It is understandable that I have an overprotective mother; however, enough is enough, how does she think I manage the years that I didn't live with her? It's actually quite demeaning to experience her running after me with a rain poncho and much much more. It's unhealthy for me as well as for her and it will result in my sister, who has a brain injury, being completely lost in life after mom dies. A parent's most important job is to give their kids the tools and then teach them how to use them. I am actually proud of my fierce independence.

I have my 3 summer programs for "Next Steps" gatherings as well as an additional program to comemorate the 23rd annivesary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I took people who were not participants of the panel last week but had good information to offer and asked if they would speak. I even got someone who wasn't given approval to attend, to speak. Hopefully the person will mention the gallery that displays consumer's art work. I may finally get some validitity for my projects.

I'm about to write notes to all of the participants who took the time to attend and share their struggles. I hope they will keep with it throughout the summer. I plan to develop 2 projects we discussed but I hope people will feel comfortable enough to offer ther own ideas. I believe that supportIVE groups are best so we do more than vent rather have something concrete to show for our time. I want us to be taking the next steps.

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!