Just Say Yes to Empowerment: Living A Fulfilling and Meaningful Life with a Major Disability (Ms. Meghan Forte)
- feedthecowfoundati
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
When I first heard about this project I was so touched by the aim of inspiring others by sharing life lessons and stories!
I have cerebral palsy, a physical disability and neurological disorder that I have had since birth. The cerebral palsy story begins with my twin brother and I having been born three months prematurely. I was the smaller twin, weighing a mere 2 lbs. 13 oz.
The majority of my life has been in New Jersey. My younger years were mostly in Bridgewater. I've also spent some time in early childhood living in PA. These days, I live in Mercer County. I enjoy living close to my family.
My family, consisting of my mother, father, sister and twin brother, made sure that I received intensive childhood care for my physical needs. Fast forward a few years, I was then in early intervention for my preschool years. I always loved school!
I went to Easter Seals for my preschool program and have great memories of my teachers and the friends I made there. Interestingly, years later at Caldwell University I would become a school teacher, majoring in elementary education. I also achieved the certification for special education. Concurrently, I attained the middle school language arts teaching certification.
Caldwell University was a great place to complete my studies. Not only did it have the program that I wanted to complete, but also it was friendly and accessible for people with physical differences. Additionally, it was not too far from home. Caldwell University is located in the charming town of Caldwell, New Jersey.
At the university, the living situation was wonderful because they ensured I would stay in one of the more modern suites. I had a private bedroom and shared a common space with other roommates. My mom would come often to assist me because I needed some physical and emotional support to face the challenges of life on campus with my form of CP. For example, I needed her assistance with showering, dressing, and carrying my lunch tray.
The lunch tray is more of a challenge for some people with CP than most people realize. At the time, I was using a scooter as well as a rollator to maximize independent mobility. Many, many thanks to my mom for being my caregiver and my best friend. Thanks for helping me to realize my dream of graduating college! Thanks also to my aid, Adriana.
I often felt challenged to seek the optimal level of independence while realizing and accepting my limitations from a safety standpoint. I always strive to come up with creative solutions or nonconventional strategies to overcome my challenges and chase my dreams!
PS to college students….make sure you research your college accommodations…I learned it can be critical to your success!! For me, it involved access to dorms, classrooms, common spaces etc. while using my scooter. I also had to be mindful of which mobility devices I should choose to maximize independence and safety. Every circumstance is unique so keep in mind what might work for you!
In 2013, I completed my student teaching right before my graduation ceremony. I student taught in an elementary school close to my parent’s house. Student teaching was a great experience but also a physically challenging one because of my CP. Some days were so fun and exciting, but by the end of the day I was so physically exhausted and in extreme pain, I was barely able to make it to the parking lot for my ride home (I am not able to drive). My legs and feet would be aching from all the standing and moving around in school….that's when I realized I need to find some creative solutions….
I knew I really wanted to be involved in the community but it might be a different path than what I had originally pictured as a teacher. I then began a journey into my next life chapter of volunteer work. Thankfully, around that time. I was informed about programs for adult disability services. As part of this new journey, I began working with a Direct Support Professional (DSP).
A DSP provides assistance in achieving daily goals and completing day-to-day activities. I started working with a young lady named Amy. Our working relationship soon blossomed into an incredible friendship based on kindness, caring, mutual respect, adventure, fun and laughter!!!!
What is really unique about my circumstance is that I have had the opportunity to meet lovely people who were there to support me while, despite my efforts, some things turned out a little differently than I originally planned. This has given me the opportunity to learn and grow, adapt, be flexible, seek out new alternatives, and remain determined and committed to personal and professional goals.
For example, I learned from mentors that I can teach in a variety of ways by getting creative. As such, I've used my teaching degree to contribute in the fields of marketing, Adult English as a Second Language tutoring, and most recently, public relations. Many thanks to my most recent Public Relations mentor who has given me the exciting opportunity to work at her firm! These experiences have been very rewarding, a way to bring a platform to causes that are near to my heart.
Like most young adults, I have fears and concerns at times. To learn to overcome, I have explored meditation, chair yoga, and talk therapy. All have been successful tools for me to confidently learn and grow in personal goals and volunteerism.
As far as challenges and anxieties, there are definitely a few. Specifically, sometimes it can be worrisome to think about your future when you have to depend on others for your care. I've always appreciated my caregivers, and have worked to form a great relationship with the people outside my family who help me. I won’t deny that there is still a certain fear of having to rely on others even if they are within the family. I have learned to accept and live with that knowledge each and every day. For me, that is one of my biggest challenges.
Nonetheless, I am blessed with a good support system that is invaluable. A positive attitude and proactive efforts to manage and overcome anxiety are key!!! That said, I am confident that others who struggle can also overcome the challenges they are faced with. Perseverance, and a can-do attitude are the magic ingredients of success!!
I have recently published a children's book about cerebral palsy (“The Girl With The Walker”). My goal was to foster understanding and acceptance of children who are differently-abled (see image below, available on Amazon>>).
Do you too feel like you want to make a difference in the world and contribute to your community?
Just Say YES!!!!
Whatever your dream is, there is a way to build the foundation, whether it's a short-term goal or long-term goal or a combination of both….determination and self-motivation can make your dreams come to fruition!
It's important to remember that a positive attitude is a critical tool in dealing with barriers of all types. As I mentioned, sometimes I was in an anxious or even depressed state but I knew in the long term that was not going to be healthy or helpful in building the kind of life I want to have. Perseverance and positivity!
Over the years, I’ve learned that saying "yes" to challenges has helped me grow. I have volunteered with organizations like Elks Camp Moore, Matheny Medical Center, Easter Seals of New Jersey, and Dunellen Public Schools. Recently, I have been building a portfolio in public relations, thanks to the support of mentors.
Say yes to challenges, say yes to overcoming them, and say yes to living life fully! We all have our unique challenges in life, just like I wake up every day to the challenge of Cerebral Palsy…
The bottom line message I want to share….face your fears and challenges, and live your life with joy, kindness, awareness, compassion and gratitude! Give back to your community, seek fulfillment, stay positive and get creative!
Thank you to my family I love you mom and dad!
Thanks to my teachers at Bridgewater Raritan School District, and Caldwell University.
All of you hold a special place in my heart.
Many thanks also to the public relations firm in South Jersey who mentored me, as well as the magazine website that has helped me to build a portfolio.
Thanks to all my guides and mentors in these great organizations.
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To learn more about Meghan you can reference these blog posts and articles:
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