Friday, July 26th was the 29th anniversary of the signing of the ADA, the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was also the day I first learned of a remarkable musician on the PBS Newshour – Gaelynn Lea, Violinist.
Notable quotes from her interview:
“Adaptive music is not as common (as adaptive sports) but I hope that it becomes more common.”
on playing the violin:
“I realize that you probably don’t know unless you have a disability that you spend every day modifying everything. I’m not concerned with doing it the way everyone does it, because I can’t really do anything the way other people do it. So, for me, finding a way to play violin was just a matter of time.”
The final set of lyrics to her newest release, “I Wait” written in defense of the Affordable Care Act, protecting those with preexisting conditions:
“We need a seat now at the table, so please invite us.
Or
Don’t pretend to care.”
What an amazing woman! Thank you so much for sharing her inspiring story.
You’re welcome, Janis.
Goodness, what an inspiration! She plays so very beautifully, and is quite a role model for others with disabilities. This is such a moving post Laura. Thank you.
Yes, she is so completely her own self – genuine.
just wow…
Yeah…
Thanks for sharing this. I saw this video elsewhere and was/am amazed. Such a gift to be able to play music like this for all to enjoy.
Thanks for commenting Ally – it is amazing.
Beautiful music, that’s what’s important.
And it’s healing to perform and healing to hear…
Wonderful and thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Lisa Lady!
😀
How true, all of it. Thank you for sharing her post. It’s very inspiring and a true-life lesson on how legislation has helped so many.
Thanks Marty for stopping by! Glad to pass on the ‘positives’!
Thanks for introducing me to this incredible woman, Laura. I love that God blessed her with this amazing talent to teach us we can do anything with the right support and determination.
Pretty cool, you’re right about that.
Thank-you, Laura. I never heard of her but enjoyed her violin playing and singing very much.
You’re welcome, Jane.
Wow! So beautiful and inspiring. What an amazing woman and musician. It’s humbling to see what can be accomplished against such great odds and hardships.
You are so right, Deborah.
Adaptive music is a great idea!
Agreed!
This is salutary. Thanks for reminding me of how lucky I am
Salutary is a good word, choice, Mariss.
I purposely didn’t add ‘She’s an inspiration’ to the text as it almost diminishes her as an individual…and yet…
Beautiful music. In spite of her health, she is gifted and blessed.
Yes, she is truly a musician, not a person with disabilities that plays music.
Gaelynn is an amazing musician. What a joy to listen to her and to learn of her story, and especially of her persistence and ingenuity! I wonder if her parents kept telling her, “You can do anything! Go for it!”
Oh, no doubt about it – she had/has a supportive family for sure!