Disabled Drivers

Disability advocacy can be challenging since disability issues are not often on legislators minds and the population isn't powerful. Not having other people with the same problem to give credence to the issue makes it even harder. The regulations PennDOT makes for drivers of adapted vans are meaningless. There is an approved list of places to go for state inspections. The list is filled with vendors who no nothing about adapted vans, are uncomfortable working on adapted vans, or not approved inspection sites. This is true because I have called places on the list. Even more interesting is the place we are told to go (shops where the hand controls were installed)are often not approved inspection sites. I want to know who created this list, I doubt if anyone will take responsibility. Finding people in my situation would be nice but due to HIPPA regulations there will be no help from companies who have disabled drivers.

employment for all

Working is not just 1 person working for 1 employer; there are many other ways. Hiring is not just reviewing applications and interviewing people; there are many other ways. My next project will be in two parts 1) Designing programs to help agencies get their consumers working through unique enclave ventures. 2) Helping employers learn the benefits of hiring people with challenges through educational trainings. I may travel but I will not relocate nor will I likely be working with anyone in Lancaster. This will be successful due to sheer stubbornness and re-energizing my soul. The packaging will be online and assisted by established programs. I will have the opportunity to use what I have written years ago. This can also be applied to the veteran population.

kayaking a commonality

In a conference for disability and employment in Philadelphia a speaker mentioned that she's excited to be learning how to kayak. Wow we have something interesting/unique to discuss. Of all the people who spoke to her afterwards, I'm sure that no one mentioned that topic. Her help in the area of marketing, her expertise, will do wonders for my confidence. That is a crucial component that has been severely lacking. Another area that is in need of my expertise is strategies for hiring disabled employees. For the first time I feel a realistic confidence for my topic and work. It is too bad that there is no incentive for employers to hire handicapped. I agency staff will work so hard to get people employed but the decision ultimately lies with the employers. I will come up with alternatives- enclaves.

the right people

I attended 5 expos, 3 health fairs and 2 conferences. Everyone with whom I interacted expressed interest in Team River Runner and Infobility ideas I discussed. A few still sounded promising since they took the time to reply to my notes. In between all of these opportunities I decided lend my my time at a festival-like event for a local agency that houses people with intellectual disabilities. The people I met there are the ones who will make things happen for the veterans organization as well as my own awareness ideas. The people were 2 residential counselors who work 2 two jobs just to make ends meet. The vibe I got from speaking to them (a college student and a massage therapist) proved that "by helping another you really DO help yourself." I can't wait to start growing disability and veteran awareness the way it should be done. The education of employers will result in some good vocational opportunities that have been waiting to happen for years...for decades.

Abilities Expo

The event was Friday and this is a display of good people who want to help people with disabilities. Here are some of the highlights: A company who is going to create residential and vocational programs for people with intellectual disabilities (such as a local café); representatives from wheelchair and van companies who know what really exist and is needed by consumers; lawyers who have years of experience implementing the ADA. It is a pretty long trip to get there but nowhere could a person find this many options in one place. It is too bad that this event is not available in local towns. The cost of service and products can be very high but there is a lot for consumers, participants, and interested people to take away from the experience. It does exist throughout the United States.

Program for everyone

Tomorrow is another health and wellness fair concentrating on stroke victims. The hope is that since it will be in the hospital lobby people with other issues will check it out. My table will offer all sorts of resources including veterans, health insurance, and employment skills. The goal is find some people who are interested in the disability awareness topic regardless of whether the person has had a stroke or not. Infobility remains for everyone regardless of challenge, age, finances, residence. etc. My choice to attend as a vendor means the plan to attend a full day conference on inclusion had to be cancelled.