Yes You Can - Fourth Edition - 149

when diﬃculties arise. Talk to your social worker, psychologist, or community mental health center, and remember these general guidelines: Consider the experience and training of the person who is providing counseling services. Pay special attention to his or her experience with people who have SCI or other physical disabilities. Discuss your expectations for counseling sessions, such as issues to be discussed, number of sessions, and cost. Ask if the counselor is willing to consult with your doctors and others on your rehabilitation team. Protection and Advocacy Systems The federal government has mandated a system in each state and territory to protect the legal rights of people with disabilities. These protection and advocacy systems [P&As] were established in response to abuse, neglect, and lack of programming in institutions for people with disabilities. Congress has created laws and programs to address the needs of diﬀerent populations of people with disabilities. What Can You Do? You can become active in the disability rights movement, working with other people with disabilities who share your views. Changing the system requires strength in numbers. Keep in touch with consumer organizations around the country to learn what they’re doing. Federal programs and policies can inﬂuence many issues that aﬀect the disability community. Activists should bring these issues to the attention of nondisabled consumers and reform groups to add strength to their organization through the media. Become knowledgeable and get involved! Attendant Services If you need an attendant to help with your personal care and household maintenance, programs are available to pay for these services. A variety of funding sources and methods of attendant management have been set up by diﬀerent funding sources. National Medicaid policy has increased the options for state attendant care programs. Consult your local Medicaid agency. [See section 2.f, Attendant Management.] Transportation Travel always requires planning—when you have a disability, it just takes more planning. Almost all modes of transportation are accessible to people who use wheelchairs, but it’s worth doublechecking to avoid surprises. When you’re making arrangements, ask the right questions. What services can you expect from transportation personnel? Is there a charge for an attendant/personal assistant? Don’t assume that policies are consistent from one transportation provider to another, or that they’ll stay the same. Ask these questions each time you make a reservation. Legal Assistance Local Legal Aid Services Most communities throughout the United States oﬀer sliding-scale legal aid services. This means that your cost is determined by your ability to pay. If you can’t locate your community legal aid oﬃce, contact the state bar or law association, which will refer you to the oﬃce closest to your home. Many law schools oﬀer free or low-cost legal services. Information and referral services can help you ﬁnd a lawyer. Section 3: Coping and Living with SCI! | [ 149 ]

Yes You Can - Fourth Edition

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Yes You Can - Fourth Edition