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Online Mentors
Independent Living Centers all over the nation practise a service called "Peer Counseling" This is now catching on in every field only they call it 'Mentoring". Basically it is the belief that sometimes when you have a disability and you're faced with problems, you need someone who's been there to help you find your way. REACH trains people with disabilites who as volunteers, share their experiences, knowledge and expectations with people who are still developing their coping skills and resource databases. If you are having difficulty with adjusting to a situation that is compounded by having a disability, maybe one of our Peer Mentors can offer feedback that will help!
See how a mentor helps build assertiveness and relationship skills - 
Online Mentors Feedback Link
Meet The Mentors!
Angie
Disability and Experiences: I have a C4 level broken neck. I only have
use of my arms and hands. I depend on Paratransit and Span for
transportation. I live at home with my mom and sister and I'm attending college, working on getting my bachelors of Arts in
psychology, (already have my associates of Arts) working
part-time (for now) in a college admissions office. I am 39
years old, single and female. Working on living on my own as
much as I can... I want to be as independent as I can be.
Suzanne
Disability and Experiences: I have almost no practical use of
my right arm and am legally blind in my left eye as a result
of a stroke I had as a 3 month old baby. When I was an early
teen, I began having simple partial and complex partial
seizures. The seizures are not totally controlled, but I do
take medication. Last year I was diagnosed with an auto-immune
disease known as CREST syndrome. It's been hard for me to
adjust to certain lifestyle changes I must make. For example,
my hands are unseasonably cold most all the time. Before I
reach into my freezer or refrigerator, I must cover my hands
with a potholder, towel, or the like to stay warm. I sat in
church in July with an afghan over me!
I'm a wife, daughter, sister, aunt
and friend who is in my early forties. I live in Denton. My
husband and I have 2 cats but no children. I'm a graduate of a
nearby university with a Bachelors of Science degree in
Generic Special Education and Elementary Education. I have a
certification to teach in Texas. I've struggled to find FT
employment. It's difficult to overcome attitudes of
misunderstanding and fear some potential employers have about
people with disabilities. This has been a very frustrating
journey for me. I have had many volunteer experiences in
schools. An issue I must daily confront is accessible,
reliable, affordable public transportation. The reason I must
face this problem is because my seizure condition isn't
100%controlled with my medicines. I can't get a driver's
license until or unless I go one year seizure free. It's a
hassle to depend upon someone else and worry about getting to
appointments in a on time. This can really stress me out!
I enjoy singing, writing poetry, cooking, rubber stamping, and
making latch hook rugs. My husband and I are active in church.
I genuinely like helping people to accomplish their personal
goals. I love being a cheerleader for folks who need a little
boost! All that being said, please understand everyone has
choices to make in life. I cannot and will not make those
decisions for any other person. It would be stealing the
precious gift of *THEIR* independence!!!
Carolyn
Disability and Experiences: I am totally blind
due to Cone/Rod Dystrophy, a hereditary eye disease. I'm a
33-year-old mother who also has 2 visually impaired children,
and am married 14 years to my husband, Jason, who is not
blind. I also have advanced Fibro Myalgia, Bi-polar Disorder
Type II and a hearing loss which can affect my balance. I have
many support groups on line for people with disabilities so I usually associate
with others who have similar disabilities to my own, but many
who don't. I use a service dog so most of my groups are
focused toward that topic. That said, I guess I'm pretty
comfortable with networking on the internet and have made some
wonderful friendships through the on line discussion groups. I
am looking forward to working with and getting to know all of
you. Carolyn (or you can call me CJ too
Lisa
Lisa is a wonderful online mentor who will get her introductory info to us soon!
If you would like any of the online mentors to peer mentor you online - please register (only if you have never registered for online services before, this is a one-time process) and email your situation to reachjulie@excite.com, then it will be forwarded to the mentor of your choice!
If you have already registered then fill in the forms above to submit your situation to a Online Mentor. The issue will be forwared to the mentor of your choice.
Your situation/question will only be answer if you have registered.
If you need to register, please click this link.