In NJ, things are a little different...

[Mark Friedman]

We moved into a house we rented about 1/2 the size of the one we have in Dobbs Ferry (waiting to close - end of November).

Not only does nothing fit, but I can't find the things I need or want. Some of that is my own doing because I packed things in boxes for the movers in a way that made sense to me at the time. Now, add in the fact that, because it was taking me so long to pack, my wife decided to help and packed things for me. Those I can't find at all!

I'm tempted to believe this happens to 'normal people', as well.

I've seen a counselor/case manager at NJ DVRS (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services) and he was very supportive. Because I'm so highly functional, I'm an unusual case for him.

He had scheduled me to see a vocational psychologist this Monday, but emailed me that he ran out of funds and would have to defer it until November. In Westchester, they didn't seem to run out of anything (flu shots, money, ...).

My case was denied by SSDI; however I understand that SOP with them. They turned denied someone with Down’s Syndrome. Everyone has to appeal, which takes 18 - 24 months.

Ed - my counselor at DVRS - is hooking me up with a group (the Community Law Health Project) that will review the information I'm using for my appeal, and possibly lend me a lawyer to represent me without cost! Much better than doing it Pro Se.

I've also decided to go very public with my disabilities on LinkedIn and on my own minimal blog (mfriedman.com).

My disabilities are a problem, and if employers can't deal with it up-front, that's going to be a problem later. So I'm pushing it to the foreground.

Still haven't updated my resume on the boards yet. I'm not very optimistic about finding a job that way.

My cats, by the way, are happier here than I am. More on that latr.