"A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities." Eda J. LeShan

Photo credit - Colesthecolussus.co

Throughout my 37 years in the classroom, I enjoyed working with many students who had special needs.  Since retiring and writing my weekly blog about various facets of Education, I have covered a multitude of topics.  This week, I am using my blog to advance a friend's cause. Having a new baby is a cause for celebration - and for stress!  What if you, the parent, have a disability?  How will your disability affect your ability to care for your child?  Ashley Taylor is giving you advice in this week's post. 


Author Ashley Taylor is a freelance writer, photographer, and advocate for people with disabilities. She created www.DisabledParents.org to provide information and resources to other parents with disabilities. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. I am pleased to offer Ashley's article this week, as she reaches out to parents with disabilities to help them prepare to welcome a new baby.  

Tips for New Parents that Have Disabilities

by Ashley Taylor 

Persons with a disability learn to adapt their environment and life so that they can thrive. Disability is also rarely a static condition; there are good days and not-so-good ones, new challenges and triumphs, and changes in your life that require new techniques. Parenting, either as a new parent or a recently-disabled pro mom or dad, can throw a lot at you at once. And then again and in many ways, as the child develops. It’s very much the same for non-disabled parents. Here are some tips to lessen the challenge and to prepare your life and home for parenthood. 

You’re not alone . . . not by a longshot

Rest assured that many others have successfully raised children in spite of disabilities. In a survey of US children, one in ten stated that they have a parent who is disabled. It’s likely, therefore, that someone, somewhere has been in your place. Use others as inspiration and as a resource. Read about their experiences and connect with those who act as mentors through support groups and social services providers. Use their example as confidence that you can handle any parenting hurdle.

Impact of disability on parenting

Although the numbers of parents with disabilities are significant, there are, of course, many different types of disabilities. Your challenges will be unique, but if you’ve been living with your disability for your entire life, you will know best your limitations. When speaking to other disabled parents, ask what modifications they employed to ease baby care, for example, and combine that information with your coping tactics.

Prepare yourself

The first step for a new or expecting parent is to talk with a doctor. Speaking with a health care provider is especially important for an expecting mother as there may be limitations that can impact pregnancy, but in any event, the consultation can be the basis for a plan. Discuss medications, and seek referrals for social services providers who can provide you with support resources. And when you become a parent, you may need to add your own care into your plan.

This need for self-care is not unique to parenting with a disability, as parents often neglect their well-being during parenting - especially in the baby years. Studies show that on average new moms only have 17 minutes of free time each day. Still, if that’s all you have, put those 17 minutes to work for your benefit to reduce stress. Some self-care tips include:

-       Scheduling time with a friend. All too often, parents shut off personal relationships when overwhelmed by their baby.

-       Creating goals for yourself. Thinking beyond the daily tasks in front of you gives you a broader view of life.

-       Meditating. Even just a short moment of quiet can bring focus and calm to your busy day.

-       Getting fresh air. If the season and your mobility allow, try to change up your environment. Go to a park or just around the block to break up the monotony.

Prepare your home

And while you are getting yourself ready to be a parent, make sure that your home is prepared for the baby and your role as a parent as well. Since your disability is unique, no list can comprehensively cover all of the required home accommodations. However, here are some common alterations and preparations that work for different disabilities.

-       Make sure hallways and entrances are clear and well-lit.

-       If you do not have ramp access, but need it, take care of that first.

-       Use accessible cabinets and handles.

-       Explore different parenting products designed for parents with disabilities, such as swivel base car seats, and side opening cribs.

Through a combination of planning, reaching out to support services and people who’ve shared your struggles, and preparing yourself and your home, you can minimize potential problems and overcome the hurdles of parenting.

Author

Ashley Taylor is a freelance writer, photographer, and advocate for people with disabilities. She created www.DisabledParents.org to provide information and resources to other parents with disabilities. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com  GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 from The Authors' Zone. For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/  

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman
Periscope   @dederittman
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses 

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"The safety of children always comes first." Andres Alonso

Following a horrific crash between a school bus and a truck last week, plus several other crashes that resulted in deaths,  the NTSB has finally announced that seat belts should be used in school busses. I say "It's about time!"  If students are viewed as precious cargo, this should have happened years ago.  I coached Varsity Boys' Golf for 33 years- which meant I spent many hours through those years traveling on a school bus.  If the team was traveling in a van, I required the boys to wear seat belts. But if we had a big bus, seat belts were rarely an option - especially years ago.  More busses were equipped with seat belts near the end of my coaching career, but certainly, not all busses.  The team and I had some really close calls through those years, and I can remember the golf clubs flying off the seats like ptojectiles. If only this recommendation would have happened sooner- so many lives have been lost in school bus accidents.  Here is an article about the NTSB's decision: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-22/seat-belts-urged-for-school-buses-by-ntsb-after-2016-crashes

Ahead of our time, a colleague and I wrote a post advocating bus seat belts Living Education Magazine, Fall, 2015, which I am sharing here. Although our children are our treasure,  getting companies to spend the money on school bus seat belts to insure their safety has been a challenge.  

Should School Busses Have Seatbelts?

By Dede Rittman and Neil S. Haley

The second week of September, a school bus crash happened in Houston, Texas, and two female students ages 14 and 17 were killed.  Two others were seriously injured and were hospitalized. This week, a school bus in Florida carrying 20 children careened off a road and went into a pond.  Luckily, no serious injuries were reported.

All state laws require passenger cars to have seatbelts, and every state in the U.S. has a law which requires that seat belts be worn.   No newborn baby released from the hospital is permitted to go home in the family car unless the family has provided a properly installed child seat, and laws for child seats are determined by age, weight, and size of the child.¹

All of these laws beg the question, why are seat belts NOT required for school busses by ALL states? 

Should all school busses, even the large passenger models, be equipped with seat belts?  Should all children be required to wear seatbelts on school busses?

After much research and discussion, both Neil S. Haley, CEO of The Total Education Network, and Dede Rittman, author of Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop from a Master Teacher, believe the answer to both questions is a resounding YES.

Although school busses are “compartmentalized” for safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that school busses are eight times safer than riding in family cars,²  many parents want their children to have that extra measure of safety by wearing a seat belt. Even students become upset at the thought of not wearing a seat belt in the bus, when they have been taught the importance of wearing a seatbelt in the car.

Neil S. Haley is the father of five children, and he states that “Just as schools want to create a safe environment within the school, parents also want the school to continue to make a safety cocoon for their children as the kids are traveling back and forth to school.”

The cost of installing seatbelts into all school busses currently on the road would be prohibitive, but since schools sell and buy new busses periodically, perhaps a partial solution would be to have all new busses be equipped with seatbelts.

Dede Rittman, 37 year teaching veteran and 33 year golf coach, never felt totally safe on school busses when traveling to away golf matches.  “Although a school bus sits higher off the road, I always worried about the team’s safety in case of a crash.  It seemed like they, along with their golf clubs and bags, would be propelled into the air, and that would not be a good scenario for anyone on the bus.”

Just last week, NBC’s Jeff Rossen of the TODAY Show presented a live school bus crash at 30 mph using “student dummies”, and the results are startling , difficult, and disturbing to watch. You can check out the live crash and see just what happens inside the bus at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJvf8lfTTzU.

Right now, only six states require school busses to have seat belts.³  Both Neil and Dede hope that all 50 states will get on board to require children to wear seatbelts, in order to keep our children safe.

¹ http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/childsafety_laws.html

²http://www.nhtsa.gov/Research/Crashworthiness/School+Bus+Crashworthiness+Research  

³https://www.cga.ct.gov/2010/rpt/2010-R-0055.htm

Dede Rittman is an award-wining author of STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER, available at www.dederittman.com  and Amazon.com and Kindle Dede is a 37 year veteran English/ Theater teacher, with 2 years in the Penn Hills School District, and 35 years in the North Allegheny School District, where she also was Varsity Head Boys’ Golf Coach for 33 years, directed the spring musical and talent shows, worked with student council, and contributed to many district initiatives.  Always a positive person, Dede writes a weekly blog for teacher inspiration at www.bunnyteacher.blogspot.com.  She is a guest blogger for Teachers.net, My Town Tutors, Educator Help, Forest of the Rain Productions, and many others. Dede is the Co-host of The Total Education Q and A Show, which is heard around the world on 120 stations in 80 countries at www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor .  Dede appeared as a regular panelist on Teacher Talk Live at www.teachcow.com; and Dede has presented webinars for WIZ IQ and The Learning Liaisons. Dede has signed a multi-book contract with Tate Publishing for her new series of children’s books, beginning with GRADY GETS GLASSES, which will be launched in Times Square on December 4, 2015. Dede graduated with a B.S in Secondary English from Edinboro University and attended graduate school at Pitt.

Connect with Dede: dederittman@gmail.com ; TWITTER @dederittman; LinkedIn -Dede Faltot Rittman; Google + -Dede Rittman;  Facebook- Dede Faltot Rittman and Rittman Rules; Instagram- dede_rittman, Pinterest -Rittman Publishing; Tumblr -The Bunny Teacher

Neil Haley, CEO of Total Tutor, has been working with children for more than 12 years. His experience includes: Classroom Teacher; After School Program Director;  Behavior Specialist; Educational Advocate; Developmental Therapist, SAT Prep Coach; and Practicum Supervisor. Total Tutor is an international kindergarten through college tutoring and consulting company, providing educational advocacy, behavior therapy, autism consulting, home school consulting, all subject tutoring, and SAT/ACT/GRE tutoring. Neil is also the affable host of The Total Education Network, which is heard and viewed in over 80 countries, syndicated on 120 stations, with over 2.5 million listeners and viewers per week. Neil is also the host of the Total Celebrity Show, interviewing international stars, authors, and athletes on both his radio and TV shows. Neil also works as a social media coach for many famous individuals, and he is also an entrepreneur. In his earlier life, Neil was a professional wrestler. Neil is currently working on his first book and he regularly contributes as a writer to UK Health magazine, Forest of the Rain Productions, My Town Tutors, and other online magazines.

Neil graduated from LaRoche College with a B.S. in History, and obtained his M. Ed. at Duquesne University. He is married to Jennifer and the proud father of five children.

The Total Education Network airs shows 7 days a week on Blogtalkradio
www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor CEO, Producer, Host, Coach, Advocate, and Consultant 

Connect with Neil: Facebook Neil S. Haley; Twitter @totaltutor; LinkedIn -Neil S. Haley; Pinterest - Neil Haley, Google + -Neil Haley; Instagram- Neil Haley  412-523-0289; nhaley@totaltutor.org

To view the magazine, go to https://issuu.com/livingeducationemagazine/docs/fall_2015_leem_107  

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com  GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 from The Authors' Zone. For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/  

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman
Periscope   @dederittman
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses 

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"I want my students to be as excited to learn as I am to teach them." Mrs. Rivera, Teacher

Do you remember when you were in school?  Did you have a favorite class (other than lunch and study hall)?  Did you have a favorite teacher?  Was there one special teacher who turned on your brain's light bulb, and made you LIKE a subject and/or learning for the first time?

Students recognize the teachers who really enjoy teaching, and their time in the classroom.  Good teachers know that adding some zest and passion, along with some humor and fun, will help students to learn, and even help them to like the subject and the class.

When I was in the classroom for 37 years, 35 at North Allegheny Intermediate High School, our building was filled with talented and passionate teachers, and we reveled in making our lessons even better.  My good friend who taught Latin organized Saturnalia, complete with decorations in the cafeteria,  which transformed the cafe into a Roman holiday venue.  A World Cultures teacher had assorted outfits, hats, and headdresses - turning himself into many famous people in history, including Buddha! Another friend, a Geometry teacher, made rhymes and movements along with a few steps, in order to help kids remember formulas.  I loved doing the extra research to "hook" my students and make them interested in something that I was required to teach that could be considered "dry."  In fact, as a review before the big test, I played ALL the parts in Julius Caesar, dying on my desk. Kids always remember that scene, as well as Marc Antony's famous "Friends, Romans, countrymen" speech. All of these examples helped students to become more interested and to learn. 

I saw an article about a teacher in Oregon who has actually made his students like Math.  I think he has even made ME like his class, just from one short video!  Here is the link to see this energized and energizing teacher:  
http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2018/03/michigan_teacher_uses_breakdan.html

Students are bound by law to attend school, but they are not bound by law to like it or to learn. It is my belief that teachers should give some extra attention to making their classes interesting and engaging.  Students WILL learn from a teacher who is passionate about his subject!  I know - from first-hand experience!  

You can read more about Dede's teaching ideas and philosophy in her book STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER, avaialble at www.dederittman.com or on Amazon. 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com  GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 from The Authors' Zone. For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/  

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman
Periscope   @dederittman
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses 

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success in life." Dr. Joyce Brothers

In 1989, I co-directed a high school musical that included over 300 students on stage, in the orchestra, on committees, on stage crew, etc. It was a true labor of love, and I learned along with the students about all the intricacies of every minute part of a musical.  Although I had been on stage in many shows, and also handled costumes, make-up, etc. in LOTS of shows, having the responsibility for the entire show is nothing like having a part in a show.

When I signed the contract to direct, I was nervous and a bit apprehensive, but I was also excited about the challenge.  I must confess that the thought of failure never occurred to me, just as it never does. I don't think about the word "failure" unless others mention it, and I approach everything I do with an "I can do it" attitude. If you are wondering why, that attitude comes from my mother, who was my biggest fan.  She believed in me, so I believed in me.

After the musical was over and I had time to reflect on the experience, I realized just how monumental the task truly was.  I had been working over 80 hours per week for three months. Beside directing and doing the program, I was also Costumes Chair, and my other hats included gatekeeper, attendance, smoother-over-of-rough-spots, parent liaison, and more. I loved all of the jobs, but it was overwhelming to think about.

When my mother came to see the show, the kids were so mature and good-mannered, that she thought some of the kids were my colleagues!  

After the musical, I wrote my mother a card.  On the front of the card was a woman standing at the pinnacle of a mountain top, shouting "Behind every good woman . . ."  Open the card, and the remainder of the sentence reads "Is her MOTHER!!"  I realized that my mother was the driving force behind my being a risk taker, even if I were plunging into new waters, not knowing their depth. Her faith in me was so strong, that I learned to have faith in myself.  I can't think of a greater gift from a parent.

Thank you, Mom. Also, thank you for saving that card. I found it when I was cleaning out your dresser after you died, and what a gift to know that you had kept it through the years.

Thanks to all the mothers and stepmothers and foster mothers and aunts and big sisters who encourage their children,helping to make them become even more than they thought they could be.  You, the nurturers, make our world better.

Happy Mother's Day, Friends.    

And happy Mother's Day in Heaven to my beautiful mother, whom I miss every single day, especially on Mother's Day.  Because of you, I have enjoyed so many successes. 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com  GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 from The Authors' Zone. For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/  

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman
Periscope   @dederittman
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses 
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"If I can inspire one, and they can inspire another, soon we'll inspire a thousand." Shaquem Griffin, Seattle Seahawk

Inspiration is a funny thing.  Sometimes a story hits you smack in the face, inspiring you when you did not even know how much you needed that lift!

Such is the story of Shaquem Griffin, a young man who had his left hand amputated as a child because of a rare disease that stunts the growth of the hand called amniotic band syndrome. Per the several interviews I watched, this young man never let the loss of his hand interfere with the activities he wanted to pursue. Shaquem became a true standout athlete in several sports, and played football at Central Florida University.  Last week, he was chosen in the NFL draft  by the Seattle Seahawks, and he will play on the same professional football team with his twin brother, Shaquill, who was drafted by Seattle last year. I was thrilled for him - and I don't even know him!  Imagine the pride his parents are feeling! 

This could be a Disney movie - but wait!  It gets better! This young man is a fantastic role model! 

Because of Shaquem's positive attitude and strong work ethic, he is now inspiring others with his same rare condition to chase their dreams.   Here is the link to a touching conversation to Shaquem from a young girl regarding her dream:  https://www.westernjournal.com/wc/shaquem-griffin-receives-heartfelt-message-from-1-armed-cheerleader/   

Shaquem is not just inspiring kids with who are afflicted with amniotic band syndrome, he is inspiring many others with physical challenges. Kids are taking a look at him and telling themselves that if Shaquem can overcome his problem, they can, too.   Take a look at this link:  https://www.news4jax.com/inside-edition/shaquem-griffin-kids-with-missing-limbs-inspired-by-newly-drafted-football-player-with-one-hand

And last, I think Shaquem is inspiring all of us to do our best, even if we do not face the physical challenges he faces.  To see someone overcome adversity is inspiring, and I believe that his positive attitude and personal triumph make all of us work a little harder.

One more thing- the press has not done much with Shaquem's own words, but here is his letter to the NFL GM's,  which is straight from his heart.  It is a great read!  https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/shaquem-griffin-ucf-nfl-draft-letter-to-general-managers 

I am thrilled that young people have a real hero to emulate in Shaquem Griffin.  Cheers to Shaquem Griffin and his upcoming success on the field and in Life. 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com  GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 from The Authors' Zone. For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/  

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman
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