Paying the Bills During COVID-19: Tips for People with Disabilities by Jillian Day

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[Editor’s note: Jillian Day created 508Assist.org to help people all across the web make their sites accessible to individuals with disabilities. She was inspired to start 508Assist.org when a close family member, who happens to have a visual impairment, had trouble finding a dinner recipe online that he could read easily. When she’s not chasing after her little ones, Jillian enjoys being outside, whether she’s fishing, hiking, or geocaching with her family.

This is Jillian’s second article for Whispers of Hope. If you’d like to read the first one, click here: 6-tips-to-help-you-find-the-right-accessible-home-by-jillian-day-of-508assist-org/]

The pandemic has had a disastrous impact on job security. During the initial outbreak, global working hours dropped 14%, the equivalent of 400 million full-time jobs! Many people who lost work are still struggling to earn an income and pay the bills. Job loss has been even harder on people who already have a hard time securing work, such as those with disabilities.

Whispers of Hope knows how challenging it can be for people with disabilities to find secure, fulfilling, and high-paying work. But as the pandemic continues, you need to find a way to make ends meet. Here are some tips for finding work and earning an income during this difficult time.

Expand Your Skill Set

The world has recovered many of the jobs that were lost during the first few months of the pandemic, but work is still hard to find. Consider expanding your skillset to open up new job opportunities. Online schools are a great option whether you have a disability that limits your mobility, you prefer to learn at your own pace, or you’re concerned about the spread of the coronavirus in a classroom setting. At an online school, you can earn a degree in a wide variety of practical fields including information technology, nursing, education, or business management!

Try Freelance Work

If you need money right now, freelance work could be your answer. Working from home is an ideal setup for people with disabilities as it offers plenty of freedom and flexibility to work however you want. Getting started as a freelancer is easier than ever these days thanks to online job boards and social networking sites. All you have to do is choose a niche, produce some sample products, and convince a few clients that you know what you’re doing.

Many first-time freelancers think they have to start at the bottom, but don’t let your entry-level status stop you from going after the work and income that you want. Be confident, sell your skills, and ask for the pay you deserve!

Prioritize Essential Bills

When money is tight, earning income isn’t the only way to make sure your bills are paid on time. As CNBC explains, it’s important to review your household budget and prioritize essential expenses. If you have a disability, for example, you may need to set aside extra money for grocery delivery services, transportation, or home care expenses right now. Of course, rent, mortgage payments, and utility bills should also be at the top of your priority list.

Protect Your Credit

While you look for work, you may have to use your available credit to make ends meet. Although this is not the time to fret over small changes in your credit score, ensure that your credit remains in good standing so you always have access to favorable loans and savings benefits. Try to only use your credit card for essential purchases and make sure you can always make your minimum payments. And while cash advances may be tempting, they should be avoided at all costs.

Access Services and Support

Many people with disabilities, particularly those with underlying health conditions that increase their risk of COVID-19 complications, are facing higher everyday costs during the pandemic. People in high-risk groups have had to shell out extra money for things like private home care and delivery services for groceries and medication. Fortunately, people with disabilities can access government services, nonprofit support, accessible information, and other helpful resources all over the world. Karen can help build your confidence, deal with red tape, and all in all better cope with your circumstances, so consider reaching out for a coaching session.

People with disabilities can have a hard time earning an income during the best of times. With a global pandemic closing down businesses and erasing jobs, people with disabilities are starting to get really worried about making ends meet. This is the time to shift your job-hunting strategy and try something new. Pursue higher education, get into freelancing, and take steps to protect your personal finances in the meantime. Finally, seek support from those who understand your needs. Contact Karen today.

The Healing Horse, Ch. 10, Scene 4: Getting to Know Rocky, and Explaining Pegasus

At last, a long scene, as little Karen tries to explain how Pegasus has grown overnight, and why he does not need a bit in his mouth for her to control him.

Scene 4: Getting to Know Rocky, and Explaining Pegasus

The barn was like she remembered from the day before. Long and narrow, it had a row of stalls down each side, and the cool air smelled of straw and horses.

Pegasus was in the first stall, and the young man whom she had heard was spreading straw on its floor. He looked up when she entered.

“Howdy!” he said. “You must be Karen. I saw you, yesterday, here at the ranch and at your house. Daddy told me you’d most likely mosey ‘roun’, soon after sunup as you could manage. You can call me Rocky. I’m the bronc buster in charge of animal hygiene, as you can see.”

They both laughed as he pointed to the shovel leaning against the stable wall next to a pile of horse apples.

Karen introduced herself and asked him if he were from Texas.

“No, ma’am,” he replied. “I was born a Californian, but I’m hopin’ that if I try hard enough, I’ll grow up into a Texan, someday. Meanwhile, I try to fake the accent.”

Karen laughed, again. He was as funny as Joshua.

“Seriously,” he added, “I hope to become a veterinarian or a cowboy. I’m not sure which.”

“You must really love animals, Rocky. I see you have that manner about you.”

“Yes, ma’am. Manner and aroma.”

She couldn’t stop laughing. Then the conversation turned serious.

“If you don’t mind, ma’am, I have a question for you.”

Kitten smiled and waited. No one had ever called her ma’am before, not even Joshua.

“When Pegasus got here, yesterday, he seemed a li’l small to me ’n Daddy. Now, Arabians ain’t big horses, but still this’un seemed too small. Then, this mornin’ when I come to work, he was full size. Not big, mind you, but the size a fellow’d expect of a horse of this here breed. I couldn’t believe my eyes, so I called Daddy, ’n’ he said to put the saddle on him. If he was bigger, then it wouldn’t fit, but it did fit. On top o’ that, he always inspects every new horse, and Pegasus has a scab on his back. Daddy didn’t see it, last night, after y’all petted Pegasus, but it was there, this mornin’. It looks like a saddle sore that’s havin’ trouble healin’ up, but the scab is purple not red. Why, even Daddy said he’d never seen anything like that.”

He paused and looked at her, obviously expecting an explanation. Karen thought fast. How could she explain without giving away Pegasus’ mystical origins or sounding crazy, or lying? After a moment, she decided that humor was her only hope to avoid a head-on collision with truth.

“He may have looked a little smaller, yesterday, because he hadn’t had enough water to drink. He must’ve been dehydrated and shrunk, like dehydrated food. And the scab is purple because of his royal lineage. He’s a real blue blood.”

She giggled when Rocky’s jaw dropped, and then she quickly changed the subject.

“Speaking of saddles and sizes, I want to go for a ride, but I’m not big enough to saddle Pegasus myself. Could you please help me?”

Rocky seemed to accept the change of subject as a challenge, and with a smile he quickly saddled Pegasus.

“Yes, ma’am. I can saddle any horse, but this bridle doesn’t have a bit,” he remarked. “Can you control him without one?”

Karen wished she had taken time, the day before, to look at Pegasus’ saddle and other tack, but she had been so used to them being part of him that she had not considered what they would be like after his transformation. Fortunately, when she had read about carousel horses, she had also read about real ones and their care.

She laughed again and said, “He’s a very well-mannered horse. When I ride him, I just tell him what I want him to do, and he does it. Besides, if he had a bit in his mouth, it would be hard for him to talk.”

As Rocky watched with his mouth hanging open, she climbed up on the feed trough with her strong right leg and threw her left weak leg over Pegasus’ saddle. Shifting her weight into place, she was ready to ride.

“I have cerebral palsy, and my left leg is weak, so I mount from the right not the left. Bye!” she said with another laugh.

“Yes, ma’am,” replied Rocky. “And happy trails to you and your talking horse.”

The Healing Horse, Ch. 10, Scene 3: Karen Searches for Pegasus, and Hears a Voice in the Barn

This short scene leads to a hilarious conversation between her and a friend she is just meeting.

Scene 3: Karen Searches for Pegasus, and Hears a Voice in the Barn

As she walked toward the pasture where Tex had put Pegasus, she saw that it was empty, but then she heard someone speaking softly in the barn.

“Easy, Pegasus, this is your new home.”

She followed the voice into the dimly lighted interior.

The Healing Horse, Ch. 10, Scene 2: Mama Drops Off Kitten at the Stables

This is a short scene—just enough words to get little Karen from home to the ranch.

Scene 2: Mama Drops Off Kitten at the Stables

Mama appeared and asked if she were ready to go. In a moment, they were in the car, with Karen counting seconds until she could see her Pegasus, again. On Sunday mornings, there was almost no traffic, so they made the drive in fifteen minutes. At the stables, Karen felt as if she were floating, when she opened the Bel Air’s door and swung her feet to the gravel of the parking lot. In her right hand, she held a brown bag of goodies for lunch. In her heart, she held the promise of a mystical day with her horse.

Mama called out, “I’ll pick you up later this afternoon, Kitten. Have a good time.”

“Bye, Mama, I’ll see you later!”

The Healing Horse, Ch. 10, Scene 1: Sunday Morning. Karen and Mama Get Ready to Visit Pegasus

Karen and Mama clean the house and get ready to visit Pegasus at his new home—the ranch. As Karen waits for her Mama to get dressed, she starts to fidget, but then she reminds herself that she needs to work on her health and strength, not just for herself, but for her horse.

Scene 1: Sunday Morning. Karen and Mama Get Ready to Visit Pegasus

The next morning came fast. Mama had a plan. Karen and she would quickly clean the house, and then she could spend the afternoon with Pegasus, while Mama bought groceries and ran errands. Karen used her strong right hand to vacuum and dust, while Mama cleaned the kitchen. By eleven, they were done.

Karen made sure she was ready before Mama was. She put on her new riding outfit, and just as she expected, the pearl snap buttons on the shirt were easy for her to close. In the living room, Karen squirmed in an overstuffed chair. Five minutes crept by, but Mama was still not ready. Karen told herself to stop fidgeting, and turned her attention to how she could make the most of the day.

Now that her magical horse was fully alive, she committed every millisecond of her life to him, so using her time with Pegasus had become critical to recovering and developing her own strength. Her in-tandem exercises would be her secret way to success. She could incorporate aerobic exercise into having fun with Pegasus. In addition to improving her balance by riding him, she could strengthen her legs by walking him. She could stretch her muscles while he rested. She would not waste a moment. Now that she had him back, she needed to get her health back on track. He needed her to be strong, and she needed to become stronger for herself.

The Healing Horse, Ch. 9, Scene 09: The Western Riding Outfit

Long story short—Karen wanted to stay with Pegasus, but Mama wanted her to go home and rest. Then, in a surprise move, Mama realized her girl would need a new wardrobe for the ranch. She couldn’t very well ride her Arabian while dressed in school playground clothes.

Want to see what the outfit looked like? Check this out! Change the colors of the shirt to lavender and purple, and the model to twelve-year-old brunette me, and this would be it (minus the lip gloss and the glamour…)

Scene 09: The Western Riding Outfit

Even though she did not feel like going shopping, on the way home she and Mama stopped at a western store so Mama could buy her a couple of new outfits. They got several pairs of riding jeans, some purple and lavender plaid western shirts with pearl snaps that she could work with one hand, a short indigo jacket that matched the jeans, a big lavender western hat to protect her face from the sun, and a pair of tan horse-riding gloves. When they got home, Mama cut the fingers and thumbs off the gloves, so Karen could get them on by herself.

The Healing Horse, Ch. 9, Scene 08: Pegasus at the Ranch

Soon after they reach the ranch and unload Pegasus from the trailer, Mama says it is time to go. They are all tired from the day, but little Karen wants to stay so she can regain her equipoise in the presence of Pegasus.

Scene 08: Pegasus at the Ranch

“We’re here, Mama! We’re here! Let’s help Tex get Pegasus out of the trailer!”

“I’m glad to see you happy, again!” Mama said with her compassionate smile, as they hurried to the trailer, hand-in-hand.

“Easy, Pegasus, this is your new home,” Tex said, as he backed Pegasus out of the trailer and handed Karen the reins.

She followed Tex through a gate in the white horse fence. He explained that the small pasture they entered was especially for new horses. It gave them a safe place where they could get used to the ranch, and it was close to the house, so Tex could keep an eye on them.

Karen followed Pegasus around the pasture while he grazed, and Mama asked Tex about the daily routine of the ranch. She wanted to learn what she needed to do as a responsible horse owner.

The shadows cast by the trees grew longer as the sun lowered in the sky. Mama excused herself from Tex.

“Karen,” she called. “It’s almost the end of the day. You and Pegasus must be exhausted after sleeping in the garage, last night, and then all the driving around, today. I think you both need a good night’s rest, and then you can visit, tomorrow.”

“I guess so,” Karen said.

“Say your goodbyes, Kitten,” Mama added. “We will come back, tomorrow.”

Karen put her arm around Pegasus’ neck and whispered into his ear, “I’m really looking forward to our daily visits, Pegasus. It will be so nice coming to call on you everyday, just like at the carousel, except now you’re real.”

Even though she forced herself to sound cheerful, Karen was trying hard to balance her inside self. She did not want to leave. She wanted to unwind, settle down and hang out with Pegasus. She needed time with Pegasus to regain her equipoise after the anxiety and activity of the day, but she knew she had to leave.

The Healing Horse, Ch. 9, Scene 07: Karen and Mama Follow Tex to the Ranch

Though Karen stresses over whether Pegasus will like the ranch, the beauty and serenity of its setting soothe her worries away.

Scene 07: Karen and Mama Follow Tex to the Ranch

She and Mama climbed into the Bel Air, put on their seat belts, and headed toward the stables. Driving fast, Mama quickly caught up with the red truck.

“Look, Mama! You can see Pegasus in the trailer!” Karen shouted.

Mama said that was good, but then they fell into silence. Karen’s mood sank as she worried about whether Pegasus would like the ranch and get along with real horses as well as he got along with wooden ones. She watched for landmarks—buildings, billboards, points of interest—to help her estimate how much further they had to go. The drive seemed much longer than it had, before.

At last, they left the main road and drove up into the hills. Turn after sharp turn, they passed the creek, the grassy hills and the sumptuous oak trees. The intense beauty brought stillness to Kitten’s soul. With each twist and bend, fresh air fluttered through the open window and onto her face. Like the scenery, it helped her let go. Its coolness renewed her energetic nature, and the same coolness soothed her soul.

Soon, she saw the watering hole and the Sierra Nevada Stables sign. Her face lit up in a smile, and her bubbly attitude returned, as Mama followed the horse trailer into the gravel parking lot.

The Healing Horse, Ch. 9, Scene 06: Tex and Pegasus Head for the Ranch

As Karen and Mama prepare for Pegasus’ trip to his new home at the ranch, they discover that not only has he come fully alive, but Karen now owns a pair of magical cowboy boots.

Scene 06: Tex and Pegasus Head for the Ranch

Kitten and Pegasus walked proudly around the side of the house to the front curb. Tex and Rocky had already opened the gate at the back of the trailer.

Karen stroked Pegasus’ main and whispered, “You’ll be fine, Pegasus. Don’t be frightened. Mama and I will be right behind you. I promise!”

Tex looked Pegasus over, and then touched his mane.

“Don’t fret, Pegasus. I’ll take good care of you, and you’ll be happy as a gopher in soft dirt at the ranch.”

Walking slowly around the horse, he said to Kitten, “I’ll just untie your boots ‘fore we go. Wouldn’t want ‘em banged up in the trailer.”

Karen remembered the boots that had been carved into Pegasus’ saddle. Could they have become real, too? Her question was answered as Tex handled her a pair of beautiful, lavender cowboy boots with blue stars and magenta trim. They matched Pegasus’ saddle, exactly.

She thanked him. Pegasus and Mama remained silent.

Taking the reins and clucking with his tongue, Tex led Pegasus into the trailer and latched the gate before returning to his truck. Karen and Mama said they would follow along, shortly.

He replied, “I’m gonna be drivin’ slow, so y’all should get to the ranch right behind me. We’ll unload Pegasus and put ‘im into a pasture all by himself, so he can relax and graze. We may be gettin’ a storm blowin’ through, tonight, so we’ll move him into his stall before dark. There’s just one other thing. How’s he do with other horses?”

Karen did not know what to say. She looked at Mama who replied, “He loves other horses. He was great friends with all the horses in the herd he was with. They were really in sync with each other.”

Tex smiled. “That’s good, but for now we’ll give ’im a chance to get settled afore we introduce him to the others. I’ll see you at the ranch!”

As Karen watched Tex drive away, she smiled and turned to Mama.

“Look at these tall Texas boots, Mama. They’re real, now, too. Just like Pegasus. They’re not wood, anymore. Should I try them on?”

Mama said, “First a carousel horse comes alive, now you’re getting magic boots. Why not? Then we should go.”

Karen took off her high-topped sneakers and pulled on the boots. They fit perfectly.

“Okay,” she said. “I’m ready for anything. Let’s go!”

The Healing Horse, Ch. 9, Scene 05: The Horse-Moving Truck Arrives

After Karen and Pegasus set their resolve to deal with their fears and get on with life, Tex and Rocky arrive to move him to his new home on the ranch.

Scene 05: The Horse-Moving Truck Arrives

The roar of a diesel engine interrupted their reverie. Karen snapped out of her sorrowful contemplation and ran to the sidewalk, waving her strong right arm. This had to be Tex with the horse truck.

“Here we are!” she called over the roaring exhaust of the red four-wheel drive pickup. It pulled a matching red horse trailer, and both had the words Sierra Nevada Stables written on them in gold.
Tex waved back at her, as he pulled to the curb and turned off the engine. He and Rocky climbed down from the cab. Tex gave her his broad, gentle smile.

“Have you come to pick up my horse?” she asked. “He’s in the backyard, Tex. I’ll go get him for you and call my Mama.”

As Karen ran toward the back yard, she saw Mama open the house’s screen door.