Wheeling with new wheels

Last night I met a lawyer who is running for district magistrate. He is very connected and also interested in disability issues. He would be the perfect person to help me restart Infobility. I don't need money I just need a name of someone influential so people will give this program credibility. My friend whose husband is part of an established company will also give me venue ideas. Once I do this, it's not new, I should be fine with growing it. I may even be able to get a few cleaning contracts for the man I said I'd help with his business. August 2 is my first real day. Since my parents didn't want me marketing my sister's books I'll do my own thing. It's the perfect day.

Wheeling with new wheels

I may be restarting Infobility full time. I have a friend who I work with on a fundraising committee. Our ideas keep getting rejected and it seems like we're just "spinning our wheels." The leader wants to file non-profit papers but the process is costly, involved, and it won't guarantee the program being awarded grants. I had 2 big experiences woring for a disability proogram and I know I can do just as good if not better than these leaders did. Heck, I have sppent 3 years doing the work I just didn't do anything officially. It is time to change that.

Wheeling with new wheels

I just had lunch with n old physical therapist. She says she gets mad when people in public are illogical, as in talking to her instead of the disabled individual next to her. It's interesting to hear other perspectives. Unfortunately many many people with disabilities who I went to school with still really don't ever live on their own. How can they be happy with that? Imagine what they are missing. The lady reminded me of me. I had forgotten what I was like, how did I end up like this? On my own completely - in an apartment in Lancaster city but very very socially backwards.

Wheeling with new wheels

I knew it! After the wheelchair visit, I went to my Drive for Independence group. I met someone who said she has a beautiful new wheelchair sitting at home that she can't use since it's the wrong fit. I just said that exact same thing earlier to my wheelchair provider. He was quiet and didn't seem to familiar with this problem because few consumers complain to the right people. Most just smile and then get angry; the problem is that they don't take the next step. That is the one in which they advocate to reach the solution. Well, maybe she will now that she met me.

Wheeling with new wheels

I visited my provider for the second time since I got this new wheelchair. The entire chair was too high and I was certain that this was not what was ordered. Well I wanted to compare the order form written with the order form that came with the chair from Invacare. I was shown Invacare's and noticed that the description chart was horrendous! My provider told me that the company doesn't even offer a description! The form said "low" for the height requirement WHAT? I still say Invacare sent what they had in stock that was most similar. The service man (definitely not his fault) found a way to lower the seat 1 inch and it feels fine. What a nightmare that was for four months! I thought I could just get used to it but in this case it was dangerous to do that since I kept losing my balance, dressing took twice as long and bathrooming took at least 30 minutes and I couldn't put my entire body on the bowl because then I'd never be able to transfer back.

Wheeling with new wheels

A few years ago I discovered a story about a person with a disability who endured a lot in order to be approved to drive. He then was organizing a non-profit to help others like him afford vehicles. When I discovered he was from York, the next town over, I knew I wanted to be involved. Months passed and my attempts to connect never really materialized. Then I was invited to a meeting by the group. I traveled an hour each way but I knew that this was something I would love. I moved closer within Lancaster so it's a 30 minute drive to meetings. I was still not really helping; since I was from Lancaster, I was not familiar with the people and places they discussed. Recently I found my niche and I have become "driven" to make "Drive for Independence" successful. I have gotten them a few big ticket items for their event in August; I created a manuscript for people who want help raising money themselves(consumers must have some skin in the game); I am contributing to a calendar that will be a fundraiser; and I will be creating a cookbook. I'm so happy to be part of this!

Wheeling with new wheels

I like to involve people with severe disabilities who are really overlooked. I offered to make cookies for "Upshift" bake sale (one of my disability groups). I went to a girl who really likes to cook but does not get asked since people would never expect such talent from her. She sounded really enthusiastic and I may serve as her "attendant" in the kitchen; I will certainly learrn a lot from her. I am looking forward to the experience and I know the results will be very tasty. I wonder how many other people are like her.

Wheeling with new wheels

The disability program at the Dental Arts Building went well. More importantly it may lead to other chances for me to "spread the word." I spoke with 2 people from a big networking group- 1 person would be happy for me to incorporate "disability" into a talk he's giving on his real estate business. Another person works with interior design and express interest in my showing her my writing on making homes & office accessible. A third person told me about a meeting the 3rd Wednesday of each month where downtown Lancaster businesses get together; I could plan to present my "Windows Shopping" project there. I finally met the right people so timing is everything.

Wheeling with new wheels

It's really time to get to the bottom of this. I'm so accustomed to learning to get used to things that I don't even voice any concerns with anything. Then when I decide enough is enough and it's time to advocate for myself- watch out. There is no way this type of wheelchair was what I was supposed to get so what really happened? I really believed all the trouble was due to Invacare not caring but, I hear nothing back from CME and I never met a provider I liked. It follows logically that they are the one's who screwed uup. I got the email adress from customer srvice in Ohio and it's time to find out what was really written on that order form and how long my warantee is.

Wheeling with new wheels

I was in the process of helping a girl in a wheelchair get help since she was evicted and her bad landlord kept her chair (probably sold it). I was really making progress on my end, the housing director in Lancaster even requested more information. Suddenly I stopped seeing her. I guess the girl didn't expect any progress to have been made. The contact on the other end had to cancel the appointment he was going to make for her. Suddenly she showed up again and I explained all of this to her. Her new situation has become worse. I wouldn't let her leave my area until I gave her all the info and wrote the contact another time. Maybe it will work out for her someday. now it is just so sad.

Wheeling with new wheels

I am so very excited. I am involved in a group that was developed to help people with disabilities to afford vans. I joined over a year after it began and felt guilty since I did essentially done nothing. A few weeks ago I got $50 donated in grocery gift cards and a $20 gift card from Outback. I hope that Valvoline and Rita's come through. Now I am developing a manuscript to help people fundraise. Since we help people find money but they must work also. People have been calling us but we have had little to offer until now. I remember how I tried to carve a job in which I would help groups to fundraise through Chili's restaurants. The store was not willing to hire me even though I could make them extra business. Now the situation will be just the opposite, people will be seeking out my services. There's always a flip side.

Wheeling with new wheels

There is a man in the next hallway who has attendants who sleep over. I thought he was so impaired that he stays in his room because he can't function. Yesterday I went over to ask a favor from one of his attendants. I saw him playing a complex game on the computer and I said "hi." Today I'm going to give him a flyer and perhaps try a conversation. I'll bet he's smart, seeking friends, and is perfectly capable of managing (somewhat) in the real world. I hate that, the situation is all too common.

Wheeling with new wheels

"Advocacy is the best policy." I know that's not how the phrase goes but in my case I must alter it. I got an oil, lube, filter recently; I can only go where they have a long window to look up at the bottom of the vehicle cause I won't drive it on a lift. I must drive my own vehicle always since a Dodge dealer crashed it into a work bench. So after the initial service I ask for windshield wipers since mine were no good. The man took my debit card and came back with the wipers and card. He then took one look at my situation and said he couldn't install one because the arm is bent then he did the other even though that arm was bent too. I asked for my money back two times and he gave me $9.00. So essentially one wiper cost me 14.63 since he said installation makes it cost more. I called the company in Covington Kentucky in case I wanted to report him. They offered me a refund of $11.99 and said they weren't allowed to charge me an installation fee.

Wheeling with new wheels

I met a 20 year old man with some learning challenges. He was playing the heck out of a piano everywhere he could in downtown Lancaster PA. I talked with him and he told me how much he loves playing, can't afford formal lessons, but can play by ear. I thought for a moment and gave him the name of a man I know who directs the theater program at Millersville University and is really involved with helping to get people with challenges involved in the arts. I had seen him once since I met him but not again so I was ready to touch base with him. I just found out that, due to the connection I gave him, he is now involved in a wonderful music program at Millersville. He must be thrilled. I never saw someone quite as motivated, now he may be on the right path. All it takes is motivation- that's not a lot to ask for, is it?

Wheeling with new wheels

I am slowly but surely making more and more good connections through "ADA Day." It's amazing how many opportunities I became aware of recently. I plan to get to know everyone that I involve with, and invite to, the program. I learned that if people have a role (something specific to do) they are more receptive. Whether that means speaking or making the pasta salad, it increases people's interest. I honestly need help cooking and I have all the ingredients but not the ability to cook. Now we can have something other than granola bars and raw veggies.

Wheeling with new wheels

I'm really working hard at getting attendance for this event. I volunteered at a July 4th picnic to put out some flyers. When I arrived I was instructed to put some flyers on a table under a tent. I went to the location but it was too passive for me to do it that way. I visited a few of the tents and had wonderful conversations with people in each one. I now know people from more groups and already have in mind connections I can make for others. I was never comfortable with putting something on a community bulletin board or calling the media. Now I must work on making a sheet with my various disability programs and also getting a bit of an introduction together. Otherwise people may just come in, turn around, and leave!