Resources for People with Physical and Respiratory Disabilities

Coaching to Reach Maximum Independence

Taking steps toward independence can be an adventure and a challenge regardless of your circumstances.  With the added complications of disability, the support of a Coach who has "been there" can make the difference between the frustrations of struggling to find resources and develop a workable plan, and moving forward with confidence, joy, and triumph.  Whether you are trying to learn a new skill, searching for the right piece of assistive technology to increase your independence, or are making a move from an institution or nursing home to living on your own with the right supports, coaching can help you grow your confidence, develop a plan with achievable goals, and carry out your plan to live the life you want to live.

Employment Coaching -- Getting and Keeping a Job While Balancing the Challenges of Disabilities

• Are you searching for your dream job? 
• Do you know what kind of work you want to do, or are you still exploring your potential for employment? 
• Are you thinking about starting your own business?
• Or, have you found your job, but you’re feeling less than confident as you become acclimated to a new environment with new demands?
• Do you need some accommodations on your job to be able to function effectively, but feel unsure about how to ask for them?

If any of these describe your situation, employment coaching just might be the answer for you.  A Coach can help you explore your potential for employment, identify types of works that are good matches for your abilities and limitations, and provide the support you need to get through the critical first three months on the job.

Coaching for Parents of Children and Young Adults with Disabilities

• Do you struggle between pushing your child to be as independent as possible and being overprotective, not wanting her or him struggle anymore than they already do?
• Do you have questions about your child's ability to ultimately live a full and independent life?
• Is your teen reaching toward autonomy while you worry about their safety and their ability to make reasonable decisions?
• Are you looking for resources to help your son or daughter transition to a more independent life?

Offering you support from her lifelong experience with significant physical disability, Coach Peg can accompany you through the fears, the joys, the challenges, and the victories associated with helping your child live their life to the fullest in the presence of disability.

Preparing for College -- Coaching for High School Graduates with Disabilities

So, you've just graduated from high school.  You've taken the tests, filled out the application, and been accepted to the college of your choice.  Congratulations!  You've got three months ahead of you to get ready to move into the dorm, but you've never lived away from home before!  Not only do you have all the usual things to do -- orientation, buy school clothes, make sure financial aid is in place -- but you've also got to be ready to hire and supervise a Personal Assistant to help with your basic physical needs when you get to campus.

A Life Coach can help you stay organized and make sure that you've got everything in place before school starts.  Coach Peg's experience of being the first wheelchair user to live in the dorm at Western Michigan University (1976), and experience as an employer of Personal Assistants, can offer you the support you need to be ready when school starts.

Breathe Easy!  -- Support for People with Respiratory Challenges, Including Strategies for Dealing with Mechanical Breathing Support

• Do you use a vent or other mechanical breathing support (BiPAP, CPAP, etc.) because of a spinal cord injury, neuromuscular disease or other physical disability?
• Would you like to share experiences and solutions with others who have similar breathing challenges?

Join Breathe Easy! to:

• Learn about a variety of breathing support technologies, including those that are non-invasive (no trach)!
• Learn to manage the stresses and fears that accompany being reliant upon breathing equipment!

Breathe Easy! is a coaching group where you can learn valuable strategies for living successfully with a breathing disability.  Led by Coach Peg, who uses nighttime breathing support due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy, this group meets two times per month by phone for a series of three months.  You are always welcome to renew your participation for additional months. 

Getting It Done as a Team -- Enhancing Independence with the Help of a Service Dog

Could a service dog increase your independence?  Do you like dogs -- would you be a good service dog partner?  Deniro is Coach Peg's second successful service dog trained by Assistance Dogs of America Inc. (www.adai.org)  He retrieves dropped items, fetches shoes, assists with moving legs during transfers, and pushes access buttons, just to name a few of his helpful tasks.

If you are thinking about setting a service dog, or are experiencing challenges with your service dog, coaching can help you evaluate your situation and move forward in a positive manner.

Deniro assists Coach Peg on a shopping spree

Deniro (left) and Zane had the same foster mom, Sue Kroyer, who did a great job of getting them ready for their advanced training at Assistance Dogs of America Inc.

What are Assistive Animals?

They are dogs, cats, and monkeys who help persons with disabilities to do things they are unable to do independently.  They are called service dogs, dog guides, alert cats, and other similar titles.

What do they do?

They pick up dropped items and retrieve things that are out of reach.  They warn of oncoming seizures.  They open doors, drawers, and cupboards, and press buttons and switches.  They help with dressing/undressing.  They lead people around obstacles.  They alert people to doorbells, alarms, and a baby’s cry.

What kinds of disabilities do people have who use assistive animals?

People with mobility limitations, people who are blind, people who have hearing impairments and people who have epilepsy can benefit from the services of assistive animals.  Not all people with disabilities choose this method of independence, however.  Assistive animals are a good option for people who already have an affinity for animals and who enjoy the responsibilities of an animal’s care.

How are assistive animals trained?

Some are trained at residential training centers which specialize in a particular service, such as dogs to guide persons who are blind or service dogs to help persons who use wheelchairs.  Others participate in training classes with the disabled person they will eventually learn to assist.

Can an assistive animal be petted?

It is always important to ask the human companion of any animal prior to approaching the animal.  This is especially crucial with assistive animals.  Under most circumstances, assistive animals, while on duty, must not be distracted from giving their human companion full attention, even though they may appear at rest.  Therefore most assistive animal users do not allow others to interact with the animal when it is “on duty”.  This is, however, an individual decision on the part of the assistive animal user or a requirement of the animal’s training program.  Most assistive animals wear an identifying harness, leash or identifying tag, and must be on their most professional behavior when wearing their symbol.  When “off duty” assistive animals usually are free to play, get special attention, and interact as pets.

What if I observe an assistive animal that is misbehaving?

It is appropriate to approach the assistive animal’s human partner if you have concerns about the animal’s behavior.  If the situation cannot be resolved in this manner, contact an assistance animal training center, such as Assistance Dogs of America, Inc., 8806 State Route 64, Swanton, OH  43558, Phone 419-825-3622, Fax 419-825-3710, E-mail info@adai.org, www.adai.org, or the Delta Society (875 124th Ave. NE, Ste. 101, Bellevue, WA  98005-2531; Phone 425-679-5500; Fax 425-679-5539; E-mail info@deltasociety.org for assistance.

What if I observe a person abusing an assistive animal?

If a person is truly being abusive, not simply applying necessary correction techniques to handle misbehavior, the individual is unlikely to respond positively to confrontation.  It would be advisable to seek the support of an assistance animal training center or your local Humane Society.

Other Internet Service Dog Resources:

International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) – P.O. Box 1326, Sterling Heights, MI 48311; Phone: 586-826-3938; Email: iaadp@aol.com, Website: www.iaadp.org

Educational information on Service (Assistance) Dogs, General Dog Links:  http://sdog.danawheels.net/

Assistance Dogs International Inc.:  www.adionline.org

ADA Business BRIEF: Service Animals:  http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/svcanimb.htm

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