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Disability Aids : Turning Mountains into Molehills!Read the article this discussion is about
This archived discussion is "read only".
» TvBabe - So what disability aid has helped your life? Why not share with So what disability aid has helped your life? Why not share with everyone what has made a difference in your day to day living? Michelle -- posted by TvBabe » DavidM_5 - Courtesy of the local phone company, I have two external phone r Courtesy of the local phone company, I have two external phone ringers, since I am hearing impaired. One ringer is specially designed to sound at the particular frequencies I can hear (and the tone is switchable), and the other flashes a strobe light when it rings. I never miss a call, not even when I'm asleep!(Once, in my old apartment, I was walking home from a block away when I see something flash. It was the phone. Nice to know I can now see my phone ring from a block away. Next, I'm looking to get a flashing smoke alarm--with tinnititus, it's a very serious matter--and a doorbell alerter. I may need a screen magnifier for my PC later on, but fortunately, not yet. -- posted by DavidM_5 » Othello - I use a cane for aid when walking. Also have a rise on my bathr I use a cane for aid when walking. Also have a rise on my bathroom stool. And....my favorite is my mobility scooter. I sure can enjoy the outdoors in the summer.I am in the process of obtaining a service dog. I believe getting a service dog will do more for every aspect of my life. The dog will truly be an aid and a companion. -- posted by Othello » TvBabe - Wanda I envy you that scooter!! Living in a 2nd floor apartment Wanda I envy you that scooter!! Living in a 2nd floor apartment with no elevator just doesn't work for me to buy a scooter I have been pushing the idea of a service dog around in my mind for about a year now tho....big decision! My biggest worry is having a dog standing at my front door with it's leg's crossed and I'm having a bad day! Michelle -- posted by TvBabe » starhawk - The first thing I got was a placard for the disabled for parking The first thing I got was a placard for the disabled for parking. I did not realize the importance until I had one. Next came a wheelchair and last came a scooter. Next on my list is a lift to attach to the car so that I can take the scooter with me.I realized that I was not giving into my disabilities, which was my initial reaction, but am trying to live as independent as possible. -- posted by starhawk » TvBabe - Maybe those of you reading this discussion would like to join in Maybe those of you reading this discussion would like to join in and give Arlene (or other people like Arlene shopping for a scooter but too shy to say so) some recommendations? Arlene I agree with you ....you are not "giving in to your disabilities", you are just using tools to live with them better Michelle -- posted by TvBabe » Othello - Arlene, in regards to a scooter, go for it girl! When I got a s Arlene, in regards to a scooter, go for it girl! When I got a scooter, I discoverd a newfound freedom I never had before, and a newfound indenpendence! Wow! I go shopping in the grocery stores with it, because the type of scooter that stores around here have are to bulky for me to maneuver.Tips on buying.....Medicare and Medical Assistance will purchase them. Also, in my situation, it helped me on my job so Division of Vocational Rehabilitation purchase it for me. If you have no availability to those kinds of help, some insurances do cover but if you have no help, then try looking for a used one and try it out, ask questions prior to buying. Used scooters can cost anywhere on average between $400 and $1500. Be aware that you could be buying batteries every 1-3 years. The batteries are expensive, I think about $90 a piece and you need two. Be sure when buying batteries that you get "gel cells". Hope this helps. -- posted by Othello » Othello - Michelle, living on a second floor with no elevator has got to b Michelle, living on a second floor with no elevator has got to be difficult. I live on the second floor in a wheelchair accessible apartment and an elevator.Service dog, now let me tell you what I've been doing. I've been doing some preparatory work before I get the dog. I am on limited income and cannot afford the cost of caring for a service dog. This is what I've done. Contacted my local Humane Society who will give me enough dry dog food to feed whatever size animal I have. Contacted several local service organizations to get sponsorship to cover veterinarian costs associated with a service dog. In my area, the service organizations were not able to help me, however I've now started contacting businesses. I contacted a business whom I patronize a lot and they know me well. Contacted my local veterinarian who will give me a 25% discount off of veterinarian bills associated with having a service animal. Will be interviewing students a bit later to determine whom I will choose to take my dog for exercise should I be unable to do that. I have applied to more than one agency who handles service animals......checked out their reputation, talked to them extensively by phone. Have made arrangements with a private local kennel who will board my service animal if an emergency comes up I have to go in hospital, etc. Also, this local kennel has offered to bathe my dog for me when needed, etc. Since I live in federally-subsidized housing, I have contacted my housing management and given them information to straighten out any misgivings they may have had. Granted, I will have to take the dog outside when I don't feel well, but yet there are so many more advantages that I am willing to do that in order to have more independence around my home. Plus, the dog will do so much more for me emotionally. Good luck. -- posted by Othello » BonnieK_2 - Bonnie Kroll: What is my favorite disability aid? My specially Bonnie Kroll: What is my favorite disability aid? My specially made van. I am fortunate that I can still drive with my hands. BUT, I was hit by a drunk driver in another state ten months ago, and I have been homebound most of the time since then.My specially made computerized wheelchair cannot be carried in most vehicles which means that I have to be pushed in a manual wheelchair.
-- posted by BonnieK_2 » BonnieK_2 - Bonnie Kroll: Wanda, I would certainly be interested in the dif Bonnie Kroll: Wanda, I would certainly be interested in the different organizations you have researched for a service animal. I am aware of Canine Companions of America(CCI), but I am not sure I can accomplish their long program. If possible, I would appreciate some input into this. Thank you so much-- posted by BonnieK_2
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