X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.3 PL11]
Approved-By:  Bill McGarry <wtm@SHELDEV.SHEL.ISC-BR.COM>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.l-hcap
Date:         Thu, 13 Aug 1992 01:30:04 EDT
Reply-To:     Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
From:         Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
Subject:      Handicap Digest # 2861
X-To:         LHCAP <l-hcap@VM1.NODAK.EDU>

                             THE HANDICAP DIGEST

                                 Issue # 2861

                          Thursday, August 13, 1992

Today's Topics:


                                ******


                                  driving?
                               Re: Wheelchair
                                VA Riochmond
                                 Wheelchair
                                  Swelling
                          SCI SUPPORT GROUP-"WISE"
                                 Wheelchair
                          Lever-driven wheelchairs?
                                 Wheelchairs
                                 Screentyper


                                ******


To subscribe to the Handicap Digest mailing list or have your
thoughts in the next issue, please send electronic mail to
Bill McGarry at any of the following addresses:


UUCP:       uunet!bunker!wtm
INTERNET:   wtm@bunker.shel.isc-br.com
BITNET:     l-hcap@ndsuvm1.bitnet
Fidonet:    The Handicap News BBS (141/420)   1-203-337-1607
	    (300/1200/2400 baud, 24 hours)
Compuserve: 73170,1064

                              Bill McGarry (Moderator)
                              (203) 337-1518



------



Subject: driving?
From: Rich.Veraa@f907.n135.z1.fidonet.org (Rich Veraa)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:135/907 - <Birdsoft Online, N Miami FL


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

A message from David McFarling to All was released into the
bitstream 23 Jul 92  15:22.

 >>
 >> AH>> Total                                     17949.00
 >>
 >> RV> Good grief.. do you _need_ all that stuff? I'm a C-5, and the '72
 >> RV> Chevy van I drove for 13 years had only the stuff I've marked
 >> RV> plus plain Gresham hand controls for a couple hundred bucks. I

 DM> [portion of quote deleted]

 >> RV> stabilize my position. You're getting ripped off big time. My
 >> RV> whole conversion cost $1500.
 >>
 >>If it's a ripoff, the taxpayers are getting shafted, not me.  I was
 >>evaluated by instructors, and the above list is what they decided I
 >>need.  I'd rather have less stuff.  *adh*

 DM> Then don't get it!  More stuff to have problems with.  I'm a C5/C6,
 DM> with a '79 Ford and the same equipment as Rich plus a lift.
 DM> Suggest you talk to someone who adapts vans on a regular basis (not
 DM> part time!).

Actually, it's not the taxpayers that get shafted -- it's other
disabled clients. The taxpayers are shelling out as much as they'll
put up with, and no state has _enough_ funds to meet all the needs.
So whatever they spend on one client is funding they can't spend on
someone else.

     Cheers,
        Rich

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!135!907!Rich.Veraa
Internet: Rich.Veraa@f907.n135.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Re: Wheelchair
From: Kevin.Robinson@f15.n280.z1.fidonet.org (Kevin Robinson)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:280/15 - Writers' Block BBS, Raytown MO


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

Hi Linda.  One of the not-so-hidden agendas in my Stick Foster mystery
series books is to fight that fear of eye contact thing that AB's have
about chairs. (Like, if they look, they'll "catch" it!)  But, not to
step on your toes (you hurt enough as it is! *grin*), many seriously
disabled folks are just as bad.  I see them each year at Craig,
expending every last ounce of their being to remain upright.  I mean so
much leg, back, and Canadian crutch bracing that they are helpless to do
anything else functional...staying erect (as is appropriate in other far
more pleasurable endeavors) becomes all-comsuming!  The clear
implication is a continuation of the stereotype...living in a chair
(even though one might have full use of their upper body and get around
MUCH more efficiently!) is somehow less human, and must be resisted unto
death.  How many times have you heard someone say "I'd rather die than
be stuck in a wheelchair?"  Ignorance, prejudice, AND stupidity....
     Yours etc.,

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!280!15!Kevin.Robinson
Internet: Kevin.Robinson@f15.n280.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: VA Riochmond
From: John.Lynch@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (John Lynch)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:261/1000 - Nerve Center, Pikesville MD


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

Mark, what is Richmond like now.  I got really put off by the place
when the aids really didn't give a dam and the nurses were stuck in
their station doing paperwork.  I have not been there since the new
hospital was built.  When I first was rolled in there, in a
stricker frame of a C-9, saw 40 men seperated by a locker, pipes
running the length of the ward, cobwebs all over the place, I said,
great joke, take me to the real hospital.  Then the real reality
set in, I had arrived.  Back then there were  still a few goods
aids who gave a dam, and a pretty good reab group of people.  I
still keep up somewhat from Jack Harding, a quad who goes down
there, and from the Virginia chapter PVA newsletter.  What is your
opinion of the pleace,especially the nursing care provided by the
aids.

Regards, John

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!261!1000!John.Lynch
Internet: John.Lynch@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Wheelchair
From: Linda.Cummings@f34.n375.z1.fidonet.org (Linda Cummings)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:375/34 - Batteries Included, Montgomery AL


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

 > How many times have you heard someone say
 > "I'd rather die than be stuck in a wheelchair?"  Ignorance,
 > prejudice, AND stupidity....

Thanks, Kevin.  I understand and shall try my best not to be like
this. In fact, I'm taking steps to look into getting a wheelchair
for myself for those times when I say, "I'm sorry, I can't go with
you" when I could, if I were to use a wheelchair and there happens
to be none "there" available.

Would you have a suggestion as to a wheelchair?  It would have to
be light and probably collapse.  That way, I could handle it
myself, hopefully.  I'm just tired of telling people, "I'm sorry, I
can't go" when I would really like to go, but know I couldn't walk
that far.

Linda

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!375!34!Linda.Cummings
Internet: Linda.Cummings@f34.n375.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Swelling
From: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:150/175.1 - Busted Flush BBS, New Castle DE


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

In a message to Joe Chamberlain <22 Jul 92 09:13> Allison Cozzi wrote:

 AC>     Do you remember the reason your legs were swollen...a little more

I was just sitting too long and then an infection maade the problem
worse.  Circulation problems have a variety of causes and if they
can't be relieved, then a doctor's consultation is wise.

 AC> new. What was notable was that I couldn't get any shoes on and my

Exactly what happened to me with the shoes and was the deciding
factor in consulting a doctor.  He told me another day delay would
have most likely resulted in my losing my leg.

 AC> I know my edema was a result of a  sluggish metabolism caused by an

Many quads suffer with a sluggish metabolism.  Low pulse, low blood
pressure, and slowed and shallow respriration.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!150!175.1!Joe.Chamberlain
Internet: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: SCI SUPPORT GROUP-"WISE"
From: Mary.Bernard@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (Mary Bernard)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:261/1000 - Nerve Center, Pikesville MD


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

Women In Spinal cord Evolution (WISE) is a peer support network
centered in Maryland with monthly meetings in Bethesda.

HOWEVER...women from FL, PA, CT, CA. TX, Canada, IND, have heard of
us and are part of our system that has grown considerably in the
past 4 years.

WISE provides a newsletter, is strictly voluntary, and especially
supports the notion of networking and information sharing.

We provide advocacy, work constantlu to find qualified medical
care, vendors who want to work WITH us by giving promt service at
reasonable prices.

WISE is active and positive. WISE may have what you need to help
improve the quality of your life. YOU may have what some of our
members to help improve theirs. Together we can (and have) made a
difference!

We are planning a get-together in Frederick to go to the fair and
maybe a dinner theater later. We can provide limited accomodations
if necessary.

Interested? Leave a message here or call Mary Bernard, Dir &
Founder of WISE at 301-694-7519...we want to hear from you!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!261!1000!Mary.Bernard
Internet: Mary.Bernard@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Wheelchair
From: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:150/175.1 - Busted Flush BBS, New Castle DE


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

In a message to All <25 Jul 92 11:58> Linda Cummings wrote:

 LC> Just thought I'd write down my experience last night.  I sure got
 LC> a better understanding of what it's like to be in a wheelchair!

I just read the magazine NEW MOBILITY and they have a very good
feature section on aging and disability.  On article deals with the
freedom an electric chair offers.  The article applies to you
making the transition from walker to part-time chair user.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!150!175.1!Joe.Chamberlain
Internet: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Lever-driven wheelchairs?
From: Allison.Cozzi@f3216.n161.z1.fidonet.org (Allison Cozzi)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:161/3216 - Computer Communicat, Concord Ca


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

-> be easier than moving my arm to catch quad pegs on a wheel rim.  Are
-> there any companies that build these?  Or plans for building one?  Or
-> something that uses a similar mechanism that could be adapted to a wc
-> Or a homegrown solution?  I currently use an electric wc and would li

     I'm not sure how much information I have to give you but way back
in my working days, I designed seating systems for severely
neurologically and orthopedically impaired kids. Those are the
wheelchairs that have all the adaptations on them like scoliosis pads,
halos, adduction pads, abduction pads, etc. In the process of doing
that, I had occasion to *very lightly* touch on a chair that is now
ringing bells when I read your message about lever-driven chairs. There
is a chair that is a single-drive hemi chair made for hemiparesis folks
that requires use of only one arm and has a mechanism that sounds
somewhat like what you are thinking of. with my limited mechanical
knowledge, it seems to me that the basic theory is at work in those
single-driven hemi chairs and it m,ay be possible, if you have the know
how, to adapt the technology to your needs. As I had no reason to keep
this information permanently imbedded in my brain, Randy, I'm afraid
that I just took a look at the chair, heard what it's purpose was and
then promptly forgot it. Sorry I don't have more information than this.
I can't even remember who made it now. A phone call to a major rehab
hospital that has a section for stroke patients might net you some
information, though.
                                                  Allison

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!161!3216!Allison.Cozzi
Internet: Allison.Cozzi@f3216.n161.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Wheelchairs
From: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:150/175.1 - Busted Flush BBS, New Castle DE


[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

In a message to All <30 Jul 92 12:41> Linda Cummings wrote:

 LC> She suggested the Breazy by Quickie Co., very lightweight (about
 LC> 18 lbs) and a Jay cushion.

Don't rely on her word alone.  Visit a dealership and check out
several, find out the options available, and what you want or
need.

Wheelchairs are like automobiles ranging from the top of the line
BMW's to the little chevette's.  The have desk, elevated or long
arms, that are removable, swing away, or cushioned.  Foot rests
come in many varieties.  Backs come in different heights and
widths.  Seats follow the same formula.  Tires come in a variety of
sizes and are inflatable and hard rubber.

 LC> If I were able to have my doctor write a prescription for this,
 LC> Medicare would pay part of it, I understand.

I think your perscription needs to be written by a physical
therapist under the order of a doctor.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!150!175.1!Joe.Chamberlain
Internet: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Screentyper
From: tetley_j@kosmos.wcc.govt.nz

I saw your name on a posting on Usenet concerning software for the
disabled and I was wondering if you had any information concerning
the following:- I am a disabled student completing a degree in
Zoology.  For my studies I have been using MacIntosh computers to
enable me to store notes, write essays etc. Originally I started
off with a Mac Plus using a device called Personics Headmaster
which is a headset that takes over the operation of the mouse ie
the direction I move my head is the direction the arrow follows.
In conjunction with this I have been using a desk accessory called
'screentyper'.  This brings up a small keyboard on the bottom of
the screen and I just point to the letters and click to confirm
them.  I have been using this since 1987 and in this form it is
slightly out of date.  The keyboard is basic ie has no escape key,
arrow keys or control key.  I also wish to update to System 7.01
and the 'screentyper' is not compatible with this.

Does you know of any product which may remady this situation or of
any contact addresses of Companies who produce this type of
software?

Thanks in advance.
tetley_j@kosmos.wcc.govt.nz
P.S I am now using a Mac IIcx 5/100.




------






                                ******

                  End of Issue # 2861 of the Handicap Digest

                                ******