How to Make a Clear Handicap Sleeve Placard Holder

A handicap placard is available to applicants who submit a doctor's note to the proper authorities attesting to a disability such as lost use of a limb, need for a wheelchair, poor vision, or conditions that make it difficult to walk long distances. These placards are required to be displayed if you are parking in reserved handicap parking spaces. The placards are valid for many years, in which time weather conditions and use can make them brittle and unusable. Keep a handicap placard protected and in good shape by making a clear sleeve placard holder. For the full instructions click here.

How to Plan a Handicap Ramp for a Residence in Accordance With ADA

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) provides guidelines for the construction of ramps. These guidelines refer to public areas, yet they provide pertinent information that can be used to construct a handicap ramp for a residence. Build a ramp in accordance to these ADA specifications to ensure structural integrity and safety for those needing to use it. For the full article click here.

Requirements for Handicap Fixtures

Requirements for handicap fixtures are in place to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access and use common public areas comfortably. When the fixtures are installed properly, they can be used by disabled individuals to support an independent lifestyle.

Read more: Requirements for Handicap Fixtures | eHow.co.uk http://www.ehow.co.uk/list_7211723_requirements-handicap-fixtures.html#ixzz12iWEb442

Handicapped Accessible Ramps Standards and Choices

Ramps are necessary to connect different levels if elevators or lifts are not available. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for building a handicap ramp are minimum guidelines so people in a wheelchair can manage and safely use the ramp. For the full article click here.

Update on Baclofen Pump Implaant

I am getting stronger each day, though there are still some spasticity. I can get through the small spasms and have found that range of motion exercises and stretching help keep them at bay. I will be writing a few articles on how to perform these exercises in hopes it will help others who are confined to a wheel chair. Check back often to see continued updates.

Medtronic Baclofen Pump Implanted

My MS spasticity had increased and increasing the oral baclofen resulted in my entire body swelling and functionality almost at zero. I ended up in the hospital to reduce the swelling and was introduced to the baclofen pump. After discharge I tool my healthcare into my own hands and pursued the baclofen pump. After consulting with the Dr., Physician Assistant, and Medtronic Rep I made the decision to have the Medtronic ITB pump implanted.

Before the pump was implanted I needed to have a test dose to ensure that this form of medicine infusion would work. It was amazing how fast my spasms disappeared. I am a past Medtronic Employee which sped up my surgery date to four days after the test dose.

I am a different person now. My spasms are gone, but so is the tone in my legs. This means that I was using the spasms to help stand and transfer. I now need to do quite a bit of physical therapy to strengthen my muscles. I also have so much more energy. I used to wake up and see everything as hard work, which meant not much got done. Now I am accomplishing so much more and even taking on the little things that I never even would have touched before.

Here is a clip from the Medtronic website about their pump

"People who suffer from severe spasticity resulting from cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury may be a candidate for ITB Therapy. If you have spasticity due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis you must first fail oral baclofen. If you have experienced a traumatic brain injury you must first wait 1 year after the injury to be considered for ITB Therapy. A screening test will help show if you will respond to the intrathecal baclofen. You should not receive ITB Therapy if you have an infection, are allergic to baclofen, or your body size is too small to hold the implantable pump."

For more information about the pump click here.

How to Stay Informed About Multiple Sclerosis

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families need to keep up with the latest information on MS symptoms, treatments and advice on how to cope with their condition. This information is consistently updated, but you can stay informed about these issues regarding multiple sclerosis, and many other MS topics, with these four reputable sources.

For the full story click here.