EMU Fire Safety for the Disabled

Shane Coleman goes up to the fourth floor to get to his computer classes in Pray-Harrold. He completes his work on time to get closer to a degree in graphic design. But as Coleman focuses on his future, he has thoughts about his safety, as all college students do these days. But his concerns are specific to the issue of what to do in case of a fire.

For most, what to do in a fire is a no-brainer: Get out and get to safety. This is no easy task for Coleman, because of his wheelchair.

Eastern Michigan University’s fire safety plan calls for the disabled student to reach the nearest stairwell and wait for a fellow EMU Eagle to carry him or her to safety, according to the EMU Public Safety Web page.

Coleman said there was no one in his classes that could lift him. He also said it was a problem because he would not know what to do if no help was available. The Students with Disabilities Office never told me what to do and that is troubling, he said.

Coleman is a junior who has cerebral palsy. He uses an electric wheelchair for mobility purposes. This is because Coleman’s brain does not function properly. His muscles are constricted to the point he cannot walk. And because of mobility issues, Coleman has brought attention to fire safety for the disabled in EMU classrooms and buildings.

Every year college and university students experience a growing number of fire-related injuries. There are several causes for these injuries and most are due to a general lack of knowledge about fire safety, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Creating Art Through a Disability

As she sits in front of her laptop, Ashley Carson’s artistic side begins to awaken. She starts to draw pictures.

“My favorite things to draw are animals, shapes, and typography,” Carson said.

When Carson was born on Dec. 23,1983, life as an artist didn’t appear to be in her future.

Carson has a form of muscular dystrophy called spinal muscular atrophy. As she explains it, her muscles weaken and waste away due to degeneration of motor neurons, which are the cells in the spinal cord.

That diagnosis—affecting one in 10,000 births, most female—means Carson will to rely on help to do most things in life. But the spirited brunette has benefited from the belief and support of a favorite teacher at Sterling Central High School, who helped her realize her dream of a career in graphic design could be a reality.

“Mrs. Worth inspired me to become an artist because she expected a lot out of me,” Carson said. “She pushed me to my limits regardless of my disability and I respect her for it. Mrs. Worth made me realize that I can do just about anything in art.”

Worth even entered Carson’s first oil pastel drawing into a contest at the local fair, earning her first-place honors.

“My first oil pastel was a giraffe and it turned out really clean and crisp,” Carson said.

The drawing has also had an impact on her mom. Lottie Carson said the giraffe is her favorite because it looks like the animal is following the person viewing it.

Living a Full Life With MD

Like other students at John Glenn High School, Westland Mich., Mike Frank has dreams for his future.

But Frank’s goals are different than most of his classmates because of his premature birth and muscular dystrophy.

“I was born four months premature and weighed just 1 pound, 9 ounces,” said Frank, who is now 18. “And because I was 12 inches long, I was known as ‘Foot–Long Frank.’”

Frank suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare genetic disease that affects fewer than 200,000 in the United States. It is a debilitating condition – but one that’s seen recent advancements in the search for a cure.

Frank said that his future goals are to live one day at a time and to achieve his daily goals. These goals include staying healthy, going to school, and playing hockey.

Frank was diagnosed with Duchenne’s at 5. The disability has forced Frank to use a wheelchair and depend on others for help eating, dressing, and using the bathroom.

Frank will need that help for the rest of his life since Duchenne’s destroys muscle tissue all over the body, according to WebMD.

Duchenne’s symptoms appear in male children before age 6. Symptoms include muscle weakness of the legs and pelvis, and loss of muscle mass is common. Eventually, the disability spreads to the legs, arms and spine. Early signs may consist of an enlargement of the calf muscles, low endurance and difficulties walking or standing.

Breaking Boundaries Through Hockey

"Don't just sit there, play hockey."

These words are the slogan of the WheelChair Hockey League. The WCHL has been in existence for 11 years in Michigan. The league is an organization that provides a place for wheelchair-bound individuals to play floor hockey. The WCHL players deal with disabilities such as Cerebral palsy, Muscular dystrophy, Spina bifida, and spinal cord injuries.

Brian Ulewicz has been part of the WCHL for 11 years. Sports bring out many emotions in an athlete. Born with Muscular dystrophy, he is no different than any able-bodied competitor.

"The greatest emotion I feel while playing hockey is one of acceptance," Ulewicz said. "No one ever judges another player's ability or skill because we're all there to enjoy the sport. And when I make a good save and hear someone shout out, 'Hey Brian, good job,' it's the best feeling knowing that I'm contributing to my team's strength and success."

With about 40 players, the league consists of four teams called the Seals, Cobras, Wolf Pack, and Hornets. This season the Seals are undefeated with a record of 11-0-1 while the Cobras have a record of 2-10.As the playoffs near, after a 12 game season, the matchups are set: the Seals versus the Cobras, and the Hornets versus the Wolf Pack. Deputy Commissioner and Seals' player Jason Drapinski explains what it means to win the Wheelers Cup.

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Breaking Boundaries Through Hockey

Power of Friendship Video

Note: I edited the text but not the video.

This is a video showing my editing skills. The package was created using a digital camera and the free software located in Windows XP.

The video is also posted on another blog.



Note: I met some people before I played hockey. I no longer play hockey on a regular basis. Hockey allowed many people to become better friends.

This I Believe Essay ( Audio Included )

I believe in trusting people. As a disabled person, I have always appreciated the kindness of other people.

In 2003, I joined a fitness club to regain my self-confidence after dealing with some personal issues. My workouts were rough for the first month. As I began exercising, I realized that I needed to stop being sad about my friends who passed away in 2001. A few months later, two personal trainers would change my life forever.

I started training with Julie Stevens in September 2003. When I worked with her, she set some goals for me. She wanted to work on my legs in an attempt to improve my balance. I was afraid to train my lower body. I thought my upper body was more important than my lower body because I use a manual wheelchair for mobility purposes.