INDEPENDENT LIVING AND ADVOCACY BY, AND FOR, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
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The Bridge News from the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living Volume XVIII, Number 8 AUGUST 2007 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!"
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Legislative Session Wrap Up By Amina Kruck, AZ Disability Advocacy Coalition (AzDAC) Chair
Thank you to disability advocates, Governor Janet Napolitano & Arizona Legislators for supporting programs that enhance the independence, choice, dignity, rights and responsibility of individuals with disabilities and their families. Below is a brief summary of the issues that AzDAC has been tracking this past legislative session:
• Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) coordination funding: Although the original bill and $2M funding request failed, $250,000 funding was included in a budget omnibus bill to initiate the CIT program by funding a program coordinator position within AZ Department of Health Services, which is responsible for coordinating Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for police departments statewide. They will also be responsible for seeking additional funding to help cover travel and overtime costs for police officers who attend the 40 hour training program based on the Memphis CIT Model.
• A new Preventive Dental Care benefit for individuals on AZ Long Term Care Services. Although the original bill and funding request failed, funding was included in a budget omnibus bill that provides for a $1000 dental benefit per ALTCS member per year.
• The legislature passed a new requirement for consumer education on the hearing aid “telecoil.” Magnetic coupling technology called “telecoil,” “t” coil, “audio switch” or “t” switch has been available for hearing aids and cochlear implant processors for a number of years. This technology enables Deaf and Hard of Hearing users easy access to sounds not just from telephone equipment, but from a number of other electronic audio equipment such as radio, CD players, MP3 players, movie theaters, assistive listening devices, public address systems and so on.
• Special Education improvements: Our original Special Education funding requests failed, however the legislature did pass two Special Ed bills that are beneficial to students with disabilities. One allows someone who turned 22 to stay through the end of that school year, and the other shifts authority to the school to appoint a surrogate parent to a student eligible for Special Ed services who is a ward of the state - someone who will advocate for him/her and attend their Individual Education Planning meetings.
• Continuation of funding for special healthcare coverage for individuals with disabilities:
- Social Security Disability Insurance -Temporary Medical Coverage Program for individuals waiting for Medicare eligibility who have previously been on AHCCCS and can pay the monthly premium based on income.
- AHCCCS Freedom to Work Program for individuals with disabilities who are employed, eligibility is based on their earned income only, no asset limit with a small monthly premium.
• Minimum Wage Resolution: ABIL and other disability organizations worked with the Industrial Commission to develop a policy to address the questions associated with the new Arizona Minimum Wage Rules for workers that have disabilities who had been earning sub-minimum wage. The new policy will allow people with disabilities to continue working as “trainees” in an “occupational training program” designed to allow them to work toward community based employment at the prevailing wage. Governor Napolitano signed HB 2245 into law which the employment providers felt they needed in order to continue services and compensate trainees.
For additional information about disability related legislation go to the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities website at www.azgcdd.org
To find out how your legislators voted on the bills that AzDAC was tracking go to www.azdisabilityadvocacy.org
AzDAC Members: AZ Bridge to Independent Living, AZ Center for Disability Law, AZ Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, The Arc of AZ, Connecting Arizona Advocates, Inc., DIRECT Center for Independence, Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health Association of AZ, People First of AZ, Self-Advocacy Coalition of AZ, SMILE –Services Maximizing Independent Living & Empowerment, Statewide Independent Living Council. Advisory Members: AZ Behavioral Health/Consumers in Action, AZ Council of the Blind, Inc., AZ Technology Access Program, Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona, Institute for Human Development/NAU, Mental Health Advocates Coalition of AZ, Paralyzed Veterans of America – AZ Chapter, Pilot Parents of Southern Arizona, Raising Special Kids, State Rehabilitation Council. …………………………………….
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Celebrates 25 Years of Advocacy Accomplishments By Phil Pangrazio, ABIL Executive Director
The following are legislative bills that NCIL supports.
Affordable Housing Expansion and Public Safety Act of 2007 - S. 427 This bill would provide housing assistance to Americans facing the current severe shortage of affordable housing. Among other things, the bill authorizes 100,000 new (incremental) Section 8 vouchers, with funding authorized at $8.65 billion over 10 years.
Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007 - H.R. 1427 This bill amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to establish the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act of 2007 (LLEHCPA) - H.R. 1592 This bill would provide crucial federal resources to state and local agencies and equip local law enforcement officers with the tools they need to investigate and prosecute crimes.
Mental Health Parity Act and Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act - S. 558 and H.R. 1424. This bill is to ensure that businesses offer the same medical benefits for mental health care as they do for other medical conditions.
The Community Choice Act of 2007 - S.799 & H.R. 1621 The bill addresses provisions that would provide a range of community-based supports that would include activities of daily living such as eating, toileting, grooming, dressing, bathing and transferring; and could include meal planning, shopping and preparation, financial management, and household chores.
CLASS Act (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports) Will soon to be reintroduced and would assist people with disabilities who need long term assistance or supports by providing a flexible cash insurance benefit that could be used creatively to purchase services, supports and technology.
Promoting Wellness for People with Disabilities Act of 2007 - S.1050 This legislation will establish accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment such as examination tables, examination chairs, weight scales, mammography equipment, x-ray machines, and other radiological equipment commonly used for diagnostic purposes by medical professionals.
Medicare Independent Living Act of 2006 - H.R. 1809 This legislation offers consumers the ability to live independently in their homes and participate fully in their communities by ensuring access to appropriate mobility devices.
Ending the Medicare Waiting Period Act of 2007 - H.R. 154 This bill would eliminate the 24 month Medicare waiting period and save lives for those that need immediate life threatening medical attention.
Preserving Patient Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals Act of 2007 - H.R. 1459 This legislation will help ensure that individuals in need of intensive inpatient rehabilitation services will have access to appropriate medical treatment. For more information, contact Deb Cotter, Policy Analyst, NCIL, 202-207-0334, (V) 202-207-0340 (TTY) or deb@ncil.org
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Web Exclusive - Fight Perfume Pollution Source:
AlternativeMedicine.com
• Hundreds of businesses and some towns have already implemented fragrance-free policies in response to the growing number of scent-related health problems. In September 2006, for example, New York state passed a law requiring schools to use cleaning products free of carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or scents that could aggravate asthma. They based their criteria for the products on standards certified by Green Seal (www.greenseal.org), a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C.
• Call companies to request complete ingredient disclosure and warning labels.
• Email fdadockets@oc.fda.gov to voice your support for national fragrance regulations. Visit www.ehnca.org for more information.
• Send letters to your congressional representatives asking them to demand analysis of fragrance chemicals, accurate labeling of all products, and expansion of right-to-know regulations, so companies will disclose all ingredients.
• Voice your displeasure to establishments that use air fresheners.
• If you have an adverse reaction to a fragrance, report your experience to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (800-638-2772; www.cpsc.gov/incident.html), the FDA (202-401-9725), and to the manufacturer.
• To obtain research reports or to test the toxicity of your own product, air, or other sample, contact a reputable lab, like Anderson Laboratories (www.andersonlaboratories.com; 802-295-7344).
• Take individual responsibility for what you let seep down your own drains. Wastewater plants are not equipped to handle fragrance chemicals, which contaminate waterways and wildlife.
• By purchasing only nontoxic products, consumers send the message that companies will make more money and gain loyal customers if they start using safer ingredients.
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Multiple
Chemical Sensitivities Information Page
Why Are
We Asking You to Not Wear Scents?
What Can You Do? STEP ONE: Consider how your actions may affect the access of others. For some of us, the fragrances we wear have deep personal, religious, or cultural significance. With dialogue, we can find creative ways to deal with the fact that what is empowering to one is dangerous to another. However, if someone moves away from you or asks you to move, don’t be offended - please realize they just need to breathe, and honor their request. Dialogue is not possible during moments of immediate physical distress.
STEP TWO: Please Don’t Wear Any Scented Products to events that
specify “no perfume” or “no fragrance” or similar notice. (HINT: If there are
people at the event that have CFIDS or Fibromyalgia they probably have chemical
sensitivities too!) This means, as much as possible, try to avoid the
following: detergent/fabric softener, OR that has been dry-cleaned OR that has been worn near smoke, fragrance, or petrochemicals.
STEP THREE: **Don’t wear perfume to public places or events.** Fragrances you wear, while they may feel personal and private, do not stay on your body, but float out into the air around you, affecting the breathing air of other people. Because of the chemical oils now used in such products, they may even linger in the air after you are gone! Like cigarette smoke, people with asthma, MCS, or lung disease may be adversely affected by your “second-hand scent.”
STEP FOUR: For your own health, and those of the people around you, consider switching to non-toxic, fragrance free personal care products. Such products can often be found at whole foods or health stores, or even in the drug store. Look for products that say things like “No perfumes, dyes, or additives” or “Fragrance-free, hypo-allergenic.”
Beware that “natural” or “unscented” do not necessarily mean they are safe. “Natural” can mean anything - it is an unregulated word, and “unscented” may mean that the product contains an additional (toxic) masking fragrance to cover other odors.
For more information on safer products (many are easy to find and are inexpensive), contact one of the following organizations, or e-mail SWachsler@aol.com
Chemical Injury Information Network
National Center for
Environmental Health Strategies
Human Ecology Action League
MCS Referral & Resources
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Telling a person with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities that there is “only a little fragrance” is like telling someone in a wheelchair that “there are only a few steps.”
Source - http://www.anapsid.org/cnd/mcs/
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Kudos, Congrats, and a Fond Farewell By Amina Kruck, Chair, AzDAC
Kudos to AZ Attorney General Terry Goddard for ensuring Fair Housing for people with disabilities!
Congratulations for Peri Jude Radecic named permanent Executive Director for AZ Center for Disability Law. We are very lucky to have Peri Jude here in AZ - she is a great advocate and has vision for the future of ACDL to protect the rights of Arizonan’s with disabilities.
A Fond Farewell to Carrie Guiden-Hobbs, previous Executive Director for the Arc of Arizona. Carrie has been an active and enthusiastic member of the Az Disability Advocacy Coalition and we will miss her strong presence and firm commitment to self-determination philosophy. We wish her the best on her move back to the Midwest that she loves!
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AZ Attorney General Gets Nationwide Relief for Apartment Seekers with Disabilities
(Phoenix, Ariz. - June 28, 2007) Attorney General Terry Goddard announced the settlement of a housing discrimination lawsuit against AIMCO Properties, LP and AIMCO Los Arboles, LP (AIMCO), resolving allegations that their Chandler property refused to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. AIMCO is the largest owner and operator of apartment communities in the United States.
According to court documents, in March 2006, AIMCO denied the application of James Hayes, a prospective tenant who relies on Social Security disability income. AIMCO denied the application based on Hayes’ inability to meet the community’s income requirements. While Hayes’ parents were willing to co-sign for an apartment, AIMCO management refused this offer based on their policy of only allowing full-time students to use co-signers to qualify for apartments.
The Arizona Fair Housing Act requires housing providers who operate apartment complexes to make reasonable accommodations in their rules, policies or practices when necessary to allow a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy housing.
Under the terms of the settlement, in the form of a consent decree, AIMCO will adopt a nationwide policy that allows a qualified applicant or tenant to use a co-signer when, because of disability, the applicant or tenant cannot meet the financial qualification criteria.
“No Arizonan should be refused housing, especially when they can demonstrate the means to pay for that housing,” Goddard said. “AIMCO’s adoption of a nationwide policy is groundbreaking and opens doors for people with disabilities who previously could not qualify for housing at AIMCO’s properties.”
The Arizona Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on a person’s disability, race, color, religion, sex, familial status or national origin. If you believe you are a victim of discrimination, please contact the Attorney General’s Office, Civil Rights Division, in Phoenix at 602-542-5263 or in Tucson at 520-628-6500.
For more information log on to the Attorney General’s website: www.azag.gov
Source: Adapted from a Press Release by Andrea M. Esquer, Press Secretary, Attorney General’s Office, 602-542-8019, andrea.esquer@azag.gov
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Advocacy Presentations/Workshops All Advocacy presentations are free – Participants must RSVP with David Carey, 602-443-0723 Presentations/Workshops without a minimum of 4 participants are subject to cancellation For accommodations or alternative format please call in advance. For ABIL van transportation, please call as soon as possible. ABIL requests a $1+ donation (each way) for ABIL van transportation. Consumers must be 18 years+ or their own legal guardian.
No fragrances please. To accommodate those with allergies, breathing conditions or multiple chemical sensitivities please do not smoke or wear scented products when attending ABIL events.
Arizona Freedom to Work Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA)
• On Social Security Benefits? • Do you want to work? • We can help you understand the Social Security rules, new work incentives and how to work your way out of poverty.
Workshops for Service Providers only -Learn about the WIPA program. Teleconference not availableMonday, August 6 10:00am – 12:00pm Gilbert Career Center, 735 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134 Erik Jensen - Community Work Incentives Coordinator
Workshops for Consumers Learn how employment will affect your cash and medical benefits. Sign up for the workshop that matches the kind of Social Security you receive. If you receive both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), David will help you get an appointment with a Work Incentive Specialist. If you are unsure which kind of Social Security you receive, require alternate materials, and/or assistance with transportation, and to RSVP, call David at 602-443-0723. Family members and/or support persons are welcome.
Work Incentives/SSDI - Teleconference not availableTuesday, August 7 10:30am – 12:30pm City of Phoenix One-Stop, 9801 N. 7th St. Phx Rhonda Webb - Community Work Incentives Coordinator
Friday, August 10 1:00pm – 3:00pm ABIL West Office, 4136 N. 75th Ave. Ste. 111, Phx Donna Lorti - Community Work Incentives Coordinator
Thursday, August 30 10:00am – 12:00pm Gilbert Career Center, 735 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134 Erik Jensen - Community Work Incentives Coordinator
Work Incentives/SSI - Teleconference not availableTuesday, August 21 10:30am – 12:30pm City of Phoenix One-Stop, 9801 N. 7th St. Phx Rhonda Webb - Community Work Incentives Coordinator
Wednesday, August 22 1:00pm – 3:00pm ABIL’s W Office, 4136 N. 75th Ave. Ste. 111, Phx Donna Lorti - Community Work Incentives Coordinator
Erik Jensen - Community Work Incentives Coordinator Thursday, August 30 1:30pm – 3:30pm Gilbert Career Center, 735 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134
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To participate in the presentations below via teleconference please contact David (Local Calls Free)
Empower your job search Are you feeling hopeless about your job search? Do you have a disability, and wonder how that’s going to play out at work? Are you having trouble getting or keeping a job, or are you having trouble with an employer? Do you need accommodations in order to work? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this session is for you! Ivy Medow from the Phoenix Workforce Connection will present information on how One Stop Service Centers can, at no charge, help you in your job search. Guest speaker: Ivy Medow - Disability Program Navigators
Monday, August 13 1:00pm – 3:00pm ABIL - 2345 E. Thomas Rd. Ste., 290, Phx
Attend in person or via teleconference call. In order to attend via conference call, please call David no later than Friday, August 10, 2007.
AmeriCorps & AmeriCorps*VISTA: A pathway to training and future employment AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps*VISTA are part of the network of national service programs designed to meet critical community needs. One identified need is employment for people with disabilities. AmeriCorps and VISTA projects in Arizona currently have a number of positions immediately available. Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Come and learn all about it! For more information on AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.gov. Guest speaker: Bob Fain - Project Coordinator, Institute for Human Development/NAU
Wednesday, August 15 1:00pm – 3:00pm ABIL - 2345 E. Thomas Rd. Ste., 290, Phx
Attend in person or via teleconference call. In order to attend via conference call, please call David no later than Tuesday, August 14, 2007. …………………………………….
AZ Freedom to Work, Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Q&A By Erik Jensen Q: I’m receiving SSDI, and have recently begun working. Do I need to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on my earnings?
A: Yes! Payment of Social Security earnings help each of these programs to continue, and are required by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). Also, by contributing back into the system, any dollar benefits you may receive later on as SSDI payments should you need to stop working, or if you retire will increase.
Have questions? Our Work Incentives Coordinators are happy to help you find the answers. Call 602-443-0720 or 866-304-WORK (Toll-free).
ADA Implementation and Impact Study Report: National Council on Disability August 7th 11:00am-12:30pm ABIL Main/Phx
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is scheduled to release a series of reports addressing the Implementation and Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These reports will address the impact of the ADA upon employment of persons with disabilities as well as address the implementation of Title II and III of the ADA from the perspective of people with disabilities and entities covered by the ADA. These reports will identify what has worked and what has not and put forth recommendations for furthering the promise of the ADA at all levels. Join this session to learn more about these reports and what the findings will mean to the future of the ADA.
Speakers: Julie H. Carroll, Senior Attorney Advisory, National Council on Disability; Mary Lou Breslin, Senior Policy Advisory and Silvia Yee, Attorney, Disability Rights Education Defense Fund (DREDF)
RSVP to Andrew Moody, 602-296-0536. Teleconference presented by Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (PDBTAC), www.pacdbtac.org ……………………………………
Life Skills Assessment Tools www.casey.org/Resources/Tools/CaseyLifeSkills.htm Casey Family Services provides free, online tools that allow youth to assess and develop their strengths in life skills, including money management, work and study habits, self-care, and readiness for seeking a job and housing. Casey Life Skills is for young people age 8 and above, their caregivers, and child welfare professionals and educators who serve youth.
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Free Counseling Sessions The University of Phoenix Counseling Skills Center provides
8-week long individual counseling sessions at various times throughout the
year. Under the supervision of a Ph.D. Faculty member, master of counseling
students offer free counseling sessions to the University of Phoenix students, staff, friends, and members of the community. Benefits:
- Reduce the anxiety associated with balancing work, schools, and family
- Explore ways to reduce stress related to personal, work, and family relationships
- Career development (re-careering)
- Build and strengthen problem-solving skills in areas such as employment, parenting, and inter-personal relationships
- Reduce anxiety related to public speaking
Sessions are provided to the participants at no charge and are video-taped for training purposes. For more information, call Nicole Korand at (480) 557-2217 or Email: Nicole.Korand@phoenix.edu
………………………………………. IMPROBABLE THEATRE COMPANY Workshop: How to be Involved in ITC without Being Onstage Saturday, August 25th 1:00pm - 6:00pm Burton Barr Library, 4th Floor Lecture Room 1221 N Central Ave. Phoenix
Always loved the theater but don’t feel you’re ready to be out front? Want to get involved but not sure where you might fit in? Come and join us! Learn about theatre and how you can be a part of ITC. RSVP at ITC’s message line, 602-296-0503 or by email: improbabletheatreco@yahoo.com
ITC operates under the auspices of ABIL and is partially funded by the Phoenix Arts Commission & the Arizona Commission on the Arts
As a courtesy to those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, please to not smoke or wear scented products when attending ITC workshops. Thank you!
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ABIL Community Calendar – RSVP for All Events Funding for Social and Recreational activities is provided (in part) by the Arizona Department of Economic Security. ABIL requests a $1+ donation (each way) for transportation provided on the ABIL van. Consumers must be 18 years+ or own legal guardian for ABIL van transportation. Reasonable Accommodations, including Sign Language Interpreters and Personal Assistants, will be provided at ABIL events upon request.
Please do not smoke or wear scented products when attending events. JUST A WHIFF of perfume, pesticide, or tobacco smoke could make a person with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities sick for hours, days, or longer.
Aug 06 WIPA for Providers, 10:00am-12:00pm. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723
Aug 07 WIPA & SSDI, 10:30am-12:30pm. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723
Aug 07 ADA Teleconference, 11:30am-12:30pm. Phx Kitchen. Details, page 8. Andrew Moody, 602-296-0536
Aug 07 Healer Within, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Thomas Ste 290. Women’s Wellness Group - Make an appointment with ALL of yourself: Body, Mind and Spirit. Amina Kruck, 602-443-0722
Aug 08 SR/Ice Cream Social, 12:30pm-2:00pm. Phx Kitchen. Cost: None. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535
Aug 10 WIPA & SSDI, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Metro Classroom. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723
Aug 13 Empower Your Job Search, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723
Aug 14 V.O.I.C.E., 1:00pm-4:00pm. A monthly support and information group for individuals with disabilities, their families & rehabilitation providers. Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave. Janet Proch, 602-789-9129 x 209.
Aug 15 AmeriCorps & VISTA, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723
Aug 15 SR/Cooking Group, 10:30am-1:30pm. Phx Kitchen. Cost: Consumers assist with ingredients. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535
Aug 17 COMPASS, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Providing direction and networking to persons with disabilities. Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale. Pauline Staples, 602-241-1006
Aug 21 WIPA & SSI, 10:30am-12:30pm. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723
Aug 21 Healer Within, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Thomas Ste 290. Women’s Wellness Group - Make an appointment with ALL of yourself: Body, Mind and Spirit. Amina Kruck, 602-443-0722
Aug 21 Glendale Commission on Persons with Disabilities, 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Open to the public. 2nd floor Conference Room, 5959 W. Brown St. Sylvia Charters, 623-930-2297
Aug 22 WIPA & SSI, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Metro Classroom. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723
Aug 23 SR/Bowling, 11:00am-2:00pm. West side location and cost to be determined. Bowling ramps provided. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535
Aug 23 Men’s Disability Issues Group, 6:30pm-8:00pm. Explore the range of thoughts, feelings and beliefs regarding the impact disability has on life. ADULT MEN ONLY! Clubhouse of The Legacy at Piestewa Peak, 1411 E. Orangewood Ave, Phx. Don Price, 602-443-0733
Aug 25 ITC/Being involved backstage, 1:00pm -6:00pm. Burton Barr Library, 4th floor lecture room. Details, page 8. RSVP to 602-296-0503 or email improbabletheatreco@yahoo.com
Aug 29 SR/Bingo, 10:00am-1:00pm. Phx Kitchen. (Bring your lunch or $3 for pizza) Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535
Aug 30 WIPA & SSI, 1:30pm-3:30pm. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723
Aug 30 WIPA & SSDI, 10:00am-12:00pm. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723
Sep 06 SR/Art & Craft Group, 10:30am-1:30pm. Phx Kitchen. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535
Sep 06 PAFCO Training, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Call for details. David Carey, 602-443-0723
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Classified Ads – Deadline For the September issue – August 8th
To place an ad please send an email marked “Want Ad” to carolanq@abil.org or call 602-443-0724 and leave the information on voice mail. ABIL provides space free of charge for individuals placing personal disability related ads. The fee for a disability related business ad is $25. ABIL is not responsible for the quality of advertised items or services. Please call to renew ads.
FOR SALE: ‘05 Grand Caravan, In floor power ramp w/manual override, non-skid surface. Multiple ramp controls. Removable front passenger and drivers seats. Set of wheelchair straps and brackets. Multiple wheelchair tie-down points. Only 30K miles. V6, Automatic, 15" wheels, power windows/locks/steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, ABS brakes, dual heat & A/C, AM/FM/CD, rear window defroster & wiper. Fully crash tested, Complete undercoating and rustproofing. $29,000. Contact Pat Hill @ 623-581-8684 or 623-466-5989
‘99 Dodge Grand Caravan, High miles (used as a transport van in Phx) 317K miles, lower floor, Manual ramp for wheelchair access, Multiple tie down positions (tie downs included), removable driver & passenger seats, bench seat in back, Runs good, cold air. $1500 OBO. Call 623-581-6361
Power Chair by Invacare. Excellent condition, $800 Firm. Call Frank, 602-410-0281
Handicare Chair, 18” wide, weight capacity 200lbs. $500. Call 602-212-2641
‘05 Pride Jet 7 Pwr chair, deluxe control joystick, flat free tires, head rest, safety belt, Dk blue w/beige seat, brand new -never used. Pd $5200, asking $2500 OBO. 3 whl scooter - good shape, good tires/upholstery. $200. Call 623-214-0168
Pride Victory scooter, Red, 3 wheel, 1yr old, new batteries, basket, lights, swivel seat, pneumatic tires, charger. $495. For more details call, 602-465-5140
Pride lift chair, entire chair lifts-not just seat, brown w/tray in arms - $350. Please call Rose at 602-330-7136
Ranger X power chair, good condition, almost new. Roho cushion, battery, slide board, $1000. Call Ruth, 602-938-4976
Electric power “I tech” ceiling lift with 20 feet of ceiling track. Asking price $2,000 or best offer. call 480 577 3889 or email to monika1949@cox.net
Electric wheelchair - hardly used. $300 OBO. 602-430-4693
Invacare SEMI-ELECTRIC - SINGLE CRANK HI/LO Frame Hospital Bed (good cond.) w/mattress. Semi-electric options offer ease of motorized control positioning of the upper & lower body and economy of manual bed-height adjustment. Single Crank model allows for the bed height to be adjusted w/manual crank at foot of bed. $300. SureTrans Versa Shower/Commode/Bath Transfer System Lt weight multi-purpose for bath transfer, roll-in shower, as a stand alone or over the toilet commode. Reduces need for multiple pieces of equipment. Removable bridge, flip up armrests, locks for added safety, Lt weight aluminum, adjustable height. $400. Call 623-581-6361
Invacare electric hospital bed, head/foot/bed raises, w/2 foam mattresses, form fitting - helps prevent bed sores. Exclnt cond. $650. Call 480-855-0226
Accessible Home - FSBO - REDUCED Glendale, 7201 W. Marlette Ave., 1686sqft., 4 BR, 2BA, accessible ready, quiet neighborhood, lge. backyard, open floor-plan, all appliances included, N/S exposure, beautiful countertops, other nice upgrades! $249,900. WILL REDUCE BY $5000 FOR CASH SALE & QUICK CLOSE. Call Angelique, 623-939-2318. Email aellis1968@aol.com for link to pictures.
Accessible Home N. Central Phx (near 7th st. bus line) 3BR/2BA, 1300sqft. Open floor plan, tile thru-out (except guest room), zero step entry, large, covered patio. Built 1959, has been rewired & re-plumbed (to copper). In ‘98 Kitchen remodeled, new appliances and new air/heat. New roof (’01), new double pane windows (w/transferable lifetime warranty) (’03). Moving due to death in the family. E-mail mpsmom@juno.com for pictures. $225,000. 602-526-3075
Accessible Home N. Phx - Union Hills/7th Ave area, 1616sqft, 3BR/2BA, step in shower (6” step), lowered cabinettes, wide doors, ground level entryways, backyard firepit & waterfall w/paved walkways. $283,900. Call 623-516-2222 or (c) 602-400-6460
SEEKING/WANTED: Female w/Multiple Chemical Sensivities & Lupus seeks house-mate with similar environmental housing needs. Home is not wheelchair accessible, but has split floor plan. Roommate will have own room, bath, living room, fridge. $425 + half utilities, N. Central Phx area, off of Phx Mtn. Preserve. References please. Call 480-216-8027
Caregiver needed for male with quadriplegia, Gold Canyon area. Need assist mornings, 2 hrs, w/bathing, dressing, etc. Ask for Steve or leave message, 480-983-1053
37 year-old male quadriplegic seeking part-time caregiver. Must be very reliable. Tempe (ASU) area. Ask for David or leave message. 480-731-9113
Seeking 1 or 2 persons to drive & read mail for couple with disabilities. Must use own car. PT, flexible hours. Call 480-733-5266
SERVICE: Accessible Homes - Buy or Sell, New or Pre-owned. Patty Stelton, Disabilities Specialist, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. 16 years experience in serving the disability community. 7975 N. Hayden Road, Suite C-100, Scottsdale 85258. 480-951-1010 or (c) 480-540-6898. Email: patty@pattystelton.com Web: www.pattystelton.com
Handicap Accessible Vans for rent. Daily/Weekly/Longer term rental. Chrysler Town & Country or Chevy Venture with fully automatic side ramp, lowered floor, kneeling function and hand controls. Toyota Sienna with fully automatic rear entry, lowered floor, kneeling function and hand controls. Guaranteed lower rates than other agencies in the area. Handi Vans AZ. Call anytime, day or night, including weekends. 480-747-7510. Web: handivansaz.com
Know the true cost of borrowing. (free) Call 1-520-826-4201 (voice only, no caller ID., no answering machine)
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PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE through AzTAP The Arizona Assistive Technology Exchange (ATEX) program is an online forum to donate, buy, sell, exchange or advertise a need for a piece of assistive technology (AT). To review posted listings or post your ad go to www.azATEXchange.org or contact Clayton Guffey at 602-776-4699 or 1-800-477-9921.
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Phoenix Accessible Parking Fines Increased The cost has gone up for someone illegally parking in a handicap/accessible parking space in Phoenix. The fine will now be $250 for each infraction up from $140. Along with the increased fines for illegally parking, folks will be fined $500 for displaying an accessible parking permit that has been altered or forged.
Phoenix police Detective Walter Olsen partnered with the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues and the Equal Opportunity Department to lobby for the increase. Robert Ward, a Phoenix resident whose 21-year old son uses a wheelchair, said he often finds parking lots frustrating because of a lack of accessible parking. Because he needs to use a power lift and a ramp, he has to go to a driveway area with a sidewalk ramp when an accessible spot is not available. “Just about every time (the spots are full) we look to see why that person parked there,” he said. “There are usually quite a few that don’t have an accessible parking placard.”
Olsen, the coordinator for the Accessibility Compliance Enforcement Program, a volunteer organization that checks parking lots for accessible parking violations, began working on the issue about two years ago. He found that Phoenix’s current fee of $140 is much lower than cities of comparable sizes and location. For example, Tucson’s fine is $518, and Scottsdale’s is $360. The hotline number in Phoenix for the public to report violations is 602-534-SPACE (7722). ………………………………………………..
ABIL Soc/Rec Events, September – October ‘07 Contact Leanne, 602-296-0535 Transportation is limited. Please RSVP at your earliest possible convenience. Consumers must be 18 years+ or own legal guardian for transportation. ABIL requests a $1+ donation (each way) for transportation provided on the ABIL van.
Thursday, September 6, 10:30am-1:30pm Arts & Crafts Group (Bring $3.00 for pizza or your own lunch). Come be creative with Arts and Crafts projects. 1229 E Washington, Phx. Cost: $2.00.
Wednesday, September 12, 10:30am-1:30pm Mesa Southwest Museum - The Valley’s only natural history museum, 53 N Macdonald, Mesa. Cost: $8.00
Wednesday, September 19, 10:30am-1:30pm 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.
Thursday, September 27, 10:00am-12:00pm Cerreta Candy Company – A lively atmosphere where everyone can see candy magic being made. 5345 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale. Cost: None
Wednesday, October 10, 10:30am-1:30pm 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.
Wednesday, October 17, 12:00pm-3:00pm AZ State Fair 1826 W McDowell Rd Phx. Cost: To Be Determined.
Thursday, October 25, 10:00am-1:00pm Bingo - (Bring $3.00 for pizza or your own lunch) Come play bingo with a group of friends. 1229 E Washington Phx. Cost: None.
Wednesday, October 31, 10:30am-1:30pm Movie at ABIL. Come watch a movie. Refreshments will be provided. 1229 E Washington, Phx. Cost: None.
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“Independence is Priceless, We make it Affordable”
Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology (AzLAT) is a federal/privately funded program that provides affordable loans to persons with disabilities who need a range of assistive technology devices. Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology-Telework provides affordable business loans to persons with disabilities who telework, or as a self employment opportunity who need assistive technology and business equipment.
For more information call 1-800-477-9921 or visit our website at www.AzLAT.org …………………………………………….
Youth Action Council of AZ (For individuals with disabilities, ages 15-30) SWI, 5111 N. Scottsdale Rd. #105, Scottsdale Meet new people your age! Have a voice in matters that affect you! Join YAC-AZ. · Learn how to self-advocate · Organize and participate in social activities · Meet your legislators · Volunteer with organizations · Have fun! Contact: David Carey, 602-443-0723
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Empowering Youth Independent Living Skills Workshops The Empowering Youth with Disabilities into Adulthood/Youth Transition Program brings in community resources to teach independent living skills to young adults ages 14-22. If you or your high school group would like to attend or schedule any of these, please call Leanne Jones at 602-296-0535 to RSVP. For accommodations or alternative format please call Leanne in advance.
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Thank You Friends for Supporting ABIL Programs! Marcia Joslyn Harris from Temple, Texas, in honor of her son Eric Joslyn Maggie and Anthony Valentini Patti J. Shelton Ben P. Nuccio ………………………………………………..
Become A Friend of ABIL Today!!
Name:____________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________ City:________________________________ State:______ Zip:______________ Telephone:________________________ New _____ Renewal _______ In Memoriam/Dedication ________________________________________________
• DependABIL $25.00 • LoveABIL $100.00 • HuggABIL $50.00 • IncredABIL $1,000.00 • KissABIL $75.00 • UnbelievABIL $10,000.00 • Additional Contribution____________ Your contribution is tax deductible, and helps to support ABIL’s many programs. Thank You!
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Top Ten Reasons Arizonans Don’t Quite Grasp the Concept of Global Warming By Carolan Quenneville
10. Been there, done that
9. We’re busy frying eggs on the sidewalk
8. Gee, doesn’t a bunch of man-made lakes and golf courses help?</ |