It's a proud day here at Rolling Around In My Head. I get to be the first to announce that I was contacted by the Canadian Federation of Physically Disabled Persons, the cfpdp who informed me that because of my work I have been selected to be inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. I admit that I was quite taken aback and completely surprised that I had been awarded this honour.
I am busy putting together a package of information for their press people so that they can write up something about me. It's been interesting to stroll through my career in the field of disability and to consider my last three years as a disabled person. There are three categories in which you can be nominated, Acheivers, Atheletes or Builders. I have been nominated in the 'Builders' category. This pleases me no end.
I am a strong believer in the concept of community. Both the larger community into which all the smaller communities fit and the smaller, separate community into which we as people with disabilities snuggly fit. If I have been seen to build either of those communities - well, how cool is that.
My focus over the last three years, crafting safe places wherein people with disabilities can life and work, has consumed much of my energy and all of my attention. It has been a logical outcome to my years of working in sexuality and self advocacy. There is no freedom without safety. I have been lucky to find an agency that would hire me to help them change - and in the end they have changed me. I have become a believer in the possibility of people to act with courage and good will. I have become a believer in the possibility for people with disabilities to sleep soundly and unafraid. I have become a believer in the habit of vigilence and the practice of respect.
I feel that I am still too young to be in a Hall of Fame. I feel that I am still growing and learning, still reaching and dreaming, still waking with purpose to be fulfilled. I now face a huge and incredible challenge.
My acceptance speech is to be one minute long.
Now how am I going to do that?
Well, the ceremony will be held on October 26th. I've got a little time to work on it. Anyone have any idea of what I should say, in one minute?
Congratulations! How about "I have a dream of real inclusion..."
ReplyDeleteBG
My focus over the last three years, crafting safe places wherein people with disabilities can life and work, has consumed much of my energy and all of my attention. It has been a logical outcome to my years of working in sexuality and self advocacy. There is no freedom without safety. I have been lucky to find an agency that would hire me to help them change - and in the end they have changed me. I have become a believer in the possibility of people to act with courage and good will. I have become a believer in the possibility for people with disabilities to sleep soundly and unafraid. I have become a believer in the habit of vigilence and the practice of respect.
ReplyDeleteThere it is -- your acceptance speech!!!
Congratulations! A great deserved honor.
ReplyDeleteYou will find the words to add to "Thank you".
Congratulations- that's a well-deserved honour!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Dave! That is such wonderful news. There is absolutely no one more deserving.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Dave. You have earned this award and any others you may garner. Mazel tov.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Dave! That's an amazing honor and just one more sign of the change you've helped create. Good on ya!
ReplyDeleteDon in Missouri
Congratulations! It is WELL deserved; they made an excellent choice.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Vita too, for they made a great choice too.
As for the speech--a minute? Yikes!
Wow, congratulations! Well deserved. I'm sure you will write one hell of a one-minute-speech too. I'm looking forward to reading in ROIMH.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! That's so great!
ReplyDeleteOne minute just doesn't seem like enough time. I guess the orchestra will start playing if you talk too long : ) Maybe you should just say thanks and crack a few jokes.
Congratulations! What an honor to receive!
ReplyDeleteSuccinct your not Dave! LOL...Congratulations and Good Luck
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Dave - it couldn't have happened to a more deserving fellow.
ReplyDeleteWow, Dave, way to go-o-o-o-o-o!!!! There aren't words enough to express the joy I am feeling along with you right now... Thanks for including us all in this wonderful celebration and not keeping it to yourself. And congratulations to Joe, too, for being beside you all the years you spent earning that award. He deserves an award, too!
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome!! Congratulations!! I agree w/anonymous..that would make a great acceptance speech..although you do have a *little* bit of time to think of something :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats again!!
ICLW-July
Congratulations! That sounds like an awesome honor: As to your acceptance speech, I think you just made a very good one in this post.
ReplyDeleteAgain CONGRATS!!
ICLW #117
Well deserved! congrats!
ReplyDeleteYou are too young to be in a hall of fame Dave, but what's the fun in waiting till your dead!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! A perfectly placed honor!!
:o)
Congratulations!
ReplyDelete~ICLW
Doesn't surprise me a bit. And I'm sure there will be many more well-deserved awards in your future. Congratulations!! And good luck with the speech. I'm sure it will be brilliant.
ReplyDeleteMazel tov! Tell a story. You're great at that.
ReplyDeleteOh, and blow a kiss to Joe.
Congrats Dave!!!
ReplyDeleteWell deserved!
Heartly Congratulations Dave! and Joe!
ReplyDeleteLove Linda (LinMac)