“In order to love who you are, you cannot hate the experiences that shaped you.” – Andrea Dykstra
Loving and accepting yourself is essential if you are seeking peace and joy in your life. Life is not easy. It is a rollercoaster of events and emotions. Everyone has faced challenges and traumatic events throughout their lives. We are shaped by our experiences and how we adapt to them. Where we are today and who we are is due to all the events that occurred to us and how we responded and adapted to those events. A different choice could have catapulted us in another direction.
Accepting and loving oneself includes the “bad” parts too. They are part of who we are. If life were easy, we would not grow as we have. We are resilient and stronger because of the challenges we have faced and overcome.
Love and accept yourself as you are. Most of us are our own worst critics. Being harsh and critical of oneself probably has not helped. Let us try a different approach. Speak to yourself and treat yourself as you would your best friend, a loved family member, or someone in need. We tend to be kinder to others. Become your best friend and the best version of yourself. The longest relationship you will have is the one with yourself. Accept you. Cultivate you. Value you.
Five Reasons You Should Dive into the World of Volunteerism
By: TELETONUSA /
Do you need something to do? Do you need experience? Do you enjoy serving your community? The world of volunteerism might be the perfect fit for you. In the words of Heather French Henry, “volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.” Here are five reasons you should become a volunteer for your community from the perspective of a volunteer coordinator.
1. Experience in the Career Field
Volunteering can have great benefits. I have often worked with volunteers that are students looking for experience in a specific career field. They enjoy volunteering for an organization that aligns with their field of study, which empowers all parties involved. You will gain new skills and become familiar with the processes of the work you are studying or hoping to do. You cannot go wrong when you gain on-site experience. Volunteering will help with your professional development and expands your resume. Acquiring a new skill set is something you can keep with you for the rest of your life, and helping others as you learn is fulfilling.
2. Something to Do
I often come across volunteers such as retirees, stay-at-home parents, or someone “in-between” jobs, just looking for “something to do.” Finding a place to volunteer can help you fill in the days or times you otherwise feel secluded or not as productive as you think you could be. Volunteering can also provide wonderful mental health benefits.
According to an article by Jeanne Segal, Ph. D. & Lawrence Robinson, research has shown that 2-3 hours per week of volunteer work provides the most mental health benefits when the activity is rewarding. Volunteers in this category have informed me that they feel useful and enjoy giving back to the community. Each volunteer has a personal reason behind their organization, providing a sense of purpose.
3. New Friends and Social Networks
Volunteering opens the door that allows new friendships and social networking. As previously stated, many volunteers choose an organization for a specific reason. You will meet other volunteers who may have much more in common with you than you would imagine. Years ago, I worked for a non-profit that provided companionship services for the elderly. Many senior citizen volunteers were retired nurses and providers and got along well due to their common backgrounds. This relationship built a new socialization network for them, and friendships abounded. Volunteering also facilitates opportunities to network with local businesses and community organizations, which can help you as a student needing guidance or moving into a different career field. Volunteering for an organization’s special events or on a board is a great idea, as you could make new friends and network within your community.
4. Supporting Your Community
Some volunteers have particular skills or talents that they love. These types of volunteers often give art classes, yoga classes, or music classes. You can find them instructing others with valuable life skills. Sharing your talents with an organization’s population is a true gift of time and supports the community in many ways. Volunteering in this manner can give back to the community you grew up in by providing classes to people who otherwise would not have the opportunity. You may have a lot of experience in a specific area, like fundraising, and could provide a wealth of support to a non-profit organization. Consider the skills you specialize in and how you can help your community as a volunteer.
5. Time for a Change
Sometimes we desire change in our lives; this can be a new hairstyle, vehicle, city, or career. At any point in your life, you can change direction. Volunteering can be a gateway to the opportunity for a change in your life. Although many volunteers find an organization they can resonate with, some want to try something new. Volunteers can work with people of different backgrounds, thus providing invaluable cultural knowledge. You might be interested in a new field of work but have never worked in that field. Volunteering can provide that path. The desire for change in your life while simultaneously helping others is a good reason for you to look into volunteering within your community.
The world of volunteerism is vast. If you want to gain experience, make new friends, find something to do, support your community, or change your life, please consider volunteering. Volunteers are the heart of many organizations and help move the mission forward. Your gift of time will provide a genuine experience; you never know where it will lead you.
Volunteer at CRIT
If you are looking for a fulfilling opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, consider volunteering at the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT). Volunteers help bring joy, love, compassion, a sense of community, and a listening ear to our patients and their families. Join us in our mission to serve with an open heart and a big smile. For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact us at fitch@critusa.org.
In the United States, one in every four people has some disability, and 44% have reported discrimination due to their condition.
The areas where people with disabilities perceive more discrimination are medical services, on the street, on public transport, and with their families. We can all do something to stop discrimination by changing our attitudes and behaviors.
Here are seven things you can do to support people with disabilities.
1. Ask before helping
If someone needs your help, they will probably ask for it. Only decide to help out after asking first if they need assistance. Finally, follow instructions.
2. Be aware of personal space
Assistive technologies, such as wheelchairs and canes, are important to each person’s personal space. Never push or touch a mobility device without first asking permission.
3. Make sure to include everyone in your plans
Did you organize a birthday lunch? Do not leave out any of your friends. Are you planning a work meeting? Consider the needs of each participant. Ensure that your professional and personal gatherings are held in accessible places. Today many spaces guarantee the right to free access for people with disabilities.
4. Speak directly to everyone
When you start a conversation with someone, make eye contact and walk toward them. A person who does not speak can understand perfectly well what you are saying and have ways of expressing themselves to respond to you. And finally, when talking to a person in a wheelchair, start the conversation at their level so that you can make eye contact.
5. Speak clearly. Listen.
If you are working with a person with a cognitive disability, use clear concepts and simple and concrete words.
6. Fight against stereotypes, prejudices, and harmful practices
Do not discriminate with your actions and less with your omissions.
7. Get informed
Find out about the rights of people with disabilities, about accessibility, and about how you can participate in making the world more accessible. Learn more about the rights of people with disabilities here: https://www.ada.gov/resources/disability-rights-guide/
Media representation refers to how the media portrays groups of individuals with different characteristics. It refers to how some aspects, such as gender, age, physical abilities, age, or race, are presented to society.
Why is representation important?
If you can see it, you can be it: this is the idea behind those who promote the positive representation of all people, regardless of class, race, physical or intellectual capabilities, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
Many experts say that what children and adolescents are exposed to directly influences their goals and dreams. In other words, children and young people determine what they can achieve based on examples.
In the case of people with disabilities, negative representations in the media can limit their aspirations. For this reason, people with disabilities must be portrayed positively in the media.
Two actions to improve your children’s aspirations
Discuss the movies and series you watch with your children. Talk about what is unique about each character, what you like about the characters you see, what you do not like, and what your children can learn from each character.
Search stories, songs, movies, and tv shows that positively reflect the characteristics of your son or daughter.
Examples of media representation
The followings are some movies, and tv shows recommendations that can be ideal for your family.
Raising Dion: this series tells the story of Dion, a boy who discovers his superpowers, and his mother, who wants to protect him at all costs. Fun fact: Sammi Haney, the actress who plays Dion’s best friend, is a patient of the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) in San Antonio, Texas.
Finding Nemo: A father’s love leads him to travel the world to find his son while discovering the importance of friendship and courage.
Fundamentals of Caring: An 18-year-old teenager with muscular dystrophy journeys with his caregiver, learning about life and the importance of having love to get ahead.
Atypical: A teenager with autism is ready to fall in love, so he strives to become independent from his family. The series talks about the dynamics of a family with a young man with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This series questions what it means to be “normal” and asks us: who is “normal”?
Laredo Comes Together to Support CRIT
By: TELETONUSA /
On Saturday, March 4th, the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) hosted the fourth annual “Cruising to Be a Hero” event in Laredo, Texas.
Organized by Alma González, Heroes for CRIT Ambassador, this event welcomed Jeeps, motorcycles, and community members to spread the word about our mission and values.
“Thank you so much to all the Jeep organizations that attended. It brings me so much joy to have you support this noble cause,” Alma said. “Thank you to Sheriff Martin Cuellar and the Sheriff’s department for again supporting this cause and escorting us throughout the ride around Laredo. Thank you to Military Wings for allowing me to host this event in your restaurant and donating raffle prizes for the donors.”
All proceeds from this event benefit children and their families receiving rehabilitation services at CRIT.
Meet Genesis, Our Star of the Month!
By: TELETONUSA /
When Genesis was born, she was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Since starting her rehabilitation journey at the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) in 2015, she has made excellent progress with her physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Over the past year, Genesis has demonstrated remarkable progress with her ability to walk using her new gait trainer. She now uses her Augmentative and Alternative Communication device to scan images with her eyes to express her wants and needs and even tell people her name. Genesis has also improved her strength and range of motion and can now respond to others with “yes” or “no,” opening a new world of choices for her. We are so proud of you, Genesis!
Please donate today. Your donations help children achieve their dreams. For only 83¢ a day, make a difference in the life of a child like Genesis.
World Birth Conditions Day
By: TELETONUSA /
We know that this date’s official name is World Birth Defects Day. To avoid the stigmatization the word “defects” carries, at TeletonUSA Foundation, we have decided to use the term “conditions” to commemorate this day.
What are birth conditions?
Birth conditions are health factors present at birth that alter the shape or function of one or more body parts. These conditions can be diagnosed before, during, or after birth. On average, birth conditions affect 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States, which translates to 120,000 babies each year.
Some birth conditions are easy to see, but others are diagnosed with x-rays and hearing tests. Its causes may be genetic, disorders that occur during pregnancy, or things such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, obesity, or being an older mother.
The most common birth conditions are:
Cleft lip and palate
Spina bifida, also called myelomeningocele
Down Syndrome
Why do we have World Birth Conditions Day?
This day is important for three reasons:
First, to expand the prevention, care, and research of birth conditions.
Second, to raise awareness about the importance of giving all women access to health services during pregnancy.
Third, it makes society aware of the need to guarantee access to rehabilitation services for children born with a congenital condition that causes disability.
TeletonUSA Foundation and congenital conditions
At CRIT, we have early stimulation therapy, which cares for children with risk factors at birth. These factors include being underweight, short-height, or any minor challenge.
Early intervention represents the possibility of adequate development according to each patient’s expectations. This clinic aims to give all children with congenital disabilities the tools they need to enjoy the best possible quality of life.
You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.
A masterpiece is a work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship. Each one of us is unique, truly a masterpiece. No one looks exactly like us or has experienced the same things. Even when looking at biological twins, their experiences and how they are perceived will differ. This masterpiece of ourselves does not remain the same. We continuously change because of what we see, feel, and do.
For some, it may be challenging to distinguish that fine line between confidence and arrogance. We should be proud and confident of who we are, where we come from, and all our accomplishments. At the same time, it is essential to recognize that we have room for improvement and that no person is better than another. Each person is different, but different doesn’t mean less.
We are a masterpiece that changes each time internal or external factors impact us. We are a work in progress. Each day provides us with an opportunity to make different choices. How we respond or react to the events in our life will contribute to our masterpieces. Change is inevitable. How will you respond to the work your masterpiece encounters?
The Wheelchair and Independence
By: TELETONUSA /
Since 2008, International Wheelchair Day has been commemorated every March 1st. One of its goals is to recognize the achievements in the progress of people with mobility disabilities when they have access to a wheelchair. Therefore, this day is an opportunity to celebrate the positive impact of wheelchairs on the lives of the people who use them. Plus, it’s a great reminder to celebrate caregivers of people with significant mobility challenges.
The wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are assistive devices for people with motor impairments. To choose the correct wheelchair, the guidance of a professional is necessary so a person with a disability can achieve a higher level of independence.
There are different types of wheelchairs. Standard wheelchairs are the most common; these do not have much functionality and are difficult to use. There are also specific wheelchairs for people with neurological challenges; wheelchairs with posture support that help maintain a sitting position; electric wheelchairs; and dynamic wheelchairs for people with mobility challenges from the waist down but with mobility of the upper limbs. In addition, there are wheelchairs for sports use, which vary from discipline to discipline.
The availability of many wheelchairs is why each person must receive specific guidance when selecting and using their wheelchair.
Three things you can do to support
Wheelchair users face spatial barriers when getting around. But beyond that, there are social barriers that can be changed. Today, we share three of them:
Do not obstruct wheelchair access on sidewalks or parking lots.
Do not use exclusive access for wheelchairs when you do not need them.
Be aware that the achievement of rehabilitation is not for a person with a disability to walk but for them to reach their maximum degree of independence (this includes using a wheelchair).
TeletonUSA Foundation and wheelchairs
At TeletonUSA Foundation, we know how important it is for our patients to find the most suitable wheelchair. When needed, our medical team assists families in searching the adequate device based on the patient’s condition, necessities, and physical abilities.
At CRIT, physical and occupational therapists assess the patient’s wheelchair for proper use, fit, and any need for repairs. If there is a need for any modifications or size adjustments, therapists refer the patient to the Assistive Technology (AT) specialist. Here, the specialist will evaluate the patient and the need for change or a new chair. The evaluation includes the measurement and the patient’s overall motor control and mobility needs.
Once the measurement and wheelchair type are complete, the application to insurance or funding source begins. When the wheelchair arrives, the AT specialist ensures the proper fit and educates the caregiver on the appropriate use, storage, and maintenance of the wheelchair. The rest of the therapy team continues to follow up with the patient and will relay any information to the AT specialist regarding future modifications to the device.
Our daily goal is for our patients to achieve the most significant independence possible. That is why we provide orientation, rehabilitation, training, and maintenance to wheelchairs at CRIT so that the lives of our patients go smoothly!
