Who Ever Dreamed of Becoming Disabled?

Did you ever meet anyone who wanted to be disabled? Neither have I. Whether by birth, war, accident or disease; many lost something precious to them, sight, legs, arms, hearing, mental ability or body parts. Because of those losses, we might be tempted to classify them as “disabled,” and immediately feel sorry for them. That’s not the proper thing to do.
Many live with such losses, whose lives are forever altered, yet they have grown accustomed to their conditions, and adapted well to them. They do not consider themselves “disabled,” believing that term itself is just a state of mind. Most want anything but sympathy.
No doubt, some of those fellow Cape May County residents are planning to attend the Second Annual Cape May County Disabilities Awareness Day on Sat., Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Avalon Community Center. This event was planned by representatives from the county Office of Disability Services, Department on Aging, Human Services Advisory Council, ARC of Cape May and several community disability advocates.
“All Cape May County residents are invited to attend that free event designed as a ‘one-stop shopping’ opportunity to gather information first-hand from representatives of a wide range of state and local agencies and organizations that serve the citizens of Cape May County,” according to a county release.
For those who made arrangements by Nov. 5, Fare Free Transportation will take them to the event.
Building on the success of last year’s first one, held after an awful storm that hampered many from attending, this year’s should be a showcase of services to those who live with physical limitations.
It would be beneficial for everyone, not just those who have those limitations or those who help care for them, to attend. If nothing more, being there, seeing the goods and services available may open your eyes to begin helping, or simply better understanding those near you who may have disabilities.
An Honor Guard from the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May will open the event and the Cape May County String Band will entertain with its special brand of music and “dancing in the aisles.”
If nothing more, it will prove to those who attend that having a disability does not mean life stops.
Among participants at the event will be Atlantic Cape Community College, county Office of Emergency Management, county Schools for Special Services, county Technical School-GED and ESL Programs; county Sheriff’s Office-Project Lifesaver; county Equestrian Facility and the county Park and Zoo.
To get acquainted with Project Lifesaver may well be worth the trip for those with loved ones suffering the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s disease. The program uses wrist-worn transmitters that enable a wandering person to be quickly located by specially trained Sheriff’s Department officers.
Last year Pastor Rudy Sheptock from Lighthouse Church addressed the group, many in wheelchairs. As he spoke, a sign language interpreter translated his words for the deaf.
I recall chatting with Paulann Pierson, coordinator of the county Office of Disability Services, and offered an idea that, like many, is easy to voice, more difficult to do: Why not have a “Try on a Disability” area? My thought for such an exhibit is for those who enjoy mobility, sight, and hearing.
It could include a wheelchair with small course to navigate alone, and perhaps a door to open. It may have a sink to try to wash hands under (or by).
It could use those “Fatal Vision” goggles some police departments take to schools to demonstrate impaired sight, and have a person attempt to walk a straight line, or, better still, navigate in that wheelchair.
Perhaps a set of gloves, to impede manual dexterity, could show how difficult it is for someone with such a disability to endorse a check or find an address in a telephone directory.
Cotton in one’s ears could hinder hearing what someone says, especially over a telephone.
Finally, as many who have sustained temporary disabilities, like broken or sprained legs, try to go up stairs with crutches.
Regardless, whether or not there is such a display, a visit to the Disabilities Awareness Day is sure to heighten everyone’s ability to relate to their family members, friends or neighbors who live daily with some physical limitation.
As an added incentive to attend, Cape Regional Medical Center’s Parish Nurse Program (a terrific idea on its own) will offer free blood pressure; cholesterol and blood sugar screenings and health information.
So much has been written and debated about health care, and, like the weather, too few do anything about it. Cape Regional’s Parish Nurse Program is the greatest “no cost” health program available. It is staffed by volunteer church (or other faith community) nurses who agree to take blood pressures and give free medical advice. It’s such a terrific program; I wonder why every religious group doesn’t have one.
It can take whatever form congregation members desire, but the Parish Nurse Program can be an avenue to donate and loan medical “hardware” like wheelchairs, canes and crutches, and more to those in need. Keep items as long as needed, and return when the gear when it is no longer needed.
Have a question about symptoms or medicine; the Parish Nurse might well have the answer. I truly hope more of these “take flight,” because I will personally attest to the value of the program. I partake on a weekly basis, having my blood pressure monitored, and that is reassuring.
The county Health Department will give free flu shots.
Mark that calendar, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Avalon Community Center, 30th and beach. No excuses!