Michael Lee–Special Education Teacher for UCPA Hawai’i Early Intervention

We continue our “lives lived” series of profiles with our very own Michael Lee. Michael is a special education teacher for the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawai’i Early Intervention Program. He says:

Aloha, my name is Michael Lee. I am an Individual that was born with Cerebral Palsy and have a mild form of spastic diplegia. Being born with Cerebral Palsy has helped to shape me into the person and now father that I am today.

My story of being an Individual with Cerebral Palsy has made me reflect a lot over time. Although I experienced negativity many times, I also have many things to be grateful for. I am a proud graduate of Chaminade University of Honolulu, an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a graduate degree in Special Education. For me, education leveled the playing field and provided me with many opportunities. In my free time, I like to work out / lift weights, being a food/dessert connoisseur, and spending time with my daughter.

Finally, I am truly grateful and appreciative to be working for an inclusive employer like United Cerebral Palsy Hawaii and looking forward to a Wonderful Journey together.

  1. What general age range are you in?

I am in the age range of 45 – 50 years.

  1. What do you do with your time (work, pleasure, etc.)

I am currently employed as a Special Education Teacher (SPIN) at United Cerebral Palsy Hawaii.  During my free time, I like to workout and hang out with my daughter.

  1. How did you get into teaching?

I got to teaching for two reasons.  The first reasoning was my 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Tallman.  She was the most caring, understanding, and empathetic person.  She always kept her word and never made a promise that she did not keep and as child with cerebral palsy, that meant the world to me.  The second reason was I knew that to live the life I wanted to, I needed to go to college and thankfully I had the opportunity, even if I struggled.  In my eyes, I was” the worst of the worst students”, both academically and behaviorally  and if I could do it, I truly believed and still to this day that anyone can do it, if given  the right opportunity and support.

  1. What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?

I have 2.  The first is being a father.  I never thought growing up that I would be a father.  My 2nd greatest accomplishment is graduating with my master’s degree in special education.  After years of struggling in school, grit and perseverance helped me to achieve getting my graduate degree.

  1. What does “cerebral palsy” mean to you?

To me cerebral palsy means that I might think and do things differently than you and please be open minded and respect me.  Please don’t feel sorry or pity me.

  1. How does cerebral palsy affect your everyday activities?

I might take longer to do some things and maybe get frustrated; however, I have learned how to adjust and get a little less frustrated.

  1. Do you use assistive technology?

In my life, I grew up thinking that I should not use assistive technology and it was looking at you as weak and vulnerable.  In hindsight, how can we not live with technology today as it makes everyone’s life so easier.

  1. Have you noticed any difference in your body as you age? What are they?

I noticed when I do not workout for a long period (about a month), my body gets extremely smaller and weak.  I also can get more fatigue and tired throughout the day.

  1. What is your greatest frustration and/or fear?

My greatest frustration is how individuals with cerebral palsy are either not given the opportunity to provide themselves (with/without accommodations) or know about the opportunities that they may be able to qualify for to live a successful, meaningful, and productive live.  My biggest fear is how individuals with disabilities / individuals with cerebral palsy often face their greatest challenges alone (death /other medical issues / financial/personal).

  1. What is the one thing you wish people would know or understand about cerebral palsy?

I did not choose to be born with cerebral palsy and/or disabilities; however, I do have the ability to rewrite what happens in my life and how I respond to others while having cerebral palsy and other disabilities.  I will be an advocate and a voice for individuals with cerebral palsy.

Welcome Michael!