Halloween Horror

Kids rang my doorbell but I couldn't get it open. As it is people ignore me and now I don't even open my door on the biggest candy night of the year! That's a Halloween horror! So I wrote the office to ask if they'd share with others that I want to have a Halloween redo so I can make up for not participating. Finally I will meet a few people. I hope people come, I don't want to be disappointed all over again. This could be my opportunity to be friendly. Thus far I have not and I feel very isolated. I really want the chance to turn it around.

New path

I always thought that the key to Infobility being successful is being part of a bigger company and having regular planning meetings. I am going to talk with a man who runs a well established business and is very involved with community activities. I want to discuss the benefits of having a small program like mine as part of his business. He can use this news to inform his customers as well as the public as a way of generating interest for me as well as him. I want to continue to do some disability programs but also implement "Working on Wheels" on a small scale; I think it will gain momentum and prove to be a fun and educational activity. Large program attempts will be put on hold for awhile. The other idea is to have small programs at popular places in the community starting with the employers who did not show- Home Depot and Go N Banana's. I can turn this bad experience around.

Connections

That is my method of choice. I don't know a person as well as (s)he knows himself. The person has more of a stake in something if (s)he performs some of the work independently. Also their should be a certain level of motivation. On the other hand too many people say "it's not my area" and end the conversation. One may not know the solution but could do a bit of research to find the right path. When a business is just starting out, making connections is crucial. Everyone knows something another does not. Everyone knows someone different. One never knows how valuable a connection can be. I always keep this in the back of my mind and often share that simple fact with others.

Futures Planning

Disability Dialogue is spreading...even if programs don't go exactly how they are supposed to the inclusion message is being heard by more people and in more places. Next week I'll meet with a parent regarding "Futures Planning" a topic that is all about inclusion and securing a quality of life for individuals when their aging parents (the main caregivers)aren't around. This is something that has been introduced but really to get flushed out and moving. It has been discussed but presentations are no yet underway. A parent from Ephrata and I will be planning at least one group on this issue. It may have some kinks but they will get ironed out as we go forward. It fits perfectly as an Infobility program.

Employer Recognition

Today is "Making Work, Work for Everyone." I just want to honor Disability Employment Awareness Month and appreciate employers who have hired people with intellectual challenges. I do not want this to come off as some sort of exploitation of people with disabilities. After all, I belong to this population. I just want to increase inclusion in Lancaster County. I think this will eventually happen with my version of the Ice Bucket Challenge. Someone from a big company has asked to do "Working on Wheels." I am certain that once results are put on social media, others will want to participate. It's is a great way to simulate disability and thus not be fearful of it. There is a man who does facebook videos on staff so that will happen without my spending much bucks for it. It's time my unending pursuit of Infobility shows results.

Angles

There are so many service agencies created in the name of helping people. Many start off well but are over whelmed, underfunded and the staff are just burnt out. Others resort to the same old, often, unsuccessful techniques because of government constraints. Once in while there are a few that have new, innovative ideas that look at problems from different angles. When that happens from the start there are different types of solutions. Once people who are not accountable to the system view the issues new angles are developed and outcomes considered. There are existing agencies that can make change happen but it is necessary to start from an entirely different perspective.

Housing

I attended the preproposal on that topic. First of all there are two. Why separate it into a demonstration project and an advocacy project? I read most of the 19 topics and I don't understand the need for a separate grant. I think they should just award multiple projects, housing is in such dire need. Another issue is the logic to the criteria. I understand the mandate to involve consumers with intellectual disabilities in all of the processes. However, I can't imagine that a consumer is going to be actively involved with the closing of a house. Another issue I wonder about is the mandate to involve different disparate populations. Most CIL's do not work much with veterans or Hispanics unless they have disabilities. The third issue is the mandate that the awarded agencies must collaborate. Therefor, if a center from Erie gets the Housing Advocacy grant and a center from Bethlehem gets the grant for the Housing Demonstration grant on what do they have to collaborate?

Opportunities

I believe if you make your own you will get noticed. Most of the "working world" finds a company to hire them and that is the opportunity. Then there are those who march to the beat of their own drummers and make their own opportunities. There are those who fall into the category in between who are seeking company employment but until they reach that point they create something during the time in between. That project gets noticed and then in turn they do also. I attend as many meetings and programs in my field as possible with the goal of finding a company that believes in what I am doing. There are at least three benefits to taking that route. First, you will have something to show a person which may lead to a company during your downtime. Two, you will be too busy to be too depressed. Third, you show your dedication since you are doing real work while you aren't traditionally employed. They say that finding a job is a full time job, it is, but why not have the employer come to you because of what you are already doing. Make your own opportunities. I do that by conducting disability presentations, projects, and events. One never knows but it seems to be working.

Speaking

The little speech this morning for "Lighten Up Lancaster" May lead to a few more contacts I can collaborate with in the near future. It was a big deal that they even included disability in with their other programs; it's usually overlooked. People should at least hear about it and I think it would be nice to push the "Working on Wheels" program. I see it being an ongoing activity that can incorporate a lot of people from different organizations and businesses. I am determined to figure out a way to start it. It should not be too hard; if I could just find a few teens to roll through the mall it could become quite interesting. I also plan to create projects with the gran topics. That will bring Infobility in the forefront. Tomorrow I will meet a slew of other companies and hopefully one will participate in Friday's recognition program since the 2 I counted on were never asked.

Meetings

I goo to as many appropriate ones in or near Lancaster as possible. I just attended one about a new initiative to start dialogue on mental health issues. There I met an ex Col of the Air Force and I was able to interest her in a grant for veterans. It's great to be helpful and hopefully be able to connect with her on a professional level. The concept of Change direction is super easy and logical. The more people who talk openly of mental illness, the better off we'll all be. In most cases the real cure is simple- just bring it up. Both sides must not be afraid and it can save lives; suicide is a huge issue. I will alert people who I know that I'm sure will get involved. It will help me meet more good people and eventually I will spread the idea that people with physical disabilities need that kind of help.

Perspectives

"Working on Wheels" is an experiential program to understand how to manage in a wheelchair. It is about how much a person who is able to accomplish despite not using legs to get around. I have not done it in awhile, my focus is disability awareness programs. The local newspaper is interested in talking with someone who participated in the particular program. I asked a few people and reactions are interesting. I hope to dispel myths with this activity. If the event is going shopping the focus should be on having fun. It's not meant to be uncomfortable or upsetting, I want to learn how to approach it differently and ease society's minds on the topic. Perhaps if people do it together in groups of friends but that could increase stranger's curiosity and likelihood to stare. I must find a better way to do this- maybe this is the key inclusion.

Sharing funding

Today I contacted three different people who ran organizations that would fit four of the 19 grants. Each person was happy to hear from me and promised to inquire then start the application process. I am done finding funding for people. I really hope at least one of them get approved Each of them are good people and this will put me in a good light with each of them. "Veteran Supports" this man is in Altoona and is about the only living person, who my friend the Marine respects. I told him I wanted to start a Wounded Warrior but the organization didn't want that. He suggested we start something similar. Finally me friend may become motivated again. "Civic Engagement" this man is CEO of Bayada and he wants to bring the habilitation program to Lancaster. He promised to keep in touch before today; now I'm sure he will. This would be another outreach experience, I'd love it. "Meaningful Day" this man was concerned about the mandated change for the sheltered workshop to become more inclusive. I told him that I had ideas for making that happen.

Editorial

since I can't count on the newspaper I wrote this article. I actively believe in gratitude, so when someone does something in public that really helps me I often say thank you formally. In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month there will be a Lunch & Learn event for the public to recognize some of the local employers who have hired people with disabilities. I realize the law (Americans with Disabilities Act) mandates equal hiring practices but if we want more employers to go the extra distance for people who may need some extra understanding then shouldn't it be both ways? If you'd like to join this unique celebration downtown let me know.

Progress

Last night as soon as I got cleared to enter the Giant Arena in Hershey to see Carries Underwood I was asked to show my ticket so it could be scanned. The employee who did that job had an intellectual disability- wow it made me feel so good. Not only was he working in the community but 11,000+ fans saw him! That was such wonderful exposure for the disability employment movement! It was a wonderful way to start National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is all of October. The end of the month is my own program and I will do my best to reach out to the man,his job coach,the agency,and the manager of the arena; I would love for them to speak. After I learned that Erie will be location of the Pennsylvania Disability Employment Summit I said "I would love to have a mini PADES" well, things said in gest are said best. I'm going to make some calls.