Dublin, Ohio
Second Term – 3 years to expire in 2010
I was born and raised in Warren, Ohio (Trumbull County). Arthrogryposis is the technical medical term for my congenital birth defect. This orthopedic condition, for me, translates into the fact that I was born without a left arm; my right arm was literally behind me (until an Australian doctor flew over here to perform a corrective surgery, to rotate my arm, when I was four years old); and all of my major joints are fused together. I have learned to overcome most obstacles, encountered throughout my lifetime, since being born with a physical disability. I definitely have my share of experience concerning hospital stays, surgeries and procedures, therapies, and durable medical equipment (including leg braces, myo-electric arms, manual and electric wheelchairs). Even though my disability is categorized as “severe”, because all four of my limbs are affected; I never had any medical fears one might assume a child, youth, or young adult would experience. I attribute my overall positive attitude and outlook to my incredible family and friend’s support system; as well as, the fantastic health care professionals who enhanced the belief of my parent’s (simply put: Tanya can overcome and succeed at anything she puts her mind to!). I have learned to overcome most obstacles, encountered throughout my life. I have always, and will always, believe that I can assess, adapt, and advance on most things I set my mind to! I try to always be the best I can be, and excel, because of my physical disability; I never want to allow others the opportunity to not set standards high for me because they assume I will not be up for the task at hand.
When I began grade school in the early 1970’s, my sister (and only sibling) and I attended different schools due to my physical disability. My grade school days consisted of being bused to the only accessible school in the tri-county area, for all “special needs children”. Basically, the children with disabilities were not only the minority of the school, but also separated from the normal classroom atmosphere and routines. Thankfully, a very insightful teacher assisted my parents (and others) to push for new “mainstreamed” interaction and participation of the students with disabilities. I was in fourth grade when that barrier came down and opportunities became endless. Junior high and high school found me at another school district because of architectural accessibility. Academically, things were never a problem for me (except using a protractor, with my mouth, for geometry class) and I even ascertained a small scholarship for college. Not having the ability to drive never stopped me from experiencing anything I ever set my mind to. Clubs, organizations, dances, sporting events, or even getting summer jobs (because all of my friends had them; it was part of a “normal” youth) were a large part of my life that transitioned me from child to young adulthood.
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania was the college my parents and I agreed upon to meet not only my academic growth, but also my extensive physical needs. Paying for services such as personal care and transportation were added expenses, on top of the out-of-state tuition. Fortunately, there are programs and agencies out there to assist families; unfortunately, when I started college, we knew nothing about this. Once we discovered them, it astonished us (my parents and I) to have to fight so hard with the “red tape” to attend an out-of-state school. Funding was finally offered my last semester.
In September 1988, I moved down to Columbus, Ohio and obtained a paralegal certificate, from the American Institute for Paralegal Studies (with two Distinctions of Honor). Complications, to an orthopedic procedure (in 1991), have bound me to the use of either a manual or electric wheelchair. Yet another major obstacle to adjust to, I am still the same adventurous outgoing individual I have always been. I have experienced job rejections, due to blatant discrimination concerning my physical disability, but view it as the employer’s loss. I worked for the federal government, Department of Veteran’s Administration Outpatient Clinic (for about a year), before returning to a state level position. I currently work for the State Department of Health (Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps) with whom I have been employed since April 1992. I was the Ohio Department of Health Employee of the Month (February 1996). I have a Letter of Recognition from Governor George Voinovich (May 1996). I was a guest speaker for the CHOICES National Conference, held in Chicago, Illinois (June 1998). I was appointed, by Governor Bob Taft, to a three year term serving on the Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities (2004-2007). My first year had me actively involved with the following Committees: Access Concerns, Education, Nominations, Web Page, and Youth Leadership Forum (YLF). My second year, I served as Assistant Chairperson for the Education Committee; Secondary member to the Access Concerns Committee; Assistant Chairperson for the Web Page Committee; and deeply involved with YLF. I was selected to be on the Montana Center on Disabilities Web Site (for Successful Women) (October 2005). I have served as Secretary and am currently serving as President (for the second year) with Central Ohio’s Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB). Last year, I had the honor of serving as First Vice-Chairperson (to the Full Council), Chairperson for Access Concerns, secondary member to the Education Committee, Co-Chairperson for the Web Page Committee, and remained actively involved with YLF. This is the second year I am on the Community Grant Living Fund Committee. I have been reappointed to my second term (2007-2010), with the Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities, by Governor Ted Strickland. This year, I have been appointed as Council Chair (for 2007-2008 Council year) where I will be extremely involved with all Committees and activities.
I feel that I am a well rounded individual who attempts to embrace life to its fullest. I have had the opportunity to swim with stingrays and have a giraffe eat an apple off of my shoulder. I have traveled to Canada, numerous places in the continental states, and have taken several cruises (Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman Islands, and Bahamas). I have been to an abundance of rock concerts, met a variety of celebrities, competed in the first-ever televised Ms. Wheelchair Ohio competition (where I placed 3rd Runner Up and “Ms. Congeniality”), and flown in the world’s only wheelchair accessible hot air balloon. In my spare time (when we are not fishing or camping at our West Virginia cabin), I love traveling and spending time with my family and friends! I reside in Dublin, Ohio with my husband, Jamie (and am very delighted to be stepmother to Katelin and Kevin). I am proud of the things I have accomplished, achieved, experienced, and shared with others. And, yet, my journey continues. Please feel free to contact me, at your convenience, at: waddlewemeet@yahoo.com