Claire Theriot Mestepey
From my resume, I look like everyone else, from graduating to my work history. What makes me unique is I have done all of the normal stuff despite my Cerebral Palsy. Some may think of my severe disability as a hindrance; however I think it has added to my character and my determination
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from the University of St. Thomas. During my college years I had a bi-weekly column in the school's newspaper, worked in the admissions office, and was elected to the student government.
While working at Kaleidoscope Television Network, I produced several shows, promo clips and an infomercial. The series I was most passionate about was "Kaleidoscope Close-up." The 13 part series interviewed influential people trying to make a difference in the disability community.
As a writer, my work can be found in New Mobility Magazine, The Houston Press, and The Houston Gazette. I also self published "My Walker and Other Glamorous Accessories." This book is a collection of short stories, exploring the humorous side of living with Cerebral Palsy.
Our son Nicholas has always taken my disability in stride, and has a good sense of humor about his mommy. His positive outlook inspired my first self-published children's book, "Nicholas Gets Nervous." I am hoping this book will lead to opportunities to create a program for schools to teach children that no matter how we look on the outside, we all need acceptance and friendship.
About three years ago I started a company called Disability Insights. I guess the bottom line is I can be viewed as an inspirational speaker who teaches disability etiquette classes, although my message is that I'm not inspirational.
Its always interesting to watch the students expressions when we walk in. Most assume that my husband is the instructor and are surprise when I begin the class. And it is interesting to watch their expressions change from skepticism to better understanding by the end of the our lecture.
Read More »
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from the University of St. Thomas. During my college years I had a bi-weekly column in the school's newspaper, worked in the admissions office, and was elected to the student government.
While working at Kaleidoscope Television Network, I produced several shows, promo clips and an infomercial. The series I was most passionate about was "Kaleidoscope Close-up." The 13 part series interviewed influential people trying to make a difference in the disability community.
As a writer, my work can be found in New Mobility Magazine, The Houston Press, and The Houston Gazette. I also self published "My Walker and Other Glamorous Accessories." This book is a collection of short stories, exploring the humorous side of living with Cerebral Palsy.
Our son Nicholas has always taken my disability in stride, and has a good sense of humor about his mommy. His positive outlook inspired my first self-published children's book, "Nicholas Gets Nervous." I am hoping this book will lead to opportunities to create a program for schools to teach children that no matter how we look on the outside, we all need acceptance and friendship.
About three years ago I started a company called Disability Insights. I guess the bottom line is I can be viewed as an inspirational speaker who teaches disability etiquette classes, although my message is that I'm not inspirational.
Its always interesting to watch the students expressions when we walk in. Most assume that my husband is the instructor and are surprise when I begin the class. And it is interesting to watch their expressions change from skepticism to better understanding by the end of the our lecture.
...
- Page Views
- 234
- Content
- 3
- Fans
- 2
- Contributor since
- 9/9/2010
Interests
Parenting, Relationship, Disability Issue, Humor, Short Stories, Guns, Creative Writing, Poetry. Games, Facebook, Handicapped,Favorites
Fans
Displaying Results 1 - 3 (of 3) for All Content
-
Inspiration, My 11 Letter Bad WordIt seems like people with disabilities are automatically placed in the category of "Inspirational". But I think it is sometimes a fast way to dismiss someone, rather than taking the time to get to know them. -
Living with Cerebral PalsyThis is the introduction to CP Chick, the column. Claire Theriot Mestepey uses humor and wit with a dash of sarcasm to roll through life in her wheelchair, trying to avoid potholes along the way.
-
Simple Ways to Assist and Communicate with People with DisabilitiesWith different disabilities affecting one-fifth of all Americans today and Baby Boomers trading in their cars for wheelchairs and walkers, their houses for retirement homes, it is important that we be more sensitive to their needs.