Transportation Woes: A Big Barrier for TBI Survivors

I am in my thirties and my brain injury occurred the beginning of October 2011. Even though MANY people don’t seem to think so, I have a whole lot of residual issues that affect me that I am still working through. The clubhouse here is an absolutely wonderful place for me and my family. With that being said, I would like to speak on my transportation issue. Usually I can wait patiently and calmly for my transportation. I have to mention that patience is not my strong suit at all. I have been working on that heavily. Yesterday I had to wait 2 hours and 45 minutes for my transportation to show up. The staff here at Side by Side was extremely nice to me and very patient with me. When one of the staff members saw that I was still here an hour and a half later, she said, “Catherine you’re still here???” When she got back in her office she got involved. She made a phone call to the transportation company. While on the phone with them, my mother called and asked, “Where is my daughter?” The staff member here at Side by Side on the phone with my transportation assured her that I was safe, I was well taken care of here at Side by Side, and that she was already on the phone with the transportation company. The staff member here got it all taken care of. As soon as I found out my mother tried to reach me & she called Side by Side, I called her back. I also called my mom when the transportation driver finally picked me up. I just wanted to say that it was a huge relief to me to have advocates in my corner. I’m sure other members here can relate to the frustration of having to get the “kinks” worked out dealing with transportation. It is unusual for me to have to wait that long but this time I did. The staff was very supportive and patient with me. I am so thankful for that. The driver was very professional, very apologetic, and got me home safely. When I finally made it home, I respectfully asked my mother to request my normal transportation company. Today, I am back with my regular transportation people. Thank goodness I didn’t have another appointment or anything super significant to do that I had to rush off to. I am extremely thankful to the staff here at Side by Side and I am very thankful for this whole blog idea. It really does give me a chance to vent. Being at Side by Side helps me to relax a little and not be so incredibly uptight all of the time. I am going to go back to trying to be nicer now. I really don’t like being mean to anyone if I can help it. I never have so that’s really just how I feel about it anyway. Staff and members are nice to me and patient with me on a regular basis. I am so grateful. -Catherine]]>