Nothing brings home the challenges of stiff, achy joints and limited mobility quite like the dampness of a good Oregon winter.  We’ve been fortunate here so far in not stepping into that season full boar yet, but we know it’s coming.

Today, awareness is upon those daily challenges for people living with osteoarthritis and all the other forms of arthritis as it applies to their experiences in the workplace. There are a number of bloggers (one fav is Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy  ) and other resources speaking on this topic, offering insight, tips, information and additional resources that we strongly recommend everyone read.  Even if you don’t have this leading cause of disability in the U.S. (yet), there is undoubtedly someone you know who does and may benefit from you understanding it better.

Two must view links today are:

The Arthritis Foundation website

Their World Arthritis Day page offers up some specifics about today’s event, what osteoarthritis is and the how it is reflected in the workplace.  they also offer some extensive resource links for more information.

World Arthritis Day website

    This is the main website for the event that includes all forms of arthritis and rheumatoid diseases as a whole in their efforts to support patients. Their theme today and for all of 2009 is described below directly from their website:

“This year’s ‘Let’s Work Together’ theme considers the challenges of work, be it paid employment, voluntary work or work at home supporting a family, and embraces people with rheumatic diseases, healthcare professionals and employers.”   (Source:  World Arthritis Day website) 

On their site, they also offer results from the 2009 survey that show:

1)  the need in furthering awareness building efforts to continue in the workforce to allow for continued, supported employment options;  and

2)  state and legislative backing to encourage more adaptable/flexible working environments 

The survey is still open and you are encouraged to participate – just follow the link on the page and give your voice to today’s event.

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Even though the spotlight is primarily on arthritis in the workplace, I want to put a shout out for a local PNW event to celebrate and benefit the young patients living with arthritis.

CARRA (Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance) is holding their annual CARRA Costume Ball on Saturday, October 17^th  in Camas, WA.  This event includes food, music, dancing, games and more and is open to all ages.  The party will be held at Prune Hill Elementary, 1601 NW Tideland St. from 6-9pm.  Tickets are $25 per family and proceeds go to furthering research and support for our young ones who are often overlooked when we think about living with arthritis.  Visit their website for more information.

Wishing you all a more flexible and less painful day today – stay warm!

“I appreciate the opportunity to share some of my background with your members who may need representation for matters concerning Social Security Disability (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

 As a certified rehabilitation counselor for over 27 years, I have been engaged in private practice in Oregon and Washington since 1980.  I am also a licensed professional counselor with the state of Oregon, as well as a certified disability management specialist.  I have extensive experience as a Vocational Expert with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and am certified by the Department of Labor to provide vocational services to federal employees.

In 1995,  I became a Vocational Expert with the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) with SSA.  In that role, I gained valuable experience providing testimony to assist the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) with determining whether folks were able to work, under SSA regulations.  After over 13 years as a VE for SSA, I followed the counsel of several ALJs who recommended that I begin representing clients in their applications for SSDI/SSI. 

Most all of my clients are reassured to have access to an actual counselor who is well acquainted with the process upon which the disability determination in SSA is based:  ability to work.

I have extensive experience working closely with clients whose diagnoses include lupus and fibromyalgia, conditions that require the expertise of a professional who understands how the resulting symptoms so often prevent many people from sustaining work.  For many of my clients who suffer from these diagnoses, the real challenge is not found in getting a job, but in keeping the job. 

I have just completed my coursework for my doctorate in Human Rehabilitation, and look forward to concluding the dissertation requirement for my PhD in about a year.  While this credential certainly isn’t necessary or required for my work as a representative, many ALJs recognize the degree of proficiency afforded by years of such study.  It will be a powerful and respected credential for my clients who deserve the best representation available.

I serve clients throughout Oregon, Washington and Idaho and may be reached toll free at 1 (888) 355-5539 or by email at kheatherly@1hcc.net “

Jen Adams, Market Director for Chinook Book/EcoMetro here in Portland, passed along this information about their coupon book offer and their efforts to help keep our Portland communities thriving: 

“During these more challenging economic times, more people are looking  for ways to save money across all aspects of their life.  Chinook Book offers people the ability to save hundreds of dollars and maintain the  high quality of life they’re accustomed to living.  There are over 300  coupons with discounts on fine dining, theater, products for the home  and natural and organic foods and are available for preview here:  

Holiday Special on Chinook Book  

As we’re heading into the holidays, this is an ideal time to offer  folks new and creative ways to stretch their dollars. With Chinook  Book people save money and help keep dollars in our local community,  which is increasingly more critical today. 

“Your readers might also be interested to hear that  during the month of December,  Chinook Book is on sale for $15 at New  Seasons, Whole Foods, Bales, Food Front Coop, Alberta Coop, People’s  Coop and Powell’s Cedar Mills.  We’re also offering free shipping (a  $5 value) for orders placed on ecometro.com.   We currently have 150 school and community groups selling Chinook Book, so folks who are interested in picking up a copy of Chinook Book should check with these groups first.“    

This is going to be a season of caring – especially now.  Please show your support for our local communities and pick up this great stocking stuffer or hostess gift.   EcoMetro is permanently listed on our Resources page. 

Thanks, Jen ~ and to all who purchase one!