Bigger isn't always better

That is often an assumption made by the public but it can be wrong. For example- a large parking spot that is next to an island; a large bathroom stall with a very low toilet; a large roll-in shower that has a faucet that will be behind me. Often a person with a physical disability needs to really think before they choose something that is considered accessible. I turned down an option that seemed wonderful to most anyone else. It had a parking spot and curb cut in front rather than 80 feet away, like it is for me now. I was totally ready to take it that I really thought about it and asked to see it again. Upon visiting another time I noticed I couldn't get under any of the counters (bathroom or kitchen). The showerhead was either going to be behind me on next to me but too high. The washer was a top loader the dryer was impossible to open and they were both apartment size. The place I have I almost passed it up but on the second visit I realized how I could manage. I really have to have a lot of good foresight when I make a decision- only I know what works best.

Inclusive temp agencies

People with intellectual disabilities attend college so why shouldn't they be placed by temp agencies? I always wanted there to be jobs placed for people who needed job coaches and considered approaching someone about Vocational Venues. Now I am getting to know someone who is a member of Lancaster Society for Human Resources Managers. I may as well try to get this idea implemented. The key is not just being persistent it is about being creative and smart about this. If people are placed in the community for employment then it's a logical next step to be able to visit a typical unemployment agency rather than a specialized vocational agency for people who are disabled first and employees second.

Advocation against transportation

The local disabled transportation company must ne reprimanded and investigated. My issue is not the continued lateness; I realize overbooking is a necessary evil for funding purposes. However, the office staff never give the drivers any advanced notice for a pick up. 2 out of 3 times they told me they new nothing about my location and were just told to pick me up 15 minutes ago. Both times they did stupid and dangerous things as a result and both times I was extremely angry. I now the people who use them have no other option so they cannot complain but someone higher up needs to know just how BAD they are. More importantly the drivers need some recognition. I have empty award certificates that I want to use. This will happen.

Program success

My first meeting with Team River Runner seems to have been successful. Before I left I mentioned the option of having a restaurant fundraiser and asked if anyone was connected to an eatery. The person on the right mentioned that the person on the left has a dad who owns a restaurant in a nearby town. I just got an email that "dad" came through. So now I'm going to locate establishments in the area to ask if they'd put up a flyer. This one will result in over $35 (their last one) because I am starting now to identify local places that will help us bring in customers. We all have to eat, right? Time to prove my new worth in my new project. I've been saying how much I like this group because it helps veterans and much more awareness needs to be given to this population. I have my chance to show good people,who believe in me, to what I can do for them. Helping them will help me in the process.

Alone again

My best friend spent a month "taking care" of me. I wasn't sure it was going to go swimmingly as it did but he really came through and helped a lot. I'm going to miss his meals but it's time I start to fen for myself. I will quit television but will have my books and youtube on the computer. In weeks I'll have my van back but first I must familiarize myself with the other singers in the show. I found four more buffets that I must try as well as a tasty new diner and Golden Corral that's too far to walk to but a perfect distance for a drive. I am very very cautious about driving, I bought gloves so that my palms will not slip off the wheel. I can take Amtrak a lot of places and I will. I managed before alone in my place so I will do it again....only slower.

Transportation

I expected difficulty getting around till March 4th but this is pretty bad. I'm missing so much and life is just going on like it is another day. I can get bus 14 ever y half hour but to get there I must wheel down a long road with no sides. It's been 30 & 40 degrees that's just too cold for me. I did wheel three days in a row all were 50. Furthermore, there are no street lights on those roads so I must be done by 6pm- defeats the purpose. Red Rose Access is supposed to be convenient and safer. I knew the driver wouldn't be super punctual however, I didn't expect to have to flag the bus down on a road nowhere near my apartment. Coming home I didn't expect the driver to be 30 minutes late. The meetings I attend are an hour and the buildings close afterward. They can't evacuate till I'm gone. If I go somewhere else the driver of Red Rose wouldn't be able to find me. I'd be waiting outside in the cold for awhile. I just need to drive down 1 road not Bethlehem.

Weight loss

My friend is interested in losing weight so I looked into the most popular programs. One requires that people buy their food- how economical and permanent is that? The other requires that people count their calories of everything they put in their mouth- how simple and permanent is that? The lists of foods, portion size and point values is endless. A person can also purchase a computer devise that will give the information automatically. Not everyone can do that either so what do you do? I still believe that if a few friends work together they can do lose weight for free. It takes determination and time but it IS possible, the problems is it must require a level of devotion. Furthermore, people with disabilities may not have many choices in life so what they eat will be hard to limit. Regardless of the issue, the desire to succeed with anything requires unusual tenacity.