

+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                                      |
|                                                                      |
|                                 JADA                                 |
|                                                                      |
|                          The Journal of the                          |
|                    American Disability Association                   |
|                                                                      |
|                       in partnership with the                        |
|                      Disability Law Foundation                       |
|                                                                      |
|                                                                      |
|                           November 1992                              |
|                                                                      |
|                                                                      |
|                       Volume One/Issue Eight                         |
|                                                                      |
|                                                                      |
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Published monthly by and for the Members of ADAnet, the International
Disability Network.  Copyright 1992, American Disability Association.
All rights reserved.  Duplication and/or distribution permitted for
non-commercial purposes only.  For use in other circumstances, please
contact JADA.

Paper single copy price (U.S. mailing): . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00US
Electronic Price:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  free!
Paper printed version available from the American Disability
Association.  See details and membership form elsewhere in the JADA.

For more information about JADA refer to the end of this file.

========================================================================

                           Table of Contents

First Word......................................................Page  2
Opinions and Editorials
  On the Fly....................................................Page  2
  Heresies......................................................Page  4
Articles
  Conflict Resolution - Part Four of Seven......................Page  9
  From the Many, One - Part Five of Five........................Page 11
  Wheelchair Athlete Uses Space-Age Tricycle In Quest...........Page 15
  Major Surgery, A Scarey But Educational Experience............Page 16
  Most Powerful Medicine Is Hope, Doctors Find..................Page 21
  Government To Reopen Cases Involving Disability Benefits......Page 25
  Information On Stuttering.....................................Page 26
  Attention Deficit and the Pool................................Page 27
  ASAP, A really Special Screen Review Package..................Page 29

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 2

  Miami Project.................................................Page 34
Press Releases..................................................Page 36
  Desert Storm or Thyroid Storm?................................Page 36
  No Support for FDA Vitamin Claim Regst........................Page 38
  Antitrust Suit Filed Against Hospital.........................Page 40
  VA and DAV to Settle Suit.....................................Page 41
Miscellaneous Information.......................................Page 42
Upcoming Events.................................................Page 50
Messages Worth Repeating........................................Page 53
Because It's Fun................................................Page 56
Beautiful Thoughts..............................................Page 56
What's on ADAnet - An ADAnet Echo List..........................Page 57
Assoc. of Disabled Americans Membership Form....................Page 60
Indica..........................................................Page 61

========================================================================


First Word

Just a brief note to say hi there and I hope that you enjoy this issue.
Owing to the fates you just missed a much longer monologue on how much
things have changed since the last issue.  I'd been happily editing
along for about an hour putting on the final touches when the machine
suffered a sudden seizure.  Computational coronary.  Intel indigestion.

Anyway... That was then, this is now.  We've pulled together a veritable
textual smorgasboard for your ascii viewing pleasure.  Enjoy.

And rest assured, I'll be hitting the save key frequently.


Marlin Johnson
Editor in Chief


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November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 3
======================================================================

                        Opinions and Editorials

=======================================================================


ON THE FLY...
By: Bill Freeman

    Have you ever sat down and talked to your barber or hair-stylist
about the world and your place in it? Best I can figure, next to a good
bartender, barbers are well-trained in taking on the woes of the world,
and offering advice. Sometimes free advice is worth what you pay for it,
and other times it can offer some valuable insight to have a
disinterested person's ideas to balance your own.

    We started off talking politics. Leon was sure that Bush would win
the presidency, I was sure Clinton would win - in the end, we both had
to admit we just didn't know. It seemed like a game we play to pass the
time while Leon clipped away.

    In the past, we've included Curtis, another barber, in the
discussions. In the real lively conversations, most of the barbers and
their customers chime in. All in all, it makes going to get your hair
cut less of a chore, and a bit more fun.

    After we finished talking about politics, we turned to disability
issues and how politics affects them. We quickly came to a dilemma -
whether it is better to deny aid to people, to encourage them to do for
themselves, or to give people a hand up, fostering their education and
counseling them on how to enter into the job market.

    Leon seemed to follow what I would call the Conservative view.
Basically, he believed that social programs were a necessary evil, and
that they should only exist to keep people from starving. Anything more
than bare subsistance for people living on the dole was an outrage, and
should not be tolerated. People should see themselves as individuals
with the power to better their own situations: the rest of the world
could go to hell, and if a man believed in himself steadfastly, he could
not be harmed by the state of affairs in the rest of the world.

    I took what I might call the Liberal, or Democratic view. Basically,
I believe people are good and try their best to fit in and do what is
asked of them. I do not believe that most people cheat for the sake of
cheating, and I believe that if you are worried about whether to pay the
electric bill or the phone bill, and you have not seen a decent meal in
months, your self-esteem is lowered, and the process of pulling yourself
up by your bootstraps is put further away from your reach. I would not
mind people on food stamps buying steaks, and would not begrudge them
their Puppy Chow for their one true friend.
    Needless to say, I was immediately branded as a bleeding heart, and

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 4

pretty much everything I said somehow got translated into "what we
should do is raise taxes and give it away", while at the same time what
Leon was saying got turned into "I did it on my own, why can't others?"
Obviously, we were at an impass.

    Then it hit me: that is what is wrong, and has been wrong with
America. Could it be that we've gotten so bogged down with labels and
such that we've all lost a little of our humanity?

    I trusted my gut instinct and went with it. Whenever Leon and crew
would head off against social reform, I would mention how poor children
were going without three squares in many parts of America. No one wanted
that, and they all said so.

    It hit me again: we all had been so brainwashed with this view or
that, that we were spewing the party line at one another. It was
amazing; but I figured out how to defeat it.

    I just kept pointing out the real problems that we face in the
world. Every time I felt we were sinking back into a stereotypical haze,
I insisted on pointing out a real-world situation and asking them what
they thought should be done.

    I learned something valuable too. Under all the rhetoric, people do
care about one another. In the course of this shared realization, Leon
was able to see how a law that mandated social change, the Americans
with Disabilities Act, wasn't so much dictatorial big government as it
was bunches of folks with disabilities that just want a chance within a
system not used to handing out chances.

    We all learned a little about ourselves this day. We learned even
more about one another - and that was the truly special event of the
day.

    The elections are now over, and we are all waiting to see how the
new American government will help shape our lives. My great hope is that
in this process, our country can realize the same truth that a bunch of
guys in Birmingham figured out at the barber shop: we have much more to
win together than by losing apart.

Keep your chin up and keep knocking those barriers down.


     Bill Freeman


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November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 5

----------------------------------------------------------------------


Who Are We?
By: - ThE hErEtIc -

             Amps                    Dependent
             Gimp                    Chairbound
             Deafy                   Challenged
             Needy                   Complainer
             Blind                   Handicapped
             Retard                  Unfortunate
             Insane                  Handicapper
             Whiner                  Head Injured
             Shut-in                 Mentally Ill
             Spastic                 Disadvantaged
             Mentals                 Terminally Ill
             Rollers                 Hearing Impaired
             Wheelie                 Mobility Impaired
             Blinkie                 Visually Impaired
             Diseased                Differently Abled
             Helpless                Mentally Defective
             disABLED                Mentally Challenged
             Hopeless                Mobility Challenged
             Disabled                Physically Defective
             Homeless                Physically Challenged
             Survivors               Person with a Disability
             Homebound               Temporarily Altered Body

                        People with Disabilities

       Who are we?    Who are WE?    Who ARE we?     WHO are we?

   I've been wrestling with this one for a long time.  The recent LA
riots following the Rodney King verdict and all the various seasonal
political shenanigans have brought it into sharper focus.  Take a good,
long look around you.  Are people getting along okay?  Are they really
getting along or are they merely content to ignore each other so long as
it suits their purpose?  How do you label yourself?  How do people label
you?

   Each of the above terms was applied to a person or persons with
disabilities in my presence during this last month.  I'm not endorsing
any of them, just reporting what I heard used.  By no means is it a
complete list but it's a sample of how we are perceived by some, and
often, by ourselves.  So I ask myself, "Is there a lesson here?"  Hold
on to that question a minute -- we'll be back to it.

   I heard the phrase, "by people with disabilities, for people with
disabilities" during a discussion.  Not a particularly novel idea,
really.  Nor was it a surprise that some interpret such a statement as
blatantly discriminatory.   It was when I heard the two phrases used in
response that something clicked inside my head.   Mental wheels churned

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 6

as fitful puffs of charred sawdust shot into the air.  These are phrases
I've heard on and off for years which appear to make sense at first but
have always left me with an uneasy feeling.   Here's the first one:

   "... PwDs would do well to remember that everyone has some kind of
obstacles to overcome, nobody does everything with ease, and challenges
are not something they have a lock on.  Further, being discriminated
against is something that every single person alive has had personal
experience with..."

   The insidious part is - on the surface - it's true.  Life is a
struggle and the Forces of Chaos are everywhere.  Crime, poverty, drugs,
and a host of other ills plague the world.  But is that really what's
being said here?  If it's true we all face the same problems, the same
human limitations, why do we need laws restoring equality among
different peoples?  Why do we need laws at all?  If all humankind labors
under the same burden, there's no need to help any one group because
none can demonstrate a clear need.

   It just isn't true.  That phrase really is an expression of denial.
Because some deny the reality into which others are born or thrust
during the course of their lives.  There are, quite clearly,
disadvantaged people forced to work harder with less resources than most
of society.  Being discriminated against is more than just not getting
whatever it is you want.  And those people having experienced real
discrimination are generally able to tell the difference from those who
haven't.

   Here's the second phrase that caught my attention and bothers me:

   "... I fail to understand how someone in a wheelchair can look at a
blind person and say "we're the same" but look at me and say "he's
different..."

   Simply put, most in wheelchairs don't look at the blind person saying
"we're the same".  Blind fight the blind over what it means to be blind
and/or disabled.  Blind fight the deaf.  The deaf fight the deaf.  The
mobility impaired fight the blind and deaf.  Each trying to get the
outside world to understand what is to live as a person with a
disability - their particular disability.  It's why there are so many
disability-specific organizations and so few cross-disability
organizations.  Everyone has their own agenda.

   But there's even a more important and subtle point here.  See, Both
those phrases along with that question I asked a moment ago and all
those words at the beginning - all assume one thing:  that there is some
kind of singular identity for the disabled.  Like the words African-
American, Feminist or being a Democrat.  Some collective way of seeing
all people with disabilities.  And here's the kicker: a way that people
with disabilities see themselves.
   I am physically disabled.  Many things I used to be able to do, I

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 7

cannot do anymore.  Nor will I be able to do them again.  Many more
things require assistance where once I did them alone.  Like most people
with disabilities, I did not ask to be this way and there was no way to
avoid it.  Because people are the way they are - I must have help if I
am to survive in today's world.  But I still wish to live my life with
the freedom and dignity that I should be entitled to.   This isn't self-
pity.  It's reality.

   Through the years, I've been forced to formed many uneasy alliances
with people without disabilities to obtain things necessary for my
survival.  No matter how well-intentioned, I've found few of these
people truly grasp the ordeal of living with a disability day-in-day-out
basis without reprieve.  Sure, they're nice to me.  They try to help.
Too often, however, they subordinate my needs for their own - typically
saying that they "know" what's best for me.  I need them but, no matter
how nice they are about it, they rob me of individual freedom for the
sake of programmatic expediency and personal convenience.  Perhaps the
worst part is, while I need them, they have no need of me.  And we both
know it.

   Primordial ooze.  DNA soup.  The stuff where life begins.  A
beginning.  There is a lesson here.  The definition of a problem is the
start of something called a solution.

   It has to do with a singular identity for people with disability.  In
general, I've found a higher level of comfort among other people with
disabilities.  It is not a unique observation.  It's also not universal
- but most other people with disabilities understand what I'm going
through and have direct identification with what I am feeling.   Which
leads us to the Disability Community.  Many use that phrase to describe
that grouping of divergent disability interests.   I've often wondered
just what Disability Community is.  Does it really exist?  What are we
that we should consider ourselves as such a community?

   COMMUNITY [Latin, "to be within bounds" or common]: The state of
being held in common; common possession, enjoyment, liability, etc.;
common character; agreement; identity; social intercourse; association;
life in association with others; the social state; a number of
individuals associated together by the fact of residence in the same
locality, or of subjection to the same laws and regulations; a number of
persons having common ties or interests and living in the same locality;

   Did you see that?  Sharing a common character or condition.   There
is such a thing as disability community, whether or not we recognize it
as such.  There is a Santa Claus, Virginia.  We do have something in
common that separates us from them.  We have disabilities.  Some great,
some small.  Some deadly, some merely inconvenient, with all ranges in
between.  All significantly alter the way we must live compared to those
on the outside.  And that's what makes us different.

   Fine.   Now what?  We still have different needs as people with

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 8

differing kinds of disability even if we do acknowledge this disability
community.  What do we do with that?

   Within community, there is something called CULTURE [Latin, "cult"]:
the acquired ability of an individual or a people to recognize and
appreciate generally accepted esthetic and intellectual excellence; the
esthetic and intellectual achievement of civilization or community;
also, the total of human behavior patterns and technology communicated
from generation to generation.

   Individual or collective expressions brought about by characteristics
native to our life condition.  See?  It's okay for the blind to have
their own expression within the Disability Community!  And the deaf, and
those with chronic illness, and on and on and on.  We each bring
something different and valuable to the concept of Disability Community.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  We need each other.  As
part of a culture and a community, I can both give and receive comfort,
advise, help and all the other things necessary for "being all we can
be!"

   A Culturist is a proponent of cultivation; an advocate or devotee of
culture.  To be cultured is to be cultivated.  To grow progressively
more enlightened or refined.  That's just what we need do.  Cultivate or
grow a more positive image of what it means to be people with
disabilities.  Build ourselves up instead of letting others tear us
down.  Instead of wresting political power and forcing ourselves into
their society, we quietly go about creating our own identity.

   We must make a positive contribution to our own lives by openly
creating a Disability Community supporting specific disability cultures.

We must create, cultivate and grow ourselves as human beings.  We must
see our intrinsic value and not be defined by the able-bodied who
surround us.  We must be comfortable with ourselves before we demand
others be comfortable with us.  We must cease hiding the light of our
talents and let the beauty of our humanity shine forth, not as followers
but as leaders striving for personal excellence and creative self-
expression.

   It is less of an issue how the world sees us than an issue of how we
see ourselves.

                             - ThE hErEtIc -

   The Heretic considers himself to be a Nonlinear Dynamicist of
Disability Policy.   You're encouraged to share your thoughts by writing
to him in care of this newsletter.

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November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 9

=======================================================================

                           A R T I C L E S

=======================================================================


Conflict Resolution - Part Four of Seven
By: Dr. Robert B. Johnstone

  Copyrights 1947-1991 by Dr Robert B. Johnstone

  (Editor's note:  Bob Johnstone kindly gave us permission to
  release his Conflict Resolution here in the JADA in the hopes
  that it will help many deal with stress.)


Stop using old fashioned mental techniques you have learned to create
relaxation and practice the process described here.

NEVER do anything to TRY to relax, if you do, it takes longer to create
relaxation.  Conscious levels of the mind, will fail for subconscious
levels, control the autonomic nervous system, they control all physical
responses, just * let * them do the job they were designed to do
automatically, as you practice.

Sit or lie in a comfortable position and loosen any tight clothing.
Close your eyes, (research has shown that with this simple physical
action, the brain produces alpha in most people, within 30 seconds to
one minute and the even longest, within three minutes.  This means, that
you produce the brain waves necessary to effectively communicate with
your mind in powerful ways, getting suggestions to the subconscious.

At you sit or lie with your eyes closed, think about a pleasant memory
out in nature.  Not necessarily the BEST experience that you ever had.
Perhaps a time, just walking through a park.  There is one near here,
called Mile Square park, with a lake, ducks, and people go fishing
there.  I may think about times we went for picnics, flying radio
controlled planes.  Sitting in the grass on a comfortable spring day,
watching the children pull boats thru the water. You probably have many
similar memories.

Now, use this as a memory, that could represent many similar memories
you might not even be thinking about.....

While thinking of the Physical relaxation you experience.....

Press the thumb and finger on your left hand, FIRMLY.

Press it for a moment, no more than a second. Let your fingers relax.
(EACH time you press your fingers, then let them relax.)
Be aware of a PHYSICAL FEELING, from this memory, which could represent

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 10

similar memories.  Press the thumb and finger on your left hand, FIRMLY.

Be aware of a memory, where you enjoyed talking with a friend or someone
who agreed with you and then press the thumb and fingers, FIRMLY.

Be aware of PHYSICAL FEELING, which could represent similar memories or
feelings and press your LEFT thumb and fingers..... FIRMLY.

Then, be aware of a memory, that seems VERY REAL to you.

Perhaps you enjoyed hugging a child or someone gave you a Hug.

Press the thumb and finger on your left hand, FIRMLY.

Be aware of a PHYSICAL FEELING, which could represent similar memories
or feelings and press your left thumb and fingers.....

Then, be aware of a memory, where you enjoyed a comedy or comedian and
Press the thumb and finger on your left hand. (These type of experiences
are the MOST IMPORTANT.)

Be aware of a PHYSICAL FEELING, which could represent similar memories
or feelings and press your left thumb and fingers.....

Repeat the steps above with other memories, all kinds of simple
pleasures.

Times that you enjoyed a cool glass of juice, when your mouth felt dry,
etc.

Perhaps a time that you enjoyed eating a favorite fruit.  (My wife
thinks about strawberries, I think about fantastic blue-berries or
blackberries that I used to pick fresh in Mass, when I was 5-9 years
old.)

Think about these memories in whatever way that you can.  It is not
important to visualize, although you may.

Others might think that the most important part of their favorite
memories was the music and they would gain benefits from listening to
soothing tapes or records with their eyes closed to intensify their
concentration on the sounds.

Others, might think about their feelings or emotions and the physical
sensations were the most important part of memories......

Just do whatever feels good, as long as you focus on the pleasant
physical feelings that you can recall feeling and realize these physical
feelings could represent other memories you might not even be thinking
about.
Read these instructions twice a day, once out loud as fast as possible.

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 11

Then read them silently, thinking about what they mean to you.  By doing
this, you can know them within 30 days as well as if you used them 5
years.

  (Continued in part five.....)


======================================================================
[                                                                     ]
[                          FROM THE MANY, ONE                         ]
[                                                                     ]
[ A series of articles by Tammy Zeller recounting her experiences     ]
[ with Multiple Personality Syndrome.  For an overview of the M_P_D   ]
[ echo see the article by Jack Zeller, M_P_D Moderator, in JADA0592.  ]
[ Part one was published in JADA0692, part two was published in       ]
[ JADA0792, part three was published in JADA0892 and part four was    ]
[ published in JADA0992.                                              ]
=======================================================================


From the Many, One - Part Five of Five
By: Tammy Zeller


                          COMING OUT....

In view, of what has happen up to this point, it may seem like a lot but
really is not..(to me that is).

In 1980, Megan was born, Jack and J.W.'s third child....we then moved to
Florida, 3 months later...in moving into a new apartment, and two babies
to take care of and the memory of the second child still weighing heavy
on our mind...it was rather stressful....but we managed....

Interia, started decorating the place..I felt good...then, the curtains
were a little off...I'm talking a whole quarter of an inch, here...
Interia told Arlene, and Arlene ripped the curtains out of the
wall...(shock) I was indeed shocked that I had done this...but I didn't
do it...now I was coming aware of what was really going on, and what has
been going on for years....my thoughts were....are you crazy!!!!what did
you do that for? why? where did the anger come from? much confusion....

Days went bye very fast, so fast I could not keep up with them...I
noticed that I was losing time...along with my mind....my periods were
abnormal...bleeding to much, or not at all....Jack was confused also...
he didn't know what was coming next from me...then again...neither did
I.....the body age is now..23...for the next 7 years we were in and out
hospitals, D and C's...saw a shrink, she gave us some type of pill...
that made the body like a zombie...so that was stopped, quick!!! but I
was still swinging from mood to mood....now I knew I was switching...the
switching in my system occurred every 3 to 5 seconds...there was no

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 12

fore-warning of the switch....

As the years passed and the d and c"s didn't work...and the meds didn't
work..the system developed its own medical team.."The Research Team
"..it comprised of one o.b...one pediatrician...one shrink...one
scientist..(geez..you would think with all this knowledge I would be
able to spell) to help us to get well...since no one else seems to give
a hoot....so the project began....we got more violent...and the system
got smarter....at 26 we had a hysterectomy...we had a growth inside of
the uterus, about the size of a grapefruit....and who found the right
person to handle it and the one who found it...the system did...after 3
years of suffering and a lot of B.S. ...now at the same time the seeker
had taken us out to get us well mentally....because Tammy now knew there
was something very wrong...and she doesn't like it when there is
something wrong with her...it must be fixed right away....

With the removal of the uterus...the hormones go nuts....so now not only
was she messed up mentally..with what ever..(still not diagnosed at this
time) the hormonal imbalance did not help the situation....the violence
became a way of life for her.. Arlene and Alan were out most all the
time....you could not say anything to her...if it was not said in the
right tone of voice....or the right body language....

Communication in the family was little or none....I did not understand
what was going on...I would watch myself do things and say things and
not have any control over what was going on....so it went on this way
for awhile...the seeker still took us out to find a shrink...every
chance he got...at this time we were sleeping anywhere from 12 to 16
hours a day...isolation, was the way we lived.....so the seeker had his
work cut out for him......the pressure cooker was on...and about to
blow!!

                          Time out..

My life was hell at this time...and wouldn't know it...my brother shows
up with some bimbo and a little girl...."I only need to stay one
night"...the one night lasted 8 months....Jack was supporting all of
us...

It wasn't long after that...that I got sick...I went to lunch with my
girl friend..(bye the way..who is now dead...cancer) and all I remember
was taking a bite of an English muffin....next thing I know is I wake up
in a hospital 3 days later...just as they were getting to transport me
to Jackson Memorial...they can deal with coma patients better there....

I remember when I opened my eyes, there were all these people standing
around..I knew them all...but then faded...my thoughts "I must be
hallucinating"...then someone said "Tammy..." I looked and no was
there..."Tammy", again it came...I looked again...and still no one
there....out loud, (now i am talking) "Boy you are losing your
cookies"...get a grip....so, I thought let me just wash my face....I

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 13

went to get out of bed and to my surprise I could not walk....I was mad
instantly....started cussing ...and so on....then someone said what else
can the body not do....but at this time Tammy was only interested that
she could not walk....so the rest was left for later....I think that if
I would have known at that moment exactly what I had lost and what I
would have to do regain what I lost, I would have kissed the world good
bye....so thank God the system did not let me know.....

We learned how to walk again...and talk again...and recognize some
things....we did what we had to do to get out of there....we went home
...the first thing the system did was put the research team to work..and
the seeker was sent out once again but for another reason.....cognitive
therapy....one of our friends was this person...Phyllis.....while going
to her...the body would present itself in many different forms and
personalities....and it was she who the system first introduced itself
to....she helped us as much as possible in trying to find someone who
could help diagnose us....she knew we were mpd...but was not qualified
to do anything about it.....so the seeker took over and she helped as
much as possible with the others...the system suffered a lot of damaged
from the coma.....as you can see the spelling is still not up to
par...nor is math skills...and some others...the deficits lays on the
left side of the brain...so I must teach the right side to do what the
left was doing...it is not easy..I get mad at myself a lot....I have had
many years of school..including college...I did retain my working skills
and common sense...the academic I am still working on...and I am now
34....they told me some of it will come back to me as I heal...and what
I don't get back after 5 years is what I have to learn to live with....

I can say that I have adjusted to this..I still read a lot and I still
teach myself many things that most people take for granted everyday.....

I am a SURVIVOR!!!!!

There are many other events that I did not include in the upper
text...and everyday living skills that I had to relearn....one thing
that I am grateful for was that, what was wiped from me was the memories
of childhood...I have no known memories of childhood...1 to 8 years of
age...but the rest..I do remember..and I think that is enough to deal
with in this life time.....

                           past lives...in system

One of the things also that I was able to experience was past lives....I
was not consciously aware of that fact....it was a part of my life
....the research team was very good at what they did...they help Tammy
out a lot.....I am now very much aware of this event when it comes....
the past lives live on the outside of the system....and was only allowed
to help....but not allowed to enter the system itself...no one was....
and no one did....many came close...but no one ever got into the
system...to where everything was going on...the system would open itself
up only if it would benefit the research team....so all could

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 14

learn...without giving up top much information...

I believe everyone at one time or another will experience a past life
event...welcome it....you may learn something about yourself.....

                      recovery....

After 22 shrinks and 3 years of searching....Dr.Lefkof came to our
rescue...via this computer....over the next month we decided to go to
him....actually it took 3 months...we were scared....but we went ...and
learned many things about this body and what its memories had to
hold....there were not nice memories....but it explained a lot...the
more we understood about mpd the more we wanted to get well and get on
with life....and that what we did....30 days in...60 days out....

The next trip the system integrated...not everyone, a few at a time...as
the system learned what to do and how to do it ..it started doing it on
its own...

The problem with coming home the first time...was there no one here like
me to talk to...it's hard to talk to someone that is not mpd...Jack then
set out to put together the echo as you now see it...so that when I came
home I would be able to talk to others like myself....what was funny
about the whole thing was that I did not sign on to the echo until this
year...it was up and on line for a year before i came on it.....I am so
glad i did....

As of January of this year I integrated all personalities....more than
150...I am now considered s.p.d.....but, not really well for 2
years...it takes about 2 years of living s.p.d. for doctors to say  "yes
you are now cured of mpd..."

I can respect this...it has only been 6 months...and many times I keep
crossing the line into the mpd world...I must teach myself new coping
skills or I will always be mpd..just a high functioning one....the way
one copes with life and it stressors...in a normal manner without
switching ....the road of recovery does not end with integration....it
is only the beginning!!!!!!

n being involved with the echo I get a lot of validation..plus I get to
see people I know from being on the echo grow and blossom in to what and
who there were meant to be....I get a great feeling of comfort from
that....know that others will be where I am now...and I will again be
able to talk with them on what this level of recovery is like....I am
also glad to share this information with Adanet users....so that they in
turn may help someone who may need it....

Thank you all so much for letting me write this for you...I hope it did
not confuse you...some of it was written from my point of view of being
well and some of when I was not so well.....
If you have any question about the article, please leave netmail...Tammy

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 15

Zeller, 1:369/34......

p.s...   good things come to those who wait......the time may not be
now, but soon...

Knowledge is the healer......

Tammy..

======================================================================


WHEELCHAIR ATHLETE USES SPACE-AGE TRICYCLE IN QUEST
The Sunday Montgomery Advertiser
July 26, 1992

Huntsville - One of the world's top wheelchair athletes has a space-age
tricycle to help him in his efforts to regain records he once held.

Doug Kennedy, 34, of Haleyville, is headed to Barcelona, Spain, with a
tricycle designed and built by a team of engineers from the space agency
and contractors.

The T-frame racing cycle was crafted from scrap titanium and graphite
left over from the Hubble Space Telescope and other spacecraft projects,
along with some graphite tape nearing the end of its shelf life.

The project began when the Easter Seal Association asked for help from
the Marshall Space Flight Center in developing a flexible wheelchair
suspension.

Bill Snoddy, deputy director of program development, suggested engineers
contact Mr. Kennedy to get a wheelchair user's point of view.

Mr. Kennedy, who was paralyzed below his rib cage in a fall eight years
ago, worked with them.  He learned that epoxy-resin graphite compounds
were stiffer and stronger than steel and asked if they could be used for
a racing wheelchair frame.

Conventional wheelchairs weigh 50 pounds.  Current metal racing
wheelchairs average 15 pounds.  Mr. Kennedy's new chair weighs 17
pounds, but it is 4-1/2 times stiffer, Martin Marietta engineer John
Cranston said.

When Mr. Kennedy pushed the wheels of his old chair, the frame would
bend from one-eighth to one-fourth inch, particularly in the area of
several welds.  The stiff composite frame now makes better use of the
energy from Mr. Kennedy's arms.

"Every bit of energy he puts in goes to the road," Mr. Cranston said.
"This design does not flex at all."

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 16

Engineers have now designed a new main body tube that is elliptical and
just as strong but slightly lighter.

Mr. Kennedy finished fourth in his first race using the new chair, but
the had broken his handlebars, the fender was rubbing the tires, and he
had devoted more time to promoting the race than training.

Even so, his time was 10 seconds faster than his previous best time.

"We know we're getting the advantage we want," Mr. Cranston said.

Mr. Kennedy will try the chair again next month in a race in Pigeon
Forge, Tenn.  Then comes his biggest test, the World Para-Olympics in
Barcelona, Spain, two weeks after the World Olympics there.  He plans to
compete in the 200-meter, 800-meter, five-kilometer and marathon.

In October, he hopes to win the $35,000 purse in a Pennsylvania race.

"I believe I can shave 30 seconds off compared to the old chair," said
Mr. Kennedy, who is determined to regain his world record status in the
10-kilometer and 1,500-meter races.

NASA engineers envision other applications to help the disabled.

A conventional wheelchair using epoxy-resin graphite and titanium could
be used by people whose age or ailments make it difficult for them to
manage heavier designs.

Improved walkers, braces, splits, frames for hospital beds and
stretchers, portable IV bag poles, crutch tops, elevated toilet seats
and canes could make it easier for people to cope with old age or
physical disabilities, Marshall officials said.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Major Surgery, A Scarey But Educational Experience
By Eric Clegg

Emergencies in life are never planned. They just happen ready or not!
This was the way things were with me on Saint Patrick's day this year.

I had just taken delivery of an Arkenstone Reader Ii and was looking
forward to having my local computer dealer come over for the evening to
install a second card and to lots of interesting conversation.  Yes,
Clegg's luck as usual was holding true to form, the first card did not
work properly, in fact, it kept failing most of its diagnostic tests.

EARLIER that evening, I had eaten a supper of corned beef and cabbage,
the installation of the new card had gone perfectly, it even worked well

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 17

and my friend left to go home.

At around midnight the pain in the stomach I'd been feeling circling my
navel began to intensify. I wondered if I had gotten food poisoned. At
around 1:30 Am the pain stopped circling the wagons and settled
somewhere on my right front side around the area where the appendix is
to be found.

What to do? As many blind persons do I live alone. I had bailed out of a
20 year marriage some two years ago and moved west to Sacramento,
California with my possessions and my Siamese cat Sasha. Closest family,
my girlfriend, also a Federationist lives in Stockton, a town some 45
miles from me. Worse yet, in the two years I had lived in Sacramento I'd
not picked either a physician nor a hospital.

I went to bed still thinking I'd been food poisoned having taken some
aspirin deciding I could deal with the situation in the morning. of
course Sasha was her usual helpful Siamese self offering to lie on my
stomach particularly the part on the right that hurt, just to keep it
warm. I immediately threatened her with the loss of one of her nine
lives if she didn't move.

The next day came bright and early and the pain was still there not
worse but just dull and persistent. I packed a suitcase with the
essentials but of course forgot a bathrobe although the Sony 2010 and
plenty of Braille reading material were  included.  Interestingly
enough, on Wednesday March 18, I was scheduled for a dentists
appointment. I called to cancel letting them know that I would have to
enter the hospital to deal with possible appendicitis. I also inquired
which hospital in the Sacramento area they might recommend? The
receptionist indicated that she thought Sutter Memorial was as good as
any. I called my cab and took myself to the emergency room.

Please understand, all this was new and strange to me. I have only been
in the hospital once in my life to have my tonsils removed. This
happened while I was a child and I have no real memory of this. Also, I
had read in the Monitor  and elsewhere medical horror stories
encountered by blind persons bent on getting needed medical services. I
really did not know what to expect. I figured I would deal with things
as they came. In fact, there were only two condescending incidents that
occurred during my stay in hospital which I will describe subsequently.

Initial impressions proved quite surprising. The person at emergency
took the needed information from my insurance card then I was hustled
off to another area and immediately put into a bed with fluids beginning
to pump into my pains. At around 11 in the morning some 2-1/2 hours
after checking in a dr. Wagner came to examine me. Again, I was treated
with respect and absolutely no condescension. In fact, I learned later
from one of the night nurses that in her opinion I had gotten the best
surgeon in the house.

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 18

Meanwhile realizing that I was probably in for a few days stay I
contacted my reader to let him know I would be indisposed for a while.
Contacting my girlfriend Ellen proved to be more interesting. She had
been assigned a new work number which I did not have. I didn't really
have the time to spend a while on hold talking with her agency. under
these circumstances many blind persons would do what I did. Contact the
family that we all have, the National Federation of the Blind. I
proceeded to contact my local chapter president who passed my message
to a friend in Stockton to have him contact Ellen for me.

The message she got at work was slightly garbled, translating something
like Eric is ill,  but she managed to finally contact me.

At 3 Pm I was scheduled for surgery. I was wheeled into the operating
room which sounded reverberant like an old garage and not what one
pictures feeling or sounding like one of those operating theaters found
on a Tv type medical show and prepared myself mentally for the surgery.
Again, everyone was great, they all introduced themselves then I began
receiving the anesthetic.  This was really strange, one minute I was
counting down as ordered, the next minute the surgery was over and I was
lying in the recovery room thirsty and Uncomfortable waiting for the
required 45 minutes before being brought back to my room. My doctor also
informed me that I had been lucky. The appendix was dead and rotten.They
had caught it in time before it burst although it was certainly close to
being perforated.

 The next few days I can only describe as a blur. I remember highlights
like waking up to be checked every few hours and being pumped full of
demorall and listening to various public radio stations but nothing
continuous. one thing I do recall was the astounding lack of control one
feels in a hospital setting. I had to get assistance to go to the
bathroom. This was needed because at first I was as weak as a kitten and
also it was necessary to drag my i.v. everywhere I went, a large
cumbersome device that looked like an oversized top heavy microphone
stand.

hospitals in some ways are like little fiefedoms. They run by their own
rules and there is no explaining them. An example of this involved using
my electric razor. The nurse explained that my radio was all right. It
ran on batteries but to use my razor it would have to be inspected for
electrical safety and compatibility by the electrical inspector. I asked
if they had a substitute razor I might use. She explained that they
didn't.  I assured her that this razor had been used in many locations
and even in other countries without say for instance starting fires
and she relented. I soon discovered after creeping around the floor at 1
am looking for an outlet that the hospital electrical system was
equipped with the type of electrical outlets that automatically
disconnect if they sense a ground fault.

The diet during Thursday and Friday was horrible. It was described to me
as clear liquids. This meant salty broths, not very appetizing gelatin

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 19

deserts and some very good juices, cranberry orange etc. Nurses
explained that many patients get sick to their stomaches and can't eat
solid foods right away.  Anyway, I was promised a solid meal by
Saturday. You could pick whatever you wanted to eat from a menu. I
remember ordering a grilled cheese sandwich. I can't tell you when solid
food tasted so good. I could have even had steak Diane if I had wanted
that.

By Saturday and Sunday I began feeling much more myself. Besides, my
girlfriend had come up to Sacramento and she had visited on both those
days. Also, by now I was eating solid foods. On Saturday evening I
managed to wangle a midnight snack and on Sunday night well early Monday
morning I was able to obtain a cheese burger from the cafeteria. I
remember quipping to one of the nurses, that a  cheese burger a  day
keeps the infection away. These little things really made quite a
difference in my hospital stay.

How was I treated by the hospital staff? Two of the nurses in particular
were really wonderful. One was a Japanese lady named Kim who attended me
during the day and the other was the night nurse named Cheryl. these
people made the mundane tasks of changing dressings, and i.V's and
giving me pain shots almost a pleasure. We also had a number of good
conversations and deep discussions.

On Friday morning the one of two staff members who would mar this
hospital stay came into my room. let's call her Rosa. This nurse who
seemed to be of foreign extraction and not overly bright, came in to
change an I.v. I don't think she have ever run across a blind person in
her life. She kept telling me that she was pregnant and was about to
have a child and of course, she messed up the changing of the I.v. I was
uncomfortable with this for the rest of the day and the folks from I.v.
Therapy had to come during the night to adjust this again. I began
referring to i.v. Therapy as I.v. misery. Besides wondering which mail
order nursing diploma mill this one had received her training from, I
flagged Rosa as possible trouble in my mind and thought no more about
it.

Monday morning was discharge time and the doctors asked me if I would be
hiring a visiting nurse to do the necessary and arcane task of changing
of the dressings twice a day. I responded that my girlfriend would be
taking care of this task for me. Ellen is one of the most competent
people I know and I did not think that the hospital needed to know that
she too is blind. She came on Monday morning along with one of our
sighted friends.

Hospital staff said I couldn't leave until these above mentioned tasks
could be explained to us by one of the nurses. and, who should they send
in to do the explaining but Rosa of the I.V. changing fame. We were
afraid that they might not let us out of the hospital when they
discovered that the person who would be acting as my visiting nurse was
blind. I also must admit I did not treat Rosa with all the grace in the

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 20

world. I still remembered the pain of the Iddv. and her self absorbed
concerns regarding her soon to be born child. When she saw Ellen she
freaked out. She wanted to know who would sign the necessary discharge
papers, looking at our sighted friend imploringly? I of course said that
I would and proceeded to sign them. She made a complicated production of
explaining what is a very simple procedure. Saturate a dressing with
saline solution, cover the wound and tape a dry dressing over the
saturated one. Yes Rosa did have some trouble with the English language
but I still believe as I had said earlier that she'd never dealt with a
blind person and having two of them with in one room at the same time
just proved too much for her.

The next incident occurred with regard to transportation. this is
hospital jargon for taking a patient in a wheelchair to the discharge
area. The orderly that came had also it seemed never seen a blind
person. He just about ran down some poor lady in the hall way and
proceeded to ask me some of the inane questions sighted persons often
ask blind persons. Why don't you have a guide dog? Do you live with your
family? Oh is that girl who is with you your sister? When he saw me
signing my name at the hospitals insurance office he had to of course
marvel about that. I tried to tolerantly explain that this was no great
accomplishment. He proceeded to explain that he was married to a lawyer
and that she was an environmentalist. My girlfriend also wondered later
how a supposedly intelligent lawyer could marry someone like that. Our
friend informed us that the guy actually did look cute, a California
surfer type. We concluded that maybe this lawyer admired other
characteristics about this hospital orderly rather than his brains.

Why was my hospital stay so relatively uneventful and generally lacking
in discriminatory and condescending treatment. Was it because the staff
admired my sparkling personality. No, I don't think so. Were most of
these people particularly  trained or had they been especially
sensitized in dealing with blind persons? No, I don't believe that is
the answer either.

I do believe that the half century plus of public education conducted by
the National Federation of the Blind is starting to pay off. Also, I am
lucky to live in a state and in a part of the country where blind
persons suffer less mistreatment on a daily basis than they do
elsewhere.  It is no accident that we have a strong and vigilant NFB
chapter here in Sacramento.

In short, I experienced a  normal hospital stay, Aside from the two
previously related incidents. I was treated in the way we all wish to be
treated as a normal person who just happens to go into the hospital to
have his appendix removed. This is a regular surgical procedure and,
fortunately relatively little fuss was made of me. I received the type
of treatment that we are striving as a movement to receive in all areas
of our lives.

What about the discrimination I experienced? The incident with the

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 21

orderly can be dispatched quickly. I was dealing with a flake. You risk
meeting people like this every day. His ignorant and silly questions can
be soon  forgotten. Someone like this is a pain but not really harmful
in the long term scheme of things.

Rosa the foreign pregnant nurse is something else again! I myself was
born in Lima Peru South America having obtained American citizenship in
1979. Someone from another country can have towering and archaic
misconceptions about blindness. In many foreign countries blind persons
cannot attain much of anything in the way of a normal life. Their only
future may involve begging on the streets of the capital city or working
in some primitive sheltered shop. Rosa had probably seen blind persons
of that ilk, she was also having to adjust as a immigrant to American
ways or culture. I usually try speaking in Spanish to persons whom I
believe will respond to this favorably. I did not however, make such an
effort with her.

States like California are starting to fill up fast with immigrants both
legal and illegal ones. We may have to change our patterns of outreach
and public education. We will have to try to educate people like Rosa
concerning the abilities of the blind and what it truly means to be a
blind person, because we will have to deal with more persons like her as
the years go by.

In conclusion,  my stay in the hospital was quite normal in fact what we
as a people's movement are striving to achieve. I was really lucky. This
fact was brought home forcefully to me by observing a patient near me in
the emergency room who was pregnant, had diabetes and had been brought
in after being injured in a car versus bus accident. There was another
patient on my floor who needed to have her lungs percussed every few
hours in order to breathe properly and she'd been in the hospital some
45 days. Hospitals are truly a place for the sick and the dying. Even
though I'd had major surgery I knew I would soon be healed and begin to
once again lead a normal life. If you have to be sick and find yourself
in Northern California you could do no worse than Sutter Memorial
Hospital.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


MOST POWERFUL MEDICINE IS HOPE, DOCTORS FIND
The Sunday Montgomery Advertiser
June 21, 1992
by Victor Cohn
Washington Post Writer

The patient was Karyne Messina, a Chevy Chase, Md., psychotherapist with
breast cancer.  She had been thrown into depression not only by the
cancer but also by her oncologist, a cancer specialist who "just gave me
some numbers, nothing more, no encouragement."

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 22

Then, she said, she found Jerome Canter, a surgeon who operated on her
and helped her get further treatment.  "Dr. Canter treats me as an
individual, not a statistic," she said.  "Now I have a good treatment.
I feel optimistic."

What this doctor had given her was one of the most powerful of
medicines:  hope.

It is a medicine with many forms - for some, hope of a cure, for others,
hope of being treated compassionately, or hope of learning to live and
smile again, despite a continuing disease.  And often, simply, the hope
of finishing life in peace and dignity.

Some students of medicine believe that hope may sustain and enrich life,
hence its power.  Even those who question whether hope can cure agree
that the lack of a positive attitude can hurt.

But there is no "hope pill."

How do doctors or others who give care give hope?

Examine the case of Cathy Ackerman, a 31-year-old Laytonsville, Md.,
woman who has been trying to become pregnant for five years.  She has
had repeated procedures and medications.  Her husband, Kyle, has had
surgery to correct a spermatic tube defect.  Since November, she has
undergone four artificial inseminations with her husband's strongly
concentrated sperm.

So far, as Kyle put it one recent evening, "nothing."

Yet, as this couple sat in the office of Maryland fertility specialist
Dr. Paul Feldman, they smiled and laughed despite their pain, and they
discussed their future options:  attempts at in vitro or "test tube"
fertilization, adoption or acceptance of a child-free life.

Whatever they do, wherever they do it, "Ill always be there for you,"
Dr. Feldman told them.  "You can always call me.  You can always come
see me.  I'll always be your doctor."

"With some physicians," said Cathy Ackerman, "getting pregnant is the
be-all and end-all, but Dr. Feldman says, 'You're not a failure if you
don't get pregnant.  There still can be a good life.'  We appreciate
that."

What the Ackermans said they appreciate is being given hope that choices
are available, but, whatever their future, there still can be laughter
and love.

They found hope in this doctor's caring, the fact that he would "be
there" for them.
Doctors, psychologists and others who study medical care say there are

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 23

many ways of giving hope:  reassuring, assiduously training, helping a
patient draw on inner resources.  But one trait, they said, is crucial:
imparting the feeling that those who are caring for the patient care.

Many doctors today, facing the constraints of time, paperwork and
insurance hassles, openly wonder how to give sick patients this kind of
caring.  Canadian psychologist Ronna Fay Jevne (in her recent book, "It
All Begins With Hope") said:  "Caring does not necessarily take extra
time.  You can convey caring by your tone of voice, touch and eye
contact, as well as by words."

Yet time is sometimes necessary.  "How do I give hope to patients?"
asked Elsie Young, director of mental-health services at Washington's
Whitman-Walker Clinic for AIDS and other patients.  "By sitting with
them, being honest with them, learning their feelings."

It is no secret that this kind of caring and communicating does not
always happen.

Sociologist Candace West watched pediatricians at a large teaching
hospital and found that less than 6 percent of their communications to
mothers were positive "friendly remarks, joking, agreement (or)
support."  They tended instead to make "neutral informational
statements" and only rarely used such simple courtesies as
introductions, greetings or patients' names.

Breast-cancer patient Karyne Messina "was very upset when I first saw
her, she'd gone into a tailspin," aid Dr. Canter.  Her husband, Gary,
explained; "That was because we'd gone to one of those mass practices
where they move you through like a McDonald's and you can hardly talk to
the doctors."

This was hardly unusual.  Physicians, pressed for time, lacking
training, in some cases not really caring, typically avoid asking
patients about their emotions, said Deborah Roter, a Johns Hopkins
University psychologist and student of doctor-patient encounters.

She also said they can change.  She and her associate, Judity Hall, gave
groups of physicians eight hours' training in listening and dealing with
distress.  They then followed the patients of these and other doctors
and found significantly less stress among those whose doctors had
learned to convey their concern.

Can optimism, determination, a positive attitude - key elements of hope
- actually help cure or at least extend life?

"I do believe a patient's attitude can have an ameliorating effect on
the course of the disease," said Dr. Canter.  "Whether physical or
psychological, I'll leave that to people smarter than I.  But I believe
it."
There are studies that bolster that view.  At Stanford University,

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 24

psychiatrist David Spiegel randomly assigned 86 women with advanced
breast cancer either to a control group of patients who got routine
medical care or to a group who also attended support sessions for
emotional reinforcement.

He expected no biological effect, only a psychological one.  Yet, he
reported in the British journal, "Lancet," those in the support group
survived an average 37 months, nearly twice as long as the 19 months for
the other group.

Jimme Holland, psychiatry chief at New York's Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center, called this "the first study that I think is
scientifically sound that has shown some change in survival."

Other studies have suggested that positive feelings may reinforce the
immune system, the body's defense department.  For example, researchers
at the University of California at Los Angeles studied 80 patients with
malignant melanoma, a serious skin cancer.  Most of those who attended a
support group showed an increase in production of the kind of immune
cells that suppress tumor growth.

As a provocative as such results may be, most scientists believe there
is not yet enough solid evidence to show that a positive state of mind
can cure disease, and it is wrong to make patients think so, since they
may blame themselves if the disease progresses.

No one denies, however, that lack of hope may adversely affect a
patient's outcome, if only because a successful treatment usually
demands the effort of both physician and patient.

"With relentless regularity, patients who give up quickly deteriorate,"
say David Reiser and David Rosen, University of Rochester physicians in
their book, "Medicine as a Human Experience."

"I never operate on a patient who thinks he's going to die," the late
Charles W. Mayo told me 30 years ago.  The son of one of the founders of
the Mayo Clinic explained that too often, the prediction comes true.
"I've seen this happen.  I don't know why, but there needs to be
something inside us that wants to survive."

He also gave hope.  As he made rounds once, an elderly woman scheduled
for surgery told him she was afraid because, "I have nobody with me."
He put his hand on her shoulder and said, "I'll be with you."

The goal, doctors say, is to give hope without giving false hope, which
can turn into despair and bitterness.

Joseph Croft, a rheumatologist, was frank when he began treating Ann
Porter in the later 1960's.  Now 65, Porter, a Silver Spring, Md.,
grandmother, began developing rheumatoid arthritis, a painful and
crippling disease, 30 years ago.  She was treated by other doctors, then

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 25

Dr. Croft.

He had to tell her there was no cure.  "I believe in looking things
right in the eye," he explained.  "I believe in saying, 'Here's what
you've got,' but also, 'Here's how we'll try to keep you out of
trouble.' "

So he also told her, "your worst fears are unlikely.  There are
medicines.  Most people can manage.  It will take a lot of mutual
effort, but in the vast majority of cases we can prevent you from being
bedridden."

Eugene Erman is a Los Angeles surgeon particularly known among
colleagues and patients for a caring touch during 33 years of practice.
"Caring in itself offers hope," he explained.

How do doctors show that they care?

By taking time to know patients, said Dr. Eran and others.  By talking,
listening, easing fears, taking a patient a step at a time.  By probing,
asking questions.  By asking, "How are you feeling?" not just physically
but more deeply.

True communicating is crucial.  Dr. Erman said, "It means talking, it
means listening.  This is what people are crying for.  That I want
someone to listen to me as a person and understand what I'm talking
about."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


GOVERNMENT TO REOPEN CASES INVOLVING DISABILITY BENEFITS
The Sunday Montgomery Advertiser
April 19, 1992

New York - The U.S. government has agreed to reconsider tens of
thousands of cases in which benefits were denied people who said they
could not work because of mental or physical ailments, according to a
published report.

The agreement is part of a proposed settlement of a lawsuit filed on
behalf of more than 200,000 New York state residents, "The New York
Times" reported Sunday.

Those who prove they were wrongfully denied benefits could receive lump
sum payments of $3,000 to $6,000 a year for up to 4-1/2 years, the
"Times" said.

The settlement applies only to New York residents, but lawyers say it
could set a pattern for other parts of the country.
It still requires court approval, which lawyers for both sides have

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 26

recommended.

The settlement would affect any New Yorker denied benefits at any time
in the 11 years since the Reagan administration purged the Social
Security disability rolls.  Benefits are supposed to be paid to anyone
who cannot engage in any "substantial gainful activity."

The Reagan administration was widely criticized for the purse.  Appeals
court judges complained that as people sued for benefits they were
forced to issue rulings again and again in identical cases because the
government would not follow court precedents.

Letters are to go out within eight months of the final settlement to
people denied benefits, since 1981.  They will have six months to ask
that their claims be re-examined.

In the cases of people who have died, surviving spouses, and children
may be entitled to some or all of their benefits.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


INFORMATION ON STUTTERING
From: Disability Today, Volume 1, Issue 4.
By: Arlette Lefebvre

Stuttering is a disability which affects one per cent of the population.
Stuttering is known to run in families, and research shows that
neurological components may be involved in the disorder.

The degree to which a person stutters depends on the individual and
varies according to time, situation, and social pressures. It may look
like an easy problem that can be solved with simple advice, but it is a
chronic life-long disorder for most adults. Some stutterers may be able
to gain more control over their speech, but total fluency is not a
realistic expectation.

Stuttering usually begins between the ages of three to six, and boys are
four times more likely to stutter than girls.

Important advice to those who have not previously met anyone who
stutters is to refrain from finishing sentences or filling in words for
a person who stutters.  Nor should we make remarks like: "Slow down," or
"Think what you're saying," or "Relax". Just maintain normal eye contact
and wait for the stutterer to finish.  Extend to him or her the same
courtesy that you would expect with any speech impairment. Let him or
her know that you are listening to what he or she says, not how she says
it.

Parents and teachers should know that the stuttering child is doing his
best to speak properly. Parents who suspect that their child is

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 27

stuttering should contact the Speech and Language Disorders Department
of the local hospital.  Early intervention programs have been quite
successful with children who stutter.

---------

SPEAK EASY INC. is the Canadian charitable organization representing
people who stutter.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

      Speak Easy Inc.,
      95 Evergreen Ave.,
      Saint John,
      NB, E2N 1H4.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Attention Deficit and the Pool
"DHARMAnet Holistic Medicine"
By: Charlie Graham

What I am about to tell about is just another opportunity to engage in
and/or experience to try, it is strictly a choice situation.

I have always been fascinated by whales and dolphins and knew that some
day I would be able interact in some way with them. I felt like they had
a lot to teach and I had a lot to learn. I had an opportunity to be
around some bottle nose dolphins and observed them up close. These
dolphins were considered to be adolescent in age (about 6 years old) I
saw the normal play type activities that they showed on TV shows like
National Geographic & etc. But, I saw and was a part of a whole lot
more. The dolphin encounters were structured in such a way that both the
dolphins and participant had constant choices - ie continue the swim
experience or stop it at ANY time, the degree of interaction (the
dolphin just swimming past the participant or the participant actively
providing tactile stimulation to the dolphin or any other type of
intervention). There are places within the swimming area that is off
limits to the participant - where the dolphin can go and hide (another
choice for the dolphin). All these choices DOES NOT effect his daily
fish supply in any way. I was able to interact with a 6.5 year old
female dolphin named Shakkah.  I have had several encounters with her
and have seemed to learn and experienced a lot.

With all the encounters the other dolphins were always around - the
other female dolphin liked to flirt and the other male dolphins wanted
to rough house, but Shakkah and I chose to interact (ie swimming
together or rubbing her stomach).

This note is not about the plight of the dolphin, but it is about

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 28

lessons learned from dolphins applied to the Attention Deficit/
Hyperactivity Problem.

   Lesson 1: Unconditional Love
   Lesson 2: Choices
   Lesson 3: Inner Strength
   Lesson 4: Control

By taking the dolphin experiences and applying it to kids with Attention
Deficit have been able to teach them to swim, better self
image/confidence, they discovered they had choices available to them,
and they were able to interact. It took more than the Red Cross Swimming
guidelines to get the total child going in the right direction.

Choice

   The child chose to interact in the pool that day.
   The adult chose to interact that day.
   If one party chose not to interact that day, it did not become a
personal problem - there were a form of respect for each. At any point
either person could call time out and both would go in opposite
directions regroup a little bit and then choose to continue or not
continue.

Motivation

Was the kid being brought to the pool everyday yelling and screaming by
his parents - NO. Was the child going to get a BIG NEW TOY if he learned
how to swim - NO. Was the child going to be punished in some way if he
did not participate NO. Was the motivating factor learning to swim, NO
most of them cared less about being able to swim. They also knew like
the dolphins there needs would be met if they participated or not. Could
it be for the same reasons the dolphins choose to interact?  The
relation between the two people was based on trust, respect,
unconditional love and other things. Maybe some basic needs were being
met and that provided motivation!  Much of the inappropriate behaviors
disappeared during these times in the water and for several hours
afterwards.

Swimming Techniques

Many of the kids failed and/or dropped out of the Red Cross swimming
classes primarily because a few barriers were in the way. Many of these
kids lack self confidence, trust, and self respect. Many of these kid's
physiological development has been severely delayed, ie gross and fine
motor skills, audible comprehension, left right differentiation and etc.
Just the basic basics of swimming is difficult for them.  A lot of
swimming skills are mastered based on trust.  The first time a kid
sticks the head in the water, learning to swim in water that is over his
head, swimming the length of the pool for the first time. The kids were
learning very basic skills as they mastered the swimming.  As they

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 29

mastered the basics the obstacles disappeared.  The basic basics of
their swimming was the modified dolphin movements eventually blended
with basic swimming and results were achieved. They did a lot of
floating, gliding, swimming underwater (many swam 100% better under the
water than on top). Much of the work was done in 4.5 ft water (over the
kids heads - in trusting they knew they would be safe, and they could
extend themselves try things and the safety net was their). They also
knew that they were going to get positive feed back for trying and they
were getting an overall positive experience. Note: Many of these kids
are mastering the swimming strokes as they progress. A couple can
snorkel pretty good. A lot of the basics learned from the dolphins can
be applied to helping these kids in other areas also.

----------------------------------------------------------------------


ASAP, A really Special Screen Review Package
By: Eric Clegg

Every few years I get this wild urge to change things around a
bit. I had been using two PC's, a Toshiba portable and an ancient
creaking XT machine both running Artic Business Vision Version 2.10 as
my screen review program.

I wanted to upgrade my desk top system and the choice of a new computer
system seemed easy. Just go out and get the fastest 386 machine you can
afford with an adequately sized hard disk.  However, selecting a screen
review package for this new system from the many choices available was
something else again.

How to decide? For starters, I knew I didn't want to purchase an upgrade
of my present software.  I wanted something new and different. I had
taught students the use of Flipper and Vert and knew I didn't want
either of these packages although they are fine programs. I had also
tried a demo copy of Jaws which works well with macros and Vocal-Eyes
and although it is very flexible, giving extreme ease of
customization, I decided not to purchase this package either.

I finally figured out what I was looking for. I wanted a program
that had a good deal of automation in it without having to set up
dozens of configurations for each of my applications programs.  ASAP
which stands for automatic screen access program had introduced a bit of
artificial intelligence into the process of telling the blind user what
is on the screen, seemed to be just the thing to fill my needs.

I longed for the days of my Apple 2E where I could just boot up
with Bex controlling the whole system and just go.  Most of the programs
I had tried did not seem to have that light fast response I so fondly
remembered. I wanted a screen review package that would be as
transparent as possible to my applications, yet supremely flexible.

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 30

Last fall I contacted a friend in Philadelphia who until recently had
been a confirmed Apple user and who had vowed to die rather than to
switch to the PC environment.  I was really surprised when she said to
me "You have to try Larry Skutchan's ASAP package. It makes a PC as
simple to operate and as user friendly as an Apple system."

To make a long story short, since this friend and her husband sell ASAP
and also computer systems Tina was able to make a sale that evening.
I purchased a 33 megahertz 386 system with the ASAP screen review
software and the DoubleTalk speech synthesizer by RC Systems. The
DoubleTalk and ASAP come bundled as a package for $795.00.

Initial Impressions

The press release for this package states that while there are other
programs that provide speech access to applications software, ASAP is
the only package available that lets the computer do the work for you.
The manual further states that you don't have to be a genius or even a
very patient person to start using thousands of programs with speech.
Unlike other speech access software, ASAP lets you  use the computer
like your sighted peers; concentrating on the application. You just
start the program of interest without having to configure your system
for speech.  These seemed like incredible claims and, too good to be
true!

I decided to put this to a test with Word Perfect 5.1. With my previous
package, I had set up a window to read the status line and all my
function keys in Word Perfect were labeled so for example, if I pressed
F3 for help the computer would announce the operation called for then go
to the help facility.  Upon trying ASAP with this program I found that
it reads most of the prompts automatically and since it loads various
.set files during the operation of Word Perfect it is not necessary to
set up a separate window to review the choices presented by the spell
checker. Also, for those who require this feature, it is possible to
label keys in an applications program with ASAP.

Features And Other Comments

This package sports some interesting features.  For instance, there are
three ways to silence the speech output.  The method you use will depend
upon your needs at a particular time. If there is a lot of Dos output in
progress, you can completely turn off the speech by using the Alt key.
If you want to silence the speech and make it catch up with real time
operation, use the control key. Finally, and uniquely ASAP's, you can
temporarily silence speech with a press of one of the shift keys.

This last command is very useful when using the Dos directory command.
You can invoke the dir command then keep hitting the shift key to skip
down through the lines until you come to the file name of interest.

While ASAP operates completely automatically, it provides you a way to

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 31

repeat the relevant or emphasized text on the screen. You refresh your
view of the material displayed on the screen by pressing down the two
shift keys simultaneously.

In addition it is possible to read parts of the screen in real time
without always having to go into review mode or the control panel as
ASAP calls it. This is done with ASAP by utilizing the numeric key pad
on an enhanced keyboard.  The numbers 7 8 and 9 read the previous,
current and next lines respectively.  The next set of numbers 4 5 and 6
are for reading previous, current and next word.  The third row of
numbers 1, 2, and 3, gives you the previous, current and next letters on
the current line.  Pressing two twice makes ASAP give you a phonetic
pronunciation of the character.  The other information announced when
you press 2 twice is the attributes of the current character, the cursor
position, the status of any of the locking keys, and a color code used
for remote setting of some of ASAP's functions.

The commands mentioned above are actually those associated with a
reading cursor. It is therefore possible to examine the screen while
your program is doing something else without having to freeze the
program and go into review.

ASAP also lets you make broad movements around the screen by hitting the
number 0 on the key pad then one of the other numbers. You can move the
reading cursor from the top of a window to its bottom by hitting 0 on
the keypad followed by the number 2.  This  combination of keystrokes
moves the cursor to the bottom of the current window and then announces
the text on that line.

You can also use the 0 followed by an 8 to type a word at the reading
cursor.  You can get a directory in Dos then use your keypad to move
your reading cursor to a file's name. Press 0 8 and ASAP will type out
the file name for you. All you have to do to start the file is just
press Enter.

The Control Panel (Review)

You enter the control panel by pressing Ctrl-\. The original command
used to be Alt Space bar but this has recently changed.  While you use
the control panel, ASAP takes over all keys and uses them for its own
purposes.

Once in the control panel the letters A through Y can be used to move
you to a specific line of interest which the program then announces.  To
move up to a relative line you use the semicolon. The slash moves down
one line and reads the new line.  While semicolon and slash read the
previous and next lines of the screen, you can modify the behavior of
these two commands by using the shift key along with the semicolon and
slash. When you do, ASAP reads only from the reading cursor's position
to the right.
In addition, you can read text in review by word or by character.  The

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 32

comma moves the reading cursor to the previous word and announces it.
Period moves the reading cursor to the next word on the line and
announces the word.  Using the shift key with the comma moves to the
previous character. Conversely, using the shift key with Period moves
the cursor one character to the right.

Tab reads the rest of the screen from the line following your reading
position.

The main use for the control panel is to permit you to fine tune the
system to optimize the speech environment  for the particular program in
use.

From the control panel you can set such parameters as, attribute
monitoring, (Alt-A), reading by screens, (Alt-B) keystrokes announced
(alt-K), and most punctuation notification: (Alt-M.)

Perhaps though, one of the most interesting options you can set with
ASAP is noise with Dos output, which you set by using Alt-O.  This
feature comes in useful when using terminal communications software. It
works by making a click each time a character is printed with normal Dos
output.  You can use this fact to let you monitor a remote computer's
activity. As long as clicking continues, characters are coming in
through the modem.

It is sort of like having your own built-in Tweedle Dump monitoring the
active serial port and a really handy feature!

After you have finished setting options you press escape to exit the
control panel. You can also set a parameter by pressing the zero on the
numbers pad then invoking one of the commands from the control panel. An
example of this would be the time announcement. You press zero then
Alt-t. This one shot function lets you  make necessary adjustments to
the ASAP environment without completely entering the control panel.

You can also customize ASAP to work as you like it from the command line
in your autoexec.bat file. All of the settings available for adjustment
from the control panel may be set directly from the command line.

You could perhaps start the program with volume 3, speed 7, and no
keyboard announcement with the following command: asap 3v9s@kn

Well Does It Work

Simply and directly put. I really like this screen review program. I
have tried this package with both Procomm Version 2.42 and Telix Version
3.15, terminal communications software and it has worked flawlessly.  I
have also tried it with my favorite word processing programs and it
works well with these.

In addition, it works very well with my banking program MoneyMate which

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 33

although quite linear tends to put a lot of junk on the screen besides
the useful information.  And now, the program even works with HotDots
once you make a dx.set file.

This  screen review package is transparent to your applications, very
responsive and fast.

I appreciate that ASAP gives you a lot of already pre-made .set files. I
found the section in the manual on setting up these files and windows to
be fairly complex. I would have preferred a menu system such as the one
which ArticVision has to prompt you through the windows row and column
setup.

I would have also found such a menu system handy for setting all of the
many options available.  If I have any quibbles at all they would be
with the RC Systems DoubleTalk speech synthesizer.

Although the speech has a very clear sounding male baritone voice it
cannot pronounce some consonants correctly.  If you are doing a
directory and you  come across the file name command dot com  the
synthesizer will say something that sounds like command vop com.

The other major problem that I have with this speech synthesizer is that
even at rate nine it is not nearly fast enough for my taste. You can
increase this speed subjectively by also increasing the pitch but then
it is faster, but it just sounds like Donald Duck.

I guess instead of complaining about the DoubleTalk board I could have
bought the Adapter, but you can't beat the price for the DoubleTalk and
the really clear speech you get for $270.00.

Even with these minor quibbles I must recommend this package most
highly.

Larry Skutchan, the program's author has written excellent software for
the Apple environment and gives excellent technical support via modem
for this new screen review package and is extremely responsive to user
input and welcomes suggestions on how to improve the product. Also the
philosophy of automatic screen reading is really something. Yes,
Virginia, it does really work. It is not just marketing hype.

Where to Purchase This Screen Reading Package

ASAP can be bought bundled with the RC Systems DoubleTalk speech
synthesizer for $795.00 or for $895.00 with an external speech
synthesizer called Lite Talk also from RC Systems from:

Larry Skutchan
MicroTalk
337 S. Peterson
Louisville, KY 40206

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 34

Voice: (502) 897-2705
Fax:(502) 895-3022 or
Modem: (502) 893-2269

You can also purchase ASAP for $525.00 and pick from a selection of
other speech synthesizers including the line from Aicom (Accent) the
Audapter, the Prose 2000 and the Sounding Board from:

Blazie Engineering, Inc.
109 East Jarrettsville Road
Unit D
Forest Hill, MD 21050
(301) 893-9333

About The Author

Eric Clegg (amateur radio Call sign AA6XG) lives and works in
Sacramento, California as a free-lance talking computer instructor.

He may be contacted in any medium at:

686 "N" Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Telephone (evenings or weekends)
(916) 446-0301

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Miami Project Part One
By: Joe Chamberlain

        Researchers at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis reported that
some cells from the Central Nervous System (CNS) have the ability to
grow new nerve fibers if they are cultured in a special biochemical
broth.

        This regeneration work is based on a growing body of animal
experiments that show that nerves in the brain and spinal cord can
regenerate if given the right kind of chemical signals and support.

        Researchers have identified the main chemical signals that
suppress nerve growth and are learning to surround these blocking
chemicals with Schwann cells.  These cells destroy the blocking
chemicals and promote growth.

        The Miami researchers have shown that when pieces of retina are
grown in a culture of Schwann cells, these  cells form a sort of bridge
along which the retinal nerves send out new growth.  The retina nerve is
very similar to the spinal cord nerves.

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 35

        Growing new nerve fibers is just one step.  Each fiber has to
hook up to a specific site across the damaged area.  However, recent
research seems to suggest that nerve-cell fibers seem to remember their
correct address and know where they are suppose to grow.

        While growing new nerves in a severely damaged spinal cord is at
least years away, this finding is critical in developing treatment for
repairing damaged spinal cords.  These findings, coupled with other
current research, may result in new treatment procedures in five or six
years.

----------


Miami Project Part Two
By: Joe Chamberlain

SCHWANN CELLS REVISITED

        Developmental neurobiologist Mary Barlett Bunge of the Miami
Project to Cure Paralysis and Carlos Paino of the Hospital Ramon y Cajal
in Madrid grew thin layers of Schwann cells in culture dishes coated
with collagen, a connective tissue.  When they rolled the Schwann
cell-collagen sheets up like carpet and transplanted them into the
spinal cords of 20 injured rats, they found that the rolls bridged the
ends of the severed nerve fibers of all 20 rats.

        The new cord tissue contained 20,000 regenerating nerve fibers.
The new tissue developed its own blood supply, and some of the budding
nerves acquired coatings of myelin, the insulating substance secreted by
Schwann cells.

        Future plans call for the researchers to test whether the
Schwann cell transplants can improve the ability of the injured rats to
move their hind legs.  Hopes are that such transplants may one day
restore some motor function to humans with damaged cords, but not
completely severed cords.

=======================================================================

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 36

=======================================================================

                   P R E S S    R E L E A S E S

=======================================================================


Desert Storm or Thyroid Storm?
By: Physicians for Social Responsibility; press release
Contact: Emily Green of Physicians for Social Responsibility,
         202-785-3777


Thyroid May Have Influenced Bush's Gulf War Decision

   WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 -- President George Bush's decision to launch
the Gulf War against Iraq -- contrary to the advice of many of his
military consultants -- may have been influenced by his then-undetected
thyroid disease.

   This is the view of Dr. Herbert L. Abrams, professor of radiology at
Stanford University Medical School and member-in-residence at
Stanford's Center for International Security and Arms Control.

   Abrams is an authority on presidential illnesses and their effect on
government policy-making.  His new article, "Desert Storm? or Thyroid
Storm? An Inquiry," appears in the current issue of The PSR Quarterly, a
peer-reviewed journal produced by Physicians for Social Responsibility
and published by Williams & Wilkins.  A full text of the article is
available on request. Abrams is the author of "The President Has Been
Shot: Confusion Disability, and the 25th Amendment in the Aftermath of
the Attempted Assassination of Ronald Reagan," published to critical
acclaim earlier this year by W.W. Norton.

   Long before the Persian Gulf crisis -- and perhaps as far back as the
1988 election campaign -- this new analysis suggests the president may
have suffered the insidious onset of hyperthyroidism. This later caused
his irregular heartbeat, weight loss and fatigue, and required the
functional destruction of his thyroid gland with radioactive iodine.

   "Hyperthyroidism is known to be associated with irritability,
restlessness, overactivity, and emotional lability and has important
cognitive effects, including impairment of concentration and
memory...aggressive and impulsive behavior has been observed," the
Abrams article states.

   "Confronted with the testimony of eight secretaries of defense and
three chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff supporting the continued use
of sanctions...the hyperactive president over-personalized and
over-emotionalized the crisis and opted for war." Gen. Colin Powell was
later quoted as saying, "It was almost as if the president had six

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 37

shooters in both hands and he was blazing away.  He was worked up, his
mind was made up."

   Abrams notes at the outset that his discussion is speculative.  He
says that "the inquiry cannot lead to a definitive conclusion and will
surely raise as many questions as it answers," but pointed out that "the
effects of illness or trauma on the directions that national leaders
follow are rarely taken into account."

   "Perceptions of the utility of an outcome may be drastically altered
by illness.  The information-handling capacities of the sick leader are
diminished," Abrams writes, but "it does not necessarily follow that
(hyperthyroidism) had a major impact on George Bush's response to the
Persian Gulf Crisis."

   On the other hand, it is well-known that many patients may be
thyrotoxic for years before they are diagnosed or treated.  Was the
president's thyroid overactive when he made the decision for war?  A
photo taken in 1989, reprinted with the article, demonstrated a
prominence in his neck that a number of physicians believed may well
have represented a goiter present at that time.

   Abrams adds, "When we consider Bush's behavior over the prior year,
the evidence for hyperactive, hypermatabolic personality is very
powerful.  It was not just the extraordinary physical activity -- the
manic jogging, the weight lifting, the rush to complete 18 holes of
golf, tennis, racquetball, gunning his speedboat...the quarter of a
million miles of air travel in his first two years.  An active man?  Or
a hyperactive man?  Good adrenal glands with lots of circulating
adrenaline?  Or hyperfunctioning thyroid cells for a long time,
affecting all aspects of his activity and behavior?  Or was it both?"

   Such questions, the Abrams article says, "confront the widely held
view that logic, reason and predictable decision-making underlie the
framing of national policy."

   In making the decision "that established a precedent for the use of
force in resolving international conflict in the post Cold War era,"
Abrams writes, Bush heard what he wanted to hear.  The evidence is
strong that he discouraged advice that was at variance with his own
conclusions...the restless, impatient, outraged president responded with
a shrillness of tone and invective and a strong personal element in his
public statements and ultimata...

   "A different president, who weighed the costs and benefits and was
prepared to listen to and digest all of the expert testimony with an
open mind, might well have responded with a more cautious policy...the
president gambled."

   Founded in 1961, Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) is a
leading national organization of over 20,000 health professionals and

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 38

supporters working in over 100 chapters to promote arms control and
international cooperation and to protect the environment.  It is the
U.S. affiliate of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear
War, recipient of the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize.

   Publication of articles in The PSR Quarterly does not necessarily
represent an endorsement of the authors' views by Physicians for Social
Responsibility.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


No Support for FDA Vitamin Claim Regs
By: Nutritional Health Alliance, press release
Contact: Carol Wilshire, 310-201-8806, or Joan M. Stewart, 310-201-8866,
         of Rogers & Cowan Inc., Los Angeles


Poll Shows Overwhelming Majority of Americans Do Not Support FDA
Regarding Regulation of Vitamin Claims

   WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- A recent nationwide poll from Yankelovich
Clancy Shulman reveals that a large majority of Americans support the
key provisions of the Health Freedom Act of 1992 (S. 2835) and the
Health Choices Freedom Act (H.R. 5746) to protect vitamins, herbs and
minerals from increased Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.

   The Health Freedom Act was authored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) to
ensure that safe and beneficial nutritional supplements are available to
consumers. The bill would authorize health claims in advertising or on
labels if they do not mislead the consumer and are backed by scientific
evidence.

   Hatch also proposes that a supplement should not be classified as a
drug based on its potency level or due to the health claim in the
product's advertising or labeling.

   Rep. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.) introduced a modified version of the
Hatch bill in the U.S. House of Representatives called the Health
Choices Freedom Act.  The bill adds some important consumer provisions
designed for improved labeling of dietary supplements and the validation
of health claims.

   More than eight out of 10 (85 percent) of the U.S. consumers
participating in the telephone survey believe that vitamin manufacturers
should be allowed to make health claims for their products.

   According to the poll, Americans strongly value their right to choose
dosages.  Sixty-three percent feel they should be able to choose the
strength or potency of nutritional products if scientific evidence
indicates the products are safe and may help prevent disease.

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 39

   The Yankelovich survey found that health care freedom of choice is an
important issue to the many Americans who purchase vitamins, herbs and
minerals.  Nearly half (46 percent) of those interviewed in the
telephone survey take nutritional supplements on a regular basis. Eight
out of 10 (82 percent) believe that people should not be required to get
a doctor's prescription to buy nutritional supplements.

   Poll results reflect that Americans feel strongly about having access
to vitamins, herbs and minerals.  An overwhelming majority (89 percent)
think consumers should be able to buy -- and companies to sell --
nutritional supplements, as long as the labeling and advertising have a
reasonable scientific basis and are not misleading.

   Recently proposed FDA restrictions would dramatically reduce the
legal dosages of vitamins and minerals to potencies found in foods,
classifying some nutritional supplements as unsafe food additives,
regulating herbs and amino acids as drugs, limiting amino acids to
prescription, among other regulations.

   Unless Congress acts before the current session ends Oct. 2, up to
half of all supplements at the local health food store may be soon off
the shelves.

   The survey also found majority (70 percent) disapproval of proposed
FDA classification of nutritional supplements -- such as herbs or amino
acids -- as drugs solely due to strength or potency. Nearly two-thirds
(68 percent) do not support drug classification of nutritional
supplements only because a truthful health claim is made in the
product's advertisements or labeling.

   The Yankelovich study included a nationwide sample of 502 U.S.
adults.  The survey was conducted by telephone between Sept. 10 and
Sept. 13.  The margin of error for the total sample of the Yankelovich
poll is plus or minus 4 percent.

   The U.S. Senate last week passed the Labor HHS Appropriations bill
with an amendment by Sen. Hatch to postpone implementation of Nutrition
Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) provisions concerning dietary
supplements.  House and Senate versions of the bill are headed for
conference committee this Thursday, Sept. 24.

   The survey was commissioned by the Nutritional Health Alliance (NHA),
a non-profit organization, to determine U.S. consumer support of the
issue.  The coalition group was organized to create a unified voice
among consumers, health care professionals, and health food industry
manufacturers and retailers in an effort to protect nutritional
supplements.

   Further information is available from the Nutritional Health
Alliance, P.O. Box 267, Farmingdale, N.Y. 11735.  Telephone:
516-249-7070.

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 40

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Antitrust Suit Filed Against Hospitals
By: U. S. Department of Justice, press release
Contact: Gina Talamona of the U.S. Department of Justice, 202-514-2007


   WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The Department of Justice filed a civil
antitrust suit charging the Hospital Association of Greater Des Moines
and five of its member hospitals with entering agreements to restrict
advertising of hospital services.

   At the same time, the parties filed a proposed consent decree that
would settle the suit.

   The complaint was filed yesterday in U.S. District Court in Des
Moines, Iowa, against Broadlawns Medical Center; Des Moines General
Hospital Co.; Iowa Lutheran Hospital; Iowa Methodist Medical Center;
Mercy Hospital Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa; and the Hospital
Association of Greater Des Moines.  The five hospitals operate general,
acute-care facilities in Des Moines.

   Charles A. James, acting assistant attorney general in charge of the
Antitrust Division, said, "Competition for hospital services is reduced
when information about the price, quality and range of services offered
by competing hospitals is eliminated or restricted. By ensuring that
each hospital will independently determine its policy with respect to
advertising, this case will aid consumers in obtaining quality services
at reasonable prices."

   The complaint alleged that the six defendants adopted guidelines on
advertising under which each hospital agreed to limit the dollar amount
it would spend on advertising.  In addition, the guidelines contained an
agreement to refrain from using certain types of advertising that would
have informed the public about the quality of services provided by the
hospitals.

   Specifically, the hospitals agreed not to include in their
advertisements quality comparisons or claims that would be considered
image-building or self-aggrandizement.

   The decree prohibits the defendants from following the guidelines on
advertising or from entering into any future agreement or plan about the
types of or amounts of advertising they will use.  Each defendant also
is required to establish an antitrust compliance program which must
include an annual briefing of all officers, directors and management
employees on the meaning of the consent decree and on the antitrust
laws.

   The proposed consent decree is open for public comment for 60 days.

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 41

   Interested persons may address comments to Robert E. Bloch, chief,
Professions and Intellectual Property Section, Antitrust Division, U. S.
Department of Justice, 555 Fourth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001.

   If the consent decree is approved by the court after the required
60-day comment period, it would terminate the suit.  The court would
retain jurisdiction to construe, modify and enforce the judgment.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

VA and DAV to Settle Suit
By: Disabled American Veterans and
    the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Contact: Jerry Atchison of Disabled American Veterans, 202-554-3501,
         or Department of Veterans Affairs News Service, 202-535-8300

   WASHINGTON, Sept. 15  -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and
the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) have agreed to settle a suit
challenging a statute enacted in 1990 involving suspension of VA
benefits to mentally incompetent veterans.

   As part of a deficit-reduction package, Congress passed a temporary
measure requiring suspension of disability compensation to certain
mentally incompetent veterans, with no dependents, who have estates
(excluding home) valued at $25,000 or more.  Under the law, due to
expire Sept. 30, 1992, payment of benefits was to resume once the value
of the estate dropped to less than $10,000.

   The suit, filed by DAV on behalf of 9,700 veterans whose benefits
were suspended, challenged the constitutionality of the provision of the
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act.  DAV argued that the law violated
equal protection guarantees because it targeted only incompetent
veterans.  DAV won a preliminary injunction and, as a result, benefits
were resumed to affected veterans.  That court order, however, was later
overturned on appeal.

   In announcing the agreement, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Edward J.
Derwinski said that an amicable settlement would be best for all
concerned.  "The law is due to expire this month, yet uncertainty over
the status of benefits paid because of the injunction could drag on
indefinitely," said Derwinski.  "That would be unfair to this group of
seriously disabled veterans," he added.

   Under the terms of the agreement, which still must be approved by the
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, VA would not
collect any benefits paid as a result of the injunction for the months
of February through June 1992.  In returns DAV and the class would agree
to drop any further challenge to the law.

   Newly elected DAV National Commander Joseph Zengerle, who was also

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 42

lead counsel for plaintiffs, voiced his pleasure with the agreement.
"As a result of the suit, nearly 10,000 veterans will have gained some
$70 million in payments that would otherwise have been denied them.
This would be a good and fair settlement," he concluded.

    ------

   For further information, contact Jerry Atchison of the DAV,
202-554-3501, or VA News Service, 202-535-8300.

=======================================================================

           M I S C E L L A N E O U S    I N F O R M A T I O N

This month, this section features educational resources, publications,
reviews, automation devices, software information, spinal centers, and
massage & bodywork organizations.

=======================================================================


Educational Resources
From: Arlette Lefebvre


EDUCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL RESOURCES UPDATE:
FROM: "Teaching Exceptional Students", Fall 1992, P. 62-63.

CLASSROOM VERSIONS OF BRAILLE AND PICTURE MENUS AVAILABLE FROM
McDONALD'S:

Working with the American Foundation for the Blind and the American
Speech-Language-Hearing-Association, McDonald's has updated it Braille
and picture menus. The updated versions are available as teaching tools
for students with disabilities and also for sensitizing other students
to the challenges confronting people with vision, hearing or speech
impairments.

To order Braille and Picture menus, contact McDonald's Educational
Resource Center, at 1-800-627-7646.

----------


TEACHING TOLERANCE... is a new magazine published by the Southern
Poverty Law Center to provide educators with ideas, resources, and
techniques for teaching tolerance in a diverse society. It is published
twice yearly and is free to teachers.

For more information, contact:
           Teaching Tolerance,

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 43

           400 Washington ave.,
           Montgomery, AL 36104.

----------


COMMUNITY SERVICE KIT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:

StarServe, a national non-profit organization created to expand student
community service, offers a free kit to help teachers use community
service activities to complement their classroom curricula.  The kit
includes a teacher's guide, posters, and reproducible activity masters
tailored to primary, elementary, middle and high-school levels, as well
as a Youth Directory which lists regional and national organizations.

StarServe is funded by the KRAFT GENERAL FOODS FOUNDATION. Special
Education Teachers report that the materials are flexible and the
projects enhance students' self-esteem and give them a chance to be in
charge.

Also available are a bibliography of books on the theme of helping
others and a video review that describes tapes produced by organizations
around the country involved in youth community service. The videos are
suitable for staff development and offer practical help in starting a
youth community service program.

Educators may request StarServe materials and technical assistance by
calling

1-800-888-8232, or by writing:

     StarServe,
     701 Santa Monica Boulevard, suite 220,
     Santa Monica, CA 90401.

---------


PUBLICATIONS ABOUT DIGITAL HEARING AIDS:

The new "Hearing Aids and You" discusses the advantages and
disadvantages of digital and programmable hearing aids and factors to
consider when buying a hearing aid. "All About the New Generation of
Hearing Aids" discusses the digital computer technology used in these
aids.

These publications are available for $1 each (US funds) from:

       The National Information Center on Deafness,
       Gallaudet University,
       800 Florida Ave,N.E., Washington, DC 20002.

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 44


-----------------------------------------------------------------------


X-10 Devices
By: Kimble Rigney

There's a company in GA called Home Automation Laboratories, which sells
all manner of stuff for home automation, including some out of the
ordinary x-10 stuff.  They hava a catalog.  Their number is
800-445-9605.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Newkey
By: Dick Summerford

    I'd like to bring "Newkey" to your attention.  "Newkey" is a
resident program which allows you to assign keystroke strings to either
a single key, or a multi-character string.  These Macro commands are
especially useful to those, such as I, who are disabled & have limited
dexterity, but should be handy for all using a computer.

    Here's an example:  I trust this message finds you in good health
and high spirits.  The previous sentence is assigned by "Newkey" to
Alt-I.  DIG (Disabled Interest Group); the preceding phrase is assigned
to the multi-character command `dg'.

A Keyboard Enhancer for The IBM Personal Computer & Compatibles.

FAB Software
P.O. Box 336
Wayland, MA 01778
(508) 358-6357

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Spinal Centers
By: Joe Chamberlain

I just found the following books on the subject of disability and
sexuality:

        AUTHOR:  Sandowski, Carol L.
         TITLE:  Sexual concerns when illness or disability strikes
     PUBLISHED:  Springfield, Ill., U.S.A. : Thomas, c1989.

         TITLE:  Who cares? A handbook on sex education and counseling
               services for disabled people

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 45

     PUBLISHED:  Baltimore : University Park Press, c1982.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Massage and Bodywork Organizations in the U. S.
By: Barry Kapke

ALCHEMIA BODYWORKERS ASSOCIATION (603) 669-9497
50 Whitehall Road
Hookset, NH 03106

ALLIANCE OF MASSAGE THERAPISTS (212) 924-5900
% The Swedish Institute
226 W. 26th St, 5th 2 Floor
New York, NY 10001

AMERICAN AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATION (818) 457-1742
PO Box 3679
S. Pasadena, CA 91031

AMERICAN CENTER FOR ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE (212) 799-0468
129 W. 67th St
New York, NY 10023

AMERICAN GUILD OF TEACHERS OF ALEXANDER (415) 550-7340
931 Elizabeth St
San Francisco CA 94114

AMERICAN MASSAGE THERAPY ASSOCIATION (312) 761-2682
1130 North Shore Ave.
Chicago IL 60626-4670

AMERICAN ORIENTAL BODYWORK THERAPY ASSOCIATION (516) 354-5025
50 Maple Place
Manhasset, NY 11030

AMERICAN REFLEXOLOGY CERTIFICATION BOARD
PO Box 246654
Sacramento, CA 95824

APPALACHIAN MASSAGE THERAPISTS ASSOCIATION (215) 632-8244
PO Box 27721
Philadelphia PA 19118

ARIZONA MASSAGE FEDERATION (602) 938-0205
PO Box 27484
Phoenix, AZ 85061

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATION
PO Box 606

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 46

San Rafael, CA 94915

ASSOCIATED BODYWORK & MASSAGE PROFESSIONALS (303) 674-8478
PO Box 1869
Evergreen, CO 80439-1869

ASSOCIATION FOR HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY (415) 346-7929
SOMATICS COMMUNITY
PO Box 3327
Saratoga, CA 95070-1327

BAY AREA BODY THERAPY GUILD (415) 527-7968
30 Saint Francis Lane
San Rafael, CA 94901

BODY & WELLNESS THERAPIES ASSOCIATION (405) 235-1424
PO Box 60323
Oklahoma City, OK 73146-0323

COLORADO STATE ALLIANCE OF MASSAGE & BODYWORK
PO Box 1568
Evergreen, CO 80439

COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICAN REFLEXOLOGISTS (916) 454-1238
4311 Stockton Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95820

FELDENKRAIS FOUNDATION (301) 589-7120
8401 Colesville Rd, #250-A
Silver Spring, MD 20910

FELDENKRAIS GUILD
14550 West 99th
Lenexa, KS 66215

FLORIDA STATE MASSAGE THERAPY ASSOCIATION (407) 628-2772
PO Box 691777
Orlando, FL 32869-1777

FOOT REFLEXOLOGY AWARENESS ASSOCIATION (818) 361-0528
PO Box 7622
Mission Hills, CA 91346

GATEWAY MASSAGE ALLIANCE (314) 727-8735
8038 Gannon
University City, MO 63130

GEORGIA REFLEXOLOGY ASSOCIATION (404) 393-0159
PO Box 566232
Atlanta, GA 30356


November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 47

GREATER PHILADELPHIA HOLISTIC GUILD
PO Box 27721
Philadelphia, PA 19118

G-JO INSTITUTE (305) 791-1562
PO Box 8060
Hollywood, FL 33084

INLAND MASSAGE & BODYWORKERS ASSOCIATION (509) 327-8306
N 2026 Washington, #2
Spokane, WA 99205

INSTITUTE OF MOVEMENT STUDIES (800) 729-6548
721 The Alameda
Berkeley, CA 94707

INTEG. SHIATSU ASSOCIATION OF ALASKA (907) 451-7101
101 College Rd, #354
Fairbanks, AK 99701

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SPEC. KINESIOLOGISTS (818) 841-4786
2001 W Magnolia #B
Burbank, CA 91506

INTERNATIONAL ASSOC. OF INFANT-MASSAGE INSTRUCTORS (503) 253-9977
PO Box 16103
Portland, OR 97216-0103

JIN SHIN JYUTSU, INC (602) 998-9331
8719 E. San Alberto
Scottsdale AZ 85258

KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE (913) 233-7073
707 S.E. Quincy
Topeka, KS

KERN COUNTY GUILD OF BODYWORKERS (805) 664-8952
9418 Greenhaven Court
Bakersfield, CA 93311

MASSAGE THERAPY ASSOCIATION OF LEBANON COUNTY
853 Oak St
Lebanon, PA 17042

MIDWEST BODYWORK ALLIANCE
1445 SE Center St
Portland, OR 97236-2546

MINNESOTA THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE NETWORK (612) 729-6934
PO Box 10757
Minneapolis, MN 55458

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 48

MO MASSAGE & BODYWORK PRACTITIONER NETWORK (816) 753-8566
PO Box 30321
Kansas City, MO 64112

MYOTHERAPY ASSOCIATES OF TEXAS (817) 548-0104
403 Jordan Lane
Arlington, TX 76012

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NURSE MASSAGE THERAPISTS (404) 422-6991
4172 Shiloh Ridge Trail
Kennesaw, GA 30144

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PREGNANCY MASSAGE THERAPY
PO Box 81453
Atlanta, GA 30341

NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR TRIGGERPOINT MYOTHERAPISTS (505) 294-4376
3900 Eubank Blvd, N.E., #3-C
Albuquerque, NM 87111

NEVADA REFLEXOLOGY ORGANIZATION (702) 871-0261
4400 El Parque
Las Vegas, NV 89102

NEW YORK STATE SOCIETY OF MEDICAL MASSAGE THERAPISTS (212) 697-7668
PO Box 826
Glenwood Landing, NY 11547

NORTH AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ALEXANDER TEACHERS (212) 866-5640
PO Box 806
Ansonia Station, NY 10023-9998

NORTH AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TEACHERS OF THE (217) 359-3529
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
PO Box 3992
Champaign, IL 61826-3992

NORTH COAST BODYWORKERS ASSOCIATION
1260 Road M
Redwood Valley, CA 95470

NORTH COUNTY MASSAGE PRACTITIONERS ASSOCIATION
PO Box 1387
Marysville, WA 98270

NORTHERN MASSAGE THERAPY ASSOCIATION
8572 Wilderness Trail
Traverse City, MI 49684

NORTHWEST MASSAGE PRACTITIONERS ASSOCIATION
1605 12th Ave, Studio 30

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 49

Seattle, WA 98122

NORTHWESTERN MONTANA REFLEXOLOGY ASSOCIATION (406) 892-3374
4170 Columbia Falls Stage
Columbia, MT 59912

OHIO MASSOTHERAPY ASSOCIATION (216) 452-6615
2223 Fulton Rd, NW, Suite 206
Canton, OH 44709

ON-SITE MASSAGE ASSOCIATION (800) 678-6762
584 Castro St, Suite #373
San Francisco, CA 94114

OREGON MASSAGE TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION (503) 235-9494
2914 NE Flanders St
Portland, OR 97232

RADIANCE TECHNIQUE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL
PO Box 40570
St Petersburg, FL 33743-0570

REIKI ALLIANCE (208) 682-3514
East 33135 Canyon Road
Cataldo, ID 83810

SACRAMENTO MASSAGE THERAPY & BODYWORKERS ASSOCIATION
PO Box 1001
Sacramento, CA 95812

SACRAMENTO VALLEY REFLEXOLOGY ASSOCIATION
PO Box 160971
Sacramento, CA 95816

SHIATSU THERAPEUTIC ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
602 Kailia Rd, Room #205-B
Kailua, HI 96734

SOCIETY OF ORTHO-BIONOMY INTERNATIONAL (800) 743-4890
PO Box 7750
Berkeley CA 94707

SOCIETY OF SHIATSU THERAPISTS - HAWAII
736 S Street, Room 203
Honolulu, HI 96813

SOCIETY OF THE PROMOTION OF AROMA SCIENCES
PO Box 1103
Sacramento CA 95812

SOMA NEUROMUSCULAR INTEG. ASSOCIATION (206) 829-1025

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 50

PO Box 371
Enumclaw, WA 98022

SOMA PRACTITIONER ASSOCIATION
5879 S.W. 72nd St, #3
Miami, FL 33143-5219

SOMATICS SOCIETY (415) 892-0617
1516 Grant Ave, #212
Novato, CA 94945

TIDEWATER PROFESSIONAL MASSAGE ASSOCIATION
4020 Bonney Rd, #105
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

TOUCH FOR HEALTH FOUNDATION (818) 794-1181
1174 N. Lake Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91104-3797

VERMONT MASSAGE GUILD (802) 253-8511
94 Sunset Drive
Burlington, VT 05401-1912

=======================================================================

                     U P C O M I N G   E V E N T S

=======================================================================


1993 World Dwarf Games
By: Betty Jacobsen

WHO:
The 1993 World Dwarf Games will host more than 300 dwarf athletes from
the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Germany, France, Sweden,
Mexico, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Israel,Finland, Malaysia, Japan, Korea,
and many other nations.  The games will be held at the College of
DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, June 30 through July 8, 1993 (athletes
arrive June 29)

WHY:
Competition will be offered in 8 major sports: track, field, swimming,
basketball, boccia, power lifting, table tennis, and volleyball. Soccer
and equestrian will be demonstration events.  Classification will be
determined by age, gender and functional ability.  The world dwarf Games
will be held in conjunction with the Little People of America National
Conference in Chicago, an International Summit for the dwarf community,
and an International Symposium for medical professionals specializing in
dwarfism.


November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 51

WHY:
To host the first major World Games for dwarf athletes.  This event will
draw national and international attention to the quality and
opportunities for dwarf athletic competition.  This event will showcase
dwarf athletes who are preparing for the 1996 Paralympic Games in
Atlanta Georgia, U.S.A.

FUNDING:
The games will be supported by athletic participation fees.  The Dwarf
Athletic Association of America is currently requesting private
donations and corporate funding.  Athletes receive no direct support and
must raise their own funds to participate.  Efforts are underway to
identify scholarships to help deserving national and international
athletes.

RELATION TO U.S. OLYMPICS:
D.A.A.A. is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee.  The U.S. Disabled
Sports Team includes outstanding dwarf athletes selected through
D.A.A.A. competition.

 The team is sanctioned by the U.S. Olympic Committee for participation
in the International Paralympic Games, held every four years at the same
venue as the Olympic Games.

BACKGROUND ON D.A.A.A.
Since 1985, D.A.A.A. has been developing, promoting, and providing
quality amateur level athletic opportunities for dwarf athletes in the
United States.  The Dwarf Athletic Association of America sponsors
clinics, developmental events, and formal competitions at local,
regional and national levels.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


UHF Annual Meeting
By: Gordon Gillesby

                     United Handicapped Federation
                             Annual Meeting
                              Nov 14, 1992
                               1pm - 3pm.
                             Courage Center
                         3915 Golden Valley Rd.
                           St. Louis Park, MN

   Senator Paul Wellstone is the keynote speaker.  The main items on the
agenda are electing new Board members (if interested, call UHF),
changing the organizational name (at last, at last) to Disability Rights
Alliance and demonstrations of our DRAGnet BBS. Great fun.  Please come.
Free and open, spread the word, we would like to see hundreds.  But
please call UHF to let us know if you'll be there 612/645-8922 (v/TDD).

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 52

---------------------------------------------------------------------


November 12-14, 1992 - The Hispanic Deaf Experience co-sponsored by the
National Association of the Deaf.  San Antonio, TX.  Contact Angel
Ramos, (214)324-7053 TDD or (214)324-7065 V.

December 5      Seattle  WA
                EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIA "Insights Into Growth Disorders"
                co-sponsored by the Human Growth Foundation
                (800)451-6434 & Serono Symposia (800)283-8088
                (ask for Sandy Duso)

1993
----
April 16-18     Ohio - Northcoast Chapter Hosting
                LPA District 5 SPRING REGIONAL

June 30-July 6  Chicago, Illinois
                WORLD DWARF GAMES - College of DuPage

July 2-9        Chicago, Illinois
                LPA NATIONAL CONVENTION

August          Location To Be Announced
                PAN AM YOUTH VICTORY GAMES

1994
----
July 7-14       San Antonio, TX
                LPA NATIONAL CONVENTION - Marriott River Walk Hotel

1995
----
July 7-14       Denver, CO
                LPA NATIONAL CONVENTION - Marriott Downtown Denver


=======================================================================

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 53

=======================================================================

           M E S S A G E S    W O R T H    R E P E A T I N G

======================================================================

=======================================================================
[  These are a collection of messages gathered from the many echoes   ]
[  that are carried by ADAnet.  They have been chosen to be reprinted ]
[  here on based on the judged potential for wide spread interest,    ]
[  information of a timely nature, and self-contained brevity.        ]
[  Where possible we have included author's name, subject,            ]
[  echo name, and origin line.                                        ]
=======================================================================

Spinal Cord Society
By: Jocelyn Lovell

  I've investigated the Spinal Cord Society extensively, and have found
that genetic engineering research is definitely going on.  I have spoken
to other quads & paras (I'm am a c5/6 quad myself) and they have heard
inklings of it here and there.

  A look back at some of the SCS research projects, computerized walking
and adult mammalian spinal cord regeneration, it seems they've hit on
something here.  Genetic engineering is a real revolution now.  This one
was thought of years ago but, the tools and knowledge needed to
manipulate human genes did not exist.

  It's like this:  Acute injuries to the spinal cord have been shown to
regenerate with help (electrical stimulation, steroids etc.) but this is
not so with the chronic, older injury.  It is well known that the
resulting scar left by injury is the barrier to regrowth of axons.  The
molecule responsible for bonding the scar together has been identified
and an injectable serum, to break down its adhesive properties, has been
formulated.  It is believed once this scar barrier is dissolved,
regrowth may happen by itself.

  Their address:
  Spinal Cord Society
  Wendell Road
  Fergus Falls, Minnesota
  USA, 56537
  fax    218-739-5262
  phone  218-739-5252

  They put out a monthly newsletter as well.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 54

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Spinal Cord Research
By: Jean-Pierre Beland

There was a report in the Ottawa Citizen of September 24, 1992 about
research being done in Ottawa for spinal cord injuries.

Here are some of the highlights of that report:

A University of Ottawa medical researcher has developed a technique that
could some day repair the severed or crushed spinal cords of thousands
of paralyzed people.

Dr. Jack de la Torre warns against raising premature hopes of people who
have lost the ability to walk because of injury to the intricate bundle
of nervous tissues that transmit messages between the brain and the
limbs.

But he says the research brings scientists a big step closer to
reversing the damage suffered by an estimated 25,000 Canadians with
spinal cord injuries.  His findings are being published this month in he
international journal of Brain Research.

De la Torre has been collaborating with Dr. Harry Goldsmith, a professor
of neurosurgery at Boston University.

The two researchers devised a technique that, at least in cats,
effectively bridges the gap in  a severed spinal cord.  Nerves above the
injury are allowed to join with nerves below, thereby restoring the
interrupted message-relay system.

Although the connections need to be proven with sophisticated
microscopic techniques, the fact that some of the paralyzed experimental
animals could move their hind legs three months after surgery is  a
promising indication that messages from the brain may be getting
through.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


RSD Group
By: Dave Resnik
Re: RSD Group

I have been working on a RSD support and a RSD echo for about 1
year now. Good news it is about set up to run. Now I need your help!!
For all who want to be involved please send a letter to me at:

       Dave Resnik

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 55

       Route 8
       E. Peoria Il 61611

Here is the format I need from you. Please note I will take your letters
to my Congressman, I will explain later on..

       Your FULL name
       Your Address
       State if you have RSD or know of a person who has it.
       State if you are in the medical profession.

Please give me written permission to hand your letter over to my local
Congressman to be used as a signature of petition for the approval of a
RSD Foundation. (Non Profit) If you wish for me to reply please enclose
a S.A.S.E with your letter.

As I was saying I have been working with my Congressman to start a RSD
Foundation. If I get enough people to send in letters it will be taken
to the Capital for approval. The main goals I have set up are the
following:

  1) A bbs 24 hours, 9600 baud, & 260 meg free on the harddrive's.
     Running on a 386 DTK using the software I wrote (Battle Ship)
  2) A current listing of all pain clinic's that treat RSD.
  3) A current listing of all DR.'s that PROPERLY treat RSD.
  4) A RSD ECHO (ask your sysop if he/she would carry it. I will give
     the node number)
  5) I would like to start a network of groups where others involved can
     get together to share and help each other out. This will require
     help from some of you. Please let me know.
  6) A news letter sold at the cost of printing / shipping (NON PROFIT
     but it does add up fast)
  7) In the newsletter and on the bbs space will be made for people to
     write about such things as treatments, aids, ways of doing simple
     (that is harder then to do) daily things, and words of wisdom.

If you wish to contact me voice my number is 309)698-5744. The best time
to reach me is Tue-Thur 9am-12pm then Mon-thur 9pm-11pm Illinois time. I
do read the Chronic Pain Echo but do not have the time to reply to all
the great messages. So if it looks like I am blowing you off not true.
This is a lot of work and I do have 2 small ones to handle. If you wish
to netmail me you may send it to 1:232/5.100

Thanks ALL,
-=[ Dave Resnik ]=-

=======================================================================

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 56

=======================================================================

  * * * * * * * <  B E C A U S E   I T' S   F U N  > * * * * * * *

=======================================================================

If you have something that you think is humorous, please send it to us.
We all need a good laugh from time to time!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Humorous Taglines:


A hug is a handshake from the heart.

C program run out of bounds.  C programmer quit.

DURACELL.BAT  ARCed.     SysOp is shocked!

He's not dead Jim. He's metabolically challenged.

Hey little boy...wanna buy a...modem?

Not a computer nerd; merely a techno-weenie.

The cost of feathers has risen... Now even DOWN is up!

Time management begins with a very large wastebasket.

What was the best thing BEFORE sliced bread???

Would advice from Q be considered a Q-tip?


=======================================================================

* * * * * * < B E A U T I F U L   T H O U G H T S  > * * * * * * * *

=======================================================================


Friendship
By: The Poet


A poem I wrote for a friend.

When I called, you were there.
To help in my hor of despair
You answered my need, without greed

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 57

without thinking and without gain you came to help indeed

A friend is defined by the willing recline
in a thoughtful prose we just compose
We think of the friend as most would decline
to help us through the needful times

We think of being we think of seeing
we see the thoughts of a helpful being.
The friend you see we think of thee
You are the friend that we have looked for
and found that person we think is you
The thanks you get for this selfless act
is a hug from us when your heart is intact

We hope you feel the way we do
And think of you in the thoughts so true
For we you see think of a friend as family
Fear us not for we are like a tree

The tree that grows inside our hearts
just grew the branch from the start
For as a friend you see to me
Your so special in life's harmony.


                               The Poet


=======================================================================

                    W H A T' S   ON   A D A N E T ?

*** Note: This is the most current list of areas available on
    the ADAnet Network. This list supersedes and modifies all
    other lists until such time as this list is superseded.

=======================================================================

Group A conferences

These conferences originate in ADAnet. They have a narrow focus relating
to disability.  ADAJOBS would not be an appropriate conference for
those looking for a job as a logger in the logging industry.

ACCOMMODATION           Job Accommodation Information
ADACHILD                Disabled Children - A place for help
ADAJOBS                 International Employment for Disabled
ADANET                  ADAnet International Topics Forum
ADAPTIVE                Adaptive Technology Discussion
ADARIGHTS               Disability Rights and Political Forum
ADASYSOP                A forum for ADAnet SysOps only...

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 58

ADATECH                 ADAnet Technical Forum (Private Conf)
ADA_FAMILY              Disability and the Family Discussions
ADA_OCCUPATION          Occupational Disabilities Discussion
ADA_OUTDOORS            Disabled Outdoors Conference
ADA_SEXUALITY           Disability and Sexuality Discussion
ADVOCACY                Advocacy for Disability Issues
ALLERGIES               Conference on Allergies
ARTHRITIS               Arthritis Discussion Group
BARRIERS                Architectural Barriers Conference
BURN                    Disability and Burn Discussion
DIALYSIS                Conference on Dialysis / Renal Disease
DIGEST                  JADA Article Submission & Discussion
DWARFISM                Dwarfism Conference
EDUTEL                  Special Education Conference
FRANCO_HANDICAP         Disabilities Support Echo in French
GOLDEN_YEARS            Elderly and Geriatric Issues
HANDILAW                General Discussion on Disability Law
INDEP                   Discussions on Independent Living
LEARNING                Online Learning and Disability
MEDICAL                 General Medical Information Echo
MEDICATION              Disability and Medications
MOBILITY                Mobility-impairment and coping
MUSCULAR_DYST           Muscular Dystrophy Conference
OCC_INJURY              Topics regarding Occupational Injury
PHILO                   The Philosophy of Disability Issues
README.ADA              Beginner's Help Corner
RESPIRATORY             Respiratory Disease Discussion/Therapy
RETARDATION             Discussion of Retardation
WAN_DBASE               Development of Wide-area net database

Group B conferences
(Private Distribution)

These conferences do not originate in ADAnet.  They are available to
all ADAnet systems, and are provided as a service to the disability
community and to the respective conference moderators.

ABLE.EUR                disABILITY Echo from Europe
ABLED_ART               Literature and Art by and for PwD's
ALTLEARN                Alternative Learning Discussion
ALZHEIMERS              Alzheimer's Discussion Forum
BICOMPAL                Big Computer Pals (UUCP)
BLINDTLK                BlindTalk from Nat'l Fed. of Blind
BRIDGES                 Chat with disabled children conference
DATATALK                Adaptive Computing for the Disabled
ENABLE                  Inter-network disability conference
EPILEPSY                Epilepsy management and coping
HOLISTIC                Holistic Thinking and Healing
NFB-TALK                Nat'l Fed of Blind Friends/Fellowship
PSYCH                   Psychology Discussion and Issues
SPECIAL_ED              Special Education Conference

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 59

TCM                     Traditional Chinese Medicine
TERM_ILL                Discussions regarding Terminal Illness
VHEAL                   Vibrational Healing Conference

Group C conferences

These conferences originate in Fidonet.  They are available to all
systems, but Fido systems should attempt to obtain them from their
normal fido links. You must request that a feed from Group C be
"turned on" for you before polling for these conferences.

ABLED                   General Disability Discussions
ABLED_ATHLETE           For Disabled Athletes
ABLENEWS                Disability News / Articles & Releases
ADHD                    Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity
AIDS/ARC                Support and Information for AIDS/ARC
AMPUTEE                 Amputee Discussions and Conversation
ANXIETY                 Anxiety Disorder Discussion
BLINKTALK               Visual Impairment Issues and Discussion
BODYWORK                Massage and Bodywork Forum
CARCINOMA               Cancer and related disease conference
CARE_GIVER              Care Giving and Personal Care Attendant
CFS                     Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Conference
CHRONIC_PAIN            Pain management and coping conference
CPALSY                  Cerebral Palsy Support Echo
CUSS                    Computer Users in the Social Sciences
DIABETES                Diabetes Treatment and Management
HANDY.SYSOP             For SysOps interested in disability
HOME_OFFICE             Techniques/Support in Home-Office Mgt.
MENTAL_HEALTH           Discussions on Mental Health issues
MULT-SCLEROSIS          Multiple Sclerosis Discussions
M_P_D                   Multiple Personality Disorders
NURSES_NETWORK          Discussion group just for Nurses
OPTOMETRY               Optometry Discussions and Issues
POST_POLIO              National Post Polio Survivors Forum
PROBLEM_CHILD           Behavior modification and children
PUBLIC_PSYCH            Public Psychology and Discussion Issues
RARE_CONDITION          Rare Diseases and their Discussion
RECOVERY                Recovery Echo
SILENTTALK              Conference for Hearing-Impaired People
SIP_AA                  Alcoholics Anonymous Conference
SIP_NA                  Narcotics Anonymous Discussion Group
SPINAL_INJURY           Discussions about Spinal Cord Injury
STRESS_MGMT             Stress Management Echo
SURVIVOR                Conference for Survivors
THI_CVA                 Discussions of Brain Injury
WELFARE                 Discussion on Welfare

=======================================================================

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 60

=======================================================================


=======================================================================


                    AMERICAN DISABILITY ASSOCIATION

                        (membership application)



      ____________________________________________________________
      Your name (please print)

      ____________________________________________________________
      Address                                     Apt.

      ____________________________________________________________
      City                            State       Zip


      _______  Please send me more information on ADAnet.

      _______  $25 annual membership fee enclosed.

      _______  $185 annual organizational membership fee enclosed.

      _______  $250 lifetime membership fee enclosed.


Your willingness to contribute to The American Disability Association
will greatly help the ADA to fulfill its mission of information
distribution.  It is our goal to make the resources and camaraderie of
ADAnet available to all who might benefit.  ADAnet is currently
available in 16 countries around the world, in four provinces of Canada,
and within 40 of the United States.  Your participation will enable us
to sustain this activity and allow us to carry the message even farther.
Your membership fee will also earn you a individualized Certificate of
Membership, suitable for framing, and our gratitude.


*(membership not necessary to participate on ADAnet)

To be a supporting member of the American Disability Association and
ADAnet, complete the above form and mail it with your contribution to:

   American Disability Association
   Post Office Box 94822
   Birmingham, Alabama 35220
=======================================================================

November 1992- Journal of the American Disability Association - Page 61

=======================================================================

                   JADA Staff and Contact Information

=======================================================================

     Editor in Chief:  Marlin Johnson
                       1:3602/42.0
                       205-254-3344
                       mjohnson@bsc835.uucp
                       xa00001@uabdpo.dpo.uab.edu

              Editor:  Linda Cummings
                       1:375/34.0 (Fidonet)
                       94:94/94 (Adanet)
                       205-264-8000

    Assistant Editor:  Cindy Barnes
                       1:375/22.0 (Fidonet)
                       94:2051/1 (Adanet)
                       205-244-0296

U. S. Postal Service:  Journal of the American Disability Association
                       Post Office Box 94822
                       Birmingham, Alabama 35220

Published monthly by and for members of the American Disability
Association and ADAnet.  The Journal of the American Disability
Association (JADA) is a compilation of individual articles contributed
by their authors or agents.  The contribution of articles to this
compilation does not diminish the rights of the authors.  Opinions
expressed in these articles are those of the authors and not necessarily
those of JADA, ADAnet, the American Disability Association, or the
Disability Law Foundation.

JADA is copyright 1992 American Disability Association.  all rights
reserved.  Duplication and/or distribution permitted for non-commercial
purposes only.  For use in other circumstances, please contact JADA.

OBTAINING COPIES: JADA, in electronic form, is available for
download from most ADAnet affiliate sites.  PRINTED COPIES may be
purchased from the American Disability Association for US$5.00 each
within North America delivered via First Class Mail, or US$7.00 outside
North America delivered via Air Mail.  All moneys sent must be US funds
drawn upon a US bank.)

SUBMISSIONS:  You are encouraged to submit articles for publication in
JADA.  Article submission requirements are lax, but do include:
submission must be ASCII text file only, be somewhat relevant, be
delivered to one of the above addresses no later than the 20th of each
month.


