Editor, Times-Union: I am a resident of Warsaw and have been all my life. The last 14 years of my life have been a challenge. I was in a car accident and very seriously injured when I was 17, leaving me with a spinal cord injury. I have to use a wheelchair to get around. I am in my chair all day long and am very independent while I'm in my chair.
Buildings in Warsaw aren't very accessible for people in wheelchairs. I am able to get in and out of my house and my vehicle, because we had them adapted to my needs, thanks to Vocational Rehab. They have helped me a great deal making my life as normal as it can be.
I can drive myself anywhere I want to go and not being able to get in some places because it's not accessible is very upsetting. Being independent means a lot to me.
I have found a few places not accessible for the handicapped.
I know that all the places that aren't accessible could get funding for these types of improvements to make their place more accessible for us who need extra assistance. It gets very frustrating when you want to go somewhere and have to worry if you can get in by yourself or not. I hate depending on someone else when it comes to something that can be fixed very simply by putting in a door opener, a ramp, or anything to help the people who are in wheelchairs.
My goal is to be as independent as possible and with the right modifications I can be as independent as anyone else.
Teresa Wilson Warsaw
Pet Peeve
Editor, Times-Union: I went to mow my lawn today,
And much to my surprise, I found a pile of doggy doo
Right there before my eyes.
No doubt someone had walked their dog.
(The weather's nice, you know).
Dogs will be dogs-yes, this is true-
And this dog had to go. A bread bag is a handy thing
When strolling with a pup.
It offers waste removal. Yes,
It cleans the stuff right up!
So please, oh, please respect the grass
And those who have to mow.
Clean up your doggy's mess each time;
Leave nothing as you go. Enjoy your walks with Spot or Spike;
The exercise is good. Be kind to properties you pass.
Clean up; you know you should.
Donna Propp Warsaw via e-mail
KIDS Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union: Many times we read negative print about "this or that." The KIDS Association (Kos. Co. Daycare Services) would like to promote a great big "thanks" in several directions in our county for a great cause. We'd like everyone to know that one of our very own child care providers, Amy Lancaster, Pierceton, has helped many child care providers in this county receive CPR, first aid training and universal precautions to obtain and remain a licensed child care facility. Amy took further education to become an American Red Cross instructor and has shared her time and home when needed to offer those classes.
We'd also like to thank the Pierceton EMS and fire department for sharing their facility and training time April 10 with the KIDS Association child care providers. The training started at 6 p.m. and lasted for several participants until 1:30 a.m. to complete all courses. The child care providers served cookies, fruit and veggie trays. The EMS provided every participant with syrup of ipecac and the fire department provided a smoke detector for each child care provider.
Everyone had a great time and learned a lot. CPR, first aid and universal precautions are part of the requirements for a child care provider to become licensed. Again, a big "thanks" to everyone who helped with this training. We, as an association, want everyone to know we have a great team of safety professionals looking out for our children.
