Hello,
I am Leanne M. Lasofsky

I am very proud of my accomplishments. I wrote and published a book, "My Life", telling the story of my early and difficult birth, my struggles growing up with Cerebral Palsy, my education from a very early age until my graduation, my faith, my dreams, the teachers and therapists that became my good friends and the family that loves me.

I had a very successful book signing at the Concord Book Shop, in Concord, MA, where I read an excerpt from my book, I signed books for the individuals who attended and answered many questions that were asked by them.

An excerpt from my book reads:

"I was put in an incubator for two weeks when I was born because I was jaundiced and I stayed in the hospital for two more weeks after my mom went home. My parents came to see me at the hospital every day and kept in touch by telephone every hour with the nurses who were taking care of me. I was eight weeks early! That's why I am like this, they say. I have Cerebral Palsy."

I took art classes once a week for several years and have painted many beautiful works. My teachers would draw the picture and I would paint them. I love to paint even though Cerebral Palsy can sometimes make it very difficult. But, with the proper equipment and setup, I can accomplish many beautiful paintings.

My family, friends and housemates are very important to me and I enjoy spending time with them. I am a kind, caring young woman who likes to get along with everyone. My support people are also important to me and I try to help with my care as much as I can. I like having good people who will take the time to listen to me and value my opinions and concerns, especially when it comes to my personal care, my equipment and my needs. I want to be treated in a kind, caring manner, I want to be treated as others want to be treated. I want good people both in my home and at my day program. I want all my people to know that I am legally blind and cannot see curb cuts or stairs so I cannot be left alone when I am out and about in the community and places that I am not familiar with. I want all people to know that I am afraid of animals, bugs and fireworks and I do not like to be near them, as I do not have any defensive reflexes.

I can communicate extremely well, but if people don't listen to me it does not matter that I can or how well I can communicate and it leads to much frustration for me. I do not like when people talk down to me and say, "she doesn't know what she's talking about." I would like to become as independent as I can, with my physical limitations, in helping with chores such as cleaning my room, doing my laundry and helping to cook and clean up after meals. I would like to work with a job developer on a weekly basis exploring job opportunities in the community. I would like to work in an office answering phones, with the proper adapted equipment that would help me with my special needs, or work in a store or library to make my day more meaningful.

I know everything I need to know about my equipment and how to direct my care. I am strong and determined and do not take "no" for an answer. I think things through and try to come up with a solution to my problems or concerns. I can't use my legs, but i can use my mind.

In the past, I have enjoyed volunteering at the Chelmsford Public Library. At present, I volunteer at the Billerica Public Library as part of a team, bringing the books/tapes back to the bookcases. At Minute Man Arc I helped at the front desk, I took perspective clients around the building giving them a tour of the program and I supervised the janitorial crew, having the responsibility for the keys to the supply closet.

I love to swim with a special floating device that I have, especially in a warm, therapeutic pool. I like to go bowling, the movies, out to eat and shopping. I enjoy taking long walks or sitting by the ocean or a waterfall, I like to be read to and I like to relax at home.

Thank you, Leanne M. Lasofsky