Home Bound Resources
Founder and Director
website:www.homeboundresources.com
Tammy Glenn was eight years old when a tragic accident disabled her mother. With few financial resources available, the Glenn Family responded by shouldering the burden of the illness themselves and caring for Kathy at home. Thirty years later, this former caregiver and author is now sharing her wealth of experience through her web site, HomeBoundResources.com, and her first self-help book, "25 Simple Tips for Caregivers." Today, Tammy Glenn is considered a national expert in elder care, care giving and aging. Her web site serves hundreds of caregivers and patients, and she is launching a speaking career that she hopes will foster a community of caregivers to ensure that no one is alone in their challenges.
I LOVE MY WRITERS, My columnist are very special people with a gift of telling a story that takes hold of and will not let go until you have read the entire article.
I would like to thank them. I know that their contribution is appreciated.
Your creative spirit is enjoyed by everyone including me.
Chris Rohan
Publisher
It is reported that the combined market for U.S. home healthcare products has approached and may have surpassed a $5 billion industry. $5 billion! Products are costly, difficult to obtain and usually don’t offer a money-back guarantee or return policy. Furthermore, while manufacturers have good intentions, the best product designers are ones who have been in the trenches and can empathize with physical challenges of being both the caregiver and the patient. It’s unfortunate, but manufacturers still are not refining their designs with the end-user in mind. I’ve heard from numerous caregivers who continue to find mistakes made not only in the design of products, but in the overall accessibility. The voice of the caregiver and the patient are not being heard in the healthcare industries that serve the population.
Furthermore, each care experience is unique, and individuals still must evaluate products based on their personal range of abilities, affordability and physical requirements. I think this becomes easier with time and experience, but caregivers who are new to their situation don’t have that luxury. The HomeBoundResources.com Seal of Approval uses some basic methods of evaluation to set a benchmark. Most importantly, by offering the Seal, I hope to raise awareness of Empathic Design and encourage manufacturers to engineer their products w
More on this subject. Keep your eye on this web site and Tammy's. Please send in your comments, questions.
After 28 years as a woman who uses a manual wheelchair due to a spinal cord injury, Ellen Stohl is a self-actualized woman whose education, experience and life story have given her unique insights into the inner workings of the human psyche. She is comfortable with a diverse range of topics and personalities from the casual to controversial, including positive human sexuality, self-esteem and body image. Ellen was the first women with a disability to model for a major international publication. Her willingness to challenge social norms has broken down many stereotypes and has helped change the way people see themselves and others, and changed the way people view themselves and others.
Ellen’s experiences have molded her into a women who is able to help other’s whose feelings of low self-esteem manifest in unhealthy behaviors that impact the quality of their lives. She has been seen on Howard Stern, Geraldo, Larry King Live, Good Morning America and a number of other national and international television shows. Ellen has lectured in Brazil, Australia and England. She continues to lecture throughout the United States and abroad.
Currently Ellen is a lecturer at California State University Northridge, a writer, a life coach and a mom. Her goal is to help people discover themselves and their potential as well as life and its possibilities so that they may find the joy of living in themselves, their work and their families. Her clients include The Marriott Corporation, Market Evolution, Manufacturing and Financial Marketing, Ability Magazine, ASTM Committee, Westways, Cal. State Fullerton, Cal. State Northridge, Mount St. Mary’s University, Mercy Hospital, Achilles Track Club, Wyngs, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and New Mobility Magazine.
iI remember when I first asked Monique to write a montly Q & A coloumn for the magazine.She was more than happy to to do this for me. Because we deal in Vans, transportation for the disabled driver, I needed an expert. My son drives a handicapped van but that does not mean I know what to telll people when they call for advice. Monique has been doing this for me at Disabled Dealer for almost 4 years now. She has never missed a month either. Besides the column, when I get someone on the phone that really needs just to talk and ask questions, I know I can call on Monique and she is there answering questions, sharing her knowledge. When you are in the market for an accessible van, you want to make sure you are purchasing the right van for you, Monique is here for you so please email her with questions, she will get back to you. email: MoniqueM@VantageMobility.com
Here is Monique's first collumn:
Welcome to Monique’s Mobility, a new and exciting edition to the Disabled Dealer magazine. My vision for this column is to answer your questions about mobility products as they relate to transportation solutions. I hope to receive some great and honest questions from you where my answer will not only help you, but will also benefit the thousands of other Disabled Dealers readers that maybe didn’t know to ask.
I am Monique McGivney, the Marketing Manager for VMI (Vantage Mobility International, LLC.). I have been with VMI for almost two years and have a great passion for what I do. We at VMI spend a great deal of time with end users in regards to surveys, beta testing, focus groups, etc. Prior to launching any new product we gather all types of people from caregivers to all types of end users in scooters, manual chairs and power chairs to help determine various data points, from usability, functionality and appeal. Our customers also enjoy helping us in our photo shoots and video shoots which we hold a few times a year. It is our philosophy that with help from our customers and the interaction that we have with end users, we build a superior product.
With headquarters in Phoenix, AZ, VMI is celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year. As a pioneer in the mobility industry, VMI's history dates back to the late 1970's, when the original founders were challenged to build a suitable accessible vehicle for a close family friend. They envisioned a new concept that would eliminate the need for the traditional lift, mounted on the side of a full-sized van. With the use of simple manufacturing tools and techniques, the three individuals converted an Oldsmobile Toronado, one of the first front-wheel drive cars at that time. The new vehicle, called the FAMCAR, used a ramp rather than a wheelchair lift, and was an immediate success. In 1984, an automotive engineer in Phoenix suggested that the three apply their lowered-floor technology to the new front-wheel drive Chrysler minivan. They introduced the first conversion based on the Chrysler minivan with great success and in 1987 incorporated as Vantage Mini Vans, later to be renamed VMI.
Today, as one of the largest companies in the mobility industry, VMI manufactures and distributes a complete line of high-quality, reliable wheelchair accessible vans, platform lifts, scooter lifts, and accessories. We know your experience is about more than just the purchase of a mobility vehicle or scooter/wheelchair lift. This is why we have selected the finest mobility dealers in the country to represent our company. VMI's 800+ mobility equipment dealers are dedicated to helping you select and service your VMI transportation solution. Each VMI dealer receives formal training on all aspects of your van conversion or lift, and must continually pass a rigorous certification program. This extensive dealer network ensures your complete satisfaction no matter where you travel.
Whether your need is as straightforward as finding a lift to stow your scooter or wheelchair in the back of your vehicle or as complicated as getting just the right wheelchair accessible van for your specific needs, in terms of door opening height or lifting capacity we at VMI feel confident that we have a mobility solution for you. In this column and in columns to follow, I will refer to the Mobility Equipment Dealer (VMI Dealer) often as they are so important in the process of finding the mobility solution that serves you and your specific requirements.
The most common question we receive here at VMI is the following, “Why do I have to go to an authorized VMI dealer to buy one of your products? Why can’t I just buy from you direct”? The answer to that question is significant, especially if you are thinking about purchasing a mobility product from a company that deals direct with the end user. As a manufacturer/distributor, our products are built standard, almost a one-size fits all. However, as you all know, there are hundreds of disabilities that lend to various levels of mobility. In addition to the physical limitations, there are hundreds of different types of scooters and wheelchairs. So, to ensure you are purchasing the right mobility product for your unique and individual need that can only be done with the help and expertise of a local mobility equipment dealer. Most authorized VMI Dealers have been in business for years, some decades and with that comes a vast amount of knowledge, not only on the product itself but actually fitting you with the best product.
I love Ellen One of the highlights of this magazine is the wonderful articles. Ellen writes for me, I love her column, she is herself, she says what's on her mind, I call her a free spirit. She is a great role model to her daughter, zoe and matter of fact to all little girls growing up today. By example she gives them the self confidence to tackle any project no matter what, and the courage to be free. If you make a mistake you can always get up, dust yourself off and start all over again. If you have not been following her column I suggest you start you will not be disappointed.
For these reasons I chose Ellen to be on our front cover Her message is clear and precise. She is confident,
and very sure of herself. She doesn't jjust lives ;life she embraces it
Chris Rohan
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David Block is tenacious and gets the job done. As a freelance journalist,
he has over 500 articles published in a variety of publications such as,
New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Jazz Journal International, London
Times, Runner's World, Runner's Times, Jerusalem Post, and dozens of local
magazines and newspapers. During his 22-year career he has interviewed high
profile athletes, celebrities, government agents, and musicians such as
Kobe Bryant, Bill Cosby, Joe Frazier, Florence Henderson, Bruce Jenner, Lee
Majors, Sarah Palin's parents - Charles & Sally Heath-, David Sanborn,
McCoy Tyner, and Grover Washington, Jr. He has never shied away from
difficult assignments and never missed a deadlines.
In addition to writing, David is passionate about educating the public
concerning the plight of veterans and people with disabilities. To this
end, with little or no budget, he has produced several documentaries, which
illuminate the talents, strengths, and challenges of the blind athlete, the
injured hero, and the forgotten veteran. He personally promotes his work by
teaching the blind sport goalball to fully sighted people.
For more information about David Block, log onto www.blindfilmmaker.com
Documentary Producer
Documentary Producer July 1991 - present
" Finished producing "Abandoned Heroes," a documentary about problems
veterans face after they return from combat. Broadcast on WHYY TV 12 May
2009. In 2011, Televised on the Military network for ongoing airing.
Abandoned Heroes won the following awards:
" Winner of the 9th Annual DIY Film Festival, 2011, in the Category Best
Short Documentary
" Winner of the 2010 Great Lakes International Film Festival in the
category of Best Documentary
" Winner of the 2010 Directors Circle Festival Of Shorts in the Category of
Best Documentary
" Winner of the 2009 Independent Film Festival of Tampa (Florida) in the
category of Best Independent Short Documentary
" Produced and directed "Brian's Run" in June 2002. This work shows the
spirit of the West Chester community as they sponsor an annual 10-K race,
now in its 34th year. The proceeds help Brian, an injured high school
athlete, as well as others in need. The work was televised on WYBE Channel
35 in February 2009 Philadelphia Stories series. It was screened at the
prestigious Prince Music Theatre's Black Box Theatre and at an open
screening sponsored by Philadelphia Independent Film & Video Assoc. In July
2005, it screened at the International Festival of Cinema and Technology in
New York City. Screened at the West Chester Film Festival October 2004.
" Produced "Portraits of Possibility" in 1996. This documentary focuses on
the abilities, challenges, and misconceptions directed towards blind
athletes. Purchased by WHYY TV 12 in Philadelphia for on-going airing, and
broadcast on Kaleidoscope TV, a network for Americans with disabilities.
Third Place - 1997 National Educational Media Network Competition in
Oakland, CA. Screened at national disability conferences. It is distributed
by Cinema Guild.
" Produced and directed "Goalball: A Sport for Good Listeners" in 1992.
This work exposes viewers to the practically unknown sport of goalball and
the world-class blind athletes who participate. Purchased by WHYY TV 12 for
on-going airing, and was screened at the 1992 Philadelphia Film Festival of
World Cinema.
David is an excellent writer/journalist. When he decides to do a story he becomes aggressively obsessed with the task at hand. There is no stopping him. Maybe that is why David has landed so many high profile figures,to interview, both in the Sporting and the entertainment worlds. David is very humble when it comes to his work, he needs to be reassured over and over, of the quality and content that he produces, but trust me he does need this, his articles are great and they get better as the years go bye. Maturity has a way of doing that, Now he just needs the self confidence,but sometimes this will seem impossible to certain individuals, especially if they were teased by other kids. children can be so cruel.. David we will have to work on that.
Chris
Ashley Olson
I first met Ashley at a "Swim With Mike event" When I mentioned that I publish a magazine for the Disabled, she asked if she could send some articles about traveling.
Right after she started writing for Disabled Dealer she had to go into the hospital for reconstructive surgery for a bed sore. I know her interest are with traveling but I thought she could write about her experiences and struggles to help others.
All recovered now Ashley is doing what she loves to do, traveling.
Check out her web site wheelchairtraveling.com
Tammy Tested. Caregiver Approved!
www.WheelChairTraveling.com
The internet is abundant with resources, and some of them are especially wonderful. Founded by Ashley Lyn Olson, WheelChairTraveling.com highlights travel destinations that are accessible by wheelchair. It’s an area of particular interest to Ashley given that she’s in a chair herself!
“The world offers so much natural beauty and man-made masterpieces to marvel at. However, the world is not entirely accessible but plenty of places are whether it is a big city or the countryside, the beach or mountains,” Olson says on her website. “When traveling to experience another culture, there is also great opportunity to grow as an individual. Stretching out of familiar boundaries and testing one's limits for a wheelchair traveler takes courage but the adventure is worth it.”
WheelChairTraveling.com invites subscribers to contribute their travel experiences, so slowly, but surely, hidden treasures around the world will be unveiled for their accessibility.
“I believe that we are all connected and this can be intensely felt while traveling,” Olson said. “It is my mission to Citizens Bureau. She has nearly 20 years of experience as a caregiver to her mother and is the author of “25 Simple Tips for Caregivers” in addition to numerous contributed articles continue to add information on accessible destinations around the world, including activities, lodging and transportation and seek out other wheelchair travelers to share their adventures as well.”
Meet Karen Kain, my newest columnist for the magazine. My first impression of Karen was, Wow! Karen has the ability to touch people on so many different levels. How do I explain Karen? She is passionate, she is loving. She has a endless supply of energy to give and now she is sharing her experiences with others.
•
Karen's daughter, Lorrin was born healthy but soon after receiving her baby shot she developed abnormal side effects, mainly severe seizures, which left her daughter disabled with many serious medical problems, with no cure. Lorrin eventually was blind in one eye, could not walk, talk or eat without being fed through a tube. Karen became Lorrin's full time caregiver. Karen went to court for Lorrin and was granted a settlement, at the time the doctors did not expect this little girl to live very long. In turn Karen took Lorrin everywhere, showing to other parents that a disabled child can participate in non-disabled activities, With Karen's help, Lorrrin was a girl scout, had sleepovers with her girlfriends, she also was always dressed in stylish popular out fits that other girls took notice. At 15 Lorrin was honored at her Quinceanera, and there she danced the night away in her beautiful red evening gown..
Karen's daughter, Lorrin was born healthy but soon after receiving her baby shot she developed abnormal side effects, mainly severe seizures, which left her daughter disabled with many serious medical problems, with no cure. Lorrin eventually was blind in one eye, could not walk, talk or eat without being fed through a tube. Karen became Lorrin's full time caregiver. Karen went to court for Lorrin and was granted a settlement, at the time the doctors did not expect this little girl to live very long. In turn Karen took Lorrin everywhere, showing to other parents that a disabled child can participate in non-disabled activities, With Karen's help, Lorrrin was a girl scout, had sleepovers with her girlfriends, she also was always dressed in stylish popular out fits that other girls took notice. At 15 Lorrin was honored at her Quinceanera, and there she danced the night away in her beautiful red evening gown.. •Karen will be doing a monthly column in the Disabled Dealer Magazine her column is called "Unique Tips for Unique Parents"
Karen will be doing a monthly column in the Disabled Dealer Magazine her column is called "Unique Tips for Unique Parents" KAREN KAIN
