Today Todd meets with his Vocational Rehab councelor, to set up his IPE (Individual Plan for Employment.)
This is a very good thing, which he had to qualify for, but in that is a two edged sword. On the one hand, it's great because they will help him to decide what he wants to do in the future, and find something meaningful and fulfilling to him which he is capable of, and provide him with the services to meet those goals. On the other hand, the letter was quite a shock to him, making it painfully clear that he is "most significantly disabled" (for the purposes of the VR program.)
Personally I don't consider him to be "most significantly disabled" in anything. Mildly disabled, or moderately so at the utmost. Sure he still struggles with things, but he's mobile, can take care of himself, and even Oliver for a bit occasionally, communicate, drive, and yes, work, eventually. But it was a shock for him to read that. I reminded him that it was for the purposes of the VR program and that that is a good thing, because it qualifies him for the program. But in my eyes, and I'm sure in everyone else who knows him, he's more Able than disabled.
So I know it's been what, 9 months now? But please keep us in your prayers. For Todd, as he goes to this meeting and starts the program, and as he continues to struggle through dealing with his deficits each and every day. And me, to have the patience and compassion and strength to continue to help him, and continue to keep going.
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4 comments:
Best of Luck...He is in our prayers!!
Wow! That is good for him, that he got into the program. But a lot to take in I guess, to read that letter. we will keep you in our prayers.. Love you both a ton.
I will indeed keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers, as I know first hand and in a very real sense what YOU are dealing with in this regard.
The difference is that VocRehab WILL be able to help Todd. Of this I am sure...
But I also know how hard it is for the guys, looking out from their eyes, to see the whole picture.
This is a big step, but I'm with you Amy - needing a lot of help with employment things doesn't in any negate how far Todd has come in other ways! I was amazed out how well he was doing when I visited!
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