Connecting people is valuable

"Everyone counts." Everyone knows something we don't and everyone knows someone we don't. "Helping someone else is the best way to help ourselves." With those thoughts in mind I came up with a meaningful activity that can be a win-win for everyone involved. As expected/ unfortunately the vet expo yesterday was not well attended. I spoke to almost everyone and the over whelming response, and based on what I saw, there were not many consumers interested in working. Sure I could tout my booklet "Welcoming Disabled Employees into the workplace" and I did but that wasn't enough. These employers needed to find workers first. Since recruitment, retention, return on investment is the purpose of my manuscript, I will offer to put companies in touch with employees. As a former job coach, I can troubleshoot, thus maintaining employment (job retention). Once the first two are addressed the third issue is also, an employer won't keep an employee unless there is return on investment. In particular there was a Vice President of Human Resources for a 60 year old veteran owned company For over 60 years that has a 70,000 square foot distribution center with an inventory 45,000+ products. The businesses interested in my booklet and follow-up presentations will send donations to Team River Runner.

Inspired to get hired- for employees

Stereotypes and financial incentives are only part of the reason for low employment rates among people with disabilities. There are at least two other barriers that exist; lack of motivation and lack of marketable skills. The first one is financial benefit programs that people hide behind. However, there are guidelines and incentive which encourage the person to work as well as maintain health and financial benefits. Depending on the disability the person can work outside the home. Jobs usually require transportation but adaptive cars do exist and a state agency (The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation) defrays the cost of the adaptations and driving lessons. Many people with challenges do not wish to make the extra effort to work if they do not have to. The second one the person's skills. Usually can't just work in basic jobs like fast food and grocery stores. They must enroll in secondary schools to receive college degrees. The other skills may be a lack of social experiences resulting in poor social ones. Parents do not want their child to be hurt so this results in limited friendships, inability to fit in in a work environment, or criticism. or

The desire to hire- strategies for employers

Tuesday is a veterans Expo and companies who are seeking out vets as applicants will be there. I'm going to meet each and every one show them my booklet, and ask them if they will get involved. They may not even know about the financial benefits and other information. These are the places I am seeking to help me and in turn I will certainly help them. I have an elevator speech, a power point, and background. I can also help applicants to improve their vocational skills; that can be useful also. I have decided this is where and when my consulting work begins. I will spread info on Team River Runner at the same time. I was called by a professor who wants all 25 of her students to have experiences with minority projects. We practice kayaking at the university gym- how perfect is that. I live for trying things from a different angel.

Advocate for yourself

There are a few important suggestions for a person who has a disability. One is to advocate for yourself because you know yourself best and often professionals do not have your best interests in mind. They will find the loophole as an excuse to not help you resolve the problem. Sometimes they do want to "help" you so as not to lose your business (insurance money). The professional may not be capable of resolving a problem but will insist that there is no need to look elsewhere even though there is. Here is why advocacy is important. In the first case, research and find out if what the person told you is accurate- often it isn't. In the second case, remaining with your current professional can actually exacerbate your problem- this can mean you must now go directly to a surgeon! This all sounds so negative and there are professionals and customer service representatives at heal insurance companies who are very helpful but there are many other who are not. When you find a good one let the person know and take the time to make a formal compliment. It will also make you feel good.

Point of view

One major problem with past disability presentations to professional is the focus. Disability as a topic is not a glamorous topic and can ignite fear and defensiveness in people. Since the goal is to attract employers (the decision- makers) not vocational agencies change the semantics. The entire presentation should be from a business point of view. Rather than "Welcoming Disabled Employees into the Workplace" which discusses job placement and job coaching services agencies offer, appeal to the employer using their terminology. So now we have recruitment, retention, and return on investment- their wheelhouse. Add statistics to justify the depth of the problem and the solution. Statistics and testimonials to justify hiring people with disabilities is important. Teach employers how to build natural supports in the workplace. For example, use another employee to guide the new employee. That as a normal business process anyway, it's called a mentorship. Form a work group to explain some ways to discuss concerns and integrate the person with the challenge into the work environment. It's not rocket science and it has proven effectiveness. It just needs to be a more common practice.

Joint ventures

Creating, implementing, and sustaining Infobility independently is easier when there is a partner involved. That has been tried and failed over and over again. One person only wanted a storefront so photos with legislators could be taken WHAT? Then I had someone from the next town over. I was really excited to welcome her on board until a few weeks later when she jumped ship. I was unavailable to make a meeting and figured she could take over- WRONG. After planning for months she had no idea what to say at a meeting I couldn't make and then she just disappeared. Then I thought I found a business but when I requested a meeting to discuss details the man disappeared. Back to square one. Until one day when I missed a bus. The manager of a well established restaurant drove me home and my thank you note to him was published in the local newspaper. I just spoke with him and brought him a copy. He not only read it when it a month ago, he insisted that people came to his establishment for a meal in support of his generosity to me. I then asked him if he'd like another opportunity to support a disability and in turn receive attention. We have a meeting planned to discuss details soon. His support, in name only, will be invaluable. His business contacts are numerous as are his fellow parishioners. That is an area I want to tap as well. There are successful programs that are developed through religious groups. No need for expensive entrepreneurial group meet-ups.

Think positive only

A person can not have two opposing thoughts at the same time so why not keep the positive one and build on it. Turkey Hill has a form to complete and submit regarding requests from non-profit organizations. It is straight forward but it asks where the event will be held. The retreat will be in Juniata County and there are not Turkey Hills stores there. The company is more likely to help events that are local and have their stores on their streets so it was doubtful that they would help. I read a few big fundraisers they did for veterans so I new they were receptive to the population. I figured it wouldn't hurt to call and set up a meeting explaining why a form was not submitted. The lady said they do help groups who are not local. I explained that we are but the event is not in Lancaster then I thanked her for their veteran's fundraisers. I gave her my pitch and she asked how many people will be involved and I said 100. She didn't miss a beat stating that she would donate 6 cases, which will total 144 bottles, to us and let her know which Lancaster store the order should be sent. Boy, am I glad to have pushed the negative though aside.

An easy answer

There's a piece of advise I follow practically every day of my life. It doesn't matter if I'm going to take a vacation in another state or shop at the corner story. It makes things happen more smoothly almost every time. Just two words- think ahead. I just had two projects that I needed to ensure my entrance in a building and entrance in a restroom. The first required finding the ramp to place over the step which would involve three people. Last time no one knew where it was and I was late for the meeting. The second was using a much bigger portalet or being able to use the bathroom in the building nearby. Last year it took 20 minutes with a full bladder to finally get approval. I figured it would take a few weeks and people to approve the building use. I was right but last year I was fuming because it took so long and people didn't believe I couldn't use what was available to guests. It is easy to just see the downside of things and waste time and energy with anger and ultimately get nowhere. Refusing to attend the concert would just be hurting myself. This year I will have a chance to get a ticket at the first location and know that it will be a smoother event.

Concerned Veterans 4 America

A first I was quite disappointed with the non-profit. I was asked to contact veterans and ask them to talk to legislative offices about appointing Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court. What is wrong with that? I know that my time could be spent on many bigger issues. I would just succeed in angering veterans and they were not actively involved in the vote anyway. I told the lady in charge...I'm glad I did. She is going to start some real advocacy campaigns that have nothing to do with the court appointments and everything to do with education on advocating for issues. I will have the opportunity to meet people and they will have the chance to vent. I am really looking forward to letting them feel that their voices count. All of this is because I got involved with Team River Runner.

"The Plight of the Veteran"

It's time to share the story of the challenges that veterans experience re-entering society upon their return. Among them include finding work and the beliefs some employers have when considering applicants who have been in the military. There are many good qualities veterans have like work ethic, work under pressure, and collaboration. Unfortunately PTSD is a very powerful barrier. Among the solutions include adaptive paddling and that's where Team River Runner enters the equation. This non-traditional therapy is powerful and positive ammunition to strengthen core muscles, relax the mind, and improve relationships. Society needs more awareness of the plight of the veteran and veterans need a tool that will empower them, and give them the will to live (decrease the suicide rate). Presentations will be held at chambers of commerce, libraries, and rotary clubs in Dauphin, Lancaster, and York Counties. Hopefully this effort will increase our membership but at the least it will increase awareness.