MAKING CONTACT WITH OTHER OT PEOPLE

[Lake of the Woods]

I was recently at the Neurologist's office for my first visit since being diagnosed with OT. He mainly treats people with Parkinson's and while waiting I started to read a magazine put out for people with Parkinsons. There was an article about a young man who had recently been diagnosed and he talked about how he was initially so devastated with the news. But, as time went on he talked about how, through his illness he had met so many wonderful people through the Parkinson's network that he felt that he now had to quote "a second family who understood what he was going through".

Through this website is about the only way OT people can connect and possibly meet.

I would ask Gloria to comment on this - is there a way we could emphasize to people when they register to list their town/city, province/state and country so that if there is anyone close by they could possibly make a connection? Obviously, if a connection was made and one party chose not to meet that would be up to the people involved but at least we would know if there was another person with OT living close by.

Thank you.

[gloria]

Dear Lake of the Woods and all OT Friends:

A part of having this web site was to create an atmosphere where the loneliness of this disorder can be eased a bit and I feel we set up the means to do that however it is necessary for EVERY OT PERSON to participate. My sentiments about this were expressed in my posting on the forum 11/ 4/ 06 Topic (Meeting with another OT Person). I too wish that more people would list their location because we would get a better idea of the demographics of our disease. (This is helpful to researchers as well). We have listed a place for people who are registering on the Forum to include their location.(just country & state or province is enough). Some people will and some do not, their choice, however if not, they are hurting their own cause. We need to grow more in numbers and this is the way to start. The more we grow networking becomes easier.

Gloria

[Lake of the Woods]

Thank you for replying Gloria on this important topic. I was wondering if you could set up the registration process to have an ie "see note" when it comes to listing your location. Then you could put a note on how valuable it is to put your location regarding possibly contacting another OT person or as you say for research information.

Also, could people possibly "edit" their previous information under the memberlist to now include their location.

I see another person just registered recently but "no location".

Hopefully people will read my comments and yours and act accordingly.

[admin]

Also, could people possibly "edit" their previous information under the memberlist to now include their location.

Yes. if you click on the "profile" link towards the top of the page you can access all of your information, and make changes.

When registering the only information that is required is marked with an asterisk: username, email, password. All of the other information can be left blank or filled in at a later time.

It is important to add location, but it is also important to allow for new visitors to feel comfortable with the forum, and this is why we do allow for nicknames, and email addresses are not visible to other members. I would suspect that as time goes on and people become more comfortable with the OT community they will add their locations. And, even by adding their location they can still maintain their anonymity through the use of nicknames if so desired.

best regards.

[Lake of the Woods]

Gloria - I was wondering if it would be more beneficial to put something in the "home page" under the "Forum" section about listing your location. I see that you have added a line about how you can "strike up a conversation" and "communication is the key". Could you possibly add to that; something to the effect that "if you are comfortable listing your location then possibly other people with OT may be living close by and if they know where you live you could make a personal connection". If your location is not listed this is not a possibility. Location information may also be helpful with research.

[Lorie M]

Rochester, MN meeting was such a great idea. I enjoyed meeting all the people. Every one you met offered a chair.
So nice to meet people who knew how much that meant. Great to talk to people with the same problems and to learn how they cope. Not to feel isolated because of this rare disorder was so welcome. Thank you Peggy and Garry, Gloria, Beth and Jeff and all who contributed to the success of our first meeting.
Lorie M