Why cant I do what i want, not what she wants????

Question

Ok, i am a recent veteran of the Us Air Force and I'm entitled to educational benefits from the VA. I originally told my counselor that I wanted to start a career in physical therapy to work with special needs children. Problem is she wont approve me because my service connected disability is for impingement of my left and right shoulders. She said she doesn't think it would be a good idea for me to pursue that path because It would require a lot of pushing and puling on patients which might irritate my injury. My question is why can't I pursue what i believe is my calling. I understand what she is saying but with the new technology and improved methods how much would i really have to do, and i want to work with special needs children. How do i fight the battle? If there are any physical therapists on here please help me.

Answer 1

Special Needs Children have to be monitored every second of every minute of every hour while in your care. Likewise if one bolts, would you have the agility, strength to stop them? PT for Adults is easier, children are a handful, special needs a bigger handful. If by accident one of the kids hit out at you and you ended up damaging your shoulder further, in that instant of pain, what would be your reaction. If you want to do PT, then why not start with Adults, prove yourself and then work towards special needs kids. Best of Luck

Answer 2

First of all, i too want to thank you for your service to this country and to me!! i want you to know just how much it means to me that you served! i am sorry it seems that you are indeed in a catch 22. rather than helping special needs kids with physical therapy what about helping them in an other manner? like art therapy? this is a huge field and people with a heart like yours are needed very much. there are many other means in which you would be able to work with special needs children. you ought to call your local university and ask to meet with a career counselor and ask what other fields are avilable to help. also, i would speak to someone at the college/university about what exactly is involved in working with kids in physical therapy and if you were to persue this field would there be a way that you could avoid being too physical yourself. like you said, there are a lot of machines that are used and all sorts of pt that are used to help kids. for instance, pool therapy. it has a lot less resistance and is a lot less physical. you have rights! and you ought to have the right to persue your dreams. also, contact different physical therapy businesses and ask if you were to persue a job with their company after your education would they consider hireing you even though you may have some limitations. you may find that they would be open to you because you have many other things to offer the kids such as being able to realate to their physical limitations. hope this helps. and if i were you i wouldn't take no for an answer. where there is a will there is a way. just go for it. and i believe you will find a place to fit in.

Answer 3

i'm a disable vet. i just wanted to say good luck in doing what you want to .whats a little pain or so to help the kids. i wish you the best and again good luck!

Answer 4

I am a ex-marine thank you for your service- I am on the same boat-not able top pursue careers/goals that I have due to my injury, in my case since they have me on permanent disability and it has caused the insurance company a fortune in medical costs and settlements they don't want to see my get further injured because a new injury or symptons means  a new claim. There thoughts are that if I am ok to work at any capacity i shouldn't be in any kind of disabled status.Its a Catch 22I  have volunteered my services on meals for wheels and to the humane society and even then I feel like "the big bad insurance company is looking over my shoulder..I HAVE NO real solution for you other than to say I understand the situation you are in and can only wish you good luck.God Bless You Soldier

Answer 5

I can't say if your physical limitations would prevent you from being a physical therapist -- perhaps find a physical therapist for yourself who can put in writing that you are capable.

Special needs children have all kinds of special needs, though.  Have you looked into other areas?  Speech therapy, for instance, doesn't require any special physical strength on your part.  Occupational therapy as well (which has nothing to do with a child's occupation!) might be a consideration.  I'd stop trying to argue with the benefits councilor and look at other options.  Working with special needs kids in any capacity can be most rewarding!

BTW, my deepest thanks to you for your service to our country!

Good luck, hope this gives you some ideas!