Your Bi-Monthly News & Updates
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Get Out & Get Moving
There are many benefits that have been documented about the relationship between exercise and overall health. Just simply doing something, anything can be a benefit to many people. Activity providing an escape from daily monotony and can release endorphins within your body which creates a natural source of feeling better. In this edition from dis
Ability
Connections we will share Health related information and possible ideas for people to try.
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Get Out
By: Brian Elliott
Those two words often need context to get their point across. In this version I want you to get out of the house and experience what Michigan has to offer with nature. Provide you a chance to be alone and one with your thoughts. If you aren’t one for solitude and inner monologues there are other options such as to take pictures, read, traverse the land, hunt, fish, shoot, or simply take in the scenery. It’s your life and yours to control, I’m merely saying I strongly encourage a trip outside of interior walls and get out to what Michigan naturally provides.
Trails are a great way to get out and explore. There are trails of various lengths, surfaces, and scenery which provides a little something for everyone! These options open possibilities of biking, strolling, running, wheeling, or anything your heart desires. Thankfully some people had the same idea and created some web pages for people to browse and search through. Sites such as
www.traillink.com
which provides info on trails across America regarding the trail length, what the trail is made of (concrete, dirt, woodchips, etc.), and an address to start the trail. Or the DNR has put together some resources with accessibility as the focal point with their website
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79137_79782---,00.html
. They provide links with accessible locations for fishing, hunting, camping, lodges/cabins, trails and scenic sites, and beaches. While the majority of these places are not fully accessible, they offer options to people. There are options within some of our local communities as well. Options such as the 180 acre Ramsdell Nature Park (Pictured in top left) or the nearly 80 acre Bi-Centennial Woods in Lenawee County which have natural hiking and cross-country skiing paths people can experience.
While I encourage and implore you to head out into the great Northern Wilderness that is Michigan, it is important to be safe or at least provide the option of safety. Take basic supplies of water, food, bug spray, sunscreen, bathroom supplies if needed, phone, and a whistle wouldn’t be a bad idea either in case things go astray. Ensure prior to any adventure you will have plenty of power to not just explore, but to
return
from exploring. Whether that is your personal muscle power or battery power, nothing more irksome than to get out a good distance then have the realization that it’ll be iffy about making it all the way back to your vehicle. Author’s disclosure, I’ve done that a couple times in my power chair. Thankfully I was with people that could push me all the way back. It wasn’t any sweat off my non-sweating body as I was just there for the ride, but doubt my buddies could say the same after the long push back!
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Lifeways Community Mental Health has an opportunity to participate in a weekly session at Cascade Falls. Any and all are welcome to join in and participate for these weekly walking sessions.
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Join us for this informative workshop to learn about accessibility requirements using the ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal as a guide to learn about the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Presenter
: Paul Beatty, Accessibility Specialist at the U.S. Access Board
When:
September 11th, 2018 9:00am
- 4:00 pm
(morning refreshments and lunch provided)
Check-in
: 8:30am - 9:00
Where:
Wyndham Garden Hotel 34911 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Register Online by Sept 4th. $20
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Rain Does Little to Dampen Enthusiasm for
2018 Hot Air Jubilee
By: Parrish Stahl
Many people came together and worked hard to make one of Jackson's great summertime events a success. Thursday's Media
N
ight would be the only flights of the 2018 Hot Air Jubilee. There were plenty of other things to do; dis
Ability
Connections staff and volunteers handled the parking. Executive Director, Lesia Pikaart said, "Another Hot Air Jubilee with so many wonderful people giving of their time to make this weekend a joy for so many people! Many thanks to our volunteers who put in hours of work in sometimes unpleasant weather this weekend! We parked over 1200 cars. It was great seeing so many friends and to finally have the night glow such a success this evening. Also, special thanks to the Jackson City Police who were helping in so many areas of the Jubilee and even helped unload some things at dis
Ability
Connections."
Great times, music, cars, friends, helicopter rides, and great food. Most of the non-balloon flight activities were hugely popular. Despite the threatening weather and low clouds the helicopter rides, new this year, stayed busy most of Saturday. The positive vibes were everywhere during the meet and greet with the flight crews. They handed out pictures and autographed cards for all the young fans. The Sugar Bear balloon is a legend at the Jubilee. Pilot Tyler Jacques & crew Dan Older and Aubrey Campbell had a great time talking flying. Crews came from all over the United States to participate.
Mindy Albert from dis
Ability
Connections was always good for some comic relief as she expertly directed parking cars in the handicapped lot with the help of her Hoveround power wheelchair. The brave souls that brought out their classic cars proved that Jackson knows how to throw a party. Cindy Hayden, lead singer of MoJo Phoenix and entertainment coordinator did a tremendous job keeping the music playing. Jackson wishes all the balloon crews thanks, love, prayers and Blue Skies. We will see you next year.
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WHAT DO WE DO WHEN “THE BOTTOM FALLS OUT”
By: Holly Peterson
This has been a very big year for the Peterson Family. My daughter Sally graduated from Lyle Torrant Center at age 26. Following this, many parents like myself feel that “the bottom falls out” of our adult child’s and our lives. All of the hours of time that were filled by school need to be filled with activity! That doesn't mean the activity of sitting in front of a television or a video game ..to us, it means QUALITY and MEANINGFUL activity!
My husband Jeff and I look at each other and ask…”What will it look like...where will she go, who will do it with her”? We are both heavily involved in local issues for individuals with disabilities so we have made it our jobs to be informed...and for me, well it actually IS my job (to be informed)! I work for dis
Ability
Connections and contract to the Intermediate School District as the Resource Coordinator.
Because we both work, we have limited “staff hours” and need to make the most of them. We don't have the time to invent things...so we rely on what is currently happening in our community and plug into those things. We take Sally’s interests, her strengths, physical abilities and needs into account, then add the important things to our family such as faith, volunteering and giving back to the community. Our family motto is…"If it is to be (it might be) up to me!”
I have gathered a list of community activities over the years that I share with other families and today I am using it like my menu. I am checking off the things we will participate in and add others (that’s the “up to me” part). I will set it up like a weekly calendar. It doesn't have to be stuck like glue, but if it is on paper it is more important to us, to Sally, and to helpers in making sure we attempt to meet the goals we feel are important to the meaningful life we hope to foster.
Continue Reading here.....
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Basic Mobility Device Safety Around Traffic & Pedestrians
By: Parrish Stahl
It is summer and soon heading into Fall, a great time to be out enjoying life. One of the things about leading a more independent life is that people with disabilities take on new responsibilities as we exercise our independence. Particularly when piloting mobility devices that can weigh hundreds of pounds and are capable of injuring yourself or members of the public. Powerful mobility devices are everywhere. They are not toys and do not care how experienced you are. Before you take control of a scooter, power-chair, or any other motorized device make sure you know how to safely operate that machine and a little bit about your own capabilities.
It's the old saying "Practice makes perfect." One suggestion is to find a wide-open flat space and practice. It may sound simple, but learning what speed works for you, stopping, starting, turning and understanding your capabilities, along with your limitations will go a long way in making your excursions more safe and enjoyable. Take in consideration, if you have balance issues. Do you need a seat-belt? Driving any device can be dangerous until you know your own abilities. Take time to read safety instructions and/or get some help from people like dis
Ability
Connections’ staff.
Many of the rules we know about bicycle safety also apply to power mobility devices like wheelchairs or scooters. Having an assistant or a friend with you in the beginning is not a bad idea in case things go awry. Don't be afraid to wear a helmet or other protective gear if that makes you more comfortable. If you put a highly visible, colorful backpack with reflective tape on your device you'll be more noticeable to other people. Having a backpack also provides a place for your helmet, other safety gear, or any supplies you want to have while out and about. Wearing bright colors and adding reflective tape on the front and back of the mobility device will help make you more visible. Never assume people see you. In most cases you are less than 4 feet tall.
Obeying the rules of the road is an absolute must. A disability does not give you the right to be rude or put yourself or others in danger. In tight spaces such as a store, make sure you are watching out for other people, pets, shopping carts, strollers, or other wheelchairs. Lastly, just like a car, please park that thing before you use your phone or text. The biggest thing we can do to ensure our safety and others is to think before you do it and pay attention.
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The partnership with U of M and disAbility Connections has provided a great video of the importance of accessibility and the impact it has on people. Please watch the video and click on the link below to read the article that goes with it.
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Vol_ntee_
By: Brian Elliott
Notice that U R missing? Ever see a sign like that? If you have, you were probably in a Dr.’s office or near a college campus of some sort. Believe it or not, those can be pretty important signs to skip over. At least give them a look over, see what it is all about. Advances in science are done through research. The crucial ingredient with any research study are the participants. Participants typically are volunteers pulled from a research pool and possibly provided with slight compensation for their time and input. As people with disabilities of varying degrees and across broad spectrum's we are some of the prime subjects for researchers conducting current and future studies. As we are the people who are most impacted by what can be learned or discovered. Maybe there are studies going on right now that you could’ve been a participant.
I have been in numerous research projects/studies related to Spinal Cord Injuries. As a study subject I have done surveys, hours of interviews, home sleep studies with cords and wires attached to my body, and even had electrodes surgically implanted into my glutes, hamstrings, lower back, and quads for a Functional Electronic Stimulation research project. To learn more about SCI research and studies check out this
article from www.pushliving.com.
As a research participant there are generally no reasons to fear participation, plus you can always drop-out at any moment. No questions asked. In some studies you may even be compensated for your time and information. Being a subject in a research project doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to give you mystery pills and when you wake up you will be bald or have a fuller, thicker head of hair. In reality, most studies that people are involved with do not offer mystery medications or pose any threat to your physical well-being. Rather, the studies typically involve answering surveys and providing your first-hand experiences and attitudes or opinions along with your knowledge as a person with a disability. Getting the information straight from the horse’s mouth, as they say.
How can you get involved in advancing health research you ask? One way is to find out what your Doctor's are studying or if they know of any studies going on. Maybe a local hospital will know how to get involved. U of M research
https://umhealthresearch.org/
has a large subject pool that people can register within. When a study occurs you qualify for, they reach out and see if you want to participate. Or you can login to the website and check what is happening as far as studies occurring now and any prerequisites in what they need for participants. Regardless of how you get involved, get involved! Modern science is incredible and you may able to get in on some new technology or a research study that will have an impact for people with disabilities and our daily lives.
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disAbility Connections | Phone: (517) 782-6054 | Fax : (517) 782-3118
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