People with disabilities serving with CAP

[mynetdude]

I am a disabled, or differently-abled if you prefer, CAP member.  I feel my membership has provided more opportunities than roadblocks... fortunately for me I don't tend to require much in the area of accommodation that hasn't already been accounted for by the folks at NHQ... though I do wish more CAP vans had running boards installed.  

Cool although running boards isn't unreasonable, its just a cost factor.  Hopefully if NHQ does buy new vans in the future they will consider making sure their future fleet is installed with running boards even if it isn't needed it will save the hassle of "ok now we have a member who could benefit from one, will someone trade or purchase a new van with running boards?" instead it will already be available when needed and granted helps smaller cadets too (I've met some pretty short cadets, it isn't impossible but slightly more difficult to get that leverage above the ground to load into the van).

[JohnKachenmeister]

When I first joined FL Wing and went on my first SAREX, there were several new Observers that needed training sorties to get qualified.  That was one of the goals of the SAREX, so much so that we began informally referring to it as the "Observer Training Mission."

At the initial briefing there was a blind captain with her seeing-eye dog.  A blind captain reporting for Observer training!

It turns out that she was the Commo specialist, and did a fine job on the radios.  She wasn't really in Observer training.

But it WAS one of those "WTF" moments on the new guy! 

[Johnny Yuma]

I am a disabled, or differently-abled if you prefer, CAP member.  I feel my membership has provided more opportunities than roadblocks... fortunately for me I don't tend to require much in the area of accommodation that hasn't already been accounted for by the folks at NHQ... though I do wish more CAP vans had running boards installed. 

Cool although running boards isn't unreasonable, its just a cost factor.  Hopefully if NHQ does buy new vans in the future they will consider making sure their future fleet is installed with running boards even if it isn't needed it will save the hassle of "ok now we have a member who could benefit from one, will someone trade or purchase a new van with running boards?" instead it will already be available when needed and granted helps smaller cadets too (I've met some pretty short cadets, it isn't impossible but slightly more difficult to get that leverage above the ground to load into the van).

If any of the vehicles need running boards, it's the new F250's we're getting to haul the trailers around! I'm 6'4" and it's still a pain in the Six to get up in those things.

[mynetdude]

I am a disabled, or differently-abled if you prefer, CAP member.  I feel my membership has provided more opportunities than roadblocks... fortunately for me I don't tend to require much in the area of accommodation that hasn't already been accounted for by the folks at NHQ... though I do wish more CAP vans had running boards installed. 

Cool although running boards isn't unreasonable, its just a cost factor.  Hopefully if NHQ does buy new vans in the future they will consider making sure their future fleet is installed with running boards even if it isn't needed it will save the hassle of "ok now we have a member who could benefit from one, will someone trade or purchase a new van with running boards?" instead it will already be available when needed and granted helps smaller cadets too (I've met some pretty short cadets, it isn't impossible but slightly more difficult to get that leverage above the ground to load into the van).

If any of the vehicles need running boards, it's the new F250's we're getting to haul the trailers around! I'm 6'4" and it's still a pain in the Six to get up in those things.

You mean the Ford 15 passenger vans? Didn't know they were referred to the F250, I've known them as the Econoliner or something like that.

[jimmydeanno]

No, Ford F250 Pickup trucks (4X4).  FORD F250 LINK

The "Econoliners" are in the "E-Series," so they would be an E-250 or something along that line depending on the load capacity...

[Johnny Yuma]

Exactly. 3/4 ton extended cab pickups. 4WD, tow package, the works.

KSWG got one 2 years ago, I believe they're getting another. It's what to drive when towing FEMA trailers.

[k9gwb]

If there are no running boards, get one of these:  http://tinyurl.com/39vxa6.  I've used it for all sorts of things in and around my SUV, including enabling my 82-year-old mother to get into the truck.  It quickly folds and can be stored under a seat.