Parsons Woman Helps With Tornado Relief

Janet Thompson is a life time resident of the Parsons area. Growing up Janet became aware of people with disabilities at an early age. Her mother had Polio when she was nine.

Janet recalls how being persistent and not giving up was a positive impact on her mother. She shared how her father built an adaptive device for her mom's bed. This was part of the reason why she was a fighter and never gave up.

Janet has worked over sixteen years a Personal Care Attendant (PCA). She shared how an accident, "Basically turns your life upside down". But people can still do their job.

As we discussed being a PCA and the work that goes along with that job, Janet said, "One thing my dad taught me a long time ago...Don't treat anybody any different than you would want to be treated".

Joey Allen lives in Columbus  Video at read more icon.  Click here for accessible transcript

Joey Allen lives in Columbus and has an eight year old son. Joey enjoys the Hot Wheels and Sponge Bob items his son finds and brings home. Joey is also been busy learning about resources within the community and how to improve his quality of life.

There is a vast network of services available to people within most communities. According to Joey, people just need to ask.

Joey realized there were certain day to day tasks he could not accomplish. The services at SKIL made it possible.

Another service SKIL has is networking within the community for social times and informing people about new and changing conditions within the disability community. Joey is looking forward to attending the 2009 Disability Caucus. “It is good to get out and meet and greet people.” said Joey.

When thinking about how SKIL has changed his life Joey shared that SKIL has relieved a lot of frustration and made his days brighter. “Many people just don’t understand the difference.” He stated. Joey has a couple of goals. One is to become a home owner and the other is to retrain and return to some kind of work.

One core service SKIL offers is Information and Referral. “SKIL may not be able to do everything,” Mr. Allen stated, “but they can point you to someone who can.” If you would like to learn more about information and referral call 800-688-5616 or contact SKIL through www.skilonline.com. There is a local office that would like to assist you.

Heather Matty and a Working Healthy Discussion Video at read more  Click here for Accessible transcript

Six years ago Heather Matty experienced a brain injury. She was told she would never work again and that she would not be able to speak at the ability she had before.

Many people with disabilities want to work but worry that doing so could jeopardize their vital health and long term care coverage. Working Healthy offers people with disabilities who are working or interested in working the opportunity to get or keep Medicaid coverage while on the job. Through Working Healthy people can earn more, save more, achieve their career goals, and still maintain their health coverage.