My name is Jenny Hill, I am 27 years old, and a previous scholarship recipient from UCP-CM as well as a person living with mild spastic cerebral palsy. I was raised in Sherburne County and spent six years studying at St. Cloud State University. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Information Media (2006) and a Master’s Degree in Educational Media (2008). I will be starting my doctorate at Bethel University (July 2011) to begin coursework towards a K-12 Principal Administrative License. I currently work as school library media specialist in a public elementary school.

I see this blog serving two important purposes:

1. Highlight what is happening at UCP-CM and in the surrounding communities in which they serve. At least once a month, blog entries will focus on UCP-CM events, advocacy issues, or profiles of people with CP or those who champion people with disabilities. This blog is ultimately designed to be a resource for those who are involved with this organization and are interested in learning more!
    
2. Acknowledge and give a voice to the unique way that people with CP view the world by honestly addressing routine challenges and observations that come with having cerebral palsy. Although I do not find it healthy to view people’s lives solely through the lens of limitation, I also cannot deny that having a disability changes the way people, including myself, view the world, altering both our physical gait and our everyday experiences as we walk through life.

Is this blog for you? I believe the answer is a whole-hearted yes! I believe it will enrich the lives of people living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities because it will be a place to find personal and relatable stories. I also believe people with able bodies will have the opportunity to expand their understanding of this condition in order to learn more about the experience of those around them with CP whom they love.

I look forward to walking with you on this journey! Check this site weekly for new blog postings, subscribe to the RSS feed, or follow this blog through United Cerebral Palsy of Central MN on Facebook and Twitter. Your comments are always welcome!