Earlier Reports
Oct 07
Nov 07
Dec 07
Jan 08
Feb 08
Mar 08
Apr 08
May 08
June 08
July 08

Ms. Wheelchair Nebraska 2008
May Report

Is it Summer yet?

I am finally wearing something other than my winter coat at baseball games... Finally!

I have been busy advocating this month and learning so much about social security benefits.

My activities for month include

May 12-16 - I taught Junior Achievement at Newell Elementary School to fifth graders. It was so rewarding that I signed up to do it again next year. I wore my crown and sash and on the last day of class I showed the kids my DVD from the pageant and spoke about what my mission is as Ms. Wheelchair Nebraska. I know how much my interaction meant to the kids through the letters they made for me. I cried and laughed at the same time as I read them after leaving. One student compared me to the likes of Santa Claus in her life. How can I ever top that compliment?

I spent most of May facilitating the planning of the statewide conference being held in Grand Island for the Visually Impaired Peer Support Organization. To my great disappointment, they did not receive enough money to hold the conference. I sent articles to the Omaha World Herald and the Lincoln Journal Star. To my surprise, the Omaha World Herald ran it in the editorials the next day, and the Lincoln Journal Star called for an interview, and ran a great article in the paper. I also talked with Senator Adrian Smith' s office, and a lot of research is being done to get them federal funding and to find where the state funding went. I feel good that change is in motion.

May 22 - I attended a board meeting with the Center for Independent Living and introduced myself, and my mission to advocate- until I see my picture on posters stapled to the trees, “WARNING ADVOCATING IN PROCESS!” I had the great honor of meeting Reverend Ray Norris, the current director for the center. He is the most amazing individual I have met and he is leading me and mentoring me in my journey for change. We set a meeting to get together to set a plan of action for further advocating. The first change is Medicaid waiver services.

May 28 - Met with Ray Norris at the Center for Independent Living and we started moving mountains. I am so motivated for our plans to work together to change the current trend of people "wanting to be disabled". We are sending the wrong message when everywhere one looks there are billboards, commercials, and advertisements for attorneys that can get you approved for disability. People are only disabled if they chose to be and this is not the American Dream. We are not to surrender our God given talents and strive for a check to come in the mail so we can stay home and do nothing. Benefit amounts are not going to make anyone rich; on the contrary, they are settling for poverty. My mind is flowing with ideas and plans; and I hope to change this trend. We are also drafting a plan to make attendant care providers part of a company that will provide benefits, raises, holiday pay, and educational incentives. Wow! Are we approaching walking on the moon or what?

May 30 - Interviewed with KROA, “The Bridge FM”. They will let me know when it will air.

I am off and onward, so I will have lots to share with you next month.

Lorinda