At 3 months old, doctors removed a tumor from her retinas, permanently scaring and damaging her vision. Everyday is a struggle, but she has adapted and now shares her love of music with elementary school students.
Growing up in Whitefish Bay, she grew fond of music and performing and refined her craft playing with youth symphonies and bands. Now, she tries to pass that love on to her fifth- through eighth-grade students at St. Robert School, where she has been a band teacher for the past six years.
“I’ve always known I’ve wanted to do music,” she said. “I’ve always been a band geek.”
But every day brings a new challenge.
At just 3 months old, doctors discovered a cancerous tumor attached to the retina on her right eye, which later spread to her left eye. Tryba was forced to go under the surgical knife to have it removed. “I’m very lucky they caught it in time,” she said. “It could have been much worst.”
However, the surgery left Tryba with severe vision loss, which isn’t correctable, she explained. She has virtually no use of one of her eyes.
“I’ve dealt with this my entire life, so I haven’t known it any different,” she said. “You adapt, and you just learn to make it work for you".
Today, getting students as excited about music as she was as a child means Tryba must adapt much of her teaching material, enlarging print and music and memorizing some of the substance.
“Through many instructors, I have come up with a system of markings and different colors,” said Tryba, who attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to obtain her teaching license. "There are a lot of high highs and a lot of low lows, but I love when you get to the concert, and you see all that hard work, blood, sweat and tears pay off."
READ MORE: http://shorewood.patch.com/articles/st-robert-teacher-overcomes-disability-to-share-passion-for-music
SOURCE: http://shorewood.patch.com/
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Murder charge for Pistorius
Oscar Pistorius, the first double amputee to run in the Olympics, is facing a murder charge after his model girlfriend Reeva
Steenkamp was shot and killed at his home in Pretoria.
Police were called to the house in the early hours of the morning, where they found paramedics treating a 29-year-old woman with gunshot wounds to the head and upper body. She died at the scene.
Officers have recovered a 9mm pistol.
A 26-year-old man will appear in court on Friday.
Early reports said Mr Pistorius might have mistaken his girlfriend for an intruder at his home in the upmarket Silver Woods gated compound on the outskirts of South Africa's administrative capital. However, police say neighbours heard screaming and shouting around the time of the shooting, and that they had been called to investigate incidents of a domestic nature at the same house in the past.
READ MORE: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21459240
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
"When I Walk" by J. DaSilva
In 2006, the 25-year-old, vital, handsome, talented Jason DaSilva was on a beach with his family when, suddenly, he fell down and couldn’t get back up. Doctors told him he had multiple sclerosis.
Jason decided to exercise more, but the problem just got worse. So he turned to his mom. She reminded him that he was a fortunate, privileged North American kid who had the opportunity to pursue the things he loved most—art and filmmaking. So Jason picked up the camera, turned it on himself, and began filming the slow, difficult decline of his body and the miracles he encountered along the way.
An emotional and inspirational documentary that is a pleasure to watch, When I Walk is an energizing and self-generating film experience whose creative engine is its young filmmaker’s determination to live and his ability to make sense of being plagued by a devastating disease through the art of cinematic storytelling.
SOURCE: www.wheniwalk.com
READ MORE: http://www.filmthreat.com/reviews/60740/
Jason decided to exercise more, but the problem just got worse. So he turned to his mom. She reminded him that he was a fortunate, privileged North American kid who had the opportunity to pursue the things he loved most—art and filmmaking. So Jason picked up the camera, turned it on himself, and began filming the slow, difficult decline of his body and the miracles he encountered along the way.
An emotional and inspirational documentary that is a pleasure to watch, When I Walk is an energizing and self-generating film experience whose creative engine is its young filmmaker’s determination to live and his ability to make sense of being plagued by a devastating disease through the art of cinematic storytelling.
SOURCE: www.wheniwalk.com
READ MORE: http://www.filmthreat.com/reviews/60740/
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Thoughts to control robot arm
Paralyzed Man Uses Thoughts Alone to Control Robot Arm, Touch Friend's Hand, After Seven Years.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC describe in PLoS ONE how an electrode array sitting on top of the brain enabled a 30-year-old paralyzed man to control the movement of a character on a computer screen in three dimensions with just his thoughts. It also enabled him to move a robot arm to touch a friend's hand for the first time in the seven years since he was injured in a motorcycle accident.
With brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, the thoughts of Tim Hemmes, who sustained a spinal cord injury that left him unable to move his body below the shoulders, were interpreted by computer algorithms and translated into intended movement of a computer cursor and, later, a robot arm, explained lead investigator Wei Wang, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pitt School of Medicine.
Read more: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130208124818.htm
SOURCE: Science Daily
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC describe in PLoS ONE how an electrode array sitting on top of the brain enabled a 30-year-old paralyzed man to control the movement of a character on a computer screen in three dimensions with just his thoughts. It also enabled him to move a robot arm to touch a friend's hand for the first time in the seven years since he was injured in a motorcycle accident.
With brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, the thoughts of Tim Hemmes, who sustained a spinal cord injury that left him unable to move his body below the shoulders, were interpreted by computer algorithms and translated into intended movement of a computer cursor and, later, a robot arm, explained lead investigator Wei Wang, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pitt School of Medicine.
Read more: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130208124818.htm
SOURCE: Science Daily
The ability to live a long and healthy life
Anyone that has a disability has the ability to live a long, healthy life.
Those with disabilities do not have to be held back from going to school, voting, having children, marrying, playing and even working. Having a disability does not mean that they are unhealthy. They can live healthier by having more access to health care and living healthier lifestyles. In order for these individuals to be healthy, they have to get health care that meets their needs as a person, and not just someone that has a disability.
There are many things that can be done to change this such as improving your overall health and wellness, getting the best possible healthcare out there, and learning more tips about healthy living and being physically fit.
The person that has the disability can make sure that they are getting the best possible health care through many different means and check points. Make sure that you or someone with a disability that you know is getting the best out there.
Obesity is a big thing in those people that have disabilities compared to those that do not have them. This is true for both adults and children with disabilities. Obesity can have health consequences for all people.
In order for anyone to be healthy, adults should be physically active for at least 30 minutes each day for 5 days of the week. Children should be active for 60 minutes a day, for at least 5 days of the week.
Those with disabilities do not have to be held back from going to school, voting, having children, marrying, playing and even working. Having a disability does not mean that they are unhealthy. They can live healthier by having more access to health care and living healthier lifestyles. In order for these individuals to be healthy, they have to get health care that meets their needs as a person, and not just someone that has a disability.
There are many things that can be done to change this such as improving your overall health and wellness, getting the best possible healthcare out there, and learning more tips about healthy living and being physically fit.
The person that has the disability can make sure that they are getting the best possible health care through many different means and check points. Make sure that you or someone with a disability that you know is getting the best out there.
- You should get to know your body and how you feel when you are and are not feeling well.
- Get regular screenings that matter such as colorectal, prostate and mammograms.
- Find out who the best of the best health care providers are that are in your area that can also meet your needs.
- Talk to your health care professional honestly and openly about any concerns.
- Bring all of your health records with you to the visit.
- You want to make sure that you have something in writing that the health care professional told you to keep records.
- Think through and write down all of your questions and concerns before you go to your appointment.
- You can find out even more information when you do the necessary background checks and research on your health care provider.
Obesity is a big thing in those people that have disabilities compared to those that do not have them. This is true for both adults and children with disabilities. Obesity can have health consequences for all people.
- Use all medication wisely
- Do not use illegal drugs or smoke
- Be physically active every day
- Stay out of the sun for long periods of time
- Eat healthy food in healthy sized portions
- Get regular checkups
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Talk with your health care provider for more tips and information
In order for anyone to be healthy, adults should be physically active for at least 30 minutes each day for 5 days of the week. Children should be active for 60 minutes a day, for at least 5 days of the week.
- Set goals that you can reach for your physical activity
- Don’t give up, even if you miss a day you shouldn’t just quit. Just try again
- Track everything that you do
- Seek any and all support that you need from family and friends. You can even ask them to join in with you.
- Reward yourself each time you reach your goals.
Monday, February 11, 2013
5 winner athletes
Bethany Hamilton, Jason Lester, Melissa Stockwell, Anthony Robles and Jim MacLaren: five athletes that overcame their disabilities. Because strenght, passion and heart are the steps to win.
Discover their stories!
Bethany Hamilton, a ispirational message of hope
She is a surfer, she began competing professional as a child. At 13, she lost her arm in a vicious shark attack but not her desire to surf. One month later she was back on her surfboard and two years later she won first place in the Explorer Women’s Division of the NSSA National Championships.
Jason Lester, If you don’t stop, you can’t be stopped
was hit by a car when he was 12 and suffered, among many things, a paralyzed arm. Today, he can swim faster, ride further and run incredible distances. In 2009, he was named the ESPY award winner for "Best Male Athlete with a Disability" and the first male triathlete to win such an honor.
Melissa Stockwell, I can really do anything I want to do, missing leg or not
She is a war veteran with the U.S. Army and she lost her leg when a roadside bomb exploded during a convoy. Swimming was a part of her physical therapy but also of her rebirth. In the 2008 Paralympic Games for the U.S. team she became the record holder for the 100 meter butterfly and the 100 meter freestyle.
Anthony Robles "I didn't get into the sport for the attention. I wrestle because I love wrestling. But if I can help change somebody's life for the better…"
He was born without a leg, but he didn’t let that stop him from becoming a wrestling champion. In March of 2011, the All-American Arizona State University student won the NCAA championship title for the 125-pound weight class division.
Jim MacLaren, a tragedy turned into a triumph
He missed his left leg after being hit by a bus on his motorcycle. When he woke from his coma, he took up swimming and learned how to run on a prosthetic leg. He eventually competed in the New York City Marathon and the Ironman triathlon. Although he later suffered another accident that left him paralyzed, MacLaren turned his tragedy into triumph by becoming a motivational speaker and life coach encouraging others to live their life to the fullest no matter what it takes.
Source: www.beliefnet.com
Discover their stories!
Bethany Hamilton, a ispirational message of hope
She is a surfer, she began competing professional as a child. At 13, she lost her arm in a vicious shark attack but not her desire to surf. One month later she was back on her surfboard and two years later she won first place in the Explorer Women’s Division of the NSSA National Championships.
Jason Lester, If you don’t stop, you can’t be stopped
was hit by a car when he was 12 and suffered, among many things, a paralyzed arm. Today, he can swim faster, ride further and run incredible distances. In 2009, he was named the ESPY award winner for "Best Male Athlete with a Disability" and the first male triathlete to win such an honor.
Melissa Stockwell, I can really do anything I want to do, missing leg or not
She is a war veteran with the U.S. Army and she lost her leg when a roadside bomb exploded during a convoy. Swimming was a part of her physical therapy but also of her rebirth. In the 2008 Paralympic Games for the U.S. team she became the record holder for the 100 meter butterfly and the 100 meter freestyle.
Anthony Robles "I didn't get into the sport for the attention. I wrestle because I love wrestling. But if I can help change somebody's life for the better…"
He was born without a leg, but he didn’t let that stop him from becoming a wrestling champion. In March of 2011, the All-American Arizona State University student won the NCAA championship title for the 125-pound weight class division.
Jim MacLaren, a tragedy turned into a triumph
He missed his left leg after being hit by a bus on his motorcycle. When he woke from his coma, he took up swimming and learned how to run on a prosthetic leg. He eventually competed in the New York City Marathon and the Ironman triathlon. Although he later suffered another accident that left him paralyzed, MacLaren turned his tragedy into triumph by becoming a motivational speaker and life coach encouraging others to live their life to the fullest no matter what it takes.
Source: www.beliefnet.com
Sport: a right of every kid
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights said that children with disabilities have the right to participate in their school’s extracurricular activities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Accordingly, the agency said that students with intellectual, developmental, physical and other types of disabilities should be afforded opportunities to play for their school teams with modifications, aids and services as needed.
However, in cases where accommodations would “fundamentally alter” the game or create an unfair advantage, federal officials said schools are obligated to create separate, but equally supported opportunities for kids with disabilities to participate. Examples could be a wheelchair basketball league or unified teams where students with and without disabilities compete together, they said.
“Sports can provide invaluable lessons in discipline, selflessness, passion and courage, and this guidance will help schools ensure that students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to benefit from the life lessons they can learn on the playing field or on the court,” said Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
While students with disabilities have a right to participate in school sports, the Education Department made clear that they may have to meet certain standards of skill or ability in order to join a team so long as the criteria are not discriminatory.
The guidance spoke specifically to the responsibilities of elementary and high schools, but the Education Department said that colleges have a similar obligation to offer access.
Advocates for inclusion in school sports said the move could do for students with disabilities what Title IX did for women.
“OCR’s guidance is a landmark moment for individuals with disabilities, as it sends a loud message to educational institutions that students with disabilities must be provided opportunities for physical activity and sports equal to those afforded to students without disabilities,” said Terri Lakowski of the Inclusive Fitness Coalition.
Source: www.disabilityscoop.com
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