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   MSGID: 3.fido-abled@1:153/757.2 2513bd48   
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   PID: Synchronet 3.19a-Linux master/064fb683a May 25 2021 GCC 10.3.0   
   TID: SBBSecho 3.14-Linux master/064fb683a May 25 2021 GCC 10.3.0   
   BBSID: TRMB   
   CHRS: ASCII 1   
    > I am disabled with spinal issues.  Progressive Degenerative Disc Disease.   
    > Every year, I lose a little bit more mobility. I got damaged in a speed    
   boat   
    > attack in the Gulf but already had issues.   
      
   Ouch! You had your lifejacket on?   
      
    > I sumetimes have to use a wheelchair such as the long lines to get my    
   Covid   
    > shots (limited standing capability at 15 minutes pretty much).  I    
   sometimes   
    > use a cane.  I was blessed with extremely high pain tolerance so it works   
    > out with 7 herniated discs.   
      
   I'm not much for standing long either, so I appreciate having my powerchair   
   when out in the community (shopping, etc); Typically I'll ber in line for a   
   cashier & some older gent(or lady) will offer to let me go first. Io reply,   
   "Thank you, but you go ahead. I'm sitting down so it's easier for me!" (I    
   well recall prior to my chair being in line with a cane & the pain & concern   
   I'd suddenly drop.)   
      
   I have an exploded disc myself (a family thing, it seems); a local   
   chiropracter offered to fix it, after a free assessment for his spinal   
   decompression service, but at $8K (not covered by my government health   
   insurance, probably because chiropracters are butchers &/or tend to be   
   chronically needed for life once you begin)   
      
   I'm on Gabapentin to stop the nerve pain & neuropathy in my legs.   
      
    > Yes, I work.  Did 26 years Navy then 10 years military contractor and now   
    > Government Civilian (GS).   
      
   Pre speedboat incident?   
      
    > ADANET founding member, I was the technical advisor.  (American Disability   
    > Network).   
      
   I have begun reading the ADA, to prepare for advising on the recently passed   
   Accessible Canada Act.   
      
   Only one problem with your ADA - cedrtain less than ethical lawyers use it.   
      
   I Cali, they use Google Earth to identify hotels with swimming pools, then   
   hire a person in a wheelchair to go to the hotel to stay & file a suit for   
   non-compliance for inaccessible pool (most are, apparently)   
      
   We don't leave room for that, but we do have the ability to fine a non-   
   compliant federally regulated player (e.g airline) up to $250,000/day until   
   the problem is resolved.   
      
   It;s still quite new, so it remains to be sesen how well it was set up.  The   
   person in charge is focusing first on ensuring equal employment    
   opportunities, regardless of ability barriers.   
      
   I'm spending most of my t ime working with local government & non-profits to   
   ensure true inclusion for all, regardless of age, disability, &/or poverty.   
   My pet foci are housing & employment.   
      
   I don't get dirtectly paid for this, but I do receive provincial(equiv to    
   your state jurisdiction) disability benefits & I consider his my pay that I   
   work in the community to justify. I'm looking for a paid career, hopefully in   
   community service, as I've built a strong personal network of decison makers    
   & advocates.   
      
   Had my shot(Pfizer) a couple weeks ago -- no line, the nurse came to my home.   
      
   Nice to meet you *bow*   
      
   Whereabouts are you? I'm an hour north of Seattle, WA, in Vancouver, BC,   
   Canada. . . (home of the shameful 2010 NHL riot & 2010 winter olympics)   
      
   What do you do for fun/laughs?   
      
      
   Your friend,   
      
   <+]:{)}   
   Cyberpope, Bishop of ROM   
   --- SBBSecho 3.14-Linux   
    * Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757.2)   
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