University of Maine - Prism Yearbook (Orono, ME)

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Hacky Sack It Could Happen Anywhere... Oulside Hancock Hall...

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Freshman forms support group Ealing a meal ai the dining hall is a major project. Gelling up to the top bunk is like climb- ing Ml. Everest. And taking a shower is an ex- cercise in futility. Catherine Bunin, an 18-year-old freshman was confronted w ith those problems after an auto accident left her with a broken right arm and a cast up to her shoulder. However, she did something about it. She founded the Organiza- tion to Help Temporarily Disabled, a group believed to be the first of its kind. I had so many difficulties. Bunin said. “I didn't know what to do. how to do it. or where to get help. I had to find my way around. It was un- believable. Taking a shower or a bath was a very difficult experience. I couldn't get up to my bunk. And 1 couldn't use the top or bottom drawer of my dresser. “1 went to (he dining hall and spent an hour getting everything. One of my biggest problems was sometimes 1 wanted people to help me and sometimes I didn't. It changed me in a great way.” Bunin pointed out that it is different being temporarily handicapped and being permanently handicapped. Persons who are permanently disabled often have learned how to get around, but its a new experience for those who are temporarily disabled, she said. Scott Anchors, director of the dormitory complex where Bunin lives, said he knows of no other organization similar to the one she formed. It is just something new that Cathy hits con- ceptualized on her own. he said. It dcfinatcly serves a need. You look around the residential complex and there arc always a handful of people with broken arks or legs, particularly in the skiing season. It is a novel idea. Anchors said he w ill designate one worker in the Hilltop Complex cafeteria to give a hand to disabled persons when they come for meals. Anchors expressed the hope that such a program would spread throughout campus. Generally, people who are permanently handicapped want to be as independent as poss- ible. but those who are temporarily disabled have not yet aquired the skills to do things for themselves. Bunin said. That's why the Organization to Help the Temporarily Disabled is circulating A List of What One Should Know When Temporarily Disabled. The list advises students to contact their college dean if they need to be excused form classes without penalty, to rearrange their rooms temporarily to make things more accessible dur- ing recuperation, to use a bathtub at Cutler Health Center and the possible services of a nurse if (hey are unable to shower, to get an el- evator key if they are unable to use stairs, to ask dining commons workers to help them with food trays and to use the handicapped van provided by the onwards program. The temporarily disabled may also call Bunin for advice. In addition, the Organization to Help the Temporarily Disabled suggests ideas such as providing a map showing the campus buildings which have elevators or ramps, establishing a support group which could meet once a week and giving a list of temporarily disabled persons to Cutler so they can be contacted. Bunin, a native of New York City, suffered the broken arm in an auto accident on her w ay to UMO August 16. 1985. The break, a spiral frac- ture. required extensive physical therapy. The UMO freshman was a champion oarsman and captain of her rowing team at the Gunnery School. Washington. Conn., before graduating last spring. She also was a recipient of the New England Society's coveted oar trophy.” Because of the injury. Bunin said. I won't be able to do that anymore.

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