Incorporating My Disability into My Pampered Chef Story - Tips and Thoughts

[kaceyleigh2]

Ok so I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate this into "my intro" at shows. My left side is paralyzed-I have weakness in my leg but can walk (with a limp) but I can't use my left hand/arm at all. I am fairly independent and don't let it stop me. The thing is, I don't think about it much and sometimes forget that I do things differently than some people. I like to think that my disability is NOT that obvious-but if you're paying attention at all it's probably pretty obvious-especially when cooking. From experience (that goes back as far as Junior High) people wonder but are too afraid to ask.
So anyways, from the beginning I've sort of wanted to talk about it at my shows for a couple of reasons a) if I can cook/be a consultant with a disability anybody can and b) there are a lot of products that The Pampered Chef sells that are awesome for one-handed use! My mom bought me the Salt and Pepper Mill a long time ago b/c the traditional twisty ones are not easy for one handers. Anyways...I will be talking and go to talk about a certain product that is helpful to me and will say I love this...it easy for me to use..."but then realize that I'm not with family or friends and the probably don't know about my disability, so then I add kind of an afterthought like-"oh by the way" I usually end up with blank stares...
Anyways, do you guys have any thoughts (I KNOW you do ) on what to say, when to say it?
Do you all share anything about yourself other than your Pampered Chef story? What would you guys say in this situation?

I have a lot of shows this summer with people I haven't met and don't want to confuse people...or as my mom says intimidate them!
Thanks!

 

[amy07]

YOU ROCK!!
You are such an inspiration, can I copy your post and share with some of my potential recruits who feel that they have limited physical abilitities?!!?!? I think you just need to share your story like the rest of us of why you joined PC and just go with it. You've got confidence and that is what will draw people to you! Will they be amazed, absolutely, but for all the right reasons!!

 

[soccermama]

I'm not good with the "story" and intro..... but I would definitely say something like "One of the reasons I love The Pampered Chef business is that it is flexible enough for someone like me to be successful. I was drawn to the products The Pampered Chef has to offer because so many are easy for me to use, with the use of just one hand"

ya know.... something like that, I guess??

 

[kaceyleigh2]

YOU ROCK!!
You are such an inspiration, can I copy your post and share with some of my potential recruits who feel that they have limited physical abilitities?!!?!? I think you just need to share your story like the rest of us of why you joined PC and just go with it. You've got confidence and that is what will draw people to you! Will they be amazed, absolutely, but for all the right reasons!!

Thanks! Share away!

 

[cmdtrgd]

Part of your story should be WHY you love PC, and you said it perfectly! "I have a disability that causes ______. I love the PC products because I can use them and it makes my life easier. Imagine how it could make life easier for people who can fully use both hands!"

 

[pamperedgirl3]

I agree with Celeste & Kate. Definitely mention it at the beginning--just work it into your "story".

 

[raebates]

One of your questions was when to share. I generally share my story right after the guests introduce themselves. I say, "Now that I know a little about you, I'd like to share a bit about myself." For me, it's a natural place to share.

 

[kaceyleigh2]

One of your questions was when to share. I generally share my story right after the guests introduce themselves. I say, "Now that I know a little about you, I'd like to share a bit about myself." For me, it's a natural place to share.

I like your wording! I usually do introduce myself right after and tell everybody the reason I started with TPC was so I could stay home with my son and show a picture of him so everyone can see how cute he is then it's all a blur (I posted a thread about my nerves at Kitchen Shows earlier this week)

 

[Chef Ritz]

I thinking sharing is wonderful. Could you give me a few more ideas of products that are easy for you to use with one hand, my mom had a stroke a few years ago and has trouble with her right hand doing things. I would love to be able to share some with her.

 

[katie0128]

I like your wording! I usually do introduce myself right after and tell everybody the reason I started with TPC was so I could stay home with my son and show a picture of him so everyone can see how cute he is then it's all a blur (I posted a thread about my nerves at Kitchen Shows earlier this week)

Start with what you already have and then add a part about loving PC products because ANYONE can use them.

 

[kaceyleigh2]

I thinking sharing is wonderful. Could you give me a few more ideas of products that are easy for you to use with one hand, my mom had a stroke a few years ago and has trouble with her right hand doing things. I would love to be able to share some with her.

Salt & Pepper Mill is my fav,
Baker's Roller,
Ultimate Mandoline (when I can figure out how to put it together)
Jar Opener (I don't have one, but would be good mounted under a cabinet)
The Egg Separator (I don't have one but I like how it can be attached to the bowl)
The cutting boards with the grips around it holds it in place, which helps b/c you don't need that extra hand to hold the cutting board in place.

I actually use the green mat thingy that came with the old cutting board under my Batter Bowl when I'm mixing things-keeps in from spinning!

I have found that the Forged Knives have helped me tremendously with cutting veggies, etc. I first tried the Santoku at my cluster meeting and cut a pepper with one hand and it was so easy!

The Stainless Steel bowls with the grips on the bottom helps with the spinning.

I have even found that the Exec. Cookware is easier b/c the pots and pans are so heavy that they don't move as much on the stovetop.

Oh, I like the Adjustable measuring spoons b/c they lay flat on the countertop if I need to add like extract or something...the Easy Read Adjustable is actually even easier-but I find I don't use that one as much...

I'm sure I'm forgetting some things but I have found that there are only 2 things that I cannot use-the Smooth Edge Can Opener and The Deluxe Cheese Grater.

If you're mom needs any more one-handed tips/tricks let me know I've been "practicing" for almost 15 years!

 

[amy07]

Salt & Pepper Mill is my fav,
Baker's Roller,
Ultimate Mandoline (when I can figure out how to put it together)
Jar Opener (I don't have one, but would be good mounted under a cabinet)
The Egg Separator (I don't have one but I like how it can be attached to the bowl)
The cutting boards with the grips around it holds it in place, which helps b/c you don't need that extra hand to hold the cutting board in place.

I actually use the green mat thingy that came with the old cutting board under my Batter Bowl when I'm mixing things-keeps in from spinning!

I have found that the Forged Knives have helped me tremendously with cutting veggies, etc. I first tried the Santoku at my cluster meeting and cut a pepper with one hand and it was so easy!

The Stainless Steel bowls with the grips on the bottom helps with the spinning.

I have even found that the Exec. Cookware is easier b/c the pots and pans are so heavy that they don't move as much on the stovetop.

Oh, I like the Adjustable measuring spoons b/c they lay flat on the countertop if I need to add like extract or something...the Easy Read Adjustable is actually even easier-but I find I don't use that one as much...

I'm sure I'm forgetting some things but I have found that there are only 2 things that I cannot use-the Smooth Edge Can Opener and The Deluxe Cheese Grater.

If you're mom needs any more one-handed tips/tricks let me know I've been "practicing" for almost 15 years!

Your tips/suggestions are wonderful - even for those of us who do have use of both arms -