Howdy from Houston!

Houston, Texas – view from our hotel window

This week, Tuesday Talk is coming to you from Houston, Texas. Nathan Todd, the assistant director of the disAbility Resource Center accompanied me on this trip. We are attending a conference to learn about expanding Center for Independent Living capacity through Home and Community Based Services programs.

I have learned how to advocate for the community-based services I need. The Nurses Night and Day agency has helped me with all of my personal needs including bathing, dressing, catheterization care and transferring to and from the wheelchair.

I scheduled the attendant services weeks before the trip. The first night in Houston, two nurses and a nurse’s aide came to the hotel to do my admission intake. They discussed my past medical history and talked about the services I requested.  Each morning and night, the nurse and aide arrive take my vital signs and begin the care. The services they have been exceptional. I’m looking forward to using these types of services at home and when traveling.

Some of the other community-based services include physical therapy, occupational therapy and other rehabilitation services. These services allow individuals to remain in their community instead of being placed in an assisted-living facility. It’s important for those with disabilities to understand that these services are available to maintain autonomy within their cities and towns.

While in Houston, Nathan and I will be checking out the accessibility of the city.  Follow Tuesday Talk With Alex on Facebook to see more photos and videos about our adventures.