National Adult Literacy Database

May 15, 2000

The following stories were written by students at the Neil Squire Foundation, offering Education, Technology, and Career Development for People with Physical Disabilities.

My name is Rachel Derks and I am 26 years old. I have been involved with the Neil Squire Foundation since 1996. They have helped me upgrade my English, Math and computer skills. I didn’t enjoy reading a novel until I was 14 but trust me start now, you don’t know what you’re missing. I’ve been interested in creative writing since the age of 16. In the past, I’ve read things in public for small book fairs, nothing has hit the big time yet! It’s just something I enjoy. My other hobbies include reading, listening to music, going to movies and swimming. Now, whenever I get the chance to promote reading, I do it.

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An Audience Chair in the Theatre

by Rachel Derks

The crowds start coming into the theatre, with a lot of hustle and bustle. There’s a lot of scurrying around. Everybody finds the appropriate seat and I’m D23. This person is probably the millionth to sit on me. I’ve had things get left on me; coats mittens, hats. I’ve even cracked a few times, because of the weight! The reason I like being D23 is because it’s in the middle of an isle. I can see the performers, I have an eye on them all the time. I’m able to see everything that goes on and I don’t have to pay. I’ve seen rehearsals, I’ve seen good performances, I’ve seen bad performances. After each performance I get the care of an usher, vacuuming me and cleaning around me, so the next audience can come in.