I wrote about my plans to take a vacation in Cape Cod, my first since becoming a spastic quadriplegic. I rented an accessible hotel room in Eastham equiped with a roll-in shower, a king size bed that accomadated a Hoyer lift, a parking spot for my van, and all the perks I might need. I [...]
Book reservations for a hotel with roll-in showers. Bring along one’s home heath aide. Rent a Hoyer Lift from a local surgical supply vendor. Plan outings for trips to Province Town, Whale Watching and sailing before arriving. Bring sun block, bug spray, hat, cameras and field glasses to maximize leisure experiences. Bring wine and cheese [...]
Intolerance, preconceived notions, and prejudice are just a few of the things that confront me as a disabled person. The American’s with Disabilities Act cannot address the behaviors and feelings of the non-disabled population beyond assuring some basic rights for those of us who must overcome obstacles and barriers. People who work with individuals who [...]
The goal of this paper is to evaluate how multiple sclerosis (MS) affects my life as a former certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS). Although I conducted innovative therapeutic recreation programs and engaged in a variety of leisure activities, multiple sclerosis (MS) has forced me to adapt to life. Since my initial diagnosis, I have learned [...]
It was easy for me to join the MS Society. I belonged to several other professional organizations and it seemed only fitting to join one that could truly help me cope. The MS society sent me many articles designed to help recently diagnosed patients adjust to their illness. One article suggested that MS patients should [...]
It all started when I fell down the stairs. I was bruised, sore and somewhat bewildered about the fall. I began having difficulty walking. My right foot was dragging with every step. The big toes on my feet kept making holes in brand new socks. During meetings at work, I had trouble seeing the written [...]
The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is the largest national membership organization representing the interests and needs of recreational therapists. Recreational therapists are healthcare providers who use recreational therapy interventions for improved functioning of individuals with illness or disabling conditions. ATRA was incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1984 as a non-profit, grassroots organization [...]
Ode to Quality Care Urine, urine on the floor, We’re in, we’re in, don’t get out much any more, Friends fall asleep in their oat meal, Nurses revive them and document how they feel, Dirty walls, plastic flowers, scratchy sheets, Tattered trousers, over cooked beets, Memories, caths and rolling bags of pee, Alzheimer’s. dementia, strokes [...]
NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT Acorn Animal Tracks Caterpillar Clover Driftwood (small piece) Feather Fern Flowers Insect or bug Items categorized by color or texture Leaves (of trees native to the area) Moss Mulberries Piece of litter left behind by someone else Pine Cone Pine Needles Rocks Sand Shell Snail Tree bark from fallen branch Worm Tree’s [...]
The following information regarding recreation is recommended and derived from the Epilepsy Foundation: Leading an active life is good medicine for most children with epilepsy. Yet, getting overheated or physically tired may triggers seizures. Children may want to avoid exercising when it’s very hot and take breaks. Most children with seizures, find that exercise is [...]