Fidget
Alcyan: What Second Life means to you?
Fidget Second Life is a a virtual space that allows me to be and do things I cannot necessarily achieve in the physical world.
It is a meeting and gathering place for people globally and locally. In specific it is a place where I found VAI (Virtual Ability Inc.) which gives me a sense of community, social interaction, information and growth possibilities.
That is 'what' it is to me, what it 'means' to me is: freedom, creativity, social interaction, and a way to stimulate my mirror neurons which allows me to make changes in my physical world.
Alcyan: What was the reason you originally joined Second Life and how you see Second Life today?
Fidget: Originally I joined Second Life because I was curious. And because I thought it would give me a chance to learn things.
Today, I am part of a vibrant community (VAI) among others.
I am part of a virtual world where artists explore and express. Where people with ability-differences experiment with various ways of coping and managing mental and physical states. Where it's possible for me to feel I can accomplish things, which allows me to affect my positive-state-of-mind in the physical world.
Alcyan: How important Second Life is to you?
Fidget: Second Life has become very important to me.It is at once a way I can experience learning; a way I can sooth myself; a way I can express myself; a way I can create; a way I can teach; a way I can be alone, yet still part of community.
Alcyan: What is your disability?
Fidget: I have a number of disabilities. I prefer to label myself: capability diverse.
One of the ugly issues with the connotation of the phrase "disabled" is that the human being so 'afflicted' is broken. Someone to be pitied. Someone who cannot be, think, do. or hope to accomplish things.
I have physical issues, such as cervicial radiculopathy; ulnar neuropathy & carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
I have emotional issues, such as depression, social ineptness,
I have mental issues, such as PTSD. Dissociative traits. Some cognitive learning issues.
Alcyan: Describe a normal day you spend in this virtual reality
Fidget: A normal day now is different than a normal day when I first started.