Disaboom Blogs

Disability can't keep youngster from the hunt

AdvocacyCenter — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:18:00 GMT

"For most of us, taking a hunting trip involves a little packing, depending on where you're headed, a vehicle and possibly an ATV or boat ride, and a walk or climb to the area or stand. ..."

2/1/2010, 12:01 p.m. CST
CLAUDETTE OLIVIER
The Associated Press

http://www.nola.com/sportsflash/index.ssf?/base/sports-209/126505376743510.xml&storylist=nola_sports

Team Work Does Pay Visit To UNCC

artguydk — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:31:00 GMT

Last week we had to travel in between storms for a speaking gig at UNCC. It snowed the night before we left on Wednesday, so there was no telling if we would get the early start as we wanted. Dena and I were on the road by 9 and did make any stops until NC.
About 2 hours into our trip, we saw a Volvo station wagon towing a plywood wonder breadbox. As we past him the back was full of puppets, so one could figure he was a clown. We honked our horn and gave him two thumbs up. The next thing we knew he putted on a clown nose. He could not keep up, so we went on our ways.
About 2 hours from our “hotel” we started to see signs for a big discount store and one sign is for cosmetics, so we decided to stop. I could tell Dena was disappointed with the selection, so we were back on our way. As we past one rest stop Dena sees the wonder bread wagon. To reach him we had to make a mile circle getting on and off at exits. Dena thinks what if he already got back on the road. He did not; he is a puppet master on his way to Martigra from Maine. We made his day catching him 4 hours later.

This engagement was a year in the making from the office of Student With Disability Service to their adviser committee. It sounds as is the student on the committee did most of the legwork. They did multiple fundraisers, even on the day of the presentation they were putting up signs to promote the presentation. They also set up the reception after ward and planned all of public relation before hand.
It just goes to show you what can be accomplished when people work together for a commond goal. I had one moment where one says I’m not the old, am I? The student that did the introduction said she watched King Gimp at the age of 10.
Dena and I what to stay another day to relax, but we had to race the storm him. In the pictures you can see what we had for breakfast. Ah the life of road worries.s

What's next?

Ralph Zimmerman — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:48:00 GMT

Date: Feb 8, 2010

What is next?

Current mood: happy

Well, physically I am as good as I will get for now. I am wheelchair bound at home, just because it makes sense. Yes, I could put my prosthesis on and use my walker, but that is simply not the best. It's not practical to carry things like a cup of coffee from the kitchen or my computer area. Likewise for meals. I am really precluded from doing the things advised in my final impairment rating. When I wear my prosthesis while in my wheelchair my left foot (end of prosthesis) keeps getting caught in the front left wheel of my wheelchair. The toes part of my foot can get jammed under my cabinets beneath my kitchen sink. One time the only was I could get loose was to take my prosthesis off!

I do wear my prosthesis whenever I go out and use my walker. I can get along fairly well but not for long distances. I really think the key to more mobility on the walker and a graduation perhaps to a four-point cane will come after settlement and the purchase of a car once again. The more I can get out and about, the stronger my lower limbs will get and life will return to a more meaningful and fulfilling one.

There are some of life's simple pleasures to be forgone at the moment. Like cleaning my home. Very difficult to vacuum or mop, or shovel snow. I will never get over not being able to cross my legs again! Or to stand on a chair or hassock to change a light bulb. I could go on and on. But, overall, when everything is considered, I thank God every day for the new day and whatever joy will be found in it. I am happy to be alive and thankful for all that I can do.

Legally what is next is that opposing counsel and the insurance company have until February 19th to either file a final admission of liability or to request another impairment rating Dr. to do an exam. If they challenge, or if my side challenges (only on the advise of my attorney hoping for a higher impairment rating) then things may drag out for another 2 to 3 months. But, if no one wants to gamble (because another Dr. could be lower than expected, not good for me, or higher and not good for the insurance company) then we should proceed to a settlement. My attorney has not given me a time frame but it should go smoothly.

Once again, time will tell.

Love

carrie writes — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 GMT

I feel that in order to find love with another person, you must first learn to love and respect yourself. Most importantly, you must be content with your life before sharing it with another person. The practice of yoga can help you discover your true self while becoming aware of your needs and wants. The first step is to slow down and look within yourself to find what makes you tick. Meditation and deep breathing exercises help you see how you want your life to play out live in the present. Yoga postures teach us to accept our flaws because everyone does each pose in their own way in time with no judgment. Through yoga we can learn to remove negative emotions by focusing on the positives in life. The practice in many ways can open our hearts to love and happiness by teaching us to show gratitude and express ourselves to those around us. The yoga belief system teaches us to practice non-violence, honesty and selflessly helping others. Whenever I meet someone, I always look for the good in them and focus on the positives and see what I am able to learn from them. I find it is important to be a friend at first before getting into a serious relationship. The growing friendship is what evolves into a strong, loving relationship, if it is meant to be, or stay with a strong friendship. It takes time to develop any relationship because there are many layers to understand and get to know.

I want to punch someone!!!

Sara[BadRomance] — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:16:00 GMT

Do you know why I feel this way?? Because heart-brake sucks =[

Nothing Much Happening Here the Last Couple Days...

tommy_w8576 — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Saturday, February 6, 2010 - 11:10 -

Had to go out in my truck over to the Post Office to purchase stamps & to "mail bills" for Dad & Nate. I then went to the Shaw's Supermarket here in town, & to the Dunkin Doughnuts Shop on Lowell Road (NH Route 38) here in town for Nate's usual large cup of their Coffee. I already made myself Lunch. Later on, I have to go out over to my Meeting House for a Congregational Supper.

Nothing on television, as far as "decent" cartoons & kid-vid, that I liked to watch decades ago. Therefore, I have been watching another episode of the original "Batman & Robin" from 1943.

11:33 -

The low-end Intel "Atom" MPU "locked up" again, & I pulled the battery on my mini laptop computer & "rebooted" the system. Anyway, I swapped in another DVD into my portable DVD player/viewer, & I am watching another episode of "Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars".

"Ming the Merciless" of course, will never win against "Flash Gordon", & his plant to conquer & destroy the Planet Earth "will fail"...

11:45 -

Washing another load of dirty laundry for Dad.

I guess I should take some time to read my e-mail.

Sunday, February 7, 2010 - 18:06 -

Not even interested in watching the "Super Bowl" Football Game. As usual, after having a very long naptime this afternoon, I had to go out for Cheeseburgers for Supper. The Burger King Fast Food Joint on NH Route 28, just north of the Salem, NH Animal Hospital, "ran out of cheese" for Cheeseburgers. L

Anyway, I came downstairs to watch cartoons for the rest of the evening. Watching an episode of "G.I. Joe" on my portable DVD player/viewer. Lots of "shooting" & "stuff blowing up", but "nobody getting killed", per the "television code", requiring no "lethal violence" on kiddie shows.

Of course, "Cobra Command" gets "defeated", & the "Good Guys" win.

18:35 -

An interesting "observation". By "today's" standards, one could not get a kiddie "Spy Spoof" Saturday morning TV show such as "Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp", "on the air", because the organization, "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals", & their "terrorist" arm, the "Earth Liberation Front", would be "protesting", & committing "violent terrorist sabotage acts", against the television production company, & would be "firebombing" the homes of the producers, & those of the "animal handlers/trainers".

Anyway, I do have this old kiddie show from Saturday mornings on DVD.

Well, I do know, that my cousins, Forrest, Lorne, & John Wood up on Prince Edward Island would probably "blow the heads off with shotguns" of any "Earth Liberation Front" "terrorists", if they "threaten their livelyhood" as "Axe Men", if any of the trees on their family "Tree Farm" got "spiked" to "try & destroy their chain saws", & injure & attempt to kill them in the process, while working "their land".

Hmm? I guess I should take some time to read news stories online for information.

Disabled teen's dad wins fight over diaper costs

AdvocacyCenter — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:41:00 GMT

Sick and disabled Florida children who cannot afford medical care will now get help paying for a small item with a large price tag: diapers.

"Severely disabled, Sharett Smith, 17, needed one thing in order to leave behind her green-and-white plush doggie and her brown teddy bear and go out with her family to church or the park: diapers. ..."

BY CAROL MARBIN MILLER
Miami Herald
1/30/10

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/story/1454182.html

What a difference 48 hours makes.

artguydk — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:47:00 GMT

Dena and I reached MD just as the snow started come down. We went to the market to get some food for the next few days. As we were checking out in was in front of Dena holding onto the cart with the food already bagged. Dena was busy paying and did notice.

The security guard at the market made the gesture to offer me help getting out side. I shook my head to say no, they turned my head to point to Dena. Without saying one word the guard knew whom I was with and that I was ok.

This happened 48 hours after the hotel, now who looks like the idiots?

Man Denied Hotel Room For Bringing Guide Dog

AdvocacyCenter — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:39:00 GMT

"A blind man claims he was denied a room at the Clarksville Microtel Inn and Suites for trying to bring his guide dog in, too. It appears to be a violation of the federal Americans With Disabilities Act, passed in 1990. ..."

By Brent Frazier
Clarksville TN News Channel 5
February 5, 2010

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=11942785

Kissability: Update for Winter 2010

KatDucDuk — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:27:00 GMT

The following is the update I sent out to the Kissability mailing list on February 6, 2010. (Yes! There's an official mailing list! Contact me if you'd like to be on it; I'll also continue posting the mailings here.)

I hope 2010 is off to a good start for you all.

The first phase of the Kissability project lasted a very long time: it took me nearly two years to gather and read through all the responses to the questionnaire. By contrast, I've been surprised and pleased at how quickly this second phase-- the assembly of the book --has been moving along. In the past three months, working only on weekends, I've drafted six more chapters, for a total of seven. I'm also relieved at how easy it's been to include input-- at least one line or idea --from nearly everyone who responded; I'll make sure to include the other few respondents in the remaining chapters.

My goal for this spring is to draft the rest of the chapters (at least three more), as well as an introduction and a "who's-who" section telling a little bit about each participant (without comprising your anonymity, of course). By the summer, I would like to have a fairly complete version of the book to start showing to editors and publishers.

Best wishes,

Katherine Duke
Project Creator
katherinedukewriting@gmail.com

An Open Letter to the Arthritis Foundation

Tiffany Huggard-Lee — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:48:00 GMT

**Cross-Posted from my blog**

Dear Arthritis Foundation,

A number of years ago I ran a Jingle Bell 5K run that benefited your organization. Since that time, I’ve been on your email list. In November, I received another email from your organization. The subject was “Tiffany, Your independence is at stake.” Intrigued, I opened the email to find this question, “Tiffany, Are you scared of arthritis?” I answered “no” in my head and scrolled down to find the answer, in bold type, all caps was “YOU SHOULD BE.” The email goes on to explain that with arthritis, my every movement would be “shattered by pain” and that having arthritis would affect my independence, my mobility, and my quality of life. The email then asks me to donate to help in the battle against this “dreadful disease.”

Let me explain why I’m not scared of arthritis. I’m not scared of arthritis because I’ve had arthritis for years. Arthritis is not a walk in the park, but it’s not the end of the world either. I still have my independence, I still have my mobility, and I still have an outstanding quality of life. How could this be with such a “dreadful disease?” It’s simple. I adapted. I learned to manage my chronic pain with medication, chiropractic treatments, and massage. I learned to increase my mobility with a service dog and crutches. I learned to organize things in my house so I could do as many things as possible without assistance. I’ve made a few modifications at school and in my job to ensure I can be just as productive as everyone else. In short, my life is very average. I go to graduate school, I work as a teaching assistant and a dog trainer, and I go grocery shopping and do my laundry.

I refuse to be scared of arthritis, and I wouldn’t recommend anyone else be scared of it either. Sometimes arthritis can be prevented, and for those people, that’s wonderful. Mine could not be prevented, and that is true for many others as well. For those of us that cannot prevent arthritis, and even those who can but choose not to, it is counterproductive to have an organization that purports to assist us insist that we need to live in a constant state of fear that we might one day lose our independence, mobility and quality of life, especially since this is not true. This email is, quite simply, a fear tactic aimed at convincing those who do not yet have arthritis that if they do not give money right now, they may one day have horrible things happen to them.

In addition to the deplorable use of fear tactics to attract donations, this campaign presents a skewed view of people with disabilities like arthritis. People with disabilities have enough trouble with social acceptance already without having an organization like yours perpetuate negative stereotypes about the independence and quality of life of people with disabilities. People with disabilities are unemployed and underemployed at a much higher rate than people without disabilities. Much of this is due to negative stereotypes of people with disabilities. What could prompt an organization like yours, designed to help people with one of the more common causes of disability, act in a way that directly undermines the social acceptance the disability community has worked so hard to obtain? From the looks of this email, the answer is simple. Money. If it gets donations, you’ll say it, with no concern or consideration for how many people it may hurt along the way. In the long run, organizations like yours that stoop to such level end up hurting the disability community more than they help.

is this really 2010

artguydk — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:42:00 GMT

I am going to share this story to express my frustration and use this as a learning experience. Trust me, I will see this through the King Gimp way!

I went to University of North Carolina-Charlotte for a keynote speaking engagement. We left early and arrived about 8 hours later. I have not been to the bathroom since we left. Dena dropped me off at the lobby and asked the door man where was the restroom was located. I went into the hotel independently and managed everything on my own. Dena then went to get dinner in the community. I sat in the lobby for few minutes to get my bearings. I moved twice to get out of the way because the lobby was crowded.

The doorman did ask me if he could show me to the bathroom?

I said no.

So I went to the bathroom, when I left the mens room the doorman past me and said, “there you are”!

I replied, “yeah”. This correspondence shows that communication was not a barrier between customer and the Bellman, how is it that this couldn’t be an example to ALL the staff.

An hour later Dena returns and doesn’t look happy.
This is the conversation that took place the moment she drove up to the hotel property.

Security-Are you with the man in the wheelchair?
Dena-you mean Danny? It is strange that you ask me in that term, is everything all right?

Security-What is his story?
Dena-His story…what do you mean?

Security-I mean, what is his disability?
Dena-Danny has Cerebral Palsy-why are you asking me this?

Security-Why doesn’t he have a caretaker with him?
Dena-Do you have a caretaker?

Security-No, but we are not talking about me.
Dena-Why do you think that Danny needs a caretaker? He is fiercely independent and the idea that you feel he needs one is passing judgment. Let me tell you something, Danny is probably more intelligent that you and I put together.

Security-Do you see where we are coming from here?
Dena-No!

Security-It looks as if someone just dropped him off and left him, we didn’t know if anyone was coming back and it looked like one of those circumstances that we didn’t know what to do with him.
Dena-I have been gone an hour to get dinner for us how are you to turn this around, you are OFFENDING me, I mean us. I need to speak to your Manager.

Security-It is my job to protect and see things through. We TRIED to communicate. We asked him if he was here with anyone, will anyone be back for him and if he had a care provider and he couldn’t answer to anything.

Security-You are lucky, we were minutes from having him “taken away”.
Dena-Stop speaking with me immediately I am deeply offended and will not speak with you at all.

We entered the lobby and had finished this conversation front and center. The lead Manager in charge, the Security Guard, Dena and I along with 60 + guests that were observing this dual.

They (Manager and Security Guard) said they were concerned. Dena asked were you so concerned that asked Danny if he were o.k. or if he needed anything or needed to call 911. This is what concerned people do, inquire the problem. Dena then asked me, “did anyone approach you to ask you any of these questions?” I said, “NO”! The whole hour no one spoke to me. We challenged their timeline and caught them in a lie. The Security Guard had told Dena I was incapable of corresponding to the questions that they had asked.

I made the statement I am here because the University invited me to be their Keynote Speaker, this event inspires others how to break these typical stereotypes. This can go away if you both come and participate. They both laughed it off.

They called the police; Dena and I were making our way out. The security was pushing people out of my way, as if I would run them over. I kept yelling I could do it myself, by this time I just wanted to explode. But it would just play into their hands. Dena and I are now out side, standing. Four police cars arrive all having attitudes because they felt it really wasn’t a “real problem”. One Officer said, “that you have no legal rights and it’s only a civil matter”. The Manager spoke up and said, “if the events got louder then we can press charges” the Police Officer agreed. Clearly, we couldn’t understand how a hotel had more legal backing over abrupt conversation and would have more protection then discrimination with the disabled. We were told to leave because you are still on ‘hotel property’. When we drove off they remained laughing, as if we were jokes. Let’s see if they are laughing in court.

I do not blame UNCC for any of this, in fact they already pulled out all of the college accounts with this hotel. They also offered to set me up with a local legal advocate, which I am doing. In addition, I will be working with my network of advocates and am weighing out all my options. I want freedom of speech and awareness to bring everyone in the mind set of 2010.

Usual Chores, Being with other Aspies, "inner thoughts", & still walking around for exercise...

tommy_w8576 — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:44:00 GMT

Friday, February 5, 2010 - 9:17 -

Arrived home late yesterday evening. I was over in Hudson, NH, meeting with a bunch of other Asperger's/Autism Adults for a Bible Study, looking @ 1^st, @ the beginning of the Book of Exodus, from an "autistic" point of view.

Yesterday, I did spend time walking around the Pheasant Lane Shopping Mall for exercise, beforehand. My lower legs were like "Jell-O", but I did it anyway just to "be on my feet". I did also have my 6^th of 12 Physical Therapy appointments in Derry.

I did do some exercises in bed before getting up in my usual way of "rolling onto the floor on my knees".

This morning already, I have brought downstairs the dirty diapers out of my diaper pail. I guess I will turn on my old Panasonic Boom Box, & listen to WBUR-FM, Boston University Radio (NPR) for a while to listen to news stories. From 9:00 - 10:00 they relay the BBC News via Satelite from London, UK. Compared to the BBC, FOX News here in America, is just "Hearsay, Innuendo, & Shrill Right-Wing Bombast".

I would rather listen to the BBC for International News. The CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) is also good to access for International News.

10:18 -

Just got cleaned up & changed my diaper after having an uncontrollable pooping accident. Darn! Nate is a darn "snail", when it come to "getting cleaned up", using the bathroom. I had to wait 15+ minutes, standing in my bedroom in my "poopy" diaper, before he finally got out of the bathroom. I had "cleaned up", diapered & dressed myself earlier.

Is he going to go out on errands? From my point of view, he seem to not "have his act together", which internally angers me.

12:40 -

Had cleaned up the mess in the kitchen sink for my Dad, & I am running the dishwasher too. I also with difficulty, hauled upstairs a basket of clean laundry, & I brought the basket back downstairs, & I am washing a load of dirty laundry for Dad. I also hauled the trash & recyclables downstairs for my Dad. There are no more kitchen basket sized trash bags. Therefore, I have to go out, perhaps after Supper to the Shaw's Supermarket across town to purchase another box of them for Dad.

My "disability retirement", is "duties & obligations", not "fun & games".

I did read news stories earlier, & I guess the 1^st Speaker @ that "$500.00/plate Tea Party Convention", wants "Literacy & Citizenship Tests" to "screen out" "undesireable" people from voting.

I believe that was one of the "nasty" "Jim Crow Laws" throughout America, to keep "Non-Whites" from "being able to vote" decades ago.

Anyway, if that is what that former Republican Party Senator wants, he might as well put a "BLEEP!!!!! - ing" "bed sheet" over himself, & go around & commit cross-burnings, shootings, beatings, ect. He is a Klu Klux Klansman @ heart.

People should "wake up", to the fact, that America is a multiracial & multicultural nation state, not some "White Bread" national "fantasy".

I may "get Hell" for what I think, but it is the "truth". I have as Asperger's/Autism contacts/friends a few non-whites, & others who are LGBT. In my own very large extended family clan on my Dad's side of the family, in one branch, one of my Great-Grandpa Thomas Wood's brothers was married to a Canadian Aboriginal/First Nation's woman, someone of "another race" up there on Prince Edward Island more than a century ago. Nothing wrong with that in my eyes.

"Former Senator Peanut Brain" who made that speech yesterday @ the "For-Profit" Tea Party Convention, needs to "shut up", open his eyes, & "act like a real Follower of Jesus".

20:12 -

Had a long naptime, that was needed for some autistic sensory "down time", & to "relax" my spastic legs. After my nap, I had Supper with Dad & Nate. Nate cooked Pork Chops, Boiled Potatoes, & Carrots. I then went out in my truck, 1^st over to the Mall @ Rockingham Park & I walked around on my uncontrollably toeing-in/toe-walking spastic legs. My legs feel like Jell-O. I then drove over to the Newbury Comics Discount CD/DVD Store on NH Route 28 here in town. On my way there, I passed that "MIdnight Reader" evil bad DVD & Picture Magazine & Filty Toys store. As I passed it, I yelled, "SICK!!!!! BAD!!!!! YUCKY!!!!! POOPY!!!!! DIRTY!!!!!"

While @ Newbury Comics, I only purchased "cheap", Season #2 of the old "Western", "Wanted: Dead or Alive", starring actor, "Steve McQueen", & the old Hannah-Barbera cartoon, "Magilla Gorilla".

The last place I went, was to the grocery store to purchase kitchen trash bags for Nate & Dad.

Well, I should go read my e-mail & look @ news stories, & look @ Astronomy related information on the www.jpl.nasa.gov website.

AC Alert: Call AC's Voting Hotline for Assistance on Saturday, February 6th

AdvocacyCenter — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:25:00 GMT

Tomorrow, February 6th, the Advocacy Center will be staffing a voting hotline to answer disability-related voting questions. If you or any of your friends, family or colleagues encounter voting problems, please give us a call at 1-800-960-7705.

We have been working very hard to make sure that accessibility issues are corrected on Election Day and will be sending several staff to survey polling places early tomorrow morning. If you encounter accessibility issues at your polling place, please let us know.

Each polling place should have the following:

At least one designated accessible parking space in a lot or on the street;

An accessible path of travel from the parking area and nearest bus stop to the voting entrance;

An accessible entrance with a ramp if necessary. If the accessible entrance is not the same entrance as used by all voters, there should be signs to it from the main entrance; and

An accessible path of travel inside the voting area (at least 32 inches wide access aisles).*

*This list provides an overview of the most likely problem areas at polling places. There are many other factors to be considered to determine full accessibility.

All voters with disabilities should be able to access their polling places and vote as privately and independently as possible. This is not only right; it is the law.

Please help us to spread the word.
__________________________

________
To sign up for AC Email Alerts, visit http://www.advocacyla.org/alert.php.

That is all. (period)

BeautifulDisaster — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:17:00 GMT

Yesterday on my bus ride home I checked my email. There it was his name in my inbox. Everything begain to spin & my heart to race in a split sec. I shut my phone of and closed my eyes to hold back the tears that immediatly threatened to spill over their rims. I felt sick and dizzy. I knew I wouldn't make it through the bus ride in that condition so goliath turned and faced the giant. How is it he had ran from my words for a year and a few seconds after seeing his name parked in my inbox lil girl was bracing herself to face his? I was wondering if it was stupidity that caused me to stand toe to toe with my fears when the email opened. The words were agonizingly slow to process with certain words causing my stomach to lurch forward in fear. "blew up" "ignored" "ran out of things to say" "i'm sorry" "you'll pick yourself up" "Adam" ... his name plan and impersonal on the page.. I stared at his name for awhile, the stark sharp edges of it once caused me such comfort, pleasure and joy. How strange it seemed now. I noticed my hands trembling violently so I put away the email. I stared at the grey winter sky blurred with tears. A door closed inside myself. No more open ended silence, no door frame in my heart aching and empty and waiting for his silouette to reappear. A door shut with him somewhere on one side and I on the other. He knows everything, I've said everything and the door is shut. The damn door is shut and the finality of his words says he'll never knock. The past is dead and his name will not be written in any role of my future. The door shut.. gone. Gone. No questions left unanswered... no silences to try and interpret.. gone. Gone. That is all. (period)

Nothing to do now but breath. Just keep breathing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fORAPkfVV_A

Health Care Sanity May be In Sight by Mark Schmitt on February 4, 2010

Jackiek — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:44:00 GMT

It is amazing that the election of one person can change the direction of the health care reform. I believe that everybody wants health care to change for the better. The issue is, do you go down the road of more government control or changing the structure of health care for the better?

Maybe with the election of Senator elect Brown, the Congress will explore the following options a bit more:

Break up the monopolies and allow all insurance companies to sell across state lines.
Go after non-profit hospitals that are not providing free or discounted health care to the needy as they are required to do under law (No new laws, just enforce the ones we have and close the loopholes if needed).
Take away the anti-trust laws protecting insurance companies.
Use anti-trust laws against health care corporations that dominate a region and do not bargain fairly with insurance companies. Break them up if necessary.
Allow the creation of health care cooperatives that will bring like minded, similar businesses and organizations together to bargain for cheaper health care.
Tie the drug prices to what the Veteran’s Administration currently pays for them (at the best market price available).
Expand the health savings accounts to put our health into our own hands so we can build them for our future.
Give the self-employed the same tax breaks that we get from our employer sponsored plans.
Reward the states with lower health care costs and punish the states with higher costs (not the other way around).
Use the existing laws to go after the providers that are robbing Medicare (they are strict enough).
Eliminate Cadillac taxes, equipments taxes, special status for unions and government workers, corn husker exemptions, mandatory health care and Louisiana purchases. They just pit one group against another.

The current health care bills have a lot of good and needed reforms that most of us can agree with and support. The bad of it is when you start to erode the benefits of the have’s to pay for the benefits of the have not’s.

We need to start over and listen to both sides of the aisle.

What would you like to see in the health care bill? What do you think is working now? What is not working?

Outrageous Comments about People with Disabilities by Local New Orleans Radio Host

AdvocacyCenter — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:14:00 GMT

Local New Orleans radio host John Osterlind (Rush Radio WRNO) discussed the recent protests regarding New Orleans streetcar accessibility on his show yesterday.

His comments about people with disabilities were outrageous. For example, during his rant, he said, “I have an idea to make the people in wheelchairs happy. Just give them like a chain or a rope and they can tie it to the back bumper.”

Listen to it and see pictures of the protest here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv5NGT3BzfQ.

We are urging people with disabilities to contact John Osterlind and WRNO and let them know how disrespectful his comments were.

Contact John Osterlind: john@wrno.com
Contact the Programming Director: programming@wrno.com

His show airs from 5 pm – 8 pm Central Time. Call in: (877) 585-0995 or (504) 260-0995.

Help us to spread the word!

Standing to Help Contracture Management for Kids with CP by Andy Hicks, ATP on February 2, 2010

Jackiek — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:32:00 GMT

by Andy Hicks, ATP on February 2, 2010

The hamstring muscles are very important muscles for running and walking because they pull our legs back in flexion. The hamstrings (posterior thigh muscles) are made up of three long muscles that start at the bottom of your pelvis extending down the back of your thigh and along either side of your knee, to your shin bones.

If a person is confined to a wheelchair and the muscles are shortened, they pull the lower leg back under the pelvic, and will pull the upper body back. So a person will have more problems straightening out their legs and will have problems leaning forward to bend their hips. This becomes a great problem with wheelchair seating and positioning, because the knees and hips will lose range of motion and the person will sit poorly, increasing the risk for pressure sores and skeletal deformities, creating pain and diminishing the quality of life.

A very encouraging article was publish recently in the International Journal of Rehabilitation, December 2009 where five non-ambulatory children with Cerebral Palsy were put in standing frames for one hour, five days a week, showing significantly lengthened hamstrings over the six week period. They also concluded that they expected to see greater lengthening of the hamstrings or straightening of the legs and better hip ROM, if the children stood for longer times and had consistent standing programs into the future.

Find abstracts for this article “The use of standing frames for contracture management for nonmobile children with cerebral palsy” and other related research studies.

Has standing helped reduces contractures in your child with Cerebral Palsy? Are you a therapist that found this research study helpful?

Rush Limbaugh Endorses the R-Word

Day In Washington — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:39:00 GMT

***Taken from www.DayinWashington.com***

For people with disabilities, for anyone – how we talk to each other and how we treat each other not only reflects our society and culture, but can also shape it. The recent news coverage regarding Rahm Emanuel’s use of the R-word has brought some desperately needed attention to the issue. It would seem though that the core issue of why people with disabilities were so incensed has missed some individuals. Radio personality Rush Limbaugh goes beyond that to almost endorsing use of the R-word. His comments only serve to highlight the inappropriate societal perspective that it is “okay” to belittle and denigrate people with intellectual disabilities.

Read the article at: http://dayinwashington.com/?p=493

***For more information please see: www.DayinWashington.com ***

an introductory rant

Moon — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:14:00 GMT

So it's my first blog ever and I figure I'll start with a little rant. I'm a very independent person. I have a number of disabilities but thankfully am able to live a full and happy life. I have my little pity parties, we all do...and I slip from what I know I need to be doing to keep my body at it's optimum. In general though, I know that when I eat right, get enough sleep, get regular adjustments and massages and exercise a little, I feel better. As a chiropractor, I understand why all of these things are important to my well being. I've had the FMS for 11 years now. We're old friends. I understand what I have to do to keep it happy.

As a doctor, I give my patients advice on their lifestyles and how things can affect their health. I've got a few patients and friends who were making me pull my hair out recently. They're just being martyrs, throwing a never ending pity party and inviting anyone who will come. I listen. I give advice. I research. I offer my services and knowledge. They repeat the same things like a broken record but make no changes. They completely ignore my advice. They delete the emails with the hours of research I've done because they asked me to do it. They don't show up for appointments then call weeks later in an "emergency" and needing care immediately then get mad when they're told I'm booked solid. They forget I'm sick too and have set hours for a reason. I don't need to end up in the ER.

I've heard the same things over and over and over. How much they hurt, they're always tired, nobody will want them cause they're disabled. I understand. Trust me, as a doctor and as a patient - I GET what you're telling me. I hurt too, every day. I worry that I won't be loved because I'm "broken." However, I understand that if I stop eating junk food every day I'll feel better and that I won't ever know if someone can love me unless I take a chance. I know what I have to do, so I did it and things are great. My pain is under control and I've got a great guy who loves me completely. However, it's not taking the easy way in life. I have to work at things daily. I actively choose to have the strawberries instead of the cake and to walk on my break rather than nap. Too many people want the magic elixir or feel the need to be worse than the next person. I don't get that mentality. If you don't like the way something's going then CHANGE IT! Don't complain to me that something's not going your way then do nothing about it for 3 years. Don't come to me telling me how much pain you're in then get mad when I mention that you're eating a diet of junk foods full of inflammatory compounds and toxic ingredients. One thing they drilled into us in Chiropractic school was the definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. You get out of life what you put into it. Garbage in garbage out. Do what you want, it's your body...just don't come to me for advice, not take it then continue to complain that nothing's changed when YOU have done NOTHING to change it!

If you really want help, I"m more than happy to offer as much as possible. But if you're seeking multiple medications and attention, please go elsewhere. I have enough to stress about in my life and plenty of old records that skip and repeat in a box in my basement...I don't need your cycles of insanity and self created stress.

Could hardly walk @ all late yesterday evening...

tommy_w8576 — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:55:00 GMT

I appologize for not writing the last couple of days. Yesterday, I babysat Dad, just being around upstairs in the main part of our 3-bedroom ranch style family home, to be around if Dad needed me, while Nate went out on errands, & went tto the Workout Gym for exercise. I did go out yesterday afternoon into the evening, 1st to mail off "bills" that Nate & I paid. I paid the Star Trek Communicator "bill" for the 2 of us, while Nate paid the Wireless Internet "bill". That is the "agreement" we have as brothers. I then drove over to the Mall @ Rockingham Park to walk around for exercise. Yesterday walking was more difficult than usual. Even though I was "stoic" as usual as an Asperger's/Autism adult, my legs underneath me "went to Jell-O", & if I did not have/used my Loftstrand Crutches, I would not have "made it" back to my truck. My right leg "control" was still "ok" for working the stop & go pedals, but my lower legs "hurt real bad". I am able to "waddle" plantigrade, "pronating severely", but my trunk & upper body/head "sway" from side-to-side, & without my loftstrand crutches, "I look drunk or high on something".

This morning I called "Dusta", another Aspie who lives in Roxbury, MA, but only got her "voice mail". She asked me, if I was available to "pick her up" @ the Lowell, MA Commuter Rail Station to go to "Claudia's" little group, to look @ the characters in the Holy Bible, from an "Asperger's Syndrome/Autism "point of view" @ her church in Hudson, NH.

Well, right now, Nate went out to run errands & will be back later. I myself have to go out to my #6 of 12 Physical Therapy Appointments up in Derry, which will be @ 12:45.

Earlier this morning, it was "Grand Central Station" in the bathroom. I uncontrollably had pooped my diaper sitting here in the Den, & had waddled upstairs to change myself, but I had to wait, while Nate assisted Dad in toileting (poop), & helping him "wipe". I may have my own walking gait problems, but Dad can hardly walk @ all.

Anyway, just trying to relax, "planted" here in Nate's swivel office chair here in the Den. When sitting down in it or getting out of it, I have to be careful, not to have the darn thing "slide out from under me", because, I have sometimes "ended up on the floor" here in the Den.

Brain Injury Awareness Day Capitol Hill

braininjuryassoc — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:22:00 GMT

Brain Injury Awareness Day
March, 17, 2010, Sports and Concussion

The Brain Injury Association of America encourages state affiliate leaders and advocates across the country to participate in Brain Injury Awareness Day at events hosted by the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force on Capitol Hill.

Schedule of Events:

10:00 AM ‐ 1:00 PM: Brain Injury Awareness Fair First Floor Foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building

2:30 PM ‐ 4:00 PM Brain Injury Briefing
“From the Playground to the Pros: A Heads‐Up on Concussion”
Capitol Visitors Center – Congressional Meeting Room South

5:30 PM ‐ 7:30 PM Reception Celebrating Brain Injury Awareness Month
First Floor Foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building

If you plan to exhibit at the fair, attend the briefing or reception, please RSVP to Mandy Spears in Congressman Pascrell’s office at mandy.spears@mail.house.gov.

Congressional Visits:
BIAA strongly encourages everyone who plans to attend Brain Injury Awareness Day to make appointments with their Representatives and Senators to advocate for improved access to care and research. Please follow these steps to schedule appointments with your Representative and Senators:

1.Identify Representative & Senators
To find your representative, visit www.house.gov , type in zip code to locate your representative. Click on the link for your representative’s Web site, where you will find their
address and phone number. To find your senators, visit www.senate.gov, select state and view your senators’ Web sites for address and phone number.

2.Telephone Your Representative & Senators to Schedule Appointment
Call the main number listed in the Web sites for your Senators and Representative. Ask to meet with the health legislative assistant (House) or the health policy staff (Senate).

Make sure to let them know that you are a constituent
Ask them for a few minutes of their time on March 17, 2010 to discuss the need for increased resources for brain injury programs in their state.

Example :
“Hello, my name is ______________________ . I am a constituent of yours and will be visiting Capitol Hill on Wednesday, March 17th as part of Brain Injury Awareness Day. Could I have a few minutes on that day to talk to you about (state’s) brain injury resources and how they affect the brain injury community in your district/state?”

***IMPORTANT NOTE***
SCHEDULE VISITS 60‐90 MINUTES APART
Schedule appointments 60‐90 minutes apart so that you have time to get from one office building to another. A map of the key House and Senate buildings can be found at:
http://www.aoc.gov/cc/cc_map.cfm. Leave plenty of time for security lines and to eat or rest between visits. Remember, too, that Congressional staff may run behind in their appointments.

3. Advise BIAA and your State BIA of your plans
Since there may be other people from your state or district planning to attend Awareness Day, it is very important for you to contact your state Brain Injury Association to let them know you’ve scheduled congressional visits. (You can find your state association office on BIAA’s Web site at http://www.biausa.org/stateoffices.htm.) Please inform Sarah D’Orsie, BIAA’s Director of Government Relations, at 703‐761‐0750 ext. 637 or sdorsie@biausa.org of your plans too.

4. Prepare for the Appointment
Members of Congress and their staff are very busy. Many times, they only have 10‐20 minutes available for a constituent visit. It is important for advocates to tell their story quickly and to make specific requests for improvements in treatment, research and other services for both civilian and military populations.
Each year, BIAA produces fact sheets on its legislative priorities. BIAA asks advocates to use the information in the fact sheets when describing the challenges individuals with brain injury and family caregivers face. Advance copies of the fact sheets will be available from BIAA’s Web site at http://www.biausa.org/policyissues.htm beginning on March 2, 2010. Professionally printed versions of each fact sheet along with other helpful information will be available from BIAA’s
booth at the Awareness Fair. Please stop by our booth to pick up these materials before your appointment.

***IMPORTANT NOTE***

COORDINATE YOUR COMMENTS
Please plan to start each meeting by handing out the fact sheets and then making comments on the issues most important to you. If you will be making visits with others, it is a good idea to coordinate what each person in the group will discuss so that you don’t repeat information and so that each person gets a chance to talk. Remember to leave time for questions too. If you don’t know the answer to a question, promise to follow up and then do so!

5. After the Visit
Please be sure to send a thank‐you note to each person/office you visited. Also please let Sarah D’Orsie know what was discussed and if follow‐up information was requested.

Navigating Capitol Hill
If you are coming in from out of town and require a hotel room, below you will find a list of accommodations within a few miles of Capitol Hill:
Hyatt Regency, http://washingtonregency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
Courtyard, Marriott, http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasny‐courtyard‐washington‐capitol‐hill‐navy‐yard
Capitol Hill Suites, http://www.capitolhillsuites.com
Hotel George, http://www.hotelgeorge.com
Marriott, Residence Inn, http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wascp‐residence‐inn‐washington‐dc‐capitol

If you need assistance on Awareness Day itself, please come back to BIAA’s booth at the Awareness Fair or contact Sarah D’Orsie at 703‐761‐0750 ext. 637.
Thank you!

Using Humor in a Campaign Supporting Disabled People

AdvocacyCenter — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:02:00 GMT

A NATIONAL effort to encourage businesses to employ workers with disabilities is not your father’s hire the handicapped campaign. One difference is that the new ads are paid rather than pro bono, with an estimated budget of $4 million for the first two quarters of 2010. The ads will appear on television, in print, online and outdoors; there is also a sponsorship deal with NPR. ..."

By STUART ELLIOTT
New York Times
January 28, 2010

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/29/business/media/29adco.html?ref=business

What do you think about this new campaign? Do you think it will be more or less effective than other disability employment campaigns?

The Story Behind The Bill: Rep. Miller finds school discipline too extreme

AdvocacyCenter — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:23:00 GMT

"Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act (H.R. 4247 — Rep. George Miller, D-Calif.): a bill that would prevent and reduce the use of physical restraint and seclusion in schools. ..."

By Kris Kitto
The Hill
02/02/10

http://thehill.com/component/content/article/705-the-story-behind-the-bill/79349-the-story-behind-the-bill-rep-miller-finds-school-discipline-too-extreme

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Musician83 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:49:00 GMT

Well, it is official, I am finally done with college! You guys will not believe how relieved I am. Now, I am finally going to be receiving my bachelor's degree. In the meantime, I am going to have to start looking for a job.