We have coaches for sports, drama and speech. There are now coaches to help executives learn managerial techniques. People with disabilities (PWDs) also benefit from learning techniques and approaches from an expert, and there are currently no professions or organizations that offer this “coaching” service. Learning useful techniques can go a long way in handling difficult situations and feelings for people with disabilities.

We have motivational speakers addressing groups of salespeople and corporate CEOs, as well as school boards and churchgoers. Do you know of very many motivational speakers who seek out speaking engagements directed at PWDs and address the psychological and emotional aspects of disability?

Dr. Kevin Roberts, the Disability Coach, has created a program that instructs, motivates and educates PWDs regarding acceptance, adjustment and direction. It is a program developed for PWDs, and it was created by a disabled clinical psychologist. P.O.W.E.R. is a positive attitude development program for people with disabilities.

P.O.W.E.R. deals with issues that include motivation, adjusting to pain, changes in physical appearance, interaction with family and friends, broader socialization issues, emotions, and self-regard, to cite a portion of topics. The program is constantly evolving.

P.O.W.E.R. is also well suited to the needs of seniors who are dealing with the many similar and taxing issues of adjustment to later life.

The P.O.W.E.R. program method utilizes active instruction, active participation, practical guidance, commitment, feedback and enthusiastic support.

The P.O.W.E.R. program goals are self-acceptance, self-esteem and self-direction.

The P.O.W.E.R. program benefits are:

• feeling good about oneself
• respecting oneself and feeling competent
• being more hopeful and goal oriented and having a more positive attitude.

P.O.W.E.R. is a program aimed at people with disabilities who are committed to their personal psychological and emotional development.

P.O.W.E.R. emphasizes a sense of identity and a feeling of belonging. The program is interested in capability, potential and growth.

The P.O.W.E.R. philosophy supports the importance of striving for independence and the importance of visibility and influence in the broader social community for people with disabilities.

In addition, P.O.W.E.R. offers presentations, workshops and speeches. These activities are recommended for family members and friends of a person with a disability. Also, these programs are recommended for groups and individuals connected with the disabled community. Physicians, physical therapists, case managers, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, attorneys, agencies serving the disabled, insurance personnel, businesses and corporations all benefit from attending the P.O.W.E.R. activities. (Where appropriate, continuing education credit [CEU] approval will be sought.)