I’ve successfully completed 1/4 of the semester! Without using any kind of accommodations!
I realize that’s a fairly pitiful thing to celebrate, but I have to take what I can get.
The project management course is actually giving me useful experience using MS Project, along with information that is applicable in the “real world.” There’s also a ridiculous amount of verbiage that I’ve never heard used in the workplace, but maybe there’s been some sort of PM revolution since 2000. I doubt it, but it’s possible.
The other course is a required “how to find a job” thing. For it, I was required to contact my “Career Services Advisor.” When I asked if they have any experience placing disabled students, they assumed (as usual) that “disability” meant something like ADHD. When I explained further, I was told that no, they don’t do that sort of thing, and I should go to the state’s Vocational Rehabilitation Department. How helpful!
I was planning to get in touch with Voc Rehab again anyway, though I’m in a weird limbo. My Social Security case is still pending, and one reason I filed is so that I could get insurance (Medicare) so I could get reliable health care so that I can work again. If you can work at all, you’re not supposed to be approved for disability. If you’re approved for SS disability, though, you’re eligible for the Ticket to Work program to get you back in the workforce. Voc Rehab is largely funded by that program, but until the SSA gets around to my case (in 2-3 years, I’m told, due to major problems in the system) I’m not technically qualified for it. I don’t want to sit around not working in hopes of getting approved for SSA, but if I drop this case, it’ll have been too long since I last worked for me to even qualify for disability income if they do agree with my doctors! Our healthcare system is, as most of you probably know, fucked.
Sam spent a large part of the day driving. First, he went and picked up another Freecycle find: mountain bikes for both of us! (Katie already has one.) Mine is purple and his is green. I’ll try to get photos tomorrow.
Then he went to Sopo to learn how to fix the wheel on my bike, which was out of true. A very nice lady named Amy helped him and finally did that part for him, saying it’s pretty advanced. We still need another helmet and chains/locks/etc, but those are much more easily had than the bikes.
Sam has wanted a bike since before we moved here, so this is really wonderful. I want to get healthy enough to ride again, and having the bike makes it easier to keep that in mind. Squee!
Then he went to get the girl and all her loot from shopping with Nana (my mother). Lots more driving for that.
As a result, he didn’t get much podcasting done today, so I suppose he’ll work on it tomorrow, as he doesn’t have to go to work.
Did y’all have a good weekend so far?
I’ve had a pretty good weekend, really.
And yes, the US health-care system is an absolute nightmare.