Disability Dialogue with Bill

Share your Time - Pick Out a Pumpkin

Hi all,

Not sure how many of you enjoy Halloween or celebrate this holiday where you live. Maybe your religion does not believe in participating in holidays like Halloween. There are probably plenty of other reasons you do not partake in any of the activities that go with Halloween.

It might be easier to sit at home and do your normal day to day activities instead of going out and picking out a pumpkin. You might think to yourself, I am way too busy to go out and do something like pick out a pumpkin in a big farm with lots of people all around. Maybe others would just rather not be burdened by doing anything that takes extra coordination and effort than you normally would in your standard routines. I know some do not have choices and cannot do more than they are currently doing because of a variety of reasons.

I want to share with you another reason to participate in something like picking out a pumpkin for Halloween.

If you do not want to participate in activities with others; it could be viewed as being selfish. I say this because when you are apart of a family or have close friends you should not be selfish with your time if possible. I know we have to prioritize things and some things we cannot fit in. I just wanted to note we only have a few family members and close friends and our life's are only so long and pass by so quickly. Be with your family and close friends if you have any. Cherish the time you are together! You may never have another chance. I know for sure!

I almost died multiple times when I got critically sick, coded multiple times, went into a coma for 3 months, went completely blind and endured other very undesirable and uncomfortable circumstances. I was very close to not having the option to be with others and give my gift of my time.

It’s Pumpkin Picking Time  (Click on the pictures to enlarge)
I recently got to go pick out pumpkins with my wife Kathy and some family members on her side of the family at a farm in Morgan Hill, CA... We had my mother-in-law, father-in-law, two brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, niece, nephew, great niece and great nephew all ranging from ages 13 to 90. My father-in-law who is 90, recently had open heart surgery where they replaced one valve and did one bypass. My mother-in-law who is 88, is a little hearing impaired, and has macular degeneration and myself being completely blind and needing two canes to walk, gave us some challenges; but this was not going to stop us.

We all met at a house that was closer to the farm where we would go for the day to pick out our pumpkins. Soon we were caravanning to the farm in two vehicles. All of us were very excited. It was a very nice day outside. It was warm and slightly breezy. A perfect fall day in California.

When we got to the farm I heard many cars and people driving around. I could hear children laughing and giggling with joy. I could smell the food cooking. The breeze was warm and comforting as it blew against my face and through my hair.

When we left the parking lot we walked through rows and rows of tall corn stalks. I was told the stalks were green and had ears of corn on them. I felt like eating one raw; but I did not. The path we were walking on was covered with hay that felt a few inches thick , to my feet. This hay felt so soft and comfortable to walk on. Soon we were surrounded by pumpkins of all sizes as far as the eye could see, I was told. I gently put my cane on the side of one of the pumpkins as I searched the field for my pumpkin.
Once I had determined where the pumpkin was I gently put my cane on the top to feel the height. I tapped my cane gently so I would not dent or damage the pumpkins. If the pumpkin was the height I was looking for, I would then reach down and pick up the pumpkin feeling all sides with my opened hands to see the shape and to look for imperfections. I could then see if it was the shape I wanted. While holding the pumpkin, I would picture what would be the face side of the pumpkin where I would carve my Jack-O-Lantern.
I only found a couple of pumpkins this way. My wife and the others mostly helped me find the pumpkins in the large fields we were in. As we walked around pulling our wheelbarrow of pumpkins, we could hear a live band playing 50's music off in the distance. They were entertaining the people as they took breaks to listen to the music in the sun, drink soft drinks, and eat some barbeque or other food they were serving. They also had a train for the children to ride in. I could hear joy and happiness all around me. We all had a great time. I would not have missed being with everyone for anything. I am sure everyone in our group felt the same way.
I hope if you are able to participate in picking out a pumpkin with others, please don’t hesitate! I wish we all could cherish and value one of the greatest gifts we can give; a gift of our time and companionship. I also hope you have a great Halloween.

Does anyone have any thoughts or stories to share about Halloween? Any feelings about the value of giving a little bit of our time to make something more enjoyable by all?

Go out and help to make others dreams a reality by giving of yourself to others. You just might be the missing person in the equation.

We all look forward to hearing from you.

Bill Tipton

Contributing Author,
Global Dialogue Center
http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/

Disabled - Ideas for Retaining or Seeking a Job

Hello everyone,

Since National Disability Awareness Month and Disability Mentoring Day is this month, or coming soon for many countries, I thought we could talk about how the disabled can be successful at work. Can talk about finding meaningful work as well. We can share what has worked, and what has not. These ideas and resources we will share are not only for the disabled; all can use to be successful.

I have to admit others might have better ideas than I do and always welcome your thoughts. I went completely blind instantly in 1999, lost the ability to walk for one year, have diabetes in which I need to take insulin twice daily, neuropathy in both legs and other complications from the illness which took away my eyesight one day after work instantly, and forever.

I was working at the time of my illness. After leaving the hospital 7 months later, I was delayed because I was in a coma for 3 of those long months and had to have 4 surgeries , I immediately immersed myself in all of the blindness related training I could find to be a successful productive employee again. I started this process of reskilling myself while still in a wheel chair. I did not want to wait until I had many hours of physical rehabilitation and orientation and mobility training and was able to walk again.

I immediately began to build my network of people to help me make the connections needed to reskill myself as this new person without eyesight as quickly as possible. I found local organizations’ like the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Sensory Access Foundation and the Silicon Valley Council of the Blind to help with my blindness skills, assistive technology and interpersonal relationship and networking skills.

Because I desired to return to work as quickly as possible, I did not go away to a blind school where I could get around the clock training. Because of this I am not an expert in all blindness related skills.

Some things I did to help me return to work
You can use this same set of skills if you are trying to retain your job or find a new job like some of the students that will be participating at the many disability mentoring day events around the world.

1. Build and maintain a network of people who are knowledgeable in the areas you are interested in; or people you can learn from. Read Networking Forum: Tapping Your Network in Time of Need to get some ideas on how to build your network.

Once you have built this network you need to nourish this resource or it will go away. Maintaining a network is like growing a rose; if you do not provide water your rose will not be healthy and will eventually die. Read Best Ways to Reciprocate for Help to learn how to keep your network healthy

2. Make sure you have all the training and tools you will need to be productive and successful. Put in the time to learn your assistive technology thoroughly. Read Accommodations to learn more about what might make your working environment, just a bit easier.

3. Learn to adapt and figure out what works best for you. Nothing is easy. Sometimes you have to use your ingenuity to solve your own problems instead of waiting for help from others. You can get some ideas of some workarounds that have worked for me by reading Working Remotely- Challenges.

4. Have a good attitude. When solving your problems think in the bigger picture. If by solving your own problem; think how can you help others with your same resolution who might be in your same situation? Even though you might be having a really bad day because the tool you are supposed to use to do your job does not work with your assistive technology because that tool was not designed following accessibility guidelines like the ones at Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). Do not get discouraged. You will have better days; usually very soon. Read Living Positively to get encouraged to have a better attitude

What has not worked for me
1. Do not try to force things to happen. At times if things are not going exactly the way you want; take a break; and come back later to take another look with a fresh mind. At times your ideas are not ready to be accepted by others; do not give up. Just look for the correct opportunity to present yourself.

2. You might have to alter your style of engagement to get the results you are looking for. Look at the personalities you are working with and make adjustments for best results.

3. Try not to make enemies along your paths to accomplish your goals. They might be your allies in future.

4. Put in the hard work and effort. Most things do not come easy. It takes a lot of hard work and time to succeed. You may need to get additional training to accomplish your goals. Get that training so you can be the best you can be.

5. Have faith in yourself. Never, ever give up! You can do it if you give yourself the chance!

Does anyone else have any helpful tips to help the students? Any tips that will help others looking for work or changing jobs? Any ideas to help retain your current job or get a promotion?

We all, very much, look forward to hearing from you.

Bill Tipton
Contributing Author,
Global Dialogue Center
http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/

Motorsports for All

Hello Patty,

Thanks for stopping by, reading and posting your comments.

I replied with the other messages and conversations at Day At The Races.

I thought the topic of motorsports is so exciting and interesting I thought I would create a new post for all to find and get in on the conversation easily.

I sure hope your back is getting better.
I know what you mean about the noise. I think that is one of the reasons I like racing; besides the speed and competitiveness of the cars, teams and drivers. I also enjoy the race atmosphere and the fans that attend the races all seem to enjoy life and know how to have fun.
When you mentioned the loud noises from the NASCAR I can remember the San Jose Grand Prix race I attended. They had historic NASCAR’s at event and it could be possible those cars were the loudest. They made a low pitch very loud noise which rattles you down deep inside. The CHAMP cars that were at event were very loud as well; but their pitch was a higher wind so it did not rumble you as much. It all was great!

Recently I have been following the Flying Lizard Racing Team.

About Flying Lizard Motorsports

Founded in 2003, the Sonoma, Calif-based team is competing in its fourth season of sports car racing with the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). The team fields
two Porsche 911 GT3 RSRs: the No. 44 and the No. 45. Seth Neiman, Lonnie Pechnik and Darren Law are sharing driving duties in the No. 44 Porsche for the
2007 season, and Johannes van Overbeek and Joerg Bergmeister are teaming in the No. 45 Porsche.
Listen to one of the Flying Lizard Motorsports Porshe 911 GT3 RSRs and see the view from the drivers seat (if you can see) as it races around a track.

I recently even ordered and received one of their Flying Lizard Motorsports racing shirts. I was told it looks very good – I am completely blind and cannot see a thing

If you have not read our prior conversations and information we have shared, visit Day At The Races.

Does anyone else have any racing stories to share? We would all love to hear and bring back memories of when we were at the tracks; or better yet; behind the wheel. Are you planning on attending a race soon? Any other tips to share to help us have the best possible racing experience?

Bill Tipton
Contributing Author,
Global Dialogue Center
http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/

Disability Mentoring Day

Hello everyone,

Are you a student with a disability preparing to go into the workforce? Do you have a relative or friend who has a disability; minor or major? Are you an employer looking to hire talented employees? Are you a disabled person who is successfully working? Are you interested in volunteering some of your time to make a Differnce in the life’s of others, helping your community or employers in your area?

If any of the above sound like something you are interested in; or fits your situation I think you will be interested to know in the United States Disability Mentoring Day is October 17, 2007.

What is Disability Mentoring Day(DMD) from DMD web page.
Job Shadowing and Hands-On Career Exploration

Empowering Students and Job Seekers

Promoting a Diverse Workplace

Recruiting New Talent

International Efforts
In addition to helping Disability Mentoring Day to take root in all 50 states and all US territories, AAPD is pleased to lead in international efforts to
help transplant DMD around the world.

DMD Participating Nations and DMD Coordinators
http://www.dmd-aapd.org/docs/international.php

Do any of you have any plans to attend any Disability Mentoring Day events? Is your company planning on holding events for this day? If you have attended such events in past how did you like it; what did it mean to you; how did it help you?

To learn more about Disability Mentoring Day and get access to many related resources look on below URL.
http://www.dmd-aapd.org/

We would all love to hear how you are connected with Disability Mentoring Day.

Bill Tipton
Contributing Author
Global Dialogue Center
http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/