(2007-01-12) Glenda Watson Hyatt
Married couple with cerebral palsy uses the internet to generate income while stuck inside due to weather
Surrey, BC – January 12, 2007 – The fourteen storms that have battered Vancouver and clear cut world-renowned Stanley Park have been more than inconvenient for married couple Glenda Watson Hyatt and Darrell Hyatt. Both have cerebral palsy and rely on power wheelchairs for mobility. Power outages mean they cannot charge their chair batteries, further limiting their mobility. Without power, the elevators are also out of order. “Darrell was out Christmas shopping when our power went off,” recounts Glenda. “With no power, Darrell could not have come home as we live on the third floor. Thankfully the power was back by the time he was finished shopping. Otherwise he would have been stuck outside in the cold.”
Heavy snowfalls further restrict the couple’s activity outside. Their wheelchairs can handle an inch or two of snow, but more than that and they are stuck. Even though sidewalks may be shoveled by thoughtful residents and business owners, sidewalk curb cuts and ramps are frequently blocked when snowplows pass by.
Vancouver’s unusual weather has kept the couple cooped up inside. However, thanks to the internet, they have not been idle. Darrell (www.EnablingAbilities.com) is putting his Provincial Instructor’s Diploma to use by utilizing an online meeting room to teach computer skills. This technology creates an enormous opportunity for him as he can teach anyone with an internet connection anywhere in the world.
Glenda (www.BooksbyGlenda.com) recently released her autobiography I’ll Do It Myself, in which she intimately shares her life story to show others that cerebral palsy is not a death sentence, but rather a life sentence. Now she is implementing various internet strategies for book promotion. She is organizing a virtual book tour “40 Blogs in 40 (Business) Days”, which she kicks off on January 22nd in Australia! Bloggers from around the world will interview Glenda about her book without her needing to leave home. Join Glenda on her virtual book tour at her new blog www.doitmyselfblog.com.
With any luck, spring will have arrived in Vancouver by the time Glenda finishes her virtual book tour. Once she can get out of her house, Glenda says her first stop will be to the hairdresser!
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Glenda Watson Hyatt
Suite 316, 13910 - 101st Avenue
Surrey, BC V3T 1L6
Email: Glenda@BooksbyGlenda.com
Web: www.BooksbyGlenda.com
Phone: (604) 582-3428 (email preferred)