Re: Ideas for a Hairdresser with EDS

[Guest guest]

Hi Mark,

can you work from home, or set yourself up as a travelling hairdresser? This way

you could work as much or little as you like, have a break between jobs and

perhaps do the occasional cash job (I didn't say that!). The break is important,

as the circulation and dizziness problems you refer to could be pinching in your

shoulders from having your arms raised.

You wouldn't necessarily need expensive advertising, you could put up posters on

local noticeboards. Businesses like that grow from word of mouth.

You could also try old folks homes. I know that particularly other mobility

impaired or elderly people might really go for the option of having you come to

them. You'd have some initial outlay for your equipment, but at least all the

money you made would be yours, unlike the salon environment. I guess you'd end

up doing lots of blue hair, perms and sets, but it could be the way to go!

Another good task for mobile hairdressers is weddings...and weddings pay well! A

bride, two bridesmaids and a mother of the bride, include a rehearsal, and that

could be quite a tidy little sum. You could go to wedding expos (do you guys

have these too?) and hand out cards/flyers.

Love Glenda

millgate@...

Ideas for a Hairdresser with EDS

Hi

I'm a lurker here. I have mild classical eds. I've gone through a lot to

get my hairdresser's license. It took me 16 years & a lawyer to talk to the

Kentucky State Cosmetology Board to get the 1500 hours required for a

Kentucky license.

I have fatigue problems & chronic pain that only got worse when I finally

was able to work as a Hairdresser. The main problems are the long hours

standing on *very* flat feet & bending over the shampoo bowl. I'd get very

tired & dizzy after a couple of hair cuts & couldn't think clearly. The

pace that I was expected to keep was leaving me completely drained & always

achy. Finally, I developed a hernia that runs from my breastbone to my

navel from bending over the shampoo bowls.

Anyway, I so discouraged that I haven't even look into accommodations since

i had to quit 4 years ago. But now, I'm angry. I have a license & I'm

fully qualified to do any kind of cosmetology work. I even placed 3rd in a

state-wide hair competition as a student. There has to be ways for me to do

what I know how to do & enjoy doing. But getting salons to consider making

accommodations is very difficult.

I'm just tired of fighting to get what I'm entitled to. I could use some

ideas for accommodation & ways to present them to salon owners that won't

scare them out of hiring me. Thanks for listening.

I read all the post and keep everyone in my thoughts & prayers though I'm

often too distracted to reply. Thanks to all the generous people here that

are so free with their time & info.

Peace

Mark

+++++++++++++++++++++

" The question is, " said Alice, " whether you can make words mean so many

different things. "

" The question is, " said Humpty Dumpty, " which is to be master - that's all. "

Carroll (Alice through the Looking Glass)

[Guest guest]

Mark,

Check out www.adaconsulting.com and post this question to the ADA

Empowerment list on yahoogroups

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ADA-EMPOWERMENT Both are excellent sources of

information on accommodation advice.

-Barb

[Guest guest]

Hey Glenda

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately, the state board doesn't allow you to

work out side of a salon. There are lots of regulations regarding where & how

you can work. Working from home is strictly prohibited unless you have a

separate area set up according to their rules with separate entrance, specific

equipment, etc which the $550 I get a month in disability benefits could never

pay for. You can easily get your license taken & fined for breaking the rules.

But I've been thinking that some of their regulations cause unreasonable

obstacles for people like me. I'd challenge them if I could get an attorney to

listen to me for even a second. Once they find out I'm on disability, they are

not interested or require that I put $1000 up front.

I never thought about the circulation & dizziness being from having my arms

raised. I have been considering using support hose because I thought it might

be from blood pooling in my legs.

Much Gratitude

Mark

Ideas for a Hairdresser with EDS

[Guest guest]

Thanks Barb! I'll check them out right away.

Mark

Re: Ideas for a Hairdresser with EDS

Mark,

Check out www.adaconsulting.com and post this question to the ADA

Empowerment list on yahoogroups

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ADA-EMPOWERMENT Both are excellent sources of

information on accommodation advice.

-Barb

[Guest guest]

Mark,

I commend you for 'raging against the machine' and struggling to put to use

your skills. It's a difficult step to take but one that I hope you will

meet reward with!

Is it possible for you to work a modified work schedule to help alleviate

some of what is exacerbating your symptoms?

I do not know much about this field of study, but when you say that you are

licensed to do anything in the field, are you able to do something that

allows you to sit down rather than stand for long periods of time?

What your talent needs is a salon of your own where you can do what you can

when you can and still have the clients and staff to support the business!

Can you get a partner and consider this at all?

Jill

[Guest guest]

Hi Mark,

I was thinking the same thing as Glenda...so given what you said re the

state board....I am wondering, there must be other services to seniors and

people with disabilities who aren't able to get out much...ie: are there

any Massage Therapists etc...who consult clients in their homes? If you

can find a few different professions that do " in home " services then *If*

you do take them (state board) on perhaps this can help your argument? I

think what you said regarding it being unfair for people who cannot work

the same as most is not only correct and worth fighting for (although I

can understand finding the energy to fight is very difficult)...but you

are trying to find ways to be a " contributing tax paying, member " so...

What about talking with a disabilities advocate? (if you have them there?)

There might be some social resources that you aren't aware of (and who

probably are woefully under " advertised " ...I used to be a switchboard

operator so my first suggestion is to get on the phone and just start

anywhere from information to social services to the hospitals to places

where there are people with disabilites and just ask if they have any

suggestions on how to get " fight the beaucrats " ideas on where you can do

your trade etc...I am sure that you will find some people willing

to help direct you ...(and who knows? you may just find some of

them...interested in your services, themselves??? :)

Hope things work out for you

Cheri

[Guest guest]

Wow, that is unbelievably tough. I would go so far as to consider that

'restriction of trade'. Absolutely insane.

These regulations dont only restrict traders....how do people with mobility

issues get their hair done?

Sorry my suggestions weren't more helpful...but best of luck anyway!

Love Glenda

millgate@...

Ideas for a Hairdresser with EDS

[Guest guest]

Yes, Glenda, I, too, consider it insane. I though it would be great to have a

traveling salon set up in an RV. But our state regulations make it impossible

to do. Your suggestions were wonderful & I appreciate them. Too bad the Board

regulations are so restrictive.

Thanks for wishing me luck!

Mark

Re: Ideas for a Hairdresser with EDS

Wow, that is unbelievably tough. I would go so far as to consider that

'restriction of trade'. Absolutely insane.

These regulations dont only restrict traders....how do people with mobility

issues get their hair done?

Sorry my suggestions weren't more helpful...but best of luck anyway!

Love Glenda

millgate@...