Pathways: Self-Advocacy, Employment, Life Skills and Education Volume 2, March 2021

Pathways Volume 2 | March 2021

SELF-ADVOCATE SPOTLIGHT:

DESMEON THOMAS

Desmeon Thomas is the embodiment of perseverance. He miraculously managed to turn his life around and make the most out of a horrible experience that left him a quadriplegic at the age of 19.

Desmeon recalls the time immediately following the shooting. "I took it all in and I knew that I needed to be strong for my mom. I knew she probably felt like it was her fault. It wasn't her fault because my mom knew that I wasn't a terrible person. I knew how to make good decisions, it was just the wrong place at the wrong time," said Desmeon.

One of Desmeon's doctors told him to stay strong. "I took what the doctor said, and I was going to be positive. I didn't want my mom to feel worse," said Desmeon. "I wanted everybody to be cheerful, so I cracked jokes. The positive thing about that situation is that it brought a lot of my family members together. A lot of people came to visit me."

Desmeon chose to stay strong in the face of insurmountable odds and embrace whatever came his way head-on. His time spent at in-patient and out-patient therapy gave him the strength and skills he needed to adjust to his new life.

Desmeon said that he enjoyed in-patient therapy because it gave him insight into what was to come. "They gave me the ground rules on what to expect after being paralyzed. You have to learn your body all over again," said Desmeon.

He realized he would have to start working out to strengthen his body, learn how to transition safely, and learn how to use his power wheelchair. He admits that he was depressed during that time.

"No one wants to be paralyzed. You don't know what's coming next. At Methodist Rehabilitation, the therapists taught me everything all over again. And they didn't let me give up. That place was amazing. They didn't let me sleep in. I was depressed and didn't care but they didn't let me give up," said Desmeon.

It was during out-patient therapy when Desmeon realized that his home was not accessible and that he would need to move.

"I needed to borrow a ramp, and that is how I learned about LIFE of Mississippi," said Desmeon.

Christy Dunaway, the Director of LIFE of Mississippi at the time, and her husband Daryel Dunaway, drove Desmeon from the hospital to his apartment and let him borrow a ramp. Desmeon noted that Christy is a triple amputee and Daryel used a power wheelchair.

Seeing Christy and Daryel living normal lives and driving while using a power wheelchair made Desmeon realize that he needed to learn what he needed to do so he could drive and live independently.

"I wasn't ready to give up yet. I was soaking it all in, and I wanted to learn more. So, they invited me to some support group meetings to learn how to be more independent. I went to those meetings, and I met more people using wheelchairs," said Desmeon. "I felt so much positive energy being at those support group meetings. I met so many people that were so insightful and inspiring."

While at the support group meetings, Desmeon met his mentor, Leron Jackson. Desmeon noted that he was born with cerebral palsy and was in Law School at Jackson State University at the time they met.

"Everything he did was positive. He cracked jokes. I looked to him as the life of the party, and I wanted to be around him every second of the day. He really motivated me a whole lot," said Desmeon. "Even though I was still depressed and did not want to be around people, those certain people put a spark in me and made me want to reach more. They taught me how to use my voice to get the things I needed to be independent."

Desmeon felt that people looked at him differently after his accident. "They weren't looking at me, they were looking at my wheelchair. I didn't think highly of myself at the time," said Desmeon. "When my new friends looked at me, I didn't feel like they looked at me as a different person - I felt like they looked at me as the new me. I loved making new friends with people that could teach me things I didn't know already."

Adjusting to his new life and being at home all day alone began to take a mental toll on Desmeon. "I started feeling like I needed something new to do but I didn't know what. I ended up figuring it out. I learned about this program called AmeriCorps project LINK, and I filled out the application."

Desmeon said he was scared at first because he doubted he would be able to do anything productive being in a wheelchair. He put his feelings aside and applied for the position. When he was called in for an interview, he was excited and motivated. He felt confident he got the position after the interview - and he was right. He served as a volunteer for AmeriCorps providing community service from 2004 - 2006.

"I want to do right by myself, by my community, because I want positive things to come, and I want it to last. Good is going to follow all my actions. I know what I want for myself and I'm not going to jeopardize it," said Desmeon.

Desmeon said he is thankful for the organizations that helped him, including LIFE of Mississippi, where he currently works as an Independent Living Specialist.

"I came to LIFE and LIFE showed me the way," said Desmeon. “At LIFE, we empower individuals with significant disabilities to be independent and as fully involved in their communities as they can and want to be."

The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services ( MDRS) provided Desmeon with attendant care. "They were a godsend for me. There was no way that I was going to be independent without them. I was going to be forced to go to an assisted living home or nursing home if it wasn't for that service. They allowed me to be independent," said Desmeon.

MDRS was also able to modify Demeon's home with a roll-in shower and wheelchair ramp. Vocational Rehabilitation Services helped with his vehicle modifications. "I have not missed a beat with driving my own vehicle," said Desmeon.

The Arc of Mississippi was one of the first advisory boards Desmeon joined. "What the Arc does for individuals with developmental disabilities is really great, and I am glad to be a part of it," said Desmeon. "I didn't realize how powerful my voice was going to be when I was signing up for advisory boards back then."

Desmeon has served on several boards and committees locally and nationally such as Healthy Opportunities for Transition’s Youth Advisory Council from 2003 - 2011, My Voice My Choice Advisory Council from 2003 - 2007, The National Youth Leadership Network from 2004 -2006, The National Council on Disabilities from 2004 - 2005, and The City of Jackson ADA Advisory Committee from 2013 to present.

"I said to myself that now I'm going to be a leader and I'm going to do as much as I can to provide for my community," said Desmeon.

He is currently a part of the Strong Arms of JXN. "Our main goal is to teach people how violence is destructive. I was a survivor of gun violence. I'm trying to teach youth in the city how bad violence is and that we need to put the guns down," said Desmeon.

"I really do feel that guns are destroying our youth. We should stop the violence, come together, have more peace rallies, and learn from me. Not everyone bounces back from being shot and paralyzed," said Desmeon. "A lot of people die or have secondary complications. If it was up to me, we would all put the guns away and be more peaceful."

Desmeon said that he loves everything that has happened to him since his injury because he never would have met some unique people. "Everyone that I've met has shown me major love, and I love being a part of my disability community. I love that we can teach each other how to become more successful and share resources that are available so that we can become better," said Desmeon.

Desmeon is currently a senior at Jackson State University studying Business Administration/Entrepreneurship. He enjoys traveling and speaking to youth groups about his life experiences hoping to make a difference and have a positive impact on someone’s life.

Desmeon can be reached at dthomas@lifeofms.com.

WHAT ARE

PRE-EMPLOYMENT

TRANSITION SERVICES?

The Transition and Youth Career Services program, provided through the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, assist qualified individuals with disabilities from 14 to 24 years of age to make the transition to a successful future! When an individual is in school, the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor works cooperatively with the Mississippi Department of Education and local school districts to help plan and implement pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS).

When an individual is in school, the Vocational (VR) Counselor works cooperatively with the Mississippi Department of Education and local school districts to help plan and implement pre-employment transition services. For eligible individuals who are not in school, but have not reached the age of 24, the MDRS Transition and Youth Career Services program works with other agencies, community partners, and employers to assist in the achievement of job placement.

The MDRS Transition and Youth Career Services program offers a variety of career planning options to qualified individuals that lead to competitive integrated employment. VR Transition and Youth Counselors can meet with students as early as age 14. When students are two years prior to the projected school exit date, generally age 16, counselors can begin working with them to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IEP) that will lead to the accomplishment of their career goals. VR Transition and Youth Counselors work together with classroom teachers to implement pre-employment transition services for eligible students with disabilities. Transition Specialists and Job Coaches may be utilized in school districts to develop permanent jobs within the community for eligible high school students

Transition and Youth Career Services may consist of:

Assessment
Consultation
Individualized Plan for Employment
Assistive Technology
Job Search Skills
Technical Assistance
On-the-Job Training
Job Readiness
Supported Employment
Post-Secondary Education
Job Placement
Internship
Apprenticeship
Meetings with Schools, Students, and Youth

Pre-employment Transition Services may include:

Job Exploration Counseling
Workplace Readiness Training
Work-Based Learning Experiences
Counseling on Comprehensive Transition or PSED Enrollment
Instruction in Self-Advocacy

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Email Alyssa Parks to Register

ORGANIZAITON SPOTLIGHT:

LIFE of Mississippi is the center for independent living for the state of Mississippi and they are dedicated to the empowerment of people with significant disabilities.

LIFE has enhanced the lives of over 35,000 individuals with disabilities since 1993. Building on our strengths, LIFE has provided information to more than 170,000 people and reaches all four corners of the state, and serves every county. LIFE services are proved at no cost to people of all ages with a disability.

All LIFE offices are: Consumer-Controlled (directed by people with severe disabilities through consumer Boards and staffs); Cross-Disability (not limited to any one or more disability groups); Community-Based (providing services in the community); and Nonresidential (focused on non-institutional settings).

LIFE provides five core services of independent living: Information and referral – almost 10,000 people received access to available services.

Peer Support – over 2,000 individuals had the opportunity to speak with others living with disabilities and receive guidance and support.
Advocacy – close to 2,000 people were informed of their rights and assisted in obtaining help from available sources.
Skills Training – instruction on how to live independently was provided to almost 1,200 people.
Community Transition - In the past 8 years, LIFE has assisted over 150 people to move from nursing homes and back to their community.

For more information about LIFE or the services we provide, please call our state office in Jackson Mississippi at (601) 969-4009 or 1-800-748-9398.

Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities Board Member Spotlight

Chiquikta Fountain

Chiquikta Fountain is a native of the Mississippi Delta and has worked in family and community engagement, advocacy, community organizing, coaching, and project management. She is the Executive Director of Delta Hands for Hope, a faith-based non-profit organization located in Shaw, MS, that focuses on youth and families. She has served on the Board for Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities since 2014 and is currently in her second year as Board Chair.

Chiquikta believes that the Coalition represents strength, resilience, and hope. “This organization has been at the forefront of advocacy and policy influence for many years and that work has created more access and better quality of life for families across the state,” said Chiquikta.

“I have enjoyed my years serving on this board. I have come to know each member more personally and I have a high level of respect for each of them. I enjoy learning more about the various organizations that are connected to the Coalition, and most importantly, I enjoy being a part of an organization that stands for equality and equity for all families and citizens of this state that are touched by a disability,” said Chiquikta.

Chiquikta has a personal reason for why she serves on the Coalition board stating that her nephew has cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. “I serve on this board for him and his mother, my sister,” she said. Chiquikta believes that individuals with disabilities are no different from other people apart from them needing a little more help in certain areas. She encourages others to join the Coalition stating, “It will be one of the most rewarding and selfless experiences of your life!”

“Being a member of the Coalition is beneficial because it provides representation and community,” said Chiquikta. “It also offers the ability to see how others move throughout their lives and how those challenges have created strength and perseverance.”

Become a MSCCD Member

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Upcoming Events

View Event on Facebook

Fishing Extravaganza on April 18

MDWFP's Museum of Natural Science is partnering with Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities to offer seven outdoor skills classes for ages 8-18. This program is free for MSCDD Membership. All classes are from 1:30-4 pm on Sunday afternoons at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science unless noted. Classes will be socially distant/follow all necessary COVID-19 procedures. Schedule subject to change based on weather.

Click to Register

View Event on Facebook

Born to be WILD Picnic on May 15

The Coalition and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science will get a little wild at the Coalition’s Fifth Annual Family and Friends Picnic. It's going to be a fun-filled day full of special activities and lunch. The picnic will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $12/person suggested donation (not required). Everyone is welcome! Guests will gather under the pavilion but the event includes special activities inside and outside.

Click to Register

RESOURCE CORNER

Life With LD: Navigating The Transition To College

The transition from high school to college can be a difficult time for any student. Making decisions such as whether or not to go to college or what school to attend are significant life choices.

While students with learning disabilities can be just as intelligent as their peers, they attend four-year colleges at half the rate, according to the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD). And, those who do attend college are less likely to complete it. So why are students with learning and attention issues struggling in college and what can we do to help?

NCLD has identified three components that are important to the success of college students with learning and attention issues:

1. Reducing stigma and promoting self-advocacy

2. Encouraging resilience and persistence

3. Providing access to information and accommodations

Learn More

Advocate or Self-Advocate?

“Am I a self-advocate or an advocate? Well, I can be both. So when I say “self” advocate, I talk to my family or my friends, or even my colleagues about what I need or want. For example, when I talk to my husband about what I want for dinner or even to my colleagues what I need or want in my job. I think everyone is a self-advocate for themselves, whether they have a disability or not because we as U.S. citizens have rights and we want to advocate for ourselves. But, I am also an advocate when I advocate for my friends, and others at a meeting or an event.

When I hear people saying “those self-advocates.” I wonder if they are using a nicer word than the “R” word. Or are they really talking about a group of people who speak for themselves and others.

The bottom line is I am tired of being treated special, therefore I don’t want a different title than my colleagues. I want to be the same. I am Liz Weintraub, Senior Advocacy Specialist.”