Wheels turning and turning

The experience at the Science Factory was great. I spoke to a few of the camp counselors that came inside, asking if they'd bring their group of kids over to try the chair. Once one child tried the chair others wanted to also. I had steady business and for the last hour, the wheelchair was gone the entire time, there was always a child in it doing a science activity. There was no need for with no explanation of disability and no formal conference on the importance of attitudes. It was a popular "traveling exhibit" all it took was seeing and sitting. Automatic inclusion without research studies or adult involvement- just kids being kids who have a natural curiosity. I wonder if any of the kids who tried the chair will come in contact with people with disabilities and remember this particular experience.

The science of disability

I am going to have a table on Disability Awareness at the Science Factory. For the first few weeks I will display a poster offering tips for people regarding communicating with people with challenges and information on Braille and sign language. Eventually my exhibit will expand to include other types of disabilities and an ongoing video. For now it is a good venue in which to reach more people- both adults and kids. I will also be interested in hearing the stories offered by those who pass the table. Hopefully I will interest the guests to give input and ideas on the subject. I have an old video perfect for kids but it is a VHS and there is no opportunity to show that these days. My first plan was to have a few experiential activities, sitting in a wheelchair, walking with a blindfold. etc. However, it may become too chaotic with the sheer number of kids in the room at once. I appreciate the Science Factory's willingness to stretch their usual theme to include the topic.

Reactions to budget cuts

The Senate revealed their version of the budget cuts- they were indeed horrifying. Heath care for people with disabilities and the agencies who provide services were once again on the wrong side of the tracks. Many people who live in the community who require extensive assistance to do so may have to make changes. However, my concern was with the visual reactions by the advocates with disabilities. Individuals were being physically carried out of the building while chanting and yelling about the negative impact it would have on lives. I certainly understand the reason for the distress but it leaves a very poor taste in the viewers mouths who were watching the nightly news. It also makes my population look like cranky babies. That does more harm than good because it does not look like we are an intelligent group of people worthy of respect. There are other means of advocating that offer better results. One example is testimonials- when affected people write letters to Congress explaining that they will no longer be able to work if they do not receive attendant care to help them in the mornings it makes a difference. When the job performance is explained and includes commentary from co-workers and clients who admire their work that is worthy of respect. You get more bees with honey than vinegar.

Looking ahead

It's time to prepare and implement programs; I've been over and over and over and over and overthinking this for far too long. I will now focus on what I still have and look ahead- not behind. Sure I've missed many opportunities but my pattern stops right now Here are my summer plans: 1)Create a vocational booklet for the veteran center in Lemoyne. 2) Meet with Turkey Hill regarding our paddling program and their veteran program. 3) Practice the speech for the staff at Careerlink. 4) Write to school districts about awareness programs for older and younger students, find a video to show and create a brochure. Copy the brochure for churches and companies. The busier I am the less time I'll have to remember missed opportunities and the happier I'll be cause it's my passion.

Random Q & A

In the interest of involving others with this blog I asked what would be interesting topics to cover. Here are a few: Q) How do men and women with disabilities handle day-to-day challenges differently? A) One can't make generalizations; however, as a woman I am determined and patient with myself to figure out solutions. The problems don't resolve themselves but with repetition they do get easier. Every time I relocate I must rework the shower transfer. In the beginning I always feel scared that I can fall so easily. After a few times I was always relieved to have figured out the challenge. Q) Do disabled people enjoy the company of other disabled people (in general) or are they more interested in socializing with not-disabled people? A)In general people with severe disabilities may spend more time with family and caregivers. These people are not disabled but may be there for reasons other than altruistic (job/obligation). They may be able to better identify with people with disabilities. People with disabilities who are fully integrated with jobs and relationships, are more likely to be with friends without disabilities.

Veterans in Harrisburg

I visited Dauphin County armed with brochures and biz cards. The list I was given from the Center Director was HACC and a program in Lemoyne. I called the college and I can mail one from Lancaster HACC. Then I called the other center and immediately went there to learn more. I was glad I did and wish I lived in Harrisburg again. The have a food bank (boxes of food worth $90), a clothing bank, a café, many events and plans for a vocational skills program. Immediately I offered to assist with that. They were very interested in the paddling program and planned to drum up more interest. I was very excited because I want to get some paddling in this area. They are part of the territory (Susquehanna Valley) but most of the activity was happening in Lancaster- much too far. Now the brochure will be more accurate.

Re-structuring the message

The panel never even eluded to the disability population being included in the workplace. If the introductory speaker can make an entire living on just including 1 population (African Americans)into the a worksite, I should be able to spread that message and offer solutions on people with disabilities. I have 7 strategies to explain and help with implementation in addition I have a film explaining the importance of communication. Hopefully I local employment law firm will support me on the journey. The issue is relevant, easy, and interesting (the way I do it). It is time to make this happen and people need to know regardless of how unglamorous the topic may be. I hope my 15 minutes, which were filled with real life examples and practical solutions, made at least a bit of difference, Somehow, someway it WILL happen.

Producing a video

I've wanted to produce a video on disability. Years ago I got college students in the broadcasting field to create a simple film. It was effective and an interest way to promote disability awareness. Recently I met a documentary film, producer who suggested I consider creating something more sophisticated but on disability awareness to enhance my programs. I would have a few recognizable agencies to partner with first, then start a Kickstart Campaign to really get things moving. The Ten Commandments video really needs to be updated but the concept is fine. The themes would be inclusion in the areas of employment, socialization, psychological, community, and family. I could definitely design something, perhaps I can interest a few college students to produce it, like before. Communications classes still require projects.

Assumptions

"Assumptions" are very damaging they are barriers to acceptance and awareness. Regardless if it's in the employment or adoption arena professionals decide based on biases - untrue information and this can ruin a person's life. Women are told that they can't take care of their babies and job applicant are told they can't be hired for no reason other than they do things differently. It shouldn't matter, studies have proven time and time again that these negative statements are just myths. However, it is hard to change one's mind so people continue their thought process. The question is how to open a person's mind in offer to consider the other side. It helps to have testimonials (stories) in the situation of people who succeeded once they were given the chance. Change does happen slowly but good people who don't deserve judgments from professionals suffer unnecessarily.

hotels

I'm trying to get a hotel in Denver for my trip in late August. My reasonable accommodation is for the top mattress to be removed so I can make a somewhat even transfer on to the box spring (which has the blanket and sheet on top), People try to tell me that taking off the mattress is illegal. Actually NOT taking off the top mattress and refusing a reasonable accommodation is illegal. I found a place but it's unacceptable to the people I'm visiting. Why? It's in a seedy area and too far from the person's home. We are going half way across America to the person's city, I say we're more then meeting them half way. What's interesting is how a person without a disability thinks. Wouldn't finding an acceptable bed situation trump distance? The person's home is cluttered with furniture for my wheelchair and I won't be able to go to the bathroom there. Why would location to the house be that be the criteria for my choice? Then I'm told not to worry cause we have four months yet. Spoken like a true non-disabled person; I wish this issue could just be left to me.

New blood

I met an auto mechanic who, after I showed the inside of my van, really wanted to learn how. I called a number of places including NMEDA, the certification place who had no idea. Then I called a Mobility Works service man. He explained the process and it was just as complicated as I suspected. You get a job as a technician at a dealer and then get trained in each modality separately. I asked the likelihood of getting hired to start with and it depends how far the person is willing to travel. The closest place in this area is in Harrisburg and they rarely hire. I called the individual back and he was not deterred. I don't want to sound too negative about this job because I consider these people to be surgeons. It's just that I worry the whole field will be phased out. If OVR doesn't have the money to pay for the adaptation work there won't be much business from individuals. However, perhaps these skills could be used for "the car of the future?" That may also have similar driving controls.