Getting therapies on board

I chose Hershey for my operation and got them interested in TRR. I chose CPRS Therapy and will be getting them interested in TRR. I already got Drayer interested and next Wednesday I will be meeting with Nova Care for TRR. That makes the big therapy companies will eventually be partners and the best way is to become a patient. I needed the surgery anyway and I needed therapy anyway so it was a logical move. If I can't get companies to be partners nor rotaries, I can work with different entities first and branch out from there. Everyone knows someone and I can create events and invite them for kayaking experiences. I have learned more about my situation from therapy in 1 visit than I did thus far from all of the professionals. The key is to star small and build.

T.R.R = Tenacity. Risk. Results

TRR is Team River Runner but now it also stands for Tenacity. Risk. Results There's a grant for "Employer Focused Employment" and I feel compelled to create a program because it's my passion, funding cuts will decrease vocational agency help, the way it is designed now is not logical, it is my passion. I am not sure TRR will be interested in it as a grant but they do a bit on the vocational end so I can sell them on this as another vocational program. A good counselor is all about facilitating natural supports in the workplace so the professional can back away. Therefore, it makes more sense for support to come from within the company and the individual is empowered to do it independently rather than have an outside rehabilitation agency come into a workplace. I always believed employers should receive two things: 1)A basic under standing of disability. 2)A basic understanding of accommodations. I have the tenacity (I don't quit), I will take the risk (by creating a website for this program), and results will happen.

Deal only in solutions

It's fine to ponder a problem but don't perseverate - move on to the solution. If it's a wheelchair related problem, rather than calling your provider, consider "outside the box" solutions. I spent over a year advocating due to a wheelchair that did not fit my needs. I analyzed it and contacted the evaluator, the provider, the manufacturer and a company reporter. What happened was)lack of responsibility, 2)defensiveness, 3)being reprimanded for my questions. I learned of the serious consequences companies hide and people endure from faulty equipment. My story was that my seat was too high for my right leg so I couldn't safely lean over to get dressed, drive, or transfer on and off public toilets. I was instructed to call my provider and called 3 different places each had the same non-reaction. I finally decided to visit my local Home Depot. In the time it took to re-explain the situation 3 times, the solution was being developed....at no cost.

(Ad)vocacy doesn't add up

Most people who care about disability either experience it themselves or someone in their family does. Our constant advocacy of sharing testimonials, educational events, facts and data proving they are counter productive do not impact decision makers enough. We are the largest minority yet the lowest on the totem pole. Here are some repercussions of the tax law signed today. 1) Medicare will be cut by $25 billion, and slashed by $400 billion+ over 10 years. 2)Vocational Rehab, State Grants, and Social Services will be cut or eliminated. 3) Tax deductions will no longer exist for people who need costly treatments. 4) Attendant care will be impossible to receive unless the people live in institutions. Tax incentives for employers to make accommodations will cease to exist. So how can "Employment First" be implemented? How can we get jobs if we can't get to the job? I long believed that we need to work together and stop fighting over the size of the pie. It sounds like pie will no longer be on the menu.

Promoting another

I attended a meeting in which an agency was scheduled to speak about their services. Instead of using their allotted time they forfeited their valuable time in lieu of a wonderful but unfamiliar veterans program. It was so impressive that this happens, most speakers want to take sole advantage of an opportunity to address an audience of 60 professionals each of whom reach hundreds of consumers and families. For that reason alone I would promote them however, they are one of the few home health care agencies that are approved by the VA to assist veterans in their homes. The program that spoke instead is VA Assist and they help with funding services for veterans. It's always said that by helping another you are in turn helping yourself. This was a shining example that I will never forget and use as inspiration.

Just one

Drayer Physical Therapy is excited to work with our program. They have branches in Dauphin County and we will be doing meets there too. They have a national initiative so we will get involved with t hat too. They consider giving charities grants so that's my ultimate goal. One step at a time. We will still try pursuing other companies, but we must make the most of this first opportunity and do a good job. It will be easier to get company two and three once the first one is successful. Testimonials will be helpful I want to make this experience a good one for everyone involved. Ultimately CPRS and Nova Care should be onboard too but they will come later. I must appreciate what we have now.

FUNdraising

I am determined to make some money for the Team River Runner. I went pretty far to try to arrange something it was considered but not a great idea. There's one more restaurant to consider and then I'll look at partnering with a group at Millersville Univ. it would be students involved with our group. At the same time outreach to physical therapy facilities and hospitals are in the works. I must find the right who can help me make the connection, I thought that was the Rotary Clubs but that was wrong. PA Cares has ongoing initiatives and funding alerts. A new TRR goal will be to find a funding stream, create a funding stream, then bring in significant funding. More people than ever before are hearing about Team River Runner so that is the first step.

Driving and wheeling

My "new" wheelchair must fit in the lockdown mechanism in my van and my old one must fit also. I always went to my mechanic for the bolt to be drilled into my chair and I was mostly fine. Now the company that did it was taken over by a company that wants is concerned by liability and making money. They are not too willing to ensure that both chairs fir in the same lock. They offered to try by securing the bolt then trying it with the van. It doesn't meet with their approval they will just remove it for $200 or refuse to make adjustments. He guy says would I rather have an accident if it's done wrong? First, I wouldn't even consider any chair that is not exactly like the one I have now, so I can drive with both. Second he should give me some credit that I am aware of this issue. He assumes that since the chairs are from different manufacturers they would be different underneath. That isn't true. The evaluator was urging me to purchase a wheelchair that was nothing like the previous one. She wouldn't even look mat my van when I asked. If I said yes and it didn't work I'd be stuck; there could be no trial period. These are the experts?

New experience

It wasn't new for me however it was for the worker. I got my hair washed and cut. First I was asked if the person I came with was going to help me. I said no I brought him and he's getting a haircut too. I didn't feel it was an appropriate question to ask. Then the girl assumed washed meant using a water bottle to wet it. She stopped at her station waiting for me as I wheeled to the sinks. I explained that it's been done before but the shape of the sink made it hard. At one point I considered getting my bangs cut. I gave her encouragement all along and eventually she was smiling. It was an education for her and she said she never before had someone who used a wheelchair. I am glad it was a good experience for him but sometimes I get tired of be a teacher and also getting odd questions.

Attend everything

Well, attend everything within reason. If It's located in the middle or western part of the state I'd think twice. However, in most cases I get something out of everything. Sometimes an event doesn't sound worthwhile but I'm usually grateful that I did. Last week I attended a panel discussion on health care and related services in Lancaster County. It was really close to my home and it was sponsored by the United Way. Months ago I spoke with the director about a disability presentation but nothing has happened; even when I tried to follow - up. anyway, I was not even in the room at I was met by the director of the United Way who apologized for the disconnect and assured me her new assistant would get back to me. Sure enough I have a meeting tomorrow regarding a presentation. I also spoke with Alice Yoder, Director of the Wellness program through Lancaster General, I heard from her assistant too. The program was largely about outreach to consumers. I had told Alice I had a number of location ideas. She was interested in my input as well as Team River Runner, I do outreach for them too.

Go with your gut

I always tell people that regardless of how many degrees people have you know you the best. I went for a wheelchair evaluation. I've always been unhappy with my wheelchairs. Providers often strongly encourage a person to purchase a wheelchair that is at their location even if it does not gel with specifications. This time the evaluator wanted me to have a chair that reclined, leg rests lifted, and raised up high. I would barely get through most doorways it would be so big. She then brought out a chair with small foot plates, a totally different structure than what I've had, a reclining option, and legs that extended. She said I needed to adapt to the recent wheelchair changes. WHAT? I've adapted to everything in life on a daily basis. My needs include getting through doorways, inside bathroom stalls, and in the e-z lock for driving. I was very uneasy and my gut told me this wasn't the right one. I went home, got on the computer, and in 2 minutes found the perfect chair. Now why didn't she tell me that I should check out others that aren't at her location? Does she get anything for selling the one she chose for me?

Finding the balance

I attended a conference presented by the Lebanon VA but located in Lititz. It was open to veterans in the community; however, none were there. It was hopeful to hear the experiences staff have going above and beyond in the areas of outreach and care. I am also aware of the constraints that exist for veterans i.e. transportation, time of day, etc. But, most likely the majority of people made aware of the event were professionals. I was happy to hear of the improvements that have been implemented to reach local veterans such as community programs offering evening hours and trips to interesting locations. Unfortunately the less than positive attitude some veterans in the community have due to their experiences with the VA System leave them angry and aggressive rather than assertive. There has to be a better way to strike a balance to ensure that the people being served are represented in addition to professionals. These events are often where changes start.