When people suggest my journey through the dark tunnel of total paralysis must have been a really tough challenge – they are right, it was and I also wonder where they have been paralyzed and maybe didn't even know it. You have heard me say this many times. People who want to do something but just can’t seem to do it are, in a very real sense paralyzed – and they need understanding and help, not criticism.

I had plenty of help as I overcame my physical paralysis. I had the focus and attention of a professional medical staff, dear friends, and a fiercely supportive husband to defend my right to live and help me get “un-paralyzed”. They didn’t criticize me. They helped me. Now I am here to help you, not criticize you; to understand and help defend your right to live – really live –– and deal with the personal, financial, or business paralysis that keeps you from moving to your next level of personal and professional accomplishment.

That is real paralysis, as real as it gets –and I know it is as frustrating for you to try to get through as it was for me when I lay in a hospital bed, unresponsive, unable to move even a finger.

Everyone is talking about Katrina and the impact on “regular folks.” But have you stopped to think about the effects on the disabled people caught in the Hurricane? It’s hard enough to imagine how the able-bodied could survive. But have you stopped to think about the effects on the disabled people caught in the Hurricane? Speaking colleague and disability activist Greg Smith, was one of those people. The hurricane forced him and his family from their home in Ocean Springs, Miss. Currently, Greg is living in a temporary home, an assisted living facility in Ohio. His three children, ages 8, 11 and 13, are staying with friends.

Greg’s disability is Muscular Dystrophy. He relies on a power wheelchair and his specially adapted van. When his family evacuated his parents scooped up his 65 LB fame and the kids leaving everything behind but Greg and his kids and headed north.

As we all witnessed, Katrina was devastating. When Greg and his family returned they found their house was flooded with four feet of water, snakes and mud. Clothing equipment, books, papers and his wheelchair was ruined. (The wheelchair company is replacing his chair so that Greg will be able to get around.)

For those of you wondering how you can help those with disabilities, check out the site: http://www.katrinadisability.info/. It also includes those needing help. All states are listed.

…And unfortunately, hurricane season is not over.

 Visit Kate’s website.