The appearance of her photograph, interview clips, or #ThankYouJudy may have slowed to a trickle in the past few weeks, but news of this Humble Heroine’s passing earlier this month is still affecting the disability community in ways we will not fully realize for years to come.
Video preview of Netflix clip how the ADA change the world with a photograph of Judy Heumann speaking into a microphone. The photograph is transposed over a black and white drawing of a woman in a wheelchair accessing an elevator
For myself, there was a time when Judy represented all the work that had been done. Past tense.When I started working in the independent living/disability rights arena when I was 24, I had to watch several videos and read articles written by activists like Judy: Ed Roberts, Justin Dart, etc. I teared up watching the video of protesters with disabilities during the 1977 sit in to fight for signage of the 504 section of the Rehabilitation Act or the video of people leaving their crutches and wheelchairs behind to climb the steps of the Capitol in Washington DC. Judy Heumann was often featured in these clips, well spoken and determined, I was glad that she had done this work on my behalf; I could move forward for myself and with my work helping people with disabilities discover more choices to increase their quality of life. When I was surrounded by people with disabilities, I was quickly disabused of the notion that the quest for a equal rights and opportunities that Judy began had reached its end.
For people with disabilities, the rights and opportunities we have come to depend on in this country can shift or stumble. I am proud to be part of an organization like Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America that continues to have their finger on the pulse of disability rights in Michigan and advocates when the health of these rights are at stake. To those reading about Judy's impact, I say, "Be inspired. Get involved. Do something."
Michael Harris, MPVA President
Mother of the disability rights movement, Judy Heumann
Mother of the Disability Rights Movement, Judy Heumann speaks at her TED talk. Judy is a light skinned woman wearing glasses, with short brown hair, wearing a red cardigan, beige shirt, and black pants and sitting in a power wheelchair
In fact, while the world mourns and takes time to reflect, our friend’s passing reminds us there is much to be done in the fight for equitable rights and opportunities for the disability community in the United States. There are many ways be inspired by the journey of Judith Heumann’s life and the choices she was defined by:
Video clip description: black and white still image of Judy Heumann testifying before Congress. She wears large rimmed glasses and has shoulder length hair. The text on the screen reads the “mother of the disability rights movement”
You can read about Judith Heumann’s life, 1847-2023, in the press release/ obituary here.
The true legacy of Judy’s life is the impact that her activism has had on the individual lives of those with disabilities, as well as on the mindset of inclusion, opportunity, and equality everywhere. She writes in Being Heumann,
“Some people say that what I did changed the world. Really, I simply refused to accept what I was told about who I could be.And I was willing to make a fuss about it.”
Featured image: Michael Harris speaks to a crowd of fellow catastrophic auto accident survivors, family, and advocates at a #WeCan’tWait rally in Lansing Michigan.
Michael Harris, MPVA President discusses how Michigan’s Auto No-Fault insurance used to provide him with hope and protection as a catastrophic injury survivor.
As many have seen, the worst predicted side-effects of Michigan’s 2019 car insurance reform are coming true.
The Devastating Impact That Has Just Begun
A new report by the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) shares details of the initial impact from the recent changes caused by auto no-fault insurance reform. This report looks at how the current portion of changes has affected the ability for crash survivors to access medical care.
The Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) commissioned this independent study by the MPHI to document the impact of the fee structure changes in the 2019 Michigan no-fault auto insurance reform law that took effect on July 1, 2021. MPHI was chosen because of its expertise and depth of understanding of public health research.
This report summarizes the results from the first survey of brain injury service providers, distributed between September 29, 2021 and October 20, 2021. Two additional provider surveys are planned in 2022 to document this fluid situation.
The promises of auto insurance reform have failed to come to pass and there is now more third-party data supporting the conclusion that the 45% cut in reimbursements for catastrophic care has had devastating consequences for survivors and caregivers alike.
Long-term care and rehabilitation costs were once fully covered by Michigan’s Auto No-Fault insurance personal protection clause. Services like physical therapy and in-home care have faced dire outcomes now that funding has been slashed.
According to the new report:
1,548 no-fault patients have been discharged by their previous providers
3,049 Michigan jobs have been eliminated since the new law’s fee schedule went into effect in July 2021.
96 organizations can’t accept new patients with no-fault insurance funding, while 140 organizations reported having to significantly reduce services,
21 organizations have had to cease operating completely.
The organizations that participated in the survey represent more than 16,200 employees and more than 16,700 patients.
Looking forward, of 89 companies that said they were not affected by the law yet, more than half reported they will not be able to serve patients with auto insurance funding within 12 months. This is because most caregiver companies have been depleting their cash reserves at a rate that is not sustainable.
The data supports the obvious conclusion: no-fault reform has been nothing short of devastating for people seriously injured in automobile accidents. The fear and despair some of our state’s most vulnerable residents are experiencing as a result of the fee schedule cannot be what Governor Whitmer, Senate Leader Mike Shirkey, or House Speaker Jason Wentworth had in mind when they championed the 2019 reform legislation. However, the fact remains that without a fix from lawmakers, thousands of affected patients, families, providers, and frontline medical workers will sink further.
False Promises of Auto No-Fault Reform
The MPHI data comes on top of last month’s report from Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, which confirmed that state residents are still paying more for car insurance than anyone else in America and the racial and geographical disparities that reform was meant to mitigate continue to this day.
When the new auto insurance law was signed three years ago, state residents were promised that it would significantly lower premium costs for Michigan drivers without jeopardizing access to care for catastrophically injured survivors of car accidents.
However, the promises of auto insurance reform have not materialized. Michigan residents are still paying more for car insurance than anyone in the country, but what’s worse is that the reform measures meant to provide consumer cost relief have instead kicked off a catastrophic care crisis in our state.
Michael Harris & MPVA member and paralyzed veteran, Tony Jungblot, discuss current issues for catastrophic auto accident survivors at an MPVA, RIM Foundation & Miracle League event in October 2021.
The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America will not stand by and let the legislature deprive the critically injured of the care they need and deserve. We will continue to engage with all necessary stakeholders, both within our network of supporters and beyond. We owe it to all Michigan residents who will be seriously injured in automobile accidents to find meaningful solutions that maintain the integrity of the program. To sit back and do nothing is unacceptable!!
Michael Harris, Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America President
Would you be surprised to learn that people with disabilities are met with barriers to medical treatment on a regular basis? How about that specifically women with disabilities sometimes receive substandard care because of these barriers, both physical and attitudinal, at a much higher rate than their non-disabled counterparts? Or, the fact that women with disabilities are more likely than men with disabilities to have unmet healthcare needs?
In fact, according to a BMC Women’s Health article, Barriers in Access to Healthcare for Women with Disabilities, researchers found that personal factors (such as personality, resources, and attitude) and healthcare system factors (such as providers attitudes, knowledge, structural, and political factors) could affect access to things like preventative health screenings or maternity care for women with physical disabilities in the United States. Furthermore, the CDC points out that 61% of U.S. women with disabilities aged 50-74 received a mammogram during the past 2 years, as opposed to 75% of women without disabilities.
Percentage of U.S. Adult Women 50-74 Years of Age Who Received a Mammogram During the Past 2 Years, By Disability Status – 2010 National Household Interview Survey(NHIS)*
The MPVA has been interested in this topic, especially as the needs for equitable treatment for women veterans with disabilities has received much needed attention in recent years. Recently the staff at the MPVA, which is proudly led by women, were sharing stories of the Shake Your Head variety. As the writer of this blog and of many other disability-related articles over the past decade, I have no problem being honest about my experience as a woman with a disability; so, during our staff discussion, I shared what I found to be humorous anecdotes about the inaccessibility I experienced at my first mammogram.
The MPVA Executive Director, Jaclyn Kochis, replied that she had heard similar stories from women in our membership. We all agreed that it was the right time to write an article sharing the different perspectives on this issue and how advocacy is still needed and can be successful.
We were honored to have Erica Coulston, as an associate member of the MPVA, speak with us on this topic. In between her many duties as President of Walk the Line Recovery Therapy, she shared her experiences with accessing healthcare as a woman with a C6/7 spinal cord injury.
Erica Coulston at Walk the Line Recovery Therapy in Southfield,MI
Erica C: “My first experience of getting a mammogram was not great. […] I have a history of breast cancer in my family, so this was kind of a baseline mammogram, so I wanted it to be very thorough and done properly. The technician who was helping me the first time was really unsure about how to position me and not get obstruction from my chair.
At the end of it, she was like, “Well, I did the best I could!”.
They ended up being images that were not clear because of the way that she had taken the image. My doctor said, “Well, I am sure it is fine!”.
I replied, “I don’t know if I am exactly comfortable with that. I’d like the best possible chance that everything is fine. If you missed the whole posterior view, then there is a whole section we are not seeing!”
I actually ended up having that hospital system refund my money for that mammogram. I went elsewhere and they were able to do a good job.
Often, it really does seem to boil down to, in my experience, the person administering the care. They are the ones operating the equipment, they are the ones interacting with you when they take you into the office. You know whatever it is, I really feel like there are two components to the problem: (a.) there are the actual, physical barriers—like does that physician’s office have height adjustable tables or machines? A lot of them do not have adaptive [equipment], and some of them only have one. If you do not specifically reserve that one, it may be in use when you come in for your appointment! So sometimes there is the physical aspect of it and then sometimes (b.) it is about the individual provider administering the care and their level of education and awareness.”
In preparation for this blog, we were able to interview a mammography technologist who has been in the field since 2007 and has been a certified in mammography since 2013. Her perspective is vital when trying to understand issues like these for women with disabilities seeking accessible care.
MPVAblogger: Have you ever had a patient with a mobility challenge or in a wheelchair that you had to assist? Can you tell us about that?
Mammography Tech: “I have had many patients with mobility challenges. If a patient is freely able to move around her upper body, etc. and the wheelchair can have the arm attachments taken off, I can usually perform the mammogram by myself without any issues. If the patient is less able to assist, then two or three of us will work together to get the best pictures possible. Sometimes, one or two of us will put on lead lined aprons to assist holding the patient in a certain way […] We do what we can to get the best pictures for the radiologist while also keeping the patient safe and as comfortable as possible. Sometimes, we will have the aid of a family member that the patient is with, as well. We are in communication with the patient the whole time to ensure the comfort level.”
MPVAblogger: Is there adaptable/adjustable equipment available in your office for patients with different abilities? If so, what is the procedure for use of this particular equipment?
Mammography Tech: “Our mammogram machines in the hospital […] all have the ability to come down pretty low, soperforming mammograms on patients sitting in a wheelchair is usually easilyobtained.”
This MPVAblogger’s experience lands somewhere in between Ms. Coulston’s frustrating account and the mammography technologist’s explanation of how this procedure has met with progress. Indeed, I did struggle with some lack of accessibility, similar to what Ms. Coulston shared, but I did find better communication from the staff that worked with me. The mammography tech shared that everyone on the staff where she is employed receives training “on best practices for working with patients with mobility issues, as far as using proper body mechanics and teamwork, etc. so that we do not injure ourselves. We also always get training on the equipment. We have also had training on interacting with patients with vision and/or hearing loss, as well as interpreters.”
The CDC writes that several factors often prevent women with disabilities (a diverse group, ranging from those with mobility, vision, hearing, or cognitive challenges to those with independent living limitations) from pursuing preventative medical screenings, like mammograms, or other checkups that could prevent disease, like oral care and Pap smears. For women with physical disabilities (WWPD), these barriers include many of the issues which Ms. Coulston experienced, like the absence of adaptive equipment or attitudinal barriers from providers and staff. This link shares four more stories and important perspectives on women with physical disabilities’ experience and their subsequent journeys with breast cancer.
Center for Disease Control (CDC) image promoting breast cancer screening for all.
Also, be sure to read about the CDC’s tips for women with disabilities (physical or otherwise) on how to prepare for a mammogram.
The mammography tech had some final words for potential patients, as well: “I would like people to know that we try our best, but we can’t always get a textbook perfect mammogram depending on patient ability and cooperation. [The most important] tip I have to offer is to tell women to speak up. If there is something we can do better to help them lean in better or hurt less, etc. don’t be afraid to say something.”
Of course, any woman with a disability can tell you that when they speak up, it is sometimes not taken seriously or addressed. That leads to another issue that many women with disabilities experience when communicating with medical professionals.
Erica C: “I actually went to the dermatologist just a few weeks ago with my husband and asked if they had any height adjustable tables, because I had not seen any as we passed rooms.
The nurse working with me replied, “Well, I am not sure. Let me check, I think we might have one.”
I immediately thought to myself, well, that is not helpful! That has been my experience repeatedly: either adaptive\adjustable equipment is unavailable, is limited, or the medical office/person administering the care is not knowledgeable about the equipment, my injury, or about disabilities in general.”
MPVAblogger: Have you found that you will schedule an appointment and give them all the information about your disability, specific needs, etc. but arrive on the day of the appointment to find that they are seemingly surprised at these things, almost as if you have never spoken to them?
Erica C: “Every time. Almost every Time. I have a C6/7 spinal cord injury. I mean, sometimes they are aware. I am not sure if it is the person taking the notes or the person reading the notes, or where in fact that communication is lost. I feel like if I made an appointment and somewhere has my medical information, that is information they should have. As a person with the disability, I do not feel like I should need to pre-announce my disability in order for them to be prepared. I feel like part of having an equitable society means that I should just be able to call and make an appointment; when I show up, it really should just be an attitude of “yes, of course Ms. Coulston, not a problem.””
MPVA blogger: Now that we have identified a potential problem of equity for women with disabilities when seeking certain medical care, how do we transition from seeing the problem to beginning to solve the problem?
Erica C: “A big part is knowing what you need and communicating that. It is important to find out if any accommodation or assistance is available at that specific provider’s location where you will have your appointment/procedure. That could be a wheelchair accessible bathroom, height adjustable tables or machinery, or physical assistance. Sometimes, it is a good idea to call that office the same day as your appointment to go over those things to ensure that you are speaking with someone who is going to be there when you arrive. You will be able to reiterate what you were told when you may be appointment and asked about certain accommodations. This will give you the chance to double check that they know you are, what you need, and that what you have been told is available for your appointment.
A woman in a wheelchair discusses something with medical staff during an appointment. It is wise to write down any information you are given.
One thing a woman can do is to voice an issue right at that moment with the manager or supervisor. Oftentimes what I have found is that they are unaware, have not thought of it, or it was overlooked. It is a good moment to educate them on what they can do to improve on what they need to solve the problem for your next visit. Also, there is a lot to be said about the power of social media. Sites like Next Door, and other local community and neighborhood forums can be impactful. For instance, I could put on my neighborhood page that I visited a dermatologist in the community, and they did not have height adjustable tables, so I would recommend that any women with disabilities consider choosing another provider.
My overall advice is that it is important to share information and to educate the provider— offer your help in making their practice more inclusive.
Of course, sometimes they will be unable or unwilling to make necessary changes. Being on the receiving end of that makes it challenging to stay unemotional and constructive.”
The needle of progress is moving, albeit slowly! As in most things that people with disabilities advocate for, the improvements have been good for all of society, but there is much work to be done. Providers and medical offices are more aware now than they have ever been in the direction which they need to be heading to provide quality accessible care to all. I have had good experiences where there was not a hitch in communication or accommodation. However, as many women with disabilities have experienced, successful appointments are still too few and far between.
Many Veterans Day activities throughout Michigan, like many public events, were cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That included the annual Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) “Salute to Veterans” luncheon. Instead of our traditional event where people come together physically, we opted for a “Salute to Veterans Virtual Run, Walk, Wheel” event. We also partnered with Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea–Plymouth Green location for a fundraiser. I am proud to say that both efforts were a success, especially provided that it was the first time we have done something like this and that it was a challenging year for so many! The two combined events raised nearly $10,000 which will go on to support the MPVA’s mission.
Since I did not get the opportunity to speak publicly at our event, I wanted to share my remarks about Veterans Day here:
As we pause to remember our past, let us also remember our present, where at this very moment our servicemen and women are putting themselves in harm’s way for the cause of freedom and democracy. We salute their courage, strength, and dedication to these high ideals. We pledge our gratitude for the sacrifices they will make; and we vow to never forget.
Veterans are ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things. They are young and old, rich and poor. black and white-–and nearly every category in between. They are men and women who served or still serve America. Many have endured the great hardships of separation from family and drastically altered lifestyles. Some have been scarred physically or psychologically. All sacrificed something so that we could enjoy the freedoms we have today.
There is no group of people I hold in higher regard than veterans. Because of veterans, we live in the strongest, freest, greatest country in the world. Throughout history, our country has been blessed to have men and women willing to answer the call to duty and accomplish great things for the benefit of their fellow man.
It is our responsibility to ensure that our children and grandchildren appreciate the sacrifices made by those serving our country and never forget them. Each year, as the percentage of our population who has worn a uniform declines, fewer and fewer individuals and families have a personal connection with the military. Instilling in America’s youth an awareness of the contributions of veterans past and present becomes even more important.
Even though many Americans will not serve, knowledge of those who have served is essential. The traits we learn from veterans – courage, honor, duty, sacrifice, patriotism, heroism – are characteristics that make us better citizens. Their everyday acts inspire us to reach beyond our limits. Their losses remind us to live a life worthy of their sacrifice. And through their service on our behalf, we remember the obligations we owe. These are important lessons only a veteran can teach us.
WWII Memory & Current Service Connection Fades
Every day, memories of World War II—its sights and sounds, its terrors and triumphs—disappear. Yielding to the inalterable process of aging, the men and women who fought and won the great conflict are now in their late 90s. They are dying quickly—according to US Department of Veterans Affairs statistics, 325,574 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II are alive in 2020.
It seems like yesterday that the last World War I veteran from the United States died at the age of 110 in 2011. Soon we will be saying the same thing for World War II veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimated in September 2020 that just over 10,270 Michigan World War II veterans were still alive out of more than 600,000 who served.
During the past two decades, as the military has been engaged in the longest period of sustained conflict in the nation’s history, just one-half of one percent of American adults has served on active duty at any given time. As the size of the military shrinks, the connections between military personnel and the broader civilian population appear to be growing more distant.
While most Americans today have family members who once served or are currently serving in the armed forces, as we move forward the generation gap is getting larger. More than three-quarters (77%) of adults ages 50 and older said they had an immediate family member –a spouse, parent, sibling or child – who had served in the military. For many of these adults, their military family members are likely to have served prior to the phasing out of the military draft in 1973.
However, adults under the age of 50 are much less likely to have family members who served in the military. Some 57% of those ages 30-49 say they have an immediate family member who served. And among those ages 18-29, the share is only 33%.
In the future those numbers will continue to get smaller.
Volunteerism: Service to Your Country
Over the years people have thanked me for my service and regretted the fact they did not serve. I always remind them that you do not have to wear a uniform to serve your country. People can honor veterans throughout the year by serving in the communities in which they reside.
Volunteering and service are woven into the fabric of our country’s history. We are a nation of people who care for and look out for each other. Community service is also a way to connect with our neighbors and use our skills for the common good. Helping people in your community makes that community stronger and healthier — and makes you stronger and healthier in the process.
Photo by Laura Seaman on Unsplash
With the disconnect currently going on in our country, community service has the power to bring young people together from different races, incomes, faiths, and political backgrounds to work on pressing problems facing U.S. society today. In the process, they get to know each other around something positive—the shared work of participating in a common goal that makes a difference in the life of someone in need of their support.
Imagine for a moment a large-scale commitment to offering young Americans who are black and white, rich and poor, Republican and Democrat, and Christian, Jewish, and Muslim opportunities to work side by side, serving their country together. The focus of their service year would be teaching, tutoring, and mentoring disadvantaged students; cleaning neighborhoods in need of renewal; renovating homes in blighted areas.
Beyond the valuable work they would do to improve their community, young Americans would develop the powerful habits of citizenship. A service year that teaches young Americans the habits of citizenship and the power of working in teams to build trust is one of the most powerful ways this generation can help restore political and civic responsibility.
While I may not be the first to thank our veterans for their service, I ask each of you to ensure that I’m not the last one who thanks them today and every day throughout the coming year.
For those who served our country I want to thank you for your service!
The vote is the key to our democracy in the United States of America. This key can open doors to engage, no matter where we live, our background, or our differences in ability.
The Paralyzed Veterans of America is currently on a mission to encourage people with disabilities to know their rights and be ready to vote in this year’s election.
The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) has partnered with the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (AACIL) to help spread the word and share resources with people with disabilities. MPVA staff interviewed a representative from both the MPVA and AACIL in order to share some personal perspective on inaccessible voting and why it is important to make a plan so that everyone can share their voice.
We asked:
Paralyzed Veterans of America’s “Access the Vote” campaign is sharing news about inaccessible polling stations, mail-in voting options, and the importance of ensuring that ALL Americans can access their right to vote.
This information, which can be found here, shares that government research shows about half of polling places were inaccessible in 2016. There were a variety of barriers, like inaccessible sidewalks and parking lots, doorways that were not wide enough for a wheelchair, and long lines, among others. Have you ever encountered barriers to voting? How were you forced to adapt?
Joyce, an AACIL consumer shared:
[A barrier to voting for me] occurred about 20 years ago when I used a manual wheelchair for a period of time due to a biking accident. It was so frustrating, I simply didn’t vote in the next election because of inaccessibility.
It was hard for me to navigate stairs, so the biggest obstacle [during that time] was not being able to use my wheelchair while getting in doorways that were not accessible. I had to either wait to have someone hold the door for me or try to finagle holding my walker and a chair that I could sit in while trying to open the door for myself. Most of the time it didn’t work because the door was so heavy. There was also confusion as to whether or not a person with a disability could have someone accompany them to vote. At the time, people were just unsure as to their rights and responsibilities, so there wasn’t a lot of accommodation. It takes much longer than it would take the average person to vote […] now I share with other people how they can get access.
Show off your “I Voted” sticker with #AccesstheVote”
According to the Voters with Disabilities section of The Michigan Voter Information Center, voters may receive assistance from another person, provided that the person assisting the voter is not the voter’s employer, agent of that employer or an officer or agent of a union to which the voter belongs.
Westland, Michigan City Hall where MPVA filmed a promotional spot about best practices in accessible voting for the “Access the Vote” campaign.
Clark, MPVA member & Paralyzed Veteran shared:
Strangely, polling place accessibility has never been an issue for me. I am lucky that my polling place has always been accessible. I have been voting at the same place for 15 years [because I know] this one works.
Robin, MPVA staff member and wheelchair user shared:
I have always had poor dexterity, so was always on the lookout for the machine that would provide the accessible technology that I would need. I never saw this machine so I found ways to make it work, even though it was very difficult.
In the 2018 election, I finally saw this machine and was told by poll workers that they had never used this accessible voting machine, or the Direct-Recording Electronic machine (DRE). Considering that these machines were part of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002, I was disappointed, to say the least!
Erica Coulston and Westland, MI City Clerk, Richard Leblanc, show off an Accessible Voting Terminal during a mock election set up for MPVA to film a promotion for the “Access the Vote” campaign.
Michigan’s Secretary of State website says at least one voting station inside a polling place should be adapted for an individual to vote while seated. In addition, all voters have access to a Voter Assist Terminal in all polling places, which helps a voter mark the ballot.
Are you concerned that the current pandemic, health risks, or other factors might present a barrier or extra challenge to your “Access to Vote” in this upcoming election?
Joyce, an AACIL consumer shared:
The United States Postal Service slowdown is a concern for people that are registered absentee voters [like many with disabilities] because they’re worried that their absentee ballot might not make it in on time. I am concerned about mailing my absentee ballot and will personally visit the local clerk’s office on or after the date that early voting starts in Michigan. That date is September 24.
Remember to call your local clerk’s office with any questions about requesting an absentee ballot, early voting, or anything related. A list of. Offices can be found here.
Have you been able to review your rights, polling access, individual needs, etc. to make a plan to vote in the upcoming election?
Joyce, an AACIL consumer shared:
I actually went to www.michigan.gov and looked up voting information, how to vote, and what to do if you needed assistance with voting. I encourage everyone to review their individual needs and make a plan to get to the polls.
More information can be found on www.michigan.gov or by calling the MPVA or AACIL, whose contact information is below.
Both Joyce and Clark shared that voting is our participation in the democracy of the United States of America. When your vote is cast, you as an American are speaking up about what you want for this country, not only in the individual that you vote for, but in the judicial appointments, leadership choices, and characteristics of our country’s role in the world.
Please be informed voter! Do some research and let your voice be heard this November!
This month of April brings new challenges and unique circumstances, just as it brings warmer weather and new leaves.
The Board Members of Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America have experienced their own challenges and unique circumstances throughout their lives of service. During this unprecedented crisis in our world, let’s turn to the heroes of this country to consider their perspective on health challenges, isolation, and insight into why we should never give up.
The MPVA Board was asked:
1. How has the current COVID-19 crisis affected your life? (For example: has the stay at home order interfered with your ability to handle health issues related to your paraplegia, are you more isolated, etc. Any positive experiences?)
Board member, Clark Shuler, wrote:
“I don’t think my situation is terribly different from someone who doesn’t have a spinal cord injury, my family is concerned that my wheels might bring in microbes, whereas they can just remove their shoes before coming in the house. That seems to be the main difference! So, I am fortunate to have family that can go to the grocery store, drugstore, etc.
My caregivers have stayed and I have what I need. My van could use a wash, but that can wait. I have shirts at the cleaners, but since I’m not going anywhere it doesn’t really matter if my shirt is pressed!”
Board President, Michael Harris, wrote:
“A couple weeks ago I received a call from the University of Michigan Hospital, Physical Medicine Rehabilitation (PMR) clinic about rescheduling my appointments because of being at higher risk of contracting Covid-19.
(…) it was suggested that I communicate with my physician using my phone/tablet instead of doing so in the outpatient clinic setting. This type of doctor/patient visit is known as Telemedicine.
Telemedicine allows health care professionals to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients in remote locations.”
In a phone conversation with Mr. Harris about his switch to telemedicine, he said,
“I didn’t know what my options were.”
He had needed to visit his provider for what turned out to be anear infection.
Michigan’s governor had declared an Executive Order on March 23 requiring citizens to stay at home, whenever possible, and only allowed for certain “essential” businesses such as hospitals, grocery stores, and pharmacies to remain open. When he started experiencing symptoms on March 24, the majority of VA clinics were beginning to close to non-essential traffic.
That is when Mr. Harris discovered that telemedicine can help with a number of different appointments. Telemedicine is offered throughout VA hospitals/clinics and by a number of medical providers for a variety of health needs—from PMR appointments to routine appointments.
For more information on VA telemedicine opportunities please visit VA.gov/coronavirus to learn about using Secure Messaging through MyHealtheVet to send a message to your provider or to request a telehealth appointment online. You may also call your local VA hospital or individual provider.
2. As 90% of the United States is now under a stay at home order, many citizens find themselves experiencing new limitations on their lives. As a veteran with a spinal cord injury, what would you say to encourage or to bring awareness to able-bodied citizens experiencing these limitations for the first time?
Board member, Ray Brown wrote:
Abiding by this Stay at Home Order is the least I can do to help others stay safe. It helps those that need to do their jobs do so without me being in the way. I don’t look at it as ‘limitations’, but as chance to enjoy life. Slow your roll, so to speak!
We have been given a precious gift (time). Freedom to enjoy family, friends, pets…even our homes. The very things we’ve worked so hard for we now get to enjoy.
When I was in the Military, I longed to be home. It was a precious time at home on leave and it was over in a flash and we were separated again. Enjoy it while you can!”
Board member, Scot Severn wrote:
“Basically, we are choosing to look at it as an extended spring break with our kids around our house. I’m actually enjoying the time with my kids (ages 18, 19, & 21).
It’s hard watching them grow up and go off to college and it’s nice having them home for a while. It’s a little weird not having anyone leave the house, but we always stay stocked up on essentials.
The main thing I’m missing is my weekly massage and chiropractic care but I do have a chair that helps. Missing out on the normal activity of going to the gym 5 times a week with my boys is hard to get used to, but we are working out at home.
Not going to lie, I hate travelling in the spring. I’m usually on the road going to track and field meets but, I’ll keep my focus on the Paralympic games in 2021!”
3. Please share any insights or teaching moments that you have learned through this experience that could inspire or educate others?
Board member, Ray Brown wrote:
” Ya gotta have faith! My motto is, For God& Country. So I’ll share Isaiah 40:31.
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
We’re going to get through this… cause that’s how we roll!”
Board member, Robert Vance wrote:
“This is our chance to rediscover what is most valuable and really needed in our lives.”
Board President, Michael Harris wrote:
“Over the years people have thanked me for my service to our country and regretted the fact they did not serve. I always remind them that you do not have to wear a uniform to serve your country.
As our country faces a pandemic, there are people I want to thank: the doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel who are on the front line of the war against COVID-19.
Doctors, nurses, paramedics, and first-responders around the country are facing an unprecedented workload in overstretched health facilities. They are working in stressful and frightening work environments, not just because the virus is little understood, but because in most settings they are underprotected, overworked, and themselves vulnerable to infection.
Our members know first-hand the critical role the medical community has in allowing people with a spinal cord injury/disease to live life to its fullest.
Their dedication, commitment, and courage deserve our deepest appreciation for the countless lives being saved under extreme conditions.
On behalf of MPVA, thank you for a job well done!!” .
The vote is the key to our democracy in the United States of America. This key can open doors to engage, no matter where we live, our background, or our differences in ability. 
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