga activist with the sole purpose of representing and working for people with disabilities.

Please read my column about one of my favorite causes

http://www.masslive.com/metrosouthplus/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-5/127296139336290.xml&coll=1

Social Role Valorization theorizes that society tends to identify diverse groups as less valued because of their differences. It also studies how we devalue others and its effects while developing methods to counteract the problem.

In society if a group of individuals are seen different or abnormal they are stigmatized as less valued, low status, unworthy and prone to discrimination. The effects of being devalued are as followed depression, low self esteem, isolation and feeling insecure. SVR talks about creating and enhancing postive roles for people who may be in a devalued role because once their exhibiting postive qualities others will see it and focus on it. Being in a postive role can bring about happiness, improved self image and being part of society. People with disabilities often fall into the category of being devalued because they are only judge by their disability instead we should be looking at the whole person.

Check out my column on bullies

http://www.masslive.com/chicopeeplus/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1272352639135460.xml&coll=1

In my late twenties I felt very lost and disconnected.  It was during this time that I discovered Sean’s yoga DVD.  It wasn’t just a great exercise program but it was also the spiritual connection I was looking for.  Yoga helps me focus on my purpose and goals of being a disability rights activist.  For me yoga is a life style from the beliefs to the physical practice. I am proud to be a yogini.

1.   What does yoga mean to you?

Making connections and relationships within and outside of ourselves while seeing love and truth in all circumstances.

2.    How does yoga relate to spirituality?

it unites the mind and body working as a whole with no separation.  The god we seek is within us going outwards to see our truth and love.

3.    How do you transform yoga into your daily life?

By being mindful in all activities from eating to working always practicing yoga.

4.    How did you become involved in activism and how does it connect to yoga?

I was always interested in activism but yoga helps you deal with your own issues allowing you to be more focused on helping others.

5.   What is the purpose and goal of Off The Mat Into The World?

1. To bridge the gap between the yoga community and activism  2. Leadership training to help yogis to find and define their purpose through yoga, meditation and journaling 3. Teach organizational skills and provide resources.

6.   What are your future plans?

1. Off The Mat seva Challenge in South Africa is planning to build a bakery and halfway house while doing AIDS awareness education.  2. Off The Mat Urban seva Challenge in LA is working with inner city kids.

7.    What advice do you have for inspiring yogis and activists?

1. Take care of yourself first. 2. Work with others sharing resources.

8.      What is your purpose?

To love bigger then ever possible and not to be afraid to take risks.

Read more about Seane in my column

http://www.masslive.com/holyokeplus/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-5/127174776428140.xml&coll=1

For more information on Seane and her work visit http://www.seanecorn.com/ .

One of the most common barriers that people with disabilities face is making connections with others in their personal and professional lives.  Every day people with disabilities face many different barriers, such as discrimination, transportation issues or dealing with stigmas and different types of attitudes.  The lack of social networking can lead to feelings of loneliness, boredom or depression.  There are many possible reasons for the lack of social interactions, such as hearing and communication barriers, fear or lack of understanding of differences, or people who look just at a disability rather than a person

Sadly, in today’s society, people with disabilities have to deal with the stigma of having a disability.  Many people have the misconception that a disability makes a person helpless, incapable of being independent or not being smart.  I have also seen people with disabilities looked on as not an important part of society.  Many individuals are either scared or uncomfortable around people with disabilities due to the lack of information and focusing just on the negative part of having a disability.

There are many resources available to help bridge the social gap for people with disabilities.  For example, volunteering can be a wonderful, positive social experience, bringing the good feeling of helping others, getting involved in playing team sports and joining clubs or organizations.  The main problem with this is that many people don’t know how to find these resources or get to them.  Another excellent resource is the Internet, where chat rooms and message boards have allowed people to make friends and have the opportunity to interact with others.

It has always been my personal experience that surrounding myself with positive people and experiences has led me to happiness. To paraphrase Martin Luther King, I believe that disabled individuals should be judged on their character rather than their disability.  I would rather have a few close friends and family who are true to themselves and me instead of a large number of friends who do not fully accept me.

Whenever I meet somebody I always look for the good in them and I focus on being myself and I feel that if they can’t accept me for who I am, I move on because they are not worth my time.  I have always seen my disabilities as part of who I am and I am very proud of my accomplishments and where I am today.  I am very thankful that I have found someone special to share my life and have a close family and friends who love and accept me for who I am. Read my column at http://www.masslive.com/holyokeplus/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1270884047135280.xml&coll=1

Very recently I decided I wanted to get in touch with the women who I admire and inspired me in my own life. The first one is my friend Gabrielle Bernstein who wrote a book on positive living for women to tune into their inner guidance and fill their life with happiness. The book is filled with meditations, reflections, and activities to tap into your inner guidance. Just like Gabrielle I have always believed that if were positive then good things will come so take the time and enjoy positive power.

“  What inspired you to begin your work in empowering woman and what is your purpose?

My own personal journey is what inspired me to empower other women. My outward search for happiness did not serve me. I had to hit a bottom to turn inward. This experience taught me everything I teach today.  My personal transformation is what empowers me most.

What is your goal and purpose for your book?

My goal for this book is to reignite the ~ing in the world. Each reader who does the work can shift their perception and create miracles.  The more ~ing I turn on through this book the more miracles the world will hold.

What is the writing process for your book and blog?

I’m probably the most focused A.D.D person you’ll ever meet. Therefore I have to shut down everything to begin a writing project. I turn off the tweets, emails, audio, phone etc. Then I meditate. In my meditation my ~ing guides me to create an outline. Then I jam out with a free write. There is a lot of editing involved. My boyfriend and ladies in my power posse help me edit.

How did you start http://www.herfuture.com/, life coaching, and motivational speaking?

I began speaking at the age of twenty-one. I was asked to speak in marketing classrooms and on entrepreneurial panels because I was a young entrepreneur. I LOVED speaking publicly. Each time I’d speak I’d be bombarded with emails from young women in the classroom. Eventually I realized that I couldn’t mentor everyone and that’s when I created HerFuture.com. I designed a site where I could be a mentor virtually and hold space for other empowering mentors to help guide women.

What are your current and future goals?

My next move is to have a TV show based on happiness, wellness and miracles. I plan to be the voice of happiness for the next generation. I am also working on my next book and creating some awesome video content for the site. In addition, I’m always growing my spiritual practice.

What is your one message to women?

Turn your search for happiness inward. Get your ~ing on. Expect miracles! “

Read more about Gabrielle in my column

http://www.masslive.com/metrosouthplus/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-5/127053848637610.xml&coll=1

For more information on Gabrielle and her book visit

http://www.addmoreing.com/

For empowerment and social interaction visit

http://www.herfuture.com/

In our daily life we experience many natural feelings the key is how do we let these emotions affect us. The healthy choice is to look at the positives to get us through the day. It is like a fuel gauge when were full of positive energy we are more likely to be more happy, focus and inspired. While an empty fuel gauge represents negativity such as frustration, tiredness and sadness. To be more positive we must retrain our thought process to listen to ourselves choosing to be happy and positive no matter what happens. I every day I use my meditation and yoga practice to focus on the good in life. Check out my favorite book on living the positive lifestyle called ADD MORE ing TO YOUR LIFE: A Hip Guide to Happiness by Gabrielle Bernstein at http://www.amazon.com/Add-More-ING-YOur-Life/dp/084371655X

I recently came across an article that completely shocked me.  A South Carolina newspaper reported that during a town hall meeting their Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer made a very disturbing statement regarding welfare recipients:  “My grandmother was not a highly educated woman, but she told me as a small child to quit feeding stray animals.  You know why? Because they breed.  You’re facilitating the problem if you give an animal or person ample food supply.  They will reproduce, especially ones who don’t think too much further than that.  And so what you’ve got to do is you’ve got to curtail that type of behavior. They don’t know any better”.

He later clarified that what he meant to say was that the government is allowing individuals to become too dependent on public assistance.

I truly believe that were all equal and should not be judged on race, gender, disability or economic status.  We all deserve to treated with respect and love.  Just because some may need more assistance doesn’t mean they are not smart or successful.  What matter is what is in your heart and soul that makes you a success.

I have always practiced karma yoga, the action of helping others.  There is not a better feeling you can get from making life better for someone.  Even a small gesture can go a long way. As a society, instead of judging and making assumptions we should work together to improve the quality of life for every one because we are all equals.

check out my weekly column http://www.masslive.com/living/index.ssf/2010/03/first_friday_group_offers_support.html

In our vocabulary, there are many words that can be offensive when describing people with disabilities, such as retarded and handicapped.  Even statements that are made can just as hurtful and damaging such as “deaf and dumb,” These types of statements can lead to stereotyping, misperceptions and discrimination.  It can lead to feelings of anger and belittlement.  These feelings can lead to low self-esteem, discouragement and in some cases, depression.

We as a society must remember how powerful the spoken word carries in our language.  We must consider others’ feelings and not to judge them on the basis of their disability.  The key lesson is to put the person first rather than their disability.  Since the disability is a characteristic that is a part of them and that they have many more qualities that outweigh their disabilities.  We must remember Martin Luther Kings words of judging people by character rather than color of one’s skin, which is analogous to judging a person on the basis of their disability

Being an eternal optimist, I always look for the good in people and any situation because it is that postive energy that helps cope with life.  Being happy and positive is a state of mind that begins on the inside moving outwards.  Every day being positive is a personal choice we can make.  We can keep this attitude through a variety of ways, such as positive affirmations, meditation and journaling.  When things get too tough just step back and refocus on something fun and happy.  Once refreshed come back ready to tackle the situation with renewed energy.  I believe with love and optimism in our hearts there isn’t anything we can’t survive. Just remember to take one step at a time while remembering to keep love in our hearts.