Reeve Foundation Paralysis Community

Hi,

It has been a while since I wrote anything, and last time I was waiting patiently for my adapted vehicle so I could get back to work.  Well guess what I am still waiting. My brother was working with our church to help with funding to get this vehicle, by his own choosing.  But after waiting and waiting I found out by someone else that he never followed up with the church and I guess it had just fell by the wayside. My counselor that I was going to see has picked up the ball and is meeting with the minister weekly and says I will be back at work very soon. Now I just found out that my stepmother brought up auto insurance with the minister and now I have to be able to provide proof of it before they will purchase anything. I have always had insurance and what would make anyone think I would drive without it is beyond me. All of my family, besides my kids, have been on 2 vacations all together. One to Palm Springs, and one to the UP of Michigan, and many other outings that I of course was not even thought of since I guess it would be too difficult and I would be a bother with my wheelchair. We use to do a lot of things as a group and now they still do just minus myself and my kids. I almost feel like they want me to be stuck in our apartment and not to be able to venture out and live again. I guess it feels like I didn't survive my accident, since I don't seem to matter to them anymore. I do not have any health insurance right now due to having a very high spend down to get medicaid. If I paid it I could not pay my rent. Getting back to work at the very least I could do the buy in medicaid and be covered again.  There is so just much resting on getting transportation I don't understand why so many road blocks are being put in my way by people who are suppose to be my loving family. Has this happened to anyone else, and any ideas what makes this kind of thing happen?
I think even when I am back at work, and have transportation, my relationship with them can never be the same. Aren't your family suppose to be there for you through thick and thin?
Thanks for listening!

I am sorry to hear that things are taking so long and you are hitting some road blocks.  Hang in there, you will get there -just keep being persistent. 

I don't know what to say about your family as family dynamics are so unique.  Maybe they did not have you go on vacation with them because of the money issue?  Or maybe they were not sure on how to navigate this new world and vacationing with you?  Next time a vacation opportunity comes about, you could mention that you read some great guides like AAA Barrier Free Travel, Accessible State Guides and 101 Accessible Vacations.  They might get the hint that way. 

Hi,

I think it is highly likely your family just doesn't know the possibilities of traveling/vacationing with someone with disabilities.

I am an Information Specialist at the Resource Center. please email me at dlowich@ChrsitopherReeve.org and I will send your our fact sheet on traveling with a disability.

I can also send you information on cars and driving, including places where you can buy used accessible vans, which would help with the cost.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Donna