Win some.........Lose some

My husband and I truly believed in Civil Rights protection in the United States.  Especially when there was honesty and non-manipulation that is often encouraged by those who work in the social service system.  We were wrong!  Even our state representative and orthopeadic physician blatantly disregarded the Americans with Disabilities Act, putting my health and community living at great risk.  Were it not for my faithful, loving husband and two local executives, I would likely be in a nursing home.  A former employee of a local home based care agency taped a staff meeting where a discussion of how I would be manipulated into admission to a local nursing home would occur.  Shortly afterwards, the employee quit her job and gave me the tape.  Apparently, even my brother was in on the duplicitous behavior!  Public exposure is my ultimate goal but, for now this blog post will have to do.

Unfortunately, it is common for  those with cerebral palsy to be portrayed as less than capable.

A PIVITOL MOMENT

The most important lesson that living into my senior years has taught me is that change is inevitable.  In the midst of life's stages there will be opportunities that come only once, so it is important to remain alert and recognize when something by chance is actually a doorway, slightly ajar, for you to walk through.  Such an opportunity was presented to my husband and me when we attended the gala for  Women’s e News presents 21 Leaders for the 21st Century 2017 ; (Video)  http://worldlibertytv.org/womens-e-news-presents-21-leaders-for-the-21st-century-2017/

I had boldly asked the executive director if I could attend the event and bring my husband as a complimentary guest to assist me.  I said quite frankly, that there were some people that I needed to meet and that I believed those people would likely be at that event.  During the cocktail hour a man who introduced himself as "Dr. Abbey" presented us with an opportunity that I have actually expected for quite some time.
The photo below was taken just after we met.

What makes any moment "pivitol" is the element of mystery; i.e. what is it about the circumstances and the personalities involved that will cause an "opening" for critical changes to take place and have significant impact on many lives?

This remains to be revealed.  My husband, Clark and I are hopeful. 

PERSISTANCE

After several months of working with the PA State Representative's Office without success in getting even one response from the administration of the Office of Long Term Living, (OLTL), a formal complaint was filed with the Office of Civil Rights within Health & Human Services.  The investigator asked some very pertinent questions regarding the silence of the state administrators.  Upon learning of the consumer being denied clearly stated civil rights, he immediately referred the case to the Federal Office of Civil Rights in Washington, DC.

Civil Rights violations reported by the consumer can be found in the professional articles about home based care but never in the first person.  Hopefully, the undaunting persistence of this one woman and her husband will speak for many who have been silenced by a healthcare system that views them as expendable. 

Amazon Author Page

I am attempting again to add  this blog to my Amazon Author page.  When this is available, more will be written about the most difficult case of discrimination based on disability that  have encountered in a very long time. 

Shift in Emphasis

Most of my writing can now be found on my linked in page.  Just type my name "Annie Harris-Meachem in the search area on Linkedin.com as the professionals I want  to reach follow me most on that site.

For those who wish to financially contribute to the necessary work of Disability Rights Education can click the DONATE Button the top of the home page and follow the instructions on Pay pal.  You do not have to have a paypal account and all your financial information is hidden from view.  Any amount entitles you  to  a copy of the Pink Zone edition of my book as long as supplies last.  The funds will be donated directly to The Pink Zone.  If there is a another non profit or a person with a disability that you would like to benefit from a book(s) that are purchased, put the address on your paypal payment and a signed copy of  the most recently revised copy will be sent book will be shipped directly to them.  A gift card will be sent at  your request.   For orders of 10 or more, there is a 15% discount.  Book Clubs regularly take advantage of this.



To those who have encouraged, supported, loved and followed my writing  from the beginning I send my deepest gratitude and best wishes for a Merry Christmas and many blessings in the 2017 

How did We Get Here?

The following post is copied from my Linkedin profile page.  You can read it by clicking the link below.

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-meachem-36778532?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

It has become increasingly apparent that the current priority in the healthcare of 2016 is not patient care.


  To purchase revealing memoir click the link below:  


https://www.createspace.com/4715774

A SACRAMENT!

June 5, 2016

If I ever had any doubt that marriage is a Sacrament, an outward expression of what the Divinity has permitted as an expression of God's Love for humanity, ALL doubt was removed upon being introduced to the community witnessing our wedding ceremony  at State College Presbyterian Church on Sunday June 5, 2016 as husband  & wife......Mr. & Mrs. Clark Meachem.  Becoming a couple in the midst of a church community is where we looked for confirmation that being a married couple would be a good choice for us.  As a Christian couple we wanted to do more than just "fit in."  We wanted to become part of  the "body of Christ" where our union would be supported and where we could make a valuable contribution.  We also wanted to be around couples who knew  that marriage wasn't always easy.  In our prayer life, as individuals and as an engaged couple, we asked God to show us if we had HIS Blessing through our  families and those who had known each of us for many years as well as from new friends that were much younger.  We were engaged seven months and there was not one "nay-sayer."  In fact, some friends we hadn't seen in many years expressed their happiness for us and asked to be invited  to the wedding.  Our wedding ceremony and reception was a celebration of the embodiment (Sacrament) of God's Love for us and those who would choose to support our union.  The overflowing generosity in material gifts and support has been overwhelming for us as we begin married life.

Clark has not only become my husband. He also edits my writing and will serve as the editor of the  revision to my current memoir, It's Easier to Dance - Living Beyond Boundaries.  I have experienced his keen perceptiveness and political astuteness as an editor.  His ability to observe without judgment, yet state clearly any inconsistencies behavior as we travel beyond State College.  Clark supports me 100% or more in my approach to Disability Rights even when I find it necessary to boldly confront obvious discrimination.  Once I  asked him if he wished I were different.  His response, "I don't think it's in your constitution and, no, I would not change you!"