Odd DSS Problem

[BeagleBoy3]

Hello, everyone. I have a rather embarrassing situation and thought I would ask those who are much more experienced than I how to handle it.

I have some permanent disabilties that are just beginning to manifest themselves in serious mobility problems. As luck would have it, the problem I am having now is related to a more temporary situation- two broken feet. Yup. That's right! I am currently in walking boots and on crutches.

This situation has left me unable to work very much, and, unfortunately, left me qualifying for government assistance. I am grateful for it, but hate it. Anyway. there is a USDA food giveaway which I received a letter about qualifying for coming up this weekend. The process is one where you wait in line and, once they open, you wait your turn and receive your food. They have assistants who will carry it to your car.

My problem is standing for two hours prior to opening. I called social services to find out what to do about my situation. I don't want to skip the lines, I just wanted to know if there was a waiting area with some sort of seating for those who can't stand for whatever reasons. I explained my situation and was told to sit on the floor. Ok. That won't work. Then I was told to bring my own folding chair. This would work if I had someone to help me, which I already explained to her I did not.

I was polite this entire conversation. The lady on the other hand was, well, not. When I told her that those options wouldn't work, and I was just wondering what they did with people who were unable to stand in the past, the response floored me. "We tell them to be creative or just not come. If you can't stand in line by yourself we can't help you."

Since this is a government program, run by a government agency, should I bring this to someone's attention? How should it be handled? While it did hurt me, a lot, I am concerned for everyone else in my shoes. There are a lot of people who need the help and are not well, whether they be elderly or disabled, and it seems a bit shortsighted to me to limit it to only those who are able-bodied.

Thank you in advance for all of your help.

 

[Schmeck]

Option #1 - get a wheelchair.

Option #2 - get a scooter.

Option #3 - have someone come with you.

If you are going to experience serious mobility issues in the near future, I'd go with option #1 or #2, as you will want to be able to get around by yourself for other events.

 

[BeagleBoy3]

Thank you for your input. As I said before, having someone go with me was not an option. I managed with the help of strangers. My concern was more with the situation as a whole than with myself.

In your first two suggestions, you assume I have the funds or insurance to purchase a scooter or power wheelchair (I am unable to push a manual). I do not. Hopefully the time will come when I do, but there are many out there unable to wait standing in the hot southern sun for three hours who may not have the availability of help or the funds necessary to purchase such expensive things for a once every 2-3 months occurrence.

I may only have 2 posts, but am not new to the boards. This was about something I did not wish to post with under my normal user name. I do understand where you are coming from with personal responsibilty. I believe part of that is not only looking out for myself, but for others, when there is a flaw in a system.

And believe me, it was a flaw. Wheelchairs and scooters were useless. There were two sets of steps unable to be bypassed throughout the course of the line. Some people DID have to leave because they were unable to gain access.

 

[peemagg]

Because of the stairs and lack of access for the disabled, then they have broken the laws of the ADA. They must provide some sort of access other than stairs for those unable to do stairs. I would look into maybe the ADA laws and see if they recommend a way to report such things. I would also try to get a hold of the city and report what happened to you on the phone and what you witnessed to the powers that be and remind them about the ADA laws. Good luck with this endevor.

 

[Schmeck]

Thank you for your input. As I said before, having someone go with me was not an option. I managed with the help of strangers. My concern was more with the situation as a whole than with myself.

In your first two suggestions, you assume I have the funds or insurance to purchase a scooter or power wheelchair (I am unable to push a manual). I do not. Hopefully the time will come when I do, but there are many out there unable to wait standing in the hot southern sun for three hours who may not have the availability of help or the funds necessary to purchase such expensive things for a once every 2-3 months occurrence.

I may only have 2 posts, but am not new to the boards. This was about something I did not wish to post with under my normal user name. I do understand where you are coming from with personal responsibilty. I believe part of that is not only looking out for myself, but for others, when there is a flaw in a system.

And believe me, it was a flaw. Wheelchairs and scooters were useless. There were two sets of steps unable to be bypassed throughout the course of the line. Some people DID have to leave because they were unable to gain access.

Well, since you didn't mention the stair situation in your original post, then . You also did not mention your lack of funds, etc, so that's another . The hostility you just showed towards me, I'll let slide, since I'm assuming it just is coming across sounding harsh on the 'net.

So, now the real issue is known - lack of true accessibility (stairs, not sure how the heat/weather is covered by ADA). Yes, the powers that be should be notified, in that case, whatever governing agency covers this free food handout. Perhaps it could be linked through other services instead, not sure what you have in your region. One service we have up here is Meals on Wheels, and some other Senior Center care too, as well as food pantry and shelter.

For your assistance in mobility, I'd suggest a meeting with your doctor to figure out how to get you a scooter or electric wheelchair. It should be covered under insurance, as you should be able to have your independence and health for as long as possible. Make sure you use those two words italicized - they are key to getting coverage.

 

[dyna]

Scooters an or power chairs are not for everyone the person must have a way to load the scooter in their vehicle not everyone can afford a lift for them even the there is the problem with rainy days.

Sometimes the person needing the scooter has someone to take them where they need to go or want to go but the person hauling them has no way to load the scooter or power chair.

I know several ppl who would qualify for free or very low cost transportation to dr's an grocery store but they live so far out in country no service goes out that far. My totally blind friend was told we stop 1/4 of a mile before your house you will have to meet us there. Yet she would have had to try to walk blind down a very busy state hwy NOT SAFE for anyone to do no sidewalk no walking path of any kind or she had to get a ride well once someone drove out to take her to meet the transportation service they might as well just take her to her appointments.

This summer senior citizens center an community services in my area has given hungry ppl needing assistance rotten food.....what should have been fresh produce that had been left sit to long an had actually rotted. (very sad) So they not always the answer either.

 

[saveaquarter]

Well, since you didn't mention the stair situation in your original post, then . You also did not mention your lack of funds, etc, so that's another . The hostility you just showed towards me, I'll let slide, since I'm assuming it just is coming across sounding harsh on the 'net.

So, now the real issue is known - lack of true accessibility (stairs, not sure how the heat/weather is covered by ADA). Yes, the powers that be should be notified, in that case, whatever governing agency covers this free food handout. Perhaps it could be linked through other services instead, not sure what you have in your region. One service we have up here is Meals on Wheels, and some other Senior Center care too, as well as food pantry and shelter.

For your assistance in mobility, I'd suggest a meeting with your doctor to figure out how to get you a scooter or electric wheelchair. It should be covered under insurance, as you should be able to have your independence and health for as long as possible. Make sure you use those two words italicized - they are key to getting coverage.

I really don't see anything hostile in the OP's response to you, it kind of confuses me as to how you got to that conclusion. They seem to simply be clarifying that they were asking for help with something entirely different than what you addressed.

I might be presuming a few things here, and you'll have to forgive me, OP, if I get anything wrong. It seems to me like he or she is asking for general assistance with how to rectify a situation that is causing them difficulty so that it will not cause the same problem for others in the future, not necessarily for specific help with getting his or herself there.

Everyone's situation is different, and no one can presume their answers can cover someone else's troubles. OP did say they don't have insurance and likely lives in a region where insurance isn't an option, not everyone is as lucky as us here in MA to have statewide healthcare for everyone. Even those with insurance can't always get the help they need with their mobility difficulties. A food giveaway program, which is the sort of thing the elderly and disabled (who may not be able to work and need extra help sometimes) would need, should take into account the needs of their 'clients'.

I would think that contacting the program director, or possibly someone at the property where the giveaway was held would be the first step to take. If they can't help, perhaps they know who can. Another idea would be to volunteer with the program yourself, if that's a possibility, so that next time you would be able to offer some insight into your situation to the people involved and help come up with some solutions.

 

[BeagleBoy3]

Because of the stairs and lack of access for the disabled, then they have broken the laws of the ADA. They must provide some sort of access other than stairs for those unable to do stairs. I would look into maybe the ADA laws and see if they recommend a way to report such things. I would also try to get a hold of the city and report what happened to you on the phone and what you witnessed to the powers that be and remind them about the ADA laws. Good luck with this endevor.

Thank you so much for your help. I don't want to cause trouble, just make it easier for those who need it.

Well, since you didn't mention the stair situation in your original post, then . You also did not mention your lack of funds, etc, so that's another . The hostility you just showed towards me, I'll let slide, since I'm assuming it just is coming across sounding harsh on the 'net.

So, now the real issue is known - lack of true accessibility (stairs, not sure how the heat/weather is covered by ADA). Yes, the powers that be should be notified, in that case, whatever governing agency covers this free food handout. Perhaps it could be linked through other services instead, not sure what you have in your region. One service we have up here is Meals on Wheels, and some other Senior Center care too, as well as food pantry and shelter.

For your assistance in mobility, I'd suggest a meeting with your doctor to figure out how to get you a scooter or electric wheelchair. It should be covered under insurance, as you should be able to have your independence and health for as long as possible. Make sure you use those two words italicized - they are key to getting coverage.

I'm sorry if I came across as hostile. It certainly wasn't my intention. It's just how I talk.

I didn't mention the stairs because I hadn't seen the site they were using until this morning when I went! I don't have insurance, and can't afford a scooter out of pocket. As it is, I save for a couple of months to pay one doctor's visit out of pocket. Here they won't see you without payment up front.

I am in the process of going through the disability application. I'll keep your wording in mind when/if it comes through. Thank you for the help!

Scooters an or power chairs are not for everyone the person must have a way to load the scooter in their vehicle not everyone can afford a lift for them even the there is the problem with rainy days.

Sometimes the person needing the scooter has someone to take them where they need to go or want to go but the person hauling them has no way to load the scooter or power chair.

I know several ppl who would qualify for free or very low cost transportation to dr's an grocery store but they live so far out in country no service goes out that far. My totally blind friend was told we stop 1/4 of a mile before your house you will have to meet us there. Yet she would have had to try to walk blind down a very busy state hwy NOT SAFE for anyone to do no sidewalk no walking path of any kind or she had to get a ride well once someone drove out to take her to meet the transportation service they might as well just take her to her appointments.

This summer senior citizens center an community services in my area has given hungry ppl needing assistance rotten food.....what should have been fresh produce that had been left sit to long an had actually rotted. (very sad) So they not always the answer either.

That is absolutely terrible. I hope some adjustments can be made so your friend gets the help she needs. And you're right. In my case even if I had a scooter it would be useless. I couldn't lift it from my car. But, hopefully I can find a way to both get one and make it work in the future.

I really don't see anything hostile in the OP's response to you, it kind of confuses me as to how you got to that conclusion. They seem to simply be clarifying that they were asking for help with something entirely different than what you addressed.

I might be presuming a few things here, and you'll have to forgive me, OP, if I get anything wrong. It seems to me like he or she is asking for general assistance with how to rectify a situation that is causing them difficulty so that it will not cause the same problem for others in the future, not necessarily for specific help with getting his or herself there.

Everyone's situation is different, and no one can presume their answers can cover someone else's troubles. OP did say they don't have insurance and likely lives in a region where insurance isn't an option, not everyone is as lucky as us here in MA to have statewide healthcare for everyone. Even those with insurance can't always get the help they need with their mobility difficulties. A food giveaway program, which is the sort of thing the elderly and disabled (who may not be able to work and need extra help sometimes) would need, should take into account the needs of their 'clients'.

I would think that contacting the program director, or possibly someone at the property where the giveaway was held would be the first step to take. If they can't help, perhaps they know who can. Another idea would be to volunteer with the program yourself, if that's a possibility, so that next time you would be able to offer some insight into your situation to the people involved and help come up with some solutions.

Thank you! I have been thinking about volunteering. I have a few ideas about simple ways to help the situation for all involved without creating more work on the people working the giveaway.

 

[barkley]

retired dss supervisor here-

if you want to complain that a staff member was rude to you it's always your right-you can complain to their supervisor or to their division or program manager.

if it's regarding the accessability of the site/the way the distribution was set up, then you need to find out who co-ordinated it. generaly it's not dss, it's someone who is contracted with the usda, and dss may have very limited involvement (to be very honest, mass mailings on usda and other distributions/give aways/programs that our clients had absolute eligibility based on their eligibility to one of our programs happened on a fairly regular basis-with some that listed our phone number for questions we had great information on the program, others nothing more than the same mailer that went to the clients). the easiest way to find out who was in charge of the distribution might just be to call the building it was held at-they would know who they worked with (and might be able to provide a contact number).

i don't know what the requirements are for host sites, but i suspect since it's often donated use of space they may not have some of the requirements of accessability that one would think. we live in a very rural area, and the closest town that does usda distributions has had to change sites several times b/c the property owners had issues and liability concerns with past distributions (people waiting in line left trash in the parking lots/buildings, claims of injuries, unsupervised kids causing problems at adjacent homes/bsns) so the most recent ones have been held at a place where recipients don't even enter the building- they wait in line, and they just go up to the door where they are processed. does'nt sound too bad, but the place is located on a very steep street, with almost no parking (and no parking lot) so you see people standing in line for hours, then trying to carry these boxes back blocks to their cars (and winter before last when the snow was several feet deep it was downright dangerous).