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Words to the wheelchair-wise
World Congress/Expo on Disabilities
By Herb Drill
January 2009
I’m a wheelchair user with mobility impairment.
I attend the annual World Congress & Expo on Disabilities (www.wcdexpo.com) to learn from eminent speakers/keynoters and for products/services.
My "community" is expanding - aging, disability, wars. An April 2008 VA "progress" report revealed more than 31,000 injured troops from Iraq and Afghanistan incurred severe SCIs,TBIs, and amputations.
For people with disabilities (PWD), the Jacksonville, Fla. WCD was a bonanza - sans "Hoss" and "Little Joe." The Florida Disabled Outdoor Association (FDOA) offered the new Wheelchairs on the Go: Accessible Fun in Florida travel guide. FDOA’s David Jones notes, "If you use a cane, walker, or wheelchair, or simply can't walk far, this is for you - with wheelchair accessible/barrier-free accommodations, tourist sites, and activities."
Bryan Vaughan, executive director of the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities (GCD) said GDC was created by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist in Executive Order 07-148 "to identify and recommend:
Created as a 19-member commission, GDC was expanded to 21 members by Executive Order 07-244 to represent all Floridians with developmental disabilities, mental illness, brain/spinal cord injuries, and visual and hearing impairments, plus disabled senior citizens and veterans. Education, employment, independent living, and transportation were specifically identified in 07-148. The 2008 report has 49 recommendations, "an initial step toward eliminating the barriers that prevent PWD from realizing their individual independence and inclusion into their communities," Block notes. Some of them are already being pursued.
Expanding that, Justin Stark, of the Florida SCI Resource Center (FSCIRC), says FSCIRC has a grant from the Florida Dept. of Health’s Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program (BSCIP) overseen by the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST). FSCIRC provides information, education, peer mentoring, and prevention via an introductory packet, state agencies/programs, community resources, and newsletters. In TBI and SCI cases, Stark adds, the "purpose is to reintegrate the client into the community. (FSCIRC) will pay for rehabilitation, equipment, supplies, and home modifications."
On TBI, Valerie Breen, executive director, says the Brain Injury Association of Florida (BIAF) is the "only Florida agency dedicated to serving survivors of TBI and their families." BIAF’s mission is to "improve the quality of life" for those people through TBI "awareness, prevention, research, education, support services, and advocacy." BIAF also includes professionals helping with long-term effects of TBI and is the "official state (agency) of the Brain Injury Association of America."
Meanwhile, Kelli Bloom, a FAAST regional coordinator, sees assistive devices as pertinent for persons with TBI and other neurobehavioral conditions - especially those in wheelchairs. She contends AT "enables people of all abilities to pursue employment, education, community living, and recreation as independently as possible." FAAST, Florida's federally-mandated Technology Act Program, has "programs to increase access to/acquisition of (AT)." It also provides:
Looking ahead, while as President Barack Obama will likely use executive powers to allow federal funding of stem cell research, keynoter Dr. Dennis A. Steindler maintains adult stem cells "offer the hope for a person to cure their own diseases using their own reserves of naturally-repairing cells that live in many of our organs, including the brain, throughout our lives."
Dr. Steindler, professor of medical research in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine at the University of Florida/Gainesville, serves the scientific advisory board for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. He’s executive director of the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute and argues research in this "emerging field of regeneration medicine" has shown bone marrow and brain marrow adult stem cells "don’t only have the ability to replace blood cells but also adult brain cells." There is promise down the road for injured vets.
On that note, Family Network on Disabilities executive director.
Rich LaBelle offered options beyond military and VA programs. Since most vets know those options, LaBelle emphasized Negotiating the System for newly-disabled vets and available data/strategies "that may not be part of military or VA programs." He provided communication tools to help get entitled services "with ease and not a battle," and suggests "working directly with legislators and policymakers to help effect change."
As for bullying of the young or older disabled, even those in wheelchairs, LaBelle - with two of his four children disabled - urges: "Research anti-bullying programs and curriculum. Talk with parents, staff, faculty, and students about implementing an anti-bullying program. Help is out there - ask for it."
Later, Sierra Group and Recruit Military held a job fair and career symposium to merge businesses "committed to diverse hiring standards, and qualified job candidates with disabilities, including vets." There were two workshops: Recruiting and Interviewing a Diverse Workforce covering "obvious and unasked questions recruiters encounter when reaching out to candidates with disabilities", and Landing the Job: Interviewing and Resume Tips.
Hugo Huapaya, health insurance specialist for the Division of Health plans operation for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), detailed special benefits and provisions for PWD. This includes eligibility and the enrollment process, prescription drug coverage MEDIGAP options, and resources about Social Security disability programs and Medicare.
To get to these places, the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association mobility solutions workshop had physical therapist Amber Fitzsimmons cover "understanding the unique process involved in evaluating a customer's capabilities, and selecting and purchasing an appropriate transportation solution. She reviewed which manufacturers serve the mobility field, gave a road map for selecting/buying a vehicle from a customer standpoint, and had resource links. She provided solution categories of wheelchair accessible vehicles, seating systems, hand controls, and wheelchair docking devices.
Mark Dineen, managing director, says WCD is "dedicated to improving the lives of those with disabilities, their families, and professionals who work with them." There are "two days of education, inspiration, and where you can see the latest products/services improving the lives of (PWD)."
Some of the sponsors were: The ARC/Jacksonville, Brooks Rehab, University of Florida/Autism, Medicare, City of Jacksonville, Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality, and The Scooter Store. Among the 75 exhibitors were: PVA Publications, Toys R Us, Florida Service Dogs, Wounded Warrior Project, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida, AMS Vans, and Johns Hopkins University press.
For the disabled and their extended community, the World Congress was the place to be.
My "community" is expanding - aging, disability, wars. An April 2008 VA "progress" report revealed more than 31,000 injured troops from Iraq and Afghanistan incurred severe SCIs,TBIs, and amputations.
For people with disabilities (PWD), the Jacksonville, Fla. WCD was a bonanza - sans "Hoss" and "Little Joe." The Florida Disabled Outdoor Association (FDOA) offered the new Wheelchairs on the Go: Accessible Fun in Florida travel guide. FDOA’s David Jones notes, "If you use a cane, walker, or wheelchair, or simply can't walk far, this is for you - with wheelchair accessible/barrier-free accommodations, tourist sites, and activities."
Bryan Vaughan, executive director of the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities (GCD) said GDC was created by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist in Executive Order 07-148 "to identify and recommend:
- methods to remove barriers to the delivery of, and access to, services for people with disabilities;
- methods to maximize the freedom and independence of Floridians with disabilities, with a focus on employment, transportation, education, and independent living;
Created as a 19-member commission, GDC was expanded to 21 members by Executive Order 07-244 to represent all Floridians with developmental disabilities, mental illness, brain/spinal cord injuries, and visual and hearing impairments, plus disabled senior citizens and veterans. Education, employment, independent living, and transportation were specifically identified in 07-148. The 2008 report has 49 recommendations, "an initial step toward eliminating the barriers that prevent PWD from realizing their individual independence and inclusion into their communities," Block notes. Some of them are already being pursued.
Expanding that, Justin Stark, of the Florida SCI Resource Center (FSCIRC), says FSCIRC has a grant from the Florida Dept. of Health’s Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program (BSCIP) overseen by the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST). FSCIRC provides information, education, peer mentoring, and prevention via an introductory packet, state agencies/programs, community resources, and newsletters. In TBI and SCI cases, Stark adds, the "purpose is to reintegrate the client into the community. (FSCIRC) will pay for rehabilitation, equipment, supplies, and home modifications."
On TBI, Valerie Breen, executive director, says the Brain Injury Association of Florida (BIAF) is the "only Florida agency dedicated to serving survivors of TBI and their families." BIAF’s mission is to "improve the quality of life" for those people through TBI "awareness, prevention, research, education, support services, and advocacy." BIAF also includes professionals helping with long-term effects of TBI and is the "official state (agency) of the Brain Injury Association of America."
Meanwhile, Kelli Bloom, a FAAST regional coordinator, sees assistive devices as pertinent for persons with TBI and other neurobehavioral conditions - especially those in wheelchairs. She contends AT "enables people of all abilities to pursue employment, education, community living, and recreation as independently as possible." FAAST, Florida's federally-mandated Technology Act Program, has "programs to increase access to/acquisition of (AT)." It also provides:
- information and referral
- demonstrations of AT
- AT assessments, device recycling, device loans
- AT applications certificate program from California State University/Northridge
Looking ahead, while as President Barack Obama will likely use executive powers to allow federal funding of stem cell research, keynoter Dr. Dennis A. Steindler maintains adult stem cells "offer the hope for a person to cure their own diseases using their own reserves of naturally-repairing cells that live in many of our organs, including the brain, throughout our lives."
Dr. Steindler, professor of medical research in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine at the University of Florida/Gainesville, serves the scientific advisory board for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. He’s executive director of the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute and argues research in this "emerging field of regeneration medicine" has shown bone marrow and brain marrow adult stem cells "don’t only have the ability to replace blood cells but also adult brain cells." There is promise down the road for injured vets.
 |
Dr. Dennis A. Steindler maintains adult stem cells "offer the hope for a person to cure their own diseases using their own reserves of naturally-repairing cells that live in many of our organs." |
On that note, Family Network on Disabilities executive director.
Rich LaBelle offered options beyond military and VA programs. Since most vets know those options, LaBelle emphasized Negotiating the System for newly-disabled vets and available data/strategies "that may not be part of military or VA programs." He provided communication tools to help get entitled services "with ease and not a battle," and suggests "working directly with legislators and policymakers to help effect change."
As for bullying of the young or older disabled, even those in wheelchairs, LaBelle - with two of his four children disabled - urges: "Research anti-bullying programs and curriculum. Talk with parents, staff, faculty, and students about implementing an anti-bullying program. Help is out there - ask for it."
Later, Sierra Group and Recruit Military held a job fair and career symposium to merge businesses "committed to diverse hiring standards, and qualified job candidates with disabilities, including vets." There were two workshops: Recruiting and Interviewing a Diverse Workforce covering "obvious and unasked questions recruiters encounter when reaching out to candidates with disabilities", and Landing the Job: Interviewing and Resume Tips.
Hugo Huapaya, health insurance specialist for the Division of Health plans operation for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), detailed special benefits and provisions for PWD. This includes eligibility and the enrollment process, prescription drug coverage MEDIGAP options, and resources about Social Security disability programs and Medicare.
To get to these places, the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association mobility solutions workshop had physical therapist Amber Fitzsimmons cover "understanding the unique process involved in evaluating a customer's capabilities, and selecting and purchasing an appropriate transportation solution. She reviewed which manufacturers serve the mobility field, gave a road map for selecting/buying a vehicle from a customer standpoint, and had resource links. She provided solution categories of wheelchair accessible vehicles, seating systems, hand controls, and wheelchair docking devices.
Mark Dineen, managing director, says WCD is "dedicated to improving the lives of those with disabilities, their families, and professionals who work with them." There are "two days of education, inspiration, and where you can see the latest products/services improving the lives of (PWD)."
 |
Mark Dineen, World Congress managing director, says WCD is "dedicated to improving the lives of those with disabilities, their families, and professionals who work with them." |
Some of the sponsors were: The ARC/Jacksonville, Brooks Rehab, University of Florida/Autism, Medicare, City of Jacksonville, Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality, and The Scooter Store. Among the 75 exhibitors were: PVA Publications, Toys R Us, Florida Service Dogs, Wounded Warrior Project, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida, AMS Vans, and Johns Hopkins University press.
For the disabled and their extended community, the World Congress was the place to be.
 |
In his wheelchair in Jacksonville, FL, Herb Drill heads Able Me & Associates. His e-mail address is herbdrill@ableme.com. He has Muscular Dystrophy. |