The Cripper

I am in the process of ordering this fantastic reacher / grabber invented by a person with quadriplegia. I just spoke with his son Jeff, they have been in business for quite some time manufacturing equipment for individuals with spinal cord injuries.


Ruth over at Wheelie Catholic already has one and is quite thrilled with the product so I thought I would give it a try as well. I'm looking forward to getting this delivered and using it for greater independence around the house.

Dreams

I mostly cannot remember my dreams whenever I wake up in the morning, and due to my insomnia I'm basically just thankful whenever I do sleep.

But last night I had a very vivid dream about target shooting.  I was zeroing in my 270 Remington BDL rifle.  I was using this new adaptation in order to hold the rifle steady.

It must be because I have been thinking about shooting a great deal lately.  Prior to my injury I was an avid bow hunter but did occasionally use a rifle.  The 270 is an extremely accurate rifle which I enjoyed shooting very much.

When shooting the rifle from a bench press it was very easy to group 3 shots extremely tight together, sometimes touching at 100 yards or more.  I wonder if I would still have that ability using the new adaptive equipment ?

Turkey season is starting here in Pennsylvania April 30, I'm looking forward to using a shotgun.  So I will be using the new rest shortly.  I will let you know if I still have what it takes for a tight pattern.

Montour Trail Accessibility !

Yesterday the observer reporter published an article about wheelchair accessibility on the Montour Trail.  Here is the letter to the editor I sent in response.

I am writing in response to the article in Tuesday’s paper regarding the Accessibility Policy on the Montour Trail.

As a person with a disability (quadriplegia) I am paralyzed from the chest down and require an electric wheelchair for all of my mobility needs. I am also an avid outdoors person who would love to take full advantage of all the trails and parks in our beautiful community.

Unfortunately, the lack of accessibility limits my enjoyment and participation that others may take for granted. NED Williams President of the Montour Trail Council Board of Directors was quoted as saying “it’s a tricky thing to do” and “it’s a balancing act between the motorized mobility devices for the disabled and other trail users such as walkers and bicyclist”.

From where I’m sitting, the lack of accessibility amounts to discrimination and my inability to enjoy the resources in our area. I was also confused that the article would reference ATV’s which are clearly not allowed on the trail. It seems that ATV’s would be a separate issue and should not be a reason to keep the trails inaccessible to power wheelchair users.

I would be happy to speak to the Board of Directors or assist in any way to make the trail accessible for individuals with disabilities. I’m not sure if the Board of Directors has any members with disabilities, but I am sure they would agree that the trail should be accessible for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sincerely

PittRehab

Looking for Ideas

I am looking for ideas to promote my other blog Accessible Hunter .  I feel it's important to advocate for disabled sports and I would like this site to be a good resource for hunters who use a wheelchair for mobility.

I would appreciate any ideas or thoughts you have on improving the site or adding content.  I would like to hear from everyone!  Thanks Web World

Fourth Shootout Victory In a Row

Sunday the Pittsburgh Penguins set an NHL record by defeating the Florida Panthers in a shootout 2 to 1. It was the Penguins fourth consecutive shootout victory.

Before the game began awards were handed out and Marc Andre Fleury received the Most Valuable Player Award for the team. Brooks Orpik played in his first game since breaking his finger and being sidelined for 13 games. Brooks also received the defensive player of the year award. It was great to see him on the ice.

Tuesday the Penguins take on the Philadelphia Flyers here at home. I actually donated my tickets to charity so I will be watching this classic matchup from home. It's the last regular-season game so I will not be attending until the playoffs start. The team is certainly finding a way to win. Go Pens!

Sleeping Dogs

It's really hilarious how Misty Morning sleeps in her dog bed. She is on her back with all 4 feet in the air. Her mouth is slightly open showing a dazzling white smile.

Occasionally she will have a puppy dream which elicits a growl or bark and all 4 feet begin to run. I don't know whether to be jealous of the dream or jealous that she can sleep so soundly ( insomnia sucks ).

One thing is for sure I'm glad she's here. We are developing quite the partnership with equal balance of work and play.

Friday evening she brought me her favorite camouflage throw toy while I was in bed. She stretched out with her back feet on the floor and her front paws on my chest. How cute is that!

Dennis Swanberg - Bengy and the Zipper

My friend Marilyn sent me this video this morning, it is the funniest thing I've heard in a long time.

Another Shootout

Last night's game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils was a hard-fought defensive hockey game. At the end of regulation the score was tied at 0, forcing overtime. Neither team could find the back of the net in overtime.... Bring on another shootout!

Number 18, James Neal scored for Pittsburgh, winning the game and bringing the Pens within two points of the first-place Philadelphia Flyers. This was also Marc Andre Fleury's 4th shutout victory taking place on March 25th, 325 must be his lucky number.

I really enjoyed the game and food last night at the Consol Energy Center. I had a fantastic barbecue brisket sandwich from the Smokehouse Grill and a free Dr. Pepper courtesy of the designated driver program.

I'm looking forward to Sunday's game against the Panthers. The game starts at 1 PM and I will be watching from home, I wonder if the Smokehouse Grill will deliver to my bedroom ?

Finally Friday

It seems like this week has been going on and on. But it's finally Friday and I'm looking forward to tonight's hockey game against the New Jersey Devils. I really enjoy going and seeing my team play live, I could not be happier with my season tickets.

And speaking about hockey, did you catch the Penguins and Flyers game last night? Pittsburgh beat Philadelphia 2 to 1 in a shootout in Philadelphia. I always love it when the Penguins beat the goons from Philly.

WTAE news is reporting 30 homes were destroyed and 60 where damaged in this week's tornado. I'm so thankful it missed my neighborhood but my thoughts go out to all the families affected.

With millions of dollars needed for the recovery, hopefully the insurance companies and the state will assist the families.

I received some excellent journal entries from the students who visited my home this week from the University of Pittsburgh.

It's nice to know they enjoyed their visit learning about assistive technology, service dogs and environmental control units.

Thursday's Thoughts

Yesterday Pittsburgh experienced some very severe weather. Westmoreland County had a tornado touch down and remove several roof's from neighborhood homes. WTAE

I remember last year when straight line winds removed a section of shingles from my roof and how difficult it was. I can't imagine losing an entire roof. I certainly hope the individuals who are affected get through this quickly.

Before the severe weather hit yesterday, a group of students from the University of Pittsburgh came to my house as part of their undergraduate class. It was nice to meet the future of nursing, occupational therapy and rehabilitation counseling.

I had the opportunity to demonstrate my environmental control units and of course showcase my service dog Misty Morning. She was only too happy to demonstrate how she assist me. I think the students gained a better understanding of spinal cord injuries and the adaptations a person needs to be successful.

Where The Boat Leaves From

Justice Department tightens definition of service animal | Health | Dallas-Fort Worth Lifesty...

Justice Department tightens definition of service animal Health Dallas-Fort Worth Lifesty... I personally think this is appropriate. I can understand the need for this regulation, especially when I hear about some exotic animal and an individual attempting to classify it as a service animal.

What are your thoughts? Should service animals be limited to dog's only ?

Pens and Rangers

Yesterday was a great day for hockey here in Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Penguins even gave out free banners saying so.  That was until the third period when Matt Cooke took a five-minute penalty and a game misconduct.  I was really upset that we would have to kill off a five-minute penalty. 

The score was tied at one, the Rangers were on the power play, then Kunitz scored on a shorthanded breakaway giving the Penguins a 2 to 1 lead. I was thinking we can still whether this penalty and win the game.

Then we received an additional four minute high-sticking penalty, basically giving the Rangers a nine minute five on three power play.......... There was no recovery, the Penguins lost 5 to 3 to the New York Rangers and the referee's on home ice. 

The only thing great about Sunday was the nochos and jalapeno peppers.  Now we're all waiting to hear if Cooke will receive a fine or a suspension, what else can go wrong for the Penguins this season?

Hot Diggity Dog

Yesterday was a very Nice day, the temperature was warm and perfect for a late afternoon roll ( walk ).  Misty and I set off with the power treat of choice, half of a Oscar Mayer hot dog, cut into small pieces.

From the time we left the house until we returned, she was the most attentive dog ever. Misty stayed beside my chair looking up at me as we walked, exhibiting perfect loose leash walking. 

Even when I drove my power wheelchair faster, she stayed right with me, which is great exercise for her.   Of course every few minutes she was rewarded with a delicious piece of hot dog which she thought was the greatest treat ever.

Toys

Here is the service dog from Paws Abilities that Steve and Denise were so kind to give me.  Of course I have to gaurd it from Misty, I am sure she would make very quick work of her likeness.....

Don't feel too badly for Misty not being able to play with the stuffed animal, they also brought her this great squeaky throw toy.  If you notice the loop on the top, I am able to throw her toy using my index finger in that loop.  It's not a far throw, 10-12  feet, but it makes her happy.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

First off,  Happy St. Patrick's Day to all the Irish reading and let's face it, were all Irish today! I will be playing my Irish playlist featuring the Dropkick Murphy's, and other favorite bands today, how about you?

Last night's dinner was a huge success, it was so nice having Steve and Denise over, along with their service dog in training Peach. My friend Susan was also able to join us, so it was a great evening.

Misty and Peach were very excited to reconnect to say the least.  The initial meeting took place in the yard / back deck where they managed to break the speed barrier competing over a plastic water bottle.

SSD Peach

Everyone came into the house where the dogs wrestled for a good 10 minutes before settling down, it was so much fun to watch.  It makes me realize there is no way I can ever exercise Misty as much as the exercise she gets from playing with another dog.

Steve and Denise brought Misty a beautiful camouflage toy from Paws Abilities which she is currently sleeping with.  They also brought me a beautiful black Labrador retriever stuffed animal.  The stuffed animal is a service dog representation made by Susquehanna service dogs.  It's personalized with Misty Morning's name and a little information about myself.  I plan on posting a picture in tomorrow's blog, it's really something to see.

The only problem with last night's dinner was it had to end.  I wish Pittsburgh and Harrisburg were much closer together.  I would be able to see Steve and Denise more often and volunteer for SSD.

Tonight's Dinner

Tonight Beth will be making dinner for Misty Mornings Puppy Raisers, Steve and Denise.  They are traveling from Harrisburg to a conference in Chicago for service dogs and will be spending the night here in Pittsburgh .  They are also bringing Misty's best friend Peach,  a service dog in training.

Peach and Misty lived together with Steve and Denise.  The dogs also accompanied them to their office on a daily basis, providing great stimulation for the two in training.  It will not be long before Peach makes her impact on a person with a disability.

I am sure Misty will be glad to see Steve and Denise as well as the opportunity to play with Peach.... It's so nice to have a friendship with the people who raised Misty.  I have the opportunity to learn so much about her development and they can see all their hard work and the difference it makes in my life.

Upcoming Wheelchair Games spur improvements at airport - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Upcoming Wheelchair Games spur improvements at airport - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

What a great idea the Pittsburgh Airport has had to implement an indoor relief area for service dogs. With Pittsburgh receiving the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the area will have a huge influx of individuals with disabilities and their working dogs.

Todays Music

Productive Saturday

It's a beautiful day here in Pittsburgh, the sun is shining and the temperatures are warm .  Misty Morning and I went for a short walk then I had the van washed and my new bumper sticker applied.

Now it's time to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins play the Montréal Canadiens.  Hopefully the Pens come away with a home victory.  Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Dropkick Murphys - "Going Out In Style" (Official Video)

Best wake ever.....

Earthquake in Japan

This morning my thoughts and prayers are with the Japanese people who are forced to accept the devastating power of mother nature.  Initial reports are between 200 - 300 people have lost their lives to the tragic 8.9 earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan this morning.

My fascination with Japan happened very early in my adolescence, around the age of 14 when I began studying Shotokan karate.  By the time I was 17, I had earned my first degree black belt. 

After graduating high school, I opened a karate school (Youngwood Shotokan Academy) where I taught until graduating college at 21. I sold the school and moved out of state for a position in loss prevention. 

My interest in the Japanese culture continues to this day. I know the people of Japan will rally together and overcome this adversity as they do with every crisis.  It's my hope that recovery comes quickly and peace comes to those who lost friends and family due to this terrible natural disaster.

Mud and Tires

Last evening I went to the monthly membership meeting at falcon archers. It was rainy and muddy and I returned home late with my wheels full of wet mud.

When that happens there is nothing I can do, it's not like I can simply remove my wheels like an average person removes their shoes.

So by this morning the mud had dried into my wheels and now anywhere I move a trail of dried mud falls out everywhere. The floor of my bedroom and kitchen have enough dried soil to start a small farm...

In addition to getting me lunch today my attendant will have to remove the soil or plant seeds, one of the two.... I would like to get a jump start on my basil, decisions decisions.

Guide dog aids blind owner AND former leading labrador after he loses sight | Mail Online

Guide dog aids blind owner AND former leading labrador after he loses sight | Mail Online

What a nice article...

Transportation

Good morning all, I thought I would talk about a few things in today's blog. Starting off with gasoline prices........

Around my area the cost of the cheapest gallon of gasoline is $3.50... matching the national average. Two things affect the cost of gasoline, consumption and speculation.

The United States gets most of our oil from Canada and Venezuela. We use approximately 25% of the world's oil. Most American's drive to work and do not use public transportation, let's face it we are a suburban society. So even when we drive less miles it's very difficult to affect consumption. As for speculation, the trouble in the Middle East is driving the price of oil and there's absolutely nothing we can do to change that.

What we need to do is make the electric vehicle a national project. Completely change our infrastructure. Talk about an economic stimulus package, imagine an entire industry built to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil !

Use American car manufacturers, build battery changing stations and charging ports throughout the country starting with the West Coast and working east... Make the electric car our standard, quit sending all of our money to the oil companies....

The Power of Cheese

Misty Morning (MM) and I were out the other day and I was using Cheerios as her reward.  The Cheerios were just not holding her attention and MM was basically ignoring me.  So yesterday we went for a walk before the weather turned bad, and I decided to take it up a notch.... Bam.

I used small pieces of string cheese as power treats.  What a difference in her behavior and attention.  I guess sometimes I need to change it up, use power treats and give her something worth working for.  Maybe next time I will use small pieces of hot dogs.  What are some of your dog's favorite power treats?

Job Opening

Are you looking for a new part-time position ?  Maybe you're looking to volunteer some of your time or boost up your resume or CV.   Or maybe you are looking to complete a senior project for high school.

Then I have the job for you, it comes with a fantastic title, prestige in the community, room for advancement and absolutely no pay.  You can easily become a Mobility Ambassador .

How do you become a Mobility Ambassador ?   If you're able-bodied just imagine navigating this world from a seated position in a power wheelchair.  If you are a wheelchair user, no imagination is necessary, your probably already a Mobility Ambassador.... roll along.

When you walkies leave your home (labels are not nice are they) be on the lookout for obstacles to mobility, things that make absolutely no sense to life on the road while using a wheelchair.  When you notice something that would impair an individual, do something about it, help make a difference, create change, be an agent.

Here are some things to be on the lookout for :

1. Sidewalks, are they clear, smooth and most importantly have curb cuts ?

2. Accessible parking, is there someone illegally parked there ? Are they parked in the loading stripes ? Are there shopping carts in the loading stripes ?

3. Automated doors, is there an automated door at your bank, favorite restaurant, coffee shop etc....

4. While shopping, is there enough room in the aisles and between the racks for a wheelchair user to navigate ?

5. At the restaurant, are tables low enough for wheelchair users ?  Can a wheelchair user navigate through the dining area and get to the restroom ?  Are the restrooms accessible ?

6. Accessible entrance, why is there a step here?  One step is as bad as 100, why is a threshold necessary?  Why is the accessible entrance inconveniently placed ?

If you find problems while you're out in the real world, speak to a manager, take a picture, write a letter and try to change the situation.  Then e-mail me your pictures, experiences and how you were an agent for change. 

Then you can call yourself a Mobility Ambassador, put it on your resume under volunteer experience, and even use me as a reference. pittrehab@gmail.com

Out and About with MM

Misty Morning (MM) and I were out and about a few days this week enjoying the nice weather. We are continuing to learn each other's habits and personality, she is an adorable dog with a very curious nature.

On Tuesday we made our first trip into Oakland, to the University of Pittsburgh, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. It was a beautiful sunny day and nice to roll around Pittsburgh.

A friend of mine Dave, is a professor who teaches social and psychological aspects of disability to undergraduates. He was lecturing in Tennessee at a seating symposium and asked me to speak to his class in his absence.

Prior to teaching class MM and I were on our own. So we went to Caribou coffee. Fortunately the coffee house was not too busy and we were able to find a table. MM did really well laying beside my wheelchair while I enjoyed my morning coffee.

After Caribou coffee she and I met up with another friend, Mark. It was the first time Mark has seen MM and I think he thought she was a great partner. Again she did really well remaining calm beside me.

I needed to get some lunch before class started, so we headed to McDonald's. I know, McDonald's is not exactly my favorite food either but when you are a quadriplegic sometimes it's convenient to eat chicken McNuggets (easy to pick up and no mess).

Inside McDonald's things went a little south with MM licking the floor... but I ordered my McNuggets (no bag) paid independently, received my order and we quickly got out of there.

We started our way back to Forbes Tower, to the fourth floor student lounge to eat lunch. MM did great with the elevators waiting for me to block the door with my wheelchair before she entered. It's a safety precaution so that the automated doors cannot close on my service dog.

The elevators at Forbes Tower require me to back onto the elevator. This way I can easily select the floor independently. On the ride up she sat patiently, and we exited the elevator without incident.

It finally became time to speak to the class. MM did very well sitting beside my wheelchair and being quiet. Every once in a while I would slip her some Cheerios which made her tolerate my lecture.

Unfortunately for the students, I did not share her Cheerios with them, they were forced to endure sans snack.

Gypsies in the Palace Jimmy Buffett 8/30/2008

The Order of The Sleepless Knights will be meeting some time soon. This good clean living is sure to kill a guy....