12 replies to this topic

[KayDub]

Sorry for so many posts today, it's just been one of those days. Before I was sick I was an AB kids ski instructor at my home mountain (Beaver Creek). I love my job and I love my kids. I ski with adaptive kids (mostly austism and Down's, but occasional physical mobility problems) and a group of local kids, 6 8 year old girls we ski with every weekend.

I sent this e-mail to all my bosses (the adaptive coordinator, the children's coordinator and the local development team coordinator)

Hey-

From the looks of it I won't be out of a chair anytime soon. I'm still paralysed completely on my right side. I've gained some strength on my left, but only enough to use arm crutches around the house at a slow pace. I need my chair to leave the house. The doctors found out it was Guillan-Bare syndrome along with some other infections that caused the nerve damage. I'm in the pool as much as possible and do PT a few times a week and really want to be walking by ski season, but I'm not holding out for that. The doctors have said the blood clots caused permanent muscle damage and I'll know more when I get into see a neurologist.

I really, really, really want to keep teaching though. I love my BEAVO kids and I love my adaptive kids. I was wondering if there is anyway I could be accommodated for this. I've used to sit ski and I'd be more than willing to spend all opening week perfecting my mono skiing with outriggers. I know there's a woman in a chair over at Vail in the adaptive program (totally spacing on her name right now). Maybe I could meet up with her for some strategies. I also want to do my cert if possible, it's just hard that level 1 is 3 days and during the week when I have class. But I'm willing to work something out.

I'm already heartbroken I can't backpack or camp anymore, I'd be devastated if I couldn't teach skiing anymore.

I understand this is a lot to ask, but I really am willing to put the work in. I'm going to stay in the pool and at PT and hope to gain more strength in my left leg and gain some mobility in my right. But the right isn't looking good for gaining any motion right now. I'll definitely put the work in on the mono ski too.

Anything you could do to accommodate my continuing to teach this season would mean the world to me.

Let me know if this is possible. Thank you so so much for considering it.

Cheers,

Kaile

So far I've only gotten one response from the adaptive coordinator

Kaile I am so sorry to hear all of this. I am glad that they seem to finally know what it is so you can get the appropriate help. Thank you for keeping us updated on your status.

When winter rolls around I may be able to use you in the office or out in the yard if you’re looking for some activities that aren’t too strenuous. I have not transitioned into the winter roll yet but I’ll talk to the higher ups and see what we can do and we’ll be in touch. Good luck with your PT!!

Katie

My response...

Thanks Katie!

It would mean the world to me to still be on the snow with the kids. I know you don't deal with BEAVO but I've been in touch with all my parents and I don't think they'd have a problem with me teaching on a monoski. It might be a little harder with some of the lower functioning autistic kids I ski with (like Colton) and some of the Down's kids I generally use a hoola hoop with but I'm sure there's a way around it. I really love the Cog/VI kids, though I'm willing to do more bi/mono ski work. It just seems there's less kids in that department. I'm definitely up for helping around the office but I desperately want to be on the snow. I haven't heard back from Cindy, Brigid and Susi but I'll let you know. If Greg and Kurch are up for it that'd be great. If not I really want to prove to them I can do it and still work with my AB kiddos.

Once again thanks so much! We'll be in touch.

Kaile

The thought of not being able to ski with my kiddos breaks my heart. I already can't backpack and hike and whitewater raft, my favourite summer activities. I've been skiing since I was 2, grew up outside Vail and have been working at the Beaver Creek kids ski school, which is one of the best in the country, for awhile now. I love my job and I love my kids. I will do anything in my power to continue to ski with them.

School in a chair I can do. Driving... well that'll be awhile before I do again. But not being able to teach the kids I love so much? Heartbreaking. Anyone in a situation remotely close to this? I won't settle for office work I want to be teaching on the snow. I know I can do it, it'll just take a little work.

[wheeliebear75]

Let's hope they find a way for you to continue.

[Smileyblue]

I've never even seen snow, but wanted to let you know I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you..

Try to stay positive.. Even IF they do come back with negatives, it doesn't have to be a permanent no.. You might work in the office this season, or until you gain the strength, have done the bi/mono work you intend, or prove to them that you can do it..

Hang in there..

[biggdoggpa]

Are you from the usa? PA has Occupational Vocational Rehabilitation they come in to your job and see what accommodations can be made and paid for by the state for you to keep your job, this is at no expense to you or your employer. Your case worker should be able to coordinate it for you. Though it may be hard to get you back out on the slopes I'm sure they will do whatever they can up to and including buying and equipping some sort of snowmobile that will allow you to run the slopes!

[KayDub]

Thanks everyone! I'm certified to use a sit ski when I was AB because I was an adaptive instructor. Mono ski is a bit harder but I've been on akis since I was 2 and am ready to spent 7 hours a day starting on opening day perfecting it. The adaptive coordinator is great letting me work in the office (my fiance said they'd just fire me despite already offering me rehire and sending me paper work, sounds like an ADA case in the making if they do, especially because I have a plan that includes very reasonable inexpensive accommodations) I'm very lucky to have full strengh in my arms and am in PT and swimming to keep it up. With transfers and taking my hunker chair in and out of my car, I think my upper body is stronger than when I was AB.

I'm in Colorado right now (I split my time between here with Perth Australia with my fiance, I think that's why he doesn't understand the ADA laws well) Good idea on the case worker if my bosses won't work for me.

Thank you so much for the support everyone! When my fiance got sh**** last night about how I'm useless to ski school now and at best I'll get an office job I just started sobbing. He's usually so supportive but has had problems with major depression this week. I'm trying to help and get used to life in the chair at the same time. OI.

But again thank you your support means the world. I will do it! If I could teach sit ski as an AB I don't see why with the knowledge of AB standing skiing I have, I can't teach from a momo ski with lots of training to make it up to where I was as an AB skiier (or close since I did it for over 20 years as a mountain local and prefer backcountry over in bounds trails)

[biggdoggpa]

KayDub, on 11 August 2011 - 01:18 PM, said:

Thanks everyone! I'm certified to use a sit ski when I was AB because I was an adaptive instructor. Mono ski is a bit harder but I've been on akis since I was 2 and am ready to spent 7 hours a day starting on opening day perfecting it. The adaptive coordinator is great letting me work in the office (my fiance said they'd just fire me despite already offering me rehire and sending me paper work, sounds like an ADA case in the making if they do, especially because I have a plan that includes very reasonable inexpensive accommodations) I'm very lucky to have full strengh in my arms and am in PT and swimming to keep it up. With transfers and taking my hunker chair in and out of my car, I think my upper body is stronger than when I was AB.

I'm in Colorado right now (I split my time between here with Perth Australia with my fiance, I think that's why he doesn't understand the ADA laws well) Good idea on the case worker if my bosses won't work for me.

Thank you so much for the support everyone! When my fiance got sh**** last night about how I'm useless to ski school now and at best I'll get an office job I just started sobbing. He's usually so supportive but has had problems with major depression this week. I'm trying to help and get used to life in the chair at the same time. OI.

But again thank you your support means the world. I will do it! If I could teach sit ski as an AB I don't see why with the knowledge of AB standing skiing I have, I can't teach from a momo ski with lots of training to make it up to where I was as an AB skiier (or close since I did it for over 20 years as a mountain local and prefer backcountry over in bounds trails)

Based on what you posted i cant see any reason why they wouldnt have you still instruct? god bless you and stay strong!!! it takes a lot of strength to get to the level of where your at now so it's apparent that you don't have a lack mental and physical strength!!

[wheeliebear75]

I don't know if all 50 states have Voc Rehab but I'm pretty sure that at least the lower 48 do.....I KNOW California has D.O.R. Department Of Rehabilitation.

As to you fiance's lack of support? I really do hope it's just a phase with his being ill or not understanding ADA. I think USA & UK are the only places that have legislation of this sort; USA with ADA American Disability Act, & UK with DDA Disability Discrimination Act. It'd be nice if all countries would have SOMETHING SIMILAR to protect AND include EVERYONE into the community.

[KayDub]

He apologised (he's in much better spirits, his best mate has spine cancer and a few months to live and is struggling) and been much nicer. He still thinks they'll put me in an office all winter and I'm being too optimistic. As an Aussie he doesn't understand the ADA at all. Especially because my plan involves no financial hardship for my employer, they don't even have to train me it's all on my own. Hopefully I'll hear from the higher ups soon. If they say no I won't take that as answer and will prove to them when the slopes open in November (I'll train in October at the other mountains) that I can ski and teach just as well sitting! I'll definitely look in VR if I need help I know Colorado has it.

'

[Ginny]

You're in the right to pursue opportunities to work with your kids on the hills. However, if your employer decides otherwise and wants you in the office, just take it. Put on a cheerful face and do your best with it.

This year, I've given up hiking, power walking, aerobics, snowshoeing and other things. However, I approach it like, "Well, I can't do this....yet". Then, I point my face to the next year and promise myself that I'll be able to do these things then. I've gotten back in the kayak now and am using my bike in a Cyclops trainer, so, it's happening, bit by bit. Next, I'll be tackling hiking on the hilly trails around my home.

I'm glad you finally have a solid diagnosis of your condition. I know you don't have an idea yet of the neurological damage. Even when you know, you may not know what might be rebuilt with time. So, don't let yourself believe that things you love are out of your reach, permanently. Tell yourself, and believe, that you will either regain your former capabilities or find reasonal accommodations that allow you to return to the activities you love.

I'm sure your employer would love to have you back in your former capacity and may need to be convinced by watching you in action.

Let us know how it goes!

[Tetracyclone]

KayDub,
\

Good to hear your progress. You are right to expect to be able to teach, I'm sure, though you will find skiing in a it ski quite different now that you have some paralysis.


A quote from your letter:

I'm already heartbroken I can't backpack or camp anymore, I'd be devastated if I couldn't teach skiing anymore.

This sentence makes your employer responsible for your heartache- or specifically for fixing your fear of potential heartache. This puts them in an impossible position, since their responsibility is to run the program, not sooth your emotions. You don't need to beg, which would be counterproductive anyway. It makes people very uncomfortable. As you said, all you need to do is prove you can do the job. which will take some time.

They will already be inclined to want to keep you in the job because it is built-in inspiration for the kids, so just take the time it takes to get ready and betray nothing but complete confidence. This is an important strategy in any professional situation you will ever be in.

The emotional undertow of this letter will just become a low moment in a young person's newly disabled life and is easily forgiven.

Trust your judgement- you will be able to do it.

[Ginny]

Tetracyclone, on 17 August 2011 - 05:30 PM, said:

KayDub,
\

Good to hear your progress. You are right to expect to be able to teach, I'm sure, though you will find skiing in a it ski quite different now that you have some paralysis.


A quote from your letter:

I'm already heartbroken I can't backpack or camp anymore, I'd be devastated if I couldn't teach skiing anymore.

This sentence makes your employer responsible for your heartache- or specifically for fixing your fear of potential heartache. This puts them in an impossible position, since their responsibility is to run the program, not sooth your emotions. You don't need to beg, which would be counterproductive anyway. It makes people very uncomfortable. As you said, all you need to do is prove you can do the job. which will take some time.

They will already be inclined to want to keep you in the job because it is built-in inspiration for the kids, so just take the time it takes to get ready and betray nothing but complete confidence. This is an important strategy in any professional situation you will ever be in.

The emotional undertow of this letter will just become a low moment in a young person's newly disabled life and is easily forgiven.

Trust your judgement- you will be able to do it.

Wow, Tetracyclone, this is a very wise post, well-thought out. Made me think about my work situation.

[megatrig]

I skied in Colorado. Winter Park with Back Up ummm 8 or 9 years ago. They had a guy in a chair teaching or involved. I remember his yellow made to measure mono ski. Fab bit of kit!!

I missed skiing when I ended up in a chair!! Then found it again. A mono/bi ski ..... well as you know ... follows exactly the same rules as AB skiing.

Back Up -- http://www.backuptrust.org.uk/Home ------ have course leaders who are wheelchair users. I'm surprised that the US don't?

Good luck. Keep trying untill you find the right place to be. Don't give up. Easy to say I know!!

[KayDub]

Tetracyclone, on 17 August 2011 - 05:30 PM, said:

KayDub,
\

Good to hear your progress. You are right to expect to be able to teach, I'm sure, though you will find skiing in a it ski quite different now that you have some paralysis.


A quote from your letter:

I'm already heartbroken I can't backpack or camp anymore, I'd be devastated if I couldn't teach skiing anymore.

This sentence makes your employer responsible for your heartache- or specifically for fixing your fear of potential heartache. This puts them in an impossible position, since their responsibility is to run the program, not sooth your emotions. You don't need to beg, which would be counterproductive anyway. It makes people very uncomfortable. As you said, all you need to do is prove you can do the job. which will take some time.

They will already be inclined to want to keep you in the job because it is built-in inspiration for the kids, so just take the time it takes to get ready and betray nothing but complete confidence. This is an important strategy in any professional situation you will ever be in.

The emotional undertow of this letter will just become a low moment in a young person's newly disabled life and is easily forgiven.

Trust your judgement- you will be able to do it.

Per usual you make a really great point. It's hard sometimes to leave emotion out with these people, ski school is notorious for mixing business with pleasure so to speak, so we're all very close even at the higher levels. (That might cut back if we all stopped dating and drinking with each other ha ha) But nevertheless it's really important to keep in mind what you said. I'm definitely still pushing to prove myself 100% when the mountains start opening again. Thanks for helping put that into more perspective!