Cerebral Palsy

"I enjoy helping people who need it," Tom said.

"It's a great experience." Though Malatesta had no previous construction experience, he said that it was easy enough to learn, and that he'd be working all weekend.

Homeowners looking to have their home rehabilitated submit applications to Rebuilding's board, which then does a review process that includes visiting sites and assessing needs.

Larkin stressed that rebuilding is not to be confused with the popular reality TV show "Extreme Home Makeover." "That show is very sexy.

This isn't sexy, this is just getting stuff done," she said.

"But what is exciting is that we're getting 350 people to come out and help their neighbors." And the help is not just in the form of manual labor.

Larkin said that many local businesses donate money, and also mentioned that some local buildings suppliers donate credits to allow the agency to purchase materials needed for their work.

It's all about helping neighbors, and Larkin said that she thinks: "People can relate to helping people to stay in their homes...

I'm amazed at the generosity of people." ©The Saratogian 2007 Email to a friendPost a CommentPrinter-friendlyTop Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement...

Police said the woman’s carer had tried to drag her out of the train’s path.

“The woman was in a motorised wheelchair with her carer who tried to lift her but could not get her off the line,” the spokeswoman said.

The carer, 52, then had to jump out of the way for her own safety.

Ms Weatherall said it was unclear whether bells and flashing lights had given warning of the oncoming train when the woman tried to cross the tracks.

The train station was closed for several hours.

The Public Transport Authority, the Office of Rail Safety and the police are making inquiries.

The PTA said the train driver was receiving counselling.

© 2007 The Border Morning Mail Pty Ltd.

All rights reserved.

...

Throughout his life, he's experienced countless times where people have misunderstood what he was saying – or have been polite about it but simply didn't understand.

Most, he says, "want to be helpful but they don't know how." And at times, people don't even realize there's a perfectly intelligent person right in front of them.

So they raise their voice, or they speak slowly.

S.M.A.C., which Smith and Lea Nicholas are launching, attempts to place participants in the position of a person who faces those barriers.

"The first thing is, let's deal in reality," Nicholas says.

It's OK to ask a person, how do I help you – or do you need my help.

In working with the United Way on a similar project (Self-Advocate for Change), Smith couldn't find one business, which held sensitivity training courses for its staff.

"Lea and I started talking, about disabilities, and what we could do to help," Smith said.

Both say they're passionate about the issues, which disabled people face.

S.M.A.C., on one level is a vehicle for that.

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