Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
373999941
label
11-26-97 [Health Care, Personnel Policy, Independent Living - 1997-1998]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
373999941
contentType
document
title
11-26-97 [Health Care, Personnel Policy, Independent Living - 1997-1998]
citationUrl
collections
Lex Frieden Collection: Records on Disability Rights
Printed Materials
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
373999941
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
5fe15eaff382c0e9
ocrText
Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
Donated Historical Materials
Collection/Office of Origin:
Frieden, Lex, Collection
Series:
Printed Materials
Subseries:
Miscellaneous
OA/ID Number:
52164
Folder ID Number:
52164-009
Folder Title:
11-26-97 [Health Care, Personnel Policy, Independent Living - 1997-1998]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
Continental
Continental Airlines, Inc.
Tel 281 987 6666
Suite 2010
2929 Allen Parkway
Houston TX 77019
March 23 1998
Mr. Lex Frieden
Sr. Vice President
The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research
1333 Mousand, In the TX Medical Center
Houston, TX 77030-3405
Dear Lex:
Here are the Rio tickets for you and Max. Thanks for flying out of your way to stay with
Continental. I always appreciate your comments from your personal experience with us
and look forward to hearing about these flights. Hope your board meeting down south
is productive. I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting on April 9th at Bush
Intercontinental Airport.
Best Regards,
the
Jane Cox
Executive Assistant
Enclosure
THE
ROBERTWOOD
JOHNSON
FOUNDATION
MEMORANDUM
To:
National Program Staff
From:
Frank Karel, Vice President for Communications
Date:
February 24, 1998
Subject:
American Health Line
I am pleased to tell you that as of today, we will be providing you with free access to
American Health Line via NPOnet, the web site created exclusively for use by National Program
and Foundation staff.
American Health Line is a daily summary of national health and health care news. We
hope that making it available through NPOnet will stimulate more informed exchange on the site
about national health issues that might affect your work.
To access Health Line on NPOnet, go to nponet.rwjf.org, enter your username and
password, and click on the Resources button on the toolbar. Click on "Today's News From
American Health Line." You will have access to the current issue, as well as a complete archive
of every issue ever produced. Please note that if you have been accessing Health Line through a
Foundation-sponsored subscription, your password will expire at the end of February and you
will only be able to access Health Line through NPOnet.
If you have any questions about Health Line, please contact Ann Searight in the
Communications Office at 609/243-5933. If you have questions about your login and password
for NPOnet, please contact the Help Desk in Information Systems at 609/243-5862.
Frank
Route 1 and College Road East Post Office Box 2316 Princeton, New Jersey 08543-2316 (609) 452-8701
Internet: http://www.rwjf.org
e-mail: [email protected]
Have
-
Changes - send
to Bwt LA.
Document Originally
Attached to
Following Page
P.02/07
MAR-25-1998 09:03
tigun
1 EASUNNEL POLICIES
AND
Systems
PROCEDURES
SUBJECT
Post-Offer Employment Screening
DATE
7/92
POLICY NO. TS1.16
REVISION NO.
2
58
AUTHORIZATION NO. PPM131
sel
PAGE NO.
1 of 2
POLICY
hing
medical As part of TIRR Systems employment procedures, an applicant is required to undergo a post-offer
3
affiliated Systems. Any offer of employment that an applicant receives from TIRR Systems designated its
by TIRR examination, including alcohol/drug screenings, that is conducted by a physician
and facilities is contingent upon, among other things, satisfactory completion of this examination or
duas
performing the essential functions of the position that has been offered.
a determination by the hiring facility and its examining physicians that the applicant is capable of
As a condition of continued employment, employees may also be required to undergo periodic medical
but
cing
understood Systems facility with access to theirAmedical records if requested. Further, it should be
TIRR screenings. In connection with these examinations, employees are required to provide the designated
examinations, at times specified by TIRR Systems, which may also include alcohol and drug
use
that the designated TIRR Systems facility receives a full medical report from its
yen
full drug/alcohol screening medical examinations as well as continued employment exams for in
physicians regarding the applicant's or employee's state of health. TIRR Systems post-offer examining and
by the appropriate TIRR Systems facility. * anailable to should are paid
will
what
need
to
the Questions about TIRR Systems-required medical examinations facility should 1-00 have be broad directed to your Supervisor,
facility's Personnel Department, or the TIRR Systems office.
PROCEDURE
years must cas related
aquiry medical record two broad 30 an
I.
the After an applicant has successfully completed the interview process the Personnel Department at
designated physician.
hiring facility will arrange an appointment for a physical exam with a TIRR Systems
A. The health examination will consist of at least the following:
1. Medical history
2. Physical examination
3. TB skin test/chest x-ray (TB skin test will not be required for known positives); a chest
x-ray will be performed when candidates/employees indicate that they test positive.
a. After a TB test is administered, the applicant will return within forty-eight (48) ho"
to have the test read.
b. If the result is positive a chest x-ray will be required.
P.03/07
MAR-25-1998 09:04
PERSONNEL
TITLE
DATE
PAGE No.
POLICIES
Post-Offer Employment
Screening
09/02/97
1 of 3
AND
AUTHORIZATION No.
POLICY No.
REVISION No.
TIRR
PROCEDURES
PP97-107
TS1.16
3
POLICY
As part of TIRR Systems employment procedures, an applicant is required to undergo a post-offer
medical examination, including alcohol/drug screening, that is conducted by a physician designated
by TIRR Systems. Any offer of employment that an applicant receives from TIRR Systems or its
affiliated facilities is contingent upon, among other things, satisfactory completion of this
examination and a determination by the hiring facility and its examining physicians that the applicant
is capable of performing the essential functions of the position that has been offered.
As a condition of continued employment, employees may also be required to undergo periodic
medical examinations, at times specified by TIRR Systems, which may also include alcohol and drug
screening. In connection with these examinations, employees are required to provide the designated
TIRR Systems facility with access to their medical records, if requested. Further, it should be
understood that the designated TIRR Systems facility receives a full medical report from its
examining physicians regarding the applicant's or employee's state of health. TIRR Systems post-
offer and drug/alcohol screening medical examinations, as well as continued employment exams, are
paid for in full by the appropriate TIRR Systems facility.
the facility's Personnel Department, or the TIRR Systems office.
Questions about TIRR Systems-required medical examinations should be directed to your Supervisor,
PROCEDURE
I.
After an applicant has successfully completed the interview process the Personnel Department
at the hiring facility will arrange an appointment for a physical exam with a TIRR Systems
designated physician.
A.
The health examination will consist of at least the following:
1.
Medical history
2.
Physical examination
3.
TB skin test/chest x-ray (TB skin test will not be required for known positives);
a chest x-ray will be performed when candidates/employees indicate that they
test positive.
c:\wpwin\policies\s16.wpw
MAR-25-1998 09:04
P.04/07
Memo
To:
Kathleen DeSilva
From:
Wendy Wilkinson
Subject:
Personnel Policy Revision #TS1.16: Post-offer Employment Screening
Date:
January 19, 1998
CC:
Lex
Frieden (Beverly Lamisa Aderag
In reviewing the policy referenced above I became concerned about the legality of a portion of it.
The portion I am referring to concerns medical examinations of employees, specifically the
language, "As a condition of continued employment, employees may also be required to undergo
periodic medical examinations In connection with these examinations, employees are required
to provide access to their medical records."
I am concerned about its legality in light of the prohibitions in the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) governing the medical examinations of employees. The Act does allow for employee
medical examinations, but only in certain circumstances. Where a medical examination is
permissible, it must be strictly limited to eliciting information an employer needs to know for the
purposes of providing an accommodation, assessing direct threat or evaluating an employees
ability to continue to perform a job. The inquiry must be triggered by a specific event--
something which indicates that the employee is having difficulty performing their job. If there is
such a trigger, again, the scope of the examination must be strictly limited to eliciting
information necessary for providing the accommodation.
Following are the applicable provisions from the regulations and technical assistance manual
promulgated by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission;
"(c) Examination of employees
A covered entity may require a medical examination (and/or inquiry) of an employee that is
job-related and consistent with business necessity. A covered entity may make inquiries into the
ability of an employee to perform job-related functions.
A covered entity may conduct voluntary medical examinations and activities, including voluntary
medical histories, which are part of an employee health program available to employees at the
work site.' (29 CFR, part 1630.14)
The analysis accompanying the regulations goes on further to clarify:
MAR-25-1998 09:05
P.05/07
Policy Distribution Committee
Page 2
January 19, 1998
"The ADA's requirements concerning medical examinations and inquiries of employees are more
stringent than those affecting applicants who are being evaluated for employment after a
conditional job offer. In order for a medical examination or inquiry to be made of an employee, it
must be job related and consistent with business necessity. The need for the examination may be
triggered by some evidence of problems related to job performance or safety, or an examination
may be necessary to determine whether individuals in physically demanding jobs continue to be
fit for duty. In either case, the scope of the examination also must be job-related."
One could argue that the personnel provision referenced is not illegal on its face because,
arguably, there are circumstances where a comprehensive medical examination of an employee
may be conducted. The key factor will be in assuring that these "triggering" events are
understood. This section should be premised with an explanation of legitimate medical inquiries
and a description of how extensive they may be. For instance, there could be a scenario where an
employee is having difficulty performing his or her job and is subjected to a fairly comprehensive
medial examination which includes an evaluation of their medical records in order to determine
the appropriate accommodation. To leave this provision in the policy manual as it is, without
clarification of and reference to the ADA "triggering" requirements is dangerous and not
something I would be comfortable signing off on.
I just wanted to alert you to my concern and let you know that I am available if you have any
questions or if I can be of any assistance.
MAR-25-1998 09:05
P.06/07
TO: Lex
FROM: Wendy
RE: Commentary on personnel policies and procedures
DATE: March 5, 1993
Following is my commentary on personnel policy number TS1.16;
re: post-offer alcohol/drug screens
These can be conducted but it is important to keep in
mind that alcoholics are also protected by the ADA so
they should not be screened because of their
alcoholism. You can require that employees not drink
on the job but can't exclude them from a job because
of their alcoholism.
re: Medical examinations of employees
Medical examinations of employees have more stringent
requirements. For medical examinations to be
conducted of employees they must be "job-related" and
consistent with business necessity. An examination
would be job-related when the employee is having
difficulty performing their job, when an employee
becomes disabled, when necessary to determine
reasonable accommodation or when required by Federal
law or state and local laws which are consistent with
the ADA.
The scope of an employee medical examination must also
be job related. If an employees job involved lifting
and they develop a back impairment they can be seen by
an orthopedist but they cannot also be tested for HIV.
So it would probably be illegal to request an
employees medical records as this would be too broad
an inquiry.
Employers may also conduct voluntary medical
examinations and inquíries which are part of employee
health programs. These programs must be:
1) voluntary;
2) information gathered must not be used to discriminate;
3) information subject to ADA confidentiality requirements.
These records should also be kept confidential subject to the
following exceptions:
1) Supervisors where necessary to apprise
them of work restrictions and
accommodations.
2) First aid and safety personnel where
MAR-25-1998 09:05
P.07/07
appropriate if emergency treatment might
be required or if specific procedures
needed for fire or other evacuations.
3) To government officials investigating
compliance with ADA and other laws
prohibiting discrimination based on
disability.
4) Where required to provide information
to state worker's compensation offices in
accordance with state law.
5) Where required to provide information
to insurance companies providing life or
health insurance to employees.
TOTAL P.07
UNUM®
PATRICIA M. OWENS
President
Integrated Disability Management
A Division of Unum America
December 2, 1997
Mr. Lex Frieden
Senior Vice President
Grants/Administration
1333 Moursund Avenue
Houston, Texas 77030
RE: Opportunities Portfolio - Independent Living Initiative
Dear Lex:
It has been some time since we last spoke. I hope all is well and you are enjoying this holiday
season. I need to solicit your help/input with regards to a new initiative being undertaken by
UNUM. Let me explain.
Opportunities Portfolio
UNUM has undertaken a major project in the Opportunities Portfolio - Independent Living
Initiative. Over the last several months UNUM has designed this Initiative to maximize the
social value of our products and extend our disability leadership position. The project originally
focused on return-to-work and was a natural progression of our ongoing work to strengthen
disability knowledge and risk management competencies.
Opportunities Portfolio is defined as a comprehensive, solutions approach to returning people
with disabilities to a more independent and meaningful life (both in and out of work). This
effort transcends UNUM technical proficiencies to reach customers on a new, more human level
and will provide a clear focus for UNUM on finding ways to help people with disabilities and
their families. Matthew K. Gilligan, formerly Vice President and Head of Customer
Acquisitions for UNUM's Eastern Region, heads up the Opportunities Portfolio initiative.
Independent Living Initiative (Initiative)
The Independent Living Initiative is one component of the Opportunities Portfolio and
concentrates on adding "independent living expertise, service, and funding mechanisms" to our
Benefit Management and Product Portfolio. Specifically, the mission of this new UNUM area
will be to:
Provide information, referrals, service and guidance to help UNUM customers
with disabilities and their families lead more fulfilling and independent lives.
UNUM LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
28 Old Fulton Street #3E, Brooklyn, NY 11201
718 855-2222 Fax 718 855-3247
Page 2
Opportunities Portfolio
12/2/97
General Discussion
Information is the foundation from which people with disabilities (and their families) become
active in directing their own lives and returning to wellness. Additionally, the social value,
implicit in this Initiative is recognizing active and knowledgeable people with disabilities are
likely to be gainfully employed.
The Strategy for the Initiative is threefold:
1. For UNUM Customers, we will have an integrated human information point
of contact that will be supported by a phone center/web technology.*
*For the general public web technology will be accessible.
2. Products will be offered to provide funding to help increase people's wellness
and independence; to fill gaps in medical insurance programs; and to finance
highly qualified "coaches."
3. The staff of Opportunities Portfolio will share disability knowledge and
experience with the rest of UNUM, providing all staff with insights to the
"human side of disability."
ACTION:
Craig Gray*, Independent Living Initiative, UNUM, will be contacting you during the week of
December 8th to discuss this Initiative in more detail. Among the issues Craig would like to
discuss with you are:
-Additional details on the Initiative, including:
-How UNUM will provide support/guidance on the resources available to
the disabled; and
-Products/Riders enabling a claimant to fund services, alterations, etc.
-Your views/comments on this Initiative:
-How does this sound to you? Can it be improved?
-Are you aware of any other organization with a similar undertaking?
-Any potential support/technology connects your organization might
be interested in
-Additional "contacts" to help round out the opportunities this Initiative
will provide.
*Craig's Portland, ME, number is (207)-770-2943
I greatly appreciate your support and willingness to speak to Craig on UNUM's Opportunities
Portfolio Independent Living Initiative. Please let me know if I can provide additional
information and have a happy, healthy holiday season.
Put
Sincerely,
Patricia M. Owens
CC: Craig Gray
UNUM LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
28 Old Fulton Street #3E, Brooklyn, NY 11201
718 855-2222 Fax 718 855-3247
Warren Professional Building Corporation
Robert I. Mogelnicki
President
November 24, 1997
Mr. Lex Frieden
Institute for Rehabilitation and Research
1333 Moursund
Houston, Texas 77303
Dear Mr. Frieden:
As a proud member of the Henry Kendall College Of Arts & Sciences - Board Of
Visitors, I wish to acknowledge your participation in our honorable group. The
information presented and distributed in our October 7th meeting shows not only the
advancements we have made, but also gives specific direction to the needs of the College.
We all feel truly committed and appreciate each gift, whether it be material or through
your generous time.
The next scheduled meeting is on Wednesday, March 25, 1998 from 11:00 a.m.
until 2:00 p.m.
Have a wonderful holiday season and thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Bof
RJM/cb
P.O. Box 470372 Julsa, Oklahoma 74147-0372 (918) 492-8100
11/04/1997 10:15 713-877-1602
GACC HOUSTON TEXAS
PAGE 01
German American Chamber of Commerce
of the Southern United States, Inc.
FAX
AN/TO:
The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR)
Attn.: Prof. Lex Frieden
11/4/97
Fax: 713-799-7095
VON/FROM:
# OF PAGES: 1
Eva Schmoly
GACC South, Houston Office
Fax: 713-877-1602
Subject
Dear Professor Frieden,
We were refered to you by Dr. Mikus of Sanmeda Klinikholding KG who told us that you
are an expert in the areas of disability and rehabilitation.
As we are in the process of preparing a study on the sector of medical technology in
Texas we would like to ask you for your assistance.
We are looking for any information regarding this sector. It would be very helpful to us if
you could provide us with a general definition of medical technology, especially which
industries are included in this sphere. Furthermore, we are interested in leading
manufacturers, associations and research centers engaged in medical technology.
We would appreciate if you could provide us with any information that could be useful to
us to carry out this analysis.
Thanking you in advance for your help and cooperation, we remain
Sincerely,
Eva Eva Schmoly Schmoly
Marketing Associate
Southwest Office
NC
5599 San Felipe, Suite 510
Houston, TX 77056 USA
OK
TN
Tel: (713) 877-1114
AR
SC
Fax: (713) 877-1602
as
AL
e-mall:[email protected]
LA
GA
TX
FL
BOLA FASHORO
735 Dulles Avenue, #812
Stafford, Texas 77477
Vph./Fph.: 281/499-5670.
October 26, 1997
Dr. Lex Freiden
Senior Vice-President for Research
The Institute for Rehabilitation Research (TIRR)
1333 Morsund, Houston, Texas 77030-3405
Dear Dr. Freiden :
My family recently relocated to Greater Houston and I am exploring career opportunities in the area.
Sir, your present designation as the Senior Vice-President for Research at TIRR, a highly visible and
well-known rehabilitation research hospital in the Texas Medical Center, you have strong and proven
skills in research, analysis, design and development of rehabilitative medical devices and systems for
the physically disabled.
I beleive you are in a superior position to advice and counsel me in my efforts to advance ny career in the
design of innovative, easy-to-control, easy-to-use and cost effective rehabilitation assistive devices. I am
making a career transition from teaching and research in engineering academia to applied research in
rehabilitation research centers, clinics and hospitals.
Please do not misunderstand me. I am not seeking employment with your organization, nor do I expect
you to know of a specific job opening. What I will greatly appreciate is a chance to get your guidance in
the pursuit of my objective.
I realize you have a busy schedule and I am only requesting a short meeting. I will call your office soon
to establish a convenient time to meet with you.
Sincerely,
Bola Fashoro
BOLA Monfashon O. FASHORO.
Washington
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST LOUIS
School of Medicine
Program in Occupational Therapy
October 10, 1997
Mr. Lex Frieden
The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research
1333 Moursund Avenue
Houston, TX 77030
Dear Mr. Frieden:
My name is Donna Whitehouse. I am the Coordinator of Student Clinical and Professional
Development at Washington University, St. Louis in the Program in Occupational Therapy.
Dr. David Gray is on faculty at the Program with me and he suggested that I contact you to
discuss ways that perhaps your program and ours could work together.
The Program in Occupational Therapy offers a Masters Level occupational therapy degree.
As a part of occupational therapy training, we send students all over the country to learn
from other occupational therapists, health professionals and individuals working to
promote independence and accessibility for persons with disability. Students must
participate in four one-week experiences and a minimum of two three-month internships in
order to complete our program.
Dr. Gray felt that your program offered opportunities and services that our students could
and should learn about. We are attempting to broaden the scope of occupational therapy,
and would like the opportunity to send occupational therapy students to your program to
observe, learn and participate in your client interactions.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss our program with you further, and explore
the possibility of sending students. Please contact me at your earliest convenience:
314/286-1613 or [email protected] (e-mail address).
Sincerely,
Donna Whitehouse
Donna Whitehouse, MHA, OTR
Coordinator of Student Clinical and
Professional Development
dw/sse
Washington University School of Medicine
at Washington University Medical Center
Campus Box 8505, 4444 Forest Park Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63108-2292
Phone: (314) 286-1600
FAX: (314) 286-1601 Web: http://www.ot.wustl.edu
TDD: (314) 286-1651 e-mail: [email protected]
TIRR
The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research
TIRR
1333 Moursund, Houston, Texas 77030-3405
In The Texas Medical Center
Telephone (713) 799-5000, 797-5790 (TDD)
Fax (713) 799-7095
October 29, 1997
Ms. Donna Whitehouse, MHA, OTR
Coordinator of Student Clinical and
Professional Development
Washington University School of Medicine
Box 8505 4444 Forest Park Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63108-2292
Dear Ms. Whitehouse:
Thank you for your letter regarding collaborating work between the Occupational Therapy
program at Washington University and TIRR. I will discuss this matter with my colleagues and
be in touch with you shortly.
Sincerely yours,
Laptriden
Lex Frieden
Senior Vice President
NOV. 7.1997 6:27PM TIRR HOSPITAL
NO.850
P.1/1
Friday, November 7, 1997
Lex:
message 1) on your machine. Needs to FEDEX this 5-page letter of Intent by next Thursday,
Barrett Markland (512) 454-4816, home: (512) 459-8088 Detailed phonemail
Nov. 13. they left out the costs associated with administering questionnalre/survey
instrument. Of the 36,000 plus people below age 65, how many do they have to survey
to make the findings significant?
something about dual soft hand
2)
Sandy and Beverly (allas MaI]) called with questions on the new position at ILRU--the
Research Administrative Assistant.
3)
Bucky Alshouse called at 2:40. 951-0002
For Saturday:
Room 2 A&B, 2nd floor. Food (danish and bagels) should be set up by 8:30 Call 6912 or
6918; Scott Leonard's pager If necessary: 833-8674
If you need me to come in and check it, I can.
Street,
cultured
Kardusha
bad based
NY
ma
commitment
Faliel
science
lab basic
Syrongy
protice applied funding
Local insta
public understandug Mastine
Asociación Dominicana de Rehabilitación, Inc.
Apdo. de correos 1054-San Francisco de Macorís esq. Leopoldo Navarro
Sto. Dgo., R.D.-Tel. 688-6444
2295
21 AGO 1997
Mr. Lex Frieden,
Senior VicePresident,
The Institute for Rehabilitation Research (TIRR), 1333
Moursund, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
Fax No. 713-799-7095
Dear Mr. Frieden:
Thanks for your fax dated August 4, 1997. We certainly appreciate all the information
received from US Council for International Rehabilitation (USCIR).
On May 27, 1997, we also wrote to Dra. Izabel de Loureiro Maior, MD, Vice President
for South America for RI exploring the possibility of joining to the South and Latin
American Region. The reason is we will not have language barriers. Most of our
directors and staff do not have the command of the english. However, on the other hand,
travelling to US territory is more frequent and easy from our country.
We are looking forward to an answer from Dra. Loureiro to make our final decission.
In any event, exchange of information from your end will be welcome.
Sincerely yours,
Mary P. Marranzini,
ADR President
C.C. Miss Susan Parker, RI Secretary General
Institut de réadaptation
en déficience physique
de Québec
24-1004
Quebec, September 11th, 1997
SIÈGE SOCIAL
525, boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel
Québec (Québec)
G1M 2S8
Téléphone (418) 529-9141
Téléscripteur : (418) 649-3734
Télécopie (418) 529-7318
Mr. Lex Frieden
Senior Vice President
THE INSTITUTE FOR REHABILITATION AND RESEARCH
1333, Moursund (in the Texas Medical Center)
Houston, Texas
77030-3405
SERVICES
À LA CLIENTÈLE
Dear Lex :
ng For the
Déficience motrice - Enfants
2975, chemin Saint-Louis
Sainte-Foy (Québec)
Thank you for your letter related to our invitation to organize a possible
G1W 1P9
Téléphone: (418) 653-8766
meeting of Rehabilitation International in Quebec City. I really appreciate
Télécopie : (418) 653-0964
your support for developing a proposal.
We would be very honoured as a first step to invite the executive board of
Déficience motrice - Adultes
525, boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel
Rehabilitation International to meet in Quebec City sometime in 1998.
Québec (Québec)
Could you carry this formal proposal to the board during your next meeting.
G1M 2S8
Téléphone: (418) 529-9141
Télécopie : (418) 529-3699
We will be very proud with my team to present to the executive congress
board the strength of Quebec City as an excellent site for clinical and
scientific reasons in the field of rehabilitation and for linguistic, touristic and
Déficience visuelle
525, boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel
facilities potential.
Aile J Québec (Québec)
G1M 2S8
Téléphone (418) 529-6991
Please, give my best regards to Dr Arthur O'Reilly in Seoul.
Téléscripteur (418) 649-3733
Télécopie : (418) 529-4211
I look forward to hearing from you.
Déficience auditive
Sincerely yours,
775, rue Saint-Viateur
Charlesbourg (Québec)
G2L 2S2
Téléphone (418) 623-9801
Téléscripteur : (418) 623-7377
Télécopie : (418) 626-3914
Patrick Fougeyrollas, Ph.D.
Scientific Director
PF:jl
Institut universitaire
de réadaptation
et d'intégration sociale
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
REACH
Rehabilitation Education and CHange
215 Erickson Hall
College of Education+Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology
East Lansing, MI 48824-1034
and Special Education-Rehabilitation Counseling Program
517-432-3623
DATE:
May 12, 1997
TO:
Lex Frieden
1333 Moursund
Houston, TX 77030
RE:
April 28, 1997 Conference
Dear Mr. Frieden,
We would like to Thank You for participating as the guest speaker in "Independent Living For the
New MILlennium: Celebrating Our Past and Envisioning Our Future." Your contributions to the event wer
very well received by the participants. The day was filled with exciting and encouraging information.
Thanks again. We look forward to working with you in the future.
Sincerely,
from Smiley
Frances Saroki
Rhonda Egidio
REACH
MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution
C
T
NEW MOBILITY
DISABILITY CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
Women & Disability
Body Image
Self-esteem
Relationships
Domestic Violence
Feminism
5-DIGIT 77030
NET1 050058 X # 719999 #7H
LEX FRIEDEN
0363
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
TIRR
1333 MOURSUND
HOUSTON
TX 77030-3405
Standard
Power. Quality. Reliability.
MK
POWERED
These are just a few
of the reasons
Equipment
manufacturers of the
world's finest
wheelchairs rely on
on the
MK batteries.
They're the same
reasons so many
World's
therapists recommend
MK batteries.
And why so many
finest
wheelchair
POWERED
Permobil
Chairman Corpus
owners demand
MK batteries.
Wheelchairs
Well, maybe you should, too.
1 - 800 - 824 - 5027 fax 714 - 937 - 0818
THE WOMEN'S ISSUE
38
What do women do when their bodies don't meet societal norms?
Some lose self-esteem, but some take the opportunity to redefine womanhood.
Some risk intimacy and find love; some lose love and find violence in
NEW MOBILITY
their own homes. Some challenge their assigned roles in society; some create a
VOLUME 8 NUMBER 49
manifesto for change. All hope for a culture that, some day, will value women
38
with disabilities. Stories by Nancy Mairs, Jean Dobbs, Laura Kaminker, Miriam
Braunstein, Barbara Waxman Fiduccia and Marsha Saxton.
Cover illustration by Melina Fatsiou-Cowan
WOMEN'S HEALTH
A disabled Ob/Gyn physician offers inside information
16
for women with disabilities. BY SANDRA WELNER, M.D.
21
A
THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER
Team NEW MOBILITY aspires to the Big Show and
28
finds its place in the food chain. BY FRED McBEE
T
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Does pot help you live with your disability or just get
21
you high? Does it matter? BY YOMI WRONGE
LEAK PROOFING
Incontinence is a cash cow for surgeons, but there's no
35
guaran e of an end to the floods. BY RICHARD HOLICKY
74
D
E
P
A
R
BULLY PULPIT
6
MASTHEAD
6
T
LETTERS
8
IN THE LOOP
10
MY SPIN
12
NEWS
14
E
ERVIN
62
WHEELS
N
64
LOVE BITES
67
T
CLASSIFIEDS
73
FULL CIRCLE
74
BULLY PULPIT
Volume 8, Issue 49
Published monthly by
Unmixing the Message
Miramar Communications Inc.
23815 Stuart Ranch Road
uthor Naomi Wolf calls it "The
P.O. Box 8987, Malibu, CA 90265
asked me. On bad days, that's about it.
A
310/317-4522, fax 310/317-9644
Beauty Myth." It's the backlash
On good days, we might explore the
E-mail: [email protected]
against feminism that undermines
editorial content of the magazines. From
Web site: http://www.newmobility.co
women with narrowly defined
the check-out stand, they shout the
Also publishers of:
beauty ideals that tie appearance
secrets of "femininity": how to fix this on
Spinal Network: The Total Wheelchair Book
to self-worth. It's the punishing cult of
HomeCare®
you, how to fondle that on him. On good
TeamRehab Report®
physical perfection that keeps women-
Special
Events
Magazine®
days, it's easy to see the sickness.
Rental Equipment Register
otherwise advancing in society-from
But the really twisted message comes
feeling confident and powerful.
Publisher Sam Maddox
from the magazine as a whole. A typical
Editor
Barry Corbet
Most of us feel oppressed by the
issue offers a gleeful medley of skinny-
Managing Editor
Jean Dobbs
myth. Few of us do something as radical
chic fashion, tips for self-acceptance,
Asst. Art Director
Lisa Swansbrough
as scrapping the whole concept and
cookie-cutter models and admonitions
Copy Editor
Bob Bonin
Travel Editor
redefining beauty to include ourselves.
Robert Samuels
against stereotyping people based on
Contributing Editors
Carlos Amantea
But Melina Fatsiou-Cowan has done just
their looks. The ironies, of course, are
Chris Benson
that. Melina is the artist who celebrates
abundant and ignored: Throughout near-
Richard Bruno
"Ladies with Scoliosis" in paintings such
John Callahan
ly all women's titles, the mixed message
Brooks Davies
as the one on this month's cover.
rules. As one friend quips as she flips
Mike Ervin
Her work touches me partly because
from article to ad in Cosmo: "You're OK,
Hugh Gallagher
Laura Kaminker
my primary deviation from the norm is
you suck. You're OK, you suck."
Nancy Becker Kennedy
scoliosis-24 degrees of separation from
A revolution on Gill's scale requires
Victoria Medgyesi
a straight spine. The S in my back hardly
Lee Slater
an unmixed message, and that mes-
Richard Treanor
compares with Melina's, but while I strug-
sage requires a medium. What maga-
Bob Vogel
gle to emulate the expected-a symmetri-
zines do women have that support us
David Young
cal torso-Melina boldly creates a femi-
without the intermittent put-downs?
Sales/Customer Service:
800/543-4116
nine aesthetic that embraces her own
There aren't many-only Ms. and a few
Director of Sales & Marketing
Tory Roher, ext. 216
quirky body.
low-budget "zines" such as Fat!So? and
Advertising Sales Rep.
Greg Smith,
Melina is ahead of the curve, accord-
ABLED!-that validate women without
888/760-7655
Publisher's Assistant
ing to disability scholar Carol Gill, who
Judy Green, ext. 294
commercial interruption.
Advertising Coordinator
Amy Williams, ext. 476
says women with disabilities are spear-
NEW MOBILITY is not a women's maga-
Print Production Manager
G.A. Vargas
heading a movement that all women
zine-in fact, most of our readers are
Ad Traffic Coordinator
Carmela Meza
need to join. "We should see ourselves
Production Assistant
men-but we still try not to sandwich
Lisa Montemorra
Production Director
as pioneers," she says, "as dissidents
Adriana Gubovici
empowering articles between exploita-
Design Director
Alan Alpanian
who will not accept the traditional lines
tive ads. We don't always succeed (see
Creative Services Director
Brian Hemsworth
of aesthetics that society draws. There
this month's letters), but we think of The
Creative Consultant
Martin Bibow
are revolutionaries in every period, and I
Beauty Myth as something we are dis-
Corporate Officers
think we are revolutionaries."
mantling, not endorsing.
President, CEO Tim Novoselski
Gill envisions myriad sources of cultur-
This month, we take on the myth with
Executive Vice President
Denise Novoselski
al revolution, but my particular bent
your stories, strategies and successes.
Vice President, COO
Elaine Nesterick
makes me examine the role of magazines.
But there is pain, too. Most of you report
Many of us, whether or not we sub-
that the struggle for self-esteem has, at
New Mobility® (ISSN 1086-4741), Volume 8, Number 49, a
division of The Disability Network, is published monthly by
scribe to women's magazines from the
times, been all-consuming, with many
Miramar Communications Inc., 23815 Stuart Ranch Road,
Malibu, CA 90265. Periodicals postage paid at Malibu, Calif.,
dominant culture, feel tyrannized by their
setbacks and lasting doubts.
and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address
content. From advertising, we learn that
Mainstream magazines have had a
changes to New Mobility, P.O. Box 15518, North Hollywood, CA
91615-5518. Subscription rates: $37.95/year; $45.95/year in
the beauty continuum is so contracted
hand in this invalidation from without.
Canada; $67.95/year international via airmail.
that, for most of us, it might as well be a
We hope this one supports a revolution
©1997, all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission
of any material contained herein is strictly prohibited. We wel-
single, unattainable point. "So it's Cindy
from within.
NM
come written comments and suggestions on any aspect of the
Crawford or bust?" my partner once
magazine. We reserve the right to edit all submissions.
-JEAN DOBBS
EDI Award Winner
6 NEW MOBILITY
DISCOVER
THE DIFFERENCE
P.A.L. S
P.A.L. EN
PROLIFT
KWIKLIFT
Wheelchair Platform Lift
Wheelchair Lift & Enclosure
Commercial Handicap Elevator
Residential Elevator
I.P.L. RE
HANDILIFT
LIBERTY LX
VERSALIFT
Residential Incline Platform Lift
Wheelchair Platform Lift
Curved StairLift
Residential Through-the-Floor Lift
LIBERTY RES
P.A.L. SE
I.P.L.
MODULIFT
Straight StairLift
Wheelchair Lift & Semi Enclosure
Commercial Incline Platform Lift
Custom Glass Elevator
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
CONCORD
CONCORD PRODUCTS:
Concord Elevator Inc.
Innovation in Mobility
107 Alfred Kuehne Blvd.
Brampton, Ontario
Canada L6T 4K3
Tel:
(905) 791-5555
U.S. (800) 661-5112
A Member of the RICON Group
Fax: (905) 791-2222
LETTERS
Disability Art
In the same issue, I read
Lightning ad was an affront to
Disability art, if there is
Mike Ervin's "Blessed Are the
disabled women and all other
such a thing, doesn't need to
Butt-Wipers" and have con-
women who do not look like
show a person in a wheelchair
cluded that great minds think
that. For those who already
or depict disability issues as
alike. Life with a disability may
have a poor self-image, this
propaganda. Only the future
have its indignities, but getting
does not make them feel more
will tell what contours disabili-
your butt wiped is not one of
at home in their bodies.
State of the Arts:
ty art will take-today, the out-
them. In fact, I would think a
C.M. Zinser
Looking Beyond
lines are indistinct. Yet dis-
dirty butt would be much more
Owings Mills, Maryland
abled artists have much to
humiliating. Blessed are the
offer disability culture, and we
butt-wipers. Amen.
He Did It the Best
"Disability
should recognize, stimulate
Jo D' Archangelis
I could certainly relate to
and promote their work,
Fallbrook, California
Mike Ervin's article "Blessed
art doesn't
whether or not it reflects dis-
Are the Butt-Wipers" in the
ability. Some disabled artists,
Lightning Strikes Once
August 1997 issue.
need to show a
myself included, want only
Wow. You get a great new
I am a quadriplegic with
equal opportunity and, if de-
look for the magazine and then
traumatic brain injury and I
person in a
served, recognition of ability.
totally blow it with the most
have trouble remembering
Richard Treanor
offensive ad I've seen in a long
things, especially names. To
wheelchair or
Washington, D.C.
time [August 1997]. And on the
help compensate, I make up
first page, too! I can't believe
rhymes. On my discharge from
Adding Beauty to Insult
depict disability
that Lightning Handcycles feels
the hospital, I wrote a poem in
Thanks to Melina for her
it has to resort to this sort of sex-
which I mentioned all the hos-
"Lady with Scoliosis" ["State of
ist approach. I thought this had
pital's employees by name as
issues as
the Arts," August 1997].
gone out of fashion even in gas
well as how they had helped
Scoliosis and its side effects
station calendars. I also thought
me out. Two lines in that poem
propaganda."
are hard to deal with-she
NM had the sense to distinguish
gave everybody a laugh:
added a touch of hope. Her
the sensual editorial content
Then, of course, there's
-Richard Treanor
beautiful words helped my
and ads you have published in
Mike, who let me lay and rest,
spirit at a time when I am trav-
the past-which give no of-
Maybe / shouldn't say it, but
eling a scary road. She added
fense-from this trash.
he wiped my butt the best.
beauty to insult.
Susan Turetzky
Walter Wilson
Jo Ann Binkley
Denver
Cambridge, Ohio
Nashville, Tennessee
Twice
No Please, No Thank You
Lovely and Sensuous
Tacky, tacky, tacky. Open the
A rehab assistant once told
I was so pleased to see
August 1997 issue of this mag-
me that his primary responsi-
Melina Fatsiou-Cowan's lovely
azine, and the ad for Lightning
bility was to assist in toileting.
and sensuous watercolor, "Lady
Handcycles hits you (maybe
He said that for the brief
with Scoliosis," displayed on a
not you, but me as a woman)
moments it took to help, he
full page in the August issue. As
like a ton of bricks. I am sur-
considered himself an exten-
a "lady with scoliosis" myself, I
prised and disappointed that
sion of the young men he
used to view my C-shaped body
an advertisement so blatantly
aided. He became their hands.
as an ugly deformity. After seeing
sexist would be allowed in any
No more, no less. No please,
Melina's work, I have grown to
magazine today.
no thank you. After all, how
kind of like all my unexpected
Alicia Orza
could someone, anyone, sur-
curves-including my prominent
Stillwater, Oklahoma
vive if they had to ask every
right hip-and think they're sort
Thrice
time that they had to go to
of interesting in a nonconven-
The buxom, partially nude,
the bathroom? How could
tional way. Thank you, Melina.
enhanced woman in the
people maintain their dignity
8 NEW MOBILITY
Urological Supplies
Wheelchair Parts
Intermittent Catheters
Street Tires
Mentor Self-Cath #414
$ 21.00 Box/30
22, 24 or 26 X 1-3/8
$ 19.50 Pair
Mentor Self-Cath #240
$ 15.00 Box/30
Tubes (Most Sizes)
$ 6.90 Pair
Primo 24 and 26 X 1-3/8
$ 31.33 Pair
Mentor Self-Cath #450
$ 35.00 Box/50
Primo Turbo
$ 47.85 Pair
Bard Red Rubber
$ 89.00 Box/100
24 and 26 X 1-3/8
#1777 - XX
Primo Tubes
$11.33 Pair
Sherwood Red PVC
$ 56.00 Box/100
24 and 26 X 1-3/8
#4920 - XX
$ 4.45 Each
Gloves
MMG #MMRLA-1xx-3
MMG #MMONC - XX
$ 4.05 Each
Hatch Mesh Push
$ 9.46 Pair
Bard Touchless Plus
$ 4.80 Each
Gloves #BR607
Hatch Quad Push
$ 23.80 Pair
Male External Catheters
Gloves #QP780 S, M, L
Mentor Freedom Clear
$ 136.00
Box/100
Hatch Wheelchair
$ 33.99 Pair
Mentor Clear
$ 136.00 Box/100
Gloves #TP100 With Topy
Advantage
Mentor Active Cath
$ 115.00 Box/100
Mentor Freedom Cath $ 110.00 Box/100
MedShip
Standard Care #MN9000
$ 76.92 Box/100
Standard Care #MN9200
$
76.92
DIRECT
Box/100
Standard Care #MN9400
$
76.92
Box/100
Wide Band
$ 136.00 Box/100
Uri-Drain #SH732300
$ 110.88 Box/100
your source for medical
Reusable Leg Bags / Strap Kits
products and supplies
Urocare #UC90xx
$ 27.50 Ea.
- UC80xx
100% customer satisfaction
Sierra Alpine #SL68001
$ 28.00 Ea.
Sierra Urotex #SL4157
$ 21.25 Ea.
Low prices guaranteed!
Disposable Leg Bag / Strap Kits
Knowledgeable, friendly staff
Bard #BA1504xx
$ 3.99 Ea.
FREE, nationwide shipping*
MEDSHIP
Mentor #MN70xx
$ 3.74 Ea.
Large product selection
Bedside Drainage Bags
Bard #802001, #802002
$ 3.38 Ea.
Visa, Mastercard or Discover
Mentor #MNUB0350
$ 3.10 Ea.
Same day shipping available
Vacuum Erection Systems
*Free shipping on orders of $50.00 or more.
Mentor Piston II
$ 289.00 Ea.
#MN58003
Mentor Response II
$ 349.00 Ea.
Call us today for a
#MN85001
Mentor Touch II
$ 399.00 Ea.
#MN85002
FREE catalog!
Miscellaneous
1-800-633-1565
Premium Latex Gloves
$
6.50
Ea.
(Box/100)
Urolux #UC7002-16
$ 9.25 Ea.
From our door..
Blue Underpads Chux
$ 31.61 Ea.
(Case/150) (Size: 24 X 36)
ROHO High / Low
$ 255.00 Ea.
Us On The World wide
DIRECT
Jay Combi
$ 96.95 Ea.
Jay Basic
$ 39.00 Ea.
Visit
Web
to yours!
Surgilube
$ 1.26 Ea.
Theravac (Box/30)
$ 60.75
Magic Bullets (Box/100)
$ 58.38
www.medshipdirect.com
LETTERS
cover. I look at yours and think, hmmm,
IN THE LOOP
sassy, progressive, clean, trustworthy and
accessible: just like the inside. Cool. Keep
Person of the Year
it up. You're the best.
In January 1998, NEW MOBILITY will profile its Person of the
?
Dan Wilkins
Luckey, Ohio
Year. It might be a national figure or a local hero. Whom would you
nominate? Why?
Corrections
Please submit a brief description of your nominee's accom-
Pegasus Airwave was inadvertently
plishments and, if possible, a way to contact him or her by October
omitted from September's article on
31. Runners-up will be included in a sidebar.
cushions. The company, which makes
HOW TO REACH NEW MOBiLiTY
the Altern8 and other air circulation
seating systems, can be reached at
U.S. mail:
World Wide Web: http://www.newmobility.com
New Mobility
5300 Broken Sound Blvd., Suite 100,
P.O. Box 8987, Malibu, CA 90265-8987
E-mail:
Boca Raton, FL 33487; 561/989-9898;
Customer service:
Sam Maddox, publisher: [email protected]
800/443-4325.
To order subscriptions or books, call 800/543-4116,
Barry Corbet, editor: [email protected]
The price of the SteeleVest Cooling
ext. 480. For problems with subscriptions, write
Jean Dobbs, managing editor: [email protected]
System was printed incorrectly in the
New Mobility, P.O. Box 15518,
Tory Roher, director of sales: [email protected]
North Hollywood, CA 91615-5518.
Judy Green, classified ads: [email protected]
August 1997 issue. The vest with one set of
thermal strips is $190. Each additional set
if they had to give thanks for something
New Look
of strips is $40.
so common, so natural, SO often?
The correct number for the SCI Hotline is
Deborah Weiss-Grunstein
I wanted to comment on the new look.
800/526-3456-not the number published
Santa Fe, New Mexico
They say you can't judge a book by its
in the 1997-1998 Consumer Guide.
MM
SAVE YOUR SKIN
Longest Lasting, Highest Quality
TM
PUSHLEASE
Seamless forefinger
Double stitched
protects against
to prevent
WHEELCHAIR HAND GEAR
blisters & calluses
seam gaps
Designed specifically
for pushing
Half finger
Full finger
Palm cuff
WELLS LAMONT
Breathable terry
cloth back
TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Adjustable strap
Easy to wear
140 Cypress Station, Suite 207, Houston, Texas 77090, U.S.A.
palm cuff
Easy to remove
Phone: 800/642-5012 281/397-9756
Fax: 800/642-5025 281/397-9934
Dealer Opportunities Available / Push Ease is a trademark of Wells Lamont Technologies Inc. / Patent Pending
10
NEW MOBILITY
The
Power
of YOUR
Muscles
Imagine, 300 perfectly coordinated muscle contrac-
tions every minute. Imagine cycling smoothly and
naturally at 50 RPM, flexing and extending
your legs, not with some passive motion
machine, but through FES*-induced
contractions of your leg muscles.
ERGYS2
The ERGYS 2: the power to prevent
muscle atrophy, relax muscle
spasms, improve circulation,
increase your range of
motion, and more.⁺
muscles pumping
A "whole body"
blood
approach
flowing
to your
health.
legs moving
The Power of YOUR Muscles.
Therapeutic Alliances Inc.
Since 1984, the REGYS and ERGYS FES leg-
333 North Broad Street
cycle ergometers have helped to improve the
Fairborn, Ohio 45324 USA
health and well-being of persons with spinal
(937) 879-0734
cord injuries. The ERGYS 2 builds on this
legacy with new workload regimens, stimulus
www.MusclePower.com [email protected]
waveforms, and electrode interface options.
Pictured: Sarah Everhart, Program Director, Shake-A-Leg Inc., Newport, RI. T5 SCI + brachial plexus injury. ERGYS rider since 1991.
Shown wearing the Bioflex™ electrode garment, Bioflex Inc., Columbus, Ohio.
The ERGYS 2 for home and clinical use is a prescribed device for C- and T-level SCI. Affordable ERGYS 2 upgrades are available for the ERGYS I.
*FES - Functional Electrical Stimulation. Indications for use and the results of published clinical studies are available upon request.
©1997 Therapeutic Alliances Inc. ERGYS®, REGYS, and "The Power of Your Muscles" are trademarks of Therapeutic Alliances Inc.
MY SPIN
The Invisible
Woman
By Kiilu Nyasha
was in tiptop shape before-
become a shut-in just because
lem wasn't me-that it was the
becoming disabled. At age
other people were ignorant
general public's prejudice, igno-
36 in 1975, I was a student
about disability, so I discovered
rance and superstition. I also
of kung fu, committed to
ways to be in public with the
became aware of the fact that I
becoming an expert martial
minimum emotional stress: I
had been fighting those same
artist and setting an example
used a Walkman to stay preoc-
demons as a Black Panther and
of a disciplined freedom fight-
cupied with music, news or
political activist, except that the
er. I imagined myself a black
work (I do radio programming)
prejudices, ignorance and
I felt genuine
Angela Mao.
while rolling through the
superstition related more to
However, about six months
streets. I kept my eyes focused
race and class than to physical
relief at the
down the road of strenuous
straight ahead, rarely looking
or mental "wholeness."
workouts, instead of gaining
up into the faces of strangers.
Ultimately, my new con-
lack of sexist
strength, I began losing it. I
As the years passed, I devel-
sciousness gave me the confi-
was diagnosed with polymyo-
oped a sixth sense about
dence to go to New York and
aggression-
sitis, which simply means
where I needed to use such an
Pittsburgh in 1985, to Los
"many inflamed muscles" and
avoidance strategy, and where
Angeles in '94, Philadelphia in
"hey, baby's"
was caused by my autoim-
I could be myself and antici-
'95, and Belgium and France
mune system attacking my
pate an occasional nod or smile
last February. I'm proud to say
overworked muscles.
from passers-by.
that on the last three trips, I
and worse-
Several years and 19 hospi-
Though I was still in my
traveled alone.
tals later, I re-entered society in
prime with the same face and
As for men, I've decided my
but I was
a motorized wheelchair, a vehi-
personality, and a healthy
wheelchair is a terrific shit
cle I had resisted.
appearance despite my disabil-
detector. Moreover, it forces Dne
devastated by
About Christmas 1980, I
ities, I had become invisible to
to practice what I've preached
took my first ride along Stock-
nearly all men. Of course, I felt
to myself and young women for
the near total
ton Street in San Francisco,
genuine relief at the lack of sex-
years: Become good friends
from North Beach/Chinatown
ist aggression-"hey, baby's"
first with any gentleman you
absence of
to Downtown. I had no idea
and worse-all the disrespect I
find attractive. Ironically, I've
how I would be greeted by the
had suffered throughout my
wound up with many really
male attention.
general public in my new per-
nondisabled youth. But I was
good male friends, but have yet
sona, but I never anticipated
devastated by the near total
to find my soul mate.
the awful reality.
absence of male attention.
Since the passage of the
Somehow, I had imagined if
I thought I had met a rare
ADA in 1990, I have noticed
there were any changes in how
exception when a brother
gradual improvement in public
people responded to me as a
asked me out. He was boosting
awareness as more doors liter-
crip, that it would be with more
my sagging feminine ego until,
ally open to us. As I roll into
courtesy or kindness. I was
on one particular date, he
new social scenes, I have
shocked by the naked hostility,
began talking about other
renewed hope for meeting a
the contemptuous and conde-
women in the same way a guy
partner, even though I know
scending stares, the fear of
talks to other men. I responded
now that I can live a fruitful,
contagion. People literally
as gracefully as I could and
productive life independently.
jumped out of my way, obvi-
played out the buddy role, but I
Many folks still won't "see"
ously frightened of catching
began losing confidence in my
me, but invisibility, I've learned,
something. Some folks just
womanhood.
is in the eye of the beholder. I
denied my presence altogether
It took years for me to adjust
now believe that at least a few
and rendered me invisible.
to my new image and con-
people will see the whole me-
I soon realized that I couldn't
sciously realize that the prob-
as I do.
NM
12 NEW MOBILITY
Latex Allergies?
Call for
ULTRAFLEX™IS COMPLETELY LATEX-FREE and odor-free
FREE
FLEXIBLE EXTERNAL MALE CATHETER
Samples
The Rochester Catheter is made from new, exclusive ULTRAFLEX™
material which eliminates the risk of latex-related skin
irritation, and it is odor free. ULTRAFLEX™ mater-
Roshester
ial was formulated especially for external catheters.
Hi
Rochester
Built-In Adhesive The catheter wall is actually formed
Rochester
in part from a clear band of adhesive. It provides a strong bond
to the skin for extra confidence and maximum wear time.
Clear See-Thru Material Allows for ease of
skin inspection, proper placement, and peace of mind.
INSURANCE
Kink-Proof Funnel Ensures uninterrupted urine flow.
Self-Adhering Allows ease of application.
A-MED
Covered by Medicare, Medi-Caid, &
Most private Insurances
Rochester™
ULTRAFLEX
CATALOG CATALOG
CATALOG CARELOG
A-MED HEALTH CARE 800-289-5476
UROLOGICAL
INCONTINENCE
ostomy
WOUND CARE
FREE UPS DELIVERY
LOW MAIL ORDER PRICES AVAILABLE
INSURANCE BILLING
AUTOMATIC MONTHLY ORDERING
CLINICALLY
Are You Having Problems with
Urinary Tract Infections?
If you are intermittent-cathing you have probably expe-
rienced some problems with urinary tract infections. The new
INSURANCE
O'Neil Catheter can greatly reduce or completely eliminate urinary
tract infections.
MUCH AS 80%! This means that you may be able to reduce
your use of antibiotics. The O'Neil Catheter is also more conve-
nient to use than other systems. And it is covered by most major
g OOT 1200 United THE 001 NEW 14 - HA 91 IPNO TELLSAS NWW The
HOUSE
1500
The O'Neil Catheter uses a silicone introducer tip to REDUCE THE
The
AMOUNT OF BACTERIA REACHING THE BLADDER BY AS
0041
The
insurances.
The 1200%
At A-Med, we have been meeting the needs of the physically chal-
lenged for over 15 years by providing fast, reliable personal ser-
in Catheter
Call For
LIME
vice. A-Med carries a complete line of urinary, incontinence,
and wound care supplies for all your health care needs.
girls 006
BLE:
FREE
Call for free samples and experience a simpler, safer life!
E AND
IL 008
700
mls
Samples
THE 099
19187
005
mis
NEWS
Disability Rights Pioneer
Freedom
Evan Kemp Dies
Evan Kemp: 1937-1997
Now!
Disability rights advocate
By Hugh Gallagher
Evan Kemp died August 12 in
Washington, D.C. Kemp, who
was a former chairman of the
E
van Kemp is dead. Ed Roberts is dead. Irv Zola is dead.
The founding fathers of the disability rights move-
U.S. Equal Employment Op-
ment-the ones we counted on to fight for us-are pass-
portunity Commission and co-
ing from the scene. The Americans With Disabilities Act is
founder of Evan Kemp As-
their lasting monument.
sociates, had been active in
When I first met Evan 25 years ago, he was director of
"The disabled
seeking equal rights for peo-
ple with disabilities since his
Ralph Nader's Disability Rights Fund. I was reluctant to
are not sick
graduation from law school in
meet him. Although I had used a wheelchair since the age
the 1960s.
of 19, I did not want to see myself as disabled. I certainly
people who never
Kemp had a rare form of
did not want to hang out with disabled people.
degenerative muscle atrophy
So when our friend Bob Bernstein introduced us, my
get well; they
called Kugelberg-Weylander
first remark, to my eternal shame, was, "I understand you
syndrome. While working at
the Securities Exchange Com-
are a professional cripple. I don't like professional cripples."
are citizens
mission, he sued the gov-
In spite of this debacle, we soon became friends. For
who have been
ernment after being denied a
years, we met on Monday nights at a little restaurant called
promotion because he used
P Street Station. Evan insisted on Monday because that
denied their
a wheelchair. He won his
was half-price hamburger night.
case, and continued to be an
Step by step, Evan taught me about disability rights:
rights."
active proponent of disability
rights.
The disabled are not sick people who never get well; they
In 1979, Kemp and a group
are citizens who have been denied their rights. He taught
-Evan Kemp
of investors purchased Inva-
me-as he taught us all-that working together we have
care Corp., which he encour-
the power to end discrimination.
aged to include people with
I had been right about one thing at our first meeting:
disabilities in the design and
Evan Kemp was a professional. I am an old Washington
marketing of its products.
hand, an inside-the-Beltway kind of guy, and I have never
In 1987, Kemp was ap-
pointed to the EEOC. After a
seen anyone work this town better. He knew how to pull
three-year term, he was
strings. He knew where the skeletons lay. He always played
named chairman of the com-
with the big boys and he always played hardball. Without
mission by President Bush.
Evan, ADA would have been impossible. With him, ADA
As head of that agency, Kemp
became inevitable.
helped draft the Americans
The last time I saw Evan, a few days before he died, he
With Disabilities Act.
In 1993, he founded Evan
talked about the need for a new generation of leadership.
Kemp Associates, a company
He felt strongly that there was much more to do. He said
whose mission is to provide
that the strength and enthusiasm of new, young leaders
products and services to
was needed now if the movement were to survive.
enhance the quality of life for
The best tribute to Evan will be for the movement to go
people with disabilities.
forward under the banner of a youthful, revitalized leadership.
Kemp was 60 years old
when he died.
14 NEW MOBILITY
realization
Discovering that
the level of
physical ability
never could
define the
human spirit,
I learned
could fly.
Lora P.
T-10
Single mom, Jewelry designer
uses
SELF-CATH
Female SELF-cath available in
© June 1997 Mentor Urology, Inc. 9705038
french sizés 8 through 14
For more information call:
MENTOR
UROLOGY
1-800-618-6656
This product is restricted to sale by or on the order of a physician.
HEALTH
Women's Health:
Sharing Scarce Information
By Sandra Welner, M.D.
EDITOR: For several
hard to treat.) Nontraditional
ual activity can help minimize
reasons, women with
remedies-available over the
this risk. It has not been
disabilities often can-
counter-include intravaginal
proven that cranberry juice
not find access to
caproic acid or boric acid cap-
prevents recurrence of UTIs,
good gynecological
sules, oral and intravaginal aci-
but drinking copious amounts
care. Their doctors
dophilus capsules, and yogurt
right after intercourse or
don't believe they
with live acidophilus cultures.
catheterization has been
could be sexually
It has been long presumed
effective for some women.
active, they don't
that persistent irritation, red-
UTIs are treated with antibi-
understand disabili-
ness and tenderness in the
otics, but when women have
ty concerns, or their
vaginal area is just a yeast
had so many infections that
exam rooms are not
infection that has not been
they no longer respond to
accessible. In this
detected. But sometimes, even
these drugs, surgical reconfig-
article-the first in a
multiple anti-yeast treatments
uration of the bladder may be
A good start to accessible
series on women's health-
are not successful. These cases
recommended (see "Taming
health care is this accessible
Dr. Sandra Welner, an Ob/Gyn
could represent a condition
the Lawless Bladder," NEW
exam table designed
specialist with a disability,
called vulvar vestibulitis. The
MOBILITY, October 1996).
by Dr. Welner.
shares some hard-to-come-by
cause of this disorder is
information.
unclear but is thought to have
Birth Control
a neurologic component, and
Birth control options de-
Vaginal Infections
thus has been termed neuro-
pend on personal circum-
Vaginal infections such as
pathic pain. Antidepressant
stance. A woman with rheuma-
yeast, Gardnerella and tri-
medications in doses far lower
toid arthritis may improve with
chomonas are common in all
than those used to treat de-
oral contraceptives, whereas a
women, but can be more diffi-
pression sometimes help alle-
woman with lupus may get
cult to treat in wheelchair
viate this condition.
worse and develop blood clots.
users. Yeast, the most preva-
Women with paralysis are at
lent of the three, grows quickly
UTIs
increased risk for developing
in dark, moist areas that are
Urinary tract infections are
blood clots in their legs when
not well-ventilated-typical of
a common complaint, but pre-
using oral contraceptives that
the vaginal area of wheelchair
vention depends on the indi-
include estrogen. For them,
users. Bladder leakage may
vidual situation. If the UTI is
contraceptives containing only
contribute more moisture.
caused by bladder muscle
progesterone may be safer.
Preventive measures in-
dysfunction and inadequate
These include progesterone-
clude keeping the area clean
bladder emptying, a simple
only pills ("mini-pill"), Depo-
and dry by using absorbent
adjustment in medication may
Provera (a progesterone injec-
underclothing-cotton instead
minimize recurrence. Many
tion given every three months),
of nylon-and a pad that can
women, however, find that
and Norplant (progesterone
be changed during the day.
their bladders require contin-
rods implanted under the skin
If a yeast infection is diag-
ual vigilance.
of the upper arm).
nosed, it should be treated
Catheterization and sexual
All of these methods have
with intravaginal creams or
activity often introduce bacte-
side-effects. The mini-pill is
suppositories. Women who
ria directly into the urethra,
slightly less effective than
have difficulty inserting medi-
and spermicides can decrease
other pills and sometimes
cation vaginally may be able to
resistance to UTIs. Voiding or
causes irregular spotting. De-
use the equally effective oral
self-cathing in combination
po-Provera can also cause
Diflucan tablet. (Overuse, how-
with a one-time dose of an
irregular bleeding, but usually
ever, may result in resistant
antibiotic such as Macro-
after six months, periods stop
yeast infections that are very
dantin immediately after sex-
altogether due to a significant
16
NEW MOBILITY
Simplify
The Research Medical Advantage:
A complete line of home care supplies
Knowledgeable customer service
Convenient fast free UPS delivery
Automatic Ordering Option
Bilingual Staff
your
life
with our one-stop
LARGE
Life can be pretty complicated.
Getting home medical supplies
source for over 50,000
doesn't have to be. Research
health care products!
Medical specializes in home
medical products. We give you
RESEARCH Medical
"WE BEliEVE IN RESEARCH"
access to more than 50,000
1997 HEALTHCARE RESOURCE
products including urologicals,
AND PRODUCTS GUIDE
medical nutritionals, ambulato-
A
ry aids, transfer devices, cush-
ions, aids for daily living, and
supplies for incontinence, skin
care, wound care, ostomy, self-
care and diabetes. Many of our
employees are product users
CLEAR
ADVANTAGE
themselves, so we have the
i
I
expertise to answer your ques-
tions and find the products that
best meet your needs.
Call today for a free catalog!
RESEARCH MEDICAL
HEALTH CARE PRODUCTS FOR BETTER LIVING
HEALTH
drop in estrogen levels. De-
should not use this method.
tim of abuse. Although signs
it causes only a variable sized
creased estrogen could lead to
Intrauterine devices pro-
and symptoms may differ
ulcer that may not be painful,
thinning of the bones, which
vide very effective contracep-
according to the woman's
even to women who have
may already be a problem for
tion, but come with a slightly
physical disability, most
intact sensation. (If you are
women who are not mobile.
increased risk of pelvic inflam-
untreated infections can enter
sexually active and cannot do
Although calcium supplements
matory disease. IUDs are use-
the bloodstream and cause
self-inspections, make sure
help prevent osteoporosis
ful for women with dexterity
serious health consequences.
your attendant alerts you to
when estrogen levels are ade-
problems or who can't take the
STDs fall into two main groups:
any skin changes.) This
quate, they don't work well
pill because of a history of
nonviral infections that can be
syphilis sore will stick around
when estrogen is very low.
blood clots, but are less suit-
treated and cured, and viral
for three to 12 weeks and will
These concerns should be dis-
able for women with reduced
infections that can be treated
go away by itself without any
cussed with a doctor.
sensation in the pelvic area.
to improve symptoms but can
treatment. The condition, how-
Irregular bleeding or ces-
Without sensation, a woman
never be cured.
ever, is still in the body. The
sation of menses is also
may not be able to detect the
Common nonviral STDs
next stage results in flu-like
sometimes seen with Nor-
warning pains of a pelvic infec-
include gonorrhea, chlamydia
symptoms and skin rash,
plant, but estrogen levels
tion, and if left untreated,
and syphilis. Women with
which may be difficult to iden-
remain unaffected, so osteo-
these can be dangerous or, in
impaired pelvic sensation
tify because some women with
porosis is a less likely conse-
very rare cases, even fatal.
may experience chlamydia or
chronic disabilities already
quence. The major problem
gonorrhea as increased spas-
experience nonspecific aches
with Norplant is difficulty
STDs
ticity or other vague symp-
and pains, and others take
inserting or removing the
Sexually transmitted dis-
toms. There may also be vagi-
medications that cause skin
rods, so women with contrac-
eases can occur in any woman
nal discharge.
tures or spasticity probably
who is sexually active or a vic-
Syphilis is different. At first,
continued on page 66
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
WOMEN
was recently awarded a three-year grant from the
National Institutes of Health to conduct a study of the
physiologic effects of sexual functioning in SCI
WITH SCI
individuals. The goal is to learn how SCI affects
female sexual function and to test new methods to
improve sexual satisfaction. We are seeking
SOUGHT FOR
women with SCI, at or below the level of T6, who
are interested in participating in this research
project. An honorarium of $500 plus travel
SEXUAL
expenses will be paid to those who complete the
study. For more information please write or call:
RESPONSE
1-800-248-3221
Marie Dziekan, M.A. Research Assistant, ext. 2711
Dr. Marca L. Sipski, Principal Investigator, ext. 2382
STUDY
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
1199 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052
NEW MOBILITY
YES!
Start my subscription to
today!
1 YEAR (12 Issues):
U.S. $27.95
Canada $35.95
Foreign $67.95
*Canada/Foreign subs must be paid in U.S. funds
Bill Me
Check Enclosed (use separate envelope)
PLEASE TELL Us ABOUT YOURSELF:
Charge My:
VISA
MC
AMEX
DISCOVER
1) Gender: A
Male B
Female
Card #:
Exp. Date:
2) I am a:
A
Person w/disability
Signature:
B
Rehab Professional
Name:
C
Caregiver
Address:
3) For person with a disability:
B
C
Polio
DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE:
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
A
SCI
MS
City:
State:
Zip:
D
MD E
CP
F
AMP
Ph:( )
Fax:( )
G
Other
Call or fax your order to: Ph. 800/543-4116, Ext. 480 or Fax: 310/317-9533
BHWIN
YES!
Start my subscription to
today!
1 YEAR (12 Issues):
U.S. $27.95
Canada $35.95
Foreign $67.95
*Canada/Foreign subs must be paid in U.S. funds
Bill Me
Check Enclosed (use separate envelope)
PLEASE TELL Us ABOUT YOURSELF:
Charge My:
VISA
MC
AMEX
DISCOVER
1) Gender: A
Male B
Female
Card #:
Exp. Date:
2) I am a: A
Person w/disability
Signature:
B
Rehab Professional
Name:
C
Caregiver
Address:
3) For person with a disability:
A
SCI
B
MS
C
Polio
City:
State:
Zip:
D
MD E
CP
F
AMP
Ph:( )
Fax:( )
G
Other
Call or fax your order to: Ph. 800/543-4116, Ext. 480 or Fax: 310/317-9533
BHWIN
YES!
Give the gift of
®
MOBILITY®
today!
1 YEAR (12 Issues):
U.S. $27.95
Canada $35.95
Foreign $67.95
*Canada/Foreign subs must be paid in U.S. funds
Please Send My Gift of
NEW
MOBILITY
To:
This Gift of NEW MOBILITY is From:
Name:
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Address:
Phone:( )
Fax:( )
Payment Information:
Bill Me
City:
State:
Zip:
Check Enclosed (use separate envelope)
Charge My:
VISA
MC
AMEX
DISCOVER
Card #:
Exp. Date:
Phone:( )
Fax:( )
Signature:
BHWGT
NO POSTAGE
NECESSARY
IF MAILED
IN THE
UNITED STATES
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
PERMIT NO. 450
N. HOLLYWOOD, CA
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
New Mobility® ®
PO BOX 15518
NORTH HOLLYWOOD CA 91615-9773
NO POSTAGE
NECESSARY
IF MAILED
IN THE
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
UNITED STATES
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
PERMIT NO. 450
N. HOLLYWOOD, CA
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
New Mobility®
PO BOX 15518
NORTH HOLLYWOOD CA 91615-9773
NECESSARY
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE:
NO POSTAGE
IF MAILED
IN THE
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
UNITED STATES
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
PERMIT NO. 450
N. HOLLYWOOD, CA
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
New Mobility®
PO BOX 15518
NORTH HOLLYWOOD CA 91615-9773
CARE
call for a free catalog
Nitro
$2675
$1975
Kuschall of America
1000
$2015
$1415
1-800-443-7091
3000 ST
$2091
$1475
Catalog Services
Colours by Permobile
1877 NE Seventh Avenue
Free shipping on orders over $50
Boing
$2940
$2015
X-Treme
$2100
$1440
Portland, Oregon 97212
within contiguous USA.
Eclipse
$1815
$1250
Impact
$1869
$1280
Fax 503-287-3957
All prices subject to change without notice.
http://www.caremedical.com/ccs
Parts and Accessories
VISA
[email protected]
Street Tires and Tubes
PRICED PER PAIR
22, 24 or 26 X 1 3/8
$19.50
MasterCard
6 X 1 1/4 or 8 X 1 1/4
$15.00
20 X 2 1/8 Power chair tires
$24.50
DISCOVER
10 X 3 Knobby or rib
$19.50
Tubes (most sizes)
$6.50
Performance Tires
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
Primos (all sizes)
$25.00
Turbo type (for heat treated wheels)
$29.50
Presto valve tubes (all sizes)
$8.50
Primo knobbies
$25.00
Adaptable Designs
OUR PRICE
We Have the largest
Wheelchair day packback pack
$35.00
Side kick wheelchair pouch
$14.95
inventory in the Northwest
Handy pouch
$8.95
to make your life more
Cushions
Jay Medical
RETAIL
OUR PRICE
independent. If you don't
Jay Active
$390
$295
Jay J2
$395
$295
see what you need here,
Jay Protector
$205
$156
Jay J2 Back
$395
$315
give us a call today.
Extreme
$350
$265
Rave
$275
$200
Extreme Back
$275
$200
ROHO
High or low profile
$399
$299
Standard size covers
$40
$30
Airlite
$150
$110
Urological Supplies
Mentor
Freedom caths cs/100
$167
$115
Ramps
Ultralight wheelchairs
Active caths cs/100
$171
$119
Homecare
RETAIL
OUR PRICE
Quickie
Clear Advantage cs/100
$205
$141
R1000 5ft Portable ramp
$200
$145
Quickie 2
$1850
$1250
Self caths 450 bx/50
$50
$35
R2000 7ft Van ramp
$350
$275
GPV
$1350
$880
Self caths 240 bx/30
$23
$16
3 ft Roll up ramp
$215
$145
GPS
$1950
$1280
Self caths 414 bx/30
$31
$21
3 ft Suitcase ramp
$160
$125
Revolution
$1875
$1220
Uni-gard Quick Cath
$8.95
$5.25
4 ft Suitcase ramp
$225
$170
Triumph
$1875
$1220
Intermittent catheter system Call for free sample
5 ft Suitcase ramp
$269
$205
Shadow 3D
$1850
$1595
case of 100
$475
6 ft Tri-fold ramp
$396
$305
Shadow One/DT
$1130
$950
Urocare
7 ft Tri-fold ramp
$462
$355
Shadow Kan Ski
$1130
$950
Reusable latex leg bag
$39.87
$28.50
8 ft Tri-fold ramp
$598
$460
Action by Invacare
Urolux 16 OZ.
$11.74
$8.50
10 ft Tri-fold ramp
$825
$635
Pro-T
$1250
$850
Fabric leg strap kit
$16.87
$11.25
MVP
$1798
$1220
Bard
Bathroom Equipment
Super Pro T
$1858
$1260
Night drain bag
$8.72
$5.00
A-4
$1995
$1350
Dispoza bag 19 OZ & 32 OZ
$27.05
$17.50
Lumex
Top End
includes 1 pr fabric leg straps
Stainless steel shower
T-3
$1795
$1450
Red Rubber Utility
commode chair
$1490
$950
X-Terminator BB
$1995
$1595
box of 12
$13.50
Raised padded toilet seat
$115
$85
X-Terminator QR
$1995
$1595
box of 100
$115
Padded transfer bench
$187
$125
Excelerator
$1695
$1375
Miscellaneous
Everest and Jennings
Excelerator X
$2195
$1795
KY Jelly 4 OZ
$3.50
$1.75
Shower commode chair
$1350
$895
Excelerator XL
$2495
$2075
Surgilube 4.25oz
$1.95
$1.30
Active Aid
Everest and Jennings
Surgilube foil packs bx/144
$13.50
$8.95
Tubby II
$299
$265
Barracuda
$3250
$2395
Latex exam gloves bx/100
$12.50
$7.50
Carrying case
$73
$67
Epic
$1845
$1235
"The Magic Bullet" suppository
Record
$2000
$1340
box of 12
$6.95
Reactor
$2575
$1895
box of 100
$40.95
REBUILD PARALYZED MUSCLES
TAUL
FES exercise can build muscle mass.
FES and weight bearing may sustain
Neuromuscular re-education helps
bone density.
restore function in incomplete
injuries.
New technology now
Titanium-graphite braces
allows incomplete SCI
can be used in FES
to use FES walking.
walking.
FES bicycling can now be used by
Therapist trains client for
both complete and incomplete SCI.
individualized home program.
FES programs for the
growing child.
The Petrofsky Center is a physical therapy and research center
specializing in rebuilding paralyzed muscles for people who
have spinal cord injuries, stroke, MS, spina bifida, and other
neuromuscular disorders. Individualized programs include:
maximizing function using conventional therapies and
Petrofsky Center
neuromuscular re-education, building mass in partially or
completely paralyzed muscles using computerized functional
electrical stimulation, brace walking, computer-assisted walking,
(714) 855-4837
and bladder & bowel programs. These programs were developed
by Nobel Prize nominee Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky and his associate
Petrofsky Center for Rehabilitation and Research
Janni Smith.
13765 Alton Parkway, Suite E, Irvine, CA 92718
MEDICAL
MARIJUANA:
A miracle medication or an invitation to abuse?
B Y
YOMI
WRONGE
our years after Barbara
rettes a day, sometimes more.
the pharmacist created. It's
F
Douglas was diagnosed
It depends on the pain. Long,
what God put on the planet."
with multiple sclerosis,
slow drags throughout the day,
Douglas has faith in the
she heard that smoking
she says, are like a masseur's
system. She sits on the board
pot could ease her pain
hands on her aching back. The
of Patients Out of Time, a
and was available from the
throbbing in her legs seems to
group promoting the medical
feds. No problem. It did and
disappear, and the signature
use of marijuana. She has
it was. Each month she visits
spasms associated with her
addressed the American Nur-
her doctor's office to pick
disease are reduced.
ses Association about the pos-
up 300 primo government-
"It's not a cure," Douglas
rolled joints.
acknowledges. "There is no
"It's not a cure. There is no cure. It
Her doctor had filed the
cure. It makes MS easier to
necessary paperwork at the
deal with." With it, she spends
makes MS easier to deal with."
11th hour and Douglas, 41, of
her days virtually pain-free,
Lakeside, Iowa, was the last
cruising around her lakeside
-Barbara Douglas
person approved for the
community on a Jet Ski with
itive effects of smoking pot,
Investigative New Drug (IND)
her poodle, Gucci. She exercises
and says she's hopeful that the
compassionate access pro-
regularly in her indoor pool
Food and Drug Administra-
gram before it closed. Today,
and says a pot-induced ap-
tion will legalize marijuana so
she is one of eight people the
petite has helped put meat on
more people can realize its
U.S. government provides
her bones. "My marijuana
benefits.
with cannabis.
involvement is very benefi-
"I believe in the govern-
Douglas averages 10 ciga-
cial," she says. "It's not a pill
ment," Douglas says. "I don't
OCTOBER 1997 21
The
World Series
of Poker:
Team New Mobility Finds Its Place in the Food Chain
BY
FRED
MCBEE
n My Little Chickadee, W.C.
play. Still smokin', no more
my card buddies have talked
Fields sits at a poker table
jokin. At this level, the water is
about it for years. We're no dif-
and shuffles the cards. "Is
BINION'S
deep and the fish are big.
ferent from other poker play-
this a game of chance?" his
HORSESHOE
My name is on many poker-
ers-we think we play better
opponent asks. W.C. re-
related mailing lists. That's how
than we really do-and when
plies, "Not the way I play it."
I received the brochure from
our fancies are flying, we can
There's wisdom in those
the World Series of Poker. The
see ourselves with the big boys
SERIES
words. Poker is not a game of
WSOP is the biggest poker
at the final table. All it takes is
chance. It is a game of skill. It is
tournament in the world, and
the right cards, right? Wrong.
folly to believe otherwise.
it's played every year in Las
It's important to know your
I've been playing poker
Vegas at Binion's Horseshoe
place in the food chain or your
CHAMPIONS
since my rehab days. Small
Casino. More than 300 people
wallet will soon become a
stakes. Nickel-dime-quarter
ante up $10,000 apiece to sit
snot-slick in the deep blue sea.
stuff. Smokin' and jokin'. Then I
down at the main event, and
read a few books and moved
the winner goes home with a
The Players
into bigger games. Started
million plus.
I knew I wasn't ready to
shoving greenbacks around
Every poker player in the
play with these guys. I was
with service-connected vets
world fantasizes about play-
(oh, how sweet it is to win those
ing in this game.
federal pension dollars). More
Certainly all
smokin', more jokin. Then on
to the casino pit games
1001
and tournament
100
28 NEW MOBILITY
thinking, "Maybe next year,
ment when, alone in his
something like "I ain't playing,
maybe pigs will fly next year."
wheelchair in the dark of
and I don't care."
Then I read about the press
dawn on Kodiak Island, he
Boodah is celebrated on
tourney:
faced off with an 800-pound
three continents as a heroic
"As every journalist who
grizzly at 15 yards. The bear
party animal. According to his
covers the WSOP knows, this is
now sits in his den. Had the
calculations, he has never done
a dream assignment: high
encounter gone the other way,
worse than break even in a
stakes, drama, colorful charac-
Zajac would have been a turd
casino card game. That's
ters, great hospitality and food,
on the tundra.
because casinos serve free
plus a chance to experience per-
Zajac actually likes to lay
booze. Whenever Boodah Slim
sonally-at по charge and pos-
his ass on the line. This is the
sits down, he orders Drambuie
sible profit-the thrills and ter-
kind of temperament required
by the six-pack and figures he
rors of tournament competi-
for a high-stakes no-limit
always drinks more than he
tion. This special no-limit tour-
poker player-you've got to
loses. The casinos love him
nament, with по entry fee or
like letting it all hang out, and
because he draws a crowd, and
buy-in, is limited to three
you've got to accept that occa-
it almost never fails that the
entrants from each media orga-
sionally you'll get it all
management offers to employ
nization and published free-
chopped off. Most of all,
him as a shill for the house.
lance writers."
you've got to be nuts about
Boodah plays adequate low-
Say what? I've got press cre-
poker-nuts enough to let
limit poker, but his definition
Oasis in Babylon
dentials. With a little hustle, I
poker consume you, nuts
of winning and losing has
Disabled vets have a free,
could get passes for my
enough to believe that with
nothing to do with money. His
accessible place to stay in Las
researcher and photographer.
monk-like study and practice,
bottom line is all about karmic
Vegas. Jim Smith and his fami-
This was beginning to sound
you could compete in the big
merit and cosmic juju.
ly operate an 8 1/2 acre condo
like an idea. I might not be
show. This profile fit Zajac like
Yet Boodah was the most
resort just 20 minutes from the
ready to play with the sharks,
a tailored suit.
sober of our trio, at least when
Strip. There are eight condos,
but I figured I was good
I asked Dennis "Boodah
it came to realism about play-
each with two bedrooms, air
conditioning, covered parking,
enough to rattle chips with
Slim" Whidden, an equally
ing in the WSOP. Zajac and I
accessible kitchen and bath-
other journalists, especially
legendary figure, to take pho-
were intoxicated with the
room, and a patio opening
chips I didn't have to pay for. I
tos. Boodah's an ex-Marine
prospect that one or both of
onto the pool area. For infor-
queried my editor, he faxed
who killed a whole bunch of
us could get lucky in a satellite
mation, contact the American
Binion's, and, shazam, I was in.
people in 'Nam-killed them
tournament and win our way
Wheelchair Veterans
I asked Jim Zajac to be my
for you-and he's still mad at
into the big game. (Hey, it
Association, 5355 Madre
researcher. He's a 'Nam vet
you for asking him to do this.
could happen.) This is one
Mesa Drive, Las Vegas, NV
and a poker aficionado. He's
After many drug-induced
delusion the Boodah man did
98108; 702/631-1900.
also a former world-class
epiphanies, he stopped danc-
not suffer.
wheelchair athlete and a leg-
ing to any tune but his own.
continued on page 30
endary outdoorsman.
His personal
Among his fabled
mantra is
exploits is a mo-
THE
OCTOBER 1997 29
The
World Series
of Poker
continued from page 29
The Chips Fall
Binion's is the Olympus of
100 entrants-guys from ESPN,
The WSOP lasts four
Poker, and all the poker gods
major newspapers and maga-
weeks. There are a bunch of
were in residence for the
zines, writers of poker books, a
satellite tournaments and a
WSOP. Puggy Pearson, Tom
large contingent of Brits-and
couple dozen sub-tourneys
McEvoy, Johnny Chan, Phil
three guys from NEW MOBILITY. I
that lead up to the final four-
Helmuth, Stu Ungar, Huck
sat near Richard Moll, the big
day event. You can buy into
Seed-we were rubbing
fellow who played "Bull" on
these tourneys for as little as
shoulders with all the living
Night Court. He was there with
$100 and if you win, you take
greats. The casino was comp-
Milton, Milton Berle's new mag-
a seat in the big game.
ing meals for the players and
azine about the good life (its
We each had our own plan.
press, so we'd meet every
motto: We drink, we smoke, we
Zajac went out early to play in
morning and scarf up the
gamble). Other minor celebri-
the satellite games. He stayed
breakfast buffet. Everything
ties were introduced before the
Photos by Dennis Whidden
at the Riviera on the Strip, not
except gambling was on the
cards were dealt.
at Binion's downtown, be-
house, just like the old days
We each started with $1,000
cause a thousand pool shoot-
when the mob ran Vegas and
in chips. Boodah played with
ers were convening at the
before the Harvard MBAs
spiritual abandon and was
Riv-superior pool shooters,
started squeezing every penny
eliminated shortly after Bull
Boodah Slim
inferior poker players. Zajac
out of a cup of coffee and a
was slaughtered. He was happy
would sit pretty high in this
local phone call. We miss
to finish in the top 80 percent.
food chain, so he could win his
Guido and Luigi.
stake into the WSOP satellites
Binion's treated us swell.
by feeding off amateurs. When
That's why we're going to feel
he went downtown, he'd be
bad when we sue them and
GATTLE INFERIOR 00.
We're no different from other poker players-we think we play
better than we really do-and when our fancies are flying, we can see
ourselves with the big boys at the final table.
playing with the Great Whites.
every other Vegas casino for
Zajac came to test the waters,
violating the ADA. Almost
but he knew better than to cast
every poker table in the joint
his own bread in the ocean.
was too low to get our chairs
My plan was less ambi-
under, much lower than the
Jim Zajac
tious. I wanted to make a good
27-inch clearance required by
showing in the press tourney,
the feds. Zajac was able to
Fred McBee
but I had no expectation that
work around this difficulty,
Zajac and I ended up knocking
I'd get into the real game.
but he had to take his feet off
heads (his hidden aces against
Compared to Zajac, I had not
the footrests and tie his legs in
my hidden queens), and the
done my homework. I just
a knot. I couldn't manage that
sorry dog almost put me out of
wanted to see if I could play in
in my power chair. This was a
the tourney. Over the next six
this league. I stayed down-
bummer. It kept me from
hands, I nursed a $25 chip back
town and haunted Binion's.
playing in the satellites, kept
into a $1,500 stack. In the
Boodah followed his every-
me from chasing after my fan-
meantime, Zajac got busted
day plan. He just went with the
tasies. "The way I look at it," I
out with a broken flush. I did-
flow, man. He flowed into town
said to my lawyer later, "this
n't last much longer. I went all
in his new Cadillac. He and his
cost me a million bucks."
in with two pair, only to be
wife, Glenda, a retired Air Force
Ultimately, the pit boss did
last-card-Charlied by an inside
captain and service-connected
some high-stepping and came
straight. Zajac and I finished at
MSer, stayed at the gimped vet-
up with one table we could use
the third table, meaning in the
erans' resort (see sidebar).
for the press tourney. There were
continued on page 32
30
NEW MOBILITY
What Do These People
Have In Common?
Nothing that you'd notice.
That's because the revolutionary Slip-On™ Undergarment
allows them to enjoy their lifestyles without worrying about
their incontinent condition.
SureCare.
Slip-On
It goes on like ordinary underwear, yet provides superior
UNDERGARMENTS ONE SIZE FITSALL
protection for moderate to heavy bladder incontinence. There
are no awkward buttons, straps or tapes just slip it on.
Consider the design:
Continuous 1-piece elastic waistband has a tear-away feature for easy removal.
26
ABSORBENCY
Comfortable multi-strand elastic leg gathers and blue barrier leg cuffs protect against
leakage.
Strong, soft cloth-like inner and outer linings provide security, yet are quiet and
discreet.
PolyFresh™ super absorbent material creates a dry, odor-free environment.
Call 1-800-654-3376 for a FREE catalog.
R
DURALINE MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
324 Werner St.
P.O. 67
Leipsic, OH 45856
TOLL FREE 1-800-654-3376
LOCAL (419) 943-2044
FAX (419) 943-3637
www.dmponline.com
The
World Series
of Poker
continued from page 49
top 30 percent. Since I outlasted Zajac and
al gambler-one of the top 25 poker players
Buddy's a blood brother. Like me, he
the Boodah man, they must henceforth
in the world. In his home state of Oklahoma
was quadded out in Oklahoma in the
refer to me as Your Exquisiteness.
this makes him a criminal, and he's been
early '60s, when spinal cord injury care
hauled to the jailhouse a couple times for
was primitive. We discovered that we'd
Lessons Learned
doing what he does so well. In Nevada and
both spent time in the same rooms of hell
We met a real poker player the next day.
every other place where gaming is legal, he's
at the University Hospital in OKC. Buddy
Buddy Williams, a C5 quad, is a profession-
a star. He had a $10,000 seat at the big game.
was sent home without rehab to live on
his $75 a month Social Security check. He
rehabbed himself. Took himself down to
POWER TRAINER TM
the Elks Club poker game and got real
good at it, good enough that the Elks
invited him to leave. Buddy just got better
and better until now he makes his living
by wagering tens of thousands of dollars
Basic Power Trainer, designed by rehabilitation
Basic Power
on the turn of a card.
professionals, provides a full-body cardiovascular workout.
Trainer
Non-impact exercise format for arms and legs
Increases range of motion and muscle strength
Model 3310 with High Support Boots
We followed Buddy's progress in the
main event. At the end of the first day, his
Strong limbs can do all the work
$10,000 stack had dwindled to $4,900. At
Raises metabolism, reducing body fat
the end of the second day, he'd built it to
Exercise from a wheelchair or stable seating
$75,000 when he was forced all in on a
flush draw. No cigar. He finished 40th in
Available in FES (prescription) and Upper Body (arms only)
models.
this year's WSOP-out of the money. No
problem. He just rolled out to the pit
games and refueled his bankroll.
Power Trainer Flex™, a dynamic fitness tool for a
Power Trainer
Flex
9510 Model
So what did we learn? Zajac learned
wide range of users, provides maximum resistance,
maximum results!
the most dangerous lesson. He might
actually be able to play in this league. He
Isotonic resistance from 8 to 120 pounds
finished in the money at the WSOP satel-
Works out each side of your body independently
lites, finished high against world-class
Increases muscle tone and strength
players, and even knocked off the reigning
Increases range of motion
Increases stamina
women's world champion.
Optional quad cuff provides easy clip-on assistance
Me? I learned that unless I hit the lotto
and have $10,000 to throw away, I will
Over 40 exercises can be executed from a wheelchair or
never play in the WSOP. The best poker
the adjustable, detachable seat without changing weights
players are like chess masters: Not only are
or adjusting the machine.
they born with a genius for the game, they
are completely dedicated to it. Even if I
Power Trainer P/ATM, the perfect choice for
Power Trainer
had the brains for big-time poker, I'm too
passive/active exercise routines.
P/A
Arm or leg exercises from the same unit
Promotes weight loss through variable resistance
Model 4410 with Foot Plates
lazy to work that hard. For the immediate
future, I'm sticking to low-limit kitchen
table and casino games. If I try to advance
workout
beyond that, please wrap me in a cold, wet
Increases range of motion and muscle strength
sheet until I return to my senses.
Compact, light weight machine has adjustable angles
Boodah waxed philosophical, as always.
and folds for storage
He said you cannot catch good things by
Use with or without electrically powered motor
chasing them. You have to let them capture
you. After the tourney, he partied hardy at
Rock Solid!
the Riv and money fell from the sky. He
shared in a bad beat pot to the tune of
For more information or to order:
$7,700 and hit the slots for several hun-
800/852-6869
SINTIES SCIENTIFIC, INC.
dred more. The last I saw him, he was wav-
5616A South 122 East Avenue
In OKLA: 918/254-7395 FAX: 918/254-4189
Tulsa, OK 74146-6913
ing goodbye from his penthouse suite at
http://www.theshowplace.com/sinties
the LV Hilton.
NM
32 NEW MOBILITY
B
R
A
U
N
Introducing your 1997 Entervan® ®
SEAUD
THEULTIMATE REFINEMENT
1972-1997
The Braun Entervan®
We've produced a new video
ANNIVERSARY
is the culmination of 25
that describes all the updated
years' experience in building personal
features and allows you to "view and
mobility products.
compare." Call us for a copy.
When you buy a Braun
We know what will make you
Entervan, you're not just buying
happy, and we're pleased to present
somebody's new idea - you're
our 25th Anniversary Entervan.
buying a quarter century worth of
Visit one of Braun's 350 All-
experience, knowledge and insight
Star Distributors nationwide for a
in the manufacture of wheelchair
close-up examination and
accessible minivans.
demonstration of its many features.
The Braun Entervan has been
THE BRAUN
crash tested and certified to meet or
CORPORATION.
exceed all applicable requirements of
"Providing Access to the World"
1-800-THE LIFT
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
International Corporate Hdqrs: P.O. Box 310
Winamac, IN 46996 USA
1-800-843-5438
(219) 946-6153
FAX: (219) 946-4670
Standards (FMVSS) and is backed by
our Three-Year Worry-Free Warranty.
AMERICA
Fairfield, NJ USA
Clearwater, FL USA
Huntington Beach, CA USA
B-90-308
©1997 The Braun Corp.
Image Litho USA
Here
NEW
MOBILITY
the magazine!
State the Arts:
Looking Beyond
New Mobility is America's #1 magazine for people with disabilities. Culture.
Labels
NEW
MOBILITY
Lifestyle. It's your guide to the people, places, events and products affecting your world.
Not a subscriber yet? Call 800/543-4116, ext. 480, now and don't miss another issue!
There
on the radio!
NEW RADIO m OM
New Mobility's On A Roll Radio is the first and only weekly syndicated talk radio program
for the disability community. Hear it Sundays at 7 p.m. Eastern time. Don't get it?
Call 888/760-ROLL to find out how you can get On A Roll in your hometown! (Boston, MA - WROL
950 AM; Dayton, OH - WING 1410 AM; Hays, KS - KAYS 1400 AM; Hickory, NC - WHKY 1290 AM; Houston, TX - KILE
1560 AM; Kansas City, MO - KCXL 1140 AM; Marathon/Key West, FL - WFFG 1300 AM; Muskegon, MI - WKBZ 850
AM; Phoenix, AZ - KFNN 1510 AM; San Diego, CA - KCEO 1000 AM; Springfield, MA - WACE 730 AM; Topeka, KS -
KMAJ 1440 AM; Tucson, AZ - KTKT 990 AM; Washington, D.C. - KBZS 730 AM; Worcester, MA - WCRN 830 AM)
Everywhere
on the Web!
0
New Mobility On The Web is your high-speed on-ramp to the disability
information superhighway. Questions. Answers. Chat rooms. Articles.
M
DISABILITY CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
NAMPART
This Month's Magazine
And much, much more. Log on today to www.newmobility.com
Tools for Independence
Interactive Cafe
Classifieds
and see why New Mobility On The Web is the #1 disability Web site!
News
23815 Stuart Ranch Road
P.O. Box 8987
Malibu, CA 90265-8987
800/543-4116
310/317-4522
Fax: 310/317-9644
http://www.newmobility.co
The Proofing Joy
Illustration by Doug Davis
Y
RICHARD
HOLICKY
ladder management fol-
program in an effort to see if I
anticholinergic drug used to
from the ostomy site, not the
B
lowing SCI is sort of
would be able to void inde-
control bladder spasms. This
urethra. I can't find a physi-
like a picnic. If it's sunny
pendently. No dice. A supra-
cut accidents down to once or
cian who will pinpoint the
and dry, it can be en-
pubic tube draining into a leg-
twice a month, although après
cause, but they all have solu-
joyable. Rainy weather is
bag seemed like the only logi-
la deluge, the result was still wet
tions that will finance a new
another matter altogether.
cal solution, and the first seven
clothing, wet corset and occa-
Lexus or at least a modest ski
Plumbing problems can be the
years of my quadrified career
sionally an aroma to die for.
boat. Their offerings:
thunderstorms that darken
were a veritable drought. The
I might be able to cope
Surgical repair of the osto-
your whole day. And these
occasional rains came only
with the leaking if there were
my site. Often leakage around
problems-leakage, inconti-
from leaky bags or inadvertent
products designed to deal
the site is caused by formation
nence, blown catheters, discon-
tubing disconnects.
with the aftermath. Un-
of scar tissue. Performed in an
nected tubing-are widespread
Except for the quarterly uri-
fortunately, no one makes
operating room, a repair usual-
among people with spinal cord
nary tract infections, it wasn't
incontinence pads or diapers
ly removes the scar tissue-
injury, and hardly unknown to
all bad. When summer came, I
for use with suprapubic
basically, a roto-rooter job—
people with other disabilities.
would simply put a plug in the
catheters. The best I can do is
and sutures the layers of tissue
Anyone who tells you blad-
catheter and wear shorts, as I
bend and tape conventional
beneath the skin, thus tighten-
der problems and incontinence
have enough sensation to feel
pads over my underwear, and
ing the ostomy hole and limit-
are no big deal has obviously
my bladder becoming uncom-
hope they catch the leaking.
ing the leakage. Expect an
never been all wet. But for
fortably full. I also found that a
"Any suggestions?" I asked.
overnight in the hospital and
those with adequate hand
full bladder helped facilitate
"Let's try a catheter with a
about a week or more of ten-
function to do intermittent
erectile function. Swimming
bigger balloon," they said.
derness and tightness. No guar-
catheterization, or at least some
trunks and bag-free afternoon
Again, mixed results. Like most
antees are given for immediate,
sphincter control, there are
delight-who could ask for
who've lived with an in-
much less long-term, success.
solutions that don't involve a
anything more? Then my
dwelling catheter for some
A new ostomy site. "We'll
dose of general anesthesia and
plumbing broke down, and the
time, my bladder is now pretty
give you a urethral catheter, let
several days of hospital food.
floods began.
small, quite muscular, and any-
the ostomy heal, and then
While in rehab, I tried an
Initially, the solution of
thing but compliant.
punch a new hole," they S2
intermittent catheterization
choice was more Ditropan, an
For whatever reason, I leak
"The downside is that
OCTOBER 194
Leak Proofing
or may not work. Plan on being
ing the urinary system to an
can be done in the doctor's
in skivvies, it quickly wicks
wet for three or four weeks
ostomy site and a collection
office. Perhaps E coli or leeches
moisture away and can be dis-
while it's healing." When ques-
system. A bag is glued to the
are next.
posed of at your convenience.
tioned further, one MD told me
skin and worn somewhere on
An attorney friend was
Gasket Catheter. Building
that some people never heal.
the pelvic region, and tubing
quite impressed with this
on the bigger balloon theory,
Obviously, neither of the
drains urine to a legbag. No
array of options: "These guys
this catheter comes with its
above solutions is a viable
more bare-midriff ensembles
are thinking like lawyers," he
own self-sealing gasket-inte-
option for those who already
or bodybuilding competitions.
said. "Each procedure is
rior, exterior or both. The gas-
use urethral caths.
Botox injections. In the
designed to generate a steady
ket ensures a tight seal and
Bladder augmentation.
confines of an operating
income. Some of what they do
dry, happy campers.
Outlined by Tami Ridley (see
room-are you sensing a pat-
pays for the yacht; the rest
Gizmo Gunk. A little dab
NM, October 1996), this proce-
tern here?-a strain of botulism
simply maintain it."
will do you. Simply smear it
dure is major surgery to enlarge
is surgically injected into the tis-
around the catheter, wherever
the bladder by using tissue
sue of the bladder and, in theo-
Being less greedy and more
its locale, and this silicone-
from the bowel. It involves the
ry, the virus paralyzes the blad-
creative, I've chosen to market
based sealant acts as a foolproof
usual surgical risks, normally a
der tissue, the spasms cease, and
to those who don't opt for any
moisture barrier A simple sol-
10-day hospital stay, and lesser
the waters recede. This proce-
of the surgical solutions.
vent facilitates catheter changes.
complications such as an ele-
dure is used in other areas of the
These aren't simply upgraded
Oral StopLeak. Inspired by
vated risk of bladder cancer or
body to compensate for triceps
incontinence pads, mind you,
the Car Guys, who recommend
the procedure not solving the
or pectoral spasms, and to relax
but medically necessary uro-
raw eggs for radiator leakage,
leakage problem. I've also
the frowning muscles of the face
logical products designed with
I'm now offering synthetic
learned that the augmented
to eliminate wrinkles. The urol-
the active crip in mind:
dehydrated-egg pills guaranteed
bladder may shrink just as fast
ogist who suggested this for my
Clumping Kitty Litter
to stop leakage from the inside.
as the old one did.
bladder indicated that, if suc-
Underwear. All the rage in pet
All the necessary R&D has
Bladder removal. Even
cessful, the surgery's effect usu-
stores, this new generation of
been done and the produc-
more radical than augmenta-
ally lasts from nine to 18
litter clumps when wet for
tion lines are rolling. I'm
tion, removal requires re-rout-
months. Subsequent injections
easy removal. When it's used
gonna be rich.
NM
NOW CARRYING A
IT'S HAND CYCLE SEASON
ORDER NOW!!!
FULL LINE OF
X-CORE CARBON FIBER
INVACARE™ AND QUICKIE™
Call for prices on name brands
X-CORE TRI-SPOKE 25" (559mm)
595.00 PR
like KIK tire, Primo, Sun Metal,
X-CORE 5 SPOKE 24" (540mm)
PRODUCTS
R.C. Engineering. Also featuring
449.00 PR
professionally built wheels for
X-CORE 5 SPOKE FIBERGLASS
240.00 PR
SHADOW BY QUICKIE™
sports and everyday use.
SHADOW HEAT - (QUAD RUGBY)
1650.00
CARBON FIBER RACING WHEELS
SHADOW 3D (TENNIS)
1499.00
SUN METAL BUZZ W/RING
1200.00 PR
HED DEEPS W/RING
1200.00 PR
SHADOW 3D - (BASKETBALL)
1599.00
CORIMA DISC W/RING
1550.00 PR
SHADOW T-TUBE RACER
1850.00
CORIMA 4-SPOKE W/RING
1550.00 PR
SHADOW A-FRAME RACER
1995.00
SPECIALIZED TRI-SPOKE
1400.00 PR
SHADOW MACH 2 (3-SPEED)
1295.00
SHADOW MACH 2 (7-SPEED)
1425.00
TIRES & HANDRINGS
SHADOW MACH 3 (12-SPEED)
1699.00
PANARACER 700c, 26", 24", 20", 18"
38.00 EA
SHADOW MACH 3 (36-SPEED)
1725.00
PRIMOS (ANY SIZE)
22.00 PR
SHADOW KAN SKI
999.00
X-CORE TRI-SPOKE
HANDRINGS 12, 14, 16, X 3/8" UNCOATED
75.00 PR
Instant upgrade for any lightweight wheelchair
CUSTOM HANDRING UNCOATED
95.00 PR
TIRE COATED (ADDITIONAL)
40.00 PR
QUICKIE™
24", 25", 26" REPLACMENT HANDRINGS
70.00 PR
QUICKIE GPV COMPETITION
1499.00
QUICKIE Ti TITANIUM
2399.00
SUN METAL™ WHEELS
QUICKIE GPS
1399.00
18"OR 20" X 16° FRONT W/TIRE
150.00 EA
QUICKIE REVOLUTION
1325.00
700C OR 26" REAR W/TIRE & RING
400.00 PR
QUICKIE 2 HP
1399.00
ALL TERRIAN WHEEL W/TIRE & RING
375.00 PR
QUICKIE TRIUMPH
1325.00
24"REPLACEMENT WHEEL W/RING
240.00 PR
QUICKIE 2
1325.00
PLASTIC MAG WHEEL
190.00 PR
SHADOW MACH 3
Great cruiser, easy transfer, aerobic exercise
ACTION TOP END™
TERMINATOR
CALL
X- TERMINATOR (QUAD RUGBY)
CALL
X- TERMINATOR (BASKETBALL)
CALL
L'il EXCELERATOR
CALL
EXCELERATOR
CALL
EXCELERATOR X
CALL
All prices subject to change without prior notice
EXCELERATOR XL
CALL
TOP END EXCELERATOR X
Serious high-performance touring bike
ELIMINATOR /
CALL
800.245.1738 ORDER LINE
ACTION™
209.294.8303 OFFICE
ACTION PRO-T
839.00
209.294.8534 FAX
ACTION SUPER PRO-T
1249.00
5671 East Fountain Way
ACTION A-4
1249.00
VISA
Fresno CA 93727
TECHNOLOGY INC.
Call for literature on any of the above items
6
NEW MOBILITY
We have a
completely different way of dealing
with our customers.
We hire them.
Naturally, no
to develop a pool of talented people
one has a better
that we can draw from as openings
understanding of
occur in marketing, customer service,
our customers'
and other key departments. And we
needs than our customers themselves.
offer excellent benefits and compensation,
And that's one of the things we look
plus a very positive working environment.
for when we hire. We want people
It's everything a person with your skills
who have an intimate knowledge of
could want. Which is only natural, because
our business and our products. You see,
pleasing our customers is what we're
hiring talented and qualified people like
all about.
you is what has made us the world's
Send your resume to: Invacare
largest manufacturer of wheelchairs and
Corporation, Corporate Human
other medical equipment. So if working
Resources, Department ADI-A, P.O.
with a company like Invacare sounds
Box 4028, Elyria,
like an opportunity you'd be interested
OH, 44036-2125.
INVACARE
in, send us your resume. We're looking
www.invacare.com
National Corporate Sponsor
Seals
© 1997 Invacare Corporation.
Women Disability
The
BODY in
TROUBLE
B
Y
NANCY
MAIRS
ere is my troubled body, dreaming myself into life: a
guttering candle in a mound of melted wax, or a
bruised pear, ripe beyond palatability, ready for the
compost heap. The images, though they vary, always
bear the whiff of spoliation. If there ever was a time
of unalloyed love, I have long forgotten it, though I had
hopes in early adolescence: that my breasts would grow
magically larger and my mouth magically smaller; that I
would become a strong swimmer and sailor and cyclist;
that men, irresistibly drawn, would touch me and I'd
burst into flame. Mostly I was, as I was trained to be,
disappointed in myself. Even in the '50s, before the
dazzle of shopping malls and the soft pornography of
advertising for every product from fragrance to bed
linen, a girl learned to compare herself unfavorably to
an ideal flashed at her on glossy magazine covers and
cinema screens, and then to take measures to rectify
her all-too-glaring deficiencies. I started painting my
lips with Tangee when I was 11, polishing my fingernails
as soon as I stopped biting them, and, for my first great
love at 13, plucking my eyebrows. At 16, it was green eye-
shadow. I strapped on padded bras and squeezed into panty-
girdles to ac-centuate the positive and e-liminate the negative. I
could not imagine a body that didn't require at least minor struc-
tural modification.
MELINA
I still can't, and neither can any other woman I know. Not long ago,
my mother and I shared a mirror as we put on faces for a festive evening.
"I hate these," she said, drawing her fingers down the lines from the cor-
ners of her mouth, "and this," patting the soft sag of flesh under her chin.
Illustration by Melina Fatsiou-Cowan
38 NEW MOBILITY
I didn't try to protest, though
divide my time between
hunched in its black framework
she is a pretty woman, because I
wheelchair and bed, my belly
of aluminum and plastic.
hate the same features now
and feet are swollen from
Although-or perhaps be-
developing in my own face.
forced inactivity, my shoulders
cause—I am appalled by my
One sister's breasts hang down,
slump, and one of my arms is
own appearance, I devote an
she laments, and the other's
falling out of its socket.
absurd amount of time and
hips are too broad; my mother-
The other day, when my
expense to its decoration. "Not
in-law's bosom is too ample;
husband, George, opened a
for Mom peignoirs and pil-
even my daughter, possessed of
closet door, I glimpsed myself
lows as she takes to her bed,"
a body too shapely for com-
in the mirror recently installed
my daughter points out. "No,
plaint, rues her small round
there. "Eek," I squealed, "a
she still likes to get out and
nose. All these women, ranging
cripple!" I was laughing, but as
find just the right color turtle-
Photo by Sean Justice
in age from 30 to 84, are active
is usually the case, my humor
neck or the perfect pair of
Nancy Mairs
I strapped on padded bras and squeezed into panty-girdles to ac-centuate the positive and e-liminate
the negative. | could not imagine a body that didn't require at least minor structural modification.
and fit, and fortunately they are
betrayed a deeper, darker reac-
black leggings." The green eye-
too absorbed by their demand-
tion. We have almost as many
shadow of youth has prolifer-
ing lives to dwell upon whatev-
mirrors as a fun house, to give
ated into every color of the
er defects they perceive them-
our small quarters an illusion
rainbow, as well as a number
selves to display. None could be
of space, but I avoid looking
that don't appear there, and
considered vain. Not one has
into them straight on, and I
been joined by foundation,
mutilated herself with rhino-
dislike the objective evidence
mascara, blusher and lipstick,
plasty or liposuction or any of
of photos as well. ("If I don't
not to mention the creams
the other measures cosmetic
see you," my sister used to
and lotions used to prepare
surgeons have developed for
tease, her hands over her eyes,
the relentlessly wrinkling sur-
emptying women's pockets into
"you can't be you!")
face for this palette. I dread the
their own. Their dissatisfaction
I love my wheelchair, a com-
day when my fingers become
with their bodies seems as nat-
pact electric model called a
so weak that I have to go into
ural to them as their menses or
Quickie P100, and I've spent so
the world with my bare face
hot flashes, simply an element
much time in it, and become so
hanging out.
of womanly existence.
adept at maneuvering it, that I've
Already I can no longer
Even if I hadn't developed
literally incorporated it-made
dress myself, and I quip about
MS, then, I'd probably view
it part of my body-and its least
moving to a climate so tem-
myself with some distaste. But
ailment sends me into a greater
perate that I wouldn't need
by the time I was 30, I walked
tizzy than my own headaches.
any clothing at all; but in
with a limp and used a cane.
But the wheelchair I experience
truth, of course, I could bear
By 40, I wore a brace on my
is not "out there" for me to
to hang out my bare body
left leg and used a motorized
observe, any more than the rest
even less than my bare face. I
scooter to cover all but short
of my body is, and I'm invariably
buy garment after garment in
distances. Now, in my 50s, I
shocked at the sight of myself
the hope of finding one to fit
OCTOBER 1997 39
Women Disability
Illness and
deformity, instead
of being thought
well enough to clothe me in
tural encouragement. Illness
of as human variants
scar on his right upper arm. A
some tatter of grace. De-
and deformity, instead of
have invariably
second scar, in his right
signers conceive tall bony pu-
being thought of as human
armpit, is invisible, but his
bescent bodies swinging down
variants, the consequence of
been portrayed as
right breast sags where the
runways to some hectic beat
cosmic bad luck, have invari-
ably been portrayed as devia-
deviations.
muscles were severed. A third
on skinny but serviceable legs,
runs the length of his ab-
and even the apparel that
tions from the fully human
domen; the surgeon boasted
makes it to the outlet stores
condition, brought on by per-
it. In any case, it is not the sort
of his handiwork, but frankly
where I shop is cut for a lithe
sonal failing or by divine judg-
of thing your average citizen
George's reconstructed navel
erect form in motion. This is
ment. The afflicted body is
would like to wake up next to
looks a little improvised. For
who I want to be, of course, and
never simply that-a creature
tomorrow morning.
several years now he has been
so I cruise the aisles searching
that suffers, as all creatures
To embrace such a self
impotent, and although I
for a magic cloak that will
suffer from time to time.
requires a sense of permission
miss his erections sadly, he
transform me into her.
Rather, it is thought to be
some people achieve more
does not. "I'm at peace with
The "her" I never was and
"broken," and thus to have lost
readily than others. George's
my body," he says. I am at a
am not now and never will
its original usefulness; or
body, like mine, has been bat-
loss to explain his complacen-
become. In order to function
"embattled," and thus in need
tered by aging and illness.
cy except as the habit of a life-
as the body I am, I must for-
of militaristic response, its
Liver spots have appeared on
time of believing that whatev-
swear her, seductive though
own or someone else's, to
the backs of his hands and
er way he is, is as he ought to
she may be, or make myself
whip it back into shape; or
crow's feet at the corners of
be, a confidence that seems to
mad with self-loathing. In this
"spoiled," and thus a potential
his eyes and white hairs in his
arise in part from the posses-
project, I get virtually no cul-
menace to the bodies around
beard. He bears a puckered
sion of a penis, whether that
BARRIER
FREE
A VARIETY OF PATIENT
LIFTING EQUIPMENT
AVAILABLE TO MEET
VARIOUS LIFTING
NEEDS WHILE
PREVENTING BACK
INJURY.
LEXA™
UNI
LIFT™
MOBILE FLOOR MODEL LIFT WITH
PORTABLE AND PERMANENT CEILING
ELECTRIC PATIENT POSITIONER.
MOUNTED LIFTS.
"HELPING You ACHIEVE GREATER MOBILITY"
9230 PRINCE WILLIAM ST.
MANASSAS, VA 20110
NATIONWIDE TOLL FREE NUMBER: 800-582-8732
WEB SITE: http://www.blvd.com/bfl
40
NEW MOBILITY
I doubt that any body,
whether in trouble or
out, can fully conceive
a self without an
organ itself still rises or does
nose) on it 35 years ago. Not
monstrated that infants de-
not. He senses himself to be
long ago, a young clerk in a
other to stroke it into
prived of touch fail to thrive,
"all right," revising his self-
Victoria's Secret shop, joining
and that blood pressure is
image as necessary to main-
in our deliberations over as-
being and well-being.
lowered and spirits are raised
tain this equilibrium, just as
sorted styles and colors of un-
in elderly people given pets to
reflexively as I feel myself to
derpants, was clearly startled
with aplomb. George's atten-
caress. If physical stimulation
be "all wrong."
by George's experienced and
tive and affectionate presence
is wholesome-even lifesav-
In fact, he is also at peace
critical eye. Settling on a cou-
provides proof against the
ing-at the extremes of life,
with my body in a way that I
ple of briefs, in a sensible cut
revulsion with which I am all
why should we suppose the
am not. He always has been,
but a sexy fabric, he explained
too apt to greet myself; and
middle to be any different?
and now that I can do little for
that he was the one who had
even his easier peace depends
Our bodies conceptualize not
myself, he rubs in lotion and
to get me into them, but she
in part, I'm sure, on the fact
only themselves but also each
sprays on scent, clips nails and
still seemed to find his exper-
that my body has remained
other, murmuring: Yes, you
stray hairs, wrestles stockings
tise-so patently nonprurient,
crazy about his body through-
are there, Yes, you are you, Yes,
onto my rubbery legs, lifts me
rather like my grandmoth-
out its vicissitudes.
you can love and be loved. NM
off toilets in women's rooms
er's-a little kinky. Which was,
I doubt that any body,
from Los Angeles to London.
he'd doubtless point out, her
whether in trouble or out, can
Reprinted from Waist-High
His ministrations, combining
problem, not his. The peace he
fully conceive a self without
in the World: A Life Among
skill with sensuality, reassure
feels with his body has ren-
an other to stroke it-with
the Nondisabled by Nancy
me that this is the body he has
dered him secure enough in
fingertips and lips, with words
Mairs. Copyright 1996 by
loved since he first set eyes (or,
his sexual identity that he en-
and laughter-into being and
Nancy Mairs. By permission of
if recent research is correct,
ters and exits feminine space
well-being. Research has de-
Beacon Press.
Last year, while our
competition produced
over 100,000 wheelchairs,
we worked on a few good
relationships.
Kuschall of America was founded on the
promise of meeting the needs of our customers
and building a relationship with them. Sure we
can talk numbers, but for us quality and product
innovation, not quantity, are the most
important things.
Kuschall of America —
small enough to care,
big enough to make
Discover
America
a difference.
Kuschall of America
Kuschall of America
708 Via Alondra
Camarillo, CA 93012-8713
call 800/654-4768
OCTOBER 1997 41
Women Disability
Self-esteem:
What Hurts? What Helps?
Get Real
things, is just too painful.
ance a lot less important than it
in the mirror
Now my self-esteem is very
Magazine articles on weight
might otherwise be.
and I hardly rec-
high, but if you had asked
loss, exercise and health lead
Anne Kelly, 41, T9 para
ognize myself.
these questions a few years
to a frustration level border-
High school counselor
I know a lot
ago, the answer would be
ing on toxic. What would
Nacogdoches, Texas
of my low self-
totally opposite. The media do
help? If mass media would use
esteem comes
not present a true image of
more people with disabilities,
No Spoon-feeding
from society's
any woman in society, dis-
we'd likely lose some of the
I don't really have issues
expectations of
abled or not. And the people
freak appeal. If someone
with self-esteem now, as an
what a beautiful
with disabilities that they pre-
would be my friend instead
adult, but I did as an adoles-
woman should
sent to the public are only the
of me being their mission,
cent. As I got older and
look like, and
Corie Jones
"good-looking" ones-they're
maybe I'd feel
became more a-
even though I
never overweight and never,
more like a person.
ware of how the
disagree, I can't fight the nega-
ever have more than one
Possibly, the mir-
media spoonfeeds
tive feelings I have about my
impairment at a time. The
ror would not be
images, I was able
body. I yearn to look like the
thing that helps is remember-
so warped, and the
to take a more
thin, muscular women on
ing who I am and what is real-
pain would be only
critical look. When
commercials and TV shows.
ly important.
physical.
you get out in the
But this envy did not come
Kathy Hoell, 42
Shan Lizotte, 49
world, you see we
from being disabled-I had
Quadriplegic
Neuromuscular
don't all look the
the same feeling before-but
Graduate student
disability
same. You have to
it has gotten stronger since
Omaha, Nebraska
Houston, Texas
Yomi Wronge
think: My woman-
my disability.
ness is not all
Corie Jones, 26
If Looks Could Kill
Ignore Irrelevance
wrapped up in what you see
C5 quad, Student
When a disability robs
For some reason, I feel just
on the outside. Do not judge
Redding, California
you of your body, it robs you
fine about my body. Mass
your value by other people's
of yourself. You are what you
media has little impact on me,
standards.
Redefining Womanhood
see in the mirror and what
except for the harm I see it
Yomi Wronge, 25
I have very positive associa-
you feel like when you get up
doing to my female students. I
Osteogenesis imperfecta
tions about being a woman
in the morning. If these two
try to make them aware, as I
Reporter
with a disability,
perceptions are
am, of the manip-
Santa Ana, California
because in 1975,
agonizing, then
ulation going on
I and other wo-
I would ven-
there, and of its
In TV Hell
men in Berkeley
ture to say that
total irrelevance.
My disability has affected
formed a dis-
self-esteem is
What helps? Being
my self-esteem a great deal.
abled women's
no more than
busy, happy, hav-
Actually, not so much the
coalition, and
self-loathing.
ing children and
wheelchair, but the fact that I'm
we sort of wrote
Looking at
good friends, a
a quad and can't get enough
the definition
television, with
satisfying job-all
exercise to lose the fat I've
of what it is to
its pretty young
Anne Kelly
those make appear-
gained since my injury. I look
be a woman
Susan Sygall
42
NEW MOBILITY
with a disability. I have
er I chose to be, or look like,
incorporated the image I try
and that having a disability
to help other women have.
does not mean that you give
We have to do that: Let
up your individuality.
women with disabilities be in
Chris Kerr, 32, T4 para
an environment where we're
Geraldton, Western Australia
the majority, to ensure that
we haven't internalized nega-
Adaptive Thinking
HANDS-DOWN
tive images.
My self-esteem has changed.
Susan Sygall, 44
People react differently. But
T12/L1 para
when the wind changes, all you
Director, Mobility
can do is adjust your sails.
The Easiest
International USA
Knowing that helped a great
Eugene, Oregon
deal. I had to adjust how I feel
about myself.
Cultural Support
way to use
Deborah McCreath, 30
I have no idea what my
C7-8 quad
self-esteem would be without
Ms. Wheelchair Ohio
the phone!
a disability. But there are very
Cleveland, Ohio
few images of women with
disabilities, and that's
No Scarlet
DIALOGUE RC
not very good for our
self-esteem. Things
Letter
are changing, and I
If anything,
Lets you dial, answer
like seeing a lot of
my disability
or scan memory from
active cultural work
has accentuat-
up to 40 feet away-
by women with dis-
ed my innate
Hands-Free!
abilities. There are a
individuality.
few positive changes
Most impor-
in the media, but our
tant, it reminds
real progress will
me to stay in
come from the peo-
Deborah McCreath
tune with my
ple in our communi-
own inner voice
ty itself.
without relying on others,
Laura Hershey, 35
men or women, for valida-
Spinal muscular atrophy
tion or approval. Don't
Writer
worry, be happy-and screw
Denver, Colorado
anybody who labels you
with that scarlet letter "D"
Individuality Intact
for denial or disability. Use
It is important to have role
your disability to tune in to
models and positive images if
your own inner authority
we are to find a new sense of
and don't be afraid to act on
self as a person with a disabil-
that authority.
ity, and to feel comfortable
Patti Shanaberg, 42
with our new selves and our
T10 para
presentation to the world. It
President, Global Image
AMERIPHONE
TM
took me a long time to under-
Communications
stand that I could be whatev-
Los Angeles, California
NM
CALL (800) 874-3005, (714) 897-4703 FAX
©AMERIPHONE, 8/97 A18897
OCTOBER 1997 43
Women Disability
Road The to
Intimacy
BY
JEAN
DOBBS
with her partner, Richard
someone could love my body
Haubner, with whom she
the way it is," says Lisa Golem, 36,
shares a home in Southern
a C4-5 quad from Verona, N.J.
California. But the journey, she
Golem, injured at 14, says
says, was far from short and far
she wouldn't even risk rejec-
from easy. "At first, I was judg-
tion until she was 27, when
ing myself so harshly that I saw
she went on her first date.
a person who had nothing to
During the intervening years,
offer," she says. "Eventually, I
she protected herself from
realized that I still had the per-
male attention with 120 extra
son I was inside, but I was
pounds. "Being heavy, I didn't
pushing her down."
have to deal with the issues of
Jones' experience reflects
sexuality," she says.
that of many women who
During graduate school,
struggle to build close rela-
Golem encountered people
tionships after a disability.
who were open about sexuality.
Some obstacles are givens:
When she felt ready to let some-
feelings of loss and shame,
one get close to her, the extra
awkward new beginnings and,
weight fell off in nine months.
usually, at least one bad
"Something inside me had
match. But the road to intima-
changed, SO I felt like presenting
Photo by Bibow
cy doesn't have to stop there.
myself as open and willing to
Hold out, say the women
date. For some reason, that
who've gone further, for good
seemed to attract people."
Bonnie Jones lost legs and
efore her amputations
sex and true romance.
Other women describe
fingers, but still found love.
B
at age 21, Bonnie Jones
similar turning points. Bonnie
flaunted her sexuality.
Picking Up the Pieces
Julian, 47, L1, was devastated
"Afterward," she says, "if
For many women, it's the
by her first husband's reaction
somebody knocked on
image in the mirror that
to her injury. "He just couldn't
the door-even the UPS
deters them from rewarding
find my body attractive. He
guy-I wouldn't answer."
relationships.
couldn't get turned on by me,"
Today, Jones, 40, enjoys a
"It was always very hard-
she says.
healthy intimate relationship
and it still is-to believe that
Julian, from Littleton, Colo.,
44 NEW MOBILITY
became depressed and was
spirit through all of this, I
or bladder control, and that
ashamed to be seen in public. "I
wanted it back."
weighed heavily on my mind,"
SCI and Orgasm
didn't want to go anywhere. My
she says. But she eventually
The secrets of orgasm
oldest daughter was 11, and
Seeds of Trust
learned that her lovers weren't
are many.
when we'd drive to the store, I'd
Jones left her marriage
as squeamish as she expected,
Researchers know that it
ask her to go in and get things
and began nurturing her
and that her real issue was trust.
doesn't depend on level of
for me. She was one of my sav-
inner self, but it was a long
"You have to understand
injury or completeness of
iors, though. She said, 'No,
time before she felt secure
that my spinal cord injury
injury, but they haven't deter-
Mom. We're both going in, or
enough to present her dis-
wasn't an accident," Juli says.
mined which nerve pathways
no one's going in."
ability openly. "It's really hard
"My ex-husband shot me.
fire the signals of passion.
Dr. Marca Sipski is trying to
After she started leaving
as an amputee because I'm
When I got out of rehab I didn't
change that. In the last two
the house more, Julian met
one person with my prosthe-
want anything to do with
years, Sipski and her research
her current husband, Art, and
sis on and another with it off.
men." But when she met one
team at Kessler Institute in
realized that a man could still
At some point, you have to
who was open and accepting,
New Jersey published two
find her attractive. "The first
take your prosthesis off. My
Juli was able to bare all. "He
major studies of women with
time I was naked in front of
walls are down now, but it
really had no expectations,
injuries above T6. Here's what
him, he said, 'Oh my god,
took years before I could be
and there was no pressure. I
they found:
you're gorgeous.' And he had
open and not be afraid."
found I had been putting the
52 percent reached
such a look of absolute joy
Her trick? "I try to ap-
pressure on myself."
orgasm through masturbation.
that I actually believed him."
proach it in a playful way.
Accidents happen, she says.
Sex with a partner was not
Some women never do
Then the comfort zone is
So does trust.
studied.
come to believe in their attrac-
there and the person says,
Women with complete
tiveness, and say they depend
Wow-that wasn't so heavy."
Shaky Beginnings
injuries didn't lubricate from
on lovers to boost their sexual
Before she learned such
If you've learned to believe
mental stimulation alone; they
confidence. "I've gotten in-
finesse, Jones says she freaked
in your own worth, you may
did with genital touching, but
creasingly discouraged about
out a few people. "I was so
find yourself in the company
genital stimulation alone didn't
translate into a mental turn-on.
it because I am older and fat-
serious," she says. She recalls
of highly evolved lovers. But if
Women with incomplete
ter, and I have scar tissue from
saying one time, rather dra-
you're insecure or new at dis-
injuries who could perceive
numerous surgeries for decu-
matically, "There's some-
ability, you might find your-
pinprick sensation between
bitus ulcers," says Rene, 40,
thing I really think you
self with a creep.
their mid-thigh and belly but-
C4-5, from Portland, Ore. "I
should know." Her date
Several women in this
ton experienced lubrication
never really feel good about
looked uncomfortable and
story found love through the
from fantasy alone.
my body until there's some-
leaned closer to her. "I'm
personal ads, but Jones says
This pinprick sensation
body there making me feel
wearing two artificial legs,"
you have to be careful what
was correlated with a higher
good about it."
Jones whispered. The man
you ask for. Disclosing her
rate of orgasm, but it was not a
Jones learned the pitfalls of
burst out laughing and said,
amputations, she says, drew
requirement.
relying on external validation
"Wow, I'm really relieved. I
the ardor of fetishists.
The average time to reach
during a doomed marriage.
already knew that. I thought
One man Jones dated for a
orgasm was 35 minutes.
She settled for less, she says,
you were going to say you
year was enthusiastic in pri-
Descriptions of orgasm
out of fear of rejection. "But
were a transvestite!"
vate, but was ashamed to take
were very similar to those of
when I had my daughter, I
Learning to take yourself
the relationship public. "He
nondisabled participants.
wanted to present to her
less seriously may help, but
was a very interesting person,
All orgasms were achieved
someone with strength of
women with spinal cord
but he just couldn't come out
through genital stimulation.
character, so I had to re-evalu-
("Although people have made a
injuries say it's hard to find
of the closet with [his attrac-
big deal out of stimulation
ate everything: Was it the
humor in the prospect of a
tion]." Ultimately, she felt the
above the level of injury, most
number of limbs I had that
bowel or bladder accident.
pain of objectification. "That's
people will go for below the
was attractive? I used to think
Juli, 34, T2-3, wasn't amused.
my wound," she says. "Now I
level of injury," says Sipski.)
that," she says, "but when I
"I was told in rehab that sex
have somebody in my life
realized I'd lost touch with my
could cause me to lose bowel
who's not about that."
continued on page 47
OCTOBER 1997 45
Women Disability
Rene, a lesbian, has had three
Good Chemistry
problems," Golem says, "but
It's very intense to me, but it's
consensual affairs with atten-
Golem kept her virginity
those problems are physical,
like warm, wonderful rushing
dants, but knows the darker side
until she was 27, but lost no
and physical things can be
in my entire body. But it's all
of personal assistance. When
time after that. "At one point, I
dealt with."
happening inside, rushing to
she was 19, she was ill and
was told that I was like a kid in a
Julian had similar good for-
my brain and without the
bedridden with a pressure sore.
candy store," she says. "It was
tune in her first sexual
external feelings."
"I had only one woman taking
very exciting. I was very scared."
encounter after her injury. "It
Julian is one of the lucky
care of me, and I was so scared
But her "adolescence" was
was the most wonderful sexual
ones-only half of women
of her leaving. So I basically let
short-lived, because she want-
experience of my life," she says.
with SCI are orgasmic.
her sleep with me every night. It
ed an emotionally healthy
"It was never so free and easy
Researchers still aren't sure
was close to rape," she says.
relationship. After a few
with my ex-husband, even
what physical factors-if
"Now," Rene says, "I'm
meaningless affairs, she put an
though I was ablebodied then.
any-contribute (see sidebar),
really careful when an atten-
ad in the Dallas personals.
"Until that night, I thought
but a few women who experi-
dant initiates sex. I make sure
"I said I was 6 feet tall with
that part of my life was over.
ence orgasm offer these obser-
it's not at a time when I'm feel-
brown hair and a wheelchair. I
Afterward, I realized that I was
vations:
ing sick or vulnerable."
got about 35 calls and 30 let-
still a woman and attractive
"Idon't have any skin sen-
Carol Gill, 48, a polio sur-
ters. It was a lot of fun. I met a
and could satisfy a man and be
sation-all of my sensation is
vivor from Chicago, experi-
lot of people, a lot of weirdos,
satisfied."
inside," says Juli. "Sex has to be
enced another brand of bad
and then I met my husband."
slow. He has to be at the right
partner: "the nondisabled man
She knew she was on the
The Big O
angle. I use my fingers to stim-
who feels strong and powerful
right track when she realized
So how is it? Really.
ulate my clitoris, which also
because he's got this woman to
her disability carried no emo-
"It's different," says Julian.
helps. Definitely don't be
take care of. It's not exactly per-
tional baggage for him. "It
"It's like my body is reacting
afraid to touch yourself."
verted," she says, "but it's not
never really seemed to make a
the same as it used to, but I
"Lots of foreplay is impor-
healthy, either."
difference. Sure, it causes
don't have the surface feelings.
tant," says Golem, who also
Complete
system bathroom Accessiblide Shower care renovation"air No need
Electric Leg VA Approved Bag Emptier in The use since
ORIGINAL
1985
Tub
for expensive
bathroom renovations.
Simplicity!
This product is so versatile it will
The Electric Leg Bag
work in almost any bathroom, and
Emptier consists of a
small, lightweight
is safe and simple for anyone to use.
valve that connects to
the bottom of the leg
Freedom to travel, go on vacation,
bag. The valve's size
visit friends and relatives, or simply
makes it easy to conceal under a pant leg for
move more easily
privacy. The switch can be located anywhere on
Frame is constructed of stainless
the wheelchair, depending on individual needs,
steel (it will not rust)
and is operated by simply pressing a button. The
standard unit operates using the 24 volt electric
Seat & Back are fully padded
wheelchair batteries.
OPTIONS:
Rear casters lock completely for
safe transferring
A battery & charger for use on a manual wheelchair
A puff switch for use with severe mobility impairment
Go from bedside, over a commode,
and over a bathtub to shower, no
HEALTH
Due to this product users can increase their
fluid intake. This, in turn, reduces the
need for several pieces of equipment
BENEFITS
frequency of urinary tract infections
R.D. Equipment, Inc.
Phone/Fax:
508-362-7498
230 Percival Drive
E-mail:
[email protected]
West Barnstable, MA 02668-1233
HomePage:
http://www.capecod.net/rdequip
46
NEW MOBILITY
continued from page 45
uses fantasy to reach orgasm.
scenes are especially nice
They're out there, agrees
Jones, but you'll never find one
Participants were not
"Whatever makes you feel
because they require one of
able to orgasm if their minds
good is important." She adds
my greatest sexual attribut-
unless you believe you deserve
were occupied with unrelated
that her sex life improved
es-imagination."
it. "It was an accepting of myself
mental tasks.
when she switched to a supra-
Jody Barker, 25, a T12 para
to let someone really care for
Blood pressure rose in all
pubic catheter. "I used to have
from Los Angeles, says that
me-to feel like I was worth
the women, but none of the
it in my urethra, which was not
self-directed concentration
being cared about," she says.
participants with SCI experi-
as sexually pleasing," she says.
helps her achieve orgasm.
For Jones, that self-accep-
enced dysreflexia, even when
Teri Michaud Carlson, 38,
"You're mentally imagining
tance was hard to win. "You
using a vibrator.
C5-6, says she gets dysreflexia
what you can't feel, so if you
have to develop yourself in
Women who had orgasms
from direct clitoral stimula-
can't concentrate, you won't
other areas of life that make you
were much more likely to be
tion, so deeper pressure works
have one. We're always worried
an interesting person-not just
knowledgeable about sexuality
best. "I was the same before
about what the man's thinking.
a disabled person," she says. "In
and had a higher sex drive.
my injury," she notes. "I would
We need to be more selfish."
the beginning, you're so busy
A lot of work remains to be
orgasm only with intercourse,
licking your wounds that you
done, says Sipski. Meanwhile,
not oral sex."
Having it All
can't see that life can still hap-
she has this advice: "Mastur-
Rene says physical sensa-
Can you have it all-the
pen for you. I wish someone
bate. Most of what people
learn about sex comes from
tion comes to her primarily
security, the love, the pleasure
had told me that, and I wouldn't
masturbation."
through acting out fantasy
of intimacy? "You don't have
have wasted so many years wor-
Sipski is currently seeking
scenes with sex paraphernalia.
to settle for anything less," says
rying so much."
women with injuries at or
"Other lesbians often assume
Golem, who has been married
Could she have heard it
below T6 for a new study, and
that I want tender, caring sex
for five years. "There are men
then?
is offering participants $500
due to my limitations," she
out there who can deal with
"That's a really good ques-
plus an all-expense paid trip to
says. "Actually, I prefer some-
the physical and emotional
tion. Maybe I heard it when
New Jersey. Call 800/248-3221.
thing not so tame. Fantasy
issues that go with disability."
I could."
NM
Answer the call of the open road
Your travels and stays can be convenient
and comfortable in a modified motor home
from Winnebago Industries.
Complete design work is offered by
Winnebago Industries - - but we listen to you.
For people with disabilities, modifications
are usually made on a "stock" motor home.
Another option is to begin with a "shell" — a
motor home body that is empty inside and
create a floorplan from scratch.
Call for free brochure:
Frequent modifications
1-800-632-2003
Hand controls for acceleration and braking
Designing and installing wider doors
SPECIALTY
Built proudly by
Installing several types of wheelchair lifts
Customized commode and shower facilities
VEHICLES
WINNEBAGO
Reconfiguring floorplans for wider aisles
Wheelchair lock-downs
We're on the Web at: http://www.winnebagoind.com
OCTOBER 1997 47
Women Disability
No
EXCEPTIONS
Made:
Violence Against
Women With Disabilities
BY LAURA KAMINKER
U.V.
Photos by Suzanne Levine
48 NEW MOBILITY
nce he knocked
to a common pattern. In addi-
They were married 14
"O
me out of my
tion to physical violence, Jack-
years when her husband be-
Abuse Has
wheelchair with
son endured "almost constant"
gan threatening her life and
my baby on my
verbal and emotional abuse.
her daughters' lives. "I be-
Many Faces
lap. Another time
But, like anyone who is re-
lieved him," she says, "and I
he knocked me out of my
peatedly battered, Jackson
left." With the help of a neigh-
"Society has conditioned us to
chair, through a glass door,
didn't think of it as abuse, and
bor and her Social Security
believe that abuse is only hit-
then dragged me by my hair
she blamed herself. "I was
benefits, Jackson rented her
ting," says Maria Palacios of
through the broken glass."
always made to feel it was my
own apartment. "He cried
the Houston Area Women's
Laura Jackson* speaks quietly
fault. And that was easy to
continually," she says, "but I
Center. "Women call the hot-
and deliberately as she recalls
believe. If I was extremely
was unmoved."
line and say, he's not really
scenes from her marriage. "I
compliant, he was less likely to
She had no intentions of
abusive-I mean, he doesn't
remember being kicked around
hurt me. Therefore, when he
ever going back. A few months
hit me." But abuse takes sev-
the floor while he was wearing
did hurt me, it was because I
later, the people at Social
eral forms, including:
steel-toed army boots. I re-
had messed up."
Security decided that her hus-
Emotional: This includes
member being locked in the
Five years later, the couple's
band's home was also her
constant criticism, put-
bedroom and beaten for three
second daughter was born
asset, and slashed Jackson's
downs and threats. Frequent
or four days."
with a life-threatening illness.
benefits by 75 percent. With
threats-of violence, to sue
Laura Jackson's private hell
Under the added stress, Jack-
no other means to support
for child custody or to with-
began in 1967. She was fresh
son's husband became in-
her daughters, Jackson re-
hold medication or care-
out of high school; her
creasingly violent.
turned to her husband.
constitute emotional abuse.
boyfriend had just returned
Why did she stay? "I had
Social: The abuser controls
from Vietnam. They left a
two small children, one of
school dance in his brand-
them drastically ill," Jackson
To the uninitiated, Laura
whom the woman is allowed
new Camaro, got in an acci-
says calmly. "I could not bear
Jackson's story might be shock-
to see, speak to or socialize
dent, and she became an L1
the thought of losing custody.
ing. But it is all too common.
with. He may not allow her
paraplegic. At that time in the
In those days, a disabled
The statistics are mind-
to hold a job or participate
rural Midwest, Jackson says,
woman wouldn't have been
numbing. Every 15 seconds in
in recreational activities. The
"there was no such thing as
deemed capable of caring for
this country, a woman is beat-
hallmark of social abuse is
rehab. They taught me a little
them." And, she admits, "in
en. One out of every three
extreme jealousy and pos-
about transferring, and they
the back of my mind, there
American women will be sex-
sessiveness.
sent me home."
was that thought: If I leave
ually assaulted during her life-
Economic: An abuser will not
But not before inflicting
him, I'm going to end up
time. If an American woman
allow a woman to make her
some serious damage. "The
alone for the rest of my life.
is murdered, she is five times
own financial decisions, and
physical therapist and the doc-
He always told me I should be
more likely to be killed by a
prevents her from gaining
tor told me there was no point
grateful that he took me, since
husband, boyfriend or ex-
in continuing my relationship,
no else would want me.
than by a stranger. Violence
access to her own money.
because I could never be a wife.
"During all the years it
against women rages in epi-
Sexual: Any form of unwant-
They said a family and children
went on," Jackson says, "it
demic proportions in this
ed sexual activity consti-
were not in my future." Jackson
never occurred to me that my
country, and women with dis-
tutes sexual abuse.
was frightened. Her boyfriend
disability was a factor in the
abilities are no exception.
Physical: This includes slap-
was guilt-ridden. Six months
abuse." Now, Jackson believes
But until very recently,
ping, pinching, hair-pulling,
later, they were married; soon
her abuser had tremendous
women with disabilities who
pushing or kicking. It also
after, Jackson gave birth to
guilt over the accident. Raised
were abused were on their
includes the withholding of
their first daughter.
in an abusive family, he used
own. And although that is still
medication, equipment or
"As soon as I told him I was
violence to cope with pain.
the case in many communities,
personal care.
pregnant, the physical abuse
"He always thought I wasn't
things are beginning to change.
started," Jackson says, attesting
walking just to punish him."
A central figure in that
*This woman's name has been changed to protect her safety.
OCTOBER 1997 49
Women Disability
change is Margaret Nosek,
search team conducted a de-
While some professionals
for any battered woman-it's
director of the Center for Re-
tailed nationwide survey of
believe that the incidence of
difficult to advocate for your-
search on Women with Dis-
both disabled and nondisabled
abuse is much higher among
self when your self-esteem has
abilities. When Nosek founded
women, the issue was ines-
disabled women, Nosek's re-
been destroyed. Abusers often
the center, now part of Baylor
capable. Nosek says, "We con-
searchers didn't find evidence
threaten women with a cus-
College of Medicine in Hous-
cluded that abuse is a central
to support this. They were,
tody battle. For a woman with
ton, she wasn't intending to
problem for women with dis-
however, able to define the
a disability, this threat may be
study abuse. But after her re-
abilities, because we are women."
ways in which disability can
all too real. Nosek says, "We've
change the experience of
seen so many cases where
What you can do
abuse. For example, very few
abusers are granted custody,
battered women's shelters are
using the argument that her
The best way a woman can
seek support. "Always let other
accessible, and most hotline
disability makes her an unfit
increase her safety is to
people know what's going on,"
counselors aren't versed in dis-
mother." Counselors tell sto-
increase her awareness. Maria
says Palacios. "This can be
ability issues. Disability may
ries of women with cerebral
Palacios says, "Abuse is not
very difficult, because isolation
cause a greater economic and
palsy calling the police, only to
normal. A lot of women feel
is one of the tools of the
physical dependence on the
be written off as drunks.
that this is their lot in life, and
abuser. But do your utmost to
abuser, making it more diffi-
Nosek, a wheelchair user her-
there's nothing they can do
tell someone- trusted friend,
cult to escape. Disability may
self, says, "In these situations,
about it. But you have rights!
your family, a counselor. And
create other avenues for abuse,
all the attitudinal and physical
This is against the law."
always do know that somehow,
such as withholding medica-
barriers come into play."
If you're in an abusive rela-
somewhere, you're going to
tion or orthotic equipment, or
What Nosek's team uncov-
tionship, or think you might be,
find support."
refusal to do personal care.
ered was a dire need for net-
Legal hurdles are daunting
working and education. "There's
Accessible Van Rentals
Travel In Style
Rent one of our specially-equipped full size
or lowered floor mini vans throughout the
U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Rent for business or pleasure
Short or long term rentals
Convenient delivery and pickup
Courteous and knowledgeable staff
Hand controls available
Independence is only a phone call away!
Wheelchair
Getaways®
(800) 642-2042
Rent by the Month, Week or Day
www.blvd.com/wg.htm
50
NEW MOBILITY
one industry set up to deal
serving women with disabili-
unilateral approach is ineffec-
the center's hotline case man-
with disability," Nosek ex-
ties. They want to learn about
tive. "Let's say you have a
ager, describes HAWC as "one
plains. "Then there's another
ADA, but they're so poorly
counselor who suddenly real-
of the few places that serves
network helping women who
funded that it's very difficult
izes that 10 percent of her
women and also has a keen
are battered. But they're not
for them to come into compli-
clients are being abused, and
awareness of disability, as
linked in any way."
ance." In addition to the finan-
she refers them all to the local
opposed to an ILC with an
In eight years of graduate
cial obstacles, Nosek says, the
women's center. What's the
increased awareness of abuse.
work in rehab counseling,
women's network "doesn't
center going to do? The shel-
We see all women as women
Nosek never encountered a
know how they should modi-
ters are filled to capacity,
first." In addition to its fully
single lesson on the signs of
fy their hotlines or what their
they're turning women away.
accessible shelter, HAWC has
domestic violence. "We were
counselors should know."
So getting more resources to
incorporated a disability-sen-
never introduced to the symp-
To those ends, the Center
women's centers is a very seri-
sitivity component into all its
toms of battered women," she
for Research on Women with
ous problem.
program training, and edu-
recalls. "This would be ex-
Disabilities is bringing the two
"Somehow we have to cre-
cates local disability service
tremely relevant to a woman's
systems together, and cross-
ate a tide that's going to raise
providers about domestic vio-
rehab process, but it's not in
training them. "We're educat-
all the boats."
lence and sexual assault.
the curriculum."
ing disability service pro-
Palacios, who uses a wheel-
On the other side of the
viders, increasing their aware-
chair as a result of childhood
equation, Nosek found a late
ness of abuse, so they can
The Houston Area Wo-
polio, trains and supervises
start and good intentions.
identify women who are
men's Center, one of a handful
the hotline volunteers, and
"The battered women's net-
abused and refer them to ap-
of disability-friendly women's
stands at the ready to handle
work has only recently be-
propriate services," says No-
centers in the country, floats
more challenging crisis calls
come aware of the necessity of
sek. But she cautions that a
on that tide. Maria Palacios,
herself. She says, "If a client
PCH Pharmacy
Full Scale Pharmacy
Home Health Care Supplies:
1. Incontinent Supplies
2. Urological Supplies
3. Nutritional Products
4. Feeding Supplies
5. Diabetic Products
Wheelchairs, Canes, Walkers
Medicare, Medical, Third Party Insurance Accepted, Workers Comp.
FREE Delivery or UPS
Multilingual Cambodian, Spanish
Call 800/599-9925
562/591-7655
562/591-0083
Fax: 562/591-8179
306 E. Pacific Coast HWY.
Long Beach, CA 90806
OCTOBER 1997 51
Women Disability
has a disability, we go that
major challenge may be atten-
confronting a system that may
more than putting a ramp in
extra mile to find out what her
dant care. Perhaps we can help
deny her the services she needs
a shelter."
specific needs are. There may
her arrange for an attendant at
to survive. We will support her
Palacios also points out
be transportation issues; find-
the shelter. Or perhaps her at-
and advocate for her."
another way that disability
ing housing for her may be
tendant is the abuser. Then the
If a woman is physically
may create the opportunity
more challenging. Another
woman has to face the fear of
dependent on her abuser, the
for abuse. "In our society, peo-
"safety plan" strategies that
ple with disabilities have been
Old Myths Die Hard
counselors often work out
conditioned to be compliant
with clients may not be
and submissive. The average
These are some of the most
"I can change him." You didn't
appropriate. As Nosek says,
woman with a disability may
commonly held myths about
make him abusive, and you
"Everything on the list-hide
be more prone to think of her-
spouse, partner or caregiver
can't make him not abusive.
money, hide keys, have a
self as 'less than' than the aver-
violence:
"It was a one-time-only inci-
friend you can signal if you're
age woman without a disabili-
"I brought it on myself. If I
dent. It will never happen
in danger-takes on different
ty. If she is in an abusive rela-
change my behavior, he'll treat
again." If he hit you once, take
dimensions when you have a
tionship, she may be more
me nicer." Abuse is never your
it seriously. Make it clear to
disability. You can't ask your
likely to think, "This is the best
own fault. Every person is
him that you deserve to be
perpetrator, 'Can you put this
I can do, who else would have
responsible for his or her own
treated better, and you will not
money inside this tampon
me?" But Palacios cautions
behavior. The abuser-not the
tolerate that behavior. If you
box?" The disability-aware
against generalizations. "All
victim-is responsible for abu-
disregard the first instance of
crisis counselor understands
women in our society are vul-
sive behavior. No one ever
violence, you can be almost
these obstacles. "Serving wo-
nerable to abuse."
deserves to be mistreated.
certain it will happen again.
men with disabilities," Palacios
emphasizes, "means much
continued on page 54
We may be able to help you walk again.
Where you go from there is up to you.
For many paraplegics, the Reciprocating Gait Orthosis
program at the Rehabilitation Institute of New Orleans
may help them get back on their feet. That's because
patients are introduced to a new treatment program that
combines RGO with a new electrical stimulation device.
This type of rehabilitation may improve their overall
health, and in many cases, enables them to walk again.
In fact, this program has improved the lives of over 120
RINO patients. It's even covered by most insurances, and
often by Medicare and Medicaid. For more information
about RGO, give US a call at (504) 363-7471.
JoEllen Smith
Regional Medical Center
Rehabilitation Institute of New Orleans
Tenet Louisiana HealthSystem
1-888-42 REHAB
http://www.tenethealth.com/JoEllenSmith
52
NEW MOBILITY
ATTEND THE EVENT THAT MAKES A DIFFEREN
The
# 1 Show for
OE
OC
People With
Disabilities
Exhibits
Assistive Technology
Washington, DC
September 12 - 14, 1997
Sports Demonstrations
Capital Expo Center
Chantilly, VA
Workshops & Seminars
CAREERS
& the disABLED
Job Fair
ABILITIES
One Day Only
WASHINGTON, DC
EXPO
September 12, 1997
San Francisco Bay Area
November 14 -16, 1997
San Mateo Expo Center
San Mateo, CA
97 ABILITIES EXPO
For a free brochure: Tel (203) 256-4700 E-mail: [email protected] World Wide Web: http://WWW.expocon.com
1997 Abilities Shows
The entrance fee at each Show is $5 per person but you'll save $2 on a single admission when
$2
you present this coupon. Name and address must be completed to make this coupon valid.
Name
Address
OFF
City
State
Zip
BRING THIS COUPON & $AVE TWO DOLI
© 1997 Expocon Management Associates, Inc.
EW
OCTOBER
ATTEND THE EVENT THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
The
#
1 Show for
People With
USA
OC
Disabilities
Exhibits
Assistive Technology
Washington, DC
September 12 ⑉ 14, 1997
Sports Demonstrations
Capital Expo Center
Chantilly, VA
Workshops & Seminars
CAREERS
& the disABLED
Job Fair
ABILITIES
One Day Only
WASHINGTON, DC
EXPO
September 12, 1997
San Francisco Bay Area
November 14 -16, 1997
San Mateo Expo Center
San Mateo, CA
97 ABILITIES EXPO
For a free brochure: Tel (203) 256-4700 E-mail: [email protected] World Wide Web: http://WWW.expocon.com
1997 Abilities Shows
The entrance fee at each Show is $5 per person but you'll save $2 on a single admission when
you present this coupon. Name and address must be completed to make this coupon valid.
$2
Name
Address
OFF
City
State
Zip
c
OFF
BRING THIS COUPON & $AVE TWO DOLLARS
© 1997 Expocon Management Associates, Inc.
Women Disability
continued from page 52
local authorities wouldn't en-
place where I didn't know
but there's emotional survival,
Laura Jackson had no dis-
force the court order, she
anyone and, in my mid-40s,
there's your sanity. There's the
ability-friendly women's cen-
moved to a different city.
started over with zero-no
quality of your existence. I
ter to call. She had very little
With the support of her adult
furniture, no kitchen items,
would not go back, no matter
money, and virtually no self-
daughters and the help of a
nothing." It has been a very
what the risk."
esteem. But two years ago,
trusted employer, she started
difficult journey-financially,
Now Jackson's quiet voice
Jackson left her husband. She
a new life.
physically and emotionally. But
becomes urgent. "This is the
got a lawyer, an order of pro-
"I left my children and my
she wouldn't change a thing.
most important thing," she
tection and a divorce. When
grandchild behind. I came to a
"I was dying there," says
insists. "Even with the added
Jackson. "I had no volition.
Resources
problems caused by a disabili-
Every conversation I had,
ty, and the poverty that goes
National Domestic Violence
Look in your local Yellow
every decision I made, was
with it, it can still be done. I
Hotline, 800/799-7233
Pages under "Domestic
based on what his reaction
want women to know that it's
National Resource Center on
Violence," "Battered Women,"
would be." To those who fear
not impossible. I need women
Domestic Violence, 800/
Sexual Assault Services" or
that leaving is more dangerous
to know that you can get out,
537-2238
"Victim's Services."
than staying, Jackson says, "it's
and you can survive. It may
National Coalition Against
For a copy of ESCAPE! A
true that more women are
not be cushy, it may not be
Domestic Violence, 303/
Handbook for Battered
killed when they leave. But
pretty, but, by god, you'll be
839-1852
Women Who Have Disabilities,
staying didn't guarantee me
doing it, and you'll get your
RAINN-Rape, Abuse and Incest
call or write Finex House, P.O.
safety. At least if you leave,
life back."
National Network, 800/
Box 1154, Jamaica Plain, MA
there's a chance.
What does Laura Jackson
656-HOPE
02130; 617/288-1054.
"There are all kinds of sur-
look forward to in the future?
vival. There's physical survival,
"Peace."
MM
FREE
New Products For
Independent Living
Unique, Hard-To-Find Products.
Household Aids
Mobility Aids
Kitchen Aids
Dressing
Aids
Bed
&
Bath
Aids
Incontinence
Urological
Ostomy Supplies
Verified Low Prices
Compare & Save! You'll always find the
low price at MOMS.
Your Shop-At-Home Store
We offer FREE Delivery to your door step!
For Your
Free Catalog Call:
MOMS
MAIL ORDER MEDICAL SUPPLY
1-800-232-7443
24700 Avenue Rockefeller
Valencia, CA 91355
Aids for Daily Living
Incontinence
Urologicals
Ostomy
Skin & Wound Care
54
NEW MOBILITY
ABLEWARE
INDEPENDENT LIVING FROM MADDAK INC.
Change of View
his fist rose again. My husband of
By O.M. Baker
seven years and the father of my
Even though I had seen my
two children was beating me. The
Little Miss Muffet
alcoholic father terrorize and beat
shattering of my faith was almost
my mother, I was not afraid of
as traumatic as the pain and fear.
Sat on Her Tuffet
him. My daddy loved me. I
Beaten and terrorized as I had
sensed that a major factor in my
seen my mother years before, I
Thinking of Useful Ways
powers of enchantment over my
survived that day and I got out.
violent father were the physical
Yet nothing has looked the same
The Tuffet Foot Rest fully supports both feet and
disabilities visited upon me by a
to me since. The sight in my eye
lower legs comfortably and places the knees in a
case of polio when I was a tod-
was permanently damaged and,
slightly bent position. This can alleviate back or knee
dler. I was "special," and this spe-
likewise, my view of humanity. I
discomfort and is especially useful to those who need
cialness was my magic shield.
saw that my specialness didn't
to spend long hours sitting. Also refreshes tired feet
Throughout my childhood
motivate my neighbors to re-
after a long day of standing. The Tuffet fits under a
desk, or between the swing-away leg rests of a wheel-
and teen years, I held on to this
spond to my screams or prompt
chair. The Tuffet Leg Rest elevates the feet, improving
unspoken belief that I was some-
the police to treat me with dignity.
the venous return and increasing the supply of
how protected from harm by a
All illusions smashed, I saw that
oxygenated blood to the lower limbs. This can reduce
universal rule of fair play: No one
being disabled does not protect
swelling and improve the condition of skin and mus-
hits a gimp.
me from violence, domestic or
cles. The Tuffet's unique design combines both posi-
Then one morning, 16 years
otherwise. I saw that love and
tions. It is light weight, only 6½
ago, this childish belief exploded
commitment will not rein in the
pounds, 20"x15"x15" and is
in a white-hot bomb of pain. I
monster of uncontrolled rage,
easily carried with it's
couldn't believe what was hap-
even in the man who professes
recessed handle. The surface
pening, even as I felt the bone-jar-
love and commitment. This last
is constructed of a "soft
ring blow come crashing into my
eye opener was perhaps the
touch", durable plastic that
most painful of all.
can be adjusted for firm
left eye and watched in horror as
ness by releasing air
from a recessed air
valve. The "taupe"
neutral color is
You Can Reach
complementary to any
decor, home or office.
Clean with a damp cloth.
New Heights!
Stand-Aid is designed
to give individuals in need
for backaches, circulation disorders, and knee pains
of assistance greater reach,
independence and the
exceptional health benefits
associated with passive
standing.
Kenda Eagle Star
is shown using the
Wheelchair
Stand-Aid during physical
Foot Rest
therapy at McKennan
Foot Rest
Hospital's Rehabilitation
SERVICES
Center in Sioux Falls, SD.
1-800-831-8580 Call foday
for FREE
Leg Rest
VIDEO
TAPE
Maddak Inc.
Stand-Aid
of Iowa, Inc.
Pequannock, NJ 07440
PO Box 386
Sheldon, IA 51201
Tel: 201-628-7600
Fax: 201-305-0841
Phone 1-800-831-8580 Fax 712-324-5210
Internet: http://www.maddak.com
e-mail address: [email protected]
Home Page Address: www.inmax.com/standaid
E-Mail: [email protected]
OCTOBER 1997 55
Women Disability
Beyond
Stereotypes
BY MIRIAM BRAUNSTEIN
n all aspects of life, women
doubted my ability to get the
defender of all things Cana-
with disabilities-perhaps
job done. I'm a woman, I'm
dian-especially the health
more than others-face
in a wheelchair, I'm Asian,
insurance program, which
confining labels and
and I'm young, so it's a
insures all citizens, and a ben-
attempts to place limita-
quadruple whammy."
efits program that provides
tions on what they can and
Most discrimination she
attendant care even for work-
can't do. The women whose
notices is because she's dis-
ing people.
stories follow have met stereo-
abled, Wong says, and comes
For now, the barriers that
typing head on, and found
from both men and women.
do exist don't bother Wong.
solutions that build acceptance
But her gender does set her up
She has enough ambition to
and opportunity.
for some problems that men
pursue her career, spend time
with disabilities don't face.
with her family and buy vast
ING WONG:
"Men with disabilities have
amounts of makeup, which
A Quick Study
a hell of a lot more credibility,"
she admits is her only hobby
she says. "And I notice espe-
(though she is constantly
Ing Wong is nothing if not
cially that older white male
encouraged to basket weave).
quick. The 24-year-old admits
friends who are disabled seem
And ambition is what you
freely to having a "dazzling sar-
to be 'in' a little bit more than I
need to get by, she says.
donic wit," and also readily
am. It's a little bit more of a
"Get your ambitions in
states that Canadian Broad-
struggle to be taken seriously."
line," she says. "Get a good
casting Corporation Televi-
But Wong doesn't concern
education, and don't depend
sion, where she works as a jour-
herself too much with other
on anybody financially. Wo-
Ing Wong
nalist and researcher, is "similar
people's skepticism. She simply
men do have to work harder,
to CNN, but it's Canadian and
proves them wrong. "I'm as
we do have to be better. But in
much better quality."
quick as or quicker than any-
the end, I think we'll still come
Considering the journal-
one in the newsroom," she says.
out on top."
ism job market in Toronto,
For the most part, Wong's
Wong says she's grateful to be
problems are outside the
SASCHA BITTNER:
working at all-but even
workplace. In Canada, no law
more grateful in light of the
like the ADA has been institut-
Young, Disabled and Wry
combination of her gender
ed, she says, and accessibility is
It sums up Sascha Bittner's
and disability. Discrimination
a problem. There is little pub-
personality that she really
isn't blatant, she says, but it
lic transit, for instance, and she
wanted to attend her high
exists.
often prefers to cruise the dis-
school senior trip and "just
"In Canada, we're a coun-
tance from home to work in
have fun." It sums up her spir-
try known for our subtleties,"
her wheelchair. But her criti-
it that when the high school
Wong says. "I have sometimes
cisms of her country don't go
denied her that right, she took
sensed that people have
too far; she is a staunch
it to court. And won.
56
NEW MOBILITY
Bittner, 23, a senior at the
"In Wry Crips, I had a voice
all of her peers would be
University of California-Ber-
interpreter and could finally
"young, disabled and proud."
keley, has been combining a
express myself artistically. It
powerful desire to participate
was very liberating, plus I am
SYLVIA LEE:
with a need to fight for her
a total ham, so all in all, a won-
Doing What She Loves
rights all her life. She is quadri-
derful experience."
plegic, with perceptual prob-
But Wry Crips has taken a
Sylvia Lee resents the
lems and a severe speech
back seat recently to the KIDS
assumption that being a full-
impediment, because of cere-
program. As one of the pro-
time mother and wife isn't
bral palsy. And while finding
gram coordinators, Bittner
work. In fact, she says, that
acceptance in school and soci-
makes speeches to kids from
kind of thinking is what holds
ety has been a struggle, it hasn't
preschool to high school age,
us back. Instead, women need
been without its high points.
touching on subjects ranging
to be able to choose from the
Her list of activities reads like
from disability culture to per-
widest variety of occupa-
a primer for civic awareness. In
sonal assistance services to in-
tions-including homemaker.
addition to doing extensive vol-
school teasing.
"We are all individuals,"
unteer work, mostly with AIDS
"A lot of it is just dispelling
patients, she belongs to several
their stereotypes of what my
disability rights groups, includ-
life must be like," Bittner says.
ing ADAPT and the Keys to
"They learn that I'm just a
Introducing Disability in So-
normal young woman who
ciety (KIDS) program. She also
happens to have a disability."
performs with the Wry Crips
The KIDS program also
Theater Group and was a final-
provides credit for the other
ist in Sassy magazine's "Sassiest
big drain on her time these
Girl in America" contest.
days-finishing her social
Wry Crips has been one of
welfare degree. After she's
her favorites, though. She first
done with that, she says,
joined the group at 15, under
she'd like an M.S.W., and
the guidance of founder
then a job working with
Cheryl Marie Wade.
youth with disabilities. That
"I had taken drama in high
sort of work is important,
Photo by Susan Parker
school, but there was never a
she says, judging from her
part for me to play," she says.
own experience as a teen
says Lee, 36. "We need to fol-
Sylvia Lee
with a disability. While she
low our hearts. Whatever we
had a lot more support than
feel we should do is what we
some, girls at that age need
should do-not what society
all the help they can get.
thinks we should do. I love
"I was lucky," she says.
being a mother and a wife,
"Actually, I could have used
and disabled or 'abled,' it's
even more support, but most
what I would do."
teen girls with disabilities get
Lee's family-daughters
nothing at this very difficult
Jessica, 18, Amelia, 15, and
time of their lives."
Shawna, 12, and husband,
Photo by Suzanne Levine
And that lack of support,
Tim-come first in her life.
Bittner says, is what leads
After that, she mentions her
women with disabilities to
work as a model of every-
accept the inequalities society
thing from wheelchairs to
Sascha Bittner
gives them. If she had her way,
clothing. She began getting
OCTOBER 1997 57
Women Disability
jobs five years ago, after attending a
had to be made, she
geon, because I did so
modeling school. So far, she has had good
says, but her husband
much with my hands."
luck finding work, as well as good luck
helped and her daugh-
After her obstetrics/gyn-
with her marriage and children. In fact, the
ters deal with her dis-
ecology rotation, how-
only bad luck was the bus accident that
ability well. And with
ever, Welner decided that
made her, at age 17, a T11-12 paraplegic.
Mom using a wheel-
Sandy Welner
she preferred the human
But Lee mentions the accident casual-
chair, perhaps the girls
aspects of medicine to
ly and deals with it casually. It was diffi-
are better equipped with self-esteem
surgical practice.
cult, of course, but both she and her then-
than most young women.
Her adjustment to disability has evolved
fledgling marriage survived, and both are
"If anything," Lee says, "it has
as well, since an accident at age 28, when
stronger for the experience. And her
strengthened them."
she had been in practice for two years.
ambitions came through intact as well.
After two years of rehabilitation and a
"I always wanted a family," Lee says.
SANDY WELNER:
lot of support from her family and physi-
"When I got hurt, I didn't let that stop
Pushing the Wheels of Progress
atrist, Welner made a great deal of
me. I knew that I'd be able to have chil-
progress, though she still has balance and
dren." Her first daughter came along
Sandy Welner can't remember exactly
coordination problems. "I do almost
sooner after the accident than she'd have
when she decided to become a doctor, but
everything I want without too many lim-
liked, she says, but it worked out well.
she does know that she has always want-
itations," she says. "I'm just really slow.
"It was like medicine for me," she says.
ed to take care of people. Gynecology, her
My new life is a slow-moving life."
"I've always loved children very much. It
specialty, required more thought.
After rehab, Welner returned to work,
really gave me something to live for."
"It was an evolving process," says
which was one thing-along with her
Since then, her career as mother has
Welner, 38. "When I went to medical
mind-that still moved quickly. And the
been fulfilling, if not easy. Adaptations
school, I was going to be a plastic sur-
field of women's health is so vast, she says,
that it has become more and more fasci-
nating to her. "There's not just one
thing-there are so many things, because
women are so diverse."
The Breckenridge Outdoor Education
Women with disabilities are just as di-
Center's Adaptive Ski Program
verse, she believes. Unfortunately, Welner
says, many medical professionals carry
Anyone Can Ski!
misconceptions about them-such as
EXPERIENCE FREEDOM
that they're more vulnerable and less
capable than nondisabled women-and
Top-rated staff of PSIA adaptive-certified instructors.
these assumptions can lead to inadequate
One-on-one personal instruction.
care and a lack of support. She tries to use
Wide variety of the latest adaptive ski equipment.
her own experience as a woman with a
disability to change that experience for
In beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado - a premiere ski resort.
her own patients.
Call now for reservations!
"I had a woman with a stroke who was
crying. She was crying that she couldn't
do the things she did anymore," Welner
says. "I said to her 'I understand. But it
will get better. It'll take time.' And she said
to me, 'I know you know what you're
BRECKENRIDGE
talking about. You're not just giving me
OUTDOOR
this bull.' There's a certain way of relating
EDUCATION
to somebody that they can tell when you
CENTER
say 'I understand,' that you really do."
She hopes her work will help physi-
Contact the BOEC for year-round programs offered for people of all abilities.
cians see that the medical and psychoso-
Single and multi-day adventures are available for individuals, groups and organizations.
cial needs of women with disabilities are
often overlooked. "It is getting better,"
1-800-383-BOEC
970-453-6422
fax 970-453-4676
P.O. Box 697
Breckenridge, CO 80424
she says. "The wheels of progress turn
58
NEW MOBILITY
YES!
Start my subscription to
NEW MOBILITY
today!
1 YEAR (12 Issues):
U.S. $27.95
Canada $35.95
Foreign $67.95
*Canada/Foreign subs must be paid in U.S. funds
Bill Me
Check Enclosed (use separate envelope)
PLEASE TELL Us ABOUT YOURSELF:
Charge My:
VISA
MC
AMEX
DISCOVER
1) Gender: A
Male B
Female
Card #:
Exp. Date:
2) I am a: A
Person w/disability
Signature:
B
Rehab Professional
Name:
C
Caregiver
Address:
3) For person with a disability:
A
SCI
Polio
DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE:
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
B
MS
C
City:
State:
Zip:
D
MD E
CP
F
AMP
Ph:( )
Fax:( )
G
Other
Call or fax your order to: Ph. 800/543-4116, Ext. 480 or Fax: 310/317-9533
BHWIN
YES!
Start my subscription to
®
today!
1 YEAR (12 Issues):
U.S. $27.95
Canada $35.95
Foreign $67.95
*Canada/Foreign subs must be paid in U.S. funds
Bill Me
Check Enclosed (use separate envelope)
PLEASE TELL Us ABOUT YOURSELF:
Charge My:
VISA
MC
AMEX
DISCOVER
1) Gender: A
Male B
Female
Card #:
Exp. Date:
2) I am a: A
Person w/disability
Signature:
B
Rehab Professional
Name:
C
Caregiver
Address:
3) For person with a disability:
A
SCI
B
MS
C
Polio
City:
State:
Zip:
D
MD E
CP
F
AMP
Ph:( )
Fax:( )
G
Other
Call or fax your order to: Ph. 800/543-4116, Ext. 480 or Fax: 310/317-9533
BHWIN
YES!
Give the gift of
®
today!
1 YEAR (12 Issues):
U.S. $27.95
Canada $35.95
Foreign $67.95
*Canada/Foreign subs must be paid in U.S. funds
Please Send My Gift of
NEW
MOBILITY
To:
This Gift of NEW MOBILITY is From:
Name:
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Address:
Phone:( )
Fax:( )
Payment Information:
Bill Me
City:
State:
Zip:
Check Enclosed (use separate envelope)
Charge My:
VISA
MC
AMEX
DISCOVER
Card #:
Exp. Date:
Phone:( )
Fax:( )
Signature:
BHWGT
NO POSTAGE
NECESSARY
IF MAILED
IN THE
UNITED STATES
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
PERMIT NO. 450
N. HOLLYWOOD, CA
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
New Mobility® ®
PO BOX 15518
NORTH HOLLYWOOD CA 91615-9773
NO POSTAGE
NECESSARY
IF MAILED
IN THE
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
UNITED STATES
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
PERMIT NO. 450
N. HOLLYWOOD, CA
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
New Mobility® ®
PO BOX 15518
NORTH HOLLYWOOD CA 91615-9773
NECESSARY
S SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE:
NO POSTAGE
IF MAILED
IN THE
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
UNITED STATES
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
PERMIT NO. 450
N. HOLLYWOOD, CA
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
New Mobility®
PO BOX 15518
NORTH HOLLYWOOD CA 91615-9773
slowly. And I think it's encouraging that
empowerment, she says, and are applica-
people are starting to ask questions.
ble to all women.
Doctors are starting to call me up and
"Whether they are ill, or they're aging,
ask, 'What do we do about this stuff-we
or they're injured, or their husband picks
never thought about it.' Well, it's great
up and leaves after 25 years, or they go
that they're thinking about it. Because
financially bankrupt, or any other adversi-
that's the first step."
ty that life has to offer-this is information
Linda Noble Topf
women need to hear."
NM
LINDA NOBLE TOPF:
Building Self-Empowerment
Linda Noble Topf has changed a lot
since her multiple sclerosis diagnosis 19
years ago. Then the 29-year-old president
Feel great from
Ask for your
BROCHURE
of her own design company, she was an
energetic "type-A" personality-a graphic
designer, painter and copywriter.
At 47 and a full-time electric scooter
user, Noble Topf says MS has taken that
head to tire
energy from her. But although she is
older and her disability has progressed,
with Saratoga-Colorado fitness!
she is also wiser, more peaceful and
more accepting.
tance is the basis of her recent book, You
designer. Along with her own experience,
SARATOGA
ACCESS & FITNESS INC.
Stronger arms, neck,
Breathe easier
Noble Topf's journey to self-accep-
& shoulders
Are Not Your Illness: Seven Principles for
Stronger heart & lungs
Meeting the Challenge, which she began
writing in 1988 after she retired as a
More energy & stamina
Lose weight
the book chronicles the information she
collected through the MS Initiative, the
group she founded in her native
Philadelphia and eventually took national.
The book, she says, is about self-com-
Fewer flat tires
you weigh less!
The Saratoga Cycle® & Table
passion, self-acceptance and self-love-
three things she had trouble with after
her diagnosis.
"After winning awards across the plan-
et and now not being able to hold a pen,"
The Colorado Sport Cycle™
Cherrie Conrad, T-10 para
You feel better from your very first
workout. we even guarantee it. Only
Noble Topf says, "I thought, 'Well, who
the Saratoga folks offer you so many
am I now? And how can I use this as an
choices to fit your needs and budget
opportunity, rather than something to
The patented Saratoga Cycle® or Colorado Sport CycleᵀM
collapse into?"
5 handgrip options to match your grasp (or lack of grasp)
48-hour shipping-Visa/MasterCard orders welcome
Guaranteed
Her first obstacle was simply accepting
ACCESSIBLE
Interest-free payment plan
her illness and the limitations it caused. "I
Guaranteed Accessible™ (and satisfactory in every way)
Or We'll Buy
had to ask myself, 'Am I worthy to help?' I
Your table or ours
It Back!
[wanted] to do everything myself," she
Arm or leg exercise from the same cycle
says. "The way I lived my life, for me to
Call us toll-free today for your Complimentary Video and
ask for assistance meant that I'm not
NEW Brochure on Accessible Aerobic Fitness®!
good enough or weak."
(800) 474-4010
(970) 484-4010
Fax (970) 484-4092
After self-acceptance, she says, came
www.saratoga-intl.com
forgiveness and eventually self-love. This
Insist on Genuine Saratoga Quality!
©1997 Saratoga Access & Fitness, Inc.
PO Box 1427
Fort Collins, CO 80522-1427
USA
process and these principles offer self-
OCTOBER 1997 59
Women Disability
Feminism
A Manifesto
BY BARBARA WAXMAN FIDUCCIA
AND MARSHA SAXTON
isabled women live at
feminism-the empowerment
D
the crossroads of dis-
Reproductive Health Care
of women-remains the key
ability and woman-
goal of our movement. Here are
Disabled women are still
hood. Our feminist
some areas in which we seek
not treated like "real" women
awareness-and even
empowerment:
with "real women's bodies."
our consciousness of ourselves
Many of us are still not
as women-is affected by liv-
Sexuality
offered birth control, while
ing with two minority identi-
Women with disabilities
others are forced to use birth
ties and two sets of barriers to
have been sexually and socially
control or even sterilized
achieving our life goals.
segregated, and discouraged
against their will. Inaccessible
In challenging our double
from expressing our sexuality.
exam tables and mammogra-
discrimination, we are drawing
We have a difficult time
phy machines mean we are
strength and strategy from both
finding accurate information
routinely passed over for cer-
the disability and women's
about sexuality or body image.
vical or breast cancer screen-
rights movements, but this new
Our questions about orgasm,
ing and treatment.
feminism-disability feminism
fertility, sexual positions, child-
We want equal access to
Barbara Waxman Fiduccia signs
-is distinct in some ways.
birth, breast size and weight
reproductive health care.
her marriage contract. The big
Ours is a broader move-
gain are often evaded or disre-
day came after years of haggling
with the Social Security
ment because narrow defini-
garded. This is devastating to
Marriage and Family
Administration for a waiver that
tions of feminism exclude dis-
women who must work against
For many disabled women,
keeps her ventilator and
abled women. We may need
social stigma to feel good about
getting married is a radical
attendant services from being
assistance in daily living, which
casualties of wedlock.
their bodies and believe they are
act. Most SSI or Medicaid
has led some nondisabled wo-
entitled to sexual pleasure.
beneficiaries who marry part-
men to imply that we cannot
In her article "Cultivating
ners who are not on SSI or
be real feminists because we
Common Ground," psycholo-
Medicaid lose their eligibility
don't have the requisite finan-
gist and disability feminist
for health and personal assis-
cial or physical independence.
Carol Gill describes our situa-
tance benefits. Many must
These notions hurt and limit
tion: "Keeping us genderless
choose to keep their benefits
all women, but they especially
by discounting us as women
to avoid grave health risks. But
alienate disabled women.
and as sexual beings helps to
if we don't marry, we lose an
We have other unique con-
prevent us from reproducing,
opportunity for a social and
cerns. Mainstream feminists
which keeps us harmless to
emotional support system
have battled limited gender
society. And, once we are cate-
that would enhance our abili-
roles for nondisabled women:
gorized as non-breeders, we
ty to live and contribute in the
sex object, wife and mother. But
are discarded as socially use-
mainstream of society. The
as disabled women, we've had
less and join post-menopausal
marriage penalty also compli-
the opposite problem: We've
women in health care limbo."
cates the decision to conceive
been denied sexual, spousal or
We want our sexuality
for those whose religion or
maternal roles when we wanted
accepted and supported with
beliefs proscribe raising chil-
them. However, the spirit of
accurate information.
dren outside of marriage.
60
NEW MOBILITY
Women's Resources
ABLED! is a quarterly
newsletter for "active, beauti-
We want legislators to eli-
ficulties in relation to abor-
form of ableism-instead of
ful, loving, energetic dis-
minate disincentives to the mar-
tion, including pressure to
loving children for whoever
abled" women. $10/year
riage of people with disabilities.
undergo an abortion, be-
they are and simply because
from 12211 Fondren, Suite
cause it is assumed that a dis-
they are born.
703, Houston, TX 77035;
Motherhood
abled woman cannot be a
We want all women to
713/726-1132.
Many disabled women are
good parent; or denial of
understand that they can re-
A new edition of Bridging the
told they can't become moth-
abortion, because a guardian
fuse to have these tests if they
Gap: A National Directory of
ers because they would be
decides she is incapable of
don't want them. We want
Services for Women and Girls
incompetent parents or would
making her own reproduc-
children with disabilities to
With Disabilities is scheduled
pass on their disability. Dis-
tive choices.
feel welcome in the world. NNI
to be published in December.
ability feminists want to ensure
We want uncoerced choice.
Contact Educational Equity
that disabled women can have
Barbara Waxman Fiduccia,
Concepts, 114 E. 32nd St., New
and raise children. We want to
an expert in the reproductive
York, NY 10016; 212/725-1803.
develop more resources for
Prenatal testing and
rights of women with disabili-
Disabled Women: Visions and
mothers with disabilities to
selective abortion
ties, is ADA Project Director for
Voices is a 13-minute video
care for their own children and
Many women are pres-
the California Family Health
about the Fourth World
to have access to adoption.
sured to use prenatal tests to
Council in Cupertino, Calif.
Conference on Women. $18-
We want disabled moth-
find out if their unborn baby
Marsha Saxton is a re-
$30 (sliding scale) from Wide
ers to be treated with respect.
has a genetic condition. Then
searcher at the World Institute
Vision Productions, P.O. Box
they are encouraged or forced
on Disability in Oakland, Calif.,
22115, San Francisco, CA
Abortion
to have an abortion to avoid
and teaches disability studies
94122-0115; 415/387-0617.
Women with disabilities
babies that would become dis-
at the University of California
continued on page 71
have reported significant dif-
abled people-a high-tech
at Berkeley.
For travelers with disabilities, we're putting
the whole world within reach.
A unique 3-day conference:
"Travelers with Disabilities:
The Untapped Market"
January 21-23, 1998
Washington, DC
Specifically designed for meeting planners, and representatives from airlines,
hotels, car rental companies, train, bus and taxi companies, travel agencies,
and disability / mobility equipment manufacturers.
If your
New information for the travel industry to help provide quality services.
business is
travel, don't
Workshops on accessible design, facilities, disability awareness,
miss this
accommodations, and innovations.
opportunity
Exhibition of latest equipment and technology.
to expand
your world.
For registration information call toll-free: 1-888-633-2403
EMPLOYMENT
SPONSORED BY
the Paralysis Society of America and
the President's Committee on Employment
PSO
of People with Disabilities
PARALYSIS SOCIETY
OF AMERICA
OCTOBER 1997 61
ERVIN
Erasing the E-Word
By Mike Ervin
he salesman on television
The salesman huffed and
"They'll hear you!"
T
was of the carnival-barker
puffed: "What's that you say?
Slowly, depressing reality
genre-gleaming teeth,
You say you've got a severe
returned. I was an inmate at
big bow tie, loud blazer,
head injury? You use a
the Jesse Helms Institute for
neck veins throbbing.
wheelchair? You can't even talk
the Politically Insane. I had
"What would you pay for
or feed yourself? NO PROB-
been sentenced here for the
had been
this amaaaaazing home securi-
LEM! This amazing home secu-
crime of feeling a sense of enti-
ty system?" He shook a stack
rity system works for every-
tlement.
of stapled papers in the air.
sentenced for
body! Absolutely guaranteed!
"You said the E-word in your
"This home security system is
How can you get this incredible
sleep!" the guy from the next
no bigger than this stack of
the crime of
home security system? It's
bed gasped. "Twice!"
papers! Yet it protects you from
easy! Call the number on your
"E-word?" I said. "You
intruders breaking into your
screen right now! That's the
mean entitlement?"
feeling a sense
home, kidnapping you and tak-
number of your congressman!
"Ssssshhhhhhh!" he said.
ing away all your possessions!
Call and say you want the most
"Don't say that word!"
of entitlement.
Now what would you pay!" He
amazing home security system
But it was too late. The
rattled the papers furiously.
ever made! What are you wait-
alarms went off. That could
"Yes, ladies and gentlemen,
ing for? Pick up that phone
mean only one thing. My illegal
it's all right here in this incredi-
right now!"
fantasy had been picked up on
ble new entitlement program!
I was raging with excite-
the screen of my dream moni-
With this amazing new entitle-
ment. I snatched the phone
tor. The quick response team
ment program, you will be
receiver and dialed. I had to
was on its way.
guaranteed that, no matter
have that incredible home
The guy from the next bed
what happens, you will never
security system now, and I
pulled the covers over his
ever have to go into a nursing
didn't care how much it cost!
head and cowered. My punish-
home! You will receive all the
Any price was worth it! I couldn't
ment for regression would be
help and support you will ever
live without it! If only I had that
swift and severe. The dream
need, right in the comfort and
incredible home security sys-
cops would take me to a cold,
privacy of your own home!
tem, I could sleep well at night,
gray room where I would be
That's right! Never again will
knowing that little could harm
subjected to hour after gruel-
you have to dump your parents
me! Isn't that what we all want,
ing hour-day after grueling
in some rat hole after all they
I said to myself? Is this not the
day-of doing crossword puz-
sacrificed for you! Never again
American dream?
zles. Re-education crossword
will you have to fear growing
The line was busy. I hung
puzzles, all exactly the same:
old or becoming disabled!
up and hit redial. Busy again.
3 across: An 11-letter obsceni-
Never again will you have to
I hit redial over and over and
ty beginning with E meaning
pawn everything you own just
over for hours, days, weeks.
selfish, greedy, spoiled, un-
to hire someone to give you a
Still busy. Apparently almost
American. 17 down: An 11-let-
sponge bath!
everyone in America wanted
ter obscenity beginning with E
"Now how much would you
this amazing home security
meaning selfish, greedy,
pay!" he thundered. "Ten bil-
system.
spoiled, unAmerican.
lion? Twenty billion? One hun-
And then I suddenly woke
Soon I would again realize
dred billion?"
up. The guy from the next bed
the central patriotic principle
I was all stoked up! "Yes!
was shaking me.
that makes America great: No
Yeeees!"
"Wake up!" he was saying.
one deserves a damn thing. NM
62 NEW MOBILITY
the
WIDE
The New Standard
in Male External
TM
BAND
Catheters.
WIDE BAND™ provides:
SECURITY
An extra wide adhesive area provides added
stability, so the catheter stays in place.
SAFETY
Breathable, clear silicone promotes healthy
skin and complements good skin care.
COMFORT
Soft, conforming silicone makes it easy to
wear, even during the most active days.
The New
Traditional Styles
Standard
Brand A
Brand B
Brand C
Brand D
WIDE
BAND™
Adhesive band
Designed to stay on
Rochester®
The WIDE BAND™ has 70% more adhesive than
traditional style self-adhering catheters.
Stewartville, MN 55976
(507) 533-9309
(507) 533-4232 FAX
To request a sample and more information
(800) 243-3315
call (800) 243-3315.
WHEELS
The New
GM Minivans
By Karl Beck
eneral Motors Corp., in
GM's Venture, Trans Sport
Many of Bruno Corp.'s prod-
a classic case of keep-
and Silhouette all compare
ucts will fit GM's minivans
ing up with the competi-
favorably with Chrysler's Cara-
because their dimensions are
tion, has redesigned its
van and Voyager and Ford's
so similar to Chrysler's. The
plastic-bodied minivans
Windstar. The interior size is
Scooter Lift II, which mounts
into a more metallic configura-
similar, wheelbases are com-
behind the driver and passen-
tion that closely resembles
parable and, except for the
ger seats, can load a scooter or
Chrysler's Caravan, Voyager
Windstar, all offer an optional
power-base wheelchair into
and Town and Country. For dis-
driver-side sliding door. (But
the center of the van through
abled motorists, it means
note that no minivans on the
either the driver- or passenger-
GM's Venture,
another vehicle that can be
market currently offer power
side door.
modified to fit their needs.
operators on their driver-side
Manufacturers of lowered-
Trans Sport and
The new minivans are avail-
doors.) The GM vans do have
floor minivan conversions also
able with various trim pack-
one edge: Their passenger-
have plans to modify GM vehi-
Silhouette all
ages and two wheelbase
side sliding doors are 1 inch
cles. The conversion lowers the
lengths-112 inches and 120
wider than Windstar's and 1.5
floor and door by 8 to 10 inch-
compare
inches-but all have a 3.4 liter
inches wider than Chrysler's,
es, adds a ramp, and usually
V-6 engine, a four-speed auto-
and a power-operated, remote-
kneels the vehicle to keep the
favorably with
matic transmission, 20-gallon
controlled option is available.
ramp's slope gentle. En-
fuel tank (25 gallons optional),
Most existing hand con-
gineering and crash-testing
Chrysler's
dual front air bags and antilock
trols, steering devices and
will take time, but Vantage,
brakes. GM, recognizing that it
emergency brake exten-
Ricon and Braun-among oth-
Caravan and
is competing with strong
sions-with low-effort steer-
ers-have conversions in
Chrysler products, has priced
ing still to come-can be
development. Freedom One
Voyager and
the new products competitive-
adapted to the GM vehicles,
already has a modified Venture
ly-complete with a $1,000
although no wheelchair lifts
on the market. It features a 10-
Ford's Windstar.
rebate applicable against the
are yet available.
inch lowered floor, power
cost of adaptive modifications.
The Braun Corp. has adapt-
ramp, power side cargo door
The Chevrolet Venture is a
ed its Companion Seat, which
and kneeling.
NTI
basic, practical family vehicle
that can be purchased with an
optional LS package adding
power door locks, power win-
dows and an upgraded radio
system. The Pontiac Trans
Sport is sportier and loaded
with additional features, while
the Montana comes with an SE
trim package offering plastic
The Venture
side molding that resists chip-
ping. The Oldsmobile Silhou-
helps a person load into the
The Braun Corp.,
ette also has two trim levels,
front passenger seat, to fit
800/The-Lift
the GL and the GLS. Billed as a
these vans. Development of
Bruno Corp., 800/882-8183
luxury vehicle, the GLS can be
this product and other special
Ricon Corp., 800/322-2884
purchased with leather seating,
seating has been hindered by
GM Mobility Program,
CD player and all the amenities
GM's placement of the elec-
800/323-9935
you would expect from a
tronic control boxes for the air
Freedom One, 800/373-3661
$30,000 minivan.
bag sensor system.
64 NEW MOBILITY
Do you have:
Cerebral Palsy
Multiple Sclerosis
Brain Injury
Spinal Cord Injury
Simple Pleasures.
Severe spasticity may keep you and your family from life's simple
pleasures. It doesn't have to. Now there are new ways to help control
even the most severe spasticity in adults and children with these conditions:
cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, or spinal cord injury.
Talk to your doctor about new options in spasticity control,
or call 1-800-664-5111, ext. 240.
©1997 Medtronic, Inc.
Medtronic
HEALTH
continued from page 18
rashes. If a syphilis infection is
and less likely to cause dysre-
or IV drug use should ask a
hard-to-treat infections as the
not treated at this stage, it will
flexia. Many women have
physician to monitor their
immune system becomes fur-
again become invisible and
recurrent herpes outbreaks
liver function. There is no
ther damaged. But again, many
can remain so for months or
that are preceded by a pro-
treatment for hepatitis, but
chronic diseases and disability
years. But if it's not treated, the
drome, a premonitory symp-
restricting toxins such as alco-
states involve vague feelings of
consequences can be quite
tom in the location of the pre-
hol may be necessary to avoid
unwellness and fatigue, so
serious, including damage to
vious outbreak. At this point,
its worst effects.
women who notice these symp-
the nervous system, blood ves-
women with sensation would
Papilloma virus is com-
toms may not recognize them
sels and brain.
take medication to prevent
mon, and women should be
as related to HIV. A persistent,
Common viral infections
the recurrence, but women
screened for it regularly be-
unusually nasty yeast infection
include herpes, hepatitis, pap-
with sensory impairment
cause it predisposes them to
may signal an immune system
illoma and HIV.
need to develop other ways to
cervical cancer. Unfortunately,
problem. Sexually active wo-
Herpes ulcers may be
identify a prodrome.
women with physical limita-
men should take an HIV test
experienced by women with
Some women with disabili-
tions often do not have regular
every six months if they've had
spinal cord injury as muscle
ties who were in accidents
pap smears because of access
more than one partner in the
spasms, sweating, headache
many years ago may have
issues (a future column will
preceding year.
and blood pressure changes
been infected with the hepati-
discuss cancer screening).
(dysreflexia). There is no cure
tis virus by blood transfusions
Symptoms of HIV can be
In future columns, Dr.
for herpes, but treatment can
without realizing it. Women
extremely variable, from vague
Welner will discuss cancer
help the blisters heal faster
who contracted hepatitis from
unwell feelings early on to the
screening, osteoporosis and
and make them less painful
transfusions, sexual contact
development of frequent and
menopause.
Together
The Possibilities Are Endless
UPPERTONE: Sixteen Unassisted Exercises for Quads
STAND
Choices The EasyStand® 5000 features a
modular design with positioning, support
Victor Calise,
and mobile options.
Sled Hockey
Athlete
Growth Designed to last a lifetime, the
EasyStand® 5000 adjusts to accommodate
individuals from 4'6" to 6'5" tall.
Style Attractive design, with upholstery
colors, to complement the rehab, work-
place, and home environment.
Compact Takes up less living space, fits
through doorways, and ships UPS.
Functional A complete line of positioning
and support options are available to meet
your needs.
Dependable Reliable Power-Packer®
hydraulic actuator provides a lifetime of
trustworthy service.
Unique Patented design provides the sup-
port you need from sitting to standing. The
safe and easy way to stand.
Quality The EasyStand® 5000 is made in
America by craftspeople who care
enough to produce the finest standing
equipment in the world.
Becki McCafferty, MBA UC Irvine, C5-6 quad, adjusting resistance on UPPERTONE
If you want to develop the strength, independence and confidence you need to explore
EASY.Stand®
your possibilities, call for a free detailed brochure on how you can do sixteen upper-
ALTIMATE MEDICAL, INC.
body exercises such as chest press, rowing and rickshaw without assistance or cuffs.
Call Now For A Free Brochure
GPK, Inc., 7942 Calle Posada
GPK
Call 1-800-468-8679 for
1-800-342-8968
Carlsbad, CA 92009
Tel: 619/436-1974, Fax: 619/436-5138
brochure, U.S. & Canada
AMI 204
66
NEW MOBILITY
LOVE BITES
By Mitch Tepper, Lizzi McNeff
and Patti McNeff
Solo Pleasure
Since trunk stability is a
Worthy of Love
sense of unworthiness came
Before my partner and /
concern, try propping yourself
/ have a male friend with
before getting MS and how
split up, / had an active sex
up with pillows behind your
multiple sclerosis who doesn't
much came after.
life. He was the only sexual
back. If you can manage it,
think he will ever attract a girl-
If he views himself as too
partner I'd had since the
bringing each leg up will put
friend because of his disability.
unlovable to have a girlfriend,
onset of my disability. Now
you in a spread-eagle position.
He even says he is not worthy
that's what will happen. He
that / am on my own sexually,
A small pillow or rolled towel
and whoever would want him,
needs to understand why he
/ am interested in masturba-
under each leg can provide
he wouldn't want. How can /
feels so unworthy, then truly
tion but have limited hand
additional support.
help him?
accept the reality that he is
function and hardly any trunk
Another option is to use
Start by challenging his
worthy despite the challenge
stability. Any suggestions?
your wheelchair. If you use a
faulty thinking, because that's
of his disability. This will
You can tape or Velcro a cuff
calf strap, simply put your feet
where his real problem lies. All
probably require him to look
to a vibrator, or strap the vibra-
on the strap and scoot your
humans are worthy of love,
at himself as a whole person,
tor to a long handle so you can
butt forward a little. Voila, you
affection and intimacy.
not just someone whose life
reach your genitalia more eas-
are ready.
At some point, most of us
has been changed by MS.
ily. If lubrication is an issue, try
Reading (or writing) eroti-
question our self-worth, then
For you, it is a delicate bal-
Astroglide or one of the other
ca, watching adult videos, self-
resolve the issue and get on
ancing act. As a friend, you will
new products on the market.
hypnosis, pleasuring yourself
with our lives. Your friend
want to be supportive, under-
You'll find vibrators and lubri-
in front of a mirror, and using
may face an extra challenge
standing and encouraging, yet
cants in mail-order catalogs
feathers or furs to stimulate
to viewing himself positively
not buy into his negativity.
(e.g., Good Vibrations or
your tactile senses are all
because of the real losses
That's where an objective ther-
Xandria) or at your local adult
viable forms of masturbation.
caused by MS, but he needs
apist can really help.
toy store.
- LIZZI McNEFF
to sort out how much of his
- PATTI McNEFF
Roll-Aid turns your
manual wheelchair into a
power chair in seconds!
Adapts to any collapsible
wheelchair
Go from manual to power
SURE HANDS™ TM
in less than 10 seconds
Up to 400 pound pulling
capacity
Batteries and charger
included
30-day trial offered with
money-back guarantee
Financing available
We bill insurance
Sandy L.,
We accept Medicare
Chicago Artist,
assignment towards
C-6 quadriplegic
purchase
Finally, a lift & care system
ROFAID
as versatile as a pair of hands.
It's a self-transfer tool,
Call today
a hygiene helper for-toileting or diapering,
a bathing support,
1-800-831-8580 for a FREE
a positioning aid for posture seating,
a stander or walker for some,
VIDEO TAPE
a floor exercise assistant,
a freedom machine,
and a back-saver for caregivers.
SURE HANDS TM
Handi-Move
Stand-Aid
of
Iowa,
Inc.
International
PO Box 386
Sheldon, IA 51201
Phone 1-800-831-8580 Fax 712-324-5210
Portable and permanent solutions
PINE ISLAND, N.Y.
e-mail address: [email protected]
for homes and workplaces.
1-800-724-5305
Home Page Address: www.inmax.com/standaid
OCTOBER 1997 67
MARKETPLACE
TOUCH TURNER
The
Outlet
PAGE TURNING
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
DEVICES
* All manual wheelchairs
Powered by flashlight batteries.
Operated by sensitive switches.
Turns pages by sip & puff, chin,
$600.00
puffed cheek, head movement,
feet, etc.
The Outlet is owned by
Turns pages to size of Life.
Turns hardbound books to size of
and operated by
World Books.
and for people
The PHC III easy freedom.
who use adap-
Drive what you want,
when you want!
tive technology.
Installs in less than 3 minutes
We have hundreds of items in
Folds to 18" by 3" in 3 seconds
Pull to go, push to stop
stock, and access to thousands more.
$288 includes shipping & handling
Full satisfaction or full refund
Visit us on the web at:
The PHC III Portable Hand Control, for rental
www.the-outlet.com
cars, loaners, test drives, second cars, car
pools, even arcade games! Just about anything
Turns the Pages Either Direction.
or call for a list of available items.
with an automatic shift. Available from your
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Send for free brochure
favorite dealer, or factory direct. Write or call
for full information.
TOUCH TURNER
800-599-3283
McSquared Design
443 View Ridge Drive, Everett, WA 98203
P.O. Box 712
Phone: 206/252-1541
Fax: 206/259-4390
Rainelle, WV 25962
*
Does not include titanium, carbon,
(800) 622-9912
Fax: (304) 438-5043
TURN THE PAGES YOURSELF
or specialty chairs
USA JEANS
Frog legs
are
A leap in innovation.
Safer & more comfortable
FOR PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS
Frog Legs is
Ultimate Style Apparel
Since 1995
a unique,
for men and women
lightweight
shock
Jeans
Slacks (new)
absorbing
caster fork
Ice Blue
Khaki (tan) Cotton
Classic Blue
Navy blue Cotton
system for
Navy Blue
Charcoal gray Wool
everyday
Wheat
wheelchair
Lubidet promotes independence
use.
and dignity for people with disabil-
Reduces frame vibration
ities by providing a bidet that can
"Hops" over obstacles
be installed on existing toilets.
Superior Quality
Fits most chairs in minutes
Those with very limited hand or
arm strength are saved the embar-
Prevent pressure sores
$279.00
+ tax, shipping
No broken thumbs
and handling
rassment of asking family or care-
High back
(Patent Pending)
givers for assistance and provide
$56.95 includes S&H(48 states)
themselves with a much healthier
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
CALL NOW to order (or for more info.)
than dry toilet paper, warm-
Frog legs
water wash and dry. Lubidet, win-
1-800-935-5170
ner, 1993 best new product award,
P.O. Box 465
www.azalea.net/business/ultimate.htm
E-mail: [email protected]
Vinton, Iowa 52349
American Society on Aging.
P.O. Box 9845, Tulsa, OK 74157
(319) 373-9393
For a free brochure call:
Lúbidet
Money back guarantee
*Call and ask about Frog Legs for power
800/582-4338
chairs.
68
NEW MOBILITY
MARKETPLACE
VISA
BBD
PRINTO
WHERLY
Natural Access
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
Bye- Bye
RENTAL VANS
You Just Took a Turn for The Better!
"The freedom to go everywhere!"
Decubiti*
Model MA 14x15x3 $91.50
Full Size and Mini Vans
Model MB 15x16x3 $92.25
Model MC 16x18x3 $93.00
Model MD 19x20x3 $93.75
Model WS 16x17x3 $93.25
Model WL 18x19x4 $93.75
Covers $20.00 (Fleece) $25.00
918-492-9657
(Ken was 1992 PVA 'Speedy' award winner!)
"Comfortable, Convenient, Practical & Economical"
MA
It really does work! Even
the most apprehensive cannot deny the
Around the Country,
000
therapeutic qualities of this simple air
Serving:
MB
cushion. The secret of its success
Arizona
Arkansas
against decubitus ulcers is equaliza-
Florida
Illinois
000
MC
DOO
tion of pressure - specifically over
Indiana
Michigan
bony prominences - promoting good
Ohio
Tennessee
blood circulation and greatly lessening
South Carolina
Now, you can look forward to picnics
MD
at the beach, camping trips, and total
the danger of bruising or mashing der-
We offer:
access in rural areas.
mal tissues.
WS
Paraplegics who have been plagued for
Rentals Available: Daily Weekly
The Natural Access all-terrain wheel-
years with decubiti have creased to
Monthly or Longer
chair will serve you faithfully, gliding
WL
worry about them entirely.
Quality Used Vans available For Sale
over sand, snow, gravel and soft soil.
Dual Valve
Pediatric & Sports
Call or write for free color brochure.
DA (14 x16)
109.00
PT (11x12)
82.00
For information, Contact us at
DB (15 x17)
110.00
PC (11x14)
83.00
DS (16 x18)
111.00
800-910-VANS
1-800-411-7789
PG (12x16)
84.00
DL (17 x19)
112.00
RS (14" Dia.)
92.25
Natural Access, P.O. Box 2222,
ORDER YOURS NOW!
FAX: (517) 439-1089
Princeton, NJ 08543
Ken McRight Supplies, Inc.
http://www.RAINBOWWHEELS.COM
Outside North America
e-mail: [email protected]
1-609-588-9830
7456 uth Oswego
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136
1-609-588-9836 (Fax)
Online - http://www.natural-access.com/home
NeverLand
DD
ADVENTURES
Unique Travel Opportunities for Everyone
W
e are a disabled owned and operat-
ed travel company whose focus is to
ensure exciting. fun, and accessible travel
opportunities for everyone.
Nicole Parsons: Model, Athlete, Superset Spokesperson
BUILD MUSCLES & LUNGS
Specializing in accessible tours, cruises
MMG Port-A-Flo TM
Finally, one, light,
and trip planning to exciting destinations
such as:
Uni-Sex Urinal
fully accessible exerciser does both.
Revolutionary, New Patented System
Now you have a discreet, easy to use,
AustraliasEnglandsHollande
delivers 0 to 400 pounds of resistance.
urinal solution. The MMG Port-A-Flo
the Caribbeano Hawaii. Alaska. and
provides optimum handling cleanliness,
Works each arm independently.
many others
locking away germs and odor.
Over 15 upper body strength building
Port-A-Flo is also reusable!
exercises: Presses, Rows, Pull downs,
Next Tour:
4 Port-A-Flo Bags Only
Flys & Curls, Crunches
Australia "Aussie-Explorer"
PLUS
November 12-23. 1997
$29.95
Heart pumping aerobic movements:
MasterCard
VISA.
Swimming, Rowing, Punching, Pedaling
Toll Free U.S. and Canada:
Includes a FREE vinyl carry pouch.
Versatile
Light
Rugged
Compact
Accessible
(800) 717-U-CAN
Call (800) 334-4475 today to order!
Very Affordable No-risk/30-day trial
fax: (513) 579-1554
MMG
MMG HEALTHCARE
Call today for a free brochure and
a division of Medical Marketing Group, Inc.
demo video featuring Nicole Parsons
e-mail: [email protected]
www.mmghealthcare.com
Superset: 1.800.883.0773
OCTOBER 1007 60
MARKETPLACE
The Pedal Pal™
Linking Accessibility
Because there are enough Mountains ahead
Nationwide
that you 'll have to climb alone..
we offer this Challenge with a level playing field.
And, we kindly invite you to bring a friend.
Rentals
PRONL PAL
Sales
Service
Accessible Vans of America
Share the Ride!
Call Toll Free
Only
VISA
1-888-PEDAL PAL
Call: 1-888-AVA-VANS
$489.00
(888-733-2572)
[email protected]
MasterCard
www.erie.net/-pedalpal
(Toll Free) 1-888-282-8267
*For temporarily and permanently disabled persons, our simple
design guarantees effective upper and lower body exercise t an
internet -- http://www.accessiblevans.com
affordable price. It's also a lot of fun!
MM
Here
the magazine!
New Mobilityis America's #1 magazine for people with disabilities. Culture. Lifestyle.
1
It's your guide to the people, places, events and products affecting your world. Not a
subscriber yet? Call 800/543-4116, ext. 480, now and don't miss another issue!
There
on the radio!
RADIO
Your #1
On A Roll Radio is the first and only weekly syndicated talk radio program for the disability com-
munity. Hear it Sundays at 7 p.m. Eastern time. Don't get it? Call 888/760-ROLL to find out how you
Disability
can get On A Roll in your hometown! (Boston, MA WROL 950 AM; Dayton, OH WING 1410 AM; Hays, KS KAYS 1400 AM;
Hickory, NC WHKY 1290 AM; Houston, TX KILE 1560 AM; Kansas City, MO KCXL 1140 AM; Marathon/Key West, FL WFFG 1300 AM;
Muskegon, MI WKBZ 850 AM; Phoenix, AZ KFNN 1510 AM; San Diego, CA KCEO 1000 AM; Springfield, MA WACE 730 AM;
Resource
Topeka, KS KMAJ 1440 AM; Tucson, AZ KTKT 990 AM; Washington, D.C. KBZS 730 AM; Worcester, MA - WCRN 830 AM)
23815 Stuart Ranch Road
P.O. Box 8987
Everywhere
DISABILI
on the Web!
Malibu, CA 90265-8987
800/543-4116
310/317-4522
New Mobility On The Web is your high-speed on-ramp to the disability information
Fax: 310/317-9644
superhighway. Questions. Answers. Chat rooms. Articles. And much, much more. Log on today to
http://www.newmobility.co
www.newmobility.com and see why New Mobility On The Web is the #1 disability Web site!
MARKETPLACE
continued from page 61
No Fear.
Go the Distance
Imprinting Our Image is a critically
A Woman's Guide to Coping With a
acclaimed anthology of essays by women
Disability is a 224-page 1994 resource
with disabilities. $12.95 plus $3 shipping
Proven
guide to organizations, publications,
faster acting
from gynergy books, P.O. Box 2023,
than Dulcolax
videos and products. $39.95 from
& other brands
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island,
Resources for Rehabilitation, 33 Bedford
Canada C1A 7N7; 902/566-5750; e-mail:
St., Suite 19A, Lexington, MA 02173;
Maximize the Quality of Your Life
[email protected]
617/862-6455.
A laxative with suppository for Bowel Program Control.
the Bullet to Freedom!
Loud, Proud and Passionate: Including
Women's International Linkage on
Women With Disabilities in International
Disability (WILD) is a listserv linking
Development Programs takes a global
women with disabilities and their allies. To
reoccurrence No till
approach to networking with stories, agen-
subscribe, send an E-mail message to scle-
scheduled the next
das, successes from around the world and
[email protected] and write "subscribe"
program
an impressive annotated resource section.
in the subject line (women only, please).
Less expensive than
competitive brands
$12.95 plus $5 shipping from Mobility
What Happened to You? Writing by
Used by major rehab centers
International USA, P.O. Box 10767, Eugene,
Disabled Women includes fiction, essays
Proven in scientific studies
OR 97440; 541/343-1284; e-mail:
and poetry. Available from the NEW MOBILITY
World-wide acceptance
[email protected]
Bookstore, 800/543-4116.
The Magic Bullet TM
Resourceful Woman: Women With
Laxative Suppositories
Women With Disabilities: Achieving and
Disabilities Striving Toward Health and
12 for $7.45 ppd. or 100 for $43.95 ppd.
Maintaining Health and Well-Being is
Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery
Self-Detemination is a free tri-annual
available from the NEW MOBILITY Bookstore,
2-day service available for additional charge
30-day money back guarantee
newsletter. Write to the Health Resource
800/543-4116.
Order Line (800) 822-4050
Center for Women With Disabilities,
Concepts in Confidence
The World Institute on Disability offers
1797-32 Veterans Highway, Dept. NM Islandia, NY 11722
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 345 E.
leadership training and organizational
(516) 234-5400 / Fax (516) 234-4703
Superior St., Room 106, Chicago, IL 60611;
Call or write for free catalog and
development to women's groups around
scientific study on effectiveness of product.
or leave a message with your full name
the world. 510 16th St., Suite 100,
and address at 312/908-7997.
Oakland, CA 94612; 510/763-4100.
ADVERTISERS' INDEX
53
Abilities Expo/Expocon
203/256-4700
9
MedShip Direct
Accessible Vans of America
800/722-2604, 770/638-0333
70
888/282-8267
65
Medtronic Inc.
10A-B
Allsup Inc.
800/664-5111 X240, 612/572-5000
618/234-8434
15
Mentor Urology
66
Altimate Medical
800/328-3863, 805/681-6000
800/342-8968, 507/697-6393
4
MK Battery
A-Med Health Care Center
800/824-5027,714/937-1033
13
800/552-2633, 714/960-9499
27,69
MMG Healthcare
Ameriphone Products
800/334-4475, 770/981-2591
43
800/874-3005, 714/897-0808
69
Natural Access
Back
800/411-7789, 609/588-9830
Cover
Associated Handicapable Vans
800/956-6668, 612/890-7851
69
NeverLand Adventures.
Barrier Free Lifts
800/717-U-CAN (8226), 513/579-8226
40
800/582-8732, 703/361-6531
70,72
New Mobility
800/543-4116, ext. 480
33
The Braun Corp.
800/843-5438, 219/946-6153
68
The Outlet
58
800/599-3283, 805/899-2864
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center 800/383-2632, 970/453-6422
61
Paralyzed Veterans of America Games 800/424-8200, 202/416-7752
19
Care Catalog Services
800/443-7091, 503/288-8174
51
PCH Pharmacy
Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation
562/591-7655
25
800/926-5462, 909/596-7733
70
Pedal-Pal
71
Concepts in Confidence
888/PEDAL-PAL, 814/665-1504
800/822-4050, 516/234-5400
20
Petrofsky Center Rehab/Research
7
Concord Elevator
714/855-4837
800/661-5112, 905/791-5555
69
Rainbow Wheels
2-3
Crown Therapeutics
800/910-8267,
800/851-3449, 618/277-9173
46
R.D. Equipment
23
DS Medical
508/362-7498
800/722-2604, 770/638-0333
52
Rehab Institute of New Orleans
31
Duraline Medical Products
504/363-7496
800/654-3376, 419/943-2044
17
Research Medical
Everest & Jennings
800/228-3643,714/548-9980
75
800/235-4661, 314/512-7058
63
Rochester Medical
68
Frog Legs
800/243-3315, 507/533-9309
319/373-9393
59
Saratoga Access & Fitness
26
800/474-4010, 970/484-4010
General Motors Mobility Program
800/323-9935, 313/974-4383
32
Sinties Scientific
66
GPK Inc
800/852-6869, 918/254-7395
800/468-8679, 619/390-5884
36
Spin Technology
69
Hughes Superset.
800/245-1738, 209/294-8303
415/382-7795
55, 67
Stand-Aid of lowa
37
Invacare Corp.
800/831-8580, 712/324-2153
800/333-6900, 440/329-6000
67
SureHands International
24
Iron Horse Productions
800/724-5305, 914/258-6500
800/426-0354, 810/987-6700
11
Therapeutic Alliances
69
Ken McRight Supplies
937/879-0734
918/492-9657
68
Touch Turner
18
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
425/252-1541
201/731-3600
68
USA Jeans
41
Kuschall of America
800/935-5170, 918/496-9032
800/654-4768, 805/484-3595
73
Vail Monoski Camp
68
Lubidet USA
970/949-1943
800/582-4338, 303/368-4555
10
Wells Lamont Technologies
55
Maddak Inc.
800/642-5012, 281/397-9756
800/443-4926, 201/628-7600
50
Wheelchair Getaways
54
Mail Order Medical Supply
800/642-2042
800/232-7443, 805/294-4292
34
Wheelers Accessible Van
68
McSquared Design
800/456-1371, 602/435-9500
800/622-9912, 304/438-5042
47
Winnebago Industries
800/632-2003, 515/582-6260
EAR!
BLISTER BOWL
Brought to you by:
The City Of
Santa Barbara
Sponsored By:
NEW MOBILITY
magazine
MENTOR
UROLOGY
RICON CORP.
B CREATIVE
X-CORE
composite wheels
and more!
The 1997 BLISTER BOWL
In Santa Barbara October 25-26,1997
It is back! The world's famoust wheelchair football tournament:
The Blister Bowl, now in it's 17th year. There is nothing like it.
Like always, happening in beautiful Santa Barbara, right on the ocean.
Come join us for the most fun you can have on wheels,
on the field or on the sideline.
For More Information Call Today:
NEW
MOBILITY
805/564-5421
DISABILITY CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
CLASSIFIEDS
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
PERSONALS
VACATIONS
AMERICA'S GREATEST OPPORTUNITY.
FRIENDSHIP AND MORE. Linking people
COLORADO SPRINGS BED & BREAKFAST.
People are lying to you. And it's costing you
with/without disabilities. Pen pals. Friends.
Urban luxury, upscale amenities, all areas
money. We can show you how, for every dol-
Marriage. 1208-N Noble Place, Orlando, FL
disabled-friendly. Old Town GuestHouse.
lar of debt you have, we can create $11.83
32801.
888/375-4210.
of wealth on your present income. 70-80%
of all your money is legally stolen from you
PRODUCTS
MATLACHA, FLA. DELUXE TWO-BEDROOM on
by your creditors. Get out of debt and show
water, private dock, tranquil location amid
DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
others how. Perfect home-based business
birds, fish and mangroves, wheelchair-accessi-
with high income potential. Write today for
WHOLESALE. 33% off manual wheelchairs,
ble. Tel: 941/334-8199; fax: 941/334-8799.
FREE information from DEBT-BUSTERS,
28% off power wheelchairs. Quickie,
3265 Falls Parkway, Suite S, Branson, MO
Invacare, E&J. 20% to 30% off on scooters,
DREAM VACATION HOME, Islamorada, Fla.
65616. Or call 417/334-5649.
ramps, shower chairs, lift chairs, beds, etc.
Brand-new four-level custom-built home
Call 800/545-0641.
with spectacular view from rooftop hot tub.
TIRED OF BEING TIRED? Self-esteem shot?
Located in secluded Safety Harbor only min-
Want your dreams back? Maybe, just
COMPUTER ADAPTIVE EQUPMENT. Way
utes from Channels 2 and 5. Wheelchair-
accessible with elevator and roll-in shower.
maybe, this home-based business will do
below retail. DECTalks, JAWS, ZoomText and
100-foot deep-water dock. Four bedrooms
the trick. 800/833-9265.
much more! Disabled-owned business.
plus downstairs nanny quarters and gym.
FOR SALE
888/588-7019, or visit www.pc-
$2,400 per week. Call 561/622-1400.
squared.com
HOME FOR SALE. 1,968 square feet. Nearly
VACATION HEAVEN! Accessible loding/restau-
new (completed 1/17/97). Many improve-
TRANSFER EFFICIENTLY WITH ANTI-SLIP
rants in world-famous San Luis Obispo, Calif.
ments for wheelchair use. Three bedrooms,
Transfer Boards from Accessible Designs.
Call or write for free accessibility guide. 977
two baths, three-car garage and pool.
Multiple options in size/style. 7626 Grissom
Pismo St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401;
Convenient location in La Quinta, Calif.
805/543-3627.
Road, San Antonio, TX 78251; 210/684-
Asking $214,000. For details, call Randy at
6794; fax: 210/684-7690.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA VACATION COTTAGE.
760/360-3432.
Mendocino coast, one-half mile from ocean.
1993 VW EUROVAN with power Braun
AT LAST
Private. Wheelchair-accessible. Bathroom,
one bedroom, fully equipped kitchen, living
wheelchair lift, front and rear A/C, AM/FM
Available in the U.S.!
room. Stereo, TV. Gardens, redwoods. Day,
cassette. Excellent condition. 59,000 miles.
$16,000. D.D. Reed, 108 Ancha Vista,
For MEN Only
week, month. Call 707/937-5477.
Torrington, WY 82240; 307/532-5246.
Hot! URI-BAG Sexy!
A rubber urinal
1993 38-FOOT HOLIDAY AMBLER
Carry in your pocket
NAVIGATOR 300 Cummins. Set up for handi-
The size of a shotgun shell
capped use. Fridge/freezer, ice maker,
Expands to fill the bill
stove/oven, backup camera, Sony
stereo/cassette, two TVs, one VCR, CB, oak
"I never leave home without it."
cabinetry, roll-out pantry, sofa sleeper,
Hugh Gallagher, satisfied user
Corian countertops, 10kw generator, AC,
Phone: 301/229-3465
keyless entry, awnings, roll-in shower, elec-
Fax: 301/229-7625
tric bed, wide aisle, Braun lift with separate
door, Howard steering system, air flush
THE VAIL MONOSKI CAMP
MEN'S TROUSER SEWING PATTERN adapted
valves, new Michelin tires, 2,500 miles,
cellular phone, satellite dish with two
for the disabled wearer. Includes pleat and
NOV 30TH - DEC 5TH, 1997
receivers, interior redecorated. Reduced to
flat front styles. S through XL. Send $15
ppd. VA residents, add 4.5 percent tax.
Founded and instructed by
$129,900. Call 910/791-4994, ext. 211, Judy.
WearABLES, P.O. Box 7407-N, Arlington, VA
Paralympic Gold Medalists
HOUSING EXCHANGES
22207; www.blvd.com/wearables
Sarah Will & Chris Waddell
EXCHANGE WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE
WHEELCHAIR PARTS, TIRES, ETC. All name
with guest coach
HOUSE AND VAN in beautiful forest of
brands. Call 800/593-5556. Ask for Terry.
US Disabled Ski Team Head Coach
Compiegne in France. Splendid emplace-
Web site: medmallonline.com
Ewald Zirbisegger
ment with spa for a wheelchair-accessible
house and van in Key West or Miami from
SERVICES
Learn to race
August 1, 1998, for one month. U.S. phone:
305/296-1991; France phone: 011-33-3-44-
LET THE GOVERNMENT FINANCE your small
Improve your free-skiing
85-25-07; fax: 011-3-44-40-47-26; e-mail:
business. Grants/loans to $800,000. Free
Woman's scholarship available
[email protected]. Write to 1145, rue V. Hugo Le
recorded message: 707/449-8600. (TT6)
Skiing provided by Vail Associates
Francport, F-60750 Choisy au Bac, France.
FREE TRAVEL INFORMATION ON THE
Maximize your potential using
PERSONALS
video
INTERNET-everything you need to plan an
GAY/BISEXUAL MEN WITH DISABILITIES-
accessible trip. Accommodations, trans-
Accommodations by the Marriott
Able-Together is a quarterly international
portation, cruises, attractions, tours and
$600.00 includes all of the above
journal for you. 415/522-9091. Able-
more! http://www.access-able.com Access-
Monoski Instructional Video
Together, P.O. Box 460053, San Francisco,
Able Travel Source, P.O. Box 1796, Wheat
CA 94146-0053. Web site:
Ridge, CO 80034; 303/232-2979; fax:
Sarah Will 970-949-1943
http://www.well.com/-blaine/abletog.htm
303/239-8486.
[email protected]
OCTOBER 1997 73
FULL CIRCLE
HERE
by Cheryl Marie Wade
There is a woman here
middle-aged in her prime
with long legs
and a short fuse
A woman who loves to write
poems
and dance
I have rhythm in the marrow
laughter, too
I love to laugh and laugh
There is a woman here
who has scars
visible and otherwise
more than you'd want to know
more than I want to count
A woman who believes
in magic
I long for magic
I love stones
before they're polished
I can picture Springsteen's thighs
magic
There is a woman here
with a stiff back
and incredible flexibility
who tells lies for protection
the truth for survival
who sits in a chair on wheels
and hauls sacks of self-doubt
as if she were a stevedore
A woman who survives to dream
dreams
I braid hair in my dreams
I have electric hair
and need to be loved
soft soft lips
and hate to be loved
eyes shadowed by memory
and want to be loved
full round hips
and I'm afraid to be loved
I love so easily
There is a woman here
full of colors
A survivor
who survives to be
a woman
here
Photo by Suzanne Levine
74 NEW MOBILITY
Lancer 2000
Distinctive lines and dynamic
performance tell you this is
no ordinary power wheelchair.
Beneath that elegant design
Everest Jennings
lurks the muscle, blood and
soul of a champion. The
bottom line, after all, isn't
about technical specifications
or engineering details. Its
about a chair that delivers a
superior driving experience
on the first test drive and for
years to come.
Consider the superior ergonomics
elastomer suspension system or the
LANCER
2000
and sheer convenience of an adjustable
coil spring suspension upgrade. Or the
seat and back angle; an adjustable seat
superior maneuverability and handling
depth; a telescoping front rigging
of the compact Lancer 2000 frame
hanger. To say nothing of a design
design which is a full inch narrower
that lets people see you first
and not
than the competition. Not to mention
the chair.
that the Lancer 2000 is also available
Consider, for instance, the
in a LaBac ready configuration.
Rear trailing arm.
Standard elastomer
enhanced comfort and performance
Proof that innovative engineering
or optional gas filled
benefits of a sophisticated multi-stage
can give you more for less.
spring suspension.
Everest
Jennings
A DIVISION OF GRAHAM-FIELD -
Call to receive a free brochure, 800-708-9601
Value through Innovation
Rollx The Nation's Leader
Wheelchair Conversion Vans
Rollx Conversions Available on Both Ford Windstar and Chrysler Minivans
T
he new Chrysler Rollx is truly what the
industry has been waiting for. The Rollx has
a dropped floor that will accommodate most
wheelchairs and three wheel users. With a touch of
a button the door opens, the ramp deploys, and the
van lowers itself. The incline of the ramp is mini-
mal, allowing accessibility for all power wheelchair
and most manual wheelchair users.
Controls for the power door, ramp, and kneeling
system are conveniently located. Once inside, the
wheelchair user is able to lock down, grab the
steering wheel, and go.
98's Now Available
In-floor ramp available!
Grand Voyager-Caravan SE Equipped with Standard Features
New 1997's at
$ 35,900*
All Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler Models Available
Used 1996's at $ 30,900
3.3 V6 Engine
Airconditioning
Tilt Wheel
Cruise Control
1995's at $ 27,900
Auto Transmission
Power Windows and Door Locks
Rear Wiper/
1994's at $ 24,900
Washer
Stereo Cassette
Dropped Floor from Rear Axle to Firewall
Many 1993's and older available
Power Door Opener
Power Ramp with Swing Feature
Quick Release Front Seat
Custom Finish Tire Cover
We are one of the select few Chrysler approved
Electronic
venders in the USA! We handle all VA and state
Kneeling Suspension w/Back-up
Tech Foam for Insulation and Sound
paperwork.
Deadening
Complete Rubberized Rustproofing
Wheelchair Tiedowns
*Less Chrysler Rebate and Automobility Assistance.
Full Size Vans
A
ssociated and the full-size van have gone hand and hand
for nearly twenty years. Our plush interiors and eye catch-
ing exteriors coupled with state of the art equipment
can allow for total mobility for driver or passenger. Our lowered
floors or raised certified roofs give ample head room and visibility
in center or driver and passenger positions. Associated offers all
major brand wheelchair lifts and other adaptive equipment and
will recommend the best products for your specific needs.
1997's at $32,900.00
Power Windows
Power Locks
Cruise
Anti-Lock Brakes
Tilt Column
AM/FM Cassette
Stereo
V-8 Engines
Dropped Floors or Raised
Van shown with premium conversion
Roofs
Fully Automatic Lifts
Power Door Openers
Tiedowns
Stylish Interior and Exterior Finishing
Sofa That Makes into a Bed
Fully Equipped Ford,
Over 50 Vans in Stock — Call for Details!
Dodge or Chevrolet Vans
800-956-6668
Huge Selection of Used Vans:
1996's at
$ 27,900
1992's at
$ 16,900
ASSOCIATED
1995's at
$ 25,900
HANDICAPABLE VANS
&
1991's at
$ 12,900
12117 RIVERWOOD DRIVE
1994's at
$ 22,900
1990's at
$ 10,900
BURNSVILLE, MN 55337
612-890-7851 FAX 612-890-1903
1993's at
$ 19,900
1989's at
$ 8,900
TOLL FREE 1-800-956-6668
www.rollxvans.com
Many Vans from $3,900 to $9,900 Available
Rentals Available - Daily, Weekly and Monthly
Used prices based on 15,000 miles per year
We Handle All VA and State Paperwork