I wonder why?

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like, if you suddenly lost your ability's or became less able?How would you cope with relearning life skills,social interactions and most importantly with loss and your sense of self esteem?
In our society,we herald achievement,the best athletes,the brightest minds.We teach our children to excel;to be the best however in doing that we also forget t...hose who are "differently abled"We segregate with good intentions;specialized education,subsidized work programs.We try to ease our collective conscience by "stop gap" Policies(ADA=american disabilities act)which basically states all disabled people are to be given equal access to jobs,and physical access and reasonable accomadation as given to the average general pupulation.
As many of you know I am differently abled.I was born with a slight degree of Spastic Cerebral Palsy.I have struggled throughout my life with attaining gainful employment.I also have a learning problem-cognitive delays in processingand retrieving information.
I have an AA degree in Social services from Canada and am working on my AODS and human services degree at Santa Rosa Junior College.I have been looking for work for appox.3 + months. applying to social services agencies in the disabilities field and also other similar fields-AODS. I have had no luck.
I am writing this post more to enlighten those of you who work in HR and human services to re think or become more cognitively aware of those of us who are differently abled a chance.If a potential employee is interviewed and you become aware that he or she is on SSI or in my case mention I have a slight degree of Cerebral Palsy and your Org.specifically is mandated to help those differently abled procure empolyment,then reach out and go beyond and help that individual become all he or can be!That is truly following the purpose of your proffession!See More

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The annoying facts of having a disability.

After 50 years of struggling physically, mentally and vocationally with the inconvenience of being born with Cerebral Palsy, I've come to this conclusion: My condition physically has only limited my options as far as a vocation however, it is not limited my determination to break social barriers placed upon those individuals afflicted with disabilities or for a more appropriate word "challenges". Unfortunately, our society is built upon "only the fit need apply". In our advertising we see hundreds of ads promoting beauty, athleticism, power and control and an attitude of the masses. "The man with the most toys wins!" Is this what we really want our society to embrace?
It depends on what side of the fence you're on. I have witnessed through my life,insensitivity  and on the other extreme, deep-seated understanding and compassion by those individuals who have held me in their arms as I sat crying ; because I did not understand the social etiquette one learns the proper role modeling at a very young age, having been adopted later in life, these social tools I finally learned. I laugh many times when I read about a new breakthrough in the field of disabilities or new laws, such as the new amendments to the ADA program. Most of the laws written within the ADA concerning employment has little enforcement ability . This can be seen just in human nature and the ideology that our country and society adopt "being the best". How can an employer. Not be discriminatory; if it costs him: money, time and most of all thinking and accommodating a disabled or challenged employee when he can hire a more able-bodied or "more perfect" individual who he doesn't have to worry about in any way, shape or form , bottom line; it is cost-effective and that is what our society has been raised to believe and act on. Even when our laws on
employment discrimination.state:  A company may not discriminate on the basis. Of: Race,Creed, Ethnicity, Sex, Religion, Sexual Orientation or Disability.We have all seen the acronym : EOE on the job applications we fill out or when  applying for. Most anything in this day and age basically protecting The company or agency from any  any legal action. As long as you were given the opportunity to apply,the company has  fulfilled its legal obligation to the ADA mandate. I am not saying , that all employers don't hire disabled or challenged , there are many who see the benefit of being , compassionate and human . What I would like to see in our society is more understanding by employers and agencies in thinking "outside the box". I Had a employer once who had hired me as a dishwasher, I worked four days doing my best I remember hearing about how he fired people so easily. I thought for sure wouldn't last 1day ! at the end of the fourth day of my shift . He kept coming in and out of the dish room looking at me and then walking out. I finally asked him straight out I know you want to talk to me and I appreciate that you gave me a shot!
He knew, that I knew what he had to do... I never saw someone  who had a reputation. of being such a callous employer agonize over firing me... I even saw this big man.... Wipe away a tear... I had no job and shortly, no place to live...This gentleman. within the next three days ; created a job especially for me. I worked for him 2 years until he hired a "Biker" manager who fired key people to get his own friends jobs.This story is true and an exception to the rule.
 Good employees whether they be able-bodied or challenged need to be given a chance , everyone has a hidden challenge or a deficit and may not fit into exact job specifications but nonetheless should be given a chance to show an employer his or her her strengths.I firmly believe if any individual were placed into a situation  where they had to relearn or how accommodations due to to newly acquired challenge they would quickly learn  and become more sensitive to the frustrations of many "challenged" people trying to compete in a job market that doesn't promote sustainable, gainful employment for people with developmental and/or congenital disabilities. as I say:" Music is my dream :  Cerebral Palsy is just an inconvenience".

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Never forget how precious friendship is

I have recently found one of  my dearest friends has tragically died this month  on April,13th.MY FRIEND and I lost contact over the  years.I have been trying to re- connect with her, using  her maiden name and then her married name.All this was done and searched through the Internet to no avail.I was just  on the Internet just typed in  her  name Nancy Lowe and up came article on her death,under the name Nancy Lowe Bullock.At first I thought it was a Different person ,the further I read, it mentioned her home town and then her school  and  post secondary education.I began to cry,I had  lost a friend who had helped me graduate from high school and  had also helped  me get  into Laverne University.Nancy was and is my Angel.The reason her passing hit me so hard is because even though we had not been in recent contact,I remember Friday the 13th feeling very out of sorts as if there was unfinished business to do.I realize she was a special gift to many people and now had been called home having completed her calling by God here on earth.

The newspaper report from Santa Barbara said she  died tragically and suddenly.Yet  there is no description given as to cause.I understand now how important staying in contact with those important to you.I also know that those people who are truly your friends are always with you in memory and thoughts. Nancy will always be my Angel deep  down  in  my soul.She from the first day we met Understood me as a person without any reservations as to my having a disability and very little self confidence.Nancy built  me up and made me feel alive.I believe, I was in love with her not romantically but more spiritually.She taught me many things; how to write an essay and how to believe in my strengths.
So when your thinking about your friends don't forget how quickly life changes and  in the blink of an eye those close to you can be die.Stay close and don't be afraid to tell them you love them.I found this out far too late.My faith however knows that Nancy is looking down and watching over those of us she touched through the years with  that tender smile and soft gentleness. Remember to embrace life and those around you.Life  and love can be short if not lived to the fullest.

. Look to your left and right to appreciate what you have

It was at a music show last Thursdaymany of the speakers and artists spoke about their lives. Many of the stories were of abuse and horrifying relationships and addictions far more Traumatic than mine. Even though my early childhood was foster care in a number of homes and dealing internally with cerebral palsy and the uncertainty of my familial security, I did okay.Today, at 53 I live a life very different than I had planned. I struggle every day with pain from degeneration and scoliosis to my spine. However, I walk and still drive my Jeep Laredo. So many others around me I see have no no place to live. My music keeps me alive mentally. Soon I hope to be on the road playing with Lou Watson, who just signed with TMG music group. When you feel the hardships of life and you feel as though you can't go on and nothing seems to be positive. Look around you you don't have to look very far to see someone far worse off than you or you hear tragic stories like I heard this last Thursday and you begin to really appreciate what you have and the negative things that come up aren't really that big. My financial picture is fairly bleak. However, it will improve step-by-step, day by day. I count the blessings of family, a roof over my head and every now and then I can go out and have a cheeseburger at McDonald When you feel as if you can't go on a life sucks because you don't have something, stop and think about the things you do have, a job, family and a home. Many of us take those things for granted. Having a disability such as  cerebral palsy makes it harder  in the employment area because it narrows the possibilities then the average average job seeker .I still can work and hopefully soon in  my chosen field  of music."Never give in or up on your dreams"

having great day

How is  everyone edoing today,if you checkout youtube  you will find 3 videos,all put on their by  my publicist  Judy shannon .two  these videos" party town" and "picture of you"were written by  my good friend Bill Starrett from Austin Texas.I am wrting a few new songs  in between a busy school schedule. School is a means to an end.Hopefully I'll gain a job  that can afford  me some money for recording Equipment  and a small med room PA system.other than that ,lifes awesome.

Life is So awesome!

I haven't been writing much lately. For many of you who know me I apologize for that I've been very busy. I recently took a trip to Austin Texas to visit  recording artist Lou Watson. While in Austin happend to meet a very good songwriter and good friend Bill Starrett who wrote four songs on my first album. The songs are: Picture of You, Wasting Time, One Too Many Times and Party Town. Each of the songs are getting airplay on www.spaceoastiradio.com . I appreciate very much the opportunity that Jimmy Lawson and Judy Shannon his sister-in-law have given me. I also would like to thank my sister-in-law Liz Haley for all her efforts helping me with my website and encouragement through the years.
I was looking online the other day and saw  my video" Looking through the window through the pain" on "youtube", a beautiful video done by Judy Shannon . I have always said "Never give up on your dreams. "My dreams as a young child in leg braces, was to be "Normal". Having a disability like Cerebral Palsy as mild as it is still in a field such as music and entertaining has been anything but easy .At 52, I still have that dream of performing on stages and on tour full-time. Shortly another video"Picture of You" written by Bill Starrett will be coming out on"YouTube",  Being persistent and allowing people to help me has always been difficult for me. Life is awesome ,life is hard , faith in yourself takes years to have when so many didn't believe in me and my dreams. Most of those people
now are seeing this dream becoming a reality.
To all my Fan and Friends thank you  for listening and being there for me when I was down ,Many of you helped pick me up.I am curious I have a fan who keeps checking into my site from Mountain View California ,Please let me know who you are? I always make it a point to personally contact all my friends and fans here's my e-mail:  don@donhaleymusic.com  thankyou "Never give up or give in" believe in your dreams and your dreams will be living in you!" Don haley the California kidd (copyright 2001)www.donhaleymusic.com

Patience,Determination and Believing You Can !

For years I heard from many learned adults , some were teachers , some were in the social services /humane services field say to me "Your a Dreamer"I am ..... and have been steadily going forward on my own after my dream.I have also had a few friends not so educated but extremely wise and genuine say to me "Your Dreams are what make you who you are". I have often wondered if any of those degree'd people ever had or have dreams ? My dreams, one by one have unfolded slowly over the years. As a young boy,I wanted to sing like Glen Campbell my Idol and make my living as a singer and songwriter.I have made money playing and singing over the years.I have also seen the downside of this music business (Full of Pimps ,Thieves and Users).I still forged ahead,sacrificed a marriage and several relationships. In 36 years of of trying to get Noticed I find I am known in the music business by some heavy hitters.my music is on Internet radio live 365 and also www.spacecoastiradio.com .
In 6 days I will be In Austin Texas,working with Lou Watson and networking and laying the ground work for his latest project and setting up a tour down the road.I have been looking for Lou for the last 20 years.His album is doing quite well on the Country Indie Charts at # 1,His single is in the top 20 on the country Indie charts.Lou Watson and I never gave up on our friendship and our common dreams. "You Can Do and Be Anything as long as you are determined,Patient and believe in yourself enough to never give in to the negative defeatists,who are jealous of those of us who have the fire to succeed at all costs and Capture dreams no matter how big or small they may be.Do checkout www.louwatsoncountry.com and become a fan of his and thanks for being my fan and reading my blogs and listening to my music."Life is a Box of Chocolates"and "I think All the good Chocolates are Still Yet to be Eaten" I Keep y'all posted!