LymeNet Flash: How to demonstrate Mobility Impairment?

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Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :

Does anyone know what the generally accepted standards are for demonstrating mobility impairment?

I have waited 3 years on the only low cost housing list that would take names in the 10 years I am living here. I have gotten a letter asking if I am still interested. Which means my name is getting to the part they are looking at. This doesn't guarantee anything as there are few accessable units and the existing tenants get first crack at such units. So one rarely opens. There may be nothing offered, ever.

It is a privately owned "62+ or mobility impaired" housing facility. Being under 62 and disabled I am eligilble but must demonstrate mobility impairment.

I'm, without a doubt, mobility impaired. However, I do not use a wheel chair or any other devices. How does one demonstrate it? Originally, I was told my doctor could document it. I'm not positive this is entirely true.

Has anyone else dealt with this type of thing or know how it would be addressed?

[ 07. May 2007, 10:43 AM: Message edited by: trueblue ]

Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :

I know my doc filled out paper work for me to live where I do now.

I am guessing that you will have that answer when you see the form your doc needs to fill out.

I hope it works out for you.

Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :

I also found out I fell through the cracks on some lists.

So, it is good to check in every 6 months or so to let them know you are still interested and you are still alive and kicking. HA!

Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :

Thanks Kam, I am hoping the doctor's note will be sufficient. I haven't spoken to the doc's office about it.

I found I have fallen through the cracks everywhere for 10 years and am so discouraged. Thank you for responding with some insight into the process. [kiss]

The form I received to fill out was just that. Asking if you were still interested as they were cleaning up the lists. *crossing fingers*

Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :

^up^

for any more input...

Thanks!

Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :

Nothing else?

I found that residual functional capacity sample letter. Would it be to my benefit to use the parts that apply and ask my doctor to write something based on that?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Posted by just don (Member # 1129) on :

TBF,
Wish I had GOOD info for you.

Do you know anybody locally with a power chair ?? So you borrow it and go 'see' them?? Think they will ask how long you have used it?? Bet NOT, that would be rude!!

I know a lady about town who has those medical braces on different parts of her body from day to day. If you keep track knee brace one day arm brace next day, crutches then sling next. It always moves around to various parts of the body for her.

Dont know her story,,IF she really hurts all over OR pretends alot. Sometimes she is on crutches even, been going on for 20-30 years now. cast every day so must break ALOT of bones!!

Moral of story, anybody can wear a brace,specially on outside of clothes.

Can you apply or get a handicapped parking sticker?? Borrow one??

Sorta haveta know the rules better to know how to circle up the wagons!! You have a copy YET??

Let us know how your doing so we can continue to give MORE worthless advice?? from--just don--

Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :

Thanks Don,
I have a parking placard.

As for the rest, I wouldn't misrepresent myself. I think I can provide appropriate documentation. I was mostly wondering what that would look like as they've not really divulged that part.

As a matter of fact I think I forgot to send the form back. Better do that now. Thanks for the reminder! [kiss]

Ack! where the heck is it? *searches frantically*

phew! putting it in an envelope now. I need a secretary, and a cook and a maid and... [Roll Eyes]

I doubt this'll ever really come up, anyway, it would just be nice to have a place of my own.

Posted by geden13* (Member # 11659) on :

how long can you stand? can you walk a flight of stair's. got a cane to lean on?you outa breath when walking short distance's? well,then you NEED a first floor apt..had to put that in blue..

these are some of the question's they asked me at mt ssi hearing...hope i helped a little.be well , gary

Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :

Thank you, Gary! [kiss]

That helps enormously!

Now, that you said it I filled out those forms to apply for SSDI. And probably for subsequent reviews.

I can't stand long enough to scramble an egg. I can walk short distances but need to keep moving. I can't stop and chat. I sit on the floor in stores because I cannot stand long enough or walk far enough without pain, dizziness, etc...

I finally took one of those electric carts in Walmart the other day. It was awesome. I didn't even run anyone over. I don't know why I was so stupid and stubborn as not to have done it before. I didn't feel like I was gonna pass out, my leg wasn't numb, my back hurt much less, I wasn't nauseous. And I did not have to sit on the floor, waiting in line, and make jokes to the other customers about it being a good place for a couch.

Posted by lymednva (Member # 9098) on :

Glad to hear you tried the electric cart. I wouldn't be able to shop without them! I get the strangest looks from people when I drop to the floor to wait in line.

I used to sit on the Customer Service counter at Target to wait for a cart and there was one woman who had personal mission to prevent me from harming myself.

She felt it was better for me to it on the dirty floor in the middle of winter in my coat than to sit on the counter with my feet folded up so the blood stayed where it belonged, and I stayed relatively clean.

Luckily my condition has improved a bit since then, so I don't have to sit on the floor, but I almost did it at Home Depot when I discovered they kept the carts in the back of the store because "they need to be plugged in." DUH!

Why does every other store manage to find a way to plug them in at the front where the customers are when they need them?! I told them I would go to Lowe's next time, and I did!

I hope you've got enough ideas to show you are mobility impaired now, TB.

Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :

I think I know what I can tell them, anyway, should they ever ask.

Hey, our Home Depot has them up front. My mom says they have the fastest carts. Maybe I'll go racing in them next. (Although it's important to stay away from my mom when she uses them. She once pinned me against the shelves in the grocery store.) [Eek!]

If the carts are in the back of the store there should be a valet to get them, dontcha think? (I know, good luck trying to find an employee when you want something, ha!)

I thought I was the only person that had to sit cross legged all the time. On floors, in chairs, right now... low steps work, too.

Thanks Lymed [group hug]

ps. on lines try the couch joke; people almost always agree... they'd like one there, too. [Smile]

Posted by db (Member # 733) on :

I don't know if this would help or not but I'd thought I reply. I used an attorny to help me with my SSDI and when I had to fill out my paperwork last to show SSI if I was working, etc. etc., the attorney's office helped me with wording. Like I can not pick up over 5 lbs ... was mentioned to me as something critical. Is there a way I wonder to call the housing authority to see what their guidelines are and see if they would say anything that may be beneficial as far as "exact" guidelines? ... Ok, I'm gone from here! I think I sound Lymie for sure this early am! bye.

Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :

Thanks db,
You sound fine to me. Although, you might want to take that from where it comes. Feeling pretty lymie myself.

I was thinking of those forms when I read Gary's response above. I'm glad you both mentioned them. I'll dig them out and add more current stuff to them if asked.

The tricky thing with the housing authority is I don't think they know what thier guidelines are, exactly. It sounds to me like it happens so infrequently that it may not have come up in a long time so no one remembers.

The complex is predominently seniors so they may never have had to ask. I don't know if they have many <62 disabled there, at all.

I thank you guys for the input and ideas. I'm much less panicky about it now as I can see how to demonstrate if I need to. Phew! [Smile]