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Question for Katie & Steve

What does a person do when they become disabled? What resources are there to meet the needs of people with disabilities?

When A Disability Hits Home

First & foremost, take a deep breath and focus your energy!

When you are or become a person with a disability, life is full of challenges. We all have "disabilities." In my opinion, no one can "DO" everything. Specifically, there are three types of disabilities; physical, sensory or cognitive.

I became a c5-c6 quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chest down, after an auto accident in 1990 at the age of 25. My family had no clue as to how to muddle through this one! I’m the sixth of seven siblings and as a family we have survived leukemia, bone cancer, a gun shot wound and developmental disabilities. But paralysis was something new. 

There are organizations out there that can help, but you have to work the system! Nothing comes easy. There are waiting lists to get your name on and you have to be thorough and diligent in phoning for information. Stay on top of who you are calling, take notes and follow up if your calls are not returned. While the squeaky wheel gets the oil, don’t forget to be polite!

Listed below are organizations that I have used and there are other resources throughout this website. While I do not have all the answers, I wanted to share what has worked for me.

There are two forms of acceptance that can help this process move a long. Acceptance of the given disability and the acceptance of the dependency it brings.

Good luck in your pursuit of independence!

Organizations & Agencies who assist people with disabilities

Call them with you’re your situation and ask questions about the type of assistance they offer. Write names down and treat these people with respect. There are a lot of people out there wanting help and your follow through can make a difference.

1. MO Division of Aging- can assist with home care

2. MO Department of Family Services- a wide variety of supports.

3. Centers for Independent Living:

Personal Care Attendant Program waiting list, support groups

Circuit Breaker Program: receive money back on housing expenses

4. MO Vocational Rehabilitation: assists inn further education & employment

5. Local Churches- could be a place to look for an attendant.

6. Medicaid: Medicaid Spend Down, PASS Account

7. Medicare: SSI, SSD

8. St. Louis County/City Housing Authority: I was on their waiting list for 7 years

9. Ford Mobility Program: assists people with disabilities on newly purchased vehicles. Up to $1000 towards the purchase of adaptive equipment/conversion and they offer special financing for people with disabilities.

These organizations were keys to my independence. Take charge in your pursuit to be as independent as you can. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it!