Wheeling with new wheels

Last night I met a lawyer who is running for district magistrate. He is very connected and also interested in disability issues. He would be the perfect person to help me restart Infobility. I don't need money I just need a name of someone influential so people will give this program credibility. My friend whose husband is part of an established company will also give me venue ideas. Once I do this, it's not new, I should be fine with growing it. I may even be able to get a few cleaning contracts for the man I said I'd help with his business. August 2 is my first real day. Since my parents didn't want me marketing my sister's books I'll do my own thing. It's the perfect day.

Wheeling with new wheels

I may be restarting Infobility full time. I have a friend who I work with on a fundraising committee. Our ideas keep getting rejected and it seems like we're just "spinning our wheels." The leader wants to file non-profit papers but the process is costly, involved, and it won't guarantee the program being awarded grants. I had 2 big experiences woring for a disability proogram and I know I can do just as good if not better than these leaders did. Heck, I have sppent 3 years doing the work I just didn't do anything officially. It is time to change that.

Wheeling with new wheels

I just had lunch with n old physical therapist. She says she gets mad when people in public are illogical, as in talking to her instead of the disabled individual next to her. It's interesting to hear other perspectives. Unfortunately many many people with disabilities who I went to school with still really don't ever live on their own. How can they be happy with that? Imagine what they are missing. The lady reminded me of me. I had forgotten what I was like, how did I end up like this? On my own completely - in an apartment in Lancaster city but very very socially backwards.

Wheeling with new wheels

I knew it! After the wheelchair visit, I went to my Drive for Independence group. I met someone who said she has a beautiful new wheelchair sitting at home that she can't use since it's the wrong fit. I just said that exact same thing earlier to my wheelchair provider. He was quiet and didn't seem to familiar with this problem because few consumers complain to the right people. Most just smile and then get angry; the problem is that they don't take the next step. That is the one in which they advocate to reach the solution. Well, maybe she will now that she met me.

Wheeling with new wheels

I visited my provider for the second time since I got this new wheelchair. The entire chair was too high and I was certain that this was not what was ordered. Well I wanted to compare the order form written with the order form that came with the chair from Invacare. I was shown Invacare's and noticed that the description chart was horrendous! My provider told me that the company doesn't even offer a description! The form said "low" for the height requirement WHAT? I still say Invacare sent what they had in stock that was most similar. The service man (definitely not his fault) found a way to lower the seat 1 inch and it feels fine. What a nightmare that was for four months! I thought I could just get used to it but in this case it was dangerous to do that since I kept losing my balance, dressing took twice as long and bathrooming took at least 30 minutes and I couldn't put my entire body on the bowl because then I'd never be able to transfer back.

Wheeling with new wheels

A few years ago I discovered a story about a person with a disability who endured a lot in order to be approved to drive. He then was organizing a non-profit to help others like him afford vehicles. When I discovered he was from York, the next town over, I knew I wanted to be involved. Months passed and my attempts to connect never really materialized. Then I was invited to a meeting by the group. I traveled an hour each way but I knew that this was something I would love. I moved closer within Lancaster so it's a 30 minute drive to meetings. I was still not really helping; since I was from Lancaster, I was not familiar with the people and places they discussed. Recently I found my niche and I have become "driven" to make "Drive for Independence" successful. I have gotten them a few big ticket items for their event in August; I created a manuscript for people who want help raising money themselves(consumers must have some skin in the game); I am contributing to a calendar that will be a fundraiser; and I will be creating a cookbook. I'm so happy to be part of this!

Wheeling with new wheels

I like to involve people with severe disabilities who are really overlooked. I offered to make cookies for "Upshift" bake sale (one of my disability groups). I went to a girl who really likes to cook but does not get asked since people would never expect such talent from her. She sounded really enthusiastic and I may serve as her "attendant" in the kitchen; I will certainly learrn a lot from her. I am looking forward to the experience and I know the results will be very tasty. I wonder how many other people are like her.