Debbie's FriendsA Book for Children about Disabilities

Written by Debbie JohnsonEditorial Assistance by Lois J. Funk

A Project of The Disability ExperienceDisability Advocacy Agency

Copyright © 2015 Debbie Johnson

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Table of Contents

Prologue: Parents’ Information……………………………………………………….……………………….…..…3

Introduction for Children……………….……………………………..………………..……………………..….….…4

Let’s Meet Debbie: Part One……………………………………………………………….…………………..…….…5

Let’s Meet Debbie: Part Two……….………………………….…………………………………………..….….….…7

Let’s Meet Susie………..…………………….……………………………………..……………….……………..….….….9

Let’s Meet Jason……….…………………..…………………………………………….….…………………...….……..12

A Girl Named Brittany…………………………..……..……………………………….……………..……………..…..14

Let’s Meet Brian..……………….………………………………………………..………………..……….…..…….…….16

My Friend Lisa………………………………..…………………………………………………….…….…..……...…......18

Mom’s Friend Stella……………………..………………………..……………………….………….………..……..…..21

At the Daycare………………………………………………………….…………………………………….…………….….23

Let’s Visit the School…….…………………………………………………………….;………………..……..….…….. 25

My Friend Scott……………………………………………………………..…………………………………….…......…..28

A Celebration………………………………………………………………………..……………………..…………….…….30

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Glossary of Additional Disabilities………………………………………………………………………….……….…32

Biographies………………………………………………………………..…………………………….………….…..……....34

About this Book…………………………………………………………………………….…………………….……..….….34

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Prologue: Parents’ Information

The other day, I spent some time with disabled friends. We discussed how one of the most difficult challenges we have to deal with is what people say to, and about the disabled. For instance, I have been called a gimp. Most people don't do this to be mean. They are just thoughtless or don’t understand.

We also talked about parents being embarrassed when their children ask about a disability. They jerk the child away and tell them not to be rude. As a person with a disability, I appreciate the opportunity to help educate others, especially the young, about living with a disability.

I decided to write this book for children, kindergarten through second grade, about disabilities. I will introduce myself and some of my friends who are disabled. I will explain what disabilities are, how they affect the people who have them, and how to treat a person who has a disability.

Childhood is the best time to learn. I write hoping our next generation will have greater tolerance of, and respect for, people with disabilities.

Through our stories, my friends, I hope discrimination ends.Acceptance, as you will see,

is all that is asked by those with a disability.

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Introduction for Children

What is a disability? According to the dictionary, disability is a physical or mental condition limiting a person's movement, senses, or activity. There are many types of disabilities.

We disabled still need family, friends, and love. Our feelings can get hurt just like yours, especially if something unkind is said about our disabilities. It is not our fault we are disabled, it is just something that happens.

Some people are born with a disability, while others, like me, develop one later in life due to an accident or illness.

Many disabled people use special equipment or have people to help them with things they find difficult to do by themselves.

First, I'll tell you about my disability, and then we'll meet some of my friends. Do you know someone who is disabled? You do now. Welcome!

When you meet someone disabled, please keep this thought in mind:

they are people just like you,so remember to be kind.

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Let’s Meet Debbie: Part One

Welcome, Jenny and Johnny. Today I'll tell you about me and my disabilities. One of the first things people notice when they meet me is that I’m in a wheelchair r… also... I am missing a leg. What makes that a disability?

“You can’t walk,” says Jenny.

Right. It limits movement. I used to love running, roller skating, and walking my bouncing beagle named Zoey. Ten years ago, a semi-truck hit my car while I was driving to work. Since my little red car was smaller than the semi, it was squashed with me inside.

It took the rescue workers an hour to cut apart the car and move me to the ambulance which, with lights flashing and sirens blaring, rushed me to the hospital.

I was lucky because all I had were bumps, bruises, and a very broken leg. The doctor operated, putting my leg back together with metal plates and screws. When they showed me the x-rays, it looked like a walking hardware store.

I was in the hospital for six weeks and had five surgeries trying to mend the broken bone. It really hurt, but there were some good things too. The hospital had therapy dogs that visited the patients. They even had a therapy rabbit which hopped into bed with me! One day, my friend brought my bouncing

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beagle Zoey to see me. We had missed each other very much. It was so good to see her!

I spent the next year and a half having more operations and was in the hospital several times. Finally, the doctor and I decided the bone just would not heal, and I needed to have my leg cut off. This is called an amputation.

I did try walking with an artificial leg and a walker for more than a year. No matter how much I practiced, I kept falling down, so we decided it really wasn’t safe because I might break something else. Now, I zoom around town in an electric wheelchair which goes three miles an hour, about the speed of a fast walk. I have to watch out for bumps. One time, I hit a bump that stopped my chair fast, but my body kept going until I landed face-first on the sidewalk. Ouch!

I am glad you are interested in learning more about people with disabilities. We may have some challenges, but there are ways to cope with them.

Yes, as you will, see,I have a disability.

But my life continues to be good,just as everybody’s should.

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Let’s Meet Debbie: Part Two

Being disabled completely changed my life. I will never be able to walk again. What are some things you would miss doing if you couldn’t walk?

Jenny says, "I would miss playing on the playground and jumping rope."

"Boy, I would miss playing ball," replies Johnny.

My chair is too big and heavy to put in a car, so now, I take a bus which has a wheelchair lift. Since the bus doesn’t run all of the time, I do miss out on a few things I would like to do. It does give me more time for reading, writing, and other activities I enjoy at home.

What are some things you like to do at home?

"I like to play with my dolls and dress them up pretty," says Jenny.

"Video games are my favorite," says Johnny.

Without working, I don’t have as much money to spend, so I have to decide what is really important. I have found that toilet paper is more important than a new dress and dish soap is more important than a magazine. I don’t need bottled water; water from the kitchen faucet is fine.

My house has been changed some to make it easier for me. I have a ramp to get up to the front door, a shower chair in the bathtub, and bars all the way around the bathroom to assist me with getting from my wheelchair to the toilet and

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shower, then back again.

My bed and everything I use are on the first floor. The attic, basement, and four bedrooms upstairs are good places to store all the things I bought in the past that I really don’t need.

Thanks to a program for the disabled, I receive nine hours of help every week. My helpers keep the house clean, shop, do errands, and help me shower.

Some things still continue to be difficult. For example, when I try to cook on the stove, I can’t see what is in the pan. I have figured out several things to make life easier. An extra microwave cart makes a counter I can reach. I leave clean dishes out instead of putting them in cupboards that are hard for me to reach and open.

Look at your lap. Now, imagine it without one of your legs. Would you still have a lap? It only took my beagle a couple of times to learn she was no longer a lapdog and that she would slide right off.

I had a closet full of left shoes I had no use for since I have no left foot. One day, I had an idea about how to use them. They make cute holders for small potted plants. What other uses can you think of for unnecessary shoes?

"They would be too big for my dolls, and probably for me too. Your plants are pretty," says Jenny.

Well, it has been great spending time with you. Next week, we’ll start meeting some of my friends with disabilities and learn how they cope. They are all really nice people, and I think you will enjoy getting to know them.

Now that I’ve gotten to know you,there is a bit more we can do.

Many of my friends have a disability.They are wonderful people, as you will see.

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Let’s Meet Susie

Hi, Jenny and Johnny. My neighbor Susie called this morning and is having a really good day. She wants to meet my new friends, and she loves my beagle, so we’ll take Zoey along.

Susie has a different type of disability, one you can’t see. What do you call something that is there, but can’t be seen? "Invisible," says Jenny.

That’s right, it is invisible. Her disability is caused by her brain not working quite right. She is a wonderful person with a heart of gold, very kind, and likes to do many things, especially walking. She’s very smart, too. She graduated with honors from the university.

We'll go to the park, where you can play. While Susie and Zoey walk, I’ll zoom around the trails in my wheelchair. Of course, I will stay where I can see you.

I used to really like the swings, but not the merry-go-round. It made me too dizzy. Now, I just enjoy looking at Mother Nature’s beauty and watching the kids play.

What is your favorite thing to do at the park?

"I like the swings," says Jenny.

Johnny adds, "And the slide too."

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We could take some cookies and juice for a little picnic if you like.

"That sounds like fun," says Johnny.

Jenny adds, "Like a party."

Okay, so we’ll do it. It will be a great afternoon.

*****

Can you believe we've been here for two hours? We'll walk Susie home, and then we’ll go back to my house for a while. We all had a great time, didn't we?

*****

Remember, I told you that Susie has a disability. Today, Susie had a great day, but some of her days aren’t so good. Sometimes she is really sad and cries a lot.

What Susie has is called depression. She gets very sad even though nothing has happened to make her sad. It is the way her brain makes her feel.

She has lots of friends and family who care about her. She has a special doctor, called a psychiatrist, who changes her medication when she gets too depressed. There are lots of good medicines, but sometimes it takes a while to find the best one. Susie also sees a special counselor called a therapist. He helps her with her difficulties and to find better ways to cope with them. Sometimes she goes to group therapy where people discuss their illnesses with others. Classes for the disabled have helped her too.

Once in a while, Susie spends a few days in the hospital. The last time, they gave her a special kind of bright light which can help with depression.

Have you ever been in the hospital? It was probably not much fun. But I’ll bet you felt better afterwards, didn’t you?

Johnny says, "Just when I was born."

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"Me too, and when I had my tonsils out," says Jenny.

The best thing you can do for someone with depression is to be a friend, but realize sometimes they may just want to be alone. Don’t push them to do things they don’t feel like doing.

But it doesn’t hurt just to let them know you are thinking about them, with a quick phone call, card, or email. With Susie, a short visit with my beagle will often cheer her up.

Keep in mind that people with depression will have up and down times. Don’t let that frustrate you or make you quit being friends. Besides a doctor, therapist, and medication, someone with depression needs to know they have family and friends who care.

What cheers you up when you don’t feel well?

"A hug," says Jenny.

Johnny adds, "And ice cream."

I like both of those too.

We have had a busy day. We'll meet another one of my friends next week. They are really glad to have visitors like you.

Sometimes, Susie can be very sad.Our visit today made her glad.

It was good for her to get out today.She liked the walk and watching you play.

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Let's Meet Jason

Hi, friends. Let's visit Jason today. He has a really hard time seeing, and his sight keeps getting worse. Someday, he will be blind. He copes very well. He had special training for the blind at a school for the disabled. There, he learned ways for those with poor or no vision to live by themselves. It is really amazing how well he does. He has a good job and is a hard worker too.

Imagine how it would feel if you wore a blindfold and couldn’t see where you were going?

It would be hard at first, but you would learn to listen for cars instead of looking for them. You would use your fingers to feel things, like where your food is on the plate. There are special phones and computers which read what is on the screen. Clocks speak the time so there is no need to see them. There are even special movie theaters that tell what is happening on the screen.

Jason carries a white cane to show other people he is blind. It also helps him ‘feel’ where furniture and curbs are as he swings it back and forth.

He has a specially trained dog called a seeing-eye dog, named Roy. Roy helps Jason, especially outside his apartment. In his apartment, Jason knows how many steps it is to the bedroom and the kitchen, but outside that becomes more difficult. Seeing-eye dogs are very smart. They go to ‘school’ for almost two years to learn how to do their jobs. Roy helps Jason a lot and is very protective of him. As much as we might want to, we won’t touch Roy. He and Jason have a very special relationship.

We’ll walk to the ice cream shop. Jason and Roy will meet us there. Since Roy is a special dog, he can go into restaurants and stores.

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Jason is very friendly and you can ask him any questions you might have about being blind.

*****

“Hi, Jason. These are my new friends, Jenny and Johnny. Let’s get some ice cream while we visit about what it is like to be blind.”

“Jason, how do you read the menu?” asks Jenny.

“They have special menus for people who can’t see. I read them with my fingers. It is a special kind of language with little bumpy letters I feel. It is called Braille,” says Jason

“How do you know which money to give them?” asks Johnny.

“Well, the coins are different sizes, and some have rough edges while others don’t. For the dollars, I fold the amounts in different ways. That way, I can tell by touch what I have.”

"But, Jason, how do you know which is which so you know how to fold them?" asks Johnny.

"The bank helps me when I cash my check. The rest of the time, friends like Debbie help me.” ‘

“Well, Jenny and Johnny, we'll walk Jason home. We learned a lot today, didn’t we?

Even though Jason can't see,he's just like you and me.

There are many things he can do.He’s just the same as me and you.

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A Girl Named Brittany Hi, friends. Today we are going to meet one of my friends who is about your age. Brittany has some difficulties that you don’t have. Her movements are sometimes jerky. She has difficulty understanding and finding the right words to say. That can make her feel frustrated at times. She uses a wheelchair most of the time because it is hard for her to walk. At home, she sits and crawls on the floor to play. That is where we will visit her today. Brittany does love to have visitors, especially people her age. She loves toys like dolls and stuffed animals. Jenny, why don’t you get the doll, and Johnny can bring along that goofy looking stuffed monkey. I’ll bring along some bubbles. Those are fun on a beautiful day like today. We can take Brittany outside to use them. Bubbles always make her laugh. “What is wrong with Brittany?” asks Johnny. Well, it has a very long name: Intellectual and Developmental Disability. Since that is so hard to remember, we’ll just say she has special needs. “Will she get better?” asks Jenny. Just like you, she will grow and learn some things, but she will always have some difficulties and will need special care all her life. She will need to live with her parents or in a special home where there is someone to help her.

She lives across town, so I have asked a friend to give us a ride. *****

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Hi, Brittany. I’m glad to see you. Today, I brought two of my friends, Jenny and Johnny. They are going to play with you while I visit with your mom. ***** Wow, it has been over an hour. Let’s go out and chase some bubbles before we head home. ***** “Brittany is lots of fun to play with. She really thought it was funny when I tried to talk like a monkey, and she liked holding the doll,” says Johnny. “Yes, she laughs and smiles a lot. Can we visit her again sometime? We had fun,” says Jenny. Sure. We’ll go back and see her soon. She really enjoyed you two. I still have a few more friends I’d like you to meet.

Kids can have disabilities too.But like me and you,

they still need to laugh and play,just like we did today.

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Let’s Visit Brian

Welcome, friends. Remember Susie, who has depression? There are other ways people’s brains may not work quite right because of some other invisible disabilities. A couple of blocks from here, I have a friend named Brian. He has a mental illness like Susie, but his is a bit different. He has schizophrenia. That’s quite a tongue twister, isn’t it? I like to stop by and see him every week or so to be sure he is doing well. He’s a great guy, but sometimes he stops taking his medicine. When that happens, he starts to see and hear things that aren’t there. That would be scary, wouldn’t it? If he hasn’t taken his medication for several days, he needs to go to the hospital to be safe and start back on it for a few days until he is better. “Why does he stop taking his medicine and get sick?” asks Jenny. Well, sometimes when he feels better, he thinks the medication makes him tired, and he thinks maybe he doesn’t need it. After a few days, though, he starts to have problems. When this happens, his brother and I make sure he gets to the mental health unit. It has been a long time since he has done that. When I visit him, I encourage him to keep taking his medication. You’ll really like him. Do you know what graphic novels are? “No,” says Johnny. They are storybooks with pictures he draws. He is very talented at doing them. He’ll show you some of them, and we’ll read one. “Cool,” they say together. He also loves video games. I think he has some you will like. It will be a fun afternoon. Let’s go.

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*****

“Hi, Brian. Do you really make books with stories and pictures?” Jenny asks as soon as Brian opens the door.

Johnny asks, “And fun video games?” "I sure do," says Brian. "Let’s have some lemonade first. Then we’ll check out the books and games.”

*****

We’ve had fun this afternoon, reading and playing video games, but it is time to go home. “Can we come back and see more of your books sometime?” asks Johnny. Brian says, “Sure. Have Debbie bring you anytime. I’d like for you to come back. I have several more books we can read, and you could start making one too.” On the way home, Johnny says, “Brian is really fun to be with.” “I really like him too,” says Jenny. We’ll visit him again soon. When you come back, I have another friend for you to meet.

Visiting with Brian is a treat.His graphic novels are really neat.

Visiting again, we’re looking forward to.Brian is much like me and you.

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My Friend Lisa

Hi again, Jenny and Johnny. I’m glad to see you. Do you remember Jason, who wasn’t able to see? That is called being blind. Do you know what it is called when you can’t hear?

“Being deaf,” says Jenny. Yes. I have a friend Lisa, who can’t hear. “You mean she can’t listen to music?” asks Johnny.     

Lisa is deaf. She can’t listen to music, but she does have many ways to cope with not being able to hear. She is really nice and lots of fun. I think you will enjoy visiting her.

Since she can’t hear a regular doorbell, she has a special one that flashes lights to get her attention. Her alarm clock is the same way. It wakes her up with flashing lights.

Lisa has a special phone that she types into. The operator reads what Lisa types to the person she is talking to. The person replies out loud and the operator types it out to Lisa. Pretty cool, huh? It is called a TTY phone. She and I can visit on the phone that way. Lisa watches TV, but she reads the words instead of listening to them. That is called closed captioning. Most TVs can be adjusted to show the words. I’ll bet yours can too. Some theaters also have closed captioning so she can go to the movies.

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“If she can’t hear, how can we talk to her?” asks Johnny. People who are deaf have several different ways to communicate. Most can tell what another person is saying by watching their lips move. This is called lip-reading. There are also different kinds of sign language. The easiest is to form letters with your hands, but it is a slow way to talk. There is also American Sign Language. With it, movements and gestures mean whole words and phrases. This is much quicker than signing each letter. Lisa also reads and writes. Often, I will talk to her, and she will lip-read. When I don’t understand her sign language, she writes the answer for me. I am slowly learning some sign language and hope to learn more. Lisa lives a couple of blocks from here, so we can walk. She will be glad to show you all of her helpful devices and let you try them out. She can also teach you a few words like hello and good-bye in sign language.

*****

“Look, Johnny found a pinecone, and I see some pretty leaves. We can give them to Lisa”, says Jenny. Lisa is very happy when she opens the door and is given these gifts. She smiles and motions for them to come in while saying thank you in sign language.

You can tell her where you found these. Just make sure you are looking at her so she can read your lips. *****

On the way home, Jenny says, “I want to learn more sign language.”

“Me too,” adds Johnny.

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I think Lisa would like that. Shall we meet another friend next week? “Sure. Let’s do,” they say.

There are many thingsTo help those who can’t hear;

With sign language and lip-reading,Our communication is clear.

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Mom’s Friend Stella

 Hi again, Jenny and Johnny. Today, we will meet one of my mom’s best friends. She lives across town, so we’ll take the bus. Her name is Stella, and she has Alzheimer’s Disease.

Johnny says, “I saw a TV commercial about that and a special nursing home for people with it.” Yes, some of them do need another place to live, but many do fine at home with some help from a child, friend, or homemaker. Do you know what Alzheimer’s Disease is? “Not really. It is something old people get, I think,” says Jenny.

Yes, it is a type of dementia which some older people get. Some fairly young people also get it. In Alzheimer’s, changes in the brain cause forgetfulness and confusion. Stella lives at home with her husband. Her homemaker comes three days a week to do some cleaning and help Stella take a shower. This gives her husband a chance to do some shopping and go out to coffee with his friends. He loves Stella very much, but she is very confused, and he needs a break sometimes.

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Today, her husband has a doctor’s appointment, so I offered to stay with Stella. She enjoys talking, but some of what she says is very confusing.

Stella needs help dressing and doesn’t cook anymore. Occasionally, she will do the dishes or fold some laundry. Her age is sixty-seven, but she tells me she is thirty-nine. “What do we talk to her about?” asks Johnny. Stella likes to talk about things from the past. She grew up on a horse ranch in Kentucky and liked to square-dance. She likes music from that time. I enjoy spending time with her. She has fun while I’m there, but probably forgets as soon as I leave. We enjoy coloring pictures. I’ll bet you do too.

*****

Here we are. I think we will start by coloring pictures, then maybe sing and dance. After coloring for an hour, Jenny and Johnny sing and dance to Stella's music. Stella tries a few dance steps before sitting on the couch to crochet. As they leave, Stella gives the children hugs and kisses. “I think she had fun,” says Jenny. “Can we see her again?” asks Johnny. Yes, we will do that. I look forward to seeing the two of you next week.

Some people have a poor memory.They still need friends, you see--

some way to fill the hours of the day.If you listen, they have something to say.

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At The Daycare

Hi, Johnny and Jenny. It's good to see you today. We're going to an after-school daycare. I volunteer there a couple of times a week. There are several children with disabilities. The school is only four blocks from here. It's a beautiful day, so we can walk. Well, you walk, and I’ll roll.

*****

There are lots of kids here; we will meet a few. First, we'll meet two children with cerebral palsy. We'll read a book with each of them. Each of you can pick out a book from the shelf.

Great. First, we will meet Joe. His cerebral palsy is very mild. He can walk and do most things. He is just a bit slow and jerky when moving his arms and legs. He is very smart and can read the book to you. In fact, he plans to go to college, study, and be a professor someday. Why don't you introduce yourselves to him?

"Hi, Joe. I am Jenny. Would you like to read this book to us? It looks really funny."

"I'm Johnny. That looks like a cool book. It has a creepy green monster in it. Grrrr."

Joe's arm moves a bit as he reads to them. After finishing the book, he walks

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slowly and a bit unsteadily to the book shelf, to put the book away.

"Bye, Joe," says Jenny.

Johnny says, "Maybe we can visit again sometime. You have a lot of cool books here."

Next, we will meet Angela. Her cerebral palsy is much more severe than Joe's. She uses a wheelchair because she can't walk. When she gets tired, she has trouble picking things up and even feeding herself. She has some difficulties thinking and gets easily frustrated when she can't do things herself. She can't read, so I will read to all of you.

Angela smiles as she listens to the story and points at some of the pictures. When they finish, Jenny puts the book back on the shelf.

"Bye, Angela. I hope we can visit again," says Johnny. Jenny gives her a hug and hands her a pink teddy bear to hold.

Steve is sitting with his teacher. He has difficulty reading because he has a learning disorder called dyslexia. He is very smart and interested in learning, but he has trouble seeing the letters and numbers in the right order. He comes here, and the teacher helps him with his homework. We won't bother him, as I can tell he is working hard to concentrate. There are other learning disorders too. Children who have trouble in school are tested, and then the appropriate treatment is planned so they can do better in class.

Next week, we'll visit one of the classrooms upstairs. Have a good week, my friends.

Being different, as we have seen, Doesn't have to make us mean.

People are who they are meant to be,Even those who have a disability.

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Let’s Visit the School

Hi, Jenny and Johnny. It’s great to see you today. Like I said last week, we will visit the grade school today and meet with some of the special needs students there. They spend part of their day in a special classroom where the teacher can spend more time with them. One of the disabilities is called Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.

“That is a long name,” says Jenny.

“Yeah,” Johnny agrees.

Yes, it sure is. That is why we usually shorten it to ADHD. The special needs classroom doesn’t have desks. Instead, it has nice, soft furniture that is lower to the ground. Each student has a cubbyhole where they keep their belongings. Children with ADHD have a hard time doing one activity for very long. As they are easily distracted, they take out just one thing at a time to work on.

“Is there a way to help them get better?” questions Johnny. There are several things that can help them. Just the special classroom and

more attention from the teacher helps. Some of them do better with a special diet. Almost always, working with a therapist helps too. If those things don’t

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work, there are some medications that can be used. Children with ADHD usually do best if they have a set routine and distractions are limited.

“Are they as smart as the other kids?” asks Jenny.

Yes, they are as smart as other students. They just have problems staying focused, which makes it harder for them to learn. They tend to get better as they grow older, especially if they get the right treatment when they are young. You can visit with some of the students. Treat them like you would any other kids. Just keep it fairly quiet. Let's go in.

*****

Johnny says, “Greg is really nice.”

“So is Megan,” says Jenny.

Yes, they are just like others kids.

There are a couple students who have what is called autism, which can be anywhere from mild to severe. They have trouble interacting and communicating and may sometimes repeat the same movements over and over. They each have a special plan to help them do their best. I don’t see any of the kids I know today, so we won’t interrupt them, as we don’t know what their plans of care are.

“Do they get better too?” asks Jenny.

Sometimes they do, but some need special care all their lives.

“What causes autism?” Johnny questions.

No one knows, but there are many researchers trying to figure that out.

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We’ve been here for a couple of hours, so it is time for us to go. We’ll come back and visit again. Let’s head home for some cookies and milk.

Next week, we’ll visit another one of my friends.

Children may have disabilities,But they are just like me and you.

There are many possibilitiesOf things they can do.

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My Friend Scott

The sun is shining brightly as Jenny and Johnny knock on the door. “Hi, Debbie,” says Johnny. Jenny says, “We brought you some pretty purple flowers. Let’s put them in some water.”

Today we will visit my friend, Scott. Do you remember Susie, who has depression?”

”Yes,” they say.

Well, Scott has a similar illness. It is one of those disabilities you can’t see. Do you remember what they are called?

“Umm, invisible,” Johnny says.

That’s right.

“Is he sad too?” asks Jenny. Yes, some of the time he is. Other times he is really happy--too happy. He will get really excited and do things like gamble away all of his money or spend too much on things he doesn’t need. Since his mood goes up and down, they call what he has bipolar disorder.

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Johnny asks, “Is there a way to help him get better?”

He sees a special doctor and a therapist. His brother and I watch for signs he is having problems, and if we see some, we encourage him to see his doctor. Usually, adjusting his medication works. Sometimes, he has to spend a few days in the hospital until he feels better. Another thing that helps is for him to follow a routine such as waking up and going to bed at the same time every day. Right now he is doing very well and hasn’t had problems for a long time. And, of course, taking his medication is a very important for him to stay well. Let’s go meet him and we’ll do some hiking today. I’ll have to stay on the trail, but the three of you can climb down by the river. After two hours of hiking, they returned home and Johnny says, “Scott is really cool. He said we could go fishing sometime!” “He knows so much about the plants and flowers,” adds Jenny. *****

We’ve met a lot of people with disabilities and learned a lot. Let’s have a picnic in my backyard next week to celebrate and talk about some of the things we have learned. I hope the weather is nice. If not, we’ll have an indoor picnic. Would you two prefer hot dogs or hamburgers?

Jenny says excitedly, “A hamburger sounds really good.”

Johnny nods his head in agreement. Okay, hamburgers it is. I’ll see you next week, my friends.

Those who have a disabilityAre not much different from you and me.We’ve enjoyed meeting our new friends.

These friendships will never end.

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A Celebration

Hi, friends. This is such a beautiful day, isn’t it? The grill is hot, and we are ready to cook. What do you like on your burgers? I have cheese, catsup, mustard, pickles, and mayonnaise. Johnny says,” I like cheese and catsup.” “I like pickles, too,” adds Jenny. Great. We have some lemonade and cookies, also. “Umm, those smell really good,” says Johnny as the hamburgers cook. Jenny adds, “Yes. Good. Really good.” I think they are ready. Shall we carry our plates to the table?

We have learned a lot about disabilities, but there are many other kinds too. If you want to learn more, ask an adult to help you look it up in a book or on the internet. Disabled people can be great friends, just like the ones we have met. Do you remember the definition of disability? “Something that limits moving, using your senses, or limits activities,” says Johnny.

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Jenny adds, “But with special help, they can do most things that we can.” What are the two types of disabilities? “Physical and mental?” asks Jenny. What else can we call them? Johnny says, “Visible and invisible.” Yes, you are both right. Good answers. You two have met a lot of people with disabilities. Are you interested in meeting more? “Yes, please,” they both say. “Can we visit the people we’ve already met too?” asks Jenny. Of course. I know they will enjoy that. “Thanks, Debbie. You know a lot about disabilities,” says Johnny. Thank you for wanting to learn about them. I have enjoyed it. How about a hug? I look forward to seeing you next week, my friends.

Glossary of Additional Disabilities

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This book is written to help children become more understanding and accepting of the disabled. It is not meant to cover every disability. I have listed some additional disabilities here.

Arthritis is swelling and pain in the joints. It can be caused by many different things and can vary from mild discomfort to immobility.

Asperger’s Syndrome is a developmental disorder affecting ability to effectively socialize and communicate. Those affected are often highly intelligent.

Asthma causes spasms of the airway, making it difficult to breathe. It can range from mild to life-threatening attacks.

Cancer is the growth of undesirable cells and can occur anywhere in the body. Some forms are easily treated; others can cause death.

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, decreasing vision. They can be cured through a simple surgical procedure.

Chemical Sensitivity happens when a person has a reaction to fragrances or other chemicals in cleaning and beauty products, or to certain additives in food. Hives and rashes are the usual result, but some people have more severe reactions.

COPD is the inability to take in enough air for the body to properly function. Some people require the use of oxygen at night, or day and night.

Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder are episodes of unconsciousness and jerky, uncontrolled movements. These are caused due to problems in the way the brain functions. Most people can be well-treated with medications, although those with severe cases may have several seizures a day.

Fibromyalgia/Chronic Pain is usually caused by nerve disorders, arthritis, or a variety of other conditions. Treatment varies, and some types are easier to treat than others.

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Glaucoma is a buildup of pressure in the eye which can lead to poor vision or blindness. Treatment is usually a combination of eye drops and glasses.

Heart Disease can be caused by a variety of conditions, from being born with a deformed heart to problems with being overweight and not exercising. A variety of treatments are used, depending on the cause and severity.

Liver Disease can happen for a variety of reasons, such as abnormalities at birth, infections, and use of alcohol and some medications.

Obesity, or being overweight, can cause or aggravate many health problems. These include heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. It also limits movement and the ability to exercise.

Osteoporosis is the weakening or softening of the bones, making broken bones more likely. There are medications that can help.

Renal Disease involves problems with the kidneys, and is often caused by diabetes. There are other causes, and treatment varies from dietary changes and dialysis, to kidney transplants.

Sleep Disorders can occur for a variety of reasons, both physical and psychiatric. Poor sleep results in difficulty thinking clearly and increased risk for accidents. Medication or use of oxygen may help.

Stroke is an impairment in blood flow to the brain. It can be caused by a blood clot or the breakage of a blood vessel. Stroke is more common in those with diabetes.

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Biographies

Debbie Johnson was disabled in a car/semi accident in 2004. She lives in Nevada, Iowa, with a very spoiled beagle. She writes as both therapy, and in order to advocate for the disabled. She has written two books: The Disability Experience and The Disability Experience II. She is compiling an anthology of poetry written by the disabled about their disabilities. Her website, blog, and guest blog can be found at http://www.thedisabilityexperience.vpweb.com.

Lois J. Funk is a published poet and children's author since 1981. Her writings appear in a vast array of publications and children's magazines, as well as in Pieces of Her Mind. She also has two books of her own: Snaps, Scraps & Snippets of the Past and Present; and Light for the Burning Soul. For more information, please visit http://loisjfunk.com.

About this Book

Debbie Johnson has written this book for young children, to educate them and increase acceptance of the disabled. Called Debbie’s Friends, she plans to distribute it to schools, libraries and churches in copy-ready form, free of charge. In addition, it will be available on Amazon and Kindle. The Disability Experience has the goals of educating the non-disabled, supporting those with disabilities, and advocating for improved services for the disabled. An additional copy-ready version of this may be obtained by emailing Debbie at debbiesfriends1@gmail.com.

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