I am now in contact with a guy who recorded hundreds of stories from people with disabilities. He is sharing his tax id/non profit status with me. I can't wait to help him and meet him. No longer do I feel guilty asking people questions. The most important question in the English language is "ask." You never know until then. I've also created a new fundraiser, too bad it's only good till January 1. I can create a calendar on any topic. I'm doing one on the death penalty & saving money for my friend Loretta. I will be doing one on disability, and perhaps one for Judaism.

I did alot of work for the election but all of my candidates lost. What a sad night! Now what will happen to health care and disability issues since republicans are in charge? I still believe that if more people with disabilities voted, democrats would win. Even though some volunteers offered to help drive people with disabilities to the polls, the majority of people did not. Not only are there 1500+ inaccessible polling sites in Pennsylvania, sometimes the problems are with attitudes of those who work at the sites. There are horror stories about people with disabilities left to wait and wait at the sites and not given the help they need.

Infobility has two goals:

1)Sharing information by connecting people with some unique resources.
2)Sharing information through personal coaching and educational programs.
Connecting to Resources:

* Getting Money - This is a discussion on receiving finances through a unique program. We will discuss the products / services offered and the qualifications.

* Getting Benefits - This is a discussion on applying for Social Security-SSDI, SSI. We will discuss the often lengthy and frustrating appeals process.

Coaching and Literature:

* Vocational Venues - This is a community employment model that can be adapted for consumers. Skills adressed include interviews, applications, and resumes.

* Paths to Progress - These are individual sessions, via telephone or in the home, to assist consumers in a number of areas. Issues include: coping with challenges, family relationships, and future goals. The first session is free.

* The Tenacity of Hope - This is a self-help booklet to assess needs and give a framework to improve the quality of life. The issues covered include physical, social, vocational, personal, educational, and community.

Tomorrow's the day-"Working on Wheels." I have professionals experiencing disability.

I spoke with a lady who runs a magazine for teens with disabilities. I'm going to help her write and grow her publication. That will be my purpose for "Pedaling for a Purpose." I'll talk about it to independent living centers and they'll do a blurb on us. They're not a non-profit but that's okay. Soon I'll meet with Eric, the reporter from the newspaper who will help us by writing about the project and connecting us with a local non-profit so we can be legitamate. It will all work out.

Complacency-It's a serious problem in much of society. In politics most people vote for the incumbent, regardless of how little the person has done during the tenure. In education students don't work hard but pass anyway. Eventually they are sent into the world unprepared. In human services staff do not really take the time to listen and implement the client's ideas. Eventually they decide it's best to sit back and let things happen to them. They do a significant amount of complaining about things but when it comes to actual advocacy.

So what are the solutions to eliminate complacency? In politics people are electing outsiders in the hopes of new ideas. In education parents are seeking new types of classrooms such as cyber school. In human services advocacy is starting to be a crucial part of the services. On the other side educational programs, in which all people without challenges learn and experience disability, are crucial components to creating a more equitable society.

I read a book called "Who Cares" by David B. Schwartz. He talks of the healing powers of human connections and support for people with disabilities. Since I am a sociology major I was really interested in this somewhat hard to read text, it would make a great reading for a college sociology class. It illustrates optimistic stories of people who were once isolated now being healthier and happier because they have friends. It's such a simple concept. Society ruins things and makes it so involved and ultimately things get worse instead of better. I had an attendant who "Took care of me" in public school. That did so much damage to me for decades after. I had no idea how to relate to people cause I had no one my age in my life. If only someone like David could have seen this, recognized it, and facilitated a small friendship circle! I would love to meet him and talk with him further.

Increasing acceptance is a result of education, education, education. Programs in schools, programs in the community, programs in churches. Reach the young people because they are the most receptive, stereotypes are not already formed. Encourage them to ask questions and create opportunities to ask them. Create activities that include kids with disabilities such as arranging for them to help in the special needs classes in schools. Teachers should explain that just cause a person looks different on the outside (s)he is the same on the inside. Bring guests into the classrooms and talk about some famous people (athletes, entertainers) who have/had disabilities and excelled. A meaningful program for any age is simulations in which people pretend to have disabilities.