Disability Dialogue with Bill

Living Positively: It takes Courage and Collaboration

Hi everyone,

I recently got the privilege to meet a very encouraging person I want you to meet. Richard Devylder, Deputy Director, California Department of Rehabilitation gave a keynote at a conference I attended. Richard goes about life with a very positive attitude helping others. He also has no arms or legs. During Richard’s keynote, he showed the audience a very inspiring video. It is one you won't want to miss. It will change your perspective for sure.

VIEWING THE VIDEO
To view it, go to the following URL:
http://www.rehab.cahwnet.gov/rd_video.htm

Then click on "A Day In the Life: Richard Devylder"
Richard is a Department of Rehabilitation Director for the State of California.

You need Windows Media Player 10.0 or later to view video.

MY EXPERIENCE OF VIEWING IT
I cannot see Richard's video being completely blind myself, but with his great description (he tried to describe well enough for the blind to know what is happening; he has captioning for the deaf) I can tell the challenges I have daily are nothing compared to Richard’s. I would like to hear your thoughts after viewing or listening to video.

WHAT DID YOU SEE AND EXPERIENCE?
Did you learn anything new from Richard? Did you learn anything you can apply into your own life?? Go out and help others with a positive attitude and you not only will be helping others, you’ll be helping yourself as well.

Cannot wait to hear your thoughts after you view video and have met Richard virtually.

Read more Inspirational Stories and messages HERE.

Bill Tipton
Contributing Author,
Global Dialogue Center
http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/

Peak Performance for the Disabled

Hello everyone,

I am wondering what your thoughts are about how diet, exercise and other self caring techniques can help you to perform at your highest potential? I think this is especially true if you have any medical conditions like diabetes and neuropathy. I have both of these medical conditions. I have noticed that if I am traveling, doing extra stressful work, working very long hours my blood glucose level rises. During these times I really need to pay attention to my diet. When my blood glucose levels are elevated I feel more tired and cannot think as clearly. I am completely blind and my navigational skills are crucial for my safety. When my blood glucose levels are elevated or I am overly tired I cannot navigate as well. I walk slower and it feels like I do not walk a straight line. A very peculiar thing happens with me. Since I am completely blind I do not see a thing. Just pitch black. When I am tired or my blood glucose levels are elevated when I look into the distant; eyes open or shut; I cannot tell the difference; the darkness is even darker. When this happens I know I am not at my best. When the darkness is slightly lighter with images that I can imagine in my minds eye I know my alertness is better. I am not sure if this is normal.

Diet and exercise play a very important role in my personal and professional life. I think some rest and relaxation is needed to rejuvenate the mind, body and to start with fresh ideas and energy to help me tackle any new task with vigor. When I have not over taxed my mind, body, and have watched my diet I am ready to produce quality results at my highest potential. .

Does anyone have any other examples of things that can affect your disability? Are there ways you have found you can improve your medical conditions or disability with diet and exercise? Any other things you have found that help you to accomplish things a bit easier? Maybe things like yoga, meditation or helping others have helped you?

Look forward to hearing from all of you. We can all learn from each other to be our best.

Bill Tipton
Contributing Author,
Global Dialogue Center
http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/