Can You Help?
(continued)
Job Offers & Needs
Are you looking for employment that can be accomplished electronically and long distance? Send your qualifications to editor@post-polio.org.
ITEM CYH902
Seeking job networking synergies, I am a professional freelance copyeditor, writer, and proofreader — as well as an enthusiastically creative polio survivor. I am experienced in Internet research, web content development, educational K-12 achievement and clinical/ intelligence test development. I have applied reality-based organizational skills to electronic database management, creation of medical educational materials and grant proposals for teaching hospital programs, effective resumé development, newsletter production, and doctoral dissertation editing — even medical transcription. I appreciate variety. I’m fortunate to have worked in industries such as educational publishing, healthcare, marketing and advertising and non-profit disability advocacy. Always a good listener, I strive to connect and mentor younger generations by sharing my “know-how” of electronic and hard-copy manuscript editing, editorial style formulation, and the importance of deadline-sensitive content accuracy. I am proficient in Microsoft® Office Suite and Adobe® Acrobat® Professional software, and have an absolutely necessary working knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style. Professional organizations include Editorial Freelance Association, EFA: www.the.efa.org and Post-Polio Health International, PHI: www.post-polio.org. My hobbies include interesting-book reading, classical piano studies, needlepoint, cooking, and “joint pain-free” gardening (I’m working on that). If you have a freelance project we could partner in, please feel free to contact carefuledits@aol.com, posted 3-2-09
ITEM CYH901
I have post-polio syndrome and need employment that I can complete seated. I want to work on the computer from my home. I am looking for a long-term position that would use the processing, writing and creative skills that I have developed. I am a self starter and am comfortable working on my own. My work goal is quality work done as quickly as possible.
I have over 20 years experience in: desktop publishing, creating forms, flyers, brochures, newsletters and other printed material; feature writer for a local daily publication as the Assistant Lifestyle Editor; and data entry of contact information in an international database for a restaurant equipment concern.
I use Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Power Point, Publisher, PageMaker and Photo Shop. I have a BA degree in English Literature from Florida State University and have taken several classes to enhance my software knowledge.
I am willing to work for either a per hour or per project fee. I have a resume and references and if an employer wishes to contact me, email me at bekwat@aol.com. Please put "PPS employment" in the subject line. Thank you.
Becky Watson, Ocala, Florida, updated posting 3-2-09
CYH908
I think I would benefit from a leg brace. Here are my questions.
Who writes the prescription? It can be written by your family physician, a physiatrist (a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation), an orthopedic physician, or neurologist, and sometimes a podiatrist. Be aware that no one specialty "owns" bracing anymore and many specialties get very little training in prescribing braces. However, bracing is always included in the training of physiatrists. Check with your insurance company to see which medical specialty needs to write the prescription. Some HMOs, etc, have specific rules.
How do I find a brace maker (aka certified orthotist – CO; certified prosthetist and orthotist – CPO; certified prosthetist – CP)? Your prescribing physician should have some suggestions of reputable brace makers. So should the area support group. The website of American Board of Certification for Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics which is www.abcop.org, also lists orthotists. If you are not satisfied with the initial evaluation, find another company.
What should I expect when I visit an orthotist? Ideally the orthotist will examine you, and if he/she disagrees with the prescription he/she will contact the doctor and have a conversation about what would be best for you. You should also expect a description/picture/model of the brace that is being proposed for fabrication, as well the time frames for completion, number of future visits needed before it is ready to be used regularly, costs, shoewear issues, etc.
What if I want a specific brace? Are braces like cars? If I want a Chevy, I go to a Chevy dealer. Larger companies have standard off-the-shelf braces on hand and use them more and more. In the US, insurance companies require more documentation if you need a custom-made brace. Some of the newer technology available requires that the brace makers receive special training from the developer of it, e.g. Horton knee joint, Dynamic Brace, Arizona Brace, etc. To find out if they are trained, just ask them. You can ask the developers of the technology. They know who they have trained and where they are located.
For more info, review Informed Consumer Information – Bracing by Margaret Hinman and John Callan, CO, LO, from Winter 2009 Colorado Post-Polio Connections. Posted with permission.
CYH907
Arm Supports: "On the question from Jean Davis (Post-Polio Health, Vol. 23, No. 1) about arm supports: they are available through the Sammons-Preston catalog (sammonspreston.com). Click on 'Dining' and then 'mobile arm supports.' "My occupational therapist refers to them as 'Balanced Forearm Orthoses' or BFOs for short. Unfortunately, there is no orthotics shop near me that is willing to work on them, let alone make them. The only option was to purchase a ready-made one that can be easily adjusted.
"I recommend a company in Hot Springs, Arkansas, called JAECO. Their designs carry the Rancho name, but they don't usually sell direct. People will need to have the device fitted by an OT, who can order it. I highly recommend purchasing the JAECO/Rancho mount with it if it is going to be mounted on a wheelchair. It's expensive, but it allows balance adjustments easily and in every direction - medial/lateral as well as anterior/posterior. I tried the less expensive mount first, and it was a waste of time and money."
Lawrence C. Becker, Roanoke, Virginia (lcbecker@bookwork.net)
CYH906
Braces available: I am writing in hopes that someone can give me information on doating my mother's braces. My mom passed away last year and I have three braces, one of which is practically brand new. I know that the braces are individually fitted, but I would rather they not be discarded. I reside in Metro Atlanta, Georgia, and would be willing to ship to someone who could use them.
Thank you, Dyanne, crazedmamy@bellsouth.net
CYH905
I am seeking user recommendations from users of accessible minivan conversions by Freedom Motors of Battle Creek, Michigan. I am a post-polio power wheelchair user.
Angelo, dispenzieri@optonline.net, posted 10-18-05
CYH904
I have a Pride Sundancer and am in need of a Bruno Lift for my minivan. If anyone has one that is available, please let me know. It will be much appreciated. I bought one on ebay but it is does not work very well and I would consider a better one.
Susan, New Hampshire, clayslc@yahoo.com, updated 8-8-06
CYH903
Looking for a backpack/knapsack for the office that I can use while walking with bilateral canes/crutches. Also looking for suggestions on a device that could carry a filled coffee mug while walking with crutches.
Michelle, Pennsylvania, schleicherm@einstein.edu, updated 8-8-06
Response: WalkEasy makes a Forearm Crutch Bag. www.grovergear.com also has several bags for use with crutches, wheelchairs, scooters.
CYH902
Have great-running, fully-equipped, handicapped-accessible 1980 Dodge van for $2500! Ricon Hydrolic wheelchair lift, sliding side door, hand controls, sliding and turning electronic captain's chair, spinner wheel, hand controls also allow normal usage by nondisabled person. Owner is amputee, purchased from paraplegic police officer (shot on duty) and has purchased another vehicle and wants this one to go to a needing person.
Kent, Fresno, California, tlc_amp@yahoo.com
