Custom Crutches – Forearm and Shepard Crutches – Titanium Crutches

Golfing With Canes or Crutches

I like to play a little golf now and then-preferably, best ball! The gold course should be beautiful and the weather, perfect. I am a fair weather golfer. You may also golf now and then while using crutches, canes or a wheelchair. Well, the United States Golf Association has not forgotten us in their rules. These golf rules are applicable for all you serious golfers. The USGA says: The use of assistive devices, like crutches and canes, raises the question of what constitutes taking the stance. Continue Reading »

Comfort for Crutch Users

It’s been a long winter here in Denver, Colorado. I am fortunate to have custom crutch handles on my forearm crutches-but my hands still take some serious abuse in the winter. If you use crutches, whether they are underarm or forearm crutches, you know what I mean. Your hands get chapped, they crack and look terrible. There is good news for crutch users-it’s called Bag Balm. Legend has it that this was used by farmers to keep the cows udders from cracking and splitting in the winter-I don’t care Continue Reading »

Crutch Handles to Reduce Pain

I read an article touting “Rocket science boosts comfort of high heels.” The technology they were using was a combination of a cushion insert and shifting the body’s weight off the ball of the foot and repositioning the weight for greater comfort! I’ve never worn high heels but I have spent an entire day on forearm crutches and my hands were killing me-that was the motivation for me to design and patent The Right Grip crutch handle. This ergonomic crutch handle displaces pressure from the volar aspect of the hand and redistributes the weight load to the hypothenar muscles, the strongest muscle group in the hand.

It’s ironic that Nike spends millions of dollars on research for increasing the comfort of our feet-but what happens when weight bearing is shifted from the feet to the hands? If you’ve ever spent any time on forearm crutches you can appreciate the point. Just as shoes are designed for the left and right foot, to maximize comfort-I designed The Right Grip for the left and right hand Continue Reading »

Flexible Spending Account Reminder

If you set aside pre-tax dollars in a flexible spending account-This Sunday is the deadline to spend those dollars. The expenses vary from doctor’s visits, prescriptions eyewear and medical goods such as crutches. Don’t forget this important deadline if you do have flex dollars to spend!

Steve Mertz
Use Them or Lose Them!

Do You Wear a Name Tag?

When I was growing up I always tried to “blend in” and not accentuate the fact that I was the Only kid in school on crutches. Today, as a speaker and consultant, they help me stand out in the crowd. People who hire me may not remember my name but they have said “you know, the guy on the flashy crutches that speaks on money.” Funny how times change. What makes you stand out in a crowd-is it a wheelchair, loss of limbs, or loss of hearing? The challenge is to think outside the box and how that might be put to use to make you stand out from the crowd. Check out a fellow blogger buddy of mine. His name is Scott Ginsberg and he wears a name tag 24/7 to make himself more approachable. The best part-people pay him money to come speak to them about approachability!! Could you use your situation to generate additional income?

Steve Mertz
Crutches are My Name Tag!

Disabled Services Options

Do you receive Social Security Disability? Have you ever wondered how some manage to continue to get disabled services like Social Security disability and work? First off, let me give you the disclaimer that I am not an attorney and you should consult one before you do anything, please. About a month ago a young woman approached me who had a disability, was receiving social security disability, and was making over $50,000 a year-what gives? She told me she had consulted her accountant and attorney. They set up a Subchapter S corporation for her and got her a tax ID number. When she consulted, all earnings went to her corporation and not her. Well, so far so good but I was curious. So, the other morning at my health club I cornered an accountant buddy of mine in the whirlpool. “Is it legal”, I asked. Here was his Continue Reading »

Disabled Services and entrepreneurs

Is there room for Entrepreneurs within the disabled services programs ? I live in Colorado so I went to the home page for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and saw the following Mission statement :

The Division Of Vocational Rehabilitation assists individuals whose disabilities result in barriers to employment to succeed at work and live independently

Given the limited resources and crushing case load I think our agency in Colorado does a great job…And yet I’m concerned for their clients. I’m concerned because sometimes it’s a full time job for individuals with disabilities to get ready for “work”. Some days it is not physically possible for some to go to work and many times those with severe disabilities are in low paying jobs. Continue Reading »

A Fallen Angel

Dana Reeve was one of my heroes. She had so much grace and determination with all the challenges she faced. I know there are many heroes out there who don’t get the publicity and I salute you. Rest in peace Dana!

Welcome to Disabled Services

I started this blog for those who want the best ideas on how to work within the confines of various disability services while achieving a level of financial dignity and hopefully personal finance success! At the age of six I was paralyzed from the chest down from measles. I’ve been blessed and get around well today with the use of crutches. I also was determined to learn about and win the financial game. To that end I was an investment advisor for 15 years. Many financial mis-steps were committed by myself and there is no need for you to replicate some of my bone head moves I have the utmost respect for those who work with the disabled and particularly the counselors who strive to help disabled find meaningful employment. But there is a problem inherent in the system isn’t there? If you happen to be on Social Security disability you can only earn less than $860 a month and still keep your benefits-Wow, what a pitiful amount. The real issue for many is keeping the health insurance, isn’t it? This blog is going to explore the best ideas out there for keeping your benefits while increasing your financial position. No, it’s not always possible to do both but at least you will know you have options and choices. I wish you the best on your journey! Please feel free to ask questions or add suggestions.