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I finally judged this contest! Yes! Although I had hoped for more entries, the ones I received were admirable and well done. The quality of the writes certainly made up for the limited entries.
‘Borderline Personality Disorder’ received the gold. It met the contest requirements and I was most impressed by the sense of growth and positive change in the writer that s/he went through while writing
this piece. I found it to be very comprehensive as well, and it left me with a sense of having learned
something. I liked the hope that it ended with.
The silver went to the article on ‘Obsessive Compulsive Disorder‘, as it fulfilled the contest requirements effectively ; writing an informative column that raises the consciousness of both the writer and the reader in understanding the disorder. It was also related in a very personal way through the direct experience of someone having this disorder and going through therapy.
I was delighted with ‘I Survived Brain Surgery’; as it related many facts about Hydrocephalus and was
told on a intimate level that made it very interesting and colorful. I have worked with babies/children with hydrocephalus and I came away from this read feeling more enlightened and wiser for reading it.
It took courage for all of you share your stories, and to bare your souls here. I am extremely moved by this. We all learned from your experiences as I do strongly believe that by sharing our own personal stories we help others and shed light on the darkness and ignorance in this world.
The others are all receiving honorable mentions, as promised. All of the entries more than deserved this, as I felt they each offered something special. The system only allows a certain amount of points
for the honorable mentions, but I will be sending extra points to the ones that I felt went that extra mile and have it coming to them.
I wish to give a special mention to a few of the other ones here. I did comment personally on each one when I read them the first time. ’ 'Story Inside Schizophrenia' was the very first entry, and it really stuck in my mind because it related an intense inside story of what it feels like to be caught up in the machinery of a system that is still so very archaic in how the mentally ill are treated. I felt like I was experiencing it with the writer. ‘Startle Response ‘ was another good write, giving a direct perspective from the mind of the person who has an over-reactive startle response.
I liked ‘Selective Mutism (In Progress)’, but unfortunately it wasn’t completed. It was definitely about something that I am not familiar with, and I found it to be very interesting to learn about. What was done so far was what I was looking for and I hope that the author completes it and gives permission for it to be posted in the Disability Forum.
As far as the pre-writes go I was totally blown away by ‘The Blessing of Fibromyalgia’. That has to be the most comprehensive article I have enter read on Fibromyalgia! Although it is a prewrite, it completely fulfilled the contest requirements as though it had been written specifically for this writing workshop. It described this mysterious and little-understood illness, presented many interesting facts and theories about it, was very humanistic and gave several treatment methods, both traditional mainstream and alternative. Also, it was very personal in that it was told by someone who suffers from this illness.
‘This Is Who I am‘ was another fascinating write about schizophrenia. It was very personal and moving. I am particularly interested in learning more about schizophrenia, as I have been affected personally through a family member having a form of it. (May even have a touch of it myself!) Anyway, this write moved me deeply.
I absolutely adored ‘The Rat That Flipped Off the Cat’. Although the subject is a very serious and tragic one, (suicide) I enjoyed the light-hearted and humorous approach of this poem. The metaphors were outstanding!
‘Accessibiltiy Sonnet’ is very clever and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It definitely is very consciousness raising.
‘On Being Bipolar' was an eye-opener for me. It really gave me a sense of what this condition is about.
Thank you for all of your entries! I feel that I have learned from them and am a better person for having read them. I hope that many others read them and are enlightened as well!
I will be sending out the extra points within the next few days, as I am exhausted from moving and life in general; but I will get to it. 
Karen
This contest is now open to prewrites and multiple writes due to the limited amount of entries. In all fairness prewrites will only be able to receive honorable mention; however I will be giving extra points out on the honorable mentions, depending on the write and how it fulfills the contest requirements. I am also opening the contest to poems as well; but again these will receive honorable mention only and the amount of points will be based on how well the poem covers the contest criteria in poetic form, that is. See "The Rat that Flipped Off the Cat", for an example. Thanks. Prewrites and multiple entries are welcome with poems too.
This contest has been extended until November 3rd. This is the final extention. It will be closed on November 3rd for judging. If anyone has an uncompleted work inprogress at the point, you are still welcome to submit what you have done so far. Also, I invite you to post it in our Group Forum when it is completed. There is always this option as well. Please, don't forget to give permission, or that you do not give permission, for your work to be showcased in our group. This will be with full credit to the author of course; unless anonymity is requested.
I was hoping for more entries. Remember, any part or a combination of the below is fine; or one can write what they want on a disability; as long as it meets the criteria of raising consciousness for people in general about disabilities, the presentation on the disability written about is accurate and that the writer lists three references used in their Author's Notes. Also, if the author give permission or not for their work to be showcased in the People With Disabilities Group Forum. Extra points will be given to the honorable mentions. Thank you!
Writing Workshop On Disabilities Fall, 2008
(An open, outreach contest)
http://allpoetry.com/group/show/People%20with%20Disabilities
Disability Column/Article
Please choose a particular disability, disorder/condition or illness, research it and write a comprehensive article/column about it. It can be a disability or illness that you know of personally, such as your own, (if you have one), someone you know or have come into contact with. (If you report on a disability or illness that someone you know has; out of respect and the privacy of that person, please do not give out any personal information that may identify that person publicly.)
It can be a disability/illness/condition that you are interested in learning more about as a consciousness-raising and self-learning project. Some examples of disabilities and illnesses include both physical and mental/emotional disabilities, which often affect the person in all areas of their life. These include such illnesses as Schizophrenia, Cerebral Palsy, Fibromyalgia, Depression, Parkinson’s and so forth. These examples of areas of disability are not meant to be limiting. You are to list at least three references used in your research on the disability in the Author’s Notes.
To help you in your article, the following is a suggested outline to follow, but not an absolute necessity or requirement; You may pick out parts of it or follow your own format. It can be a humanistic, story-like approach as well, and doesn’t have to be written like a science/medical paper. By a humanistic story, I mean you are telling a story that is also meant to raise the readers' consciousness and understanding of the disability/illness/condition that you are writing about. It can be a fictional or non-fictional story about yourself, someone else, or something you entirely make up.
The criteria and goal of your write is to raise consciousness and understanding for yourself and of the readers and to give accurate information about the illness/disease/disorder/ or condition. You and the reader should both come away from the experience with more information and comprehension about the particular issue that you wrote about. I want it to be an enlightening exposure and this is what the judging will be primarily based on; was writing/reading this enlightening for both the writer and the reader? Is the writer/reader more aware of the disability/illness/disorder or condition and it's implications as a result or writing/reading this article/column?
I want the facts about the disability/illness/condition to be accurate and for you still to list three references that you researched in your Author’s Notes. You can use the following outline or pick out one part or parts of the outline to write about, and be sure to say which one(s) in your Author’s Notes. You can mix and match parts of the Outline. This contest will be open indefinitely.
I. What is the disability and describe it.
A. Symptoms
1. What are the physical signs of the illness/disease/disability/condition?
2. What is the manifestation of the condition indicating the nature of the condition?
3. What is noticed first by the patient?
4.What is the perceptible, subjective change in the body or its functions
that indicates disease/illness or phases of it, as reported by the patient?
5. What are the observable or internal changes in the mental, emotional, and physical condition of a person;.
(In holistic medicine, symptoms are the external proof of an internal imbalance.)
B. Diagnosis
1.What is the process of identifying or determining the nature and cause of a disease or illness/disability/condition?
2. What is the description of the distinguishing characteristics the
illness/disease/disability/condition that leads to it‘s diagnosis?
C. Prognosis
1. What is the medical prediction/outcome of how a person’s illness/disability/condition will progress?
2. What are the chance of a full recovery or how is the best quality of life achieved despite the illness/disability/condition?
D. Treatments available and success of those treatments
1. What treatment options are available and what is the outcome of these treatments?
2. Are there any new or experimental treatments available?
3. What are some homeopathic, alternative approaches to treatment?
E. How the illness/disability/condition affects the person’s
quality of life.
1. Family
2. Social
3. Pain management
4. Recreation
5. Work
6. Sleep
II. Impact of Writing This Paper
A. How can the person’s quality of life be improved?
B. How have you been affected personally by this disability or illness/condition - if it is your own or someone you know or have come into contact with.
C. What have you learned from writing this paper and how has it changed your perspective on this illness or disability/condition?
This contest is being presented by the People With Disabilities Group. Although it is not required that one be a member of the group to enter, everyone who is not a member, is invited to consider becoming a member. The link to join is;
http://allpoetry.com/group/show/People%20with%20Disabilities
All entries in this contest will be considered for showcasing in our Disability Group’s Forum, of course with full credit given to the author. If any entrant in the contest does not wish their work to be showcased in the group forum please make this clear in the Author’s Notes. You must either give permission or decline this in your Author’s Notes. This is the main requirement of this contest besides what is described above. Giving your permission is not a requirement to win however, but it something that is encouraged in order to share with others. You must either give your permission or decline in your Author's Notes, nevertheless.
You may also choose to do it anonymously.
Remember, you must also list at least three references that you used for your research on the disability in your Author’s Notes as well. Also, do not forget to say which part of the outline above you have chosen to write on, or all of it or if you have chosen a story-like humanistic approach. Even though this should be apparent in your writing, I still want it listed in your Author’s Notes.
Three things must be listed in your Author’s Notes;
1. If you give permission or not for your work to be showcased in our people with disabilities group forum.
2. List three references that you have used to research your work.
3. What part of the suggested outline above have you used, or all of it; or have you chosen to write in your own format such as a story-like, humanist approach.
Thank you and good luck to all of you! We are looking forward to reading your work.
If you have any questions, please message me! I am giving big points for this because I know I am asking a lot.
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on November 15, 2008
- Rewards: Gold: 2000, Silver: 1000, Bronze: 500, Honorable mention: 15 people
- Final notes: I finally judged this contest! Yes! Although I had hoped for more entries, the ones I received were admirable and well done. The quality of the writes certainly made up for the limited entries.
‘Borderline Personality Disorder’ received the gold. It met the contest requirements and I was most impressed by the sense of growth and positive change in the writer that s/he went through while writing
this piece. I found it to be very comprehensive as well, and it left me with a sense of having learned
something. I liked the hope that it ended with.
The silver went to the article on ‘Obsessive Compulsive Disorder‘, as it fulfilled the contest requirements effectively ; writing an informative column that raises the consciousness of both the writer and the reader in understanding the disorder. It was also related in a very personal way through the direct experience of someone having this disorder and going through therapy.
I was delighted with ‘I Survived Brain Surgery’; as it related many facts about Hydrocephalus and was
told on a intimate level that made it very interesting and colorful. I have worked with babies/children with hydrocephalus and I came away from this read feeling more enlightened and wiser for reading it.
It took courage for all of you share your stories, and to bare your souls here. I am extremely moved by this. We all learned from your experiences as I do strongly believe that by sharing our own personal stories we help others and shed light on the darkness and ignorance in this world.
The others are all receiving honorable mentions, as promised. All of the entries more than deserved this, as I felt they each offered something special. The system only allows a certain amount of points
for the honorable mentions, but I will be sending extra points to the ones that I felt went that extra mile and have it coming to them.
I wish to give a special mention to a few of the other ones here. I did comment personally on each one when I read them the first time. ’ Story Inside Schizophrenia ‘was the very first entry, and it really stuck in my mind because it related an intense inside story of what it feels like to be caught up in the machinery of a system that is still so very archaic in how the mentally ill are treated. I felt like I was experiencing it with the writer. ‘Startle Response ‘ was another good write, giving a direct perspective from the mind of the person who has an over-reactive startle response.
I liked ‘Selective Mutism [In progress]’, but unfortunately it wasn’t completed. It was definitely about something that I am not familiar with, and I found it to be very interesting to learn about. What was done so far was what I was looking for and I hope that the author completes it and gives permission for it to be posted in the Disability Forum.
As far as the pre-writes go I was totally blown away by ‘The Blessing of Fibromyalgia’. That has to be the most comprehensive article I have enter read on Fibromyalgia! It completely fulfilled the contest requirements as though it had been written specifically for this writing workshop. It described this mysterious and little-understood illness, presented many interesting facts and theories about it, was very humanistic and gave several treatment methods, both traditional mainstream and alternative. Also, it was very personal in that it was told by someone who suffers from this illness.
‘This is who I am... ‘ was another fascinating write about schizophrenia. It was very personal and moving. I am particularly interested in learning more about schizophrenia, as I have been affected personally through a family member having a form of it. (May even have a touch of it myself!) Anyway, this write moved me deeply.
I absolutely adored ‘The Rat That Flipped Off The Cat’. Although the subject is a very serious and tragic one, (suicide) I enjoyed the light-hearted and humorous approach of this poem. The metaphors were outstanding!
‘Accessibility Sonnet ’ is very clever and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It definitely is very consciousness raising.
‘On Being Bipolar’ was an eye-opener for me. It really gave me a sense of what this condition is about.
Thank you for all of your entries! I feel that I have learned from them and am a better person for having read them. I hope that many others read them and are enlightened as well!
I will be sending out the extra points within the next few days, as I am exhausted from moving and life in general; but I will get to it. Karen
Contest Winners
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The first thing that I said when I was diagnosed with this condition, "I don't have that!". That was well over 4 years ago and about a wee• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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Here is some helpful information about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD.by HugsForEveryone 28 lines, 9 comments, on Sep 19 5:54 PM 2008. In Personal, Informational, OCD, Illness, Disability
Silver trophy winner
• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
Hydrocephalus, taken from the Greek language " Hydro " meaning water and "cephalus" meaning head. A condition that prevents the cerebral sp• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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A long dragged out process of finding what medication will satisfy the illness. In and out of hospitals pills only keeping you stable for a• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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Startle Response is a byproduct of PTSD,
post traumatic stress syndrome. The way it• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
An article on Selective Mutism.• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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Can be read on Storywrite.com/50016. A research paper on the signs and symptoms of Fibromyalgia. The criteria for diagnosis and the treatment. Alternative therapies and movement from being fear based to love based decisionby skye01 0 lines, 1 comment, on Oct 13 11:00 PM 2008. In Life, Pain, Personal, Spiritual, My life, Inspirational
Honorable mention
• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
by Fritz O skennick 18 lines, 24 comments, on Feb 3 11:12 AM 2008. In Personal, My life, Pain, Schizophrenia, Prose., Thoughts Honorable mention
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
Gold trophy winner
Bronze trophy winner
Entries [10]
Add a comment
Comments
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this looks intesting ma
i might do it later im in school right now
through id probely suck -
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Don't Be Intimidated!
I know it reads a bit like a requirement for a college graduate thesis - but I just want everyone to do the best they can. That's all. It should be fun and interesting too!
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Holy Lord in Heaven thats a
load of points
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lol's I am glad that someone has a sense of humor around here!!
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this looks interesting
I am book marking cause I know a couple I have been wanting to learn more about, but it will have to wait till I take my algebra final next week -
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That's fine!
It will be running for a while...
I look forward to your entry.
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Taking me back to nursing school.
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I know - I'm in a Manic Phase!
LOL's It doesn't have to be written like a medical paper - only if one is so inclined to do so.
Brings back memories...
and I 've seen it from both sides now. karen
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I would need more time to write 13 days is way to hard for me to finish in time. What takes someone normal to do in 13 days it takes me another 13 days to finish. This is why I do not like to do contest. some of us have over ten other issues which increases by one more. Many people have more then one disabling issue this issue is not talk about in the disability world.
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Don't Worry About Time!
As I stated in the contest wording, this is an ongoing contest, and will be extended indefinitely; especially for those who ask for more time to complete a work in process.
It will probably be going for at least a month or so... -
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Ah! I'm glad to hear!
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This is very interesting and I am DEFINATELY thinking about entering!!! *hugs*
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I hope you do!
I would just love it if you do. Like I have said, I will extend more time for those who request it.
Karen
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i wish i could enter this but i find it impossible to put pen to paper on this subject, this is so very hard for me to express, so sorry ,i do however wish everyone luck and hope to come read the entries soon
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That's okay honey!
Thank you for responding. I am glad that you are here with us from time to time. I hope that everything is well and I appreciate the good wishes. I know that this contest is asking too much for many; and one has to feel right about going there.
Love,
Karen
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Question
I don't have time to compile a lot about my disease (I know all the stuff, just puting it on paper... er, type it on hard-drive?). But I was wondering if it would be okay if I entered with something I already have written about my disease & me (that sounded a bit odd), even though it wouldn't exactly qualify, just to raise some awareness? -
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Hi hon - and welcome to our group. It wouldn't be fair to the others due to the huge amount of points I am offering; and it is for new writes only. What I would suggest is modifying it and re-writing it according to the contest format suggestions.
Otherwise, you are MORE than welcome to post in in the forum on our disability group page to raise people's consciousness about it. You can also place it on our group page reading list. If you need any help please let me know. I will be off for a while, but checking back in later tonight.
http://allpoetry.com/group/show/People%20with%20Disabilities
P.S. I would do it, just to let it show, but I can't open the contest to prewrites.
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I think I wrote something good
I'm taking health class at my church so I don't have to take it at school, but if you don't take it at school you have to write a paper on a disease/disorder instead. I might just write mine up on a paper and pass it in.
~pANDY
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I hope you do!
If you need more time, please let me know. This contest is due to close on the 20th. Message me if you want a few more days to complete your paper; if you decide to do it that is. Look forward to it if you do. Please do! Let me know if I can assist you in any way with your work. Karen
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Wow...
I didn't even catch this one. My idea has already been written about, so not sure if I will enter, but I'm thinking about it. -
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That doesn't matter...
There can be more than one submission on the same idea or subject matter. I do hope that you enter. If you need more time, please let me know. Karen
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Heya, sorry I've still not finished!
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Merry meet,
Thank you for your Honorable Mention and the points. Sometimes, you can only approach a subject in a light hearted manner to get the seriousness of the subject across. I am glad that you enjoyed the poem.
Amythest -
Authorization to post in disability group forum -
Dangerousparable:
1 day ago " i surely give permission to have this poem showcased
gg
Ijust can't get to the authors notes. but gofor it"
g
→ Reply, History, Delete -
From Wolfheart -
WolfHeart:
5 hours ago "Karen, sorry to neglect that note - you may use my work any way you like.
Good luck in the moving!! "
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