Wheelchairs and Campaign Trails: Rewriting the Rules of Who Gets to Lead
By Martin Block You’ve probably seen the podiums, the handshakes, the town halls with the stale coffee and folding chairs. But for people with disabilities who dare to…
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Post 3: How to Help — Support Strategies for Parents and Educators
Where We’ve Been In the first two posts of this series, we explored the neurological foundations of dyslexia and the real-life struggles it brings—from the classroom to the…
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Post 2: Real-Life Struggles — Dyslexia in Childhood and Adulthood
A Quick Look Back In our first post, we explored the neurological roots of dyslexia—how it affects the brain, why it’s not a reflection of intelligence, and how…
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Post 1: What Is Dyslexia? Understanding the Brain Behind the Struggle
💖 Why This Series Matters Welcome to our 3-part series on dyslexia—born out of love for the children who feel lost in classrooms, the adults who carry invisible…
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The Butterfly Effect: Inspiring and Challenging Questions from The Butterfly Circus
After finishing a movie, what’s your go-to ritual? Do you dive into planning your next watch, explore behind-the-scenes details, or take a moment to absorb and reflect? Whatever…
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Seeing Without Intrusion: Respecting Personal Boundaries
Let’s go back to the scene that takes place early in the film, The Butterfly Circus, when Will, a limbless man, has spent his life being displayed as…
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Is It Harsh or Is It Needed?
One of the most emotionally charged and thought-provoking scenes in the short film The Butterfly Circus happens when Mr. Mendez, the charismatic yet compassionate ringmaster, leaves Will, who…
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Strength and Vulnerability: Two Sides of the Same Human Coin
Strength is a word that often conjures images of triumph, control, and power. Vulnerability, by contrast, evokes the opposite images of exposure, fragility, and softness. But this contrast…
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Creating a Church Community of True Belonging: Lessons from The Butterfly Circus
The wonder of The Butterfly Circus is not in the performances but in how it transforms people, offering them a place where they belong, not because of what…
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The Transformative Power of Community: Lessons from The Butterfly Circus
The theme of community is beautifully interwoven throughout the film, The Butterfly Circus. It highlights the transformative power of acceptance, belonging, and shared purpose. Will initially views himself…
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The Butterfly Circus: Rethinking Disability and Inclusion
The film The Butterfly Circus provides a profound lens to examine society’s perception of disability. Historical Perspectives Throughout history, individuals with disabilities have faced marginalization, stigmatization, and exclusion.…
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Human Beings – Thriving
Let us take a quick walk down memory lane, recalling Will’s remarkable journey of transformation to arrive at this stage of seeing past his limitations and disability. At…
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Human Beings – Developing in Community
“If only I had longer legs to do the jumps, I would have made the cheer team.” “If only the coach could see how hard I tried, he…
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Human Beings – Accepting Acceptance
An Example from “The Butterfly Circus” God has given us a second chance, but not everyone recognizes or accepts it. ******* In the previous blog, we looked at…
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Human Beings – A Side Show?
Examining “The Butterfly Circus” Have you ever wanted a different body or considered changing your appearance? Have you ever dreamed about being someone other than yourself? ******* In…
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Humans and Butterflies
Human beings and butterflies share some striking similarities: You may be wondering what butterflies have to do with a blog on disability… I am glad that I have…
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What Do You Want Me to Do for You?
A Reflection on Mark 10:46–52[i] Do you often make assumptions based on common knowledge or your own experience? Do you project your own feelings or attitudes onto others…
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The Hustle with Heart: Navigating the Business World as a Young Adult with a Disability
By Martin Block Let’s be honest: for all its talk about inclusion, the business world still has some serious blind spots. Especially when it comes to young adults…
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House Hunting with Accessibility in Mind: A Guide to Finding the Right Home
By Martin Block Searching for an accessible home requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of your needs. Whether you’re looking for a house that…
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Redefining Freedom: Living the Digital Nomad Life with Disabilities
By Martin Block The digital nomad lifestyle offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, making it an appealing choice for individuals with disabilities. It’s more than just remote work—designing a…
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