Hello! I'm Paul LaVack and my physical disability affects both my arms and legs and I have had it since birth. Fortunately, my parents always encouraged me to be as independent as possible. When I first left home, I shared an apartment with my uncle. I did not have to do a whole lot to the apartment to make it easy to use for me. I adapted the bathroom a little so I could use it safely. In the kitchen, I placed what I used (dishes, silver and a microwave) within easy reach. All the doors had lever openers instead of traditional doorknobs. This was better for me. There was no step going into the apartment and the light switches were low. After living there a couple of years, I realized I could probably live on my own and decided to give it a try.

            I rented a house owned by a friend who uses a wheelchair which like the apartment was easily handicapped accessible. I used the same techniques I had used before in the apartment. Setting up the bathroom so I could use it safely and efficiently. In the kitchen, I mostly used what was already there. I added a low bookshelf for keeping place and glasses within easy reach. Like the apartment, the stove burners or low enough for me to use comfortably and safely. The dishwasher was close to the sink and I learned how to use it. I had to be careful loading it because if I lean too low, I can easily fall. It took me longer to do the dishes but at least I could do them on my own. Keeping what I used on a low bookshelf made it easy. The house also had a small car port where I could park just a few feet from the door. There was also no step. I could probably the storm  door and easily bring in groceries. Not being able to walk very fast, the car port was a lifesaver during summer downpours! I am happy to say I managed to live independently for several years (I did get help with the lawn and a few other tasks I could not do). Now, I am happily married and live in another house I now own.

            My current home, is almost the same floor plan as a house I rented before. I keep what I use where I can get to it easily. I have learned what works best for me largely through trial and error. Everyone's needs are different. I cannot tell you what will work best for your situation. However, I can share ideas, techniques and suggestions for you to consider. If you wish to remain or become independent I am willing to share what I have learned and with you come up with solutions to problems that reduce your independence.

            I only have one qualification for doing this and that is living through and overcoming a myriad of barriers to independence. It has not been easy and I've made many mistakes along the way. Living independently, I believe, is always a work in progress. Not only am I handicapped, but I'm also aging. What worked a few years ago does not work as well now. I used to be able to go up small steps without much trouble but now my back disagrees with me whenever I try. So I added a small concrete ramp to the step going into the house and my back is much happier! I would like to share what I have learned in the hope of enriching other people’s lives.

I am physically handicapped (Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita) and have spent my life overcoming barriers of one form or another. I have come to believe that the biggest barriers are in our own HEAD. Starting off in a school for handicapped children, my parents realized that I was not going to get educated there and tossed me into the regular public schools. The change was pretty smooth and once my fellow students got used to having me around, I was just another student. As a young person, I wanted to drive a car but few around me thought I could. Fortunately, my parents encouraged me to be as independent as possible and I have been driving safely now for more than 20 years. I quickly ruled out going into the military, playing in the NFL or NBA as career paths. To be successful in life, I knew I had to educate myself. Like many, I started off at community college and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in English. After college, getting a job was no easy matter. I feel I faced a lot of discrimination. Eventually, I did find an employer who took a chance on me. With gainful employment, I was able to move out on my own and learned to live independently. I have made many international friends and have traveled extensively. Knowing I was handicapped I still received invitations from friends to experience their culture. One such trip was to Bulgaria. I thought Bulgaria? Why not? However, it had to be a solo trip. Thirteen hours of travel to a former east block country and what is the first thing I hear getting off the plane- a Madonna song in English! I’ll never forget that and realizing what a small similar world it really is. My friends met me at the airport and we spent the next two weeks tooling all over the country in their car we named “The Yellow Submarine.”  We had a fantastic time! A few years later I received an email from an old family friend living in Vietnam asking how I would feel about a southeastern Asian vacation. A few weeks later I Arrived in Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City. I learned a lot more about barriers in Vietnam. It is not what we would call “handicapped accessible”. The people however made the difference. Whatever help I needed bystanders gave me, and many times they did so without even being asked. I liked Vietnam so much I went again two years later and met my wife to be, Thu. We have been married almost two years now and life is good! 

            I have a Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I have also taught English as a Second language and adult computer literacy through the library as well as on my own. Helping people find work is another major interest of mine and I’ve had the good fortune to be invited to various organizations to speak about this. Helping as many as possible benefit from what I’ve learned is my main goal in life. To accomplish this, I started The LaVack Group, an organization dedicated to helping people overcome barriers through empowerment. Through my own personal experience both domestically and internationally I have learned that we all can indeed learn to work and overcome together!