Something I wasn’t prepared for when I was first diagnosed with my disability was the exhausting emotional toll it would bring. Anxiety on top of the physical limitations could be overwhelming for me at times. I had grown up knowing about guide dogs that can help people who are blind. As I got older and became disabled myself I learned more about the service dog community, specifically mobility service…
Going to the beach as a person in a wheelchair can sometimes be… tricky. Sand is not the friendliest of terrains to my wheels. However, my family’s annual vacation to Sanibel island in Florida proves that family and friends in a tropical setting is just the relaxation the Doctor ordered. 
Whether you enjoy shopping, dining or just beachin’ there’s something for everyone in Sanibel. The island feels like…
I grew up a water baby. Swim lessons turned to swim team as I got older. It wasn’t until high school that I quit swimming competitively. It became too difficult for me to balance on the starting blocks. My family would also always take an annual summer vacation to the beach. I am fortunate to have grown up with a love and respect…
After spending my college years in Washington, DC and having been back several times for visits there is so much I could write about this place. I’ll start with my top 5 things to do and potentially turn this into a series of posts about our nation’s capitol. Oh and did I mention FREE?! #5 Smithsonian’s National Zoo Nestled in hilly terrain in Rock Creek…
When my family planned a vacation to the Florida Keys, I began having visions of grandeur of me swimming gracefully with dolphins. Ok well maybe gracefully was a BIT of an exaggeration, but to say it was a wonderful experience that I will never forget is not
I began researching the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, Florida. Upon discovering a program they had specifically dedicated to helping people with disabilities participate, I reached out to them via email at specialneeds@dolphins.org. They were very accommodating and explained that they work with people of various ages and abilities. Depending on your comfort lever or ability, you can choose to stay on the platform or get fully in the water with the dolphins.
I was a little nervous but knew I was going for it. Go big or go home! Right?! They paired me with a trainer who got in the water with me and helped me every step of the way. I even let the dolphin pull me across the cove, channeling my inner mermaid. Ahem sort of… That was the part that was well quite hysterical for everyone watching. Everyone else had this cute, photogenic pictures then there’s me…(see photographic evidence). Classic Katie. 
These dolphins were so playful. It was nice to spend an afternoon in the water where my disability wasn’t an issue. I am so grateful for my experience at the Dolphin Research Center. They can help people with different abilities so be sure to check them out on your next visit to the Florida Keys. Glad to cross that off my bucket list!
