A Support Group

Lancaster Rehabilitation is willing to accept a support group for free as long as it is not accepting funding. Therefore, Team River Runner will have a bi-monthly presence the topic will be "strategies for coping with one's new challenges." This is very broad and appropriate because most of the people there are getting medical help for sudden situations but non-medical situations have been addressed only minimally. I will supplement their care with non-medical assistance because that's what I know best. The booklet I wrote "Do it yourself Disability" is aimed at those who fall into the gap- medically stable but not yet re-integrated in the community. Areas explored will include social, psychological, physical, social, vocational, and community. The last area can include Team River Runner and other recreational outlets. everyone will receive a follow-up call if desired. This will generate interest in kayaking and finally provide me with an opportunity to empower others.

PA CARES

This is a monthly gathering of people who work for veterans in Harrisburg. The last program was Thursday and had a lively discussion. Many people shared what they do and how they help veterans. Representatives were from Red Cross, New Vitae (a drug and alcohol program), PA Food Bank, P Cares, Developmental Disability Council, The Disability Rights Program, Team River Runner and more. Concerned Veterans for America was impressive. They are in 36 states and they do advocacy and have 8 projects as of now. They have a number of legislators on board and seem to be successful in their missions to help people and families. "The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the VA MISSION Act. This is important legislation that will overhaul and expand programs that allow veterans to seek health care outside the Department of Veterans Affairs." This law approves veterans to receive care in community medical facilities rather than going to the closest veterans hospital. This cuts down on transportation and times issue among other benefits.

Combat Stress

Key symptoms include: Irritability and anger outbursts; Excessive fear and worry; Headaches and fatigue; Depression and apathy; Loss of appetite; Problems sleeping; Changes in behavior or personality. Don't blame yourself or a family member. Like an overused muscle, the brain must heal from excessive trauma. Consider if your body’s getting enough nutrients, exercise, and rest (7-9 hours sleep), your body and can protect you from too much stress. Practice relaxation techniques this includes doing things you enjoy, using humor, deep breathing (it relaxes the nervous system). Combat stress differs from PTSD because the disorder is brief and symptoms often disappear after being home for a few months, or even weeks. Post-traumatic stress disorder can often interfere with a person’s daily responsibilities and requires sessions with a mental health professional and methods to process difficult emotions. Symptoms are more specific – such as recurrent dreams or flashbacks – following a traumatic event as part of the combat experience. Call the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, and press 1.

World War 2 Weekend

There are only 7% of the population left who experienced the second world war. In order to preserve this time period we must find ways to expose future generations and one successful way is to hold the program in Reading Pennsylvania. Just some of the activities include a parade of military vehicles; reenactments of battles and skirmishes between the French Resistance, Allied and German troops around the battle-scarred French Village; over 1,700 WWII military and civilian re-enactors and dozens of combat and support units representing many nations;Pacific and European theaters offer Navy, Marine, and Army, encampments, British Commonwealth forces, German Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe camps, and more. As a guest said "This is one of the finest WW2 shows on the east coast. Plenty of re-enactors, vintage aircraft, WW2 veterans, big band music. If you close your eyes and let your imagination work, you'll be back in 1943."

Disabled Drivers

Disability advocacy can be challenging since disability issues are not often on legislators minds and the population isn't powerful. Not having other people with the same problem to give credence to the issue makes it even harder. The regulations PennDOT makes for drivers of adapted vans are meaningless. There is an approved list of places to go for state inspections. The list is filled with vendors who no nothing about adapted vans, are uncomfortable working on adapted vans, or not approved inspection sites. This is true because I have called places on the list. Even more interesting is the place we are told to go (shops where the hand controls were installed)are often not approved inspection sites. I want to know who created this list, I doubt if anyone will take responsibility. Finding people in my situation would be nice but due to HIPPA regulations there will be no help from companies who have disabled drivers.

employment for all

Working is not just 1 person working for 1 employer; there are many other ways. Hiring is not just reviewing applications and interviewing people; there are many other ways. My next project will be in two parts 1) Designing programs to help agencies get their consumers working through unique enclave ventures. 2) Helping employers learn the benefits of hiring people with challenges through educational trainings. I may travel but I will not relocate nor will I likely be working with anyone in Lancaster. This will be successful due to sheer stubbornness and re-energizing my soul. The packaging will be online and assisted by established programs. I will have the opportunity to use what I have written years ago. This can also be applied to the veteran population.

kayaking a commonality

In a conference for disability and employment in Philadelphia a speaker mentioned that she's excited to be learning how to kayak. Wow we have something interesting/unique to discuss. Of all the people who spoke to her afterwards, I'm sure that no one mentioned that topic. Her help in the area of marketing, her expertise, will do wonders for my confidence. That is a crucial component that has been severely lacking. Another area that is in need of my expertise is strategies for hiring disabled employees. For the first time I feel a realistic confidence for my topic and work. It is too bad that there is no incentive for employers to hire handicapped. I agency staff will work so hard to get people employed but the decision ultimately lies with the employers. I will come up with alternatives- enclaves.