Chandler McBride, an 18-year-old Three Rivers senior who suffered a broken neck and severed spinal cord this past summer after diving into the shallow end of friend’s swimming pool, experience a life change that, for many people, could turn into a perpetual downward spiral. The accident left the 6-foot, 190-pound tight end and defense end paralyzed from the chest down.
The Michigan teen’s optimism about his new disability, however, inspired Detroit Lions public relations man Bill Keenist to visit him several times at C.S Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. That relationship gave the teen the chance to meet some role models and become a positive image for those with disabilities.
McBride was given the opportunity to make a touchdown for the team, who wheeled him into the end zone, making for a nice gesture to a teen who faces many struggles in his future because of an unfortunate accident.
Those who suffer from permanent disability because of a spinal injury or disorder may be eligible for Social Security Disability. The Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to determine whether such an applicant is qualified. First of all, it has to be determined whether the applicant is engaging in substantial gainful activity. Second, the spinal disability must be severe enough to significantly limit the applicant’s ability to perform activities required for most jobs.
Third, spinal disorders are categorized under impairments affecting the musculoskeletal system, which requires proving a set of criteria establishing this type of impairment. Fourth, the ability of the applicant to perform work they have done in the past will be evaluated. If they can perform past work, befits are denied, but if they cannot, a fifth determination needs to be made. This last determination is simply to determine what other work the applicant can perform.
The application process for Social Security Disability requires care and patience, and having an experienced attorney to assist in the process can be an invaluable asset.
Source: Yahoo Sports, “Detroit Lions call one final play for disabled Michigan football senior,” Ben Rohrbach, January 2, 2012