ACA Celebrates Progress in the Campaign for Hate Crimes Protections for People with Disabilities

ACA Celebrates Progress in the Campaign for Hate Crimes Protections for People with Disabilities

The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, also known as the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) has been added to the Department of Defense Authorization bill. While there will be several amendments offered in the Senate debate on Monday, July 20th there are no other procedural obstacles and there will not be another vote on adding the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This all but assures that this important legislation will finally pass through Congress.

The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) signed on in support of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) recognizing that bias against people with disabilities takes many forms, including violence.

This bill will broaden the definition of hate crimes to include disability, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity. It will grant agencies the authority to investigate and prosecute federal crimes based on the victim’s disability, whether real or perceived, and would authorize funding to states to help with the prosecution of Hate Crimes. It also makes grants available to state and local communities to combat violent crimes committed by juveniles, train law enforcement officers or to assist in state and local investigations and prosecutions of bias-motivated crimes.

Heading to Austin

I'm going to Austin Monday morning to revisit a girl, Jamie, who I met before but she was in the hospital.

Jamie is now at home and going through out patient rehab with her new life without legs and hands.

I'm really looking forward to catching up with her and seeing her smile!

I'll keep you posted,
Jen

Serenity in Aspen

I have been really busy this month and need to tell you a few stories! Let me start by telling you how awesome it has felt, up until a few weeks ago, to be on prosthetics and NOT fallen!! It's a question I get a lot and a gold medal feeling. But, guess what. The gold medal is now a "wow" moment.

So, here we go. Nick & I are meeting friends from Australia for wine. We walk in and I decided to miss a step and kiss the floor rather than my friend. Literally, face first. Boom, just like that. Nick gets me up and I'm thinking, Damn, I haven't even had a glass of wine yet. I'm stuck with no excuse. So, I casually say....I made a grand entrance just for you. That's what friendship is :)

Next, I had an awesome several days with my mom & family. Being as though I'm a bit different I have really started to understand my parents and how truly special they are. Having a child go through my situation must be an emotional roller coaster for them (and everyone). But, the older I get and the more they are by my side, I know why they were given to me. I had a very minor issue at home with my legs and they were both so amazing and supportive. I LOVE YOU!

I'm currently experiencing 60 degree weather and AWESOME scenery in Aspen, Colorado. The picture of the rainbow was right after a hard rain. It's beautiful and so spiritual in many ways. I have walked so much and done pretty well. When I get tired I just find a place and stop. So good for the soul. Matthew has been having fun experiencing a lot of new things.

I was at a bike shop and a little boy just stopped and stared at me with such confusion on his face. His dad noticed and finally approached me with "I'm so sorry". He then pulled his son to the side to talk. It was strange but at the same time curiosity is how we discover things. I was touched by his dad. All it takes is a few words. Share them.

I'm writing this from a coffee shop watching all the locals and dogs run around. I'm writing alot and love it. You can't help but be inspired here. Walk, hike, bike, or soak it up with great food and patio.

Peace & Love,
Jen

Healthcare Reform - Please Help

Hope everyone had some good relaxing fun for the 4th. I learned to tube and drive a Jet Ski over the weekend. Balancing in the drivers seat is quite hilarious. As you can imagine, the faster I would go the less my body holds up because of the weight distribution (or lack of). Nick was sitting behind me, of course, for those "wow" moments. But, as much fun as I was having I felt a bit like a bobble head :)

After fun there is always work...

The health care system is trying to reform, as I'm sure you are aware. I tend to pay attention to this much more than I ever would for obvious reasons. One bit that I'm sure most people aren't aware of is the cost of prosthetic care. Currently, the Senate version of the reform bill does not include coverage for "assistive devices or durable medical equipment (such as prosthetics)" but the House Version does.

The goal is to make sure any health care reform bill includes this language to prevent any loopholes and people not being able to have prosthetics due to the debilitating costs. So, how can you help?

Start by calling your Representative and Senator. Let them know that the bills should include specific language for durable medical equipment (such as prosthetic devices) in all health care reform bills. This is a large factor in Independence and leading healthy lives!!

If your not sure where to start call the U.S. Capital Switchboard at 202.224.1212

Thanks for your help!!

Jen

Surfs Up!

Surfing, river walk, fun hotel, great food & many snow cones! We had a whirlwind of a weekend. We headed to Port Arkansas, Texas. We just needed a quick (or semi-quick) getaway with beaches and good food.

Our mission was accomplished by staying in San Antonio on the river walk then traveling further south the next morning. I was so excited to be in water!



We were in 105 degree heat the entire time so catching a few waves was definitely on the agenda. Sky even became a surfer dude for a bit. We just couldn't find board shorts his size.

So, how do I surf? Well, as you can see in these pictures, I hold on tight and just go with the waves. It is more like a really advanced doggy paddle but it still gets me from A to B with a few bumps in between.

I only flipped a few times. Albeit, sucking all the salt out of the water each time, but the waves never got away from me. As much as they tried to avoid me, I was right there waiting to bust right through the break. It was a lot of fun.



Matthew did really well and Sky was so much fun. I think he was feeling like the king of the sandpit. We are off to Arkansas to Beaver Lake for Independence Day for wake boarding, skiing, seadooing, grilling, fireworks, cocktails, and more sun!

Have a great holiday everyone,
Jen