Amp U T chat is for amputees.
[amputee/_private/headerb.htm]| VOLUME 2 # 1 | JANUARY 8, 1996 |
IN THIS ISSUE
Joyce Meyer
© Copyright January 8, 1996 All Rights Reserved
Lessons from the past need not be relegated to just New Year's, resolutions for the future can be made at any time.
I was thinking about this edition of the newsletter for the New Year and what I might have to contribute to the benefit of anyone. I've been thinking about things I have done and the things I have yet to do.
Seven (or was it 8) years ago this week, I completed and graduated "docent" (volunteer teacher) training at the Louisville Zoo. It was an intensive 3 month training program with mid-term and final exams, "internship," presentations--all the elements of a college course, yet the rewards were not credits toward a diploma. The rewards of that training have reached far beyond anything even applied to teaching young people about zoology.
There was a very special class in that course. Our Louisville Zoo had a special program designed for the needs of the visually impaired. We were taught means to modify the presentations concentrating on the senses of touch, smell, and hearing. Our Education Curator, Marcelle Gianelli, invited a speaker from one of the advocacy agencies in town, and the Zoo Director, Dr. Foster.
We were instructed not only by demonstration, but also by example , experiencing, as close as possible, simulated life with a disability. Our exercise included an hour when we were divide into 3 groups, each group divided into two. One group was designated as blind, half were required to wear blindfolds and the other half were the "guides." The same was done with ear plugs for the second group. In the third group some were given crutches and some were in wheelchairs.
Of course, after the class we were all able to resume our "normal" lives, something that real life doesn't always provide. Yet it was a powerful experience. It had a lasting impact on a particular member of our group.
Dr. Foster was "assigned" to the wheelchair group. Without too much frustration, Dr. Foster was able to maneuver around most of the education building. One classroom door was a bit narrow, but not a severe challenge to Foster. In the auditorium he was strong enough to get himself down and back up the ramp. Then Dr. Foster was sent to the restroom. Since this was a "private" experience, he was not allowed to have a guide/assistant. After a frustrating 10 minutes he was able to get through the heavy swinging door and close it behind him. Some minutes later we heard muffled cussing from behind the door. As I remember, Dr. Foster emerged moments later, walking, pushing the folded wheelchair back into the lobby, in red faced frustration.
Within the year, a program to modify all Louisville Zoo restrooms was started. It began with the restroom in the education building, where Dr. Foster had experienced first hand, the accessibility issue. (This was before ADA was getting much attention.)
I can relate my experience, from years before John became a left wrist disartic. I had put strain on my left shoulder during some exercise and ended up with a painful bursitis and tendonitis. (Something which could re-occur at anytime, but I admit, I don't think about it much.)
Part of my recovery from that was anti-inflammatories and cortisone. For several weeks, I also had to wear a sling and "rest" my left arm. I am a "righty" and didn't think it would be such a hassle, but I learn how much I depend on my non-dominate arm. Not being able to lift/pick up our toddler son was disappointing enough, but even everyday household things like dishes, dish and clothes washer, folding laundry, shopping, changing sheets--everything took so much longer and was frankly, a PIA.
For Dr. Foster and myself, our "disabilities" were temporary. However, we each came away with an awareness and appreciation for what others may experience when we related it to ourselves.
Basil Henry Liddell Hart, admonishes in his ADVICE TO STATESMAN,
--"Put yourself in his shoes--so as to see things through his eyes." And we've heard the recommendation of others to "not judge until you've walked a mile in his shoes/moccasins."
It is my hope for 1996 that the doctors, prosthetists, health care providers and significant others that are the so called TABs (Temporarily Able-Bodied) take an hour, a day, whatever period they can endure and "experience" a disability--a blind fold, a day in a wheelchair, taping their fingers together--something so that you might have a moment of enlightenment and small measure of understanding what it might mean in your life. No two people will have the exact same experience but it is my hope that by "living it" for even a short time, awareness will be raised and progress can be made for all.
(I would also like to remind the amputees, that they might attempt to view things through the eyes of TABs to realize that it is hard for them to understand, and if they cannot dedicate themselves to help others understand, to at least not resent those that are in the dark.)
We could all use a little "Awareness Training."
(For R.A. and others who have asked for ideas about "non-peer" support, this is a place to start.)
Patience Is A Virtue
John has received some comments from people that like to sit in on the chats but are reluctant to participate because their typing skills aren't "super-human." You are certainly welcome to sit in on the "sidelines" and just listen, but please don't hesitate to type to the screen and join the chatter. Also, it's important to remember that many upper extremitiy amputees type in all caps, they are not deliberately "shouting." So don't flame them for all caps. Also remember to allow folks time to respond, between systems/modems, online service connection, and keyboards it's not always easy to keep up.
We've had some chats dominated by fast typists who also are non-amputees and may unintentional overwhelm other attendees. Remember, you don't have to be an amputee to join in and many times a lengthy comment is appropriate (to clarify.) We use macros and abbreviation when possible to keep a "flow" in the chats, introduce ideas or information to discuss and desiminate, but we try to forewarn you when the macros are going to hit the screen.
You can always send us an Instant Message (IM) if you are having difficulties "of any nature."
We recently received our first copy of COURAGE Magazine. This is a re-birth of a magazine formerly put out by The Fraternity of the Wooden Leg. There was a 20 year absense of this magazine after the demise of editor Augusta B. Weaver. Now, under the direction of Sheri Coin Marshall, an amputee and pilot, the magazine resumes publication. "Our goals at Courage Magazine are to glorify achievement, educate, create awareness, and help others get on with life," says Sheri.
We wish Sheri the best with COURAGE and the magazines goals. To subscribe you can write to:
COURAGEGet well wishes go out to Al Pike, who had a health situation over the holidays. Speedy recovery, Al!
Chat for January 8: Snow? Well, whatever you like.
January 2, 1996
Dear Joyce and John
Hope your holidays have been delightful. A friend I've had for many years, living in CA, has recently joined AOL. At age 22, finishing college, a concert pianist, he had a cerebral hemorrhage and is paralyzed on the left side. He picked himself up and went on to become a teacher and is still involved in music. Anyway, this was many years ago but he sent me a quote the other day which I wanted to share with you. You've probably heard it.
I had (taken) a fall getting out of the car and in his response he quoted:
"If a man harbors any sort of fear, it percolates through all his thinking, damages his personality, makes him landlord to a ghost."
--Lloyd Douglas.
I still treasure your writing about man's ability to adapt to his situations.
Thanks for all your good thoughts. Type to you on the 8th. Have a healthy, happy New Year!
Love, M.
(Editor's Note: Thanks M. Happy 1996 to you too, and all our members on the mailing list. :D)
THE ADVICE (DISCLAIMER)
Please be sure to read the information at this link at least once.
As a "collector" of catalogs for the disabled, I am appalled to see camera mounting devices selling for $200-$500. As an ex-professional photographer and wholesaler/retailer of photo equipment I decided that these prices are unjustifiable high. I can't fathom why these devices should be so expensive. I first want to mention that at one time several companies offered a unit called a "belt" pod at under $20. An inexpensive alternative for holding photo/video equipment:
Materials list: a wooden dowel, such as a broomstick, a hanger bolt (1/4" 20 thread on one end and a wood screw on the opposite end) and a 1/4"-20 wing nut.
The wooden dowel will require a slot cut into one end (similar to a clothes-pin) to slide over a waist belt. (This slot can be cut easily on a table saw.) The wooden dowel is cut to a length that would allow easy viewing through the camera view finder for your height (approx. 12" but check it on yourself.) The appropriate sized hole is pre-drill into the end opposite the slot to keep the wood from splitting. The wood screw section of the hanger bolt is screwed into the hole. The hanger bolt can be installed by either method:
The unit is now complete. Here is how to use it. First and most import when handling any photo/video equipment is to put the neck strap over your neck. Thread the wing nut FLAT SIDE UP and then gently thread the dowel into the camera.. Push the slot over your belt and line up your camera. Secure the camera by tightening the wing nut.
A little work, but a lot of money saved.
Consider, for security, when traveling, keeping some of your cash in a compartment that your prosthetist can (possibly) build into your limb. If you have a tube type prosthesis covered in foam an envelope can be pushed down into the cover. Remember to carry some cash in your wallet to surrender to a perpetrator if necessary AND you will want to have handy cash for yourself too. (Many retailers keep some cash in the cash register with the drawer open so that a thief will not get ticked-off when they find no money at all and in vengeance, trash the store.) [[Editors Note: Of course, this ISN'T for everybody.]]
Have a hint, tip, or suggestion? Please email us and we will consider it for use in the newsletter.
To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
© Copyright January 8, 1996 J. Meyer All Rights Reserved