Undisabled Y O U
Here at “Undisabled You” we have two goals:
1) Empower people with disabilities to make choices that will improve the quality of their lives
2) Educate people without obvious disabilities to promote understanding and acceptance.
Hello. I am Susan Schaffer. I have a masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Hofstra University and I happen to have a physical disability. I believe with a good attitude, creativity, and support you can cope and become the expert. After all, who knows you better than you? If you would like to know more, contact me at 717-412-4145 or swheel@verizon.net
We empower you through downloadable literature and programs
Empowerment through literature:
* “The Tenacity of Hope” This is a self help booklet to help you assess your life.
* “Disability Tidbits” These are articles on finances (SSDI, SSI) driving, parenting, working, dating, advocating, and remodeling.
Empowerment through programs:
* ”Vocational Venues” This is a community employment model that can be adapted for the consumers with whom you work.
* “Disability Awareness” This is a 5 lesson unit on understanding differences meant for elementary school teachers.
Empowerment through coaching:
* “Paths to Progress” These are individual sessions, via telephone or home visits (if in the Harrisburg area) to assist you in looking at your life, reaching specific goals, connecting you with resources, or whatever else you would like.
* Living & Learning” These are forty – two life skills programs to help in many areas of daily life. If you’re in the Harrisburg area these are support groups.
- “Undisabled You” welcomes everyone to visit and ask questions regardless of
disability, issue, age, gender, residence, finances.
- "Undisabled You” offers you options, not answers, so that you could achieve your goals.
- Future programs include:
“Good Eats” – nutrition awareness
“Love 2 Read”- a learning center
“Soul to Soul” – a bible study
“Teen Talk” – drug awareness
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Ability to Recreate Infobility
This is the program I once had and want to re-create only differently. It was vocational, helping people with disabilities with job placement. At this point I'm interested in connecting people with resources, sharing solutions, and hearing stories.
I summarized my book to create a short booklet that offers suggestions and thoughtful questions about living with a pysical disability. This is not about my life just my ideas. The only problem is I need a larger organization to back me up. If I can interest a company I will get this project the kind of attention it deserves.
I will not give up. I believe in the "The Tenacity of Hope."
I summarized my book to create a short booklet that offers suggestions and thoughtful questions about living with a pysical disability. This is not about my life just my ideas. The only problem is I need a larger organization to back me up. If I can interest a company I will get this project the kind of attention it deserves.
I will not give up. I believe in the "The Tenacity of Hope."
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sharing my Words
I'm still trying to market my booklet. I stoped for awhile but I can't give up completely. That was just "downtime."
Here's a new angle- physical therapists and doctors offices.
They all have waiting rooms with many magazines.
Rather than just looking at pretty pictures
maybe people will welcome a change.
I welcome anyone with ideas.
Here's a new angle- physical therapists and doctors offices.
They all have waiting rooms with many magazines.
Rather than just looking at pretty pictures
maybe people will welcome a change.
I welcome anyone with ideas.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
What is your story?
Dear Reader,
I hope you will share this blog with others.
I chose to grow it by including a few chapters
of my book and writing independent living centers
throughout USA. I would love to hear your stories,
Thanks for your time. I can't wait to hear from you!
Sue Schaffer
301 Chestnut Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
I hope you will share this blog with others.
I chose to grow it by including a few chapters
of my book and writing independent living centers
throughout USA. I would love to hear your stories,
Thanks for your time. I can't wait to hear from you!
Sue Schaffer
301 Chestnut Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
"The Tenacity of Hope"
Introduction
Suddenly by some crazy act of nature or circumstance you have a physical challenge. The first thing to remember is regardless of what has happened, you are still you. Your life may seem as though it was turned upside down but there are ways of dealing with this situation. I know this, because I have a physical disability myself and I have become quite resourceful when it comes to functioning independently.
I realize that not everyone is capable of the same level of independence; however, with tenacity and hope, your quality of life will improve. You will become more functional and not fall through the cracks, as the title of this pamphlet implies. What does it mean to fall through the cracks? It means to admit defeat and allow others to tell you what is best for you. You will probably be inundated with “experts” who will want to give you advice to help you physically, psychologically, emotionally, and in ways you could never have imagined. Some of the help will be useful and some of it will be medically necessary; however, don’t feel obligated to follow everyone’s advice, sift through it and remember you are your own expert. You still have the final say in what decisions are made about your life.
What follows is a unique self-help book that addresses common issues from the perspective of a person who has a physical disability. Perhaps you have a few stories and/or solutions of your own to add, if so please let me know. My ultimate goal is to start a program called “Infobility: Information on Disability Issues,” to help anyone who has disability related questions or concerns and mot importantly to just vent. I want to reach people regardless of their location, disability, age, finance, race, or issue. I hope you’ll contact me at swheels@verizon.net to get involved with this program. Please visit my blog at http://www.disabledyou.blogspot.com/.
A special message for our troops…
The original purpose of this booklet was to reach out to the men and women who are injured fighting in the Middle East War. Once discharged from the battlefield then the hospital due to physical injury, the battle inside begins. The battle may seem worse than the one fought on foreign soil. There is no instruction book for learning to cope with a disability but you have the weapons within you- your attitude. You will eventually learn to manage at home and the community. Life can be just as rewarding as it was before your injury and you can still reach your goals, but the route you take may be just a bit different. Fasten your seatbelt and get ready for a new adventure. The first bit of advice is keep your mind focused and face forward don’t look in the rear view mirror.
Physical Issues
Some people think you will be fine once you schedule regular physical therapy sessions but unfortunately, this is not always the case. It depends on your type of injury and many other factors. Of course there is a lot to say for determination and exercise but sometimes your body is just not going to do what it used to; however, that does not mean stop therapy. Do not to allow negativity to take over. You can continue to have a life regardless of how physically strong your body has become. You can compensate for your lack of physical strength in other ways.
Remember the Serenity Prayer-“God give me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can not accept, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Evaluate what you can still do and consider what kind of assistance you will need in order to manage each day. Mentally take yourself through a typical day in your previous life. The things that you struggle with now may become easier in time so do not become too concerned.
Once you figure out what kind of help you need then find someone to help you do it. Determine which agencies provide the services that will help you and contact them. A good starting point is your Center for Independent Living. This agency is run by and for people with physical disabilities therefore they are familiar with the typical challenges you face. Do not become discouraged about receiving help. Able-bodied people employ others to do many daily tasks (cleaning, cooking, etc.) so do not feel badly about getting help Contact home health care agencies or place an ad in the newspaper or on a college bulletin board in order to find help.
Here are some questions to consider on physical issues.
Can I manage … and what can I do about it?
… to open the front door?
... to get in the bedroom?
… to get into the bathroom?
… to reach the closet? the dresser?
… to take a shower, to use the toilet?
… to get into the kitchen
… to reach the stove, counter, and sink?
… to sit at the kitchen/dining room tables?
… to perform housework (clean, cook, laundry)?
… to get into the living room?
… to perform yard work (rake, mow, garden)?
… to reach the light switches?
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Psychological Issues
One of the most important factors in improving your independence is to have a positive attitude. You must believe that you will have a good life and remind yourself “things will get better.” If you are focused on the task and determined to work hard, that is half the battle. This is easier said than done, especially when you remember how easy it was before to function and how much further you have to reach your goal now. In order to stay on track with your thinking, it helps to keep a journal. Record your successes, regardless of how insignificant they may seem, and vent your frustrations in writing. Emphasize the positives and try to limit the number of negative entries because the more often you write them the more dominant they will become. You want the glass to be half full not half empty. Every few weeks reread some of them to determine how much progress you have made- you may be surprised.
Write down a goal for yourself and once you reach it, replace it with another one. It is important to make sure that your goals are realistic. If they are too grand and you do not reach them you may be disappointed. If you reach them within a reasonable time period, you will be ready to make another one. On the flip side, you should challenge yourself or you will not really be making any progress. Make a time line for yourself and document your achievements. This activity should help your mindset stay reasonably positive.
One crucial point to remember is that you are still you regardless of your new challenges. You may even have new options ahead for yourself that you would not have had if you were not injured. Speak using positive language you are “ a person with a disability” not “a disabled person.” The ‘disability’ is not a word that should be used to describe you. Words are powerful and they can affect your self-esteem, it is not merely a matter of semantics.
Here are some questions regarding psychological issues.
What parts of my new life have I accepted and what parts have I not?
How can I better accept my situation?
What are some discoveries I have made about myself?
How far have I come since my injury? How far do I have to go?
In what ways am I the same or different than I was before the injury?
What advice could I give others who are newly injured?
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Social Issues
The support of family and friends is crucial to coping with your disability. It may be helpful to join a support group so you can hear from others who have experienced similar situations as you are now. It is important to be around people, if you isolate you risk falling into a depression. It is often uncomfortable at first to ask for, and accept help from others to do things you used to do easily. Think of it this way- you no longer have to come up with a pick up line to meet people.
On the flip side, if someone offers you help and you do not want it, try to be tactful about refusing. The person meant well and you should not bite his or her head off if you are striving to be independent. It becomes frustrating because you may encounter well - meaning people who will not take “no” for an answer. Some people will be offended by your answer regardless of how polite you are about it. It is an art to balance how you answer when you are offered help.
I will not sugar - coat your situation you will probably get unwanted attention since people are naturally curious. Remember, strangers are looking at the body you have now, they don’t know you and never knew you. When you see a child who seems curious, find the patience to say hello and offer the opportunity to ask a question. Encouraging questions is the best way to combat stereotypes. If a child just stares and then leaves, (s)he will have the chance to make judgments that are untrue and this could turn into discrimination against people with physical disabilities. The simple act of smiling and saying “hello” can really leave a positive impression.
If you were married prior to the accident, the adjustment process can go either way. On the one hand, you have an immediate support system from someone who knows you inside- the part that matters most. On the other hand, you and your spouse are confronted with a new set of problems, and that may or may not be too much of a strain on the relationship. If you rely too heavily on the spouse for help that may lead to resentment so you should find a balance. It may be helpful for you to attend counseling to get some perspective from an impartial third party. The most important component of any relationship is good communication.
Here are some questions to consider regarding social issues.
How do others perceive me? How can I act more positively?
How are friends and relatives treating me now that I have a disability?
Where are some places I can meet people?
In what ways have I reached out to others?
Who are the supportive people in my life?
Have I allowed others to help me? Explain.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Vocational Issues
Work gives life a sense of purpose; it makes people feel valued; and contributes positively to self-esteem. Returning to the job you held before you were injured may be your ultimate goal but for many people that is not an option. Before you start looking for a new job, consider your old one again. Are you able to perform the major functions? Can accommodations be made at the worksite? Are there positions within the company for which you can apply? Speak to your boss, the Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that employers cannot discriminate based on your disability. Furthermore, the law provides tax credits to eligible companies that want to make the physical accommodations.
There are some modifications an employer may make that cost a minimal amount of money none at all. For example, to raise the height of a desk so a wheelchair can roll under it, put it on bricks; if you cannot reach the file cabinet, ask for permission to make your drawer into a small cabinet for files; if one of your job duties involved physical activity, switch one of your job duties with someone else; lower a fax machine and microwave by placing it on a desk; if you must take pills at a certain time, take shorter breaks but more frequently; to get your total work hours if you must use public transportation, come early or leave late; replace a bathroom door with a curtain and if it is to low to transfer on, get a raised plastic seat.
If traveling is difficult and you cannot do the job at home, you may investigate starting a home based business. The computer offers programs to earn money and sitting at a computer is a sedentary activity. This is a cheaper way to reach more potential customers since the web is worldwide. Unfortunately, there is a lot of competition on the internet and people may scam you by making empty promises about their programs- be aware.
Here are some questions regarding vocational issues.
Did I enjoy the job I had before I was injured?
Could I return to my previous job?
What modifications would be needed?
If I start a home based – business what would I do? ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Suddenly by some crazy act of nature or circumstance you have a physical challenge. The first thing to remember is regardless of what has happened, you are still you. Your life may seem as though it was turned upside down but there are ways of dealing with this situation. I know this, because I have a physical disability myself and I have become quite resourceful when it comes to functioning independently.
I realize that not everyone is capable of the same level of independence; however, with tenacity and hope, your quality of life will improve. You will become more functional and not fall through the cracks, as the title of this pamphlet implies. What does it mean to fall through the cracks? It means to admit defeat and allow others to tell you what is best for you. You will probably be inundated with “experts” who will want to give you advice to help you physically, psychologically, emotionally, and in ways you could never have imagined. Some of the help will be useful and some of it will be medically necessary; however, don’t feel obligated to follow everyone’s advice, sift through it and remember you are your own expert. You still have the final say in what decisions are made about your life.
What follows is a unique self-help book that addresses common issues from the perspective of a person who has a physical disability. Perhaps you have a few stories and/or solutions of your own to add, if so please let me know. My ultimate goal is to start a program called “Infobility: Information on Disability Issues,” to help anyone who has disability related questions or concerns and mot importantly to just vent. I want to reach people regardless of their location, disability, age, finance, race, or issue. I hope you’ll contact me at swheels@verizon.net to get involved with this program. Please visit my blog at http://www.disabledyou.blogspot.com/.
A special message for our troops…
The original purpose of this booklet was to reach out to the men and women who are injured fighting in the Middle East War. Once discharged from the battlefield then the hospital due to physical injury, the battle inside begins. The battle may seem worse than the one fought on foreign soil. There is no instruction book for learning to cope with a disability but you have the weapons within you- your attitude. You will eventually learn to manage at home and the community. Life can be just as rewarding as it was before your injury and you can still reach your goals, but the route you take may be just a bit different. Fasten your seatbelt and get ready for a new adventure. The first bit of advice is keep your mind focused and face forward don’t look in the rear view mirror.
Physical Issues
Some people think you will be fine once you schedule regular physical therapy sessions but unfortunately, this is not always the case. It depends on your type of injury and many other factors. Of course there is a lot to say for determination and exercise but sometimes your body is just not going to do what it used to; however, that does not mean stop therapy. Do not to allow negativity to take over. You can continue to have a life regardless of how physically strong your body has become. You can compensate for your lack of physical strength in other ways.
Remember the Serenity Prayer-“God give me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can not accept, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Evaluate what you can still do and consider what kind of assistance you will need in order to manage each day. Mentally take yourself through a typical day in your previous life. The things that you struggle with now may become easier in time so do not become too concerned.
Once you figure out what kind of help you need then find someone to help you do it. Determine which agencies provide the services that will help you and contact them. A good starting point is your Center for Independent Living. This agency is run by and for people with physical disabilities therefore they are familiar with the typical challenges you face. Do not become discouraged about receiving help. Able-bodied people employ others to do many daily tasks (cleaning, cooking, etc.) so do not feel badly about getting help Contact home health care agencies or place an ad in the newspaper or on a college bulletin board in order to find help.
Here are some questions to consider on physical issues.
Can I manage … and what can I do about it?
… to open the front door?
... to get in the bedroom?
… to get into the bathroom?
… to reach the closet? the dresser?
… to take a shower, to use the toilet?
… to get into the kitchen
… to reach the stove, counter, and sink?
… to sit at the kitchen/dining room tables?
… to perform housework (clean, cook, laundry)?
… to get into the living room?
… to perform yard work (rake, mow, garden)?
… to reach the light switches?
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Psychological Issues
One of the most important factors in improving your independence is to have a positive attitude. You must believe that you will have a good life and remind yourself “things will get better.” If you are focused on the task and determined to work hard, that is half the battle. This is easier said than done, especially when you remember how easy it was before to function and how much further you have to reach your goal now. In order to stay on track with your thinking, it helps to keep a journal. Record your successes, regardless of how insignificant they may seem, and vent your frustrations in writing. Emphasize the positives and try to limit the number of negative entries because the more often you write them the more dominant they will become. You want the glass to be half full not half empty. Every few weeks reread some of them to determine how much progress you have made- you may be surprised.
Write down a goal for yourself and once you reach it, replace it with another one. It is important to make sure that your goals are realistic. If they are too grand and you do not reach them you may be disappointed. If you reach them within a reasonable time period, you will be ready to make another one. On the flip side, you should challenge yourself or you will not really be making any progress. Make a time line for yourself and document your achievements. This activity should help your mindset stay reasonably positive.
One crucial point to remember is that you are still you regardless of your new challenges. You may even have new options ahead for yourself that you would not have had if you were not injured. Speak using positive language you are “ a person with a disability” not “a disabled person.” The ‘disability’ is not a word that should be used to describe you. Words are powerful and they can affect your self-esteem, it is not merely a matter of semantics.
Here are some questions regarding psychological issues.
What parts of my new life have I accepted and what parts have I not?
How can I better accept my situation?
What are some discoveries I have made about myself?
How far have I come since my injury? How far do I have to go?
In what ways am I the same or different than I was before the injury?
What advice could I give others who are newly injured?
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Social Issues
The support of family and friends is crucial to coping with your disability. It may be helpful to join a support group so you can hear from others who have experienced similar situations as you are now. It is important to be around people, if you isolate you risk falling into a depression. It is often uncomfortable at first to ask for, and accept help from others to do things you used to do easily. Think of it this way- you no longer have to come up with a pick up line to meet people.
On the flip side, if someone offers you help and you do not want it, try to be tactful about refusing. The person meant well and you should not bite his or her head off if you are striving to be independent. It becomes frustrating because you may encounter well - meaning people who will not take “no” for an answer. Some people will be offended by your answer regardless of how polite you are about it. It is an art to balance how you answer when you are offered help.
I will not sugar - coat your situation you will probably get unwanted attention since people are naturally curious. Remember, strangers are looking at the body you have now, they don’t know you and never knew you. When you see a child who seems curious, find the patience to say hello and offer the opportunity to ask a question. Encouraging questions is the best way to combat stereotypes. If a child just stares and then leaves, (s)he will have the chance to make judgments that are untrue and this could turn into discrimination against people with physical disabilities. The simple act of smiling and saying “hello” can really leave a positive impression.
If you were married prior to the accident, the adjustment process can go either way. On the one hand, you have an immediate support system from someone who knows you inside- the part that matters most. On the other hand, you and your spouse are confronted with a new set of problems, and that may or may not be too much of a strain on the relationship. If you rely too heavily on the spouse for help that may lead to resentment so you should find a balance. It may be helpful for you to attend counseling to get some perspective from an impartial third party. The most important component of any relationship is good communication.
Here are some questions to consider regarding social issues.
How do others perceive me? How can I act more positively?
How are friends and relatives treating me now that I have a disability?
Where are some places I can meet people?
In what ways have I reached out to others?
Who are the supportive people in my life?
Have I allowed others to help me? Explain.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Vocational Issues
Work gives life a sense of purpose; it makes people feel valued; and contributes positively to self-esteem. Returning to the job you held before you were injured may be your ultimate goal but for many people that is not an option. Before you start looking for a new job, consider your old one again. Are you able to perform the major functions? Can accommodations be made at the worksite? Are there positions within the company for which you can apply? Speak to your boss, the Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that employers cannot discriminate based on your disability. Furthermore, the law provides tax credits to eligible companies that want to make the physical accommodations.
There are some modifications an employer may make that cost a minimal amount of money none at all. For example, to raise the height of a desk so a wheelchair can roll under it, put it on bricks; if you cannot reach the file cabinet, ask for permission to make your drawer into a small cabinet for files; if one of your job duties involved physical activity, switch one of your job duties with someone else; lower a fax machine and microwave by placing it on a desk; if you must take pills at a certain time, take shorter breaks but more frequently; to get your total work hours if you must use public transportation, come early or leave late; replace a bathroom door with a curtain and if it is to low to transfer on, get a raised plastic seat.
If traveling is difficult and you cannot do the job at home, you may investigate starting a home based business. The computer offers programs to earn money and sitting at a computer is a sedentary activity. This is a cheaper way to reach more potential customers since the web is worldwide. Unfortunately, there is a lot of competition on the internet and people may scam you by making empty promises about their programs- be aware.
Here are some questions regarding vocational issues.
Did I enjoy the job I had before I was injured?
Could I return to my previous job?
What modifications would be needed?
If I start a home based – business what would I do? ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Friday, November 13, 2009
Don't quit....just wheel down a different path
I became really unhappy with the attitudes of many people who have disabilities. Too many of them seem to be happy with just sitting back and collecting money. ...So I stopped.
I gave away my box of literature of disability related topics and I turned to another issue- living affordably. I started a newsletter and learned ways to winterize a home without paying big bucks. I wrote a free newsletter for them and decided to give workshops. I was still not happy.
So I am trying again. Perhaps I had been looking at this all wrong. I found 2 new paths, they aren't new but they are for me. I am going to ask doctors to place the booklet I wrote in their offices. I also wrote to a man who is a veteran and just received a new house from "Extreme Makeover Home Edition." These ideas will reinvigorate me and I will make this work.
What frustrates you about others? If they don't seem to understand what do you do?
I gave away my box of literature of disability related topics and I turned to another issue- living affordably. I started a newsletter and learned ways to winterize a home without paying big bucks. I wrote a free newsletter for them and decided to give workshops. I was still not happy.
So I am trying again. Perhaps I had been looking at this all wrong. I found 2 new paths, they aren't new but they are for me. I am going to ask doctors to place the booklet I wrote in their offices. I also wrote to a man who is a veteran and just received a new house from "Extreme Makeover Home Edition." These ideas will reinvigorate me and I will make this work.
What frustrates you about others? If they don't seem to understand what do you do?
Sunday, September 7, 2008
How Can I Help You?
My name is Susan Schaffer. I have a physical disability.
I became frustrated with my situation....
...because nobody seemed to understand my challenges.
...because "expert" advice was not improving my situation.
...because all of this waiting was making things worse.
SO
I decided to fix my own situation and share my solutions with you.
The result is a booklet like you've never seen before. It's three-in one.
"The Tenacity of Hope"
...it's a self-help booklet on coping with a disability
...it's a workbook to help you assess your daily functioning.
...it's a tounge and cheek look life's many disability challenges.
Why should you buy this book? Because with each purchase, you may contact me with a question or request for life coaching or job coaching and I will provide you with assistance at no extra cost. I have a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and over 15 years empowering people. Most importantly, I want YOU to be able to move forward in your life your way.
Remember, YOU are the expert on YOU
Contact: Susan Schaffer
swheels@verizon.net
I became frustrated with my situation....
...because nobody seemed to understand my challenges.
...because "expert" advice was not improving my situation.
...because all of this waiting was making things worse.
SO
I decided to fix my own situation and share my solutions with you.
The result is a booklet like you've never seen before. It's three-in one.
"The Tenacity of Hope"
...it's a self-help booklet on coping with a disability
...it's a workbook to help you assess your daily functioning.
...it's a tounge and cheek look life's many disability challenges.
Why should you buy this book? Because with each purchase, you may contact me with a question or request for life coaching or job coaching and I will provide you with assistance at no extra cost. I have a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and over 15 years empowering people. Most importantly, I want YOU to be able to move forward in your life your way.
Remember, YOU are the expert on YOU
Contact: Susan Schaffer
swheels@verizon.net
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