The Bridge

News from the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living

Volume XVI, Number 7

July 2005  

History of Independent Living
By Gina McDonald and Mike Oxford - Adapted from an article on www.acils.com

This account of the history of independent living stems from a philosophy which states that people with disabilities should have the same civil rights, options, and control over choices in their own lives as do people without disabilities.

The history of independent living is closely tied to the civil rights struggles of the 1950s and 1960s among African Americans. Basic issues—disgraceful treatment based on bigotry and erroneous stereotypes in housing, education, transportation, and employment - and the strategies and tactics are very similar. There were at least five political and social movements that influenced the disability rights movement.

Social Movements
The first social movement was deinstitutionalization, an attempt to move people, primarily those with developmental disabilities, out of institutions and back into their home communities. Led by providers and parents of people with developmental disabilities and this was based on the principle of “normalization” developed by Wolf Wolfensberger, a sociologist from Canada. His theory was that people with developmental disabilities should live in the most “normal” setting possible if they were to expected to behave “normally.” Other changes occurred in nursing homes where young people with many types of disabilities were warehoused for lack of “better” alternatives (Wolfensberger, 1972).

The next movement to influence disability rights was the civil rights movement. Although people with disabilities were not included as a protected class under the Civil Rights Act, it was a reality that people could achieve rights, at least in law, as a class. Watching the courage of Rosa Parks as she defiantly rode in the front of a public bus, people with disabilities realized the immediate challenge of even getting on the bus.               

The “self-help” movement, which really began in the 1950s with the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous, came into its own in the 1970s. Self-help and peer support are recognized as key points in independent living philosophy. .

Demedicalization was a movement that began to look at more holistic approaches to health care. There was a move toward “demystification” of the medical community. Thus, another cornerstone of independent living philosophy became the shift away from the authoritarian medical model to a paradigm of individual empowerment and responsibility for defining and meeting one’s own needs.

Consumerism, the last movement to be described here, was one in which consumers began to question product reliability and price. Perhaps most fundamental to independent living philosophy today is the idea of control by consumers of goods and services over the choices and options available to them.

The independent living paradigm, developed by Gerben DeJong in the late 1970s (DeJong, 1979), proposed a shift from the medical model to the independent living model. This theory located problems or “deficiencies” in the society, not the individual. People with disabilities no longer saw themselves as broken or sick, certainly not in need of repair. Issues such as social and attitudinal barriers were the real problems. The answers were to be found in changing and “fixing” society, not people with disabilities. Most important, decisions must be made by the individual, not by the medical or rehabilitation professional.

Using these principles, people began to view themselves as powerful and self-directed as opposed to passive victims, objects of charity, cripples, or not whole. Disability began to be seen as a natural, not uncommon, experience in life, not a tragedy.

ADAPT - Wade Blank began his lifelong struggle in civil rights activism with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Selma, Alabama. By 1971, Wade was working in a nursing facility, Heritage House, trying to improve the quality of life of some of the younger residents. In 1974, Wade founded the Atlantis Community, a model for community-based, consumer-controlled, independent living. The Atlantis Community provided personal assistance services primarily under the control of the consumer within a community setting. The first consumers of the Atlantis Community were some of the young residents “freed” from Heritage House by Wade (after he had been fired).

By 1978, Wade and Atlantis realized that access to public transportation was a necessity if people with disabilities were to live independently in the community. This was the year that American Disabled for Accessible Public Transit (ADAPT) was founded.

On July 5-6, 1978, Wade and nineteen activists with disabilities held a public transit bus “hostage” on the corner of Broadway and Colfax in Denver, Colorado. ADAPT eventually mushroomed into the nation’s first grassroots, disability rights, activist organization.

In the spring of 1990, the Secretary of Transportation, Sam Skinner, finally issued regulations mandating lifts on buses. These regulations implemented a law passed in 1970-the Urban Mass Transit Act-which required lifts on new buses.

In 1990, after passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), ADAPT shifted its vision toward a national system of community-based personal assistance services and the end of segregating people with disabilities by imprisoning them in institutions against their will. The acronym ADAPT became “American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today.” The fight for a national policy regarding attendant services and the end of institutionalization continues to this day.

Wade Blank died on February 15, 1993, while attempting to rescue his son from drowning in the ocean. Wade and Ed Roberts, considered the “father of the independent living movement,” live on in the continuing struggle for the rights of people with disabilities.

To complete this rough sketch of the history of independent living, a look must be taken at the various pieces of legislation concerning the rights of people with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on the original “bible” of civil rights for people with disabilities, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Civil Rights Laws
1964 - Civil Rights Act: prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and creed - later, gender was added as a protected class.

1968 - Architectural Barriers Act: prohibits architectural barriers in all federally owned or leased buildings.

1970 - Urban Mass Transit Act: requires that all new mass transit vehicles be equipped with wheelchair lifts.

1973 - Rehabilitation Act: particularly Title V, Sections 501, 503, and 504, prohibits discrimination in federal programs and services and all other programs or services receiving federal funding.

1975 - Developmental Disabilities Bill of Rights Act: among other things, establishes Protection and Advocacy (P & A).

1975 - Education of All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142): requires free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment possible for children with disabilities. This law is now called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

1978 - Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act: provides for consumer-controlled centers for independent living.

1983 - Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act: provides for the Client Assistance Program (CAP), an advocacy program for consumers of rehabilitation and independent living services.

1985 - Mental Illness Bill of Rights Act: requires protection and advocacy services (P & A) for people with mental illness.

1988 - Civil Rights Restoration Act: counteracts bad case law by clarifying Congress’ original intention that under the Rehabilitation Act, discrimination in ANY program or service that is a part of an entity receiving federal funding - not just the part which actually and directly receives the funding - is illegal.

1988 - Air Carrier Access Act: prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel and provides for equal access to air transportation services.

1988 - Fair Housing Amendments Act: prohibits discrimination in housing against people with disabilities and families with children. Also provides for architectural accessibility of certain new housing units, renovation of existing units, and accessibility modifications at the renter’s expense.

July 26 1990 -

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

provides comprehensive civil rights protection for people with disabilities; closely modeled after the Civil Rights Act and the Section 504 of Title V of the Rehabilitation Act and its regulations.

The modern history of civil rights for people with disabilities is three decades old. An essential piece of this process is the story of how the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was finally passed and implemented. It is the story of the first organized disability rights protest.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
In 1972, Congress passed a rehabilitation bill that independent living activists cheered. President Richard Nixon’s veto prevented this bill from becoming law.

Disability activists then launched fierce protests across the country. In New York City, early leader for disability, fights, Judy Heumann, staged a sit-in on Madison Avenue with eighty other activists. Traffic was stopped. After a flood of angry letters and protests, in September 1973, Congress overrode Nixon’s veto and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 finally became law. Key language in the Rehabilitation Act, found in Section 504 of Title V, states that:

“No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

This new law would need regulations in order to be implemented and enforced. Joseph Califano, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) at the time refused to issue regulations. Demonstrations by people with disabilities took place in ten cities across the country. By the end of the day, all but one demonstration was over. In San Francisco, more than 150 people with disabilities, had taken over the federal office building and refused to leave. They stayed until May 1. Califano had issued regulations by April 28, but the protesters stayed until they had reviewed the regulations and approved of them.

The lesson is a simple one. As Martin Luther King said,

“It is an historical fact that the privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily. Individuals may see the moral light and voluntarily give up their unjust posture, but, as we are reminded, groups tend to be more immoral than individuals. We know, through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed.”

“I’m tired of well meaning noncripples with their stereotypes of what I can and cannot do directing my life and my future. I want cripples to direct their own programs and to be able to train other cripples to direct new programs. This is the start of something big — cripple power.” - 1970, Ed Roberts

Leaders in the Independent Living Movement

The history of the independent living movement is not complete without mention of leaders who continue to make substantial contributions to the movement and to the rights and empowerment of people with disabilities.

Max Starkloff, Charlie Carr, and Marca Bristo founded the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) in 1980. NCIL is one of the only national organizations that is consumer-controlled and promotes the rights and empowerment of people with disabilities.

Justin Dart played a prominent role in the fight for passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and is seen by many as the spiritual leader of the movement today. Lex Frieden is co-founder of ILRU Program. As director of the National Council on Disability, he directed preparation of the original ADA legislation and its introduction in Congress.

Liz Savage and Pat Wright are considered the “mothers of the ADA.” They led the consumer fight for the passage of the ADA.

There are countless other people who have and continue to make substantial contributions to the independent living movement.*

REFERENCES
DeJong, Gerben. “Independent Living: From Social Movement to Analytic Paradigm,” Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 60, October 1979.

Wolfensberger, Wolf The Principle of Normalization in Human Services. Toronto: National Institute on Mental Retardation, 1972.

For full transcript of the above article log on to www.acils.com

*You can be one of them!

With all the activity in DC, one of the best ways to keep updated is to get on the Justice For All email list accessible through the AAPD website

http://www.aapd.com/

For federal issues you can sign up to receive the NCIL advocacy newsletter, the Weekly Advocacy Monitor (WhAM) by logging on to:  http://www.ncil.org/

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The “Bridge” newsletter is a free monthly publication of  Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL). To add or remove your name from our mailing list, or to place a disability related personal or business classified ad, call 602-256-2245, write the ABIL-Main office marked “Attention Newsletter” or email azbridge@abil.org. The “Bridge” is available in alternate formats upon request.

Receive “The Bridge” by e-mail Snail mail too slow? You can get the Bridge by email automatically each month. Simply send your request including phone number, to: pennyf@abil.org or Penny c/o ABIL, 1229 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ  85034-1101, or call 602-296-0518.  Please also indicate if you would like to discontinue receiving the hard copy by mail.

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ABIL Board of Directors

Tom Ringhofer ........................…......... President

Edward L. Myers, III ............…………... Vice President

F. Lee Jacquette, .................................Treasurer

Susan Scott  .............……...…………... Secretary

Joseph Mikitish ................................ Past President

Pamela Allan ...............................…...…. Member

Nola Baker-Jones ................................ Member

Marjann Fletcher .................................. Member

William Harper ....................……....…….... Member

Lynn C. Houston .....................………………. Member

Nikki Jeffords ........................………………. Member

Max McQueen  .........................……....…….. Member

Bob Payne ............................……....…….. Member

Nicholas L. Perry......................……....…….. Member

ABIL Board of Directors email: boardofdirectors@abil.org

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Thank You Friends!!!

DependABIL, LoveABIL & Extra HuggABIL

Ann C. Polansky, Elizabeth A. De La Cruz,  Jeff Brunton, Joanie C. Galas, Jeff Brunton, James White II, Connie Lange, Marie A. Graham, James E. Maes,  James W. Henry, Gail Moffat, Joan Miller

Help support ABIL programs by becoming a Friend of ABIL! Fill out and send in the form on page 11.

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Website: www.abil.org        

E-mail: azbridge@abil.org

ABIL- Main office

1229 E. Washington,

Phoenix,  AZ  85034-1101

602-256-2245                   TTY 602-296-0591 

1-800-280-2245 (outside local calling areas)

FAX:  602-254-6407    

ABIL-Thomas offices (behind the flower shop)

2345 E. Thomas, Phoenix, AZ   85016 

Suite 290 - Advocacy, Early Intervention, Benefits Planning Assistance & Outreach, Reintegration

602-443-0720   TTY 602-433-0737 

FAX 602-443-0721

Suite 310A - ABIL Employment Services/TANF

602-667-0277     FAX 602-667-0318

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ABIL - Metro Center office

Suite D-405

10000 N. 31st Avenue, Phoenix,  AZ  85051

Personal Assistant Services, Benefits Planning Assistance & Outreach

602-424-4100  FAX 602-424-4118

ABIL-East office

(Located in the Fiesta Tech Office Complex)

2150 S. Country Club,

Ste. 10 

Mesa, AZ 85210

480-655-9750  

FAX 480-655-9751  

Voice/TDD 602-256-2245

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Privatization Foes Take Concerns To Senator

By Erika Jahneke

On May 26, I was very proud to represent Arizonans with visible disabilities when the coalition Arizonans United to Protect Social Security went to Senator John McCain’s Phoenix office to express our concerns about any proposed privatization of retirement and disability benefits. The group that soaked up the Senator’s powerful air-conditioning on that sunny Thursday was small, but diverse, containing union members, retirees, parents, and Phoenix City Council candidate Chad Campbell.

People shared personal stories and discussed other ways that the program might be protected at some future date, including raising the employer contribution or the lifetime cap for individual contributions. I’m not sure that we ever reached a consensus about which solution we preferred, but we made our point with the Senator’s staff very clearly about our doubts about privatization, doubts that many Americans appear to share based on a recent Washington Post-ABC poll that states that only thirty-five percent of Americans surveyed approved of the way the President is handling this issue.

Although calling Congress has become something of a habit for me in the last year or so, it was a different feeling to sit in his office with the framed covers of national magazines surrounding us.  However, if you consider a Senator’s job to be representing the public, the coalition was just checking on a very prominent employee and we kept our message in mind. Other people were much more effective at delineating long-term financial costs and so forth (talking about what to do with trillions of dollars intimidates me somewhat, but speaking truth to power does not) but it was a good feeling to lend the coalition strength with my presence and the occasional comment related to disability benefits.

“Our meeting was very effective,” said Dana Kennedy, Communications Director for Arizona’s AFL-CIO “so much so that the Senator met with us as quickly as he could. He said at the meeting (on June 3) that the issue is’dead in the water.’

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Update on New Benefits on Medicare Prescription Drug Plan

By Donna Kruck

Important changes are coming.  On December 8, 2003, President George W. Bush signed into law the Medicare Modernization Act which goes into affect January 1, 2006. It provides a prescription drug (Rx) benefit for Medicare eligible seniors and beneficiaries with disabilities. It represents the biggest change in Medicare since 1965, the year that Medicare began.

Some Medicare recipients will be required to pay premiums, deductibles and co-payments. Medicare Part D recipients will enroll with Prescription Drug Plans or Medicare Advantage plans offering prescription coverage between November 15, 2005 and March, 1 2006.  For every month the beneficiary does not enroll, their premium goes up by 1%.

This Act will have a big impact on Medicare recipients who also qualify for AHCCCS. Medicare recipients who are also eligible for Medicaid (AHCCCS), referred to as “dual eligibles” will get their prescription drug benefits from a new Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) instead of through AHCCCS.  Jan. 1, 2006 you will no longer get your prescriptions through AHCCCS.  Your PDP may be through the same health plan you currently have – we won’t know until September. Dual eligibles will automatically qualify for a low-income subsidy, which means you will not have to pay any added premium if you choose an average priced PDP. (You may have a small premium if you choose a more expensive PDP.)  Starting in January you will have a prescription co-pay ($1-5). 

Dual eligibles will be automatically enrolled in the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program in November 2005. You will be assigned randomly to a Prescription Drug Plan by Nov. 15th and you will be able to change to another plan any month you choose.  You will have from Nov. 15th to Jan. 1 to shop around for the PDP that best fits you. Each plan may have a different formulary of drugs they cover. 

What if I get AHCCCS through the AHCCCS Freedom to Work program?

AHCCCS Freedom to work participants are considered “dual eligibles,” and will also get the low-income subsidy, be assigned a Prescription Drug Plan and have co-pays for each prescription.

What if I don’t want to keep Medicare – can I stay on AHCCCS?

No. The Arizona legislature passed a law this session that denies AHCCCS to anyone who is Medicare eligible – even if you opt out of Medicare you will not qualify for AHCCCS.

What if I am low-income, but don’t qualify for AHCCCS?

As with Medicare A and B, there will be subsidy programs for low-income individuals under Medicare Part D.  Depending on income, individuals will pay either no premium or a reduced premium and reduced or zero co-payments. The subsidy programs are very similar in concept to QMB, SLMB and QI-1 and have a top income limit of 150% of the FPL.  You can apply for the Medicare low-income subsidy now!  You can apply on line, through the Medicare toll-free number, at the Social Security Office or at ABIL – we have the applications at our offices.

Where can I get help?

You can call the Medicare toll-free line at 800-MEDICARE (633-4227) or go to the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov.  In October they will have a  tool to help find the best PDP for your prescription needs. 

Watch your mail for updates from Social Security!

Important Medicare Dates:

July – Social Security starts accepting Medicare Low-Income Subsidy applications

October – Prescription Drug Plans will be announced

Nov 15th – Enrollment in Medicare Part D begins– everyone must enroll, except dual eligibles (AHCCCS & Medicare) who are automatically enrolled.

January 1 2006 – The new Medicare Part D Prescription plan begins, dual eligibles can no longer use AHCCCS for prescription coverage

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Advocacy Presentations/Workshops

All Advocacy presentations are free - Participants must RSVP with David Carey, 602-443-0723

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.

Social Security Work Incentives

l On Social Security Benefits?

l Do you want to work?

l We can help you understand the Social Security rules, new work incentives, and how to work your way off poverty.

Workshops for Service Providers

Learn about ABIL’s Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach program.

Monday, July 18        10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

735 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134, Gilbert, AZ

Speaker: Erik Jensen - Work Incentives Specialist

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 602-443-0723  to RSVP.  We are holding 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 29            1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

2345 E. Thomas Rd.  Ste. 290, Phoenix, AZ

Speaker:  Peter Clute - Work Incentives Specialist   

Work Incentives & SSI  

Monday, July 11        1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

ABIL Metro Center, 10000 N. 31st Ave. #D405, Phx

Speaker:  Donna Lorti - Work Incentives Specialist   

Tuesday, July 12        1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

2345 E. Thomas Rd.  Ste. 290, Phoenix, AZ

Erik Jensen - Work Incentives Specialist

Monday, July 25        10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

735 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134, Gilbert, AZ

Erik Jensen - Work Incentives Specialist

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Communicating Effectively with the Healthcare Professional  

Designed to include the family caregiver into the healthcare team as an advocate for the individual receiving care. Each participant at the workshop receives a “Family Caregiver Guide: Tools & Worksheets” manual. The skills taught are meant to help you be better prepared for, and, raise the quality of doctor’s and therapy appointments, as well as situations of urgent care.

Guest Speakers: Lois VonHalle and Bob Rosenberg have presented numerous advocacy and caregiver programs throughout Arizona and are certified trainers with the National Family Caregivers Association.   

Monday, July 11        1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

2345 E. Thomas Rd.  Ste. 290, Phoenix, AZ

Medicare Part D

Prescription Drug Program

Starting January 1, 2006, if you are not on SSI or AHCCCS but have Medicare Part A or B and are interested in prescription drug coverage and have limited income and resources, come find out about the extra help you may qualify for to pay for your prescription drug coverage. Representatives from Social Security will be available to take applications and answer any questions.

Friday, July 15            10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

2345 E. Thomas Rd.  Ste. 290, Phoenix, AZ

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PDBTAC Teleconference

July 19th   11-12:30  ABIL/Phx
ADA Update: 14 Years Later
Join John Wodatch, Chief-Disability Rights Section from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Sharon Rennert, Attorney Advisor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 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 Christenson, 602-296-0530.

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Missing Out on Benefits?

By Donna Kruck

Check out the BenefitsCheckUp Arizona website.                                           

Nationally, BenefitsCheckUp helps thousands every day to find programs that can help them make ends meet by paying for some of their costs for prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other essential items or services.  Once the new Medicare selects the Prescription Drug Plans that will be available through the new Medicare part D program, BenefitsCheckUp will have a tool to help you choose the Drug Plan that best suites your needs.  This helpful website was designed for persons 55 and over or who have disabilities and are low to moderate income by the National Council on Aging with support from AARP, U.S. Department of Commerce, The Commonwealth Fund, FJC & Verizon. ABIL, in partnership with Governor Napolitano’s office, can now offer this resource to you!  You can go in yourself to use the website, or you can get assistance from our staff.

What resources are available

on the website today?

l Find help with your rent, property taxes, heating bills, meals and much more. (Takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.)

l Find the best combination of programs to lower the cost of your medicines. (Takes 5-10 minutes)

l To select and enroll in the best Medicare-approved drug discount card for you. (Takes 3-5 minutes)

It’s simple. It’s fast. It’s free,

and it’s confidential.

So click to start saving!

www.benefitscheckup.org/link/abil

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Work Incentives

Q & A

Q: I receive SSDI, and my spouse and children receive dependent’s benefits. If my spouse goes to work, what will happen to our benefits?

A: A spouse receiving benefits because he or she is raising a dependent child of an SSDI beneficiary can go to work and earn $12,000 (in 2005) without any effect on any of the family’s benefits. If the spouse exceeds that limit, his or her benefit will be reduced, but the disabled beneficiary’s benefits will not change. For more information on dependent’s benefits, contact a Work Incentives Specialist at 866-304-WORK.

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Laughter Therapy!

ABIL is offering two Laughter Therapy groups with Caroline White from Theatre 168. Laughter therapy is a healthy, non-ridiculing and connecting way to spend time with others. Laughter provides physiological, psychological and spiritual benefits, you probably never realized or imagined. So, lets relearn to laugh, and live, all over again! 

Thursday, July 7th in the Washington Kitchen from 11:30 - 1:30 pm. Cost is $5.00 including lunch.

Thursday, July14th in the Metro Classroom from 11:30 - 1:30 pm. Cost is $5.00 including lunch.

We only have 12 spots available for each location so please RSVP to Andrea Reynoso-Punch at 480-222-4211 by July 1st!

J We will add laughter to familiar movements, therefore creating exercise.

JWe will teach and incorporate the benefits of breathing.

J We will address monthly birthdays

J We will learn valuable daily practices to prevent the hardening of the attitudes. Then we will end with affirmations.

JFollowing Laughter Therapy we will have time to socialize and eat lunch.

Andrea Reynoso-Punch, CLO Coordinator
480-222-4211    andrear@abil.org

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Southwest Institute for Families and Children with Special Needs

Learn about SWI’s Youth Transition Programs, Fast Track and Youth Action Council of Arizona (YAC-AZ). The Fast Track program is a five-day training program with materials that cover the following topics: Education, Vocation, Health, Social, Housing, Money Management, and Transportation. The materials are designed to help young adults acquire the skills necessary to set systematic goals and make a successful transition to adulthood.  Youth Action Council of Arizona (YAC-AZ) is a leadership group that provides youth opportunities to self-advocate involvement in community organizations that affect their lives. Youth explore topics in politics, employment, social security, transportation, and recreation while having fun.  

Speakers: Nora Stiles and David Carey

Monday, July 18        1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

5111 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste. #105, Scottsdale, AZ

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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.  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 06         SR/Hoo-Hoogam Ki  Museum, 10:30 AM-1:30 PM. Cultural heritage of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community. 10005 East Osborn Rd. Scottsdale. Cost: None.  Leanne Jones, 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.

Wednesday, August 3, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm  (Bring own lunch for after  tour). Challenger Space Center.  A space themed learning environment. 21170 N 83rd Ave. Peoria. Cost: $4.00. 

Thursday, August 11, 10:30 am – 2:00 pm  Movie Theater. Movie will be decided on closer to the date.  Az Center.  Phx. Cost: To be determined.

Wednesday, August 17, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm  Cooking Group – Learn new recipes, skills, and just socialize with others. Each month we try to have a luncheon theme. 1229 E Washington. Phx. Cost: Consumers assist by bringing ingredients for lunch.

Monday, August 22 , 9:00 am - ???? pm  Newsletter Party (lunch provided) - Join the fun of meeting new people, sharing experiences and working towards a goal of sharing the Bridge with others throughout the states. 1229 E Washington, Phx. Cost:  None.

Wednesday, September 7, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 

Casino - Arizona Casino. 524 N 92nd Street Scottsdale.  Come and join us to spend a little money.  Cost: $ up to you. 

Wednesday, September 14,  10:00 am – 2:00 pm  (Bring $3.00 for pizza or your own lunch) Arts & Crafts Group. Come be creative with Arts and Crafts projects.  2150 S Country Club #10. Mesa.  Cost: $2.00

Monday, September 26, 9:00 am -???? pm    Newsletter Party (lunch provided) - Join the fun of meeting new people, sharing experiences and working towards a goal of sharing the Bridge with others throughout the states. 1229 E Washington, Phx. Cost:  None.