Wheeling with new wheels

I plan to get more involved with Lancaster County. My area was awarded $100,000 and they are seeking residents to get involved with surveying the needs in the area. I'm pretty disappointed that, so far, no other people with disabilities were interested in signing up. I must be careful not to be too interested in the program money since I do want to be seen as a team player. It is easy for me to get too wrapped up in my own ideas and not be receptive to others. In the end that will make me(possibly disabled people in general) look badly.

Wheeling with new wheels

My city, like most, have stores that a person with limited mobility can't enter. Therefore, on "First Friday's" I don't have as an enjoyable experience as others. Just seeing the steps in front of the store make me want to go inside to browse that much more. I developed a solution and sent it to the Deputy Director of Lancaster's Economic Development. It's so simple and inexpensive it's begging to be implemented, though I'm sure it will get complicated once it leaves my "hands." I call in "windows shopping" and all it requires is that someone maintain a simple website with a paragraph and the website address of each inaccessible store listed. When the customers calls they will identify their special need so the employee can help them "browse" as if they we in the store. I'm curious as to how the official reacted to the idea. I have nothing to lose by sharing it with her.

Wheeling with new wheels

The disability awareness programs I do are generally free. A few things here and there bring in some $$$. Well, SSDI wants to see tax returns. WHAT? I don't have thirty years worth to show them. It's basically a hobby, however, not to the government. Earning $10000.000 in thirty years must be clearly, thoroughly, carefully investigated or I can go to jail- they are inaccessible so I can't go there. On the flip side, I may finally get to implement "Windows Shopping" in Lancaster. Tomorrow I will write it up and send into the Deputy Director of Economic Development. I wonder what she'll say, never saw anything like it before.

Wheeling with new wheels

I am often underestimated; that upsets me the most. Recently I let a man in my apartment and then he stole my phone, my bus pass, and my keycard. I did a lot of checking on his background and discovered that he was a criminal who possibly jumped bail. I wrote down everything I learned and eventually went to the police...3 times! They were too busy to report my case so I did even more investigation. This morning I finally talked to the lady at the station but I told her it happened a few days ago. I waited cause I thought the man would return my stuff on his own. How naïve is that? Suddenly I look stupid for waiting so long and hopefully the police will not refuse to help due to inconsistencies in my story then get me in trouble. I really did not want to involve the police.

Wheeling with new wheels

I feel like I shouldn't have even said anything about my SSDI. The Boy Scouts Director asked me if I wanted to work or just wanted to volunteer. How could I not want to work? I was concerned that the man would think that I'm unmotivated. Also collecting from the government sends a horrible message about me. I would l love to free myself altogether. I'd never get SSDI back if I needed it although my disability is congenital. I just got 2 packets of information I am obligated to complete about my job history-I just did that! That makes three documents they are requesting; I think they are really making it extra hard.

Wheeling with new wheels

I just got a job largely because of my disability. That is something I'd hate but in this case I'm fine with it. It's with the cub/boy scouts; they seek out diverse people because they want the kids to have diverse learning experiences. I've never worked with this type of program so I am going to be doing some diverse learning too. I used to hate answering questions based on my disability now I'm looking forward to them; bring them on! Asking questions is how one learns. "ASK" is the most valuable word in the English language.

Wheeling with new wheels

My desire to conduct disability awareness programs lead me to meeting a man who owns a cleaning company and wanted marketing help. This will lead me to doing group marketing programs to teach others and generate leads for him. Nothing done is done in vein, everything has a purpose and leads to something else bigger and better. I am going to be able to continue doing marketing groups each with different people from different venues. Life will not be boring for me in downtown Lancaster. Hopefully it will lead to a paying job.

Wheeling with new wheels

I always try to see the flip side of everything- often it stays pretty hidden. Since I'm in a wheelchair people often don't take me seriously. Since I expect that, that sounds pretty negative, I do a lot of research behind the scenes. That avoids making wasted trips or running around on a wild goose chase. A simple example is when an item is not in a store as expected. Why waste the gas and energy? A more complex example is when you try to get information on a person. In this world every place has rules of confidentiality. Regardless of how obvious "right" and "wrong" are, people will not get involved, that's just absolutely infuriating! Recently I met an unsavory character whose story sounded shady. I did some checking and by doing that, there was no need to go 11 rounds with social workers, law enforcement, or government workers. I ended up knowing more than they did anyway. I still hate being underestimated.

Wheeling with new wheels

Why should people with disabilities be hurt just cause they want to help others? When people are down on their luck they just need to come at situations from a different angle-- there's always ways to improve a little. I don't get how the answer is to take advantage of others. On the other hand, some people can really turn their lives around then once they do it's too late. Unfortunately, a life can improve but the trouble doesn't stop. I became friendly with someone who owes money and ran. Finally she turned her life around but the past found her. Why is it so hard for me to give up on people? Maybe it's because I can't give up on myself. Maybe it probably has to do with my disability

Wheeling with new wheels

The preparations for the disability program are progressing. I can tell business owners aren't quite sure what this is all about. However, they know it's a good thing for the community and for them in particular because I am sure to explain that their part their participation whether it's through donations of food, money, or time as a speaker this can generate business for them. At this time I have just enough of everything- food, donations, speakers. However, one can never have enough help so with my friend's help I am/ we are continuing the journey. I am very glad to have her help since she visits the market 3 days a week every week. She seems happy to be involved. Now for the hardest part- getting people to attend.

Wheeling with new wheels

That title is true both literally and figuratively. Literally, I have a new wheelchair and van since the last time I wrote. However, I also have a new lease on life since the last time I wrote. I am going to make yet another go at Infobility. My programs will be in Lancaster and offer fun and facts to people who reside in the community. I will present opportunities to business owners, employers, teens, as well individually empowering people with disabilities. On July 17, I am partnering with Dental Arts to offer a program that will discuss integration of all into the community. I am also learning what would be involved in establishing a wheelchair basketball team. New attitude, new Sue.