The meeting went well, there were 40 parents in attendance. People were concerned about their kids "falling through the cracks." Too high functioning for services but not high enough to function independently. I suggested 2 projects- compiling a manuscript of stories to show legislators and forming a bartering group like communty exchange. I think people would be receptive and I don't want to lose momentum. I would like meet 3rd Wednesdays of the month in the Manheim Library.
The next 3 groups could be in a house or park or restaurant or church. I just want to keep this moving.

I have been super busy fighting OVR with both barrels, the director just won't give up. First she tried to forbid me to schedule and pay for my own evaluation now she's requesting that I give her carte blanch into my personal background (social secrity numbers, bank account, etc)! She lost round 1 since I proved that a consumer can do an evaluation, it saves them money and I don't have to deal with OVR so they should be fine with that. Now I was told I must sign a release of information form. She decided that if I can afford to pay for the evaluation $100+ I should be able to pay for the purchase and installation of the hand controls $70,000. I wanted to prove my advocacy skills to help people with disabilities and now I'm given the opportunity to do just that- I am the example.

The article on my disability program has been published in a county wide newspaper and I'm getting a few replies. I've also filled 25 slots with 2-3 people each so I will have a huge list of prospects for Rose when she comes back. Hopefully we can then move forward with the hiring of me. I wrote a letter plus 2 full pages of all I've done since April 1 when I was denied the job at Hoffman Care. I wrote to my senator, a lawyer in my temple, and the lady I met at the soap opera luncheon. She helps people who have diability issues. There's got to be someone out ther who has the power to help.

"Round Two" with OVR and the van process. I have an appropriate job now and so I'll be eligible for my evaluation. I did most of the work on my own- I explained to the evaluator the equipment I need, I explained to him I've been driving for 20 years (OVR never told him), and he told me that he is in this area often (OVR never told me that) and will meet me 1/2 way if that works for him. This information would have taken weeks to research and compile. Furthermore, they would have charged for a full evaluation when I only need 1/2 of one. Next, I'm hiring my neighbor as a professional, private negotiator. She's perfect cause she'll speak calmly but firmly. No consumer ever does that!

Last night the educational program at my Temple was about the "Book of Job." We touched on our levels of faith in God during hard times. The trip to Mississippi, in which people still devistated by Hurricane Katrna, was used as an illustration. These poor people showed pride in themselves despite how bad their situations were.  The consensus was that people always have that little spark inside regardless of how they look on the outside. In my experience it isn't always so. Not only do people not get the chance to show their spark, they often don't know what their spark is.  Paid staff are so overworked and underpaid (even parents) they don't see the specialness in the people they see every day. The problems are easily visible so that is what is focused of rather than the other parts. If the good was nurtured, the bad would decrease on its own.

The disability program is growing and some key professionals are "signing on" to the idea and are "on board" with my concept. I attended the Dramability event because the director is participating in mine. I met a few good people- parents with kids who are in the program. The task force is sharing it with others and the newspaper article hasn't been published yet. I feel like I'm on my way and for the very first time in my life I feel like I'm going to make a difference in the world. 

My disability program "Next Steps" is full steam ahead. I was interviewed and the reporter asked to speak with the participants also. It may or may not result in a job but surely will widen my contacts. I did mention my needs to the reporter, hopefuly if mentioned it will be in a tactfiul manner. I would certainly not say anything during the program. I do think that I will benefit regardlesss because I believe that if you do a good thing for others it will come back to you. I may even get the oppportunity to start a Community Exchange program, as I've been wanting to do for months.