A surprise!!

 In case you haven't noticed,I have a great regard for Yooralla,

they support around 30,000 people in Victoria,

who live with a disability.

Gradually over the years I have used more and more of their services and now I feel that I am part of Yooralla.

This year, when asked if I would help with publicity 

I agreed.

I am sure that surprised a lot of people!

For the last few years I have been happy 

to give talks to people about living with my disability,

but I have always refused to have my picture taken.

I think it probably has something to do with being labeled as "the poor old crock in the wheel chair".

At last I don't care what people say,

I know I am not a poor old thing!

That is what all this preamble is leading up to!!!

I was asked if my picture could be taken and used in 

the Yooralla Annual Report, 

"probably as part of a collage about people who use Yooralla services."

This is what I saw when I opened the envelope!

I am on the FRONT COVER!

Yooralla has  a 65 year old grandmother 

as their cover girl.

What a positive image, 

usually disability is represented by a lovely 

little disabled child. 

Yes, it pulls at the heart strings,

but it is negative 

and portrays us as "poor" people. 

We are not, we have to be strong

to fight discrimination and ignorance.

How I wish we were always portrayed 

in a positive light.

News papers are the worst, 

as I have said many times ,

I may be stuck in my bed, 

but I am not confined to a wheel chair!!

        Incidentally, I am amazed at the comments I have had about, - how good it is to see some one 

obviously enjoying life!!!  Ha!

Until next time  ----  wear a happy Hat!

PS: I am trying to get used to the new 

colour of Yooralla !