[misc.handicap] Need Information

Bill.Baughn@f10.n130.z1.fidonet.org (Bill Baughn) (06/28/90)

Index Number: 8953

      In a recent conversation with a representative of a major manufacturer 
of prosthetic components, I was told about a lady who has been writing the 
news media, government officials and insurance companies, complaining about 
the abuse upper extremity child amputees are subjected to in the guise of 
rehabilitation.  Supposedly this lady is undergoing attempts to have her 
committed to a mental institution because of her efforts. 
 
      I suspect that this is a fable, told to me as a warning not to continue 
to displease these companies.  However, if such a person does exist, I will 
be most grateful for any information which will help me get in touch with 
her.  She may indeed be committable, but in the area of child amputees she 
seems to be dead on the money. 
 
      The "Marketing Director" of a prosthetics company informed me that a 
child born without arms will represent over ONE MILLION DOLLARS to her firm 
before she reaches the age where she will reject these devices.  This for 
devices which will disable rather than enable her, while other children are 
dying because of lack of funding for organ transplants! 
 
      If you have heard anything about someone like the person described 
above please let me know.  We just might be able to keep her out of a rubber 
room. 
 
 
Bill Baughn,  
North Texas Amputee Support Group,  
5427 Redfield,  
Dallas, TX 75235 
 

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Reed.Hopkins@f7.n125.z1.fidonet.org (Reed Hopkins) (06/29/90)

Index Number: 8988

    >> I also don't recall any child reaching maturity and rejecting <<
    >> his device.  Why would they not use a artifical leg or arm    <<
    >> they had used all their lives?                                <<
        

I was one of the very first children to be fitted with a
prosethetic device in the 1950's when they became lightweight
enough for toddlers to use them.  There were many unknowns at that
time, and I am at the crest of the wave now - one of the oldest
children, at 35.  I have not worn my hok for a few years now, and
regard the putting aside of the damned thing as one of the greatest
liberating moments of my life.

Prosethtics are heavy, hot and uncomfortable.  In my case (I have
an underdeveloped arm and no hand at all) the benefits gained from
the hook weren't worth the aggravation.  I developed nasty back
problems because of the constant unbalanced torsion strains put on
my back by the operation of the thing. I have a fused vertabrate
"arm" (?) where it should ride free in my lower back.  Without my
hook I get the benefits of tactile contact, which are subtle but
invaluable.

I fought enourmous pressures from all sorts of unexpected
directions in releasing myself from the contraption.  The abled
word wants to look at that and say "see, with that there's no
disability."  Yet my actual physical ability wasn't increased
markedly (I struggle with cutting meat, that's about it!).

The hook also served to keep my "deformity" out of sight, and
helped me "pass."  With a long sleeved shirt particularly it hid
the fact that I have no hand quite well, and supported me in my
denial of the fact.

Today I roll up my sleeve to give me full use of my arm and walk
the streets freely.  This offends some people, but it also helps
condition them to my presence, and I like the fact that that type
of person is more easily identifiable now too.  Those types will
visit all sorts of subtle indignities on us, and they're a lot
easier to deal with when forewarned.

Enough.  I haven't burned my hook in public yetm, but I'm
considering it! :<)

-- Reed Hopkins

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Joe.Chamberlain@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain) (06/29/90)

Index Number: 8993

 BB>       The "Marketing Director" of a prosthetics company informed me 
that
 BB>  a child born without arms will represent over ONE MILLION DOLLARS to 
 BB>  her firm 
 BB> before she reaches the age where she will reject these devices.  This 
for

        The large cost for children's prosthetics is because they
continue to outgrow the devices.  The includes both upper and
lower extremity devices.  Most youngsters require a new device at
least once a year and many require more because of breakage.

        I worked in a children's amputee clinic for five years
and watched many kids grow out of their devices.  I also don't
recall any child reaching maturity and the rejecting his device.
Why would they not use a artifical leg or arm they had used all
their lives?
                                -=joe=-

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