If you have ever heard the saying "be careful what you say, because you never know who you are talking too" and you don't believe it trust me it is true!

When Audra was very young and I had more energy, time and commitment I was on the board of United Cerebral Palsy Association. Along with doing telethons, Audra was the "poster child" for the UCPA Hug-a-Bunch campaign and got to be on a commercial with the "Giants" and other famous people, some cool perks for a little kid.

I on the other hand was the "token" parent, my job was to tell "my story" and to participate in events as the mother of a child with a disability. (mmmmm time hasn't changed much..lol)

On this day I had been invited to attend the annual tea at the home of one of the auxiliary members. Most of whom were women who volunteered thier time to raise funds for UCPA.

They were kind and gracious, but really had no idea about children with disabilities. I sat next to a women, who told me the following story.

"Our group made these darling stuffed animals and took them up to the ECE Center. I took one of the animals and went over to one of the little "mat" cases and bent down and gave it to her" "She looked at me and I think she knew what I had done".

I could hardly keep myself from cracking up, Audra no doubt had been that little "mat" case. She had brought home a stuffed giraffe the week before from school and I was told a group of women had been there to give them out. It was her teacher, Beth's custom to get the kids out of thier wheelchairs to lay them down on mats for tummy time.

This women had no idea she was talking to the mother of "that mat case" surely she would have died if she did. I stifled my inital shock and then amusement about the "little mat case" until the drive home.

The experience added to my drive to teach "others" about the capabilities and "normalcy" of people with disabilities, as well as the correct terminology to use. Unless those who love and work with persons with disabilities educate the outside world our loved ones will always be apart from "normal" society. We need to foster acceptance of all people, regardless of thier unique and individual challenges and not label people.

When Audra was about 8 years old she got her "augmenative" communication device. Something like a large computer screen attached by a pole to her wheelchair with a screen covered with picture symbols and little red lights. She was working the device using a head switch and manually scanning the picture symbols.

I was so excited that she could "talk" that I took her new "voice" to church with us on Sunday.

That day at church there was a substitute minister. After the service as the congregation gathered in the fireside room he came up to us and introduced himself. Audra hit her switch and the voice in the box came to life "Hello, (it said) my name is Audra" and she smiled and tilted her head up for yes. "Why how nice to meet you Audra" the minister said.

It was such a proud moment for me, my daughter could speak! Audra hit the switch again and the voice bellowed "Now Go Away" as Audra looked straight at the minister and giggled and tilted her head up for yes.

"Audra" I said, you are never allowed to talk at church again!"