Working with a handicap

[Neil]

I am new to the forum, but have been in WSR for over 20 years. The first 15 were pretty normal, but I was hit by a driver on cocaine, broke 67 bones and ended up in a wheel chair 5 years ago. Since then I have gone thru rehab, acquired a handicap van and power chair (courtesy of Voc Rehab) and resumed operating my business. I would like to know if there are any other techs out there that are working around a physical problem? My major concession to my disability is that my Dad (86) works with me, I do the chips on the outside edges, and he does the ones in the center that I can't reach. I've had to relearn several things, but I would really like to find out if there are any other guys/gals who might have some helpful ideas!

[bill lambeth]

Yes i work around handicaps as weell.In 1999 i fell 26ft off of a roof.I had a moderate head trauma.I broke my scapual,all my ribs,scrushed my RIGHT wrist,broke my collar bone,broke my cheack bones,mess my left knee up,tore my kidney,removal of my spleen,my left arm will not straightne all the way from complications of it being dislocated.Everyday is a battle but my faith is what keeps me going.This winter has been the worst for me so far as the colkd makes my entire body hurt.I really take good care of myself.I workout everyday and pray everyday.

[Chips_Away_Windshield_Repair]

Both inspiration of overcoming life's lemons. Hats off to both of you true professionals.
My hope is when I'm not able to work these 76 year old fingers and twisting and turning the old back to do such as today a partial bullseye right in the center of F250 4x4 I would like to turn the business over to a hadicaped vet. I know the right one will show up at just the right time.
Standing in at 5'2 and 3/8" tall, ladders get me up high enough for motorhomes and 18 wheelers but kinda hard to stretch so far accross hoods.
(Or bonnets as screenman will say)
So far, for now, nothing I would rather do.

[screenman]

Full credit to you guys you certainly have my admiration, people over here start claiming benefits when they break a finger nail.

[bill lambeth]

Thanks guys!Delta has really made repairing so much easier on my right wrist.Graham I appreciate you and all the other old timers around here.It amaze me that after 8 years of doing this that I still learn stuff all the time.I know this is getting off subject but by switching to Delta has allowed me to spend other energies on selling.

[Mr Bill]

I have had both knees replaced since I began WSR.
Most repairs take under an hour. Not a problem.

[Brent Deines]

Well I have to say I really admire all of you guys. Just slap me around if you ever hear me complaining. I've been Blessed with reasonably good health and good luck all my life and my only handicap is Korey.

Just kidding of course, you know I love ya Kor!

[glassdoctor]

Yes.... those of us who are don't have major physical issues need to remember how good we have it. I can't imagine doing wsr in a wheelchair, let alone major injury pains, etc.
One of my fellow wsr buddies has an artificial leg due to a hunting accident many years ago, and still has a lot of pain from the injury now. Like you guys here though, it doesn't stop him.

Our work isn't exactly "hard labor" by most standards, but it does get exponentially more difficult without all your physical abilities intact. Arms, legs, back, eyes.... anything not working right is a bad deal. I've seen that when I've been injured... knee, broken ankle, lower back out, etc... but fortunately for me, those have always been temporary issues.

Brent, I'll slap you around..... and you can call me a names!

[usmc68]

My handicap is caused by high blood pressure meds, makes me dizzy. Fell off a ladder 3-4 years ago and gave up my big truck business immediately. Cars and 2' ladder are no problem.