Don't you just love when someone sees a need and steps in to fill it?
Several years ago, Megan Cortjens saw the need for using technology to connect and share knowledge among the disability community. Plenty of other people were using websites, blogs and You Tube to help support parents, but there seemed to be a void when it came to the disability community. As a metro Atlanta resident and a sibling to a brother with a disability, she jumped in to solve the problem for our community and created Our Place.
The video series
'You don't know what you don't know' is the tagline on Megan's video series and wow does she deliver on answering those questions.
This is the area I truly wish I had found a few years ago as we started the transition to adulthood. She explores the areas in depth using detailed interviews with the professional experts.
You will find videos on NOW/COMP, Applying for SSI, Taxes, Finding a Day program, Employment and much, much more.
step by step guidance
Megan's Knowledge Center is a great place to come for guidance in addition to the videos. There is a whole section on the NOW/COMP waiver with step by step guidance on how to apply and work through the entire process. She list places to go for scholarships and grants.
There is a super section on what to do when you first get a diagnosis as well. I think most of us are past that stage, but I clearly remember how lost and overwhelmed I felt during the early days. It would be good to share with friends at the beginning of their journeys.
the expert connection
One thing Our Place does wonderfully is identify and connect you to the professionals who serve the disability community from birth through adulthood. With the click of a button, Our Place will connect you with these experts. It feels a little like calling the friend who knows everybody and is willing to share.
our places
This section is the latest addition to Our Place. It seeks to connect you with the resources you need within your local area. All you need to do is provide information on your location and your needs to be pointed in the right direction.
I wish I had found Our Place and this wealth of knowledge a few years ago. Check it out because as Megan says "You don't know what you don't know!"
* All images provided by Megan Cortjens
