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Disabilities-R-Us |
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Welcome to Disabilities-R-Us, the internet chat site created by and for people with physical disabilities (but everyone is welcome). We invite you to roam about our web site, and if you can, drop in for some friendly chat in our official chat room. |
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Family Village |
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Family Village is a global community that integrates information, resources, and communication opportunities on the internet. It is for persons with cognitive impairments and other disabilities, their families, and for those that provide them services and support. |
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Health Talk |
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An interactive web site connecting real people to experts in the health field. It covers all diseases and focuses on how to deal with chronic illnesses. |
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MD Advice |
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A reliable medical resource site for patients, families, friends, and professionals. Chat sites located at site. |
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Ronnie Wagner of Martin, North Dakota has first-hand experience with the positive outcomes that happen when people and organizations team up to help people with disabilities lead better lives. With the help of NDAD and the Rehab Accessibility Program, Wagner was able to make his home wheelchair accessible and allow him more independence.
Wagner faces a number of health challenges that limit his mobility. Due to poor circulation related to diabetes, he has lost most of the feeling in his feet. He also has severe arthritis in his hands. In 1992, a car accident left him needing a knee replacement. About eleven years later, the knee replacement deteriorated, causing the joint to become crooked and painful. After his second knee replacement, his doctor told him that using an electric wheelchair would help him become more mobile and independent.
Wagner had difficulty obtaining a wheelchair through Medicare. That’s when a good friend stepped in and helped him to buy his own electric wheelchair. The wheelchair Wagner bought had the important features that Wagner needed, such as battery power and portability. However, he couldn’t use the wheelchair because his home was not accessible. The home had no entry ramp and narrow doors made it impossible to move from room to room.
NDAD teamed up with the Rehab Accessibility Program to assist Wagner in modifying his home to make it wheelchair accessible. The improvements included a wheelchair ramp to his front door, widening doorways throughout the home, and making his shower accessible.
Wagner appreciates the everyday things he is able to do with his ramp and wheelchair -- like being able to go out to his own mailbox and drive the wheelchair around in his yard. Wagner will also be able to accompany his family on outings, including an upcoming trip to the Fargo Zoo. “I really enjoy the ramp. I can get around a lot better”, he said. In fact, he was recently able to participate in the annual Diabetes Walk-A-Thon held in Harvey, North Dakota. He went four and a half miles in his wheelchair with his friend’s granddaughter riding in his lap.
Wagner was referred to NDAD by another organization that was helping to conduct energy efficiency improvements in his home. He describes NDAD as a good organization and a good place to get help, and he says being able to get around his home has made a big difference in his life. “I appreciate all the help I’ve gotten,” he said.
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