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Can You Help?
(continued)
ITEM CYH105, posted 3-05
We are conducting a rural pilot project, and need one or two portable laptop computers. The computers should preferably be suitable for research purposes, e.g., Pentium II, IV or more.
Hilda Tumwebaze, Uganda Rural Health Association, urha@doctor.com (Updated 8-8-06)
Advice for filing for private disability
ITEM CYH104, posted 3-05
I am a polio survivor and am working full-time, but am suffering from the late effects of polio and I may have to discontinue working. I have private disability insurance through my employer. Any advice on the most efficient way to file for private disability, assuring quick and simple approval to receive disability benefits? Ann, Texas
Response: I am a member of the Board of Directors of Post-Polio Health International and was advised of your question. I also have post-polio and faced the same issue a little more than one year ago.
First, do not file for disability coverage before a thorough discussion with your physicians and, I strongly recommend, a qualified attorney. Each case is different and the determination if based on your specific insurance policy and your medical records. Every company is also different.
The question they will ask is why could you work last month but not now? What is different? Unless the medical records strongly support recent changes in your condition, they are likely to turn you down. You should see your medical records to see how thorough they document the changes you are facing.
After working with an attorney for several months I had things as set up as possible and applied. I was approved and have been receiving benefits for about 11 months. My policy permits part time work which I am engaged in.
The attorney I used is Mark DeBofsky who can be reached at 312-372-5200 or mdebofsky@ddbchicago.com. He practices all over the country. Good luck.
Saul J. Morse, Attorney, Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP, 205 S. Fifth Street, Suite 700, P.O. Box 2459, Springfield, IL 62705, 217-241-5053, 217-241-3111 fax, smorse@bhslaw.com
Accessibility
ITEM CYH103, posted 6-04
We are renovating our home and need help in making it accessible, especially the kitchen, bathroom, and stairs. Is there a website that will give us the needed info? Are there companies that specialize in accessible furnishings such as cabinets, appliances, elevators? Are we looking at a great deal of expense or is there someone who can help us make these changes for a reasonable price? Gail, Tennessee
Two resources available on the web:
- Response: www.extension.iastate.edu/pages/housing/uni-design.html
- www.dynamic-living.com/news-home-accessibility.htm
Surveys
ITEM CYH102
Survey on Use of Medical Equipment
Study being done by Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Accessible Medical Instrumentation is being led by June Isaacson Kailes, Associate Director of Western University's Center for Disability Issues and the Health Professions, in Pomona, CA, and Dr. Jill Winters, from Marquette University's College of Nursing in Milwaukee, WI.
ITEM CYH101
I'm working on a grant with a colleague to help people with disabilities get information about specific sexual concerns. Initially, we are focusing on the sexual concerns of persons with mobility impairments related to post-polio syndrome, stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. Unfortunately, the professional literature does not provide much information about how using a ventilator (or having a condition that creates the need for the ventilator) affects sexuality or sexual activity. We would really appreciate any suggestions about: 1) what questions we should ask people who use vents so that we can better understand their sexual concerns; and 2) the types of sexual health information people who use vents might be most interested in. In addition to posting responses to this site, please feel free to contact me directly, or Dr. Kelly Ace, (kelly@kellyace.com), with your comments or suggestions. Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide. Dr. Mitchell Tepper, Connecticut (mitchtep@aol.com) Updated 8-8-06