20 Years of Adaptive Sports

Hey Everyone!

20 years ago, in 1999, I was introduced to the Children's Lightning Wheels by one of my physical therapists who's also one of the assistant coaches. I participated in the sports of track & field, table tennis, and archery (even fencing for a couple years).

Joining the team was one of the best things that I could've done. Over the years, I've met many great people (teammates, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, competitors, and many more). I've also competed at 12 National Junior Disability Championships (New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Arizona, Missouri, and Iowa) as a member of the Lightning Wheels.

As a member of the Lightning Wheels, I learned about independence, confidence, teamwork, friendship, sportsmanship, and so much more. I've also became stronger while taking part in the gym program and different practices. They have helped me strengthen my core muscles, as well as my other muscles.

I aged out of the Lightning Wheels in 2015 but still compete as an adult adaptive athlete. I decided to no longer do track (since track and I had our differences lol) but still do field events (shot put, discus, and javelin), table tennis, and archery.

Even though I aged out from the Lightning Wheels, I still help out with the team from time-to-time whether it's archery or if I'm at their track & field practices. I also help out whenever and wherever I can at sports meets (timing track events, helping the coaches with heat sheets, answer any questions members of the team have, etc.).

Adaptive sports has taught me a lot over the years and I wouldn't change a thing. I've made life-long friendships. I have a different point-of-view than many do. It's given me many opportunities that I definitely wouldn't have if I was never introduce to sports in 1999.

I always say that I know who I would be or where I would be if it wasn't for being a part of the Children's Lightning Wheels and adaptive sports. I still believe that til this day.

There is so much more that I can say about my 20 years of adaptive sports but instead of writing it all down here, I will be doing a video for my YouTube channel so STAY TUNED!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

#InclusiveBitmojis

Hey Everyone!

I think it's time to start talking about #InclusiveBitmojis again! If you don't know what I'm talking about - here is some background:

#InclusiveBitmojis started about six months ago when I was planning to update my Bitmoji. And I did. I changed out of the winter clothes and into summer clothes. BUT there was something missing that I should've really noticed earlier (I think I did but didn't think too much of it at the time) and that was a wheelchair! I searched & searched the whole Bitmoji app for it, and there was nothing which got me thinking...

Bitmoji really need to add disability options and I'm not just talking about wheelchairs, I'm talking about all different kinds of options like prosthetics, orthotics, breathing tubes, canes, and more. So I had a thought of doing a video for my YouTube channel:

THEN, I also started a change.org petition to raise even more awareness towards getting Inclusive Bitmojis and hopefully to get a response from Bitmoji themselves.

After posting the video and petition, I received some feedback.  I believe I had about 50-100 signatures after a few days but to me, it still wasn't enough feedback. This is an important topic and needs more push towards it.

SO I took it to Instagram and posted the following picture with more info about the reasoning behind the importance of wanting Inclusive Bitmojis (diversity being the main reason):

View this post on Instagram

This is my #bitmoji and I love the app BUT there's something missing. And that is a wheelchair! Bitmojis are supposed to be a representation of who we are but for the disability community, we don't have the same feel for representation because @bitmoji doesn't have any disability options. 20-25% of the population have a disability and aren't being represented. I would love to be able to add a wheelchair to my Bitmoji because that is a better representation of me. I posted a video on #YouTube about my thoughts on wanting disability options for Bitmoji. I also started a petition and hope to reach a wider audience so we, the disability community, can represent ourselves better when we share our Bitmojis. The link to the petition is on my bio so please sign and share! 😀❤♿ #disability #awareness #representation #representationmatters #disabiityawareness #change #love #life #live #important #petition #inclusivebitmojis

A post shared by Caitlin Goerlich (@cgoerlich) on Apr 27, 2019 at 5:37pm PDT

REPRESENTATION MATTERS!

That's basically the main point of my Instagram post because it does. We see talks about representation mattering when it comes to other minority groups but there's never a huge talk when it comes to the disabled community (remember my Oscars' controversy post).

BUT anyways back to the Instagram post. After I posted it, I started getting more feedback and even more signatures towards the petition. AND it wasn't all me as it took one more person to see the post for it to really start reaching more people and that was one of my former teachers who helped a lot with the campaign, as well as one of my friends who too would like to see himself represented in his Bitmoji.

Ever since the initial Instagram post, we have done more videos - a PSA on Facebook & Instagram and a couple update videos on my YouTube page.

With all this push, the petition now has 1,600 signatures and I'm ecstatic about it! We even received a couple responses from Bitmoji on Twitter. The first response was a generic one (similar to one they've been giving for the past three years to others who have asked):

That was definitely a generic answer and they say they're "actively working" on it but they've been saying that for almost three years now and haven't shown any movement of having disability options for Bitmoji. So we kept at it and tweeting #InclusiveBitmojis, and after (I believe) a week, they responded again with a more real answer:

It's still NOT a great answer but it's a better one than their previous answer. But I still have a question: Is it really that hard? I mean...you have cars, you have lounge chairs (and other kinds of chairs), and more. It's not like we're asking for every sticker in the app.

We know some of the disability options won't work for some of the stickers. We just want to be able to see that we're included and that there are options & stickers for us. I no longer use the stickers where my Bitmoji is standing because I feel it truly wouldn't represent me if she's standing and I'm not.

It's time, Bitmoji! Even if is just one option...for now. Show us that you are serious about adding disability options. And remember, it's not just wheelchairs we want - we want ALL disabilities to be represented.

Now - the reason why I'm writing this post is to bring the #InclusiveBitmojis campaign back to life because it has slowed down over the last couple months and we need to pick it back up! Bitmoji hasn't shared any new disability options yet and I feel we should remind them that we are still waiting for those options.

As I'm writing this post, the petition has 1,607 signatures and I would LOVE that number to go up. So if you haven't signed the petition yet, please do so and if you have signed it, SHARE it everywhere you can: Bitmoji Needs Disability Options Petition

Along with sharing the petition, you can share this blog post or any of the videos that we have posted. There are a couple videos on Twitter, a couple on my YouTube channel, and Instagram. And don't forget to use the tag #InclusiveBitmojis in your posts. Also tweet Bitmoji on Twitter using #InclusiveBitmojis!

Let's get ALL people represented.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month

Hey Everyone!

As most of you know, I have a spinal cord injury and became a wheelchair user due to complications in major surgeries. Well guess what? It's September! And September is National Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Month! :)

At first, I had no idea that there was a National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month until a few years ago and the color for the awareness is lime green (check out the ribbon above). I was happy to find out that SCI had an awareness month because it should be celebrated and help raise awareness towards spinal cord injuries.

There's an average of 17,000 new SCI each year and no, they aren't all from accidents (something many believe to be the case). Having an awareness month brings different kinds of awareness towards SCI: different kinds of causes of SCI, the aftermath of a SCI, finding out cures, and more.

Every year, I can't wait for September because that's when I post throughout the month different pictures for SCI awareness month. Here is a picture of one:

During this month, many think back and wonder the 'what ifs' and the hopes of a cure so they can have the life they once knew upon a time back while others take this month as a reflection & celebrate their SCI. I am one of the ones that celebrate my spinal cord injury. 

I always say without the SCI and becoming a paraplegic, I wouldn't be who I am today. I wouldn't have participated in adaptive sports. I wouldn't have the friends I have today. And I wouldn't have the kind of view of the world I have today. It helped shape me to the person I am and I wouldn't change a thing. 

I always look forward to September and hope that there will be more awareness towards future National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Months. If you would like to learn more about spinal cord injuries, you can click on the following links:

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

NSCISC Facts & Figures

United Spinal

I will close this post by sharing the video I posted on my YouTube channel where I spoke about National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. You can watch it below:

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3 

Two Years Later

Hey Everyone!

Well...it's been awhile. Two years to be exact. So you're probably asking: "Where have you been?" "Why haven't you written any new posts?" "What's been going on?" Well...I'm ready to answer all THREE questions and to give an update on where this blog is going 😊

Where Have You (I) Been?
I've been in the same place I've been when I was writing a couple years ago. I'm still working at Kohl's. I'm still competing in adaptive sports: field (shot put, discus, and javelin), table tennis, and archery. But, I am now a part of the Tri-State Wheelchair Athletic Association (TSWAA) board. And I'm still working on writing my book(s).

Why Haven't You (I) Written Any New Posts?
Honestly...I think it had to do with writer's block and procrastination. I had ideas of what to write on here but didn't know how to start or where to go with it so I would say "I'll write it next week," then it would be the next week and I'll say it again. Then, it ended up being a month later and then months went by and now two years went by. That's really all to why I haven't written anything.

What's Been Going On?
Ok so the answer to this question can be the same as the answer to the first question. BUT, I do have more to share and add. It has to do with my YouTube channel. I've always had a channel but now I'm actually using it and posting videos on it. Videos like 'My Top 10' where I share my top 10 favorite things of a top (for example: my top 10 favorite Disney Channel Original Movies [DCOMs]), Disability Awareness (for example: National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month), about myself, and other fun videos. Make sure you check out my channel and SUBSCRIBE & press the bell so that you're alerted every time I post a new video. And again, I'm still working on my book(s) and in the process of something that I will soon (hopefully) let you all in on 😉

NOW, I want to let you know that since I'm writing this post - it does mean I am planning on writing some more and officially return to my Wiki-Wheelz blog. YAY! I have a plan set up for how I'm going to do my blog and my YouTube channel. What is that plan? Well...press the play button below and watch as I explain what it is 🔻

So what do you think? Do you think I'm going to be able to keep up with both YouTube and my blog? Only time will tell and I hope I definitely will be able to keep up with it. That's my goal. I definitely won't let another two years go by before writing another post.

Make sure you enter your email into the top right corner (if you haven't already) so that you can be alerted every time I update the blog. AND don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you can watch all my new videos! Also, if you haven't yet - check out all my previous posts so you can see what kind of posts you can expect from me on here.

That's really all I have for now. But stay tuned for future posts & videos!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

YOOCAN

Credit: YOOCAN - DO ANYTHING 

Hey Everyone!

A few months ago, I received a comment on one of my instagram posts from an Instagram page called yoocandoanything asking if I would like to post my story on their site.

The first thing I did was look at their instagram page and then noticed that they are a site for people with disabilities to share their stories and empower others. I was like "oh this is cool. Let me check out their website." And when I did, I immediately was excited to add my story (called "Roll With It and Never Give Up" to the site.

Yoocan was started by the Gaon family after a young boy named Erez was born in 2008 with a rare disease and complex cognitive & physical disabilities. This brought the family together in many ways but was also hard as they needed to adjust a new way of living. Erez is one of over 1 billion people in the world who are living with some kind of cognitive or physical disability.

They created yoocanfind.com was created to be the leading empowerment source in the world for ideas, tips, and solutions to make the life of people living with disabilities and more inclusive. The mission is the focus on what people can do and not what they can not do.

Their overall goal is to show the world the amazing things that people with disabilities are doing each and every day: sky diving, running marathons, being Paralympic athletes, etc. They want to reach every person with a disability living around the world.

If you would like to join the yoocan family, you can find them here:
Yoocan Website
Yoocan Instagram
Yoocan Twitter
Yoocan Facebook

I highly recommend joining the family. Also, if you are a parent or a relative of someone with a disability, you can post a story on their behalf (or from your point of view). If you are unsure what to write, make sure you check out the stories that people have already written.

Even if you aren't someone with a disability, you should still follow their Twitter & Instagram pages to see the posts about the awesome things that people with disabilities are doing across the world. On instagram, yoocan features one storyteller each day.

When I first joined the family and followed them on Instagram, they had less than 20,000 followers. Now they have more than 23,000 followers. They also currently have over 1,000 story tellers from over 100 countries.

It's always great to see their posts & stories every day on my feeds and I look forward to it every day. You will too once you click that "follow" or "like" button on each of their pages.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Old Navy - One Year Later

Hey Everyone!

This is going to be a quick update about something that I have been posting about for almost two years now.  It's been a little over a year since my last update!

About a week ago, I went to Old Navy at Livingston Mall. The same Old Navy that started it all. I am happy to say that there is an improvement in the fitting rooms. If you need a refresher on what I've previously written, the following are the posts I have written:

Old Navy
Old Navy Update
Old Navy Update #2
Old Navy: Trending on Twitter for the Wrong Reasons
Dear Gap Inc. (Old Navy Update #3)

So, again I said that there is an improvement from the previous times I have been there and wrote about it.

What improvements?

Well for one, both accessible fitting rooms were unlocked and empty (meaning - they weren't filled with racks of clothes). One of the rooms was, however, blocked by a rack of clothes but the associate working in the fitting rooms moved the rack out of the way.

There is still more that could be done - like changing around the floor plan in the accessible fitting rooms. Still have a problem being able to look at myself in the mirror (only can see the side of me).

Remember this picture?

Old Navy's accessible fitting room

The fitting room floor plan is still the same and that is one of the main things that I believe still needs to be looked into. We need to be able to see ourselves while we're trying on clothes and to fit in the fitting room because again, what if someone has a power chair???? They may not be able to get their power chair even close to the mirror.

So there were some positives and still a couple negatives but overall, I feel like it's going in the right direction. Thank you to everyone who has followed along in the last couple years. I hope you continue to do so as I'm sure this won't be the last update.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Thank You to My Public School Teachers

Hey Everyone!

As you all may know, today Betsy DeVos was confirmed as Secretary of Education. There has been many who have been AGAINST the idea of her being the Secretary of Education, me being one of them. Why? Well there are many reasons why.

But the main one is the fact that she doesn't know that the Individual with Disabilities Education Act is a federal law. This post isn't about going on and on at how this decision is not the best decision to be made so please watch the video of Senator Cory Booker's speech on his DeVos Opposition who goes in great detail about students with disabilities.

So what is this post really about? Well you can look at the title. I am writing this to thank all my teachers that I've had while I was in public school from Kindergarten to Senior Year, as well as my college professors.

I have spoken highly of the Township of Union's Board of Education many times. From the very start of my education, I have been included and treated with the same respect as my classmates.

When I raised my hand, I was picked on. When I wanted to take part in gym classes, I did. When my teachers needed to accommodate the classroom in anyway where I can take part, they did. When I had questions about what we were learning, they helped.

For so many years, I knew I was lucky to have grown up in this town but when I got older - I realized just how lucky I was as I heard many students with disabilities don't have the same opportunities in their school district as I did.



To My Teachers,

Thank you. Thank you for always including me in discussions. Thank you for moving desks around to make sure that I can get around the classrooms. Thank you for always picking on me when I raised my hand. Thank you for allowing me to speak in front of the class for speech assignments.

Thank you for letting me lead the class in the hallways (back in elementary school, we walked on the line to go to the next class). Thank you for listening to me when I needed help. Thank you for respecting me as you would any other student.

Thank you for teaching me English, Math, Science, History, Business, Music, different languages, Journalism, and so many more subjects.

Thank you to my gym teachers who always pushed me in gym class. Thank you to my case managers who were always there for me if I needed any new accommodations or needed something changed. Thank you to my guidance counselors for helping me make decisions about my classes and next step in my education.

Thank you to all my classroom assistants who were there for me when I needed help with moving chairs, taking my backpack off the back of the chair, going through the hallways, and so much more. Thank you to all the nurses who helped me when I was sick, needed to take my medications at lunch time, and so much more.

Thank you to my transition coordinator who pushed me to open myself to speak in front of over 200 people. Thank you to all the security guards for making me laugh and for protecting our schools. Thank you for all substitute teachers who filled in for my one-on-ones & our teachers.

Thank you to all the principals who were there if I needed you and to make sure that all students were getting the same respect from our teachers. Thank you to my bus drivers & aides for getting me from home to school and school to home safe & sound.

This is only some of my thank you's to all of you. You all have done so much for me over the years and I wouldn't be the same if I didn't have you all as my support system in school.

No matter what happens in the public education with this new change, just know that you have touched many lives and you will continue to touch more lives.

                                                               Caitlin


I would love for every student with a disability to have the same experience as I did. Now all we have to do is wait and see what happens with the new Secretary of Education.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Don't Forget to Support the Rio 2016 Paralympics!

Credit: Paralympic Games, Rio 2016,
and creators of logo

Hey Everyone!

A couple weeks ago, the Olympics took over our televisions as we watched athletes from across the world compete in different sporting events like track & field, table tennis, gymnastics, archery, swimming, rugby, tennis, rowing, etc.

In the end, United States had the most medals of any other nation (thanks to swimming and track & field which were two of the most winning sports for our country). The Rio Olympics were one of the biggest Olympics as there were many records broken, medals won, and even drama [Ryan Lochte anyone? green water? and more].

The games came to a close with countries coming together (closing ceremonies) and the world celebrating their elite athletes as they return home to their respective countries. So what's next for these sports? Is that it for another four years??

Not at all.

In six days, another round of Olympic sports (games) will start again! This time - it's the Paralympics (Olympics for elite athletes with physical disabilities). Did you know that? No? Well...it's coming and be prepared to watch!

Because for the first time, in Paralympics history, the 2016 Rio Paralympics will be airing LIVE - specifically 70 hours. Remember when I first posted about it when it was first announced? Check out my previous post (from a couple years ago): Finally. The Paralympics to be Aired Live in U.S.

The 2014 Winter Paralympics were the first time NBC (and NBCSN) aired LIVE events from the Olympics and this year's Summer Games will get about 20 more hours than the previous Paralympics and it would mark about 65 more hours than the 2012 games where NBC only aired one hour highlights each of the five days.

With so much talk about diversity, equality, and more - it is IMPORTANT that you tune in and watch the games because this is a great deal for people with disabilities and the elite athletes who are competing. We need many viewers to watch the games because it will show our kids (with or without disabilities) that anyone has the capabilities of being an athlete.

The Paralympics help break down barriers between the disabled and abled. It is a step that helps bring equality towards all people (remember "disability" has their own group but not brought up in conversations). The following Facebook post is one of the ways Paralympics help bring awareness towards disability and help remove obstacles for people with disabilities (Tatyana McFadden is a great advocate for disability rights and adaptive sports.



Please take part in the Paralympic Movement (watching the Paralympics, sharing about the Paralympics, and more). Talk about the events you're watching and tell NBC that you want more for the future games. Paralympics deserve to get the same amount of air-time as the Olympics do!

Ready to watch some awesome athletes? Then check out NBC's schedule of the events, as well check out other places you can watch the games: IPC selects Dailymotion to live stream 680 hours of the Paralympics Games.

Then come back here and let me know what you're favorite sporting event is!!

Go Team USA. Bring home the gold!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Dear Gap Inc. (Old Navy Update #3)

Hey Everyone!

So I'm sure you're probably tired of these Old Navy update posts but like I've said before I'm going to continue writing them until well I guess until there's a change? Honestly I don't know when. But this post is going to be different then the ones previously. 

Now before I go into what this post is about. If you're new to this Old Navy ride, make sure you read the previous posts:

Old Navy

Old Navy Update

Old Navy Update #2

Old Navy: Trending on Twitter for the Wrong Reasons

Alright so yesterday, I went shopping at Menlo Park Mall and as always - Old Navy is one of the stores I go to (not because of this). So what I'm hoping you're going to ask is - how was the fitting rooms there? Any better than previously? Or the same?

Well...it was about the same and then not the same. What do I mean? Well yesterday in particular, this store seemed to have more clothing racks not only in the fitting room section but around the corners. They are doing better with leaving one of the rooms open and not blocked but they are still keeping the other one blocked, locked, and full of clothes (I'm guessing).

I also noticed that for the accessible rooms, they are allowing just about anyone to use them whether they are disabled or not. Can we please get it through everyone's head that when it says accessible, it's for those who need it (this isn't just for fitting rooms but also parking spots, bathrooms, arena seats, etc.).

But anyways I will say that Old Navy is ahead of where they were during my first post about it but again there is still more to be done - cleaner fitting rooms, keeping both accessible rooms accessible, and configuring the actual accessible room because hello, I still can't turn in the room to look in the mirror!

Remember this picture? (from Old Navy Update)

In the accessible fitting room at Old Navy

Well, it's still the same. The mirror is in an awkward position and so is the bench. Again if I can't fit it in it right - how do you expect someone with a power chair (or just a bigger chair) to do so?? I will again say that this isn't just at one of the stores, it's everywhere. I think at the moment, I've gone to about four Old Navy's in the New Jersey and they each have the same problem.

I love shopping at Old Navy and honestly if they fixed these fitting rooms, I would love it even more and I guarantee you that there are others who will as well.

Now after I was done shopping there yesterday, I decided to go to Gap and Banana Republic. To be honest with you, at first I wanted to see how their fittings room were since I know they are owned by the same parent organization (Gap Inc.). But when I got there, especially at the Gap, I found about new five shirts to buy (which was awesome!)

I also found that their fitting rooms are SO MUCH better than the ones at Old Navy. Check back to the Old Navy Update post for the picture from the Gap fitting room (at the other mall). When I entered the fitting room at the Gap, it was like a breath of fresh air. The same at the ones at Banana Republic (see following pictures).

The back of the Banana Republic's accessible fitting room.

Banana Republic's
accessible fitting room

As you can see by the two pictures above, I'm able to turn around and look in the mirror. I can look at my front, the back, the side, everywhere pretty much in these fitting rooms. So much better than the ones at Old Navy which I question - Why?? 

Gap Inc. is the parent organization of Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic but why isn't Old Navy up to par with their fitting rooms like Gap and Banana Republic?? 

Another difference I noticed between Gap and Banana Republic from Old Navy is that for the accessible rooms at Old Navy, they let anyone use those rooms (back to the whole use accessible rooms only if you need them [disability, need extra space, etc.]. 

But at Gap and Banana Republic, they leave those rooms locked but when someone with a wheelchair comes, they ask if I need the accessible room and then they will unlock the room to let me in. And then they will lock it after I'm finished with it. At least this is what happened yesterday which I have to say is Bravo! Because then I know the accessible rooms are being used for who needs them (and not just for anyone).

Another thing is that I noticed that if the accessible rooms are being used, I would be able to use the other rooms at Gap and Banana Republic because they're big enough for my wheelchair which is another check in my books.

So I'm asking Gap Inc. to please look into what's going on in the Old Navy stores when it concerns the fitting rooms because believe me it can definitely be better and I'm 100% sure that customer ratings would jump rocket and more people with disabilities would come shopping at the those stores. 

Reconfiguring the actual accessible rooms (to make getting to the mirror easier) and seeing what to do with the extra clothing racks (and clothes in the other accessible room) are just two things that can make the fitting rooms much easier to use. I'm not telling you how to do your jobs, I'm just making suggestions on how you can better your customers' experiences. 

Because I for sure can see how if customers are able to try on clothes, the more they may buy. Because believe me I can get frustrated easily with trying on clothes and then not want to continue shopping. I'm sure I'm not the only one. 

One thing I would definitely love to see is someone in the leadership role of Gap to appear on Undercover Boss and they can see first hand the differences in how the stories are run. It's just another suggestion (which I'm sure I've suggested in one of my other posts). 

Again - I would definitely be willing to show or discuss with Gap Inc. Old Navy's leaders ways on how they can make things better for all.

For all my readers, what do you think of this?? Are you tired of my Old Navy Update posts?? If so, share this and maybe I won't need to write anymore because there are more positive changes. 

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Recommend You to Watch This Important Video!

Hey Everyone!

It's been awhile but I haven't known what to write in the last few weeks and I still don't but I saw a video that I wanted you all to watch (and share)!!!

I highly recommend you to watch it because it has a great message. A message that is for everyone to know about (unlike the last video I wrote about). It's one that should have millions of views but doesn't but let's help!

Check it out here:

Credit: The Disability Film Challenge and

everyone who took part in the making of video.

Message is very clear that I don't think I necessarily need to write what the message is. But if you're not 100% sure of what it is. Here are my thoughts: it's about including all even those who tend to be "different" than who you are. Inclusion. 

I enjoyed watching the video because it made people think. Because honestly it is what goes on. People stare at those who are different and have a chance of not including them in conversations. I liked that they turned this around so that it was a group of people in wheelchairs staring at someone who isn't in one.

It's a nice change and I'm hoping that this will start a conversation and possibly change the way people see wheelchairs or "different" people. 

Click that play button. Share the video. Show your friends and family. (You can go here, copy the link from your browser and then share it on your social media accounts) 

What did you think of the video? Do you like what the message says? Does it make you think about inclusion and how you act when you see someone who looks different?

Comment below your thoughts!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3 

Bright Side's "Be Grateful For What You Have" Video

Hey Everyone!

So I know it's been almost a couple weeks since my last post as I wasn't completely sure of what to write but now I have a topic to write about. It's about a video that has gone viral for the past couple weeks and I just watched the video myself.

It's the "Be Grateful For What You Have" video made by Bright Side:

Look on the Bright Side
Posted by Bright Side on Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Now you're probably wondering why I'm dedicating a post to this video. Well it's because of the message behind the video.

Look, I was enjoying the video because it is a great message. We should be grateful for what we have. We can't look at what others have and need the want to have what they have. It is an important message that we all need to look at.

The first 48 seconds was the best part of the video. At the end of the video, you will notice that the last person they show is a person in a wheelchair saying "He can go wherever he wants." This is the part of the video that had upset me.

In the past few years, there's been talks and talks about the disabled group as I'm sure you know (especially since if you read my blog). Some of those talks aren't positive and some are. The end of this video with this character is one of those negatives moments.

I know you're probably thinking or wondering, what's exactly wrong with it? You're always writing and talking about being included and here it is, you have a disabled character in a video. Ok yes I'm happy that there's a disabled character in this video but it's the way they are portrayed.

Again, I understand the true meaning behind the video is to be grateful for what you have but the way the disabled character is portrayed isn't right. I mean, it has him sitting on the balcony looking out towards a person walking and he says "He can go wherever he wants."

You know what that's telling people who are in wheelchairs? That they have to stay put. That they don't get to wherever they want. And you know what? That's wrong. Just because you're disabled or have something in your way, it doesn't mean that you can't do what others are doing.

I've read so many comments under the video and there are some who say the same as I'm saying and there are others who don't understand those who are complaining about the ending of the video.

Have you ever thought that maybe there are those who are in wheelchairs or have a disability do more than what you do in your life? That they go farther and more places than you can ever imagine? You wouldn't if if you looked at this video. because there's no one after the disabled character. It's just them.

If I truly thought "he can go wherever he wants" the way the video is portraying that we (disabled people) do then I would've never joined the Lightning Wheels, started this blog, go to college, go across the country for the National Junior Disability Championships, and others. I wouldn't change a thing about my life and that includes being in a wheelchair. Because you know what? I and many others who have a disability can go wherever HE wants.

(Of course there was a time when I was younger where I wondered if I could be able to walk again and do what those who can walk but as I got older, I appreciated the life I live and continue to do so. I also realized that I can do what "he" wants. Just do it in a different way. My way.)

We may not be able do what you do exactly like how you do it but we do it our way. I have friends who have traveled to other countries whether it's for sports or not. I have friends who are working towards their dream jobs. I have friends who do what they want to do because they can. It's time to end this stigma about people with disabilities.

How about we get included the right way rather the wrong way? Check out my other posts under the Disability Advocacy tab above and think about how to make videos the right way and why you're truly sharing this video.

It's a great video and for a good meaning but it could've been done with a better ending. So I ask the 100+ million viewers, 4+ million sharers, and the 2+ million those who liked the video - what do you think of the video? How do you see the ending of the video? Re-look at the comments made by those who complain about the video - do they have a point to their comments?

Do I think we should be grateful for what we have? Of course. Do I think the ending of this video could've been better? Duh, I wouldn't have written this post if I didn't.

Please let me know what you think about the video and this post.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Two of the Best Moments of the 2016 Grammys

Hey Everyone!

Last night were the 2016 Grammy's and while there were many different Grammy moments (as they call them), there were two that stood out the most to me and were probably the most important ones as well (if you agree or disagree).

The first moment was after Stevie Wonder and Pentatonix did a tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire's Maurice White. It all started with making fun of others who can't read braille as they were also presenting the award for "Song of the Year," and the words on the card was in braille so only Wonder could read it.

But before he announced the winner, he made a statement that touched many. Watch below:

Credit: Deafinit Models, Grammys, Stevie Wonder, and others

If you couldn't hear what he said - "We need to make every single thing accessible to every single person with a disability."

The first thing that came to my mind when he said this was, "About damn time." It was time for someone to mention the group of people with disabilities. As you know by reading my previous posts  about including disability and the Oscars. 

What made me happy was when there was a photo with the quote written on it, it received so many shares and started going viral. Other websites shared the quote and the importance of his statement. A few of those website were: Huffington Post, People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, and more. Stevie Wonder also was trending on Twitter, all night, for his statement. 

"We need to make every single thing accessible to every single person with a disability." -- Stevie WonderTHANK YOU.

Posted by The Huffington Post on Monday, February 15, 2016

Because like I said, it was about time. For years and still in 2016, the word "disability" is hardly brought up in discussions as you have read in my previous posts. I'm hoping that with what Stevie Wonder has said, it will bring up more talks about disability.

This is only the beginning and there's more to be done. But thank you, Stevie Wonder for starting the conversation. Make sure you share the photo on your social networks (whether it's Huffington Post's or the others that you find). Let's continue the conversation!
___________________________________________________________________________

Now, let's talk about the second moment of the Grammys that I thought was one of the best of the show and that's when Taylor Swift accepted her 2nd Album of the Year Grammy.

I don't know if you have been following what's been going on with Kanye West this week but it all started when he was talking about his new album and he was hosting his 3rd fashion show for his fashion line.

In one of his new songs, Kanye speaks about Taylor Swift and claims that he made her famous (he also said some other words, but I will not put them in the post as they are explicit). I have words for Kanye and that is: You didn't make Taylor Swift famous. She did it on her own. (You already know how I feel about Kanye if you have read my Kanye West... post).

The reason why Kanye believes he made her famous was because of what happened back in 2009 at the MTV Video Music Awards when he interrupted her acceptance speech. But, again Kanye you didn't make her famous because uh hello, she was accepting an award!

Anyways, there has been many who were supportive of Taylor and are taking her side as they should be because it's time to put a stop to Kanye's antics.

Well, last night Taylor decided to put an end to what's been going on as she accepted her award for Album of the Year and she told young women to not let anyone else take credit for what they have done on their own.

Check out the video below:

Credit: Grammys, Taylor Swift, and others

Go Taylor Swift! What she said is so true. You can't let anyone else claim the credit that YOU did for yourself. This goes for anyone.

This was my 2nd favorite moment of the night because it was time for her to stick up for herself and others. So, I'm guessing their "friendship" from last year may be over? Again. We'll have to wait and see.

Just remember, work hard for what you want to do and don't let anyone else take the credit.

Let me know what you thought of the Grammys last night and which moment of the night was your favorite. Was it one of these or another one? and what do you think about Stevie Wonder's statement about disability? What do you think about Taylor Swift's acceptance speech? Leave your thoughts below!

Continue with the conversations of disability and self-worth. There is importance for both.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3 

Include Disability!

Hey Everyone!

Ok so lately there's been a lot of talk about diversity (especially with the Oscars controversy and presidential elections) and there's something that has been bothering me in these different talks. I have not yet heard the word "disability" in these talks. 

Diversity and discrimination include the following types: age, disability, equal pay, gender, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation and more. 

But the main ones that are discussed in the media or anywhere really are age, race, gender, and sexual orientation which I'm in supportive of but if you're going to include groups of people then you discuss all groups which include the group of people with disabilities. 

Did you know that people with disabilities make up 20% of the United States' population? That means that 1 every 5 people may have a disability of some sort whether it's mental or physical. 

So why is the disability group the last to be mentioned or not even not mentioned? Especially when we're in the middle of an election year leading to a new president? Shouldn't discussing what they're going to do to help people with disabilities be a topic (like employment, schools, etc.)? 

Is this too much to ask? No. Not at all. After all like I said 20% of the population which is about 49 million people. That's a lot of people that aren't being spoken for or about in the mainstream media.

There needs to be more discussion about disability. About awareness towards disability. How to make inclusion better between the disabled and the abled. Sports are very important towards awareness for people with disabilities but there still needs more awareness to be done!

By the way, where are the actors who have a disability? Ok, yes there are actors who have disabilities but aren't seen as much as others. Also what's with disabled characters being portrayed by abled actors? Ok I understand that the story-line may have the person injured or something which leads them to be disabled but we need more disabled actors/actresses. 

Ok that's another story for another time. But it's still relevant to this case. Anyways, back to the problem - INCLUDE the word "DISABILITY" in the discussions about working with people and diversity.

"...based on religion, or race, or gender, or LGBT, or whatever else it might be." - Presidential Candidate, Hillary Clinton (on the Ellen Show discussing loving one another)

"In 2016, the mandate is inclusion of its facets: gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation." - Academy President, Cheryl Boon Isaacs (in her statement about the Oscars controversy)

Don't even get me started on Donald Trump and his mocking of the news reporter who has a disability.

Can't you see the problem here? Disability is never brought up in the group of words that people say when speaking of diversity. You can't leave out one group of people when discussing diversity because then you're not really being diverse. 

Don't be afraid to say disability. Don't be afraid to bring it up in conversations. Don't be afraid to "stand up" for your own group of people. There needs to be a discussion about disabilities and what we can do to bring awareness to the group. 

This leads me to January 20th (may write another post about this) which is International Day of Acceptance. It's time that we all come together and celebrate accepting of people with disabilities.

We are in a different and better position then we were 10 years ago but there's still a lot that needs to be done and spoken about. 

Include disability in history books. Include disability in your discussions. Include disability when speaking about the other types of groups of people. Include disability in your political campaign (and continue including it after campaign is over). Include disability wherever you can. It's time that we do this. If we have one person start, it will lead to more speaking about it. 

By the way you can help spread disability awareness by speaking about it, sharing posts about it, and also placing the wheelchair emoji to your display name on Twitter.

New Wheelchair Emoji (there are
different ones depending on your
phone, computer, tablet, etc.)

Remember, if you want there to be a change and more diversity (including ALL groups of people) to happen then YOU need to take part in that change.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Old Navy Update

Hey Everyone!

So today I decided to take a trip to Livingston Mall and while there, I went to Old Navy to see if there were any changes made with the fitting rooms from the last time I was there. Now, the last time I visited this Old Navy, there were a few issues with their fitting rooms considering accessibility. You can see that experience here.

As you see when you read my last post about Old Navy, they replied on Twitter saying that they would share the feedback with the store's leaders so I wanted to see if there was anything done. I am glad to say that there were a couple positive changes.

Positive changes:

The accessibility fitting room is clear of anything in the way. So as you see there is no rack of clothes blocking the door and on the inside of the room, there are no clothes and it wasn't locked. That means I was able to go in to try on some clothes. 

So this store is definitely heading in the direction, HOWEVER, there were still things that could've been brought up and here I am, bringing them up here. 

Even though, the room was clear of clothes and it was unlocked. There was someone inside to try on clothes and yes, I waited because that's the right thing to do. Right? I understand that there are others who need to try on the clothes and I expected this person either to have a disability or stroller, needing the room but nope, it was someone who probably could've used the other room.

I'm not completely blaming the person because there were racks of clothes blocking a few of the regular fitting rooms (I took a picture but it wasn't that clear). Makes you wonder where those racks of clothes would've been if I didn't complain. Probably right back in the accessible fitting room. 

So anyways I also found out that the other accessible room was unlocked BUT it was full of clothes. I mean, really?? Can't you put these clothes somewhere else? In other stores, the racks where the customers put clothes they don't want, are on the outside of the fitting rooms, not inside the rooms or blocking the doorways. It's not accessible for people in chairs or even those who can walk. 

Also what if there were more than one person in a wheelchair that needed to use a fitting room?? It does happen, you know? More than one person in a wheelchair at the same store at the same time. I know, it's shocking really (sarcasm). Both accessible rooms need to be clear and accessible for those who NEED to use them. I would never be able to use the other rooms, especially the ones at Old Navy (Don't get me wrong. I love Old Navy just the things need to be discussed.) 

Another thing that I complained about in the fitting rooms was the placement of the mirror. Where they have the mirror in every accessible fitting room in their stores are not very useful for someone who is in a wheelchair. I mean, just look at this picture that my mom took of me in the one I was in today. 

I can't even turn to look at the whole outfit. I'm only able to see really what it looks like on half of my body and I have a regular sized wheelchair. How about someone who has a bigger chair? Or even a power chair? There would be no way they can honestly see what they look like in the clothes.

You call these the accessibility fitting rooms when they are anything but accessible.

Now, I did do some more shopping after I left Old Navy (with three new shirts). I went to a few different stores and then ended up at the Gap. I wanted to try a shirt on and I have to say that their fittings rooms are a lot better and more accessible. Here's a picture of me in that one:

I'm able to turn around (probably even do a 360), look at myself in the mirror, and there's a bar in the right spot if I want to transfer to the bench. I also looked into the regular fitting rooms and I have to say, I even would be able to fit in those comfortably if I had to.

As you can see, there's a difference between the two stores' fitting rooms and one was better overall than the other. 

So what I'm asking is to Old Navy, please take in consideration of all your customers and the needs of many of them. There needs to be a better system for the fitting room situation. The Livingston Mall's store isn't the only one that has a fitting room problem so again, I'm asking for you to look into detail on how you can better your store. 

Thank you.

Let me know what you all think and feel free to comment and share this post! We need to have this discussion with all stores and have all people have the ability to enjoy the fun of shopping. 

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3