Greetings Forum members!
No, this is not your fearless leader, Brian Therrian. And he has not been kidnapped.
It is I, John Woodworth, a member of The Disability Digest (for only a few months now) and who will be posting for a while on this marvelous blog. Of course, one main idea is to continue to offer free resources, particularly to those facing the Social Security Disability system for the first time.
Talk about a daunting task.
Just a bit about me, so you will know who you are dealing with, and what I see Brian’s organization growing into.
First, I am disabled with a neurological disorder of the legs and feet. The doctor’s best guess is that I have something called CIDP. I also have spinal stenosis and sleep apnea. After 11 years now, I can tell you they simply do not know why I have the Neuropathy. As a matter of fact, they know very little.
Perhaps your own experiences with doctors have led you to the same conclusion.
So, I’ve been through the Social Security Disability process, like many of you. I was fortunate, and made it through in nine months, but I sure could have used Brian’s guide then. I was in terrible pain, and simply couldn’t concentrate—-and, I was on my own.
I have also successfully been through two worker’s compensation cases, one physical resulting in surgery, the other a class action harassment suit. Then, I pushed through an on-the-job training program for myself to become a Vocational Rehab counselor. I already had the required college degree in Counseling, so I went for it and became a VR counselor in California during the late 80’s and early 90’s.
The insurance companies hated me. I actually tried to help my clients find employment they wanted, not shuffle them off to a business or technical school, like the Rehab Coordinators who worked for Aetna, Fireman’s Fund, State Fund and a host of others wanted. So, I only lasted 4 years in the position, but helped a few hundred people find work that they wanted.
But back to the present. All these issues facing disabled folks.
Why does it take so incredibly long to get your benefits? Because the system which runs it is set up just like other bureaucracies which run Federal and State programs. They refuse the wisdom of common sense. They do not see that streamlining the distribution system will save them time and money as well as help the person, who is already hurting.
In any case, I ultimately wish for The Disability Digest to be able to make a difference when these so-called policy makers get together to decide the fate of the disabled. I have always believed that there is power in numbers.
I would like to ask you, the good readers of Brian’s professional blog, to sign in, and leave me with some comments. What are some other pressing issues? Shall we take a shot at making our voice a little louder?
You see, if we can get the readership of the Digest to around 100,000, then we can have some effect.
Already, I am making some minor progress toward being able to find the decision makers in this new administration. Hey, they have to be better than the last group, right?
Enough for now. Over the years, I have found a whole pile of free resources. So, each time I post, I will try and leave you with something you can use. Or something that will answer some questions, maybe.
This time, here’s a free newsletter which helps with computer issues (boy, do I need help) The site owner, Leo Notenboom, offers very helpful advise on a lot of subjects, with only a few advertisements. Highly recommended.
Click here to get Leo’s news letter
Until next time.
Advocate
