Topic : Physically Challenged Adults Support

I see your point. But let's face it. If you're in your home, you're not in danger. So there's nobody to help. It sounds cruel but it's the truth. Our society is so individualistic that if your life is not in danger, you are okay. That is what people think. They don't look at your other needs.

I see that in my country too. You can reach 90 % of the buildings here with a wheelchair. That is well taken care of. But other needs are not met: relationships, places to go out, etc. etc. These are the needs that people with a disability have also. But people don't see that. the awareness around people with a physical disability is still bad.

It sounds bad, but that is the situation you have to deal with. If you wait for people to 'rescue' you, you will wait a very long time, perhaps forever. So take matters in your own hands and see for yourself that your needs are met. Take the steps that it takes to get what you need. Don't feel sorry for yourself or your situation, and create the life for yourself that you want. But be realistic: adjust your whishes to your situation. Don't wait for miracles to happen. Trust me, I know. I've been in a wheelchair all my life (spina bifida).

Mikao

Bless you.  Thanks for your encouragement.  I get down a lot with depression.  I have tried to gain employment, start my own business, begged for advice and assistance from so many organizatons, etc.  I have tried and tried to make something happen, day in and day out.

It's just frustratiing.  It's like the commercial on TV in the US, "Some one almost gave a coat to the homeless man...someone almost gave him some food, someone almost took him in or to a shelter.  But ALMOST doesn't count."

I wonder how many people have almost hired me, almost gave me guidance, almost replied to my emails, almost offered a small push that would have meant a lot?  It's sad. 

I try so hard.  But I keep failing at everything. 

God bless.

I'm a child advocate.

http://achildsvoiceconnection.org

djmatt

I don't know if you're looking for something outside of a message board when you asked this question, but there are organizations set up to help the disabled person. They are usually called "independent living" centers...and they're a wealth of information! They have activities, and that's just the beginning. You could call your local department of human services office and ask if there's such an organization in your area. Mine has been a Godsend for me....there are times when I can't drive myself, and they have transportation available. Nice vans with wheelchair lifts and all....;)

Please check into this. Places like this have a wealth of information to share, and they're really there for you.  Good luck....

I really respect your way of dealing with your disability. You don't let your hair hang down but want to be a active person in society. I think many people can take you as an example.

Although I have a completely different condition (spina bifida) I understand where you're coming from. I too have trouble to get a job. I started my own small stress counselling practice but that does not bring enough money in to live from. I'm from the netherlands, and or social security is good. So I get a small allowance from the government.

Sorry if I say something extremely stupid now, but can't your speech brought back with some kind of therapy? May I make a suggestion please? If I were you I would change my nickname here. You are not your disease, you are a whole person.

Mikao

I think you should not try TOO hard to change things. There are things that cannot be forced you know. Although my situation may be slightly better: it's still bad. It's only due to the better social security system here, that I can survive.

If you ask me, when it comes to social security, the US lives in the stone age. Here, it is arranged by law that everyone has a health insurance. So really, it is illegal to not have one here! I think that's a good thing. I've never understood why the US government does not do anything about the situation that so many people are not insured. Why do the cost have to be so high? I pay about US$ 140 a month. And believe me, we are all complaining about that here. I've learned that in the US the costs are about 10 to 15 times higher. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I think that this is totally nuts. I hear your president often say 'we Americans... etc.' People with a disability that live in the US, are Americans too. I's often said that America is the land of opportunities. Yeah right, if you are loades with dollars, then you have many opportunities. But that is not special for America, that counts for the whole wide world. And toe opposite is true too: if you don't have money you can ...... (you know what I mean). That also, goes for the whole world.

Don't loose hope. I know it's hard, but concentrate on what you have, not on what you don't have, even if you have little.

Mikao

You are so right!  Bush came from a rich family, just as most presidents.  So they don't comprehend the reality of being in a loose, loose situation.

Despite all of the alleged help groups and organizations, I have contacted so many of them, most are government, begging to help me find work, or start a business that I handle with my disabilities.  I've even stated that I would rather work than to be on disability.  It's all politics man...that's all.

It's sad when I have to choose between paying 200.00 to 300.00 or more for my son to go to the doctor, and get his meds, and making a house payment.  So we stand to lose the home.  But we have no choice.

After sending numerous emails to the SS admin, I finally received a questionnaire in the mail yesterday from them, stating they wanted me to fill out the form about my health conditions to go with the doctor's records.  They sent one to my wife as well.  So I filled it out last night, and gave my wife hers to fill out, and fax in.  Maybe this is good news.  At least they didn't tell me know, not yet.

We will see what happens.

Thanks,

Djmatt

That may be good news indeed. I really hope it for you and your family. We have commercial companies here that help people like us getting a new job. At least that's what they promise. To be honest, most of them are not very effective. I had to do 98 % of the work myself.

Mikao

I think I have a chance because of all the documentation I sent to them which were emails I sent to all of these organizations begging for help.  Plus my long medical history.  And the fact that I have contacted the numerous times.

Also, the lady at the Georgia Dept of Labor Rehab services promised she would advise them she didn't think I was able to work.  That was her last word anyway.

I know what you mean about these companies.  I have contacted numerous companies, and the government supplies a list of companies that hire people with disabilities, but I had no luck there.

I'm holding my breath.

Thanks man.

dj