Jessica Trinidad
“Cerebral palsy is strength…”
- What general age range are you in?
I am in my late 40’s
- What do you do with your time? (work, pleasure, etc.)
I service Autism students for the Department of Education as an ASD Educational Assistant.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, 3 girls and 2 dogs. A few of my favorite things to do are taking a drive around the island or to the beach and listening to Hawaiian music to soothe my soul.
- How did you get into [your work, pleasure, etc]?
I officially wanted to become a Social Worker for the disadvantaged community, I enjoy serving people. While I was studying to become one, my professor offered me a position within her company which provided services for parenting classes and ASD students in the DOE system as a Skills Trainer. That’s where I found my passion as a Skills Trainer. I had similar struggles, and I’ve overcome so many obstacles and challenges that made me want to inspire and motivate these students and their families.
- What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is learning to love myself, accept and embrace my differences. I did this with the help of a friend. I confided in her and went to a dark place. With the help and encouragement from this friend we researched what cerebral palsy was and we both educated ourselves about it. I then realized that I was living a great life. I could walk and talk, do things for myself independently and I had family and friends that supported me.
- What makes your life “amazing”?
There are so many things that make my life amazing. I was raised by a strong and fierce mother who built me up to be the person that I am today and so much more. I am loved by an amazing husband, and I have three incredible daughters. I also get to serve the SPED community helping them become the best versions of themselves and to help others understand them in hopes of building acceptance and friendships therefore giving the SPED community a sense of belonging and safety.
- What does “cerebral palsy” mean to you?
To me, cerebral palsy is strength. Strength is a positive character trait that I gained throughout. I was faced so many challenges in my life. Some were easy and others were difficult to overcome. The difficult challenges have taught me to be patience, have self-determination and to have kindness for myself. Having patience is still a working progress. With the few challenges that are just too difficult for me to overcome has given me the will power to accept, move on and celebrate my life accomplishments. That’s STRENGTH to me!
- How does cerebral palsy affect your everyday activities?
Cerebral Palsy affects me in some aspects of my life, like needing to be still, needing to control my spasms or shaking when I’m nervous or when someone is staring at me. I’ve learned how to mindfully self-regulate myself to be able to stay calm and in control of my body.
- Do you use any assistive technology in your everyday activities?
I don’t use assistive technology
- Have you noticed any difference in your body as you age? What are they?
I haven’t noticed anything quite alarming. I’ve learned to adjust the needs of my body when I need to.
- What is your greatest frustration and/or fear?
My fear is losing the ability to drive. Driving is my independence.
- What is the one thing that you wish people would know or understand about cerebral palsy?
I want people to know that we who have cerebral palsy has/had experience life differently, but we share a similarity which is strength. Please don’t stare😊