63 Year Old MS Disabled Retired English Teacher Seeks Grant To Publish Her Books
by Deborah Rose Ferrraro
I was an award-winning teacher who taught at Valencia Community College, Delaware Valley College, the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida. I currently live at Magnolia Walk, a senior community. The computers here are only available for email and searches. Nothing can be saved. Often there is no paper available for the printer. I have two young people who need my help. One needs assistance with English and study skills. She is a college student. The other person is a young man in search of a job. In addition to English and history, I taught Career Development to college students as well Business Communication. One of my former students designed the adult entertainment known as Pleasure Island at Disney. I can tell you many more such success stories if you wish to read them. I'll give you more examples. I was working part-time at a craft and nursery store so I could buy craft supplies at a discount. I was talking to the assistant manager who was a very personable man. He told me he had a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's in chemistry. I asked him how he happened to be working in a craft store. He told me he worked for DuPont and the creation of the first machine that tested for HIV/Aids. Once its design was complete and it was functional, he and his team were laid off. He was only making $15,000 a year at the craft store. He wife constantly taunted him because she made more than he did. I wrote three different functional resumes for him and letters to go with him. He found an excellent job at NASA making $100,000 a year! His wife isn't laughing anymore. I believe in success as well as a positive attitude. I am certain that more young people could use my help. A computer would certainly help in my role as teacher/mentor and consultant. About my disability... I have MS (multiple sclerosis). I have had it all my life. Most people don't have this chronic illness until they are adults. I use a walker because the many falls I have had have ruined my back. I used an electric wheelchair for a while, but I became too dependent on it so I stopped using it. Walking helps keep my legs strong. If I have a fall, I have enough muscle strength to get up by myself. While I have never been a speed typist, I used to be able to type with two hands. The neuropathy in my left hand prevents me from using my left hand for typing anymore. I do fairly well with one hand. I understand there is software available now which allows one to speak to the computer and your words are automatically typed on the screen. That would be an unexpected blessing, but I will continue to type one handed. I have never let my disability run my life. I know I can help many people who are looking for work. I had my own business writing service for more than thirty years. I helped many people find jobs and/or advance their careers. I still have much to offer in spite of my age, disability and limited income. All I need now is a computer. Can you help me? Deborah Ferraro, BA in English and Social Studies, BA in Humanities, Philosophy and Religion, MA in Education, MA in Librarianship
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