Author Archive
Inspirational Handicap Truck Learning Curve
Posted by: | CommentsInspirational Handicap Truck Learning CurveI’ve had the opportunity to drive adapted vehicles for a long time. Less than two years after breaking my neck and becoming a quadriplegic, I was once again driving. With the constantly evolving technology many people including yourself may still have transportation independence. But of course, there is a learning curve.Each handicap adapted vehicle is unique and takes varying degrees of getting used to. My latest truck is no different. I added new technology and was able to eliminate things I was depended on in the past.The old lift system in my last vehicle was made by one of the founding disabled mobility transportation companies in the world. My Braun lift went under my truck on the driver side. Ralph Braun created his company in the 60s and is still going strong today.
I missed the lounge chairby about 500 feet 🙂
Tips for Wheelchair Automobile Travel: Charles Fleisher driving to Florida
Posted by: | CommentsTips for Wheelchair Automobile Travel: Charles Fleisher driving to Florida #1I’m certainly a blessed and fortunate individual considering the challenges of being quadriplegic and and traveling with a spinal cord injury. After months of waiting to have my new vehicle modified, the final touches were finished.I had planned on driving to Florida , but because of inevitable delays in the truck modification it didn’t look like I was going to be able to stay on my timeline.It’s been a brutal winter on the East Coast with storm after storm and near record snow and this trip south was highly anticipated. Of course there are plenty of challenges for a quadriplegic when traveling. For instance, my new vehicle blew a fuse before. Skillfully my assistant and friend Elvie was able to figure out how to diagnose and replace the blown fuse.She has had plenty of experience! My last modified vehicle was giving me challenges constantly, but with her developed expertise in repairing my lift, we managed well enough and after a four hour delay, we left Jersey with temperatures in the mid-20s.
We arrived in Florida just fine. We’re looking forward to accomplishing a lot while we’re here. If you are in the Orlando area around this time mid-to-late March 2014 and would like me to come by and speak please don’t hesitate to contact me.5 Things You Must Know When Traveling in a Wheelchair by Car:1. If you haven’t done it before please do a short trip first!A few hours drive at the most.Do your research! Ask around and find out from others and the Internet as much as you can about your destination. .2 Thoroughly research your hotel. Check for wheelchair accessibility. Roll in showers.3. Bring assistance with you for your daily care or provide to have a nursing agency or other assistance meet you at your destination.4. If you use a leg bag to drain your urine, consider connecting to a larger bag so you don’t have to continue stopping to empty.5. Bring your basic required equipment with you or arrange for a medical supply company to deliver your supplies and equipment to your destination.Click Here To learn more about the vehicle which allows me to travel and the quadriplegic who invented it.Click Here to learn about three businesses that have combined annual incomes of over $200 million that were started by individuals with disabilities to provide mobility solutions for themselves and now assist countless individuals with vehicle mobility solutions.
Returning to school with the spinal cord injuryReturning to School after a Spinal Cord Injury:
Michael Rhode interview with Charles Fleisher The Opportunities Guy
Going or returning to school after a spinal cord injury can be challenging but also rewarding. After my injury in 1988 I was reluctant and intimidated by the daunting challenges of mobility, taking notes, and learning to socialize again on a college campus. Michael Rhode’s experience bears similarities to mine. In the following interview, Rhode discusses some of the challenges and benefits of his recent experience returning to the Brookdale College campus in 2013.
Interviewer (Charles Fleisher): Tell me about your activities, interests and occupation before your injury?
Rhode: I was extremely active, as a personal trainer, as well as being a fitness consultant. I loved outdoor activities, skiing, road biking, surfing, running on the beach, and hiking. I was a member of the Hunter Mtn Ski Patrol.
Fleisher: Please explain how your accident happen and how old were you?
Rhode : I was injured in a skiing accident when I was 45yrs old, while working as a Ski Patroller. My binding prematurely released, resulting in a high speed crash, which left me paralyzed from the chest down.
Fleisher: Had you gone to college or any other trades schools prior to your injury?
Rhode: I was in nursing school when the accident happened.
Fleisher: How long did it take to go back to school and where did you start?
Rhode: My accident happened in Dec of 2010, and I returned to school in Jan of 2012. I started back up at Brookdale Community College taking online courses and in the 2013 Fall Semester I started to attend classes at the Lincroft and Neptune campuses.
Fleisher: What has your college experience been like post injury?
Rhode: It’s been a great motivator, one that has kept me busy throughout my recovery. Returning to attending classes in Sept of 2013 was something that really got me back into the social atmosphere.
Fleisher: Are you glad you went back?
Rhode: Absolutely, I would have gone stir crazy without having my schoolwork to keep me busy. Although I had to change my major from Nursing to Social Work, the experience is giving me a great feeling of accomplishment.Fleisher: What are your goals for your education?
Rhode : My goal is to get my Associates Degree from Brookdale and then transfer to Rutgers to obtain my Bachelors in Social Work.
Fleisher: What would you say the biggest difference is now and are you satisfied with your progress?
Rhode : The biggest difference is the fact that I need assistance with many things, and this is something I’m still adjusting too. I was use to being the one helping people, and while I still can in some aspects, the roles have drastically changed.
Click Here for more information about education & funding for education for people with disabilities.Check out education and training resources after clicking link above.
Kessler presentation traveling using a wheelchair
Posted by: | CommentsCharles Fleisher will be visiting Kesler rehab hospital in West orange to discuss traveling with a wheelchair. Please join us at the hospital February 27, 2014