Editorial

My article on the deaf motorist killed by police resulted in one call. I didn't even answer it so I guess it was not considered a big deal. I think there is more to the story cause it is not likely that police would want shoot without just cause. However I tried looking for follow up and couldn't find anything. I guess the world is on to bigger and better things. Sad but true, I hate having to add some fluff in order to make this topic more interesting but if I don't it won't get much attention. I remember going to the Today show in hopes of getting a segment on my booklet "Tenacity of Hope" then watching the day before and seeing the attention the story got in which the man sent his mistress flowers and his wife got the bill. THAT is our life; so sad.

Vendorship

I was chosen to be a vendor at the Everyday Lives Conference in Hershey in two weeks. As a result I am encouraged to attend this $300 event for free. I will take copious notes at each of the workshops I experience and expect to meet some good people. The topics covered are important for every age group and population, not just children and parents experiencing autism. There are similar threads regardless of the disability, age, socio-economic status, race, onset of challenge, geographic location, etc. I wish people would see that and not merely look at the funding stream. I will have an open attitude and meet as many professionals as possible. . I must also make my table physically appealing pleasing or no one will stop by. The content should be the most important aspect but people will not ever notice it if it does not look appealing. I am definitely on the right track toward my goal of disability awareness. after 30 years I should be.

Deflection

The hardest part of advocacy is knowing you're right, having proven you're right, and not being believed. The lady from InvaCare assigned to my case just informed me that based on my serial number, I was given a chair that is 17 inches high, so there should be no problem. She knows I'm right so she keeps coming up with anything and everything to avoid taking responsibility. At this point I will have to come up with threats. Actually actions I can easily take and they will be damaging to InvaCare. First I know for a fact that NuMotions, a huge customer of InvaCare is considering canceling their contract. I would be happy to send their CEO the letter I sent to the FDA, CEO, Newspaper reporter, and a number of other key people. This sort of thing happened to me before with a big rehab company blaming me for bed bugs and making me pay for the spray treatment. All I did was tell them I would inform the Attorney General that their facility was not clean...I was completely exonerated. Same thing- all I have to do is send a few more letters to FDA and Nu Motion.

Determination

I'm sure I'm not alone when I think of how I managed in my adult life. I learned to look at the flip side because it exists always for absolutely everything. My view is that one must think of how much worse something can be, then realize that the way it is, is not so bad. Soon that because an automatic thought and it was always a welcome one. Everything counts, I learned from, every single one of my mistakes. Whether it was employment problems or parental problems. That's the only way I could have survived my life. I tell people that I do what they do just a different way. Sure it's the harder way but I look at it as the more interesting way. Sure I will get to see my niece but it will involve a train and a bus rather than just a vehicle or getting a ride with my parents (that one's definitely out). I am planning on doing disability programs for police departments. I was shocked when my boss wrote me that he was proud of my doing that.

Condescention

It's horrific when it's being done by one's own parents! They will never learn so I give up and ignore them. That works until they start telling you, you should not do something that you know you could. My 1st cousin was just born and there's a Jewish ceremony for him. I was asked to go and I fully expected to, then my dad gets on the line with why I should not make the long and dangerous drive. I got tired of listening to him drone on and on so I just agreed not to attend. Then in an email Mom backs him up and says you can see the baby at Thanksgiving (when it's convenient for everyone) so I just ignore her, too many good things are starting to work out for me. I missed out on 3/4 of my life because they decided I should not do something, then I lost all confidence in myself as a result. Well, you know what? I WILL see the baby and I'll see him before they will. If her brother doesn't call me to hear my plans they will be answering the phone and I will be in the yard tomorrow.

House Party

Last night I went to someone's house to show the disability awareness video. It's an interesting way to spread the word on disability. The person was so thrilled with the dvd that she showed it twice! Growing awareness is literally a step by step process. I couldn't believe it, he husband of the house made a ramp for me so I could get in the house through the garage! I'm going to buy the ramp; it will make my life a lot easier. I don't even have one to get in to my apartment. I must park horizontally over the curb that they refuse to cut for me. THAT is a potential fight but for now I am letting it be. I pick my battles carefully and that is one that is quiet for the time being. This company makes millions of dollars because they are part of a huge industry that is on the stock exchange.. They give the office staff money for renovations and tell them that if they don't use the money thy can keep it for themselves as a bonus. I'm sure they would not want that bit of information to get out.

Progress

I received a long letter from one of the people involved in Invacare's quality control issue. It was just what I sought to read. This man assessed my situation, gave me so information, and asked what I wanted done to solve the situation. He also asked me my reaction from the technicians. That will be an interesting response since the reps who I spoke to basically chastised me and asked "why would I care?" That will be something he will not expect. The man who said that will regret it. I may as well request a lowered seat, that has been the problem along along and it will continue to be for the next 5 1/2 years. I knew someone along the line had to have the magic combination of knowledge and respect.