My New Life

Actually, it's not a new life. It's my old life I am revisiting. Actually it's my old surroundings that I left and swore that I'd never return. Sometimes if you want to go forward you must first go back, so here I am - back in Bethlehem.

How do I plan on moving forward? I'm determined to make my disability project happen.
How do I plan to do that? To create a simple website and share it with other people who have blogs, websites, and interests in the topic of disability awareness. I'll start by sharing it with the i.d.e.a.l. magazine I am working with. Those people will share it with others and so on and so on. I will start with thirteen sites and then take it from there.

I really want to hear other people's stories and learn from them.

I haven't added anything in awhile. I am now getting very involved with a magazine for people who have disabilities. This online publication is meant for teens who have challenges, there isn't much for that population. I get to meet and talk with people who have disabilities and responsible jobs. I look forward to working with the other editors and crew behind the scenes.

Infobility has two goals: Informing and Empowering People On Disability

1)Sharing information by presenting educational programs to the community.
2)Empowering people through personal coaching and resource connections.

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.

I spoke with someone who showed me how to create a free blog. It's time I do that, I will get nowhere without one. Also I met a person who works for the local community college in the Health Science. I offered to be a guest speaker in the class because sensitivity is a crucial part of the job, it's not just about the textbook work. I will create a set lecture arounf the "Tenacity of Hope" booklet. That is how I will finally get this moving and working by March.

I discovered a number of people who care about disability awareness and may even be interested in working on Infobility! I was seeking a volunteer group and found these people who are wraping Christmas Presents for The National Inclusion Project. I called the headquarters in North Carolina and asked them about staring a chapter in Harrisburg. The staff there said they weren't yet ready to do that. So I spoke to my contact in Harrisburg about the possibility of establishing Infobility. She said she'd read my things then talk with me. At the very beginning of the year I thought I was going to start it last year. It will be one year later but it will be worth the wait.

I must get the proof of the "Working on Wheels" program otherwise it may as well never happened. Even a letter from Casey the secretary to George Hartwick will mean more than what I have now- nothing. I will do a website and have the booklets to show for it. I will find a few companies who will be willing to pay for the printing costs. This winter will work but it won't just happen on its own.

I may get much more deeply involved with the agency "It's our Story" since they will probably be involved with the money aspect. I think Braun will give them money of our behalf since I explained to them that they are a non-profit with a big following. I can visit places in the south where people are who have great stories to tell. 2011 may be my year finally.