Wheeling with new wheels

I met a 20 year old man with some learning challenges. He was playing the heck out of a piano everywhere he could in downtown Lancaster PA. I talked with him and he told me how much he loves playing, can't afford formal lessons, but can play by ear. I thought for a moment and gave him the name of a man I know who directs the theater program at Millersville University and is really involved with helping to get people with challenges involved in the arts. I had seen him once since I met him but not again so I was ready to touch base with him. I just found out that, due to the connection I gave him, he is now involved in a wonderful music program at Millersville. He must be thrilled. I never saw someone quite as motivated, now he may be on the right path. All it takes is motivation- that's not a lot to ask for, is it?

Wheeling with new wheels

I am slowly but surely making more and more good connections through "ADA Day." It's amazing how many opportunities I became aware of recently. I plan to get to know everyone that I involve with, and invite to, the program. I learned that if people have a role (something specific to do) they are more receptive. Whether that means speaking or making the pasta salad, it increases people's interest. I honestly need help cooking and I have all the ingredients but not the ability to cook. Now we can have something other than granola bars and raw veggies.

Wheeling with new wheels

I'm really working hard at getting attendance for this event. I volunteered at a July 4th picnic to put out some flyers. When I arrived I was instructed to put some flyers on a table under a tent. I went to the location but it was too passive for me to do it that way. I visited a few of the tents and had wonderful conversations with people in each one. I now know people from more groups and already have in mind connections I can make for others. I was never comfortable with putting something on a community bulletin board or calling the media. Now I must work on making a sheet with my various disability programs and also getting a bit of an introduction together. Otherwise people may just come in, turn around, and leave!

Wheeling with new wheels

I plan to get more involved with Lancaster County. My area was awarded $100,000 and they are seeking residents to get involved with surveying the needs in the area. I'm pretty disappointed that, so far, no other people with disabilities were interested in signing up. I must be careful not to be too interested in the program money since I do want to be seen as a team player. It is easy for me to get too wrapped up in my own ideas and not be receptive to others. In the end that will make me(possibly disabled people in general) look badly.

Wheeling with new wheels

My city, like most, have stores that a person with limited mobility can't enter. Therefore, on "First Friday's" I don't have as an enjoyable experience as others. Just seeing the steps in front of the store make me want to go inside to browse that much more. I developed a solution and sent it to the Deputy Director of Lancaster's Economic Development. It's so simple and inexpensive it's begging to be implemented, though I'm sure it will get complicated once it leaves my "hands." I call in "windows shopping" and all it requires is that someone maintain a simple website with a paragraph and the website address of each inaccessible store listed. When the customers calls they will identify their special need so the employee can help them "browse" as if they we in the store. I'm curious as to how the official reacted to the idea. I have nothing to lose by sharing it with her.

Wheeling with new wheels

The disability awareness programs I do are generally free. A few things here and there bring in some $$$. Well, SSDI wants to see tax returns. WHAT? I don't have thirty years worth to show them. It's basically a hobby, however, not to the government. Earning $10000.000 in thirty years must be clearly, thoroughly, carefully investigated or I can go to jail- they are inaccessible so I can't go there. On the flip side, I may finally get to implement "Windows Shopping" in Lancaster. Tomorrow I will write it up and send into the Deputy Director of Economic Development. I wonder what she'll say, never saw anything like it before.

Wheeling with new wheels

I am often underestimated; that upsets me the most. Recently I let a man in my apartment and then he stole my phone, my bus pass, and my keycard. I did a lot of checking on his background and discovered that he was a criminal who possibly jumped bail. I wrote down everything I learned and eventually went to the police...3 times! They were too busy to report my case so I did even more investigation. This morning I finally talked to the lady at the station but I told her it happened a few days ago. I waited cause I thought the man would return my stuff on his own. How naïve is that? Suddenly I look stupid for waiting so long and hopefully the police will not refuse to help due to inconsistencies in my story then get me in trouble. I really did not want to involve the police.