Hi everyone,

Even though my situation is different than Kathy Jo's, the recent
discussion has reminded me what a great resource for information this
list can be.  Just as a reminder, I have spastic diplegia CP that
almost exclusively affects my legs, and use a power wheelchair for
mobility.  I just finished up my undergrad degree, and am about to
start law school.  I live in Washington, DC.

My needs are very minimal (a little over an hour a day of assistance),
but what I do need is critical.  It breaks down to about half an hour
in the morning for transferring and dressing, about fifteen minutes in
the afternoon for some other personal care tasks or household chores,
and about half an hour at night for undressing, showering, and
transferring.

Until this point, I have been successful at finding assistants through
school and community newspapers.  My parents take care of my needs
when I'm home for weekends or vacations.  I've lived in my own
apartment throughout college, and planned to do the same in law
school.  However, I still haven't been able to hire anyone for the
fall semester, and I'm getting nervous.  I don't want to live at home,
since I feel like that would be a huge step backward in terms of
independence, and would also be really inconvenient in terms of
commuting.  Also, as my parents get older, I'm realizing that I need a
better solution.

Does anyone have ideas about ways that I may be able to find
assistants?  I've never worked with agencies or government
organizations before, but I'm not too proud to start if necessary.  I
just don't know where to begin.

Thanks for your help!

~Joy~