The Americans with Disabilities Act was- and is- a revolutionary piece of legislation. It has impacted my life and the lives of others since its inception. I barely remember what life was like before the ADA, which was signed the year I turned eight. I recently had the opportunity to watch Crip Camp, and it […]
About Jennifer Senda
Teachable Moments
As a parent with a disability, I firmly believe in teachable moments, learning experiences, and the like. The parenting experience has definitely been one of self-awareness, joy, tears, and yes, even pain. It is impossible for my son to pretend I fit into the societal expectations of what a mom should be because the cards […]
Self-Care as a Disabled Mom
The subject of self-care seems to be very popular lately. It is something that I often forget to practice as a busy mom. Let’s be honest. Living the parenting journey has its ups and downs, and I love it. There are times, though, when I forget that I’m a person, too. Don’t get me wrong. […]
Mother: Reflections from a Mother with a Disability
I am a mother. I carried my child in my womb and I felt his movements. His heartbeat kept time with mine because he came from me… He is mine. I am his mother. I use a wheelchair. And yet, that has never changed the fact that I am his mother. There is pain, (there […]
Everything is a Process: Musings from a Mother with a Disability
This is something I am repeating to myself constantly. It has become my mantra. Parenting is a long walk with children, featuring endless questions, lots of laughter and tears, and sometimes, if I’m being honest, anger is present. The munchkin is a fiery ball of energy, and I have to strategize when parenting. My expectations […]
Holiday Traditions: Reflections from a Disabled Mother
My family has always been big on Christmas. I started shopping in the middle of October this year. I am officially a Christmas freak! I love the lights, the music, and the nog! Try not to the judge me for putting up the tree before Thanksgiving, but I have to strategize where the “parking space” […]
A Mother’s Rant
I hate it when someone refers to me me as “not normal.” I absolutely detest it. There is no such thing as “normal” to me. We live in a world full of different people; diversity is one of the most beautiful traits of humanity. I have seen different groups of people come together as a […]
Adventures in Parenting
My son is one of the most interesting characters I have ever met. When all the news came about regarding the “reformed” health care bill, he realized very quickly that it was unfair to his mommy and her friends. I was both sad and proud of his reaction. His ability to empathize with others never […]
I am not a Superhero
I really, REALLY want to be! I want to be able to do everything at once, and though I know it isn’t quite logical, I’m disappointed whenever I realize my aspirations to be a supermom are impossible. I have even cried tears of frustration because of it. I love pop culture! I love movies! I will […]
We’ve Only Just Begun
Yes, I am aware that I quoted The Carpenters in the title. This is the attitude which I am taking today. Progress is a process, and it isn’t always easy. My son is becoming more conscious of the fact that spasticity can severely limit my movements. Mommy is very tired most of the time. This […]