A Busy June

This past month, I’ve had a lot of exciting opportunities to travel, work with others, and I’ve also launched several projects in June.

PHOTO: Matthew sitting in his wheelchair in a blue shirt and cap outside a store in Paris, France.  He is looking at a gray platform.

At the beginning of the month, I traveled to Europe and South Africa. It was amazing to explore the different countries. One thing that I was surprised by throughout the trip was the way these countries handled accessibility and inclusivity. There were always family restrooms and changing rooms available, even in historical buildings. Paris had ramps that were built into the stairways, so business owners could pull the ramp in and out as needed. In Amsterdam, one of the canal boats had a platform that easily raised up and lowered, making it easy for me to get into the boat with my wheelchair. It was clear that many places prioritized the inclusion of people with disabilities and it proves that it can be done in the United States.

PHOTO: Matthew still sitting in his wheelchair in a blue shirt and cap outside a store in Paris, France.  Now he is looking at a black ramp to help him get in the store.

PHOTO: Matthew in his chair, in a yellow shirt, using a lift to get into a canal boat in Amsterdam.

PHOTO: Matthew, sitting behind a table, and his mom, Eve, presenting on the stage at the I'm Determined Parent Summit In Harrisonburg, Virginia at James Madison University.

After my trip, I headed to Harrisonburg, Virginia to give a talk with my mom at the I’m Determined Parents’ Summit. Our presentation focused on qualities of highly productive people; a few qualities we talked about included making time for yourself and focusing on the good things in life. It was great to talk with so many parents and listen to other people’s experiences.

I had a few days at home before heading off to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the National ADA Symposium. I’m working toward becoming an ADA Coordinator, so it was a perfect opportunity to take classes that move me closer to my goal. When I become certified as an ADA Coordinator, I plan to use my knowledge and experience to help different types of businesses by using my inclusion above compliance approach.

PHOTO: Here is the logo for the 6 Wheels Consulting Podcast. Is a white version of the six wheels logo on an orange background. The text reads 6 Wheels Podcast with Matthew Shapiro.

A few days later, I went to Orlando, Florida and attended the National Association for People Supporting Employment First Conference. I listened to several interesting presentations and learned more on how to do lobbying work better.

            Finally, at the end of June, I launched the 6 Wheels Consulting Podcast: Discussing Difference, Inclusion, and All Abilities in Today’s World with Bob Nolley. We had been talking about the idea of starting a podcast for a little while and getting to record the first episode was great. Make sure to let us know your thoughts on our first episode and what you’d like to hear! We appreciate your feedback!

PHOTO: Infinite-Inspirations-Book Cover.

If you haven’t already, also check out the book that I took part in writing, Infinite Inspirations: Creative and  Daring Responses to Life’s Challenges. Each chapter is written by a different author, and the book is filled with a lot of genuine stories.

It’s been a busy month, and it’s been great to see several programs that I’ve been working on come together. I’m excited to continue working on these projects and I look forward to seeing what comes next!  As always stay tuned in to the 6 Wheels Consulting, LLC social media pages and website for exciting updates on future activities and episodes of the podcast.  I am working very hard and I’m excited to share those experiences with you.

PHOTO: One last picture.  Here is Matthew In South Africa In his wheelchair feeding some elephants some lunch.

Working with the I’m Determined Parent Summit

For several summers I have had the privilege of participating in I’m Determined Youth Summit at JMU.   This has become one of the highlights of my year.  This year, however, I got to experience a new unique twist on the summit by working with the parents. For me, working with parents is always a tremendous thrill. Why? Because I can be an example for both the parents and their children.   Specifically, parents with children who have special needs often wonder if their child can live independently, attend college or achieve a dream they may have.   For some parents the fear of the unknown diminishes their ability to see their child’s full potential.   While working with parents I try to help them realize that dreams can be accomplished through accommodations and supports. This year I was able to reach parents in ways that I have not been able to do before at previous summits.   How did I do this?

             First, I was able to serve as a vendor at the resource fair. This was an opportunity for me to explain, not only to the parents, but also to my fellow vendors what we do at 6 Wheels Consulting, LLC.   This was also a great way for me to initially meet the students and their parents and start to make some connections with them.

             Next, I was tabbed as an expert (I know I felt really special) on self-determination, youth transition, and entrepreneurship.   The experts were asked to sit at tables and address questions from parents relating to their topics. I was able to have parents come join me and ask questions about to how they could help their son or daughter.   I love these one-on-one interactions because I can really help parents understand that they don’t have to have that fear that I previously mentioned. These are the interactions that truly make me enjoy my work.   If I can help one parent feel more comfortable and not worry so much, I have done my job.

             In addition, my mom and I had the privilege of serving on a youth/parent panel where we discussed and gave tips about how to refuel in your advocacy journey.   One of the things that I find most important about refueling, and this could be for both parents and students, is that you must allow time for yourself to do things that you enjoy. For me that could be something as simple as getting caught up on the latest TV shows or hanging out with friends. These types of activities help you maintain a level of centeredness. 

 I think for parents with young people with special needs one of the other most important things they can do, even though it can be tremendously difficult, is to learn to give your son or daughter freedom to make their own decisions and to trust of those decisions.   I am so grateful for my parents’ willingness to let me be free and experience different things. For example, they allow my friends to drive our van so that I can spend time with my friends outside of the house.   These choices have allowed me to grow and become independent both physically and in my decision-making. I hope my mom and I conveyed that message during our time on the panel.

             I learned a lot from the different perspective of working with parents at this year’s summit.   Mainly, the parents know how to get down when there is alcohol and dancing involved.   Seriously though, I was grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences with the parents and I hope they took as much out of it from me as I did from them.

            I want to thank Dana Yarbrough from the VCU Center for Family Involvement for allowing me to be a part of the parent’s summit and I hope I get the chance to return again in the future.

             As always stay connected to us on social media and be on the lookout for new and exciting updates from 6 Wheels Consulting, LLC.

PHOTO: Matthew sitting behind his 6 Wheels Consulting table At the resource fair at the I'm Determined Summit at JMU.