Yoshiko Dart wrote a wonderful letter of vision that we are printed for you to enjoy. Yoshiko has truly taken on the responsibility and dedication to the disability community with which her late husband, Justin dedicated his life. She wants us all to realize that all people have rights to fulfill their highest potentials and that this must continue for future generations. She wants the best for all of us. Thank you, Yoshiko, for your prayers and your activism!
After listening to the speeches during the Democratic convention and the orators’ hopes for the future of the United States, I began to wonder how many of them will be true to their word and dedicated to their platform issues. If they dedicate themselves to making their dreams reality for the United States–we will be living in a far better place in the future than we are today. However, they need our help to be elected. They need our dedication to the same hopes and dreams in order for them to be successful.
Pete Feigal and Jeni Mundl have offer very personal columns this month. Pete once again displays that ability to make you feel as if he’s talking directly to you. Jeni, as well, has an excellent ability to draw you in. You’ll enjoy their articles. The two of you are the best!
Remember that the Charlie Smith awards gala celebration is coming up. If you knew Charlie you will know what kind of party we are having–laid back, communal talk with familiar people who have mutual interests. We are keeping the gala very similar to last year’s, only just a little bigger, a little tastier, a little roomier, and a little louder–and you’ll be there! The applications for the Charlie awards will be on the web site soon. Reserve the date, November 5, 2004, and buy your tickets now to reserve your tables!
Kathy Hagen and Tracy Reid-Seith warn us about some of the new guardianship laws. If you are a guardian or if you are under guardianship please read this article. You have the right to vote. Don’t let anyone take that away from you. Call and let us help!
Luther Granquist tells us about the devastating loss of the Fairview Health Services’ Tamarack custom seating clinic. The loss of this clinic will affect many of us for a long time. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have a Tamarack seating system will be able to go to Gillette Children’s Hospital or Rehabilitation Designs Inc., for adjustments; those of us who don’t have Tamarack seating will have to hope that they will be able to create new seating. Fairview University Hospital says that the closing is an economic issue. I considered it another values issue. Why would an organization with $60 million in profits not want to spend an extra $240 thousand a year to save money, misery, and preventing injuries? They value profits over people with disabilities’ quality of life.
