Here We Go!
We are delighted to introduce this inaugural edition of Saguaro Spirit. Our purpose for publishing this magazine is twofold. First, we are providing a platform for talented writers to share their work. Secondly, as our masthead states, we hope to reframe the disability experience for our readers. What do we mean by that, you ask? We hope that by looking through the eyes of these talented writers and seeing how life has, and continues to be for them, you will understand more about us.
Elizabeth Drucker originally came to the Disability Resource Center with the seed of an idea for Saguaro Spirit in the spring of 2011. Sue Kroger recognized it as a great idea, and she encouraged Elizabeth to organize like-minded individuals and start the magazine, which she did. So here we are today, after many challenges, presenting to you our first edition. This magazine, we hope, will be published once each semester.
In an interview with Dr. Wells-Jensen in this issue, she says, “I think that people see inherent in the disability the sorrow. That’s not what it is…the source of sorrow is being is being set aside.” Anyone who has experienced the label of disability understands this comes when people treat you as “a little weird” or when you want to go somewhere and it is inaccessible. So our goal with Saguaro Spirit is to bridge the gap…
We want to thank all the good people who have helped make this magazine a reality. The DRC as a whole has supported us from day one, particularly Sue Kroeger, Alberto Guzman, Cecile McKee, Dawn Hunziker, and Brenda Bowen. Without their help, Saguaro Spirit would still be just a dream.
Finally, we would love to hear your feedback. Write to dianne.staley@gmail.com and let us know what you think. Your feedback is important to us, and will be included in our next edition. A new edition will be out each semester, so if you want to write anything about your own or a friends experiences with disability, please submit it to: saguarosubmissions@gmail.com
We hope you enjoy.