By Kara Aiello
![]() |
Kara Aiello, Ready to Roll on Capitol Hill |
What an amazing time I had with the Roll on Capitol Hill
2015 in Washington DC in early June. Coming to this event I had no idea what
to expect and have not done advocacy work from a political stand point so this
was an eye opening experience. I
remember the daunting feeling I had on day one when I sat with my fellow
advocates going through the important topics of discussion that would be shared
and advocated the following day on The Hill. Issues of Complex Rehab Technology
and Equal Access to Transportation were the main hot spots of discussion along
with not cutting Medicaid Funding to help keep people at home and not in
nursing homes. As the day came to an end, I found myself overwhelmed with the
load of information but determined to bring it to life the next day when
meeting with my representatives.
It was a fascinating experience going to the Capital. We saw
many groups from dietitians advocating for better health and nutrition for the
American public and family members from California advocating for affordable
housing regarding adults with intellectual disabilities. And then there was us,
the United Spinal Association from many corners of the U.S. life experiences
and disabilities (and without as well) uniting in a common desire to have our
voices heard, that we matter, and can impact our world for the better if given
that important chance.
As we entered our first meeting regarding Representative Bob Brady and met with one of his aids, I was humbled by the experience of what I had yet to learn and even though I had a full day of education the day before, nothing would create a better opportunity for learning than the actual meetings before me. Janet Parker was an amazing asset to the discussion as she not only has a brother living with a disability but has the experience and knowledge as a PT that was most crucial to helping those before us understand why we were here. And then as the day progressed, I saw how my own stories would impact change and understanding from a firsthand account. But I was enlightened as the meetings progressed, by what I learned about the important topics we were to discuss. For example, I only recently had to go through the complex process of meeting with an OT from Moss Rehab to obtain a new power chair. Historically I went through the motion of getting a chair fitted for my size and design for style, but never went through the process of getting a chair that would create more comfort for my body and enhance my needs that would help me sit more comfortably through the busy day and help me be more productive to the world around me.
This insight also helped me to be more aware at how complex
disability is and the necessity of this bill in helping all persons with
disabilities be more proactive in society, lessen chance of skin break down for
example that can lead to bigger issues, and keep people out of the hospital
which lowers cost and enhances quality of life for all at the same time. I also came away with great knowledge of how
Access to Transportation works and benefits all of us in the end. I live in the
country side of Blue Bell PA with no sidewalks or safe access to Montgomery
County Community College where I could catch a bus if needed. I am fortunate to
have a driver who has a lift as he uses a chair as well, and have back up
transportation as needed. But if my
driver is out of the loop and can’t access other transportation, I could not
safely wheel to MCCC to catch a bus to go places as I have no safe access to
getting there. And this impacts all of us wheelchair users or not as anyone
would be playing Russian roulette walking their dog for example on my
road.
Janet Parker PT, Congressman Chaka Fattah & Kara Aiello |
In sharing these stories, I found great comfort from the
positive responses of the aids we met as they shared how common sense these
requests were and in knowing persons with disabilities themselves, impacts
everyone for the better. And to our delight, especially Janet’s, we met
directly with Congressman Chaka Fattah who knew Janet was his constituent, He
signed onto the bill for Complex Rehab Technology and shared that he knows many
people with disabilities in the Philadelphia area. So again was on board from the get go and
allowed us to have a few photo ops with him.
To end, I loved meeting my fellow advocates who although had
different disabilities, came together for a common cause that impacts all of
us. And persons without disabilities who were there because of people they
knew, their professional connection to those with disabilities or had
experiences of disability themselves even if they were to make a steady
recovery over time. I learned much, had
a ball of an experience, and would love to go again in a heartbeat. Thanks for
giving me this chance and experience of a life time.
About the Author:
Although Kara has Osteogenesis Imperfecta which simply means brittle bones, Kara has studied dance for over 16 years now and currently dances with American Dance Wheels Foundation. But for the bulk of her dance career she danced with Kardon.. Kara works as a licensed therapist part time at an inpatient mental health facility and as a Free Lance writer for Montgomery County Community College. She also sings with the Academy Chorale as the arts are an important part of her life.
About the Author:
Although Kara has Osteogenesis Imperfecta which simply means brittle bones, Kara has studied dance for over 16 years now and currently dances with American Dance Wheels Foundation. But for the bulk of her dance career she danced with Kardon.. Kara works as a licensed therapist part time at an inpatient mental health facility and as a Free Lance writer for Montgomery County Community College. She also sings with the Academy Chorale as the arts are an important part of her life.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletetory burch outlet
ReplyDeleteed hardy t-shirts
instyler ionic styler
michael kors outlet
christian louboutin outlet
nike trainers
foamposite gold
discount oakley sunglasses
swarovski jewelry
abercrombie
cheap jordans
gucci shoes
insanity workout
the north face uk
burberry outlet
mac makeup
michael kors handbags
kate spade outlet
lebron shoes
oakley sunglasses canada
louis vuitton outlet
prada shoes
longchamp handbags
mcm handbags
prada outlet
five fingers shoes
coach outlet
nba jerseys
green bay packers jerseys
karen millen dresses
michael kors outlet online
tiffany and co
iphone 6 plus cases
ray ban sunglasses
iphone 6 cases
ghd
salvatore ferragamo
soccer shoes
miami heat jersey
calvin klein outlet
cai2015720
nike huarache, http://www.nikeairhuarache.org.uk/
ReplyDeleteair jordan 4, http://www.airjordan4.org/
prada shoes, http://www.pradashoes.us/
the north face jackets, http://www.thenorthfacejacket.us.com/
mbt shoes, http://www.mbtshoesoutlet.us.com/
oakley sunglasses, http://www.oakleysunglasseswholesale.in.net/
canada goose outlet, http://www.canadagoose.us.org/
ugg boots, http://www.uggaustralia.in.net/
nike roshe, http://www.nikerosherunshoes.co.uk/
snow boots, http://www.wintercoats.us.com/
ray ban sunglasses, http://www.raybansunglass.co.uk/
timberland boots, http://www.timberlandboots.name/
michael kors outlet, http://michaelkors.outletonlinestores.us.com/
lacoste polo shirts, http://www.lacostepoloshirts.cc/
michael kors outlet, http://michaelkors.outletonlinestores.us.com/
the north face outlet store, http://www.thenorthfaceoutletstores.org/
pandora jewelry, http://www.pandorajewelryoutlet.us.com/
canada goose jackets, http://www.parajumpers.in.net/
beats headphones, http://www.beats-headphones.in.net/
cheap nike shoes, http://www.cheap-nikeshoes.cc/
calvin klein underwear, http://www.calvinklein.in.net/
coach outlet, http://www.coachoutletstoreonline.in.net/
ugg outlet, http://www.uggboots-outlet.co.uk/
nike air max shoes, http://www.nikeairmaxshoess.co.uk/
ray ban sunglasses, http://www.raybansunglassesonline.in.net/
cai20151010