On The Go with Marianne Covert Otto

“If I could help one person that has a disability, that’s all I need.” These are the words of Marianne Covert Otto, a woman of inspiration to people living with a disability.

In 2005, Marianne had two strokes that caused her to lose total use of her left side. A mere fifteen months after the strokes, her left foot was fused because it turned in, which caused her to walk on its side. After much deliberation, Marianne decided to have an above the left knee leg amputation.

It was following Marianne’s surgery, when she realized how people can be different towards people with a disability. “Our society should not laugh and point because that might be you one day. You may have a car accident, or something crazy could happen to you the next day you wake up.”

It was after an eye-opening occurrence that Marianne realized her experience as a person with a disability can help others work through their disability and learn to cope with it. While at a local fair, Marianne noticed the deliberate stares people gave her as she tried to use the restroom. Not a single person offered a hand of service to Marianne as she struggled to make her way into the bathroom. Frustrated by people’s ignorance, Marianne chose to dedicate her time to help others with disabilities.

“It’s hard. There are days I still break down, but you can’t pity yourself. It’s a part of your life; just move on. You can’t change it, but you can make it better,” said Marianne. And that is precisely what she is doing. Now, she visits schools to talk about people with disabilities. She teaches students that they shouldn’t point, laugh, or stare, but instead ask questions about a person’s disability.

Marianne gained this confidence to speak about her disability through the support she received from the Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP), and from being a board member of the Amputee Support Team (AST). Her advice is to have someone to talk to, whether it’s a support group, family member, or clergymen - every person needs an outlet of some type.

Through working with members of CILCP and AST, she gained a support group and learned to do things on her own. She’s learned that although things change, she can still enjoy life. CILCP has given her inspiration to get up and try things that she hasn’t done before such as camping and playing tennis. “I can’t go skiing, but I can go tubing! I can still go fishing; I just can’t walk in the water,” Marianne said.

Living every day to the fullest, Marianne stays strong and positive as she works toward moving on. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in human sciences at Harrisburg Area Community College and has actively been working towards getting the Prosthetic Parity Bill passed. The bill will require employer-paid health insurance to treat coverage of prosthetic care, in which Marianne is proud to be a part of. Evident by the projects she is currently engaged in, Marianne’s final piece of advice is, “Don’t try to be superman, but don’t be a snail!”

Is Employment What You Need to Be Living Well With A Disability?

For many people with disabilities, an important part of Living Well With A Disability includes the personal satisfaction and financial independence that comes from employment – earning an income, having a “vocational identity,” and benefitting from the interactions with co-workers and others.

Over 70% of working age people with disabilities aren’t in the workforce, but over 90% of this group say they would like to work. The main reasons they aren’t working are lack of skills, experiences, transportation, and discrimination.

Employment comes in many forms and so do people with disabilities. Type of disability, age, experience, interest, skill, education, ambition, living situation, access to transportation and many other factors come into play.

The Living Well With A Disability program, which is offered through the Centers for Independent Living in Allegheny, Dauphin, Cumberland, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry counties provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to determine what would work best for the individual’s situation. When contacting the Living Well With A Disability program, the person will be asked about their employment interests during the Living Well assessment.

Employment opportunities include “Sheltered,” “Supported,” and “Open Labor Market.” Self-employment is an option for some, and is considered to be “Open Labor Market.”

Sheltered employment means that most of the workers will be people with disabilities, and their productivity is such that they may be paid less than the minimum wage.

Supported employment means having a job in the open labor market where the employee with a disability is assisted in learning and adapting to the work environment by a job coach. A job coach is employed by a third party (usually a non-profit) and payment is usually made by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). The Living Well specialists identify those with disabilities who are likely to need the extra assistance and refer them to OVR. If the person is eligible, OVR will contract with the job coach company. The job coach company then locates a willing employer that is acceptable to the individual.

The coach may (it’s not always needed) also work with the employer, the Center for Independent Living and other agencies to identify and implement reasonable accommodations that will allow the worker with a disability to have the same level of productivity as workers without disabilities. The job coach and employee with a disability may work side-by-side for several weeks. As the weeks progress, the coach may decrease the amount of involvement as the worker gains skill and confidence.

Most people with disabilities rely on the same resources for locating employment in the open labor market that people without disabilities use, such as networking with family and friends, newspapers, on-line job banks and PA CareerLink offices.

The Living Well With A Disability staff provides an important link between the person with a disability and the often confusing decisions involving employment and service options. The staff offers encouragement and help to identify options and opportunities. They also advocate on behalf of “their consumers” when the need arises.

In addition, the staff helps people with disabilities learn about the available resources and how to access them. They also maintain relationships with employers who have hired people with disabilities, and refer consumers who would be a good match for available positions.

For people who need disability-related assistance to achieve employment in the open labor market or with sponsorship for supported employment, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is the state agency designated to provide assistance in this area.

For people who need to acquire specific job skills, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation may provide financial assistance with tuition and support for individuals who meet federal eligibility regulations. They may also help with networking opportunities to help establish a home-based business.

If you live in Allegheny, Cumberland, Dauphin, Mifflin, Juniata or Perry counties, call the Living Well With A Disability hotline (1-877-865-4893) to find out how you can learn more about the employment options. For individuals with disabilities living outside of these counties, contact your local Center for Independent Living and ask for employment assistance.

Recreational Adventures for Blind Individuals in Allegheny County

Envision hiking among the serene sounds of the wild or cross country skiing on freshly fallen snow – all if you are blind. Blind Outdoor Leisure Development, also known as BOLD, is a volunteer based program that creates such opportunities for those who have low vision or are blind.

BOLD first started in Aspen, Colorado by Jean Eymere, a man who lost his sight due to diabetes. Eymere was asked by some friends to go skiing – his favorite activity prior to going blind. To his surprise, he discovered that he could still ski. Eymere became determined to teach others who are blind how to ski…and that is how BOLD began. In 1975, the Pittsburgh chapter of BOLD was organized and it became incorporated in 1976.

Since then, BOLD has expanded and reached new heights over the years. Originally intended to form outdoor recreational activities for those who are blind, BOLD now incorporates indoor activities, especially in times of bad weather. Members have tried a variety of outdoor activities such as flying in experimental planes; rowing with the Three Rivers Rowing Program; driving cars; going cross country and downhill skiing; and hiking. Some indoor activities include rock climbing, wall climbing, yoga classes, ice skating, self defense, and annual attendance to a YMCA camp called Kon-o-kwee – just a few of the activities BOLD members have enjoyed.

BOLD is primarily based in Alleghany County and consists of all volunteers. The activities are done with the assistance of sighted guides, many of whom are members of BOLD. Volunteers also donate their time for specific activities, such as skiing. BOLD is always looking for members with all degrees of sight to participate.

The board meets once a month to discuss possible activities and encourages non-board members to take part in the discussion. Since every activity is member guided, created, and suggested, member recommendations are highly valued. Although BOLD would like to have transportation available for every activity, members rely on sighted volunteers who are available and able to drive.

The 150 low vision and blind members are able to receive a newsletter for $12 a year in the form of their choice - Braille, large print, cassette, regular (standard) print, or email. To learn more about BOLD or to become a member, call 1-412-521-4385 to speak with Joyce Driben who will have an application sent to your home. If additional assistance is needed to fill out the application, a BOLD volunteer is available. For more information on upcoming BOLD events, visit www.wpabold.org.