2 replies to this topic

[mikeC5/6]

Hey everyone I am 17 and have had lots of people tell me that there are different resources available to me after my SCI. In live in Canada and was wondering if anyone here tookn advantage of, or knows of any resources I could benefit from. That includes equipment, programs, scholarships etc.

[charly]

mikeC5/6, on Aug 23 2008, 04:18 PM, said:

Hey everyone I am 17 and have had lots of people tell me that there are different resources available to me after my SCI. In live in Canada and was wondering if anyone here tookn advantage of, or knows of any resources I could benefit from. That includes equipment, programs, scholarships etc.

I Mike,
Luckily, your injury was "incomplete". This means there is no definite end to the return of feeling and/or function that you may get back. Congratulations! This may not mean much yet, but in time it probably will make a big, positive difference in your life.
I am a c5-c6 "complete" sci. Injured in 1962, 46 years ago. Hard to imagine, but true. I was doing gymnastics, nothing particularly fancy. Simply mis-timed my grasp release. I have had a full life--happily married 27 years (she came with 2 young daughters, so now have 3 grandchildren), worked full-time since university graduation in 1972, have driven Ford vans since 1979 (with modified driving system) that gave freedom to take many long-distance vacations with kids, and shorter trips these days. Worked as disability/academic counselor at Pasadena City College for 31 years--retired 3 years ago. Motorized wheelchair. Simple writing device used. Until about a year ago, was quite healthy. My "profile" can tell you more regarding current situation. Have always been thin, bordering on skinny. Wife Dorothy is always getting me to eat "one last bite". Enough about me.
Mike--the decisions you make in this next year or two will be among your most important. You are athletic, strong, and healthy. Into sports, I am assuming that you know how to work hard. Walking daily means that you have a degree of self-discipline. Planning on attending university, hopefully means that you have the ability to be academically successful.
Try to eat the wholesome food that your body needs to maintain and build muscle, and stay healthy. We all know what we "should" eat, but that may not always be easy, nor as much fun. But, give yourself a mental star every time you make the right decision for your body. These add up, hopefully become an easy habit, and eventually you will notice improvement in health and/or function. Because the body changes so very slowly, be persistent. Take a day off when necessary, but never quit.
If you can complete college in a field of genuine interest to you, with good (not just passing) grades, then you will have opportunities in the working world to earn a decent living that will afford you the ability to meet your reasonable needs and wants, and be able to be the breadwinner for a full, loving family. You can be a productive, contributing member of your community.
Regarding resources----not familiar with Canada's system, I can only share my experience in the United States, mostly California. Here, the "disabled students program" , especially at the community college (1st & 2nd year of university), is the very best place to find out about resources for folks with disabilities. I know of no resources ear-marked specifically for those with sci. But there are plenty of resources available, based on extent of functional limitations. Those with limitations that hamper their ability to take notes, take exams, write reports, anything to do with college--may qualify for "reasonable accommodations". So, even if one is disabled, but the disability does not limit their functioning in college, then that individual would not qualify for accommodations, because they don't need them. The whole idea is to remove the disadvantage of-
the disability, but not to provide services that would give advantage to someone simply because they have a disability. The 4-year university also has accommodations, but they assume all trial-and-error has already determined exactly what is needed, and a record of having received those accommodations has been established. One great advantage of the community college is that one sees many people with a variety of disabilities, receiving (in addition to student-related services) benefits and/or services via community (most often State and/or Federal) that you would want to know about, apply for, etc.----get established before going to the 4-year university where you have much less opportunity to meet and talk with a large number of students with disabilities. The point: the 4-year university expects students to have resolved distractions, know their means of support, their field of study, and be ready to be a hard-working full-time student. For the student just getting on his/her feet, not decided on a major for study, still working on getting the body and other services all running somewhat smoothly,----the community college allows you the luxury of starting slowly and figuring out what you want to study, and determining a good pace that provides academic progress without jeopardizing rehab and/or health.
I didn't mean to preach Mike. But, you have many years ahead of you that you are building the foundation for now. If you have more questions, I would be glad to share.
Good luck, Chuck

[Manda]

I'm from Pa,We have community for a better living,And I deal w/United Cerebral Palsy(I dont have C.P.) I'm not sure how they get involved,My mom took care of a friend of mine,car accident 4 yrs ago,UCP paid my mom to take care of her,10,000 grant for any equipment needed,10,000 grant for modifications to an existing dwelling,So when I had my accident,Our friends directed my mom that way,My bathroom is being done now,Now they are paying my mom as well,They just started that program last year.