INDEPENDENT LIVING AND ADVOCACY BY, AND FOR, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

 

The Bridge News from the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living Volume XVIII, Number 12 DECEMBER 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!"   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (ABIL & Staff contact numbers can be found at the end of the document) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Voice Your Choice!! AzDAC ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY TRAINING DAY February 5th 2008 1:30pm – 8:00pm Phoenix location to be announced Register Now! Sponsored by Arizona Disability Advocacy Coalition (AzDAC)    The goals of this training are to help you: · Understand how the legislative process works · Advocate for legislation that is important to you · Prepare to meet and talk with your legislator   The agenda will include: LEGISLATIVE PROCESS LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR 2008 MOCK LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING   Registration Deadline 12/21/07   This event is presented in conjunction with the Arizona Legislative Awareness Day on Feb. 6, 2008   11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix.   For registration information go to www.acdhh.org Or contact AzDAC member and training registrar: Liz Olson at  l.olson@acdhh.az.gov   Phone (602) 542-3323 V/VP   -  602-364-0990/TTY 800- 352-8161 V/TTY  -   FAX  (602) 541-3380   …………………………………………..   ABIL Celebrates Great Success in 2007! By Phil Pangrazio, ABIL Executive Director­ Happy Holidays to all the Friends of ABIL!!!  As we celebrate the Holidays, I’d like to share a few of the many accomplishments that ABIL had during 2007.   2007 marked the beginning of an exciting future for ABIL.  In January, we broke ground and began construction of the Disability Empowerment Center of Arizona.  Construction of the “DEC,” located at 5025 E. Washington, is currently about fifty percent complete and is planned to open in early July of 2008.  The DEC will become the future home for several non-profit organizations that serve people with disabilities.  Organizations already committed to becoming partner tenants include the Arizona Center for Disability Law, Raising Special Kids, Statewide Independent Living Council, Arizona Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Joni & Friends, and Arizona Autism United.   ABIL has also made considerable progress on the Sports & Fitness Center for people with disabilities (partially funded by $5.3 million in City of Phoenix bond funds).  ABIL has hired an architect and developed and submitted a preliminary site plan and renderings to the City.   Fund-raising for the Sports & Fitness Center is in full swing as well.  In July, ABIL received a financial commitment of $500,000 from the David Reese Family Foundation.  In August, ABIL received a commitment of $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities.  In September, ABIL received more great news as it was awarded $500,000 from Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust and a commitment of another $500,000 contingent upon the securing of matching contributions.  More grant applications are currently in process so stay tuned for more great news!   In March, ABIL hosted the 5th annual Spirit of ABIL Award’s where we awarded several champions of independent living and welcomed special guest speaker Jim Ward, Executive Director of ADA Watch and champion of the Road to Freedom Bus Tour.   In August, Arizona’s five Centers for Independent Living…ABIL, DIRECT, New Horizons, SMILE, and ASSIST, in partnership with the Arizona SILC and Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration, hosted the second ever Statewide Independent Living Summit.  The two-day summit drew over 350 participants from the disability community.   As usual, ABIL’s great staff continue to offer comprehensive programs to the disability community including independent living skills instruction, information & referral, peer support, advocacy, home modifications, ADA technical assistance, outreach to rehabilitation centers & early intervention for newly disabled individuals, reintegration from nursing homes, employment services, Social Security work incentives planning and assistance, empowering youth in transition, personal assistant services and social recreational programs.   As you can see, 2007 was another year of tremendous achievement for ABIL.  As always, the success of our programs is result of hard work and a commitment to the independent living philosophy of self-advocacy, peer support, and consumer control.   I would like to thank ABIL’s Board and Staff for the important role they play in promoting Independent Living philosophy.  I think you will agree that ABIL’s programs truly empower persons with disabilities to live productive, successful and self-determined lives.  See you all in 2008!   ……………………………………………….   Don’t Lose Out On Tax Refund $$$! By Amina Kruck If you earn less than $39,783 you may be entitled to a refund up to $4,700.  Learn about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the largest Federal tax benefit program. This is a Work Incentive, not public assistance.   How People Use Their EITC… - Pay Bills - Make Significant Purchases - Homes - Auto - Education & Training   Avoid needless tax preparation expenses such as transaction costs, high commercial fees, and high-priced services like rapid-refund loans and check-cashing operations.   Millions of EITC Dollars went Unclaimed! Cities like Phoenix recognize they have missed the economic boost that the Earned Income Tax Credit provides to their community.  They are gearing up to help residents take advantage of this Federal program. This year the Phoenix EITC Campaign includes: - Public Awareness - Free Tax Filing - Financial Education   Last year’s Earned Income Tax Credit campaign was offered at 18 Tax Preparation Sites that provided 6,400 hours of free tax preparation with help from over 100 volunteers.   - 7,000+ low-income families filed returns resulting in nearly $7.0 million in tax refunds!   - Low-income families saved approximately $2.2 million in transaction costs.   This year Phoenix and other cities are focusing outreach efforts to people with disabilities because they realize that 26% of people with disabilities live in poverty (3 times the national average)!  While there are dozens of asset-building programs across the nation, NONE of them focus on people with disabilities!   How does EITC interact with Public Benefits? Neither EITC or CTC (Child Tax Credits) are counted as income in most benefit programs (SSI, SSDI, food stamps, Medicaid, federally-assisted housing, etc.), although some count them as a resource for a designated time period after the month of receipt.   Please join us in partnership with Phoenix to: - Increase awareness of the EITC Program and free tax-filing sites for people with disabilities.   - Recruit people with disabilities to become volunteer tax preparers and greeters at free tax-filing sites.   - Invite disability organizations to promote the EITC Program and become free tax-filing sites.   - Establish a comprehensive network that creates real economic change for people with disabilities through tax refunds, financial education, and asset-building programs that build and preserve financial health.   Who benefits?  Everyone: Working poor, employers, businesses, banks and State and local governments.   For information about the Earned Income Tax Credit contact davidc@abil.org, 602-443-0723, or erikj@abil.org, 602-443-0727. For information about FREE TAX PREPARATION, Community Information & Referral Line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 602-263-8856.   …………………………………………...   ­Social Security Administration Attacks Disability Backlog Social Security issued a final rule on September 5, 2007 extending nationwide its Quick Disability Determination (QDD) process.  Under QDD, a predictive model analyzes specific elements of data within the electronic claims file to identify claims where there is a high potential that the claimant has a qualifying disability and where evidence of the person’s eligibility can be quickly and easily decided.  In New England, where the process was being tested, about 3 percent of all new cases were identified as QDD cases and processed in an average of 11 days.  Arizona, New Jersey and North Dakota have started using QDD as part of a staged national roll-out that will be completed early next year.   As another key part of its plan, the Social Security Administration is establishing a National Hearing Center (NHC) so that a centralized cadre of Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) can use video technology to hear cases in the most backlogged parts of the country.   “Our goal is to build upon this year’s achievements and, with the support of Congress, continue to improve the service we provide to millions of disabled Americans,” said Commissioner Astrue.  “Without adequate support from Congress, however, we will not be able to make further progress – and we may even lose ground.”   ……………………………………………   Welcome Peer Mentor Volunteers! By April Reed On October 26th, (front row, left to right) Katherine Edington, Kenneth Rheim, Vicky Levine, (middle row, left to right) Tatiana Konstantinova, Priscilla Perkins, Rhonda Clark, Annette Denny, (back row, left to right) Bruce Mitchell, Gary Juniel (not pictured) Timothy Burdick and Lance McPherson completed ABIL’s Peer Mentor Volunteer Training.  The training included sessions on disability awareness, adjustment to disability, communication, goal planning, crisis intervention, Independent Living philosophy and much more. Congratulations to our new peer mentors and welcome to our team!   Peer Mentoring empowers individuals with disabilities to help each other, increase their independence, and improve their self-confidence. Peer Mentor Volunteers help ABIL consumers (mentees) achieve independent living goals such as cooking, budgeting, bus training, housing, employment, socialization, etc. They also help newly disabled individuals adapt to their disability. Peer Mentors share knowledge, information and help find community resources; and they are good listeners who encourage mentees on their path towards greater independence.   If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Peer Mentor or if you would like to update your Peer Mentor training, contact ABIL’s Volunteer Coordinator, April Reed, 602-296-0533 or aprilr@abil.org.   …………………………………….   People First Language - A Refresher “Person First Language” refers to language that is respectful and promotes dignity.  It places a person ahead of a disability he or she might experience.  For example, instead of referring to your “disabled neighbor”, you might refer to your “neighbor with a disability.”  Consider though whether you even need to refer to the person’s disability.  You might think it odd if I tell a story and mention my “blonde daughter,” my “short friend,” etc.  So ask yourself, does a person’s disability need to be mentioned?  If it’s in the context of services that may require an accommodation - yes, if not - no.    SAY -­                                                                    INSTEAD OF -­ Person with a disability­                                      Handicapped, disabled, crippled­ Child with cerebral palsy­                                    Palsied or spastic child ­ Person who uses a wheelchair­                          Wheelchair bound, confined to a wheelchair­ Person who has…­                                              Afflicted with, suffers from, victim of ­ Person who is without speech or nonverbal­     Mute or dumb­ Person without a disability­                                 Normal­   We are all people.  We differ in gender, race, education, etc. as well as ability levels.  Still we really have more in common than not.  As a society, the way we talk affects the way we think and in turn affects our attitudes towards others, thus perpetuating the cycle in a positive or negative way.  You are more then the outward views other people have about you-you also are a Person First.    …………………………………   Volunteers Needed for Women’s Health Study A research study conducted by the Center for Research on Women with Disabilities, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, in collaboration with ABIL, is seeking women 45 years of age or more who have had a physical limitation, disability, or chronic illness for at least one year.   ·        multiple sclerosis ·        arthritis ·        lupus ·        scleroderma ·        fibromyalgia ·        muscular dystrophy or other muscular impairments ·        cerebral palsy ·        polio ·        spinal cord injury ·        stroke ·        amputation ·        orthopedic impairments ·        spina bifida ·        other physically disabling health conditions       Eligible women will be randomly assigned to either an 8-session weekly Women’s Health Group or a Control Group and will be offered a small payment for their participation. Both groups will be asked to complete questionnaires on several occasions. For more information contact Judy Benshoof, 602-296-0532 or judyb@abil.org.   …………………………………   Governor Napolitano moved up the Presidential primary date to February 5th! Are you registered to vote? Is everyone you know registered to vote? Now is the time to get yourself registered if you have moved, have a new name or address. It’s simple. Just re-register at https://servicearizona.com/webapp/evoter/   …………………………………   Get Advocacy Alerts NOW!  Vital reports via print and snail mail can quickly become ‘old news.’ Quick action is often needed regarding issues important to people with disabilities. Knowledge is POWER, but knowledge after the fact holds little power. A lot can happen in a very short time - good and bad. Join our Empower! advocacy listserve NOW and get alerts on:   · Disability related bills as they move through the State Legislature and U.S. Congress   · Actions you can take to make a difference   · Learn about disability related issues in the courts   · Upcoming events and learning opportunities   · New community resources   Once on Empower! any member can send an email alert, or make comments on one that was sent. The Empower! list contains advocacy alerts and community events that keep you up to date and involved in your community. To sign up for Empower! send an email to davidc@abil.org and he will get you enrolled.   Get empowered today! ………………………………   SAVE THE DATE!!!!! “The  Arizona Disability EXPO: Your Life, Your Community, Your Future” Wednesday, February 20, 2008 Hall E of the Phx Convention Center, 3rd St/Jefferson 9:00am – 4:00pm    l 100+ Exhibitors l Speakers & performances by Improbable Theater Company l Honoring Community Leaders with the Brandy Liston Awards & the Randy Werner Award for Excellence l and much, much, more!!!   Look for more information soon at www.azdx.com!!   …………………………………………   Website Lists Affordable AZ Housing Socialserve.com - Tenant Index  is a website that contains information about affordable accessible housing. The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) and the Arizona Housing Finance Authority (AZHFA) were established to impact an area of growing concern for the state - homes for working families. Browse the website listed below to find affordable Arizona homes and communities.   http://www.socialserve.com/tenant/index.html?state_id=4020&from=AZPUBOPT   …………………………………   Disability Law and Policy, Present and Future ADA Teleconference    December 18th 11:00am-12:30pm   ABIL Main/Kitchen   Reviewing previous research efforts, this session sets out a blueprint for the role of research, policy, and law in advancing the civic, economic and social participation of persons with disabilities in a global society. It reviews past public policy efforts and research findings regarding workers with disabilities. It discusses current and future research initiatives on the cutting edge of promoting successful employment outcomes for people with disabilities. The discussion presents promising research methodologies in multidisciplinary field disability and employment research. Finally, our presenter will put forth challenges and opportunities for research, policy, and legal initiatives, framing a blueprint for the next quarter century.   Speaker: Peter Blanck, JD, Ph.D, Chair, Burton Blatt Institute, Syracuse University   Guest Moderator: Shelley Kaplan, Director, DBTAC-Southeast ADA Center   RSVP to Andrew Moody, 602-296-0536.   Teleconference presented by Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (PDBTAC) , http://www.pacdbtac.org ………………………………….   AZ Freedom to Work, Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Q&A By Erik Jensen  Q: I’m planning to take some vacation time around the Thanksgiving holiday, for which I’ll get vacation pay.  I don’t want this vacation to cause my SSDI cash benefits to be suspended, since it won’t be quite enough to pay my bills this month.  Does this income count towards my earnings?   A:  When evaluating your earnings to determine whether your work was substantial and gainful, SSA will only consider earnings from actual work activity, not from vacation or sick pay.  When you report your wages to SSA, make sure they are aware that some of what you received is vacation pay.  Otherwise, enjoy your vacation.   Have questions? Our Work Incentives Coordinators are happy to help you find the answers. Call 602-443-0720 or 866-304-WORK (Toll-free).   …………………………………..   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 available  Monday, December 10                  10:00am – 12:00pm City of Phoenix One-Stop, 9801 N. 7th St. Phx Rhonda Webb - 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 available Tuesday, December 4                   10:30am – 12:30pm City of Phoenix One-Stop, 9801 N. 7th St. Phx Rhonda Webb - Community Work Incentives Coordinator    Tuesday, December 11                 10:00am – 12:00pm Gilbert Career Center, 735 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134 Erik Jensen - Community Work Incentives Coordinator    Wednesday, December 19           1:00 pm – 3:00pm ABIL’s W Office, 4136 N. 75th Ave. Ste. 111, Phx Donna Lorti - Community Work Incentives Coordinator   Work Incentives/SSI - Teleconference not available Tuesday, December 11                 1:30pm – 3:30pm Gilbert Career Center, 735 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134 Erik Jensen - Community Work Incentives Coordinator    Friday, December 14                     1:00pm– 3:00pm ABIL’s W Office, 4136 N. 75th Ave. Ste. 111, Phx Donna Lorti - Community Work Incentives Coordinator    Tuesday, December 18                 10:30am – 12:30pm City of Phoenix One-Stop, 9801 N. 7th St. Phx Rhonda Webb - Community Work Incentives Coordinator     To participate via teleconference please contact David.  (Local Calls Free)     2008 is right around the corner! Do you have an issue or topic that you would like to see presented in the New Year? Contact David Carey at 602-443-0723 with your ideas and suggestions.       Airline Travel Tips for Passengers with Disabilities US Airways, is committed to providing the best possible service to our customers.  We want you to know about the services that are available for customers with disabilities and how we can work together to assure that you have a smooth travel experience.  The more information you can provide to US Airways regarding your needs and the more information we can share with you, the better we can serve you.   The presentation will cover the following topics.  · Making reservation for travel · Packing for the trip · Personal assistive devices · Airport check-in – times and locations · Airport security · Services onboard the aircraft · Personal care attendants   Guest Speaker: Henrí Dawes, Customer Relations Thursday, December 13th           10:00am - 11:30am 2345 E. Thomas Rd., Ste. 290, Phoenix   Attend in person or via teleconference call.  In order to attend via conference call, please call David no later than Tuesday, December 12, 2007. ……………………………………   Energetic Youth Coordinator Wanted  Southwest Institute for Families (SWI), Scottsdale, has a 3yr grant called, “Set Yourself Free” - launching a new model for building self-sustaining teams of youth leaders who can then mentor other youth in AZ communities after participating in this project.  We are seeking a young leader to work as a half time Project Youth Coordinator to mentor other youth with disabilities to be more informed, self-sufficient, healthy, and join a network of other youth to advocate for a better quality of life for themselves. The Youth Coordinator will help other youth learn how to access key resources to meet needs they identify through a problem-solving process. Deadline for application: November 30th or until filled. Contact Rita Kenison at SWI at 480-222-8800 x 9. ……………………………………   Holidays Got You Wrapped Up Tighter Than a Bow? Help is a just a phone call away... Phoenix Crisis Counseling Lines   - Warm Line 602-347-1100                                     - AAMI Mental Illness Information Center 800-626-5022 - AAMI Family Center  480-344-2061                    - Suicide Prevention Center  602-784-1500 - Domestic Violence Hot Line  602-279-2900      - Terros Behavioral Health  602-685-6000   ……………………………………   ATEX: Online Assistive Technology (AT) Exchange Program   The Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP) a statewide Phoenix based program of Northern Arizona University’s Institute for Human Development manages the Assistive Technology Exchange website (ATEX) - www.azATEXchange.org.   The ATEX website is an online resource for Arizona residents to donate, buy, sell or exchange medical equipment, adaptive equipment and/or assistive technology (AT) of all forms. Assistive technology is defined as any item, piece of equipment or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. AzTAP hopes that this website provides an informal forum to put these types of items if they are no longer being used by an individual into the hands of someone who could use or benefit from it. With a computer and internet access individuals can review existing ads or post their own ads. There are no charges or fees to review or post ads on the ATEX website.   For additional information about the ATEX program or for assistance with placing an ad, please contact Clayton Guffey – Assistive Technology Specialist at AzTAP at 602-776-4699, toll free at 1-800-477-9921 x 5 or by email at: admin@azatexchange.org.   ………………………………. IMPROBABLE THEATRE COMPANY Think Fast! The Art of Improv Saturday, January 19, 2008 12:00pm - 4:00pm Phoenix Burton Barr Library 4th Floor Lecture Room Improv is the art of thinking on your feet and off the top of your head. If you would love to try improv or need a few basic skills to get you going on thinking quicker, make plans to attend this incredible workshop. This class will help you to: * Think clearly * Deepen your listening skills * Encourage collaboration by working together as a team * Perform instinctively and spontaneously * Develop confidence on-stage and off   Join us for ITC’s Improv Workshop with Jef Rawls, owner of Theater 168 and Director of the Valley’s leading improv comedy troupe, The Jester’Z. Over the last eighteen years, Jef has performed in over 1,500 improv shows and has also acted in film, TV, videos, commercials, and on-stage.  RSVP to ITC’s message line, 602-296-0503 or email: info@improbabletheatrecompany.org   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.   ………………………………………….   …………………………………………..   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.   Dec 04  SSDI Work Incentives Presentation, 10:30am-12:30pm. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Dec 04  Healer Within, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Thomas Conf Room. Women’s Wellness Group - Celebrate! Stress reduction for the holidays. Amina Kruck, 602-443-0722   Dec 05  SR/Holiday Movies, 10:00am- 2:00pm. Phx Kitchen. Come to catch the Holiday spirit with a movie. Refreshments will be provided. Cost: None. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535   Dec 10  Work Incentives Planning & Assistance for Providers, 10:00am-12:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Dec 11  SSDI Work Incentives Presentation, 10:00am-12:00pm. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Dec 11  SSI Work Incentives Presentation, 1:00-3:00. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Dec 12  VOICE Annual Chili Cook-off at Encanto Park, 11:00am-2:00pm. John Lignos, 602-470-1802 x108   Dec 12  SR/Phx Zoo Lights, 6:00pm-7:30pm. 455 N. Galvin Pkwy. The magic begins after the animals at the Zoo go to sleep! Cost: $8.00 Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535   Dec 13  Lively Limbs, 4:30pm-6:30pm.  Support group people with amputations. Greenbaum Surgery Center, 2nd Floor Training Room 3535 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. Lise R. Lindsay, C.P.  480-620-7125   Dec 14  SSI Work Incentives Presentation. 1:00pm -3:00pm. Metro Classroom. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Dec 18  SSI Work Incentives Presentation, 10:30am-12:30pm. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Dec 18  ADA Teleconference, 12:00pm-1:30pm. “Disability Law and Policy, Present and Future.” Details, page 6. Andrew Moody, 602-296-0536   Dec 18  Healer Within, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Thomas Conf Room. Women’s Wellness Group - Celebrate! Stress reduction for the holidays. Amina Kruck, 602-443-0722   Dec 18  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   Dec 19  SSDI Work Incentives Presentation, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Metro Classroom. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Dec 19  SR/Cooking Group, 10:30am-1:30pm. Phx Kitchen. Learn new recipes, skills, and just socialize with others. Cost: Consumers assist by bringing ingredients for lunch. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535   Dec 21  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   Dec 24-25     ABIL Offices Closed. Happy Holidays!   Dec 27  Men’s Disability Issues Group, 6:30pm-8:00pm. Explore the range of thoughts, feelings and beliefs regarding the impact disability has on your life and the perceptions of others. FOR ADULT MEN ONLY! Clubhouse of The Legacy at Piestewa Peak, 1411 E. Orangewood Ave, Phx. Don Price, 602-443-0733   ……………………………   Classified Ads – Deadline for the JANUARY issue – DECEMBER 4th   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 does not endorse listed services, nor is responsible for the quality of advertised items or services.  Please call to renew ads.   FOR SALE: ‘02 White conversion Chevy express van w/gold trim. 65Kmi, w/100K mi. warranty. Lojack. Fully loaded, top of line accessories. Braun II tri-fold lift & floor lock w/alarm & straps for safety. Side doors open 135°. Teakwood & tan leather interior. Heated/cool cup holder w/ice chest. 4 captain chairs w/several moving options. Huge overhead storage w/teakwood magnetic see-thru windows. Lighted make-up mirrors. Game outlets, TV/DVD/CD, 2 AC units, head phones, remotes, folded bed. Top of line stereo, window shades, car vac, custom ceiling inside lighting, back door set-up for tailgating. $15,000. Call 602-405-8532   ‘04 Toyota Sienna Van w/scooter lift,  passenger seat comes out and down and lifts you into vehicle. 24K miles. Asking $28,000 OBO. Call 480-963-0916   Quickie P-220 Powerchair, 18", w/tilt, hardly used, but needs new batteries. Comes with charger, Roho Cushion & user guide. $600. 602-434-9604   Electric wheelchair, good condition, w/charger, adapted for foot control, can be easily reverted to hand operation. $500 OBO. Call 602-788-0750   Manual sport wheelchair, red metalic, good cond, new paint & upholstery, $300 OBO.  2 pair of wheels, 24” diameter, $100 per pair. Call 602-446-4127   Scout M1 Space saver power chair, approx 2yrs old, good condition, batteries good. Too small for owner. $600 OBO   Bruno Curbside Lift for wheelchair or scooter, swings into back of van, new strap, good condition, lightly used. Fountain Hills area. 480-816-3553   Alante power chair by Golden, heavy duty, new batteries, 3yrs old. $700. Call 623-875-3812   Pride Go-Go scooter, fairly new batteries. $500. Call Frank 623-594-9333   ‘01 Shoprider Electric Scooter - Red, like new, no-flat tires, Cost new $2200, asking $1350. Call 623-847-1771   Red Invacare Scooter w/charger & manuals msrp$1695, asking $400. Please call 602-242-8246 and leave message or email godwillin2@aol.com   Jazzy 1113 powerchair, w/reclining leather seat, ROHO cushion, red base, grey seats, Joystick controls. Great cond., 6yrs old.  $2500 OBO. Email:  rw25roper@msn.com.   Handicap Accessible Home, Ahwatukee Foothills, 15026 S 30th St. Phx. 3060sqft, built 1994, 3BD/2.5BA, 3 car garage, bathrooms have plenty of space around toilet/sinks. Elevator, lap pool w/hoyer lift, Mountain views, central location, a must see. Sold “as is” & “where is” with no seller representations or warranties expressed or implied. $574,900. Contact Maja Clark, 602-319-1326 or email: mclark@roipropertiesaz.com   SEEKING/WANTED Woman w/disability living in the NW Valley seeks help cleaning the house, laundry, dishes, etc. 1-2 days a week. 10hrs max per week. Only serious inquiries only. Must have reliable transportation & not live far. Must not be afraid or allergic of animals. For details call 602-504-2500   Caregiver needed for male w/quadriplegia, Gold Canyon area. Need assist mornings, 2 hrs, w/bathing, dressing, etc. Ask for Steve or leave message, 480-983-1053   Woman with disability seeks transportation to run errands, shopping, bank etc. around Apache Junction. Please call 480-835-1520   Seeking Roommate to share accessible N Phx home. You’ll have your own BR/BA, access to jacuzzi, cable TV, pool, tennis court etc. Call 602-993-1174   Wheels From Above Ministry seeks warehouse space. Local faith based non-profit takes in medical equipment & provides it free for those who have no other resources seeks donated accessible warehouse space; 800sqft, w/multiple plug-ins, water, utility sink, lights, AC or evap cooling (prefer AC). If you know of any possible warehouse space please leave a message for Diane between 9am- 2pm at the Partners in Christ number 480-731-9170   SERVICE - BUSINESS ADS Communication Consultant - Non-judgemental, active listener, encouraging confidant. Need to talk? Meet at a public place of your choice. Call 480-314-1699   Accessible Homes - Buy or Sell, New or Pre-owned. 16 years experience in serving the disability community.  I can help you buy or sell properties in AZ as well as anywhere in the continental U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico. I am a certified Cartus Relocation Specialist and a USAA Certified Specialist. Patty Stelton, Disabilities Specialist, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. (o) 480-951-1010 , (c) 480-540-6898. Email: patty@pattystelton.com Web: www.pattystelton.com   DDR is hiring people to work as Direct Support Professionals in the East Valley for Respite, Habilitation & Attendant Care services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Benefits: earn up to $14.75/hour, flexible schedules, direct deposit, paid training, employee referral program. Contact DDR at www.ddresources.com or 480-529-6844 for an employment application.   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   OVERFLOW ADS – Ads that did not make it into the printed issue   ’90 Ford Econoline Van with lift & hand controls. Runs good, has a bit of a wiring problem, may need some work. New battery, approx 90K miles. Asking $3500. Call 480-255-6388   Two Ricon Power Lifts – stores in vehicle, push button control, excellent condition. Asking $700 for each. Call Bill 480-357-3767   Hoveround power Wheelchair, purchased 9-05, weight cap. 350 lbs, battery serviceable may need replacement.  Wheelchair dormant 1 yr. Asking price $2500.00 cash only Hospital bed, twin size, mattress usable may also need replacement, $200.00 cash only.  Leave message at 602-233-3066.  Leave phone number and best time for call back.   Seeking roommate for my 31 yr old niece w/ special needs. She is currently employed and also receives social security. We would prefer a North Phoenix location but would look at others as we plan on checking in with her very often. Carrie is a very loving and caring person and does not have any anger or other emotional issues, she would make a great friend and roommate to someone in her same circumstance. We would definitely prefer a female as well. Call John, (cell) 623-330-7878 or email LNICHOLSON5@COX.NET   ………………………….   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.   …………………………………..   ABIL Soc/Rec Events, January – February ‘08 Contact Leanne, 602-296-0535 <