May 2024 Catherine Vaughn: Part II

For us, the last 18 months post-stroke have been a constant quest for knowledge. In the words of B.B. King, “The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.” Amen to that! Knowledge is power and there is no more critical time than now, in the aftermath of a brain injury, to harness it. 

My husband Michael suffered a massive right hemisphere stroke in September of 2022 leaving him unable to walk or use his left arm. Through incredible PT, OT, and speech therapies, he has made incredible advances. While the initial steps forward were leaps, we now make incremental progress, but still we move forward each and every day. Growth through knowledge has certainly been at the forefront of that effort. 

Our hunger and desire for information has empowered us as a family and made us stronger, more effective advocates for Michael. Our unwillingness to accept the physical limitations stroke has wrought on our lives and our tireless search for ways to once again normalize life have been our steadfast commitment – and they must be yours as well. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (www.maine.gov/dhhs) is a great place for you to start on your educational journey. The resources provided there will help empower your family on a broad range of issues. For example, on the accommodations employers must make to the workplace enabling you to return to employment and the limitations on those accommodations. The ADA also addresses requirements on the marketplace stating businesses that are open to the public (including non-profits) must provide those with disabilities equal opportunity to access the goods and services they offer. This is critical in re-socialization post-brain injury and getting back where the people are. And don’t forget service and emotional support dogs are also covered under the ADA!

Lastly, when you re-enter the world, you want to engage in the marketplace (restaurants, shopping, etc.). The challenge is determining who is accessible and to what extent and identifying those who make it a priority to be accessible to you. For us, one in particular comes to mind. When it comes to air travel, the airports and airlines are surprisingly accommodating. I want to speak of our experience while flying Breeze both in Portland, Maine and Orlando International in Florida. While booking our travel on their app, I was able to request assistance specific to our level of need. The airport personnel met us at baggage claim with a wheelchair, took us through security, and ultimately straight to the gate. Not only was the otherwise stressful experience painless, it took the fear of travel off both of us, opening a world of future travel possibilities.

I hope that you all get back into the world as soon as possible and explore all of the options you have to accommodate this phase of your life. The positive benefits these types of outings have on those who have felt locked out of life cannot be overstated. We are forever grateful to all who adhere to the ADA both in spirit and actions and who truly have resolved to be inclusive to all. We thank you! (Read Michael and Catherine’s stroke story from 2023 here). Learn more about the ADA here.