The Phoenix Library by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

 In this original audio, led by interviewer Juan “Chico" Dimas, 17 years old, who was challenged with his own disability of not being able to speak until he was six years old—he leads five persons to share their personal feelings and thoughts about their special needs and how they would like the world to see them as real persons first.     Juan “Chico" Dimas leads his interviewees and audience into the disability world, beginning by telling an old folk tale he has chosen, "The Turtle and the Hare” whic is relevant to those with challenges and special needs… and then these voices follow:   Dillon, age 16 who is meeting the challenge of Type 1 childhood diabetes. Dillon wears, implanted in his body, a small machine that greatly helps to regulate insulin so he can live more freely. Andy, age 33, who is meeting the challenge of an Intellectual disability. By becoming independent, he is dedicated to always trying to learn new things. Rick, age 18, who is meeting the challenge of having a cognitive developmental disability, being partially deaf, and having Attention Deficit Disorder, by avidly followinghis dreams of being a role model to others. His main goals are to show that anything is possible, and that no one can tell you “no." Ron, an adult is meeting the challenge of "the disease with a thousand faces,' meaning a myriad of debilitating attacks on the body' and ‘ the disability that doesnt necessarily show on the surface to those who do not understand Lupus.’ His ways in meeting the challenges it to stay strong and focused on fullest life possible every day. Karen, an adult who is meeting the challenge of chronic severe back pain, and who fights for disability rights, while keeping a clear and positive attitude.  The three questions Juan “Chico" Dimas designed and led the interviewees to form answers for, leading them in audio clarity, microphone distance, staying on topic, how to tell a story honestly, and more:   In your everyday life what is the hardest obstacle you face? How do you cope with being different and sometimes being singled out? How should the public address people with disabilities, meaning what is your wish for how    the world might treat people with special needs?   In Summation: Juan “Chico" Dimas concludes the interviews with an enthusiastic and encouraging quote, and blessing on all, in order to help uplift all who face challenges. In all, the overwhelming spontaneous response of all interviewees to the questions is their wish to be seen as just regular persons of heart and soul, just like everyone else, and among other important points, “ that all access to all things be granted to all people…”     Listen In as the good people in this audio speak unscripted, to you, from their hearts.   Project Sponsor who gave studio time and final mix to the intro and outro— Sounds True, Inc. Tami Simon, Founder and President. Aaron Arnold, Executive Sound Engineer. Juan “Chico" Dimas is the Team Leader and Project Originator for this audio on Special Needs, as well as Writer, and Interviewer, using his own recording equipment.