The Bridge

News from the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living

Volume XIII, Number 1 

January 2002

ABIL offers and promotes programs designed to empower people with disabilities to take personal responsibility so they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community. ABIL is a member of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). "Not just responding to change, but leading it!"

 

New Year’s Resolution: Get a Job  By Susan Webb

Susan Brewer is starting the new year with a new job.  She is not excited.  She is not scared.  She is simply matter-of-fact about it.  Blind since the age of twelve, Susan says she has a bad attitude about working.  She believes her philosophy that people with disabilities should work means she is not a nice person.  She thinks people with disabilities have become too reliant on public assistance.  “In addition to not wanting to be in the begging business,” she says, “I’d rather support myself and my children.”

 

Susan expresses concern about her comments being too abrupt, too controversial.  But being assertive is not new to her.  She worked as a travel agent coordinating cruises for groups with disabilities.  Since most cruise lines are registered in foreign countries, most believed they had no obligation to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 that prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities.  Susan set them straight.  When one particular line refused to provide a relief area for service animals, Susan brought in the Center for Disease Control to corroborate what she already knew; the manner in which the cruise line was insisting that service animals relieve themselves was unsanitary.  Not only did that cruise line change its ways, but all the others docked in the Miami, Florida area followed suit. Even though the job required her to continually “educate” cruise lines about their obligations, she says the job was fun.  Family demands, however, caused her to leave the job, leave Ohio, and move to the Valley of the Sun.

 

Now a single mother, Susan needed to rely on public assistance for a while.  But she knew she would eventually be financially self-sufficient again by working.  Her new job at Sears in customer service will provide an entry-level salary and benefits.  It’s not exactly the American dream - at least not yet.  But Susan doesn’t do the same math that many people on public assistance do.  “You have to start somewhere,” she says.  “Even if I make less [than public assistance], I’m preparing myself for my future.”

 

When asked about whether she thinks employers automatically require applicants with disabilities to start entry-level jobs even if they have more education and experience, she is again her typical pragmatic self.  “The bottom is the bottom,” she says.  “We live in a capitalist society; if you’re producing, they’ll keep you regardless of disability.” Susan believes it is harder to get a job when you have a disability.  She believes non-disabled employers come up with excuses for not hiring people with disabilities. But she believes those excuses are a direct result of the excuses they hear from other people with disabilities who make excuses for not working.  “We [who have disabilities] wind up giving them the ammunition to shoot us with our own guns,” she says.

Susan will use the bus to get to and from her new job.  Eventually she wants to go to law school. She plans to work and go to school at the same time. She knows that is ambitious and will take time to achieve. But the idea of living on public assistance while going to school is not acceptable to Susan.  “It doesn’t matter how busy you are,” she says.  “What right do you have to expect others to support you while you do whatever you want?”

Happy New Year (and New Life), Susan Brewer!

 

 

Why VR Should Embrace the Ticket to Work By Susan Webb, Employment Director

Not everyone is enthralled with the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999.  In fact, some believe it is intended to compete with the state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency1.  Worse yet, some believe it is intended to completely replace VR.  Whether intended or not, the potential exists for the Ticket to have a significant impact on VR.  Senior management’s attitude at Arizona’s VR agency is best described as cooperative but wait-n-see.  Unfortunately, rumblings from the rank ‘n file counselors are not as neutral.

 

Some counselors wonder why the Ticket is needed at all when VR is there to handle all the employment services needs of consumers with disabilities looking for work. Others are concerned that unqualified providers will lure unsuspecting consumers into programs of poor quality.   We believe that the Ticket to Work offers tremendous opportunity not only for consumers who want to start or return to work but also for those who provide them services, including VR.  This new initiative could mean a revitalization of a VR system that has been hamstrung by bureaucratic process and overwhelmed with applications from consumers who are not qualified for their services.   It could mean collaborations that give VR counselors significantly more autonomy and latitude in offering creative solutions to consumers’ needs.  Here’s how:

 

1. Consumers will control their own ticket.  They will shop around among Employment Networks (including VR) and choose who they believe will meet their needs the best.  We can assume that a consumer who is in control will also be more likely to “buy into” the concept of entering the workforce.  Therefore, a consumer who chooses to deposit his or her ticket2 will be more likely to achieve a successful outcome - a job.  That means VR potentially will have a greater number of “successful closures”, one of the key elements upon which VR counselor performance is measured.

 

2.  Approximately 130,000 Arizonans will receive a ticket packet during the next several months.  Currently only 5,000 of those potential ticket-users are registered for services with the state VR program.  VR could never have the capacity to serve all those who will receive a ticket.  Obviously, not all will choose to use their ticket.  But even if only 20% decided to take advantage of this new opportunity, that’s more than five times the number of SSI/SSDI beneficiaries VR currently serves.  And that doesn’t even count new beneficiaries who will come onto the rolls and need help starting or returning to work in the future.

 

3. VR only serves about 12% of people eligible for their services.  The higher level of expertise possessed by highly trained VR counselors was always intended to accommodate the needs of people with the most significant disabilities.  However, a significant amount of VR counselor time and money is spent simply assessing people for program eligibility.  Currently a large number of people who apply for VR services are not significantly disabled enough to qualify.  Prior to the Ticket, there have been few other places for those consumers to go for help.  Even when they do search out other programs, they are often denied those services and referred (erroneously) back to the VR program.  Since consumers will now have many new options for receiving employment services using the Ticket, VR’s expertise will more likely be saved for those with more significant disabilities who truly need them and not spent on consumers who do not need that higher level of expertise.

 

4.  Since the payment structure of the Ticket to Work Program offers greater choice for reimbursement, the potential exists for the state VR agency to receive far more reimbursement dollars from the Social Security Administration than they have in the past.  This means more federal money to offset the existing VR funds received under the Rehab Act Title I.  This increase in federal dollars will help VR and all the other Employment Networks serve more people.

 

5. Currently, VR closes a consumer’s case once 90 days of employment is achieved.  The Ticket Program allows VR and the other Employment Networks to remain with the consumer for 60 months post-employment.  This will allow VR counselors to continue to work with people to ensure long-term job retention and success, thus presumably greater job satisfaction on the part of the VR counselor and the consumer.

 

6. The Ticket to Work program allows greater collaboration between the state VR agency and contractors.  Currently VR pays contractors, such as job developers, to provide services to consumers.  However, there is no guarantee that the money VR allocates for those services will result in actual employment.  With the Ticket Program no provider gets paid until the consumer is actually employed and stays employed.  Cooperative Agreements between VR and other Employment Networks will allow shared risk.  Where these Cooperative Agreements exist, VR will not necessarily need to allocate funds up-front for which there may be no return.

 

7. Because the Ticket to Work Program is designed to pay providers (Employment Networks) only after a consumer is working, unscrupulous or unqualified providers will soon be out of the Ticket business.

 

With 130,000 tickets being issued in the next several months, there is obviously a great deal of work for everyone who wants to participate in the Ticket to Work Program.  VR must be a key player, learn to focus on consumer satisfaction like any other competitive business and embrace the consumer control/consumer choice spirit of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act.

 

1 In Arizona the state VR agency is called Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration, a Division of the Department of Economic Security.

 

2 Whether a consumer chooses to use the Ticket to Work is strictly voluntary.  A consumer who is not interested in working or who believes he or she is not capable of working will most likely ignore the ticket and not use it.  There will be no pressure applied by the Social Security Administration for a consumer to use the ticket.

 

 

The Bridge now available by e-mail!

To receive The Bridge by email automatically each month, send your request to: azbridge@abil.org or by mail to Penny c/o ABIL, 1229 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ  85034-1101, or call (602) 296-0518.  Please indicate if you would like to be removed from the list of those receiving hard copy by mail.

 

The Bridge newsletter is a monthly publication of Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL).  The Bridge is a free publication.  To add or remove your name from our mailing list, or to place a disability related personal or business classified ad, call or write to us at:

 

The Bridge c/o ABIL

Attention: Editor

1229 E. Washington Street

Phoenix, AZ 85034-1101

(602) 256-2245   

1-800-280-2245  (outside the 602, 623, 480, calling areas)

FAX:  (602) 254-6407

 e-mail: azbridge@abil.org 

Website: www.abil.org

 

ABIL-Thomas office

2345 E. Thomas, Suite #310-A

Phoenix, AZ 85016 

(602) 667-0277

FAX 602-667-0318

           

ABIL-East office

225 E. First Street, Suite #206

Mesa, AZ 85201     (480) 655-9750

FAX (480) 655-9751

           

Voice/TDD  (602) 256-2245

1-800-280-ABIL

(outside the 602, 623,480 calling areas)    

FAX (602) 254-6407   

e-mail:  azbridge@abil.org

Website: www.abil.org

Staff email: First name, initial of last name @abil.org

 

Questions about the ADA?

The Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) can answer questions about all aspects of the ADA and/or provide you with literature in print or alternative formats. Call 1-800-949-4232   or log on to http://www.pacdbtac.org

 

ABIL Board of Directors

Marjann Fletcher, President

Joseph Mikitish, Vice President/Treasurer

Tom Ringhofer, Secretary

Pamela Allan, Program Officer

Jim Brahaney, Member

Sheila Denny, Member

William Harper, Member

Ken Heard, Member

Lynn Houston, Member

Edith Kilany, Member

Marsha Maake, Member

 

ABIL Administrative Staff

Phil Pangrazio, 296-0513, Executive Director

Sandy Guinn, 296-0514, Director of Operations

Penny Fore, 296-0518, Executive Assistant

Crystal Hayslett, 296-0511, Accounting Supervisor

Louise Downey, 296-0519, Accounting Assistant

Nancy Fleming, 296-0512, Accounting Clerk

Tina Hedges, 296-0551, Payroll Clerk

Sarah Hunter, 296-0516, Billing Clerk

Peg Maloy, 296-0510, Program Aide

Jay Murrillo, 296-0517, Van Driver

Stephanie Apodaca, 296-0515, Receptionist

La Pearl Brown, 480-655-9750, Mesa Office Receptionist

 

Personal Assistant Services

Gwen Dean, 296-0541, Unit Director

Nancy Daily, 296-0540, PAS Field Rep./Instructor

Diane Patton, 296-0543, PAS Field Rep./Instructor

Judy Ludlow, 296-0542, PAS Field Rep.

Grace Walstad, 296-0549, PAS Field Rep.

Sheri Mecca, 296-0547, PAS Field Rep.

Jerry Chee, 296-0548, PAS Field Rep.

Pam Burdette, 296-0539, PAS Field Rep.

Melanie Woods, 296-0529, PAS Field Rep.

Christina Velasquez, 296-0545, PAS Field Rep.

Connie Sigala, 296-0528, Personal Care/Homemaking Coordinator.

Alvera Ampian, 296-0544, Program Aide

Lyndora Hall, 296-0546, Program Aide

Colleen Podmore, 296-0552, Program Aide

Sharon Setrum 296-0506, File Clerk/Program Aide

 

Community Integration Unit

Darrel Christenson, 296-0530, Unit Director

Leanne Jones, 296-0535, Socialization/Recreation, Youth Outreach

Tyrone Harrington, 667-0277, Ext 13, Comm. Living. Options Coordinator.

Joanna Savidan, 296-0531, Home Modification Coordinator. (PHX)

Judy Benshoof, 296-0532, ILA/Home Modification Coordinator (MESA)

Jon DeWinter, 296-0537, Home Modification Coordinator (GLEND/PEORIA)

Leonard Smith, 296-0533, ILA/Reintegration Program Coordinator

Tony DiRienzi, 296-0534, Early Intervention Coordinator

Paula Grodecki, 296-0536, Information & Referral/ Reintegration Coordinator

 

Advocacy Unit

Donna Redford Kruck, 296-0520, Unit Director

David Carey, 296-0523, Advocacy Specialist

Lynn Bejnar, 667-0277, Ext 16, This is My Life" Coordinator

Ann Pasco, 667-0277, Ext 14, Volunteer Coordinator

Nicole Jeffords, 296-0509, Work Incentives Specialist

Erik Jensen, 296-0527, Work Incentives Specialist

Carolan Quenneville, 296-0524, Graphic Specialist/Newsletter Editor

 

ABIL Employment Services

Susan Webb, 667-0277, Ext 11, Employment Services Director

Lynda Connors, 667-0277, Ext. 12, Employment Coordinator

 

 

Social Security Work Incentives Q & A

Q: I am on Section 8 housing.  I would like to go to work, but am afraid that if I do I will lose my housing.  Are there any work incentives that can help me?

A: YES, if you are the head of the household and disabled your rent amount will not be increased for one year.  The second year that you work only 50% of your income will be counted when determining your rent amount.  The third year, Section 8 will count your entire income when determining your portion of rent.  Remember, the amount of money you pay for rent is 30% of your income.  As long as Section 8 is paying for ANY portion of your rent, you are still eligible for the program.

 

 

One Step Closer to the American Dream - Owning Your Own Home

More and more people with disabilities are working. Don’t let your disability stop you from achieving the American dream! Why pay rent when you could have something to call your own. While renting, you’ve got nothing but receipts to show for your hard work. Home ownership brings with it tax deductions, privacy, decorating options, pride of ownership and home value increases of 5.6% each year. There are programs available for people with disabilities that are making home ownership possible. Please contact your city’s housing department to learn more.

 

 

ADA Teleconference

January 15 - Retooling for Title I Compliance

Employment Track

Supreme Court decisions, case law and guidance from EEOC continue to define the requirements of Title I - Employment under the ADA. From the definition of disability to reassignment, this session will identify the evolving issues employers and employees should be aware of in order to assure compliance with the ADA.

RSVP to Leanne, 602-296-0535.

Sponsored by Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC)  http://www.pacdbtac.org

 

 

EMPLOYMENT TIP . . .

When starting a new job, expect the first few weeks to be completely exhausting. If you haven’t worked for awhile, the physical and mental demands of working will completely drain you whether you have a disability or not.  Unfortunately, many people with disabilities start a new job and give up quickly.  They assume their disability is the reason they go home at night completely zapped of energy.  Even if you believe you are active when you are unemployed, the disciplines of a job are hard to handle at first.  You should tough it out for at least three months.  You’ll be surprised at how great you’ll feel, especially on payday!

 

The Work at Home Dilemma   By Susan Webb

We get lots of requests from people with disabilities who want to work from home.  I’ve been dealing with this dilemma for several years.  Here’s what you should know:

 

w  Employers are not willing to allow new employees to work from home.  The vast majority of people who work from home either have their own home-based business or have worked at their employer’s work site for a significant amount of time before beginning to work at home.  Even then, most people who work at home only do so one or two days a week.  The rest of the time is at the employer’s work site.

 

w  Even with the advent of the Internet and its flexibility and economy for moving information around, employers are reluctant to allow sensitive corporate data (e,g. customer account information, financial data, strategic marketing or business plans, etc.) to be resident in employees’ homes.

 

w  87% of work-at-home jobs are in the professional ranks (e.g. accountants, engineers, programmers, etc.).

 

w  Work-at-Home schemes advertised on telephone poles or flyers attached to your windshield wipers are usually scams.  Be especially suspicious of those that ask you to put up money in order to participate in whatever program they’re selling. 

 

At ABIL Employment Services we are especially aware of the need for some people with disabilities to work from home.  We are desperately trying to come up with some solutions to this dilemma, especially ways to make employers more accepting of the concept.  If you have any legitimate ideas about how we might make this happen, please e-mail me at susanw@abil.org with your ideas.  No SPAM please!

 

Legislative Awareness Day

Tuesday January 15th, 2002

11:30am - 1:30pm

By Donna Kruck

ABIL is once again co-sponsoring the Governor’s Council  on Developmental Disabilities Legislative Awareness Day.  This a chance for citizens with disabilities to have lunch with their legislators, tour the Capitol and learn what legislative issues are expected to come up in the next legislative session. It will be held at Wesley Bolin Plaza across from the State Capitol in Phoenix. 

 

You will want to invite your legislators to have lunch with you.  There is no cost, but we rely on sponsorships to support the lunch.  Therefore, we welcome your organization's $100 sponsorship. This is a great time to get to know your legislators and for them to hear from you what your legislative concerns are. We had a great turn out last year in spite of the rain. Participants will be provided with legislative packets, so if your group has a legislative issue you want included in the information packets, contact Val Starks at the number below to get the required format.

 

To submit a fact sheet for the legislative packets, to reserve a lunch or to request an alternative format or sign language interpreter, call (602) 542-4049 Voice or TTY at (602)542-8920.

 

 

Help Effect Legislation Now!

Plan to attend upcoming Legislative Consortium meetings. Facilitated by the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), these informal meetings are a forum to openly discuss possible legislative initiatives and the impact of policy issues on individuals with developmental disabilities. One goal of the consortium is form alliances and strategies in the passing or defeating specific legislation that arises during the legislative session.

 

All Legislative Consortium meetings are held on Mondays, at 1717 West Jefferson, room 110 from 11:30-1:30. Feel free to bring your lunch. The following is a calendar for the remainder of this year and a tentative calendar for 2002.

 

January 14 & 28                       

February 12 & 26           

March 12 & 26

April 8 & 22       

May 13 & 27               

 

To request a reasonable accommodation or alternative format, to get on the email list for the weekly bill-tracking sheet, or to participate via conference call, please notify Val Starks at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at (602)542-4049 voice or TTY at (602)542-8920.

 

 

Conquering the Transition Maze:

Developing Skills for A Successful Future

January 26, 2002   

9:00 a.m.- Noon

Phoenix Civic Center

111 North Third Street

Phoenix, Arizona

 

This FREE conference is for families, students and professionals interested in learning more about transition service planning, including developing a transition plan that will ensure success when moving into and out of the school setting and other related special education topics.

 

The conference will feature several break-out sections specifically tailored to meet the needs of individuals interested in learning more about the transition from early intervention to appropriate settings and/or the transition from high school to adulthood. Some of the topics include: Preparing for Employment, Transition Services for College, Transition and Assistive Technology.

 

Please RSVP by January 18, 2002

To Register Call: (602) 274-6287 (TTY or voice) or 1-800-927-2260. If you need a special accommodation, please let us know as soon as possible.

Presented by the Arizona Center for Disability Law and made possible due to a generous grant from the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities

 

E.T., Drive Home

On November 1, 2001 the Enabling Transportation (ET) program at Mesa Senior Services began offering mileage reimbursement assistance to adults with disabilities, age 18 through 64 who live in Mesa.  ET reimburses 34 cents per mile for eligible clients who select their volunteer driver(s) from among their neighbors or friends for automobile travel.  Adults with disabilities must have a Valley Metro Photo ID card before they can receive reimbursements.  The ID card can be obtained at the Mesa Senior Center located at 247 N. MacDonald, Mesa on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 1 and 3 p.m.

 

ET is an alternative transportation assistance program fully funded by the City of Mesa.  Since March of 1999 ET senior clients 65 and over have taken a total of 30,308 trips.

 

For further information or to receive a brochure and application please contact ET at (480) 962-5612 or visit the Mesa Senior Center at 247 N. MacDonald or Mesa Senior Center East at 7550 E. Adobe Road. 

 

I&R   Information & Referral Q&A Question of the Month

Q: How can I stretch my grocery budget and get a variety of nutritious food?

 

A: St. Mary's is a unique and valuable resource! There are no eligibility requirements. Anybody can participate! Food boxes cost $15 in cash or food stamps. Boxes contain frozen meat, fruits, vegetables and staple items. Examples: ground beef, soups, pasta, muffin mix... Meat boxes cost $10 cash or food stamps and contain an average of 11 pounds of frozen meat such as chicken, hamburger, sausage and sandwich meat. All food is purchased, not donated. Participants are asked to volunteer 2 hours of time to an organization or individual of their choice.

 

St. Mary's Food bank sites are located in Phoenix and throughout the valley. For information call 602-272-3663 for metro Phoenix; other areas: 800-678-0097.Here's a way to save on groceries, pay your own way and contribute at the same time. That's living the IL philosophy!

If you have a question that you would like to see addressed here call Paula Grodecki at 602-296-0536.

 

 

Salute to Salii     By Leanne Jones

It is with great sadness that I announce that long time consumer and advocate John Salii passed away in December. Known for his big smile and sense of humor, John was a great example of ABIL’s mission, of someone who grew to achieve an independent lifestyle in the community. An active consumer with ABIL’s programs from advocacy, Improbable Theatre and social/recreational for the past six years, John will be greatly missed.  During any social/recreational event, when the group needed some humor or laughter John would make us all feel better.  I would like to extend ABIL’s deepest sympathies to John’s family.

 

 

Call For Participants: Improbable Theatre

Come share your 'voice', your talents, your creativity! Starting January 8, 2002 and continuing every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9:00pm through April, members of the Improbable Theatre will receive coaching, artistic instruction and developmental guidance by Lorenzo Aragon of Phoenix's improvisational troupe "Essential Theatre."

 

The sessions will be held at the Longview Recreation Center located on 14th St. and Indian School. The long term goal is to create a set piece that will help promote community awareness of who we are as people and who we are as people with disabilities. This set piece will then be presented at various venues around the valley.

 

Everyone is welcome! For more information call Carolan at 602-296-0524 or Kathy at 602-296-0503.

 

 

The Art of Triumph - Call to Artists with disabilities  

JURIED SHOW AND AWARDS

What is accepted: Two-dimensional or three-dimensional artwork. (i.e. Paintings, Drawings, Sculpture etc.) Limit 10 entries per person. Please write name, phone number and address on a slide or a photograph of your work. Do not submit original art. Entry materials will not be returned.

 

Entries Due:                     January 30, 2002

 

Send to:                      Art of Triumph

                     4340 E. Indian School, Suite 21-149

                     Phoenix, AZ 85018

 

The Show:                      The Phoenix Museum of History

                     March 1-March 3, 2002

 

Award Ceremony:                      Friday March 1, 2002

 

Everybody welcome! If you have any questions or problems sending your artwork call John Burton at (602)738-5340.

In participation with ARTability, Phoenix Museum of History, Art Detour and First Fridays. Art of Triumph not liable for any artwork.

 

 

 

Women Entrepreneurs Sought

Local writer seeks women entrepreneurs with disabilities for possible profile in magazine on women with disabilities. If interested, contact Erika at 602-547-9220 or via e-mail  at ejahneke@yahoo.com. Share your knowledge!

 

 

Wheelchair Basketball Benefit

Brophy High School, 4701 N. Central

January 17, 2002  - Game Time 7:00 pm

The Phoenix Suns and Banner Wheelchair Suns have teamed up with The Centers for Habilitation to bring back Wheelchair Basketball.  The event will be held January 17th at Brophy High School (4701 N. Central Avenue).  The Suns Professional Wheelchair (NWBA) team will split into two teams joining alumni Suns to compete against each other...not only for bragging rights, but also to raise money to support programs and services for Arizonans with disabilities. 

 

The event will host popular alumni Suns and a current Sun will do the coaching.  Additionally, everyone’s favorite Gorilla, the Suns Dance Team and Zoo Crew will entertain the crowd. Spectators may also be selected for contests or to play a quarter of the game. Also, one fan lucky fan will win a $500 drawing. Tickets are $5 each. For tickets or additional information contact David, 602-296-0523.

 

 

Basha's and ABIL Thanks You!

Every time you use your Bashas' Thank You Card to buy your groceries from January 1 through March 30th 2002 you help earn money for ABIL. Below is ABIL’s group identification number. The next time you shop at a Basha's store, you can link this number to your Thank You Card by asking the cashier to scan the bar code or to enter the group identification number. You only have to enter the code once and the link remains for the duration of the program. If you don't have a Thank You Card, you can apply for one and have the group number linked the first time you use it. By the end of the program ABIL will receive a check for one percent of the total dollars attributed to your group identification number - up to $2,500. Thank You!!!

ABIL's Group ID number – 28185

 

 

Advocacy Presentations/Workshops

Each month ABIL will host advocacy trainings. If there are any topics would you like to see addressed at future advocacy trainings please contact David Carey at (602) 296-0523 or davidc@abil.org. Thanks for the input and bring your questions!

 

Legislative Training, January 4th, 10:00am-1:00pm  Learn how a bill becomes a law, learn about your legislators and how to influence them. Your voice/vote makes a difference! Speaker: Donna Kruck Location: ABIL East, 225 E. 1st St., #206, Mesa

                                                                                              

Legislative Training, January 7th, 9:00am - 2:00pm Learn about the Legislative process, Bills that will have an impact on people with disabilities this session and take a tour the Capitol. Speaker: Donna Kruck, Location: 1229 E. Washington, Phx.

                                                                                               

Community Forum, January 8th, 10:00am - 4:00pm Learn about transportation alternatives across the Valley for people with disabilities and about job opportunities related to improving transportation. Speaker: Donna Powers. Location: 1229 E. Washington, Phx.

 

Soc. Sec. Work Incentives, January 11th, 1:00- 3:00pm Want to work? Find out how your SSI/SSDI benefits will be effected by returning to work. Speaker: Niki Latzo-Jeffords. Location: ABIL East, 225 E. 1st St., #206, Mesa

 

Legislative Awareness Day, Jan 15th, 11:30am-1:30pm Meet your legislators. Let them know what you think! Location: Wesley Bolin Plaza (across from the state capitol) 1700 W. Jefferson.

 

Soc. Sec. Work Incentives, January 22nd, 1:00- 3:00pm Want to work? Find out how your SSI/SSDI benefits will be effected by returning to work. Speaker: Niki Latzo-Jeffords. Location: 1229 E. Washington, Phx

 

Disability Liberation Workshop, January 25th, 10:00am-4:00pm. Does disability Pride sound like a pipe dream? Don't buy those stereotypes about yourself or others with disabilities. Everyone welcome! Speaker: Donna Kruck. Location: 1229 E. Washington, Phx.

 

Ticket to Work, January 30th, 10:00am - Noon. ABIL Find out about the "Ticket to Work" for people with disabilities who wish to get back into the employment field. Speaker: Susan Webb, Employment Services. Location: ABIL East, 225 E. 1st St., #206, Mesa.

 

Call David Carey to RSVP for presentations/workshops at 602-296-0523. For accommodations or alternative formats please call David in advance. If transportation is required please call as soon as possible. ABIL requests a $1+ donation (each way) for transportation provided on the ABIL van.

*Please check the ABIL calendar for additional monthly updates on advocacy presentations/workshops.

 

 

Empowering Youth Independent Living Skills Presentations/Workshops

The Empowering Youth with Disabilities into Adulthood (Youth Transition) is providing monthly workshops in the areas of financial management, transportation, housing, employment, recreation and advocacy.  Each session will bring in community resources that will enable youth to learn skills to become independent in adulthood. Scheduled sessions are as follows:

 

January 7th, 11th - Transportation 

February - Financial Management   

March - Housing           

April – Employment

May – Advocacy

June - Recreation

 

If you or your high school group would like to attend any of these, please call Leanne Jones at 602/296-0535 to RSVP.  For accommodations or alternative format please call Leanne in advance. Please check the ABIL calendar in the Bridge for additional monthly presentations/workshops on Empowering Youth with Disabilities into Adulthood.

 

 

Youth Mentor Training

Feb. 6, 10:00 - 4:30 pm

& Feb. 7, 12:00 - 4:30 pm

 

Are you someone who:

s Is a young adult

s Has a disability, or are close to someone who does

s Has successfully achieved independent living on        your own

s Is willing to assist others to achieve their own independent living goals

 

If so, we have youth mentor opportunities for you!

 

s One-to-one with people with disabilities

s Outreach to students in high school

s Advocacy for individuals and community issues

s Participation in disability awareness through presentations

 

If you would like to attend the February training held at ABIL's Phoenix office, please call Leanne Jones at 602-296-0535 for a youth mentor application.  Applications must be received in the ABIL office by February 1st. 

We invite you to join the Youth Mentor Program!

 

 

ABIL COMMUNITY INTEGRATION CALENDAR 

Funding for Social and Recreational activities is provided (in part) by the Area Agency on Aging Region I, Inc. and the Arizona Department of Economic Security Rehabilitation Services Administration. You must RSVP to the number listed for ABIL events. ABIL requests a $1+ donation (each way) for transportation provided on the ABIL van. Consumers must be 18 years+ or own legal guardian. Please do not wear scented products or smoke when attending events. 

 

Jan 1     ABIL Closed for New Years Day

 

Jan 4           Legislative Training, 10:00am-1:00pm.  Mesa/classroom.  Learn how a bill becomes a law, learn about your legislators and how to influence them. Your voice/vote makes a difference! David, 602-296-0523

 

Jan 7           Legislative Training, 9:00am - 2:00pm Phx/classroom/Capitol. Learn about the Legislative process, Bills that will have an impact on people with disabilities this session and take a tour the Capitol. David, 602-296-0523

 

Jan 7     Youth Transition - Transportation, Part I. 1-3:00pm. Phx/kitchen. Two part series led by Donna Powers of Community Forum. Part II on January 11th. Leanne, 602-296-0535

 

Jan 8           Community Forum, 2:00am - 4:00pm. Phx/kitchen. Learn about transportation alternatives across the Valley for people with disabilities and about job opportunities related to improving transportation. David, 602-296-0523

 

Jan 8           Improbable Theatre, 7-9:00pm. Longview Rec. Center, 14th St/Indian School. Bring your creativity! (See pg 7 for details. After Jan. 8th, meetings will be held EVERY Tues/Thurs 7-9pm through April.) Kathy Tweet, 602-296-0503

                                                                                              

Jan 9           Healer Within, 9:30am - Noon. Phx/kitchen. Wellness group: Take responsibility for your health and well-being through body, mind and spirit. Group sharing & relaxation practices. Donna, 602-296-0520

  

Jan 9     ILNet Teleconference 12:45 - 3:00pm. Phx/kitchen. Learn about Peer Mentor programs for persons with mental illness from other Center’s for Independent Living. David, 602-296-0523

  

Jan 10           SR/Casino, 1-4:00pm. Harrah’s Ak-Chin, 15406 N Maricopa Rd., Maricopa. Cost:  none. Leanne, 602-296-0535

  

Jan 10           V.O.I.C.E. 1- 4pm. 5959 W. Brown St. Glendale, Az.  A monthly support and information group for individuals with disabilities, their families & rehabilitation providers. Clayton Guffey, 602-789-9129

  

Jan 11   Youth Transition - Transportation, Part II 1-3:00pm. Phx/kitchen. Second part of a two part series led by Donna Powers of Community Forum. Leanne, 602-296-0535

  

Jan 11   Soc. Sec. Work Incentives, 1:00- 3:00pm. Mesa/Classroom.  Learn how your SSI/SSDI benefits will be effected by returning to work. David, 602-296-0523

  

Jan 15           Legislative Awareness Day, 11:30am-1:30pm. Wesley Bolin Plaza (across from the state capitol) 1700 W. Jefferson. Meet your legislators. Let them know what you think! David, 602-296-0523

  

Jan 15   ADA Teleconference, Noon-1:00pm Phx/classroom. Employment. See page 4. Leanne, 602-296-0535

  

Jan 16           SR/Cooking Group, 10:30am - 1:30pm. Phx/kitchen. Leanne, 602-296-0535

  

Jan 18   Youth Mentor Training, 1-4:00pm. For current Peer Mentor's wanting to become Youth Mentors. Phx/Green Gables office, 2345 E Thomas, Ste. 310A, Phx. Leanne, 602-296-0535

 

Jan 18          COMPASS  2-4:30pm. 7375 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale. Networking for Persons with Disabilities. Susan Denova, 602 470-1802

  

Jan 22              Soc. Sec. Work Incentives, 1:00- 3:00pm Phx/Classroom. Learn how your SSI/SSDI benefits will be effected when returning to work. David,  602-296-0523

  

Jan 23           Healer Within, 1-3:30pm. Phx/kitchen. Wellness group: Take responsibility for your health and well-being through body, mind and spirit. Group sharing & relaxation practices. Donna, 602-296-0520

  

Jan 24           SR/Arts & Crafts, 1:00-3:00pm Phx/kitchen. Led by Marilyn Soloman, Cost $2, bring a sack lunch. Leanne, 602-296-0535

  

Jan 25           Disability Liberation Workshop, 10-4:00pm. Phx/Kitchen. Disability Pride sound like a pipe dream? Don't buy those stereotypes about yourself or others with disabilities.  David,  602-296-0523

  

Jan 28           SR/Newsletter Assembly Party, 9:00am - 4:00pm Phx/kitchen Leanne, 602-296-0535

  

Jan 29          COMPASS South, 1-3:00pm. 802 E. O’Neil, Casa Grande. Networking for Persons with Disabilities. Randy Werner 602 439-0121

  

Jan 30           Ticket to Work 10:00am - 12:00 Noon. Mesa/classroom.  Susan Webb - ABIL Employment Services - Ticket to Work for people with disabilities who wish to get back into the employment field. David,  602-296-0523

 

Reasonable Accommodations, including Sign Language Interpreters and Personal Assistants, will be provided at ABIL events upon request.

 

 

ABIL Soc/Rec Events - February – March 2002 - Contact Leanne, 602-296-0535

Transportation is limited. Please RSVP at your earliest possible convenience.

 

Tuesday, February 5,  - 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Phoenix Zoo - Home to more than 1,300 animals.  455 N Galvin Parkway. Phx.  Cost:  $12.00 adults, $9.00 seniors. 

 

Wednesday, February 20, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm. Cooking Group  Learn new recipes, skills, and just socialize with others. Each month we try to have a luncheon theme.  1229 E. Washington, Phx. Cost: Consumers assist by bringing ingredients for lunch.

 

Saturday, February 23, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Scottish Gathering & Highland Games - A celebration of Scottish Culture.  460 N Mesa Dr. Mesa. Cost:  None

 

Monday, February 25, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Newsletter Party (lunch provided) - Join the fun of meeting new people, s