This is a great program created by a partnership amongst 4 colleges/universities in Ohio Ohio State, Wright State, Sinclair CC and Columbus State. The video is particularly interesting and may be encouraging for young adults with disabilities driven towards a career in technology.
http://www.osu.edu/features/2009/nisongercenter/
Check it out and let me know what you think!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Disability Policy Seminar- day THREE and Hill visits!
Disability Policy Seminar
April 29, 2009
Day three- hill visits
April 29, 2009
Day three- hill visits
Today I visited Ohio House of Representatives staff members from Mary Jo Kilroy and Tim Ryan’s offices. We spoke mostly about the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) which (I am ashamed to admit that I didn’t know this) funds the UCCEDD’s. We had such a great combination of perspectives including parents, a clinic coordinator, a physician and me, a trainee!
A photo outside the office of Ohio Representative, Mary Jo Kilroy
I was able to talk to one representative about the benefits of the LEND traineeship from a trainee perspective. I told her how I feel more prepared than my non-LEND trainee classmates to enter the field as a pediatric PT because of my additional clinical experience but more importantly my knowledge of the systems, resources, funding options for families and the other disciplines involved in the child and family’s life. I think she liked what I had to say because I saw her take some notes. And I tried to get in that training programs ultimately save the system money because clinicians are (hopefully) more knowledgeable, efficient and well-prepared. She conveyed that the Representative she works with is in support of the act. Maybe this team will have some tools to convince fellow representatives to support the DD Act
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Disability Policy Seminar day TWO
Disability Policy Seminar
April 28, 2009
Day two
Today was another busy day of session and planning for tomorrow’s hill visits. A few key items caught my attention.
First, I learned about some internet resources for keeping up with government spending and funding and legislative news:
http://www.recovery.gov/ is a website with information about how the US is spending stimulus money. It is updated daily to reflect the most accurate current spending. Each state has a similar website. I found Ohio's by visiting this link and clicking on the state of Ohio on the map: http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/state-recovery-page
http://www.grants.gov/ is a website with information about how to get the funds that are being provided by the stimulus packages.
Also, http://aucd.org/template/page.cfm?id=164publishes online legislative news briefs every Monday. It sounds like a quick and simple way to stay up to date regarding new bills and appropriations.
Health care reform came up in many of the discussions today. I am enrolled in a health policy course this quarter as part of my DPT curriculum and we completed a group project in which we had to design a new health care system so I have a relatively new interest in this topic. Some of the most interesting points were mentioned during the question and answer sessions! One self-advocate spoke about the inaccessibility of medical equipment (exam tables, etc) and need for better education regarding care for persons with developmental disabilities for all physicians.
She mentioned that a physician told her she needed to get a cardiovascular workout in order to lose weight but she was unable to find an accessible fitness facility. That comment, of course, sent my brain spinning with possible projects for physical and occupational therapists and trainees!
April 28, 2009
Day two
Today was another busy day of session and planning for tomorrow’s hill visits. A few key items caught my attention.
First, I learned about some internet resources for keeping up with government spending and funding and legislative news:
http://www.recovery.gov/ is a website with information about how the US is spending stimulus money. It is updated daily to reflect the most accurate current spending. Each state has a similar website. I found Ohio's by visiting this link and clicking on the state of Ohio on the map: http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/state-recovery-page
http://www.grants.gov/ is a website with information about how to get the funds that are being provided by the stimulus packages.
Also, http://aucd.org/template/page.cfm?id=164publishes online legislative news briefs every Monday. It sounds like a quick and simple way to stay up to date regarding new bills and appropriations.
Health care reform came up in many of the discussions today. I am enrolled in a health policy course this quarter as part of my DPT curriculum and we completed a group project in which we had to design a new health care system so I have a relatively new interest in this topic. Some of the most interesting points were mentioned during the question and answer sessions! One self-advocate spoke about the inaccessibility of medical equipment (exam tables, etc) and need for better education regarding care for persons with developmental disabilities for all physicians.
She mentioned that a physician told her she needed to get a cardiovascular workout in order to lose weight but she was unable to find an accessible fitness facility. That comment, of course, sent my brain spinning with possible projects for physical and occupational therapists and trainees!
A LEND trainee takes advantage of Q and A time during legislative briefs
One final noteworthy mention is the confusion and differences in opinion related to autism legislation. Some conference participants felt that the legislation needed to be specific to Autism. Others urged the panel of specialists to include “Autism and other developmental disabilities” in the legislation. The most interesting idiosyncrasy to me (and the trainees I was seated with) was a panelist’s response to the request to include all disabilities in the legislation. She responded that the legislation contains the wording “Autism spectrum disorders and other related disabilities.” Well, what constitutes a related disability? It sounds a bit like a loophole. Was this merely a poor paraphrasing of the legislation? I think its something we need to be aware of. After all, it was poor phrasing that caused the Medicare cap to include reimbursement for $1500 of speech or physical therapy services instead of $1500 for speech and $1500 for physical therapy.
Trainees from The Ohio State University relax after a busy day!
It was another very busy day and I’m starting to regret that I only packed one pair of black shoes because my feet could use a change! Looking forward to tomorrow.Monday, April 27, 2009
Disability Policy Seminar Day ONE
Disability Policy Seminar
Day one
April 27, 2009
What a jam-packed and exciting day! I started the day with a trainee meet and greet where I met some new faces and reunited with some familiar ones. At “Lobbying 101,” a session for Disability Policy Seminar first timers, I gained some tips for successful interactions with legislators. Most notable were the importance of personalizing messages (including the subject line of an email) and emphasizing a personal connection with the legislator or staff member such as your membership in their district or a mutual acquaintance.
Day one
April 27, 2009
What a jam-packed and exciting day! I started the day with a trainee meet and greet where I met some new faces and reunited with some familiar ones. At “Lobbying 101,” a session for Disability Policy Seminar first timers, I gained some tips for successful interactions with legislators. Most notable were the importance of personalizing messages (including the subject line of an email) and emphasizing a personal connection with the legislator or staff member such as your membership in their district or a mutual acquaintance.
Kareem Dale addresses the audience Later we heard from disability policy specialists Kareem Dale and Connie Garner. Kareem is an assistant to President Obama while Connie works for Senator Ted Kennedy. It was a great dichotomy to hear perspectives and priorities from both the executive and legislative branches.
Connie Garner shares her insights
In the afternoon, policy and advocacy specialists from all the co-sponsors for the Disability Policy Seminar gave quick briefs and entertained questions related to upcoming legislative issues including social security, healthcare reform, employment, education, autism, and others. I am looking forward to more detailed information and focused discussions at the concurrent sessions on Tuesday.
Kim Musheno briefs on current legislation and policy updates
I had the privilege to share in the Leadership in Disability Policy Award ceremony where Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) was recognized. He shared an empowering message regarding the impact we as constituents can have in influencing our legislators.
In the evening, the trainee reception was a big success. Trainees from NY, NH, MA, OH, RI, OK, VA, NM, WI and others gathered to network with AUCD staff, program faculty and most importantly, other trainees! It was wonderful to meet fellow trainees and learn about other programs. After the reception, some trainees met for dinner which included an interesting conversation about school-based services for children with disabilities.
It was a busy first day and it passed very quickly! I am looking forward to the concurrent session on Education Policy Updates during day two.
Trainees from The Ohio State University take a break from the sessions for a photo!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Commercial contest
A link to the story: http://www.aucd.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=3759&id=16 A brief reaction, today. I had a conversation last fall with a clinician regarding inclusion of individuals with disabilities in advertising. Essentially, the facility we were in had pictures everywhere of children with different colored hair, eyes and skin. Pictures of children of varying ethnicities, ages, and sizes. But not one picture of a child with a disability. Not one picture of a child with a complex medical condition. The facility is one that treats all types of children including children similar to those portrayed in the pictures and those excluded.
I asked the clinician I was with what she thought of this oversight. She had communicated the same thoughts to administrators. The reply she received is that including children with disabilities or complex medical conditions might be viewed as exploitation.
Huh. I guess I never thought of it that way. But I don't agree. Children are unique.
The facility made an obvious effort to portray that. Why is portraying a child of a particular ethnicity not viewed as exploiting that ethnicity, but a picture of a child in a wheelchair is? Perhaps ableism is too new of a concept for "non-discrimination" efforts to include persons with disabilities. I suppose the ADA act is "younger" when compared to the Civil Rights Act and movements of the 1960's, but it's almost 20 years old!**
So, what to think of this commercial contest? What tone will it take? What will be the communities response? Will some deem it exploitation? It will certainly be interesting to follow.
**Please forgive me if I am a poor historian:)
I asked the clinician I was with what she thought of this oversight. She had communicated the same thoughts to administrators. The reply she received is that including children with disabilities or complex medical conditions might be viewed as exploitation.
Huh. I guess I never thought of it that way. But I don't agree. Children are unique.
The facility made an obvious effort to portray that. Why is portraying a child of a particular ethnicity not viewed as exploiting that ethnicity, but a picture of a child in a wheelchair is? Perhaps ableism is too new of a concept for "non-discrimination" efforts to include persons with disabilities. I suppose the ADA act is "younger" when compared to the Civil Rights Act and movements of the 1960's, but it's almost 20 years old!**
So, what to think of this commercial contest? What tone will it take? What will be the communities response? Will some deem it exploitation? It will certainly be interesting to follow.
**Please forgive me if I am a poor historian:)
Commerical Contest to air in July
A link to the story: http://www.aucd.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=3759&id=16
A brief reaction, today. I had a conversation last fall with a clinician regarding inclusion of individuals with disabilities in advertising. Essentially, the facility we were in had pictures everywhere of children with different colored hair, eyes and skin. Pictures of children of varying ethnicities, ages, and sizes. But not one picture of a child with a disability. Not one picture of a child with a complex medical condition. The facility is one that treats all types of children including children similar to those portrayed in the pictures and those excluded.
I asked the clinician I was with what she thought of this oversight. She had communicated the same thoughts to administrators. The reply she received is that including children with disabilities or complex medical conditions might be viewed as exploitation.
Huh. I guess I never thought of it that way. But I don't agree.
Children are unique. The facility made an obvious effort to portray that. Why is portraying a child of a particular ethnicity not viewed as exploiting that ethnicity, but a picture of a child in a wheelchair is? Perhaps ableism is too new of a concept for "non-discrimination" efforts to include persons with disabilities. I suppose the ADA act is "younger" when compared to the Civil Rights Act and movements of the 1960's, but it's almost 20 years old!**
So, what to think of this commercial contest? What tone will it take? What will be the communities response? Will some deem it exploitation? It will certainly be interesting to follow.
**Please forgive me if I am a poor historian:)
A brief reaction, today. I had a conversation last fall with a clinician regarding inclusion of individuals with disabilities in advertising. Essentially, the facility we were in had pictures everywhere of children with different colored hair, eyes and skin. Pictures of children of varying ethnicities, ages, and sizes. But not one picture of a child with a disability. Not one picture of a child with a complex medical condition. The facility is one that treats all types of children including children similar to those portrayed in the pictures and those excluded.
I asked the clinician I was with what she thought of this oversight. She had communicated the same thoughts to administrators. The reply she received is that including children with disabilities or complex medical conditions might be viewed as exploitation.
Huh. I guess I never thought of it that way. But I don't agree.
Children are unique. The facility made an obvious effort to portray that. Why is portraying a child of a particular ethnicity not viewed as exploiting that ethnicity, but a picture of a child in a wheelchair is? Perhaps ableism is too new of a concept for "non-discrimination" efforts to include persons with disabilities. I suppose the ADA act is "younger" when compared to the Civil Rights Act and movements of the 1960's, but it's almost 20 years old!**
So, what to think of this commercial contest? What tone will it take? What will be the communities response? Will some deem it exploitation? It will certainly be interesting to follow.
**Please forgive me if I am a poor historian:)
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Running with Team Reeve in the windy city
I found a charity to run with! I signed up for the Chicago Marathon a few weeks ago. Then, one day for class, we went to the NeuroRecovery Network Clinic at Ohio State. We learned all about their high-tech rehab and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. I had heard their were some great videos on the site, so I decided to check it out.
While I was there, I saw a link to the right that said "26.2" and thought to myself, "that can only mean one thing!" I saw they were putting together a team for the Chicago Marathon 2009 and I had to find out more!
The Christopher and Dana Reeve foundation funds research and advocates to improve spinal cord injury treatment. This is the story (and video) that really motivated me to join Team Reeve: http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG/b.4440581/k.8DF8/The_Chase_Is_On.htm
So I have taken on the challenge to raise $2,000 for the foundation. You can contribute at https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=307590&lis=1&kntae307590=92E8318DA70141D2AD9D4A5FB87DB8D5&supId=250391126
I've embarked on many journies in my running-life. From my first marathon to qualifying for and running the Boston marathon. Fundraising presents in new challenge for me in Chicago... and hopefully push me to a new personal best time! I can't wait!
While I was there, I saw a link to the right that said "26.2" and thought to myself, "that can only mean one thing!" I saw they were putting together a team for the Chicago Marathon 2009 and I had to find out more!
The Christopher and Dana Reeve foundation funds research and advocates to improve spinal cord injury treatment. This is the story (and video) that really motivated me to join Team Reeve: http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG/b.4440581/k.8DF8/The_Chase_Is_On.htm
So I have taken on the challenge to raise $2,000 for the foundation. You can contribute at https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=307590&lis=1&kntae307590=92E8318DA70141D2AD9D4A5FB87DB8D5&supId=250391126
Finishing my first marathon, Columbus 2006
I've embarked on many journies in my running-life. From my first marathon to qualifying for and running the Boston marathon. Fundraising presents in new challenge for me in Chicago... and hopefully push me to a new personal best time! I can't wait!
Running in the 112th Boston Marathon in 2008! Achieving a lifetime goal:)
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