Nobody wanted one, but nonetheless, I had to do it. It’s the SDS Summer Camp t-shirt. Just go to light color or dark to order yours now.
I’ve been going to the SDS conferences for years. I remember when they started. Personally, I wasn’t making enough to make cross-country flights and the program I managed sure didn’t have enough money for something so theoretical. Finally, I was able to attend. It was a godsend. For a few days I lost my sense of isolation, of being the other in an AB world.
But, for some reason, lack of funds, disinterest, whatever I didn’t go to the conference for four or five years. Then the San Jose meeting in 2011 was within driving distance. All of the joy, camaraderie, discussions, was still there. Also, still there were the challenges to my conceptions of disability, including my own identity. Yikes, change and growth can be painful, but oh, so worthwhile.
I’m going to Orlando this June. It’ll be too brutally hot. There will be some dreadful sessions. I’ll get irritated with those who don’t see the disability world in the same way I do. But, it’ll be wonderful. I’ll learn and discover. I’ll hang with my friends. I’ll find new friends and colleagues. It’ll be everything that summer camp should be.
