When you became independent, how did you feel?

[Konijnen]

I can't get them to give me money or skills.. I guess I'm screwed

I am so sorry - they definitely are dropping the ball there. We need a better way to fairly give access to funding and training so people don't slip through the cracks like this.

 

[ChicagoBlue2]

What about the kids that are having a bad day because they got no lunches on a snow day? I could give a damn that you where having a bad day. There are plenty of people that have a bad day and they are able to think of other people.

Let me put it this way-- if I were rich, those kids would never need to worry. I'd make sure I set something up locally to take care of that problem. Now, I am sorry I hijacked your thread, and it's a regret I'll have to live with.

 

[SilverRoxy]

I will answer your question in pm when I have time.

 

[Foxrac]

Yeah I notice that it's mostly " ME first" ! You highjack my thread about kids getting no meals when school is called off for a snow storm. You went on whining all about 'ME ME ME" ! That is why had my thread locked, it became all about 'you'. No you don't tune out other people , you're just self-centered. You said so yourself.

Please refrain from personal attack.

Mark wasn't only person that lead to off-topic, but some of us are too.

 

[Foxrac]

Is there any sort of procedure, something that Alex would take seriously, maybe a petition, to request someone's removal?

No, account removal is extremely rare and reserved for severe offense, especially spamming.

Mark didn't break any rule, but sometime, we can lead those threads to off-topic, that's happens and you have to deal with members who went off-topic.

 

[whatdidyousay!]

Is there any sort of procedure, something that Alex would take seriously, maybe a petition, to request someone's removal?

There is no reason to ban Chicagoblue2 he had not broken any rules by being self-centered.

 

[ChicagoBlue2]

Please refrain from personal attack.

Mark wasn't only person that lead to off-topic, but some of us are too.

Don't worry-- I can handle it.

 

[Foxrac]

What about the kids that are having a bad day because they got no lunches on a snow day? I could give a damn that you where having a bad day. There are plenty of people that have a bad day and they are able to think of other people.

One word - unfortunate.

 

[Saavik]

I thought you had job skills? Didn't you learn any skills in the military?

Have you tried to get into a training program or college thru Vocational Rehab?

Maybe you are eligible for SSI or SSDI, or at least food stamps?

Can't put Military Police skills to any use and wouldn't want to anyway, I hated that job. Even if I wanted to find a job in a similar field, doubt police are looking to hire a hard of hearing trans woman with bilateral knee issues as well as numerous mental diagnoses.

I tried community college in Virginia and was working toward a degree in general studies because I have no idea what to major in (Changed majors so many times, until I decided general studies was best).

I tried vocational rehab, but it's not going to work for me out here, Nevada's wants me to go pay for a doctor out of pocket to prove my knee issues, even though I kept what little paperwork I had on it from the Army. They also want me to see another therapist at cost again to me, despite already seeing a counselor for most of 2013. They also want me to give them another hearing test, despite handing them the signed copy my audiologist back in Virginia gave me to give to them and that test is only a few months old and they want me to go get another eye exam out of pocket.

Safe to say, I don't have any money in pocket for any of that, so Nevada Vocational Rehab sucks.

SSDI or SSI, I have no idea what either are or how to apply. I tried food stamps, haven't heard back from them and I applied last month.

My friends keep telling me to reapply at the VA, but last time I did, they wouldn't tell me what I needed to do (The process) or where I needed to go. They just handed me an application and told me to mail it in. I mailed it in and never heard back from them. When I contacted them to find out about my application, I was told they had no idea and to fill out another one.

I have anxiety disorder among other things, so I find trying all this intimidating and scary, especially since I have no idea what I'm doing most of the time I try doing these things to possibly build my new life foundation on rock bottom.

 

[Reba]

Let me put it this way-- if I were rich, those kids would never need to worry. I'd make sure I set something up locally to take care of that problem. Now, I am sorry I hijacked your thread, and it's a regret I'll have to live with.

Well, you're not rich so you work with what you have. You can always donate time to a food pantry or soup kitchen.

 

[Saavik]

I am so sorry - they definitely are dropping the ball there. We need a better way to fairly give access to funding and training so people don't slip through the cracks like this.

Focusing on trying to transition has been the one thing keeping me from just killing myself, I don't want to be a failure or a burden/ liability to anyone or society, but sadly, it's the only way I can survive.

I went to Nevada Vocational Rehab and more or less got rejected since they want me to pay out of pocket for them to prove (or rather prove again, ignoring the paperwork I have already) my issues that keep me from being successful.

I can't even get a crummy pizza hut delivery job. I've been applying at the most entry level, slave wage, no skills required jobs, but no takers yet. I tried goodwill career center, but have no idea what that lady was trying to say.

I would try applying for welfare, but I have a feeling that would have the same result as vocational rehab.

 

[whatdidyousay!]

Let me put it this way-- if I were rich, those kids would never need to worry. I'd make sure I set something up locally to take care of that problem. Now, I am sorry I hijacked your thread, and it's a regret I'll have to live with.

I am not rich by all means but I do have voice and I will made phones calls and went to city meeting when I was able to . You do not need money to try and a made a difference in the world. I got my city to have a recycle program for hearing batteries and it did not cost me one penny , I just made some phone calls. You're good looking out for yourself so you should try to use it to help other too.

 

[Reba]

Can't put Military Police skills to any use and wouldn't want to anyway, I hated that job. Even if I wanted to find a job in a similar field, doubt police are looking to hire a hard of hearing trans woman with bilateral knee issues as well as numerous mental diagnoses.

My neighbor was an MP. He's now a CSI for the county sheriff. However, I understand if you have other issues that would interfere with a law enforcement career.

Have you considered a social services career? Some of the military/law enforcement skill set can be incorporated in that area. Also, having been thru so much yourself you would have empathy for others and their problems. The only problem is, those jobs usually don't pay well until you reach management level.

I tried community college in Virginia and was working toward a degree in general studies because I have no idea what to major in (Changed majors so many times, until I decided general studies was best).

General is good and usually transferable. Some jobs only require a degree, and don't specify a major.

I tried vocational rehab, but it's not going to work for me out here, Nevada's wants me to go pay for a doctor out of pocket to prove my knee issues, even though I kept what little paperwork I had on it from the Army. They also want me to see another therapist at cost again to me, despite already seeing a counselor for most of 2013. They also want me to give them another hearing test, despite handing them the signed copy my audiologist back in Virginia gave me to give to them and that test is only a few months old and they want me to go get another eye exam out of pocket.

It seems more complicated since you've moved states. Some states are more disability friendly than others.

SSDI or SSI, I have no idea what either are or how to apply. I tried food stamps, haven't heard back from them and I applied last month.

They are both programs thru Social Security that make monthly payments to those eligible. SSDI is for those people with a work history who have become disabled. SSI is for those without a work history who are disabled. (Very general definitions.) It wouldn't hurt to check at the local SSA office to see if you are eligible for either.

My friends keep telling me to reapply at the VA, but last time I did, they wouldn't tell me what I needed to do (The process) or where I needed to go. They just handed me an application and told me to mail it in. I mailed it in and never heard back from them. When I contacted them to find out about my application, I was told they had no idea and to fill out another one.

That's not a very good VA department. Most of the ones TCS and I have dealt with will walk you thru the process. I hope you can find one that is more helpful. Sometimes you have to be persistent and assertive. Do you have all the documentation that you need? That can hold you up if you don't.

I have anxiety disorder among other things, so I find trying all this intimidating and scary, especially since I have no idea what I'm doing most of the time I try doing these things to possibly build my new life foundation on rock bottom.

As I posted earlier, don't try to do too many life changes at once. You will get overwhelmed. Narrow your focus to one issue at a time. Once you make progress in that area you will develop confidence and focus for the next area.

 

[whatdidyousay!]

Please refrain from personal attack.

Mark wasn't only person that lead to off-topic, but some of us are too.

I know this but he kept doing it even I said it as off topic .

 

[rockin'robin]

There is no reason to ban Chicagoblue2 he had not broken any rules by being self-centered.

well...excuse me...but I've seen many, many of ur posts that are "self-centered" too, WDYS....going "off topic" too....No one has said anything....and all you have to do is say..."let's get back on topic, guys".....instead of blasting someone like you do ur neighbors and manager or whatever.....Not everyone sees the way you do...

 

[Foxrac]

I know this but he kept doing it even I said it as off topic .

If you have problem - better to discuss with moderator.

There are other members hijacking your thread without Mark around as well.

 

[Foxrac]

Well...there you go...you're living off our taxes...so... I've never lived in a facility or a group home....And to note also.... until you get a job and pay ur own rent, food, etc., etc., ...then you've got independence....You wouldn't want to walk a mile or even a block in my shoes, ChicagoBlue....and I'm a female with some brain damage also....and totally deaf since 14.

It takes courage and motivation and seems you do have the "smarts"....maybe the "guts" is missing?

He is keep trying but he has medical issue - severe TS make more difficult to have a normal life. It means he has a lot of challenge.

I saw documentaries about people with TS and some of them gave up after deal with TS flare up, even they cannot keep up with job.

I only agree with you if it is for healthy, able-bodies deaf people.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Can't put Military Police skills to any use and wouldn't want to anyway, I hated that job. Even if I wanted to find a job in a similar field, doubt police are looking to hire a hard of hearing trans woman with bilateral knee issues as well as numerous mental diagnoses.

I tried community college in Virginia and was working toward a degree in general studies because I have no idea what to major in (Changed majors so many times, until I decided general studies was best).

I tried vocational rehab, but it's not going to work for me out here, Nevada's wants me to go pay for a doctor out of pocket to prove my knee issues, even though I kept what little paperwork I had on it from the Army. They also want me to see another therapist at cost again to me, despite already seeing a counselor for most of 2013. They also want me to give them another hearing test, despite handing them the signed copy my audiologist back in Virginia gave me to give to them and that test is only a few months old and they want me to go get another eye exam out of pocket.

Safe to say, I don't have any money in pocket for any of that, so Nevada Vocational Rehab sucks.

SSDI or SSI, I have no idea what either are or how to apply. I tried food stamps, haven't heard back from them and I applied last month.

My friends keep telling me to reapply at the VA, but last time I did, they wouldn't tell me what I needed to do (The process) or where I needed to go. They just handed me an application and told me to mail it in. I mailed it in and never heard back from them. When I contacted them to find out about my application, I was told they had no idea and to fill out another one.

I have anxiety disorder among other things, so I find trying all this intimidating and scary, especially since I have no idea what I'm doing most of the time I try doing these things to possibly build my new life foundation on rock bottom.

Yeah its the catch 22 to pay the dough one doesnt even have to prove it however for the goodwill lady or next time u dont understand them talking have them write it all down word for word what to do next. For me I like it because I do have memory problems sometimes n forget driections.

 

[Reba]

He is keep trying but he has medical issue - severe TS make more difficult to have a normal life. It means he has a lot of challenge.

I saw documentaries about people with TS and some of them gave up after deal with TS flare up, even they cannot keep up with job.

I only agree with you if it is for healthy, able-bodies deaf people.

TS does not automatically exclude people from the job market. There are plenty of employed people with TS, including one that I know personally.

 

[Saavik]

Have you considered a social services career? Some of the military/law enforcement skill set can be incorporated in that area. Also, having been thru so much yourself you would have empathy for others and their problems. The only problem is, those jobs usually don't pay well until you reach management level.

Doesn't social services involve working with lots of people? If so, not a fitting job for someone with severe anxiety issues.

General is good and usually transferable. Some jobs only require a degree, and don't specify a major.

I couldn't finish it since I can't do math for crap and no matter how hard I tried, I always end up failing the class and have to withdraw before it hurts my GPA (My GPA I think was a 2.8 or 2.9)

Also, I wasn't able to pass the music class they required me to take, I ended up withdrawing from that to protect my GPA from an F. I had a science requirement and managed to pass Geology with a C.

So, I have no degree.

It seems more complicated since you've moved states. Some states are more disability friendly than others.

I noticed lots of differences both good and bad between Nevada and Virginia. Nevada has rights for transgender people in the workplace, Virginia doesn't. It's far easier in Virginia to get your gender marker on your license changed than it is in Nevada.

Virginia vocational rehab took their sweet time doing anything, but they did pay for everything, even gave me a fuel card to get to their office and paid for any testing and anything required to assist the person (My case, they paid for my hearing test and then paid for my hearing aids). Nevada seems to want you to pay for the testing they require and don't want to accept documents you already have to prove you have an issue.

The lady who was working my case here, kept turning her chair around to face her computer and kept talking, so I couldn't understand what she was saying and I kept letting her know that, but she kept doing it.

They are both programs thru Social Security that make monthly payments to those eligible. SSDI is for those people with a work history who have become disabled. SSI is for those without a work history who are disabled. (Very general definitions.) It wouldn't hurt to check at the local SSA office to see if you are eligible for either.

I'll look into it, but I doubt they will help, nobody seems to want to help me succeed on any level.

That's not a very good VA department. Most of the ones TCS and I have dealt with will walk you thru the process. I hope you can find one that is more helpful. Sometimes you have to be persistent and assertive. Do you have all the documentation that you need? That can hold you up if you don't.

Not sure I have everything I need, not sure what I need, I just know what documents I have and the Army screwed me because whenever I got injured, they refused to do paperwork, they just sent me to sick call in th morning and that's it. No LOD or anything, even when I specifically requested they do one to cover me down the road.

As I posted earlier, don't try to do too many life changes at once. You will get overwhelmed. Narrow your focus to one issue at a time. Once you make progress in that area you will develop confidence and focus for the next area.

I'm focusing mainly on transitioning right now (Getting on hormones and my name changed after that) it's the only thing keeping my sanity in check. If I focus on anything other than transitioning, I get even more depressed and start to welcome death again, so I do what I can to avoid those thoughts.