Wheeling with new wheels

I was in the process of helping a girl in a wheelchair get help since she was evicted and her bad landlord kept her chair (probably sold it). I was really making progress on my end, the housing director in Lancaster even requested more information. Suddenly I stopped seeing her. I guess the girl didn't expect any progress to have been made. The contact on the other end had to cancel the appointment he was going to make for her. Suddenly she showed up again and I explained all of this to her. Her new situation has become worse. I wouldn't let her leave my area until I gave her all the info and wrote the contact another time. Maybe it will work out for her someday. now it is just so sad.

Wheeling with new wheels

I am so very excited. I am involved in a group that was developed to help people with disabilities to afford vans. I joined over a year after it began and felt guilty since I did essentially done nothing. A few weeks ago I got $50 donated in grocery gift cards and a $20 gift card from Outback. I hope that Valvoline and Rita's come through. Now I am developing a manuscript to help people fundraise. Since we help people find money but they must work also. People have been calling us but we have had little to offer until now. I remember how I tried to carve a job in which I would help groups to fundraise through Chili's restaurants. The store was not willing to hire me even though I could make them extra business. Now the situation will be just the opposite, people will be seeking out my services. There's always a flip side.

Wheeling with new wheels

There is a man in the next hallway who has attendants who sleep over. I thought he was so impaired that he stays in his room because he can't function. Yesterday I went over to ask a favor from one of his attendants. I saw him playing a complex game on the computer and I said "hi." Today I'm going to give him a flyer and perhaps try a conversation. I'll bet he's smart, seeking friends, and is perfectly capable of managing (somewhat) in the real world. I hate that, the situation is all too common.

Wheeling with new wheels

"Advocacy is the best policy." I know that's not how the phrase goes but in my case I must alter it. I got an oil, lube, filter recently; I can only go where they have a long window to look up at the bottom of the vehicle cause I won't drive it on a lift. I must drive my own vehicle always since a Dodge dealer crashed it into a work bench. So after the initial service I ask for windshield wipers since mine were no good. The man took my debit card and came back with the wipers and card. He then took one look at my situation and said he couldn't install one because the arm is bent then he did the other even though that arm was bent too. I asked for my money back two times and he gave me $9.00. So essentially one wiper cost me 14.63 since he said installation makes it cost more. I called the company in Covington Kentucky in case I wanted to report him. They offered me a refund of $11.99 and said they weren't allowed to charge me an installation fee.

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!