The William W. Picard Inspire For
Life Foundation
- This Foundation is under
- the umbrella of the
- National Heritage Foundation
Ten thought provoking questions.
Homework assignment to be sent as a email to your teacher with a cc to me.
What is diversity and why is it good?
How do you think that my presentation will help you in the future?
Why do you think I use humor in my presentation?
Do you feel grammar schools and high schools would benefit from my presentation?
What do you think was the point to my presentation?
Compare my life to yours.
How will my presentation help you in your High school career?
Let me tell you a little about myself.
Students' questions (grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
These are some questions that other students have asked me, and the answers that I wrote on my computer.
Do you like sports?
Yes, the Red Sox, the Patriots, and the Celtics!
I also like UMaine and Michigan State Women's basketball.
What do you do for fun?
Spend time with friends and family.
Are you married? Do you have any kids?
No, not yet.
Do you have any sisters or brothers?
I have a sister. As all sisters and brothers do, we pick on each other. She went to UMaine for elementary education.
Can you talk on the phone?
I can talk on the phone using speakerphone. That is when you can talk without holding anything to your ear.
Did you go to a special school when you were younger?
I did when I was very young to prepare me for regular school.
Are you embarrassed because someone has to help feed you?
No, I have always needed a lot of help to do different things, and you should never be embarrassed to ask for help!
Do you go to the store by yourself?
No, I have someone drive me to the store and we do groceries together.
Do you play a musical instrument?
No, but all of my roommates in college played things like the piano, trumpet, and trombone. It was interesting to listen to them practice.
Do you do sign language?
No, I don't do sign language because I cannot control my muscles enough.
Do you have a hard time getting in or out of bed?
No, it is very easy, I do it myself when I have to, but it is much easier with help.
Do you change your walker often?
No, I've had this same one for a long time, but I'm also all done growing. When I was younger I had a few different walkers because I grew out of them, just like clothes.
Do people make fun of you?
Sometimes when I was younger, but people only make fun because they are uncomfortable. I hope that I make you more comfortable, so you don't make fun of people that are different from you.
How does it feel to have a disability?
I'm used to life this way, I've never had it any other way.
Did you have lots of friends when you were little?
I had a few good friends.
Is the walker comfortable?
Not as comfortable as my wheelchair.
Do people stare at you?
Yes, people always stare at people who look different because they are uncomfortable and curious.
What kinds of movies do you like?
omantic comedies and movies that make you think about life. I did a independent study on "The Portrayal of Disabilities in Movies and TV".
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Do people ask you lots of questions?
No, I wish they would ask me more instead of staring.
Does it feel awkward to talk about disabilities?
No, I have been doing it for a long time.
How much and what kind of special equipment do you use?
I use a lot of special equipment to make things easier. I have a computer, Pathfinder, electric wheelchair, walker, and an assessable van.
Do you feel left out sometimes?
Yes, because I can't do everything the same way you can. I have to look for other ways to do things.
How do you respond if people make fun of you? Or tease you?
I don't pay attention to people who tease or make fun.
How do you bowl with your feet?
I have a ramp that I put the bowling ball on, and then I push the ball down the ramp. Check out the picture!
Do you get a lot of attention?
Everybody knows me because I am very visible.
What do you watch on TV?
Used to love The Cosby Show and Friends! ER, movies.
How did you make a prom date, if you can't talk?
She asked me to go with her.
What is your favorite animal? School subject? Favorite color?
Dog, Math, Blue
How do you exercise?
I don't exercise much, but I should.
Are you sad? Are you happy with the way your life is?
I am happy with the way my life is. I graduated and I have an apartment building to run, and have done lots of things that people never thought I could do. The next thing I want to do is find a girlfriend.
Do you have many friends?
I have lots of friends! They are spread out all over the world, so I don't get to see them all very much. I keep in touch with people by writing email. Recently, I was a best man at my best friend Zach's wedding! That was exciting!
Is it frustrating being disabled?
Sometimes.
What did you major in at school?
Business
What have non-disabled people (unaware or innocently) done to hurt or anger or embarrass you?
I get hurt, or upset when people pretend to understand me when they really don't.
Are you ever bored?
Sometimes I get board, but I'm a pretty busy guy.
If you had one miracle and your CP would go away, what is the first thing you would do?
I have no idea, because I've never really thought about it. This is the way I am, and I don't know what it would be like to be like you, just like you don't know what it would be like to be me.
