The Bridge
News from the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living
Volume XIV, Number 7
July 2003
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!"
(Special Bridge insert
at the end of document with Updates on Federal Legislation)
IDEA Alert
Warning: Congress is Threatening to Destroy the Civil Rights
of Children with Disabilities!
The United
States Congress is currently in the process of reauthorizing the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As of press time, two bills to reauthorize
IDEA have been proposed. HR 1350 has
already been introduced and passed by the House of Representatives. If enacted,
this bill will eliminate many of the civil rights protections parents and
advocates have fought so long and hard to secure for children with
disabilities. Another bill, S 1248, was introduced June 12th. While it appears
as if this bill attempts to preserve some of the protections now offered by
IDEA, it is still being analyzed by national and state experts.
The Arizona
Center for Disability Law is organizing the advocacy effort to save our
children’s civil rights. The Center is
asking individuals throughout Arizona to call their Congressional
representatives and ask them to: 1) preserve the development of an annual
Individual Education Plan (IEP), 2) protect children from unfair discipline
actions that would disrupt their education in an integrated setting, and 3)
maintain the critical procedural safeguards now available to parents under
IDEA.
We need a
truth campaign to save IDEA, just as we have had to protect our precious ADA*
from opponents that have tried to dismantle its protections. Advocates are
finding that our Congressional delegation generally has a poor understanding of
how IDEA works. They need to hear from families who have benefited from
directly from the protections offered by IDEA and they also need to hear from
the rest of the disability community —
that we will not tolerate any disabled person’s civil rights being
diminished, young or old!
Call your
Congressional Representatives today! If you want more information about the
reauthorization of IDEA, please contact AZ Center for Disability Law to get
on their IDEA Alert list by calling 602-274-6287. Don’t let it be said that the disability community was silent the
year IDEA was destroyed!!!
Contact
your Congressional Representatives at www.house.gov and Senators at www.senate.gov
* Americans with Disabilities Act
Governor Signs Budget and Restores Disability Program’s
Funding
Phil
Pangrazio, ABIL Executive Director
Congratulations advocates! The great 2003-04 state budget debate and
battle has come to a close. The Senate
and House have approved a budget and delivered it to Governor Napolitano for
final enactment. As of this writing,
the Governor, after making several line-item vetoes and restoring additional
program funding, has approved the final budget. Our fight to save critical programs that significantly benefit
people with disabilities has been won.
Funding for programs such as the AHCCCS Freedom to Work Buy-In,
Independent Living Rehabilitation Services (ILRS), General Assistance, Mental
Health and Substance Abuse Treatment, and others has been restored.
These
victories were made possible by the many advocates who stepped forward and let
their voices and presence be seen and heard by our legislators throughout the
session. A considerable amount of courage was
displayed by many people especially those legislators that were unwilling to
give-in to extreme pressure and rhetoric by the ultra-conservatives that
dominated the budget debate. Hooray,
for Republican Senator’s Binder and Mead and Republican Representative’s
O’Halleran and Konopnicki, who stuck their political necks out for what was
right! Hooray for the minority
leadership from the Democrats who refused to lay down and go unheard! Their leadership was critical as well. And finally, Hooray to Governor Napolitano,
for providing the strength and leadership that lead to a reasonable solution.
They all were unwilling to compromise the future of our state at the expense of
the thousands of elderly, children, and disabled individuals that rely upon
these health and social service programs.
Although
this battle has been won, at least for another year, we cannot rest.
Other significant legislation and programs are under attack. Medicare prescription drug coverage for
seniors and people with disabilities, the reauthorization of the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Medicaid reform are just a few
programs that require attention from advocates to ensure protection and access
to critical services. Please stay-tuned
as we continue the fight!
Happy 13th Anniversary to the Americans with Disabilities
Act
Do you have
an ADA complaint? Did you know that you
can file complaints locally to the Arizona District of U.S. Attorney’s
Office? Let’s not let this remain
Arizona’s best-kept secret!
If you have
complaints about violations of Title II by units of State and local governments
or violations of Title III by public accommodations and commercial facilities,
you can submit these complaints locally.
How? Write a letter to:
United
States Attorney’s Office
Two
Renaissance Square
40 North Central Avenue, Suite 1200
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
What? Include details of who, what, where, and how
you were discriminated against, or call their toll-free number at
1-800-800-2570.
If you wish
your complaints to be considered for referral to the ADA Mediation Program,
mark “Attention: Mediation” on the outside of the envelope.
The Bridge 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
(602) 256-2245
1-800-280-2245 (outside the 602,
623, 480, calling areas)
E-mail: azbridge@abil.org
Website: www.abil.org
(602)
667-0277
ABIL Metro
Center office
10000 E 31st
Ave, Ste # D-405
Phoenix,
AZ 85051
(602)
424-4100
FAX
602-424-4118
(480) 655-9750
1-800-280-ABIL
(outside
the 602, 623,480 calling areas)
e-mail: azbridge@abil.org
Staff
email: First name, initial of last name @abil.org
Joseph
Mikitish, President
Tom
Ringhofer, Vice President
Lynn
Houston, Treasurer
Jim
Brahaney, Secretary
Marjann
Fletcher, Past President
Pamela
Allan, Member
Sharon
Atwood, Member
William
Harper, Member
Ken Heard,
Member
Edith
Kilany, Member
Edward L. Myers, III, Member
Nicholas L. Perry, Member
Scott
Turner, Member
ABIL
Administrative Staff
Phil Pangrazio, 296-0513, Executive Director
Feng Chiou, 296-0511, Director of Finance
Maribel Diaz, 296-0515, Receptionist
Maria Deleon, 480-222-4201, Mesa Receptionist/Program Aide
Louise Downey, 296-0519, Accounting Assistant
Nancy Fleming, 296-0512, Billing Clerk
Penny Fore, 296-0518, Executive Assistant
Sandy Guinn, 296-0514, Director of Operations
Tina Hedges, 296-0522, Billing Clerk
Donna Jones, 296-0510, Program Aide
Grace Landas, 296-0516, Billing Clerk
Jason Miller, 296-0539, Billing Assistant
Jay Murrillo, 296-0517, Van Driver
Patsy Ryan, 296-0551, Payroll Clerk
DeMarQues Thomas, 296-0538, Van Driver, Facilities
Maintenance
Advocacy
Unit
Donna Redford Kruck, 296-0520, Unit Director
Lynn Bejnar, 667-0277, Ext 16, “This is My Life” Program
Manager
David Carey, 296-0523, Advocacy Specialist
Erik Jensen, 296-0527, Work Incentives Specialist
Donna Lorti, 424-4105, Work Incentives Specialist
Ann Pasco, 667-0277, Ext 14, Volunteer Coordinator
Carolan Quenneville, 296-0524, Graphic Specialist/Newsletter
Rhonda Webb, 296-0509, Work Incentives Specialist
Employment
Services
Susan Webb, 667-0277, Ext 11, Unit Director
Lynda Connors, 667-0277, Ext. 12, Employment Coordinator
Buffy McDonald, 667-0277, Ext 18, Employment Coordinator
Dan Siegler, 667-0277, Ext 10, Employment Technician
Jennifer Stetson 667-0277, Ext 17, Employment Program Aide
Community
Integration Unit
Darrel Christenson , 296-0530, Unit Director
Judy Benshoof, 296-0532, ILA/Home Mod. Coord (Mesa/Tempe)
Jon DeWinter, 296-0537, Home Mod.Coord.(Glendale/Peoria)
Tony DiRienzi, 296-0534, Early Intervention Coord.
Paula Grodecki, 480-222-4212, Reintegration Coord.
Tyrone Harrington, 424-4103, Com. Liv. Options Coord.
Leanne Jones, 296-0535, Soc/Rec, Youth Outreach/ILA
Rosalie Manuel, 296-0536, Independent Living Skills Advocate
Joanna Savidan, 296-0531, I&R, Home Mod. Coord. (Phx)
Leonard Smith, 296-0533, ILA/Reintegration Prg. Coord.
Personal
Assistant Services
Gwen Dean, 296-0541, Unit Director
Mary Avila, 296-0528, PAS Field Rep.
Pam Burdette, 480-222-4204, PAS Field Rep.
Kathy Carlisle, 480-222-4203, PAS Field Rep.
Jerry Chee, 602-424-4107, Program Manager
Gerry Davis, 296-0546, Payroll Clerk
Lyndora Hall, 296-0546, PAS Field Rep.
Judy Ludlow, 296-0542, PAS Field Rep.
Teodoro Marquez, 424-4102, PAS Field Rep.
Kelli Martin, 296-0544, Program Aide
Sheri Mecca, 296-0547, Program Manager
Diane Patton, 480-222-4206, Program Manager
Christine Pinedo, 296-0506, Program Aide
Colleen Podmore, 296-0552, PAS Field Rep.
Pat Trouts, 296-0506, Payroll Clerk
Grace Walstad, 602-424-4106, PAS Field Rep.
Roxanna Williams, 424-4106, PAS Field Rep.
Melanie Woods, 480-222-4205, PAS Field Rep.
Christina Velasquez, 602-424-4104, PAS Field Rep.
Bonnie Zanardi, 480-222-4202, PAS Field Rep.
AZ 2003 Legislative Wrap-Up
Advocates YOU Really Made a Difference This Year !!!!!
We managed
to save most of the programs vital to individuals with disabilities and their
families in a year where we had a $1 billion + budget deficit and
legislative leadership hostile towards our programs. New legislative leaders emerged to fight for our programs because
YOU asked them to. Next month we will encourage you to campaign and vote for
legislators who support your issues.
ABIL’s participation in the AZ Disability Coalition and Protecting
Arizona’s Families helped us keep you informed and educated about the
legislative process. Bravo for unity
and cooperation!
Bills that passed:
Guardianship, HB 2181 - Requires guardianship petitions to include the type
of guardianship requested and the judge to encourage maximum self-reliance in
appointing a guardian for an incapacitated person.
Help America Vote Act (HAVA) - Election Reform :
HB 2197, Establishes a fund for HAVA monies from the federal Government,
corresponds to new federal law.
SB 1075, Establishes requirements to ensure that the State complies with federal
HAVA mandates, such as ensuring the availability of accessible voting equipment
at each polling site by January 1, 2006.
Service Animals, HB 2410 - Eliminates the requirement that
individuals with service animals present a laminated identification card in
order to enter upon or remain in a given location with their service animal.
Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, SB 1091- Adds 2 members to the GCDD and
modifies the duties of District Advisory Councils to ensure they do not affect
the ability to monitor compliance with quality assurance standards.
Passed, but vetoed by the Governor:
Children’s Psychiatric Medication, SB 1034 - Requires that physicians provide information
about the side effects and/or alternatives to psychiatric medication to parents
of children eligible for state-funded medical services.
Police Training, SB 1322 - Would have required Arizona Peace
Officer Standard and Training Board (AZ POST) to develop a sensitivity and
awareness training program by July 1, 2004, to assist peace and law enforcement
officers in managing situations with persons who are mentally ill or
developmentally disabled. Although the bill died, AZAPOST agreed to develop an
advisory committee with consumers on it and they have already had their first
meeting.
Bills that died:
Two Assistive Technology bills died. One would have required all new
technology purchased by the state to be accessible and the other would have required
publishers of school texts to provide school textbooks in alternative versions
formats and ensure the availability of these materials in schools.
State Budget -
Fiscal Year 2003-2004 (July 2003 – June 2004)
The
Governor has chosen to line item veto certain items in the budget before
signing the budget. Thanks to YOUR advocacy, supportive legislators and the
Governor’s veto pen, funding has been restored for:
- The AHCCCS Ticket to Work (Medicaid
Buy-In)
- Independent Living Rehabilitation Services
- General Assistance program
- Special Education Cost Study
- HIV medications and dialysis treatment
- Cervical and Breast cancer screening and treatment
- Community Health Centers
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Emergency dental services
- Housing Trust Fund
- Arts Commission (a funding source of the Improbable Theatre
Company)
*Families
receiving services from DDD for their children with disabilities will be
required to pay a deductible. This deductible would be 2% for families with an
adjusted gross income between 400% and 500% of the Federal Poverty Level
($73,600-$92,000 for a family of 4) and a 4% deductible for families whose
adjusted gross income is above 500% FPL ($92,000 for a family of 4) – not what
we wanted but better than what was proposed earlier.
For more
information call Donna Kruck: 602-296-0520
A.B.I.L. Goes to Washington D.C.
Lynn
Martinka, Consumer Advocate
This year I was honored to be a
delegate of ABIL to the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
conference and partake in an exciting, informative, energized group of people
who believe passionately in the rights of all Americans, regardless of race,
creed or ability. Having never been to our nation’s capitol, I found it
inspiring and charged with the power of our forefathers who fought many battles
for the rights we enjoy today.
I was so proud to represent ABIL
with all its programs and services that far excel many independent living
centers that are struggling to provide basic needs.
Our schedule was full and our
spirits were high in spite of the rain. The workshops and presenters were very
professional and experts on their particular topic. It was difficult to choose
from the variety offered, and at times I felt I was on information overload,
soaking up as much as I could in the time allotted.
The highlight of the conference for
me was the march and rally at the Capitol on Thursday as the skies cleared to a
beautiful sunny warm day. Meeting with our Arizona legislators proved to be a learning
experience as well as empowering. Our ABIL delegation divided up our
appointments and with our fearless leader, Donna Kruck, we hit the halls,
packets in hand to state our concerns and ask for support for MiCASSA, the
Inclusive Home Design Act, Section 8 for people with multiple chemical
sensitivity, the Assistive Technology Act, and Medicaid reform. Plus we asked
them NOT to support the ADA Notification Act, controversial judicial
nominations such as Jeffrey Sutton, and or for any amendments to IDEA.
Now that I
have been re-charged and rested, I feel compelled to challenge you to become
active advocates in working to create a society where all will join Justin
Dart’s thunder of love, solidarity, protest and empowerment! “LEAD ON!”
Quote:
“Going
to the NCIL conference was eye opening. The workshops were valuable, -
especially the Housing workshop [lots of networking] and Rep. Jan Shakowski’s
talk at the awards luncheon (sponsor of the Inclusive Home Design Act, HR.
2353). It was also interesting to realize how ‘in the forefront’ ABIL is in
delivering core consumer services. Makes one proud to be a part of ABIL.” - Pam Allan, ABIL Board Member
Photos:
#1. Capitol building in the background, Lynn
Martinka and scooter sit in a parking lot preparing for the march and rally.
She holds a sign that reads, “Listen to Our Ideas on IDEA!”
#2-4. Two
shots show a long line of marchers walking along D.C. streets, another shows
marchers gathered and filling the parking lot in front of the Rehabilitation
Services Administration building.
When Simple Chores Become Simple Again…
Loan Program Makes Assistive Devices for People with
Disabilities a Reality
By Jill Oberstein MA,
OTR/L, Project Director Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology (AzLAT)
Picture your average
morning routine. It typically involves a shower, dressing, and then a quick
breakfast before you are out the door and in your car, ready for another
workday. Now imagine that you have a disability … it changes the “routine,”
doesn’t it? The daily tasks that we take for granted like the shower, the
breakfast, and the drive to work take on a whole new meaning – and may require
some assistance.
For people with
disabilities, assistive technology is needed to keep simple tasks simple and
do-able. Now more than ever before, assistive devices are used by people with
disabilities in a myriad of functions in the workplace and at home.
Assistive
Technology includes anything from a simple shower chair to car modifications or
automated communication devices. But regardless of its sophistication level,
assistive technology in any form allows people with disabilities to empower
themselves in the pursuit of independence.
Assistive
devices can minimize the functional limitations of one’s disability, allowing
individuals with disabilities to do simple or complicated everyday activities
that people without disabilities take for granted. Yet often, assistive
technologies can be expensive, thus making them unattainable for many people
with disabilities. The irony is that in order to grow financially secure and
succeed, people with disabilities may need assistive technologies to
obtain and maintain employment.
The
National Council on Disability conducted a 19-month study on “Financing of
Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Individuals with Disabilities.”
Here is an overview of their findings:
l Sixty-two percent of working-age
persons were able to reduce dependence on family members, 58 percent were able
to reduce dependence on paid assistance, and 37 percent were able to increase
earnings.
l Eighty percent of elderly persons
studied were able to reduce dependence on others, half were able to reduce
dependence on paid persons, and half were able to avoid entering a nursing
home.
l When asked to estimate the impact of equipment on
their quality of life, assistive technology users reported that without the
equipment, their quality of life on a scale from 1 to 10 was around 3; as a
result of the equipment, it jumped to approximately 8.4 points.
If you
are person with a disability, there is help out there. A new loan program recently
launched by the Arizona Technology Access Program, as part of a consortium with
other community organizations, makes assistive technology more financially
affordable to individuals with disabilities.
The
federally and privately funded program, Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology,
or AzLAT, is targeted towards low- and middle-income Arizonans, with the
following applicant parameters:
l An Arizona resident
l A person with disability, (or a
family member acting on behalf of person with disability and legally able to
enter into a contract for a loan)
l Able to provide assurance that loan
will be used to purchase assistive technology devices and/or services
l Able to demonstrate sufficient
credit worthiness and ability to repay the loan (Loan amounts range from $500 to
$3,000.)
To receive a loan
application or more information, call Pam Alcala at 602-776-4670, toll-free at
800-477-9921, TTY at 62-728-9536, or e-mail pamela.alcala@nau.edu.
Applications are also downloadable at www.azlat.org.
Medicare Benefits Assistance
Program
A new office offering health care
benefits counseling for Medicare beneficiaries opened recently at the Arizona
Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACBVI) at 3100 E. Roosevelt Road in
Phoenix. Open Wednesdays from 9am-12
noon, the office is staffed by two trained volunteers, Nola Baker-Jones and
Anne Johnson - who are also visually impaired.
The Benefits Assistance Program, a
program of the Area Agency on Aging, is part of a national network of State
Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP), and partially funded by the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS). The program provides benefits counseling for people currently on
Medicare and people eligible and preparing to go on Medicare.
Alternative
formats including Braille, large print and audiocassette - are all free of
charge. To make an appointment with one of the volunteers at ACBVI, or for more
information, please contact Anne Johnson or Nola Baker-Jones at (602) 273-7411
x119.
Q: What do you do if you have questions regarding Social
Security Work Incentives?
A: See page 7 (Advocacy Presentations) for workshops or
call (602) 256-2245 to speak to one of ABIL’s Work Incentive Specialists!
ADA Teleconference:
July 15th
11:00 am- 12:30 pm
ABIL/Phx
ADA Update: 13 Years Later
Speakers:
John Wodatch, Chief-Disability Rights Section, U.S. Department of Justice and
Sharon Rennert, Attorney Advisor, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Join
representatives from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as they provide us with an update regarding their
enforcement efforts and policy initiatives. Receive an update on the status of
any recent decisions by the US Supreme Court and their impact on the ADA. RSVP
to Darrel, 602-296-0530.
Sponsored by Pacific Disability and Business Technical
Assistance Center (DBTAC) http://www.pacdbtac.org
Questions about the ADA? The Pacific
Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) can answer
questions on 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
All Advocacy presentations are free - Participants must
RSVP with David Carey, 602-296-0523. 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 own legal
guardian.
Social Security Work Incentives
Speakers: Erik Jensen, Rhonda Webb, & Donna Lorti -
Work Incentives Specialists. RSVP to 602-296-0510
Learn how
ABIL’s Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach program, granted through the
Social Security administration, can help people on SSI and/or SSDI understand how
employment affects their cash and medical benefits. Over the last few years,
several new work incentives have been created through Social Security and other
public programs. Our trained and
certified Work Incentive Specialists are also happy to provide presentations at
your agency location.
Tuesday,
July 22, 2003 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Location: Location:
1229 E. Washington St., Phoenix
Workshops for SSI/SSDI Consumers
Consumers come and learn
how employment will affect your cash and medical benefits. Please sign up for the workshop that matches
the kind of Social Security you receive. If you are unsure which kind you
receive, David can help you figure that out when you call to RSVP. From now on, we will be having separate
workshops for each type of benefit: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because each program has different rules
and different work incentives. If you
receive both, let David know and he will help you get an appointment with a
Work Incentive Specialist. Family members and/or support person are welcome.
Work Incentives & SSDI
Friday,
July 11, 2003 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: 1229 E. Washington St., Phoenix
Location: ABIL East - 225 East 1st Street. Ste. 206
Mesa, AZ
Monday,
July 28, 2003 – 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Location: Metro Center Office (10000 N. 31st Avenue,
Ste. D-405), Phoenix, AZ 85016
Work Incentives & SSI
Tuesday,
July 8, 2003 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: 1229 E. Washington St., Phoenix
Saturday?
Evening Workshops? Let Us Know!
ABIL has been hosting advocacy
presentations for the past two years. These have either taken place during the
morning or afternoon hours, Monday through Friday, with topics ranging from
employment discrimination to assistive technology. Have you been unable to attend due to the fact that these
workshops have been scheduled during regular business hours? Do you need workshops scheduled on Saturdays
or in the evening hours during the week in order to attend? Please let me know if this is the case. Also, let us know what workshop topics you
would attend. I can be reached at (602)
296-0523 or davidc@abil.org
Learn about
the IL philosophy and your rights as a person with a disability. Also, learn how to communicate effectively
with service providers and family members. Guest Speaker: Judy Benshoof
Friday,
July 18, 2003 – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: 1229 E. Washington St., Phoenix
Dial-A-Ride
Guest
Speaker Gary Bretz of Valley Metro will share some insights concerning
Dial-a-Ride also know as Paratransit. He will also share some other
transportation options for disabled and seniors available in the Phoenix
area. We’ll also hear about some possible reductions in transit in the
East Valley.
Wednesday,
July 23, 2003 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: 1229 E. Washington St., Phoenix
I&R Information
& Referral
Q&A Question of the
Month
Q: Are you familiar with a website
called www.wheelchairjunkie.com
?
A: I have checked it out and found it
very informative and entertaining. It contains numerous links to
disability/mobility websites. It also has lots of photos, some in their
“Idiotzone” page contain power chair stunts and warning, “Do not attempt to
replicate any activity you see on this site.” We agree, but if you want a
website “with attitude” this is the place for you. They claim to be 100,000+ “wheelchair
junkies” strong and state that “no matter which brand wheels are under your
rear—we’re here to help.”
If you have
a question that you would like to see addressed here, call Joanna Savidan at
602-296-0531
Needed:
Wheelchair Users for Bus Operator Training
New
operators are in training at both bus and Dial-a-Ride facilities valley-wide
and annual ADA Refresher Training is being planned for existing operators. The
training involves classroom education, “hands-on” instruction of equipment such
as wheelchair lifts and securement devices and “behind the wheel” driving
training with a Supervisor and/or another experienced operator.
People who
use mobility aids who would like to assist operators undergoing instruction are
welcome. Those who use new and/or hard to secure mobility aids are encouraged
to participate. Valley Metro facilities are also seeking unused manual
wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, scooters and oversized scooters for use in the
training. Donations will be picked up.
For more information or to participate in this project,
please contact Donna Powers, Transportation Coordinator for Easter Seals
Arizona at (480) 222-4134 or dpowers@azseals.org
FYI:
Stokes Straps
By Judy Benshoof
It was
brought to my attention that some public transit riders are being denied rides
because they do not have “Stokes Straps” on their wheelchairs. These are straps
that readily enable the transit driver to safely secure your wheelchair or
scooter for the duration of your ride. If you need these, contact Easter Seals
of AZ @ (480) 222-4133. Before you call, please note the make and model of your
mobility aid so you will receive the correct strap length.
Leadership Training
Institute for Young Adults
August
4-7 and August 11-14, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
5111
N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 105, Scottsdale
The Southwest Institute
is pleased to announce that it has received support from the Governor’s Council
on Developmental Disabilities and the Office of Children with
Special Health Care Needs (OCSHCN) to establish a Leadership Training Institute
for young adults with special health care needs (e.g., spina bifida, cerebral
palsy, traumatic brain injury) and to support these youth as they adopt
leadership roles in their communities.
Leadership Training: What is it?
Future Leaders are
trained in the following areas:
· Managing personal health care
· Mentoring and coaching others
· Education, Career Planning
-
setting and
achieving goals
· Developing strategies for assuming independence
at home and in the Community
· Community Service
Participants will be
paid $400 upon successful completion of the training, and a commitment to
assuming a Leadership Role for 2 hours weekly across the school year.
Leadership Roles in the
Community
Coaching. Across the school
year, program Leaders will assume the role of mentor/coach with youth who have
special health care needs. They will work with project staff to translate
what they learned to help their recruits. Project staff will be on hand to work
with the program Leaders.
Advocacy. Leaders will join the
Community Leadership Teams in their home communities. They will participate on
policy and program work groups that focus on children and youth with health
issues, become involved in local efforts to improve the service delivery
system, and learn skills to become a more effective partner with health care
providers and other systems of care.
Youth Leaders are paid
$12/hrly for their time as part of the OCSHCN Tsunami parents program.
· Applicants must be adults, ages 16 to 28
with
special health care needs
· Complete application by July 3, 2003
· Write a short paragraph on why they believe they
would be good leaders
Contact 480-965-0419 or info@swifamilies.org
Sponsored
by the Southwest Institute for Families and Children with Special Needs
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.
ABIL
Community Calendar – RSVP for All Events
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. 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.
Please do not wear scented products or smoke when attending events.
Reasonable Accommodations, including Sign Language Interpreters and Personal
Assistants, will be provided at ABIL events upon request.
July 08 SSI/Social Security Work Incentives, 1:00-3:00 PM. Phx/Kitchen. Come
and learn how employment will affect your cash and medical benefits. David
Carey, (602) 296-0523
July 10 SR/Baseball Game, 3:05-6:05 PM. Az
D-backs vs San Diego Padres. 401 E Jefferson St Phx. Cost: $6.00. Leanne Jones,
(602) 296-0535
July 10 V.O.I.C.E., 1:00-4:00 PM. A monthly support
group for persons with disabilities, their families and rehabilitation
providers., 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale, Az. Clayton Guffey (602) 789-9129
July 11 SSDI/Social Security Work Incentives, 1:00-3:00 PM. Phx/Kitchen. Consumers
come and learn how employment will affect your cash and medical benefits. David
Carey, (602) 296-0523