Home › BlogPage 44

The Healing Horse, Ch 2, Scene 3: Struggling

As a first-grader, I had no idea why I could not recall what I read. The other kids could. Why couldn’t I? Fortunately, I did not let myself become discouraged, so after some hard times, I did eventually learn to read and to love reading. But that comes later in the story.

Scene 3: Struggling

Karen wanted to learn, but though she poured her soul into acquiring knowledge, everything she attempted to memorize, be it word, date, or fact flew straight out of her head; neither did it return. She could not retain information. The more endurance and effort she demanded of herself, the more her memory choked. Material she committed to it was rarely there on demand. Her perceptual learning difficulties, rather than her determination and effort, determined her level of success in English, social studies and math.

Without questioning why this happened, she took the business of learning seriously. With every neuron of her brain, with every sinew of her body, with every prayer of her soul, Kitten disciplined herself. To her young soul, there were no accidents in the universe. She never passively waited for providence to intervene. She never wavered. She did her homework assignments on time. She was not afraid to make mistakes because she always learned from them. She faced her trials with an inner power and strength that helped her conquer her outer world obstacles.

Climbing over each hurdle, Karen’s inner self became stronger, and her imagination flowered. As Karen tried to accomplish her assignments, she found that letters, words, phrases and numbers twisted around in her brain. She transposed letters and added a confusing letter s where it did not belong. She began reading a page, but then found that when she reached the end she could not remember any of the content.

She became so frustrated with herself that the frustration itself became a problem. The harder she tried, the harder it was for her to complete the homework. Learning was a constant struggle, but she never ran away from it. She knew she had been given this challenge for a reason, even though she felt humiliated by it.

Regardless of her academic difficulties, Kitten never complained, nor did she ever give in as she continued her childhood journey through life. Anguish and humbling experiences were her building blocks as she developed compassion and self-knowledge, although, just like any other little girl, she needed reassurance from Mama, who usually quieted her daughter’s fears.

©2020, Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved.

#cerebralpalsy #dyslexia #inspirationalwriting

 

The Healing Horse, Ch 2, Scene 2: A House with a Window

When I got into first grade, my Mama quickly discovered that my way of perceiving things was different from what my teachers thought of as normal. She knew I was smart, but she also knew I would need help with academics.

Scene 2: A House with a Window

When Karen had been in kindergarten, Mama had noticed how quiet and shy she was, but now that she was in first grade she was faced with academics. Mama knew that her Kitten was smart, but she also saw that she had a problem with learning.

The conventional belief in the 1950s equated paralysis with severe learning disabilities, but a new school of thought had discovered that paralyzed children could learn, if their teachers used innovative approaches. Mama studied this new approach and believed in it. She would find out what kind of help Kitten needed, and she would fight the whole world to get it for her. She saw the issues, even if her Kitten’s teachers did not.

Mama constantly found that Karen’s perception of visual images was quite different from that of other children. She carefully made notes on her daughter’s progress, the homework that the school sent home, and on how the little girl reacted to it. But, that was not enough. She needed more proof to support her suspicions.

One afternoon, Karen’s neighbor and friend Kimberly visited. Kimberly did not have any disabilities and was progressing normally at school. Mama took this opportunity to test and compare Karen’s perception with that of a normal child. She lifted something from her desk and asked both girls what they saw.

This will be a simple method to figure out just what kind of help Karen needs, Mama thought, without knowing that this would be the first step on a lifelong journey of learning.

Kimberly responded with the usual answer.

“Hey, Mrs. H, that’s an envelope with a stamp in the corner.”

Karen saw something completely different.

“I see a house with a window, Mommy!”

“Kitten, do you mean you can imagine that this is a house with a window?” Mama asked.

“No,” Kitten replied. “I really see a picture of a house with a window.”

Mama returned to her desk and let the children continue their play, as she thought, A high intelligence and a unique perception coexist within my daughter. Kitten learns differently, but her ability is no less. She needs academic help. She has imagination, but she has a learning disability in the area of perception.

©2020, Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved.

#cerebralpalsy #dyslexia #inspirationalwriting

 

Title: The Healing Horse, Ch 2, Sc 1: Story time and disappearing words

Here is a photo of Karen at her first dance recital, age three-and-one-half, with the famous Al Gilbert who used dance as therapy.

Me at my first dance recital

By the time I began school, I was able to walk, but then a new issue appeared. I could not remember words, so I could not develop the most basic academic skill I would need to succeed as an adult. Needless to say, I dealt with this, too, as you will soon see. But first, here is a photo of me at my first dance recital, age three-and-a-half, with the great Al Gilbert. Even though I needed the brace some of the time, I did not need it to dance.

 

Scene 1: Story time and disappearing words

Karen’s precious spirit soared bravely beyond her physical limitations, hurts, and pains. As she had envisioned, when she was a baby with a newly acquired disability, she overcame all limitations in her little girl world. She let absolutely nothing stand in her way. She needed longer than most children did to crawl, and then to walk, but after many falls, she found ways to manage her heavy leg brace and to stand on her own two feet. She resolved that she would never let her physical disabilities stop her; however, once she began school, her mother found that Karen was not learning like other children. When Kitten was six and in first grade, she was not developing basic academic skills.

During story time, Karen had problems understanding. She could not retain the words that her teacher had just read aloud. No, please, come back! Wait! she beckoned in her mind, but the lost words vaporized as soon as they were uttered.

Karen never revealed this; she kept it a secret, but it was not a secret to Mama.

©2020, Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved.

#cerebralpalsy #dyslexia #inspirationalwriting

The Healing Horse, Ch 1 Disaster Strikes, Scene 3: Birthday Party Tears

Karen at age 4 wearing her leg brace

Karen at age 4 wearing her leg brace

As I warned you, things did get worse, before they got better. In real life, my father did not pass away until I was in my teens, but I put it earlier in the story to show what a struggle my Mama had, and how I felt, too. At the same time, I kept up my positive attitude. Here’ a photo of me at age 4. In real life, by age 7, I had danced my way out of that brace. (Correction: I was 11 when I danced my way out of that brace.)

Scene 3: Birthday Party Tears

The years passed, and in spite of everything that happened, Mama devoted herself to her baby. She held Karen’s fifth birthday party in their bungalow, the beautiful little house that she and her husband had bought long ago, and that she had managed to hold onto in spite of everything. Karen was crying.

“Why, Mama? Why? Why isn’t my daddy here? The other kids have daddies. Why did my daddy have to leave us? Why did Daddy have to go?”

“I don’t know why, Krana Layala, but God must have wanted your daddy to cheer Him up! We are hurting, because we love him, but remember that we can always reach out to him. We can always call out to him in our hearts and hold him close. That way, he will never be forgotten. You can always talk to Daddy, any time you need him. He will always be there for you, and protect you. I want you to feel safe and secure. I want you to know that Mama is always going to be here for you, too. Always!”

Despite her soothing words, Karen’s diminutive body shook. Karen looked up to her mother for strength. Mama put her arms around her Kitten’s small, trembling body and the rigid steel brace that supported Karen’s left leg.

©2020, Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved.
#cerebralpalsy #dyslexia #inspirational

Ch 1: Disaster Strikes. Scene 2: At the Hospital

Today’s scene is very short, but it still means a lot to me. Mama never left my bedside, while I was in the hospital–and I never gave up, when I regained consciousness and went home. Even as a toddler, I was determined to push the boundaries.

Scene 2: At the Hospital

“Oh, Kitten, I know you can hear me even though you are in a deep sleep.” The tears began to roll down her plump checks. “You gotta get well for Mama, and wake up, sweetheart. Know that I will be by your side, and that you are safe in my hands.”

Day in and day out, Kitten fought for her young life. But the telling results were in. Karen’s body would never return to “normal.” She was paralyzed. Fortunately, she later regained the use of her right side; however, she remained permanently paralyzed on her left. She had many challenges ahead of her. Although she was just a toddler, she somehow understood that nothing would stand in her way. Someday, she was going to push the boundaries of what is “normal.”

©2020, Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved.

#cerebralpalsy #dyslexia #inspirational

Introducing My Forthcoming Novel: The Healing Horse

When I was in college, I published my first novel The Broken Hoof and won a literary award for it. Now, I am completely rewriting it and will soon (I hope) publish it as The Healing Horse. Like the first novel, it is a story of triumph over adversity, of a little girl with a big heart, cerebral palsy, dyslexia–and an iron will to succeed.

I want to ask my readers a favor. Beginning today, I intend to publish the current draft, one scene at a time, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Please let me know your thoughts and feelings as you read. I hope you like it just as it is, but if you see room for improvement, please let me know. I value your insights.

Thanks, and here is Chapter 1, Scene 1.

Scene 1: Disaster Strikes

Once upon a time, a small, humbly resplendent child came into the world. Her name was Karen, and the people closest to her nicknamed her Kitten because of her lovely nature.

Sweet Kitten was born with a head of wavy, dark brown hair. Her features resembled her daddy’s, but her hair coloring and complexion were more like her mother’s. Karen was a quiet child, healthy and beautiful with a smile that warmed everyone’s heart. Her parents were delighted to have a little girl like her. One reason was because she rarely fussed, and another was that her disposition was so easy-going. She was truly cherished.

Karen’s mother stood five feet tall, had jet black hair, brown eyes, and a long, pointed nose. She also had thin arms and legs, with a rounded tummy, and could hold Karen just right in her arms. Every day, Mama took time to care for her treasured baby girl. Her baby was the most important entity in her life. Looking down at Karen, Mama thought, “How sweet and loving my child is. I am lucky to be the mother of Karen. She makes my life so worthwhile.”

Her father stood five feet, eleven inches tall and was built slender. He had baby blue eyes, blond hair, and a pug nose. He was a quiet, disciplined person who worked hard at his business. Every morning, he got up with the moon’s glow to earn a living, and then came home late every night. He owned a bustling hamburger stand, making hamburgers for students from the nearby university. Her daddy was an earnest, steadfast man.

Karen and her family were happy, and they greeted each day with gladness in their hearts.

Life was simple, sweet, and good to them until that determinative moment when heartbreak hit their lives. On that day, Karen became ill from a DPT shot. She was only five months old when her Mama noticed Karen was burning up with a ferocious fever. She was rushed to the hospital, where the emergency center began tests. For over a month, she remained in the hospital, and in a deep coma. Mama was overcome with grief. From the moment that Karen entered the hospital, Mama never left her side.

©2020, Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved.

#cerebralpalsy #dyslexia #inspirational

Wishful Thinking: Ableist Attitudes Toward Academic Employment by Prof. Yvonne Singer

I am excited to publish this insightful paper by my friend Professor Yvonne Singer. Here are the first few paragraphs. Click the link at the end to read the entire article.

Wishful Thinking: Ablest Attitudes toward Academic Employment 

by Yvonne Singer, MS 

Abstract  

The majority of people with disabilities are segregated into special education and sheltered workshops due to the myths, misconceptions, and realities of disability.  The author with Cerebral Palsy was not segregated from the public education system.  The author’s educational degrees qualified her to teach college level classes.  The author still faced numerous employment obstacles due to the myths, misconceptions, and realities of disability.  However, the author overcame the employment obstacles.  Some employers hired the author to teach online courses.  The author’s course load was significantly reduced due to change in college policy, and the myths, misconceptions, and realities of disability.   

Introduction  

As soon as I was born, I was not expected to earn a masters degree and to teach college level on-line classes.  I was expected to be segregated into special education and a sheltered workshop.  Why?  I did not achieve the typical developmental milestones in a timely manner because I had severe Cerebral Palsy.  My gross and fine motor skills and speech were affected.  However, my cognitive skills were not compromised at all.   

Background  

Gifted children with physically disabling conditions are one of the most overlooked special populations. 

A major portion of their school day is spent on learning how to develop life skills that can help them circumvent the effects of their disability.  Unfortunately, this approach to learning may preclude the recognition and development of cognitive abilities.  Therefore, there may be a significant discrepancy between a disabled child’s academic potential and their actual performance…   

Click this link to read the full article as a PDF: YVONNE_SINGER_Wishful-Thinking-Ableist-Attitudes-Toward-Academic-Employment

 

Picture of Yvonne Singer working at her computer

Yvonne Singer working at her computer

Yvonne Singer teaches the online course, Psychology of Persons with Disabilities, at Middlesex County College (Edison, NJ). 

#ableism #academia

Creation and Achievement by Dr. Sean P. Dineen and Karen Lynn-Chlup

“What have you accomplished?” This sardonic question asked by non-disabled people seems to sum up a lifetime of exploration and endurance. This is the only community that still, in our day and age, struggles. This community of cerebral palsy folks, in all its multivariate modalities, lives and moves and has its existence haunted and prodded by this question, and by experts in the field, who are educated but who honestly don’t know how to deal with us or help us. This happens, no matter how hard we work or what hurdles we jump. We continue to stay the course, to look beyond this kind of thinking, and to get ahead by listening to our hearts so we can thrive.

For an impetuous, strong, black-haired soul from New Jersey, and for a beautiful sage from California, our achievements in a dozen different areas have been hidden. These include creating chair aerobics in 1975, and winning the first civil rights case for her own college education, thus opening the doors to higher education for disabled people. These brave and courageous acts were often accomplished against overwhelming odds. We both believe each one of our readers can do it—each in their own way facing their individual issues.

Even though these two minds were spurred on with commitment, grace, fortitude, wonder, hard work and much effort, their daring, gallant efforts are now out of sight and concealed—for no one to see. 

Her physical strength, acquired through dance and therapy; his, by crawling up stairs and walking through woods—both once thought impossible, and yet took place. This young girl, devoting every spare moment of her time to dancing, swimming, and building up her body and her self-worth over many hours. The eastern black-haired soul, reading everything from Rand to root beer ads, under the cover of a mathematics book, finding strength in the fiery words of politicians, sages, and the leaders of his people, scorned by power-drunk white-coated gurus who demanded to decide everything from meals to morality, and what we should do with our lives. Not one positive phrase, not one kind word or act of encouragement to let these two brave souls know that they were on the right course.

They had been brought together by a longing to discover how they could give physical form to the burning in their souls, the longing to use whatever talents they had invested decades to discover, to empower each other. The young man, dismissed by those who thought they knew better—he set his heart free and created a physical education program under the guidance of his physical therapist—who poured his very spirit into every exercise, and into every weight lifting machines session—to get his client with the black hair strong enough to turn himself over alone, and to help motivate him to stretch and make his upper torso strong.

While each made real progress in body and spirit alike, they both had to stay the course, encouraging and nurturing themselves to make whatever they did possible. It was their “I can do anything, too, attitude,” that made all this possible.

Sean with Paper Mill Playhouse's Leslie Fanelli and Students

Sean with Paper Mill Playhouse’s Leslie Fanelli and Students

Sean P. Dineen is an Adjunct Professor of History at Kean University and an expert on the history of disabilities and disability rights. He is a native of New Jersey. A published playwright, his personal interests include theatre and popular culture.

 

Karen keynoting at a recent conference

Karen keynoting at a recent conference

Karen Lynn-Chlup has been an advocate for people with disabilities since she was a small child. Karen was a pioneering leader in the disability rights movement, and she spoke up for the rights of people with disabilities when others did not. Karen inspires people living with a disability to accept themselves unconditionally and to learn to push through barriers, to take on more than they thought they could, to imagine reaching for higher levels and goals, to become inspired by how others have reached their dreams, to learn to inspire themselves, and to never give up.

 

A Week of Bliss by Dr. Sean Patrick Dineen

[A note from Karen: Sean was kind enough to write this piece, last fall, and I am posting it now as a reminder of the great times we had, and in hope of more great times to come, after this pandemic ends.]

It was my joy to undergo a great adventure between November 5th and 12th of 2019.

This adventure was a week in the company of an outstanding mentor and friend, Ms. Karen Lynn-Chlup—seven days of laughter and learning, of almond milk and acting, of joy and excitement throughout the state of New Jersey. 

Following a period of recuperation after the long flight from Los Angeles, on Wednesday the 6th the excitement began.

It’s been my joy to serve as adjunct professor at Kean University in Union, New Jersey, since 2004. Ms. Karen came to my World Civilization class, on Thursday, and set my students’ hearts and spirits on fire.

She told with excitement and detail of her work to rebuild her body under the able guidance of dance sage, Al Gilbert; the sweat-filled struggle to find genuine employment after being labeled and left to rot by experts, culminating in the first lawsuit under the rehab act, and the publication of her first novel, The Broken Hoof.

The students were speechless with excitement. But the adventure was just beginning.

The next day, we ventured to the New Providence Library for the next experience.

Over the last six years, I have also served as both a volunteer and a paid assistant in the Paper Mill Playhouse’s Theatre for Everyone program, an exciting movement for young people with and without disabilities and their families, led by Ms. Leslie Fanelli, another dear friend.

Karen and I spent an hour participating in movement exercises and the sign language song that begins and ends the program. Karen observed my performance—with me dressed as Queen of the World in a wig and pearls. We dined together later, laughing and learning from great women.

On Saturday we interacted with brain tumor survivor Beth Rosenthal. Karen stood like a giant of spirit, helping, healing, and restoring all.

Sunday, I had the immeasurable bliss of visiting Professor Yvonne Singer, a proud woman with cerebral palsy, and the love of my life. Karen gave out energy and excitement as we joked and restored each other, sharing encouragement and stories.

All too soon, Tuesday morning came. It was time for Karen to return to the West Coast.

Another great experience was in the pocket of history.

I remain deeply grateful, and look forward to our next joy-filled jaunt.

Sean with Paper Mill Playhouse's Leslie Fanelli and Students

Sean with Paper Mill Playhouse’s Leslie Fanelli and Students

Sean P. Dineen is an Adjunct Professor of History at Kean University and an expert on the history of disabilities and disability rights. He is a native of New Jersey. A published playwright, his personal interests include theatre and popular culture. 

Disability Rights THEN AND NOW ft. Judy Heumann, Katherine Perez & Marc Climaco

August 6, 2020

This is a wonderful new YouTube from Judy Heumann and friends about how disability rights have changed over the years. And I know they have changed because they changed for me, and I helped change them.

Please give it a look. You’ll be glad you did.