Breadcrumb Trail
Session C: Two 45 Minute Presentations.
- Date and Time
- Wednesday, April 23, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
- Description
- "Time Flies: Don't Let Life Hold You Back." Presented by Tommy Chavan.
"The presenter has been a C-4, C-5 quadriplegic since a car accident at age 16. He will discuss his accident and describe the challenges that have arisen due to it. The biggest fear he has overcome is of accomplishing what he thought was impossible. After graduating college with a degree in business, he became a motivational speaker as a means to educate non-believers that someone can do whatever he/she puts his/her mind to with the help from others.
One of the presenter's dreams before the accident was to go skydiving. With the use of assistive technology, he was able to search web pages to identify a skydiving location that would accept the challenge of a quadriplegic skydiving. On July 8, 2007, he went tandem skydiving and has described it as one of the most amazing experiences in his life. The presenter will discuss his experiences and the ability to accomplish dreams even after what may seem to be a tragic, life-changing event.
"Digging Growth." Lyn Geiser, Master Gardener, and Judy Arnett, Master Gardener.
The presenters will demonstrate how people who are disabled and either gave up gardening or have never gardened can enjoy this past time. Participants will learn how adapting a raised bed or container allows them the opportunity to resume or start an activity that would demonstrate their competence and provide personal joy and creation, as well as contribute to their environment. The ability to garden provides people with disabilities the opportunity to get together with others. Just as plants can not flourish without the nutrients from many components (soil, water, organic matter....) people with disabilities cannot reach their potential and continue to prosper and "grow" without opportunities for enrichment.