by Erika Bogan, VPG Consumer Advocate
I recently attended the Association for DriverRehabilitation Specialists 36th Annual Conference in Kansas City, MO, with the Vehicle Production Group (VPG) family to show off our MV-1. This was the first year that I have ever attended this conference, and I was very surprised at how much I learned about the different companies and products there are in the driver rehabilitation industry. I was also touched by the many care givers and rehabilitation professionals who were in attendance and their eagerness to ask me questions to help those who they care for. I wanted to document this particular conference for others living with disabilities as well as those who are caregivers, whether professionally or personally, in their own families. As an advocate, and in my 10-years post injury, I have had countless discussions with people all over the nation about the importance of networking, and sharing individual stories and advice throughout the community to help make life easier for those with similar needs. I feel like we are all here to learn and grow together. Education is so vital, especially for people who are able-bodied that work with people living with different abilities. It all goes back to the motto, �You don�t know unless you ask.�
During my time at the ADED Conference in Kansas City, I was pleasantly surprised at the openness to learn and grow through asking questions. I was approached by a couple of Physical and Occupational Therapist who were very eager to get my take on many different aspects of living with a disability. We covered everything from accessible vehicles (the MV-1, of course), acceptance after injury, rehab, water therapy, to proper seating and disability etiquette. It was so refreshing to be attending a conference, with mostly �able-bodied� people who were so eager to learn more to be able to better the quality of another individual�s life. How refreshing! Always remember, you never know until you ask. J