Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Cerebral palsy is a rare medical condition that affects around 17,000,000 people worldwide. 

  Symptoms normally begin to show themselves when a child is around 2-3 years old, indications your child may have this condition are if they: 

• Are delayed in reaching early development milestones such as sitting by age 8 months walking by 18 
• Their limbs seeming stiffer or floppier than normal
• They have weak arms or legs
• They make fidgety, jerky or clumsy movements
• They move uncontrollably 
• They walking on tiptoes
• They have issues with swallowing, speaking, vision or learning. 

The severity of symptoms varies from person to person significantly. Some endure a life of severe disability, while others may not.  

Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong condition as a cure is yet to be found. Although treatments are available to help with mobility and speech these include. 

• physiotherapy – Simple exercise designed to help maintain physical ability and improve movement speech therapy - to help your child communicate or assigns tasks to aid their swallowing difficulties
• occupational therapy – Occupational therapy involves a therapist suggesting ways to make difficult tasks easier to complete. 
• Doctors often prescribe medications to reduce muscle stiffness or other difficulties 
• Some children benefit from various surgeries, designed to treat movement and growth problems. 

Various factors can cause you to develop cerebral Palsy such as:

• Bleeding to a baby's brain 
• reduced blood and oxygen supply after birth
• Being infected by something the mother has caught during pregnancy
• the brain temporarily not getting enough oxygen. 
• meningitis
• experiencing a serious head injury

In many cases, the exact cause is never identified. 

When you have a disability it is easy to sit around wishing you could do all the things your peers can. Peoples' perceptions are based on what they see. 

If you recognise a thing to be normal other your more likely to cast judgment on someone whose reality is different than yours.

I know many individuals who aren't expected to reach may of life supposed milestones, myself being one of them. 

From the moment we begin our lives to the day we die we have so many milestones forced upon us. 

Society is very good at pressuring you to believe you have to do things within a certain time limit, accomplishing things at designated ages. 

One of the most challenging things for me personally is knowing and watching everyone achieve things I don't ever see myself being able to do. It's only when others flip these perceptions on their heads that you begin to realise what is truly possible. Even if you have to work a little harder to achieve it. 

A prime example of this is comedian Lee Ridley also known as lost voice guy, who despite having no speech due to severe cerebral Palsy. Became not only the first comedian to win Britain's got talent, but also the first disabled person to win. As well as this Lee then became the U.K's first well-known comedian to use a communication aid in his performance. 

If you know me and if you're reading this you most likely do you will know just how sensitive of a person I am, especially when it comes to my health. A lot of the time I feel people are making fun or judging me when they probably aren't, I also struggle with comedy because I'm so easily offended. But Lee completely cracks me up. Not only is he a funny person but I can relate to him whereas most comedians' jokes

 either go over the top of my head. (I might laugh if others do because laughter makes me laugh but I won't get it) 

After a few years of being ill, when I was out of the sleeping constantly stage I began to look back at my past and things I'd done, watched or read and I couldn't name one disabled person. Since looking hard enough I've gained tons of new idols but looking back that's upsetting. I say it nearly every blog and will continue to do so forever but it is so important to be able to relate to people or characters, it makes you feel so much less alone. I attended one of Lee's shows last year, it was clear to see how many others felt the same as I did. Seeing someone just getting on with life-defining all odd, despite everything brings it home that anything can be achieved no matter who you are, where you come from or what challenges you face. 

Thank you for reading, I have two possible blogs coming up featuring people with cerebral palsy. Both of whom would have been in this only I feel it is now rather long and here is a good place to end. 

The Disabled Riding association

Not long after the Second World War, people began to realize that people with disabilities benefited from horse riding.

Early pioneers of this idea now known as the RDA association (Riding for the disabled) included the Winford Orthopaedic Hospital, located near Bristol, Chigwell's (in Essex) Pony Riding for the Disabled Trust and the British Polio Fellowship.

1952 and 1956 sow Danish rider, Lis Hartel competes and wins silver medals for dressage. Despite having no lower leg muscle function.

Lis’s success inspired a considerable movement in horse riding for the disabled which spread to the UK.

A movement had begun and In 1963 those involved began getting together to exchange ideas and knowledge.

1964 witnessed the start of a loose organization called the ‘Advisory Council on Riding for the Disabled’ (ACRD).

Then by 1966, there were already 23 known disabled riding groups around the UK and the disabled riding community was growing larger day by day.

In reach of success 1969, ACRD AGM held a presentation which was presented to the Committee to create what would be known as Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA.) Their first President was Lavinia, Duchess of Norfolk, along with this Princess Anne became Patron. Going on to gain the title of President in 1976, a position she still holds today.

Disabled sports are rarely talked about, even at the time of the Paralympics when disability sports are being showcased worldwide. Its competitors and games as a whole don't seem to be given as much credit as is given to those competing in the Olympics.

It is sad really if you think about how hard these people must train to get there. I'm lucky in the respect that I can walk short distances but even for me, I find exercising extremely difficult. I can't even begin to imagine what it's like for competitors even if they are enjoying themselves in the process.

I've said it time and time again but it is really important for people, especially young children to be able to see themselves.

About a year ago I was scrolling through the tv channels and found a channel playing disabled tennis, never really had an interest in sport, mostly because being asthmatic and joint issues (especially in my early years) meant none wanted to pick me for sports teams.

Which was annoying and partly why I hated sport. Anyway, I found this channel playing tennis (one of my favourite sports although I am still awful at it) I turned to mum saying something along the lines of "I could do that" it's not the fact I wanted to although for a good few days I was convinced I did.

What amazed me was that people in wheelchairs were competing in tennis matches,

If someone had told me this was a possibility I probably wouldn't have questioned it.

I know for a fact that until that moment, I'd never considered it, I'd never seen it. 

In saying that this is coming from a person who constantly gets excited when she notices a disabled character or presenter on T.V and even though I didn't need this as a child (although I think something like "Get well soon" would have been extremely useful.

I had a friend who at the time of the London 2012 Paralympics was determined to become & Paralympian simply because before then she had never experienced perhaps she didn't even know it was a thing. At the time I didn't really understand why she was so excited. And although this ambition was short-lived it gave her the determination and ambition to try harder in PE lessons and something worth aiming for. 

Prince Harry's Invictus Games (Another thing I loved) have taught us all that even people who have been through the toughest of times can overcome their challenges. Making bigger, better and brighter lives for themselves.

If you are a frequent reader of my blogs you will have noticed by now that I go off-topic an awful lot, but I always think it's important to put pieces of my experiences within them.

Going back to horse riding I had the pleasure of getting to interview RDA rider Tegan who I solely agree with on all of her points.

Q)Can you give some background as to what RDA is & what they do? 

1. RDA is an international organisational made up from many around the world for disabled people to learn how to ride. This could be therapeutic, offer sensory development and overall growth in any child. RDA also offers a sports element allowing riders to compete in showjumping, dressage, cross country, countryside challenge and vaulting against other riders with a similar graded disability in the region and in the nation. It also is a communal space to not only riders but parents and careers, riders are able to bond with their horses and other riders, which without the horses might have been difficult for them to do. Different RDA’s all travel to one destination once a year to see how everyone has improved, this is a very important event to all competitors. 

Q) What inspired you to be a horse rider? 

1. I’ve been riding for 15 years now, but I guess what inspires me is watching others succeed. Because I see that and that’s what I want for myself. With riding, you have to be on your A-game as there’s always someone who you’re up against but sometimes that rivalry is what keeps you going. As well as watching celebrities such as Oliver Townsend and Sophie Christiansen, they’re always inspiring me to progress!

Q) Do you think disabled sports should be more widely shown on tv. I feel other than the Paralympics & Invictus it is not very widely broadcast?

1. I think para-sport isn’t given the credit it should have. People don’t always see Paralympians ’s at the same level as Olympians which is disappointing because a lot of the Paralympians are actually better than the Olympians and are so inspiring! This is common within the media, there’s a stigma around disabled athletes how people think it was all just given to them and because they’re disabled they didn’t have to work hard for what they’ve achieved. Which is the complete opposite, para-athletes work and train much harder as there’s more for them to overcome!

Q)How did you find out about RDA?

1. My physiotherapist told my parents to contact my local RDA. She knew I was getting to an age where I didn’t like doing my physio and there aren't many sports I could do to exercise and thought this would be great physical therapy. 

Q) What have you found to be most challenging about horse riding with a disability? 

1. Two things, one being the challenge of controlling the movement of the body. Because I have dystonia my arm moves uncontrollably and unconsciously which can become annoying when you finally get the horse working beautiful and then your body ruins it. It’s something that’s uncontrollably but mentally challenging. The other is as an RDA rider there’s a lot of health and safety put in place which means in a place where things are made to be adapted to you there’s still a lot of restrictions. The horse gives you a new sense of freedom but what you do with that freedom is limited. 

Q) How much of an impact do you feel charities like RDA have on people? 

1. A HUGE impact. From my perspective, I don’t know where I’d be without RDA. RDA has given me so much. It’s a place where worries fade away, friends come together, memories are made and bonds are formed. There aren’t any other successful businesses out there for the disabled community as much as this one. They offer jobs to people who can’t get them, the coaches are everyone’s second mum’s, they support people with things outside of RDA. It’s such a beautiful charity like no other!

Q)What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who has an interest in horse riding? 

1. I’d say, just go for it! It may seem scary but there’s nothing to be scared about! Everyone is lovely and welcoming and the freedom you get when on a horse is a feeling like no other, can’t go without it! And after a few years, you’ll think... I should have joined sooner!

To find out more about RDA visit: 

https://www.rda.org.uk/ 

Once upon a time series seven

Having been a massive fan of Once upon a time I was unsure what this series would bring. 

A new series brings new talent, new idols and in this case even more stories retold in completely different ways. 

I can't say I loved it all for that would be a lie. I found certain characters and storylines hard to stick. A few of the newer additions'. didn't get enough screen time. Some were unfairly killed off with us knowing very little about them. 

If an eight-season had been commissioned these stories may have possibly been explored further. People have probably written their own theories on these things I've never eight ed, but it would be intriguing to read other points of view. 

Watching back I noticed the odd plot hole here and there, again something that could have been fixed given an eight-season. I am sceptical about having it return for the seventh without some of the characters I had grown to love.  Being a die-hard Captain Swan shipper I felt very happy on how the previous season had ended. 

My biggest issue with Eddy & Adam adding a new season was also down to captain Swan if Colin was supposedly in it then where was Emma? Were they separated? they'd be on such a journey that the possibility of them being apart made me nervous as to know what Hook's story could possibly be. 

I've never been sure why it got so much hate, especially after release. 

 I for one found thoroughly enjoyable. There were a few once arcs I struggled to get into and I will admit parts I didn't like as much but as a whole, it's one of my favourite seasons. 

 Eddy and Adam always have a really clever way of being able to shake up fairytales. In a way that really appeals to a modern-day audience.  

Upon first meeting Regina, it is not only clear she is a power-crazy mayor but that she is also enjoying the perks of being in charge. She's pretty well off with a reasonably large office & house. Whereas what we see with Jacinda is a struggling single mother who has little power over her situation struggling to battle Bills whilst taking care of her daughter. 

Another big difference is season seven's cursed world. We don't see anyone really tackling hardships in season one yet in season seven we have all these relatable complex characters with real-world problems. It's not just Jacinda but older Henry's cursed memories are of a fire that killed his wife & child who he is subconsciously grieving for. 

 Tilly gives us a story of a drugged-up, mentally ill street girl. Who's cursed backstory seems to reflect that of many homeless people suffering from poor mental health or addiction. 

One thing that becomes apparent 

 in both Tilly and Alice is that they experience deep-rooted self-esteem issues. Alice's from being locked up in a tower for many years, then upon escaping feeling lost and all alone.

 Whereas Tilly's are from living on the streets. It’s never disclosed why Tilly believes she ended up there. She never mentions memories of her cursed parents or a family. Which is one thing I wish we got to find out especially as no one seems to notice her? Despite her everyday presence.

Being the guardian means Alice's magic is stronger than the rest, being the second person we know of to wake up and realise the truth. As the episodes progress it seems Tilly has never been affected by the curse. Victoria Bellfrey must know her magic is more powerful as she puts her on medication to stop her remembering who she really is. 

It takes a while to see friendships formed in season one but with this, we are made aware of how close Sabina and Tiana are. This feels important because it shows how crucial friendship is especially in the hardest of times. 

 Tiana's completely different backstory was so refreshing. I loved how she went out to be saved by the prince, Giving him his happy ending, prior to gaining hers. 

Alice also saves herself, by wishing for an escape out of her tower she manages to subconsciously conjure up a troll and save herself. 

Jacinda also had some really good real lifelines about self-empowerment and the whole idea of allowing yourself to save yourself rather than waiting around for someone else to do it. 

I personally believe we should be allowed into the circulation of modern fairytales.

This season concentrated on very few love stories,  the big one being Jacinda and Henry along with Robyn & Alice, with other hinted relationships hinted that didn't lead to anything. 

Once was always excellent at acknowledging the importance of family and friendship. 

being a massive Hook fan already I grew to really love Rogers, his relationship with Tilly felt so real. And was absolutely adorable and one of my favourite parts of the whole season. It gets even better as you begin to join the dots to discover who they really are to each other. Roger's cursed self believes he once had a daughter so he finds comfort in taking the poor homeless girl under his wing. Even at one point offering her accommodation so she is safe. 

As time goes on Rogers becomes one of the few people Tilly feels sees, believes and has full faith in her.

Rogers appears to be Tilly's friend before becoming Roger's. He uses her street knowledge to help him out with various cases but at times his aims seem to be to manipulate her & use her as a weapon rather than a friend. 

Whilst lying partly unconscious in hospital after being shot by Tilly, then shown Belle's chipped cup, Weaver has a vision of him and Belle bringing him back to reality.

I never really shipped Rumbelle however I did love Belle as a character and found her death episode a really hard watch.

Weaver needed something to make him want to fight in order for a story to build up around him. So moving forward it was probably the best way to go in terms of giving him a decent backstory. 

Belle was the one to finally set him free, Having spent many years trying to rid himself of the dagger. 

Detective Weaver is all about discovering the truth very much like Rumple, he is suspicious of everything and everyone.

Usually choosing to work with wrong intentions or those of a vulnerable nature. Whether this is intentional or not I'm not exactly sure. Although he is seen manipulating a lot of them in order to gather evidence. 

 This, in my opinion, says an awful lot about how his cursed self shares characteristics of his true self. 

Despite all those happy years with Belle working and achieving becoming a better person deep down, when it comes to getting what he wants he's not afraid to do whatever it takes to achieve this. 

Regina's redemption story continues throughout this season you can even tell how Roni is a completely different person to Regina's once evil self. 

One example of this is when she begins to teach Drizilla how to control her magic. Hoping to stop her making the same mistakes she did. I think this is a really significant part of Regina's story and how far she has come as a person from where she started in season one. 

Drusilla is very much like young Regina, they are both clearly searching for some sort of acceptance that neither of them gets from their mother's. 

In order to gain this, they both seek the guidance of antiheroes. 

Gothel and Rumple exploit them both, in ways that make them feel wanted. Gothel even goes to extreme lengths to help Drizzella cast her curse, even enlisting a coven of witches to help. 

Gothel seems to have this way of finding children who feel neglected by their own mothers, stealing them and then proceeding to raise them as her own.

I found the whole witch-cult storyline a bit odd and at times hard to follow. Most villains seem likeable in one way or another much like the black Fairy, Gothel had no redeeming qualities at all making it hard for me to feel anything for her other than hatred which is possibly why I struggled as I'm not the best with emotional pain (which she caused a lot of) or violence. 

In saying that watching back "Flower child" I did feel sorry for her all she wanted was to fit in, she thought she had finally found some friends. Until they went off to kill her entire family in a wicked act of betrayal. I had completely forgotten about it until my re~watch but I wrote something similar a few months back which now I have remembered about I'm going to try to find and continue. 

Arriving home to a land disaster and destruction. A location where you grew up, have very fond memories of, now destroyed in an act of jealous cruelty is bound to make you feel hatred for that person or group of people. 

From experience, I know that pain either makes people bitter or it makes them better. I know so many people who struggle on a daily basis yet are lovely. Yet in support groups, you see so many bitter people I've noticed this with old people they seem to be the nicest people ever or extremely awful. 

Not sure if this connected to the past is a harder time to live in or not for some it most likely is. I'd like to think people are horrid for a reason. Whenever you watch prison documentaries most of them are also in there because they have acted upon instinct or tried to rebel against their awful situation. Some of them are plainly psychopaths but it proves that emotional pain can really take you one way or the other. 

Completely gone, off-topic there (so sorry about that) but back on the subject of Gothel, I speculate that if even one more of her family has survived maybe they could have worked it out together or she would have been stopped from injuring the innocent for a crime they did not commit. 

Still on the subject of the witches having Hansel & Gretel appear was a really interesting twist. I loved the whole Zelena element to that as well as the added addition of Ivy.

 Hansel's redemption plot was also very well thought out. You expect it to be a cult member causing all these deaths then suddenly out of the blue Zelena is targeted. 

One of my favourite forms of television is flashbacks as generally, they are really inventive, fun and a really clever way of adding more backstory. 

 Hansel & Gretel's flashbacks were some of my favourites as they deeply told their story. Although much like Hansel I wish we got to know more of Gretel's story.

I really wish that we were able to see more of Hansel/Jack before he was killed as I feel many more things could have been added to his story. The reinventing and becoming felt quite authentic as a lot of people seem to do that after experiencing trauma it also gave a whole other element to his story. 

One thing that did seem slightly off with this season and something  I've already briefly mentioned with plot holes is that we don't see Gideon in this new cursed realm. Even Margot who is off travelling has a cursed self who she believes to be true. So even if Gideon Is away presumably still studying, surely he would also have a cursed self? 

I've been trying for days to wrap this blog up, the last time I checked it was three pages long. Not surprising considering it has been in the process of being written since January. There are a few other things I want to mention though 

Starting off with 

DR. Facilier

and his voodoo this really added something new to the show.  I don't recall seeing any previous villains practice the art of voodoo. He was another character I wish we could have seen more of along with Prince Naveen. 

At the very start, I talked about how delighted I was that Hook and Emma got their happily ever after. I wasn't sure the true ending could top that. I got very emotional every time I sow an old character appear once more on my screen, especially when Robyn and Alice arrived back in StoryBrooke. Although I shipped outlaw queen, I wouldn't say I was a massive fan of them not like I was with CaptianSwan. Even, I got emotional when Robin's ghost appeared, Regina's story deserved a happy ending, the one she never seemed to get at the end of series six. Regina being crowned the good queen was the perfect ending note not only for her journey but the show's journey. 

It started with Regina and ended with her also. 

Questions I thought of after doing a rewatch:

Why does Lucy know they are under a curse? And how did Henry? Surely Regina and Ivy wouldn't want their curses to be broken. So they would not have created loopholes. Is it simply because they are children?. Then In saying that we see children in Storybrooke attending school with Henry who have no idea they are cursed. 

If anyone has any theories on this please message me to discuss them. I hope you have enjoyed this blog. Like I said it has taken since January to complete so I'm really hoping people read it & love it as much as I have loved writing it. 

Self isolation ideas

Self-isolation ideas: 

I  don't know who this will reach but I hope it is able to help at least one person. 

The media isn't helping people's anxiety right now and this whole situation seems to have been completely out of proportion. There's no need to over scare people. 

There's no need to post diagnosis or death articles as much as people are. 

Also, a lot of joking is going on I

I understand some of this I people trying to make themselves feel more at ease but some people keep qt it and it's getting stupid now. 

 panic buying loo roll is not needed either. All those poor old and vulnerable people who can now not get what they need because of selfish hoarders, if extremely desperate there's other things you can use that would work just as well as loo roll. 

What always amazes me is how the disabled community always rally around each other & make sure everyone is okay. It does make you feel better to know people care even if you haven't ever met them. 

home concerts~ Talking from the experience of someone who has actually done this. But only ever alone & mostly at night when I've woke up & for whatever reason had energy. simply just blast your favourite album, even better if you can find a live album. 

Create your cinema~ Again simple. Find a DVD or look at a streaming service for a decent film. Maybe one you missed whilst it was out at the cinema. Make your own snacks or eat whatever you can find. 

Futurelearn~ I suggested this yesterday and recommend it whenever someone seems in need. I've used this multiple times to find home projects, it has been a lifesaver especially in the winter when all the bugs are going around. 

Skype or facetime~ Any app that allows you to video call is always a good thing. This way you can still keep in touch with your family & friends and see their faces at the same time. 

~ Various museums are offering virtual tours for people stuck at home in isolation. Definitely worth a look especially if you enjoy history

Art~ Art calms the mind & is good for the soul. Even if you feel you are or will be terrible at it give it a go particularly if you are feeling anxious or worried. Art for therapy really does work. 

YouTube tutorials~ Another way of learning something new. Also, a better way of learning if you find it easier to learn through videos rather than reading.

Read a book~ Choose your favourite. One that's recommended, your favourite or one you haven't had the time to get around to reading. If you're not sure what to read, have no unread or loved books download a kindle version onto your phone or tablet & read that way.

Write that thing you've been wanting to write~ The title is unnecessarily long but covers it all. Whatever it is you've been putting off writing write it. If when you finish you find you want to share it and then gain interest or confidence in writing. Join Wattpad or any other writing platform & share your work with others. 

GET THAT PAPERWORK DONE ~ Such a boring one but you have the time so why not at least make a start?

Play a board or card game ~I love board games & card games. In this day & age, people seem to forget they exist but even the simplest of games can bring so much joy.

Create your own game ~ Make up a game as simple or as complicated as you like.

Start a youtube channel~ Talk about something you feel passionate about. You could even have a go at making your own film or show & post it online. 

from Monday, at 6 pm GMT / 2 pm EST / 11 am PST (If anyone knows the U.K times message me & I'll add them) Oliver Jeffers will be reading one of his books every weekday and talking about how it came about and the things that went into making it.

@macbarnett

will be doing the same with his books, an hour later.

@kaleidoscopeire

are doing a daily creative project online titled ‘Home Club’, starting Monday 

Also as a reminder, Shakespeare may have written "King Lear" whilst in quarantine from the plague. So it's worth trying something new or taking up a passion project. 

I hope you've all enjoyed this blog. I don't know who will read this but I hope it is able to help at least one person. 

The media isn't helping the situation at all although I know others who are. Especially those in the chronic illness community who continue to look out for each other whatever. A lot of people are getting unnecessarily scared & freaking others out when really there's no need.