Arizona Bridge to Independent Living, Image Map, shows ABIL Logo in the left corner, with various persons with disabilities through it, including hands reading Braille, a woman signing, a young man in a wheelchair smiling, a young woman in a wheelchair talking on the phone, and a couple of students with disabilities.At the bottom of this image map is the list of web site links starting from the top left: About ABIL, Newsletter, Survival Manual, Job Opportunities, Photo Gallery, Opinion Survey. Next line of links from left: Programs, Press Room, Events Calendar, Infomation & Referrals, Contact Us, and Links.

 

 

 

 




INDEPENDENT LIVING AND ADVOCACY BY, AND FOR, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
purple divder line

The Bridge

News from the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living

Volume XV, Number 6

JUNE 2004

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!"

 

 

Mesa Home Modification Program Receives Award

Edited by Carolan Quenneville

 

On April 15th Arizona Bridge to Independent Living received the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project award. The City of Mesa’s Community Revitalization Division nominated ABIL, in recognition for ABIL’s Mesa Home Accessibility Program. The presentation of the award took place during the 2004 Statewide Community Development Week celebration held at the Webster Gymnasium and Recreation Center in Mesa. The purpose of the celebration is to highlight the diversity of CDBG funded projects and the significant impact they have on Arizona communities. This year’s CDBG Week’s national theme was “CDBG: Building Strong Individuals, Proud Families, Vibrant Communities.” 

 

The Mesa component of ABIL’s Home Modification Program has been in existence for five years and has assisted 120 consumers with a variety of home modifications. Each modification is designed to increase accessibility and independence in the home. Some of these are ramps, widened doors, grab bars and adjustments to sinks, showers and toilets. Before any work takes place, an Independent Living Advocate (ILA) conducts an interview to assess what home modifications would assist an individual in achieving or maintaining independence. The ILA then makes recommendations and also makes referrals for other services that might enhance independence.

 

ABIL’s Home Modification Program is a match program where consumers are required to pay 10% of the cost of the modification through cash, in-kind contribution (labor, materials, volunteerism), or through other funding contributions. ABIL’s Home Modification Program also serves Phoenix, Glendale, and Peoria. For more information call 602-256-2245.

 

 

Governor Napolitano Declares May Mental Health Month

Psychiatric Disability: Myths and Realities

Judi Chamberlin, Director of Education and Training National Empowerment Center, Inc.

 

As someone who was labeled with a psychiatric disability, and who has recovered to lead a full and satisfying life, I am frequently assumed to be somehow atypical, or told that I was “misdiagnosed.” The fact is that people who have been labeled with “schizophrenia,” “manic-depression/bi-polar illness,” “clinical depression,” and other severe psychiatric diagnoses are capable of complete recovery and achieving self-determination in their lives. Like people with other disabilities, sometimes the biggest thing that holds us back are negative attitudes.

 

MYTH: People with severe mental illness diagnoses don’t get better.

 

FACT: Many people with these diagnoses are functioning well; they are going to school and to work, living

integrated lives in the community, forming relationships, parenting children, and doing all the other things everyone else aspires to. Even more would recover if the mental health system was recovery-based, and if they were not held back by stigma and discrimination.

 

MYTH: Mental illness diagnoses are scientifically valid and descriptive.

 

FACT: Psychiatric labels are just that - labels- They tell very little about people’s innate capacities. They focus on weaknesses, rather than strengths. Although they are assumed to have scientific validity, they are theoretical constructs. There is no test—no blood test, brain scan, X-ray, or the like - that can distinguish people labeled mentally ill from those without these labels.

 

MYTH: Psychiatric drugs correct disordered brain chemistry.

 

FACT: Just as there is no verifiable evidence that mental illnesses are brain diseases, there is no evidence that people with specific diagnoses have specific “chemical imbalances” that are corrected by psychiatric drugs. While some people may experience some level of symptom relief with these drugs, their main effects are generalized sedation, and they have numerous unpleasant side effects. Psychiatric drugs are also widely used in prisons, nursing homes, institutions for people labeled “mentally retarded,” and juvenile detention facilities, which clearly illustrates that their main purpose is social control.

 

MYTH: People with mental illness are dangerous and unpredictable.

 

FACT: Numerous studies have shown that people diagnosed with mental illness are no more dangerous than other people whom they resemble demographically. Alcohol and drug abuse are actually much better predictors of future violence than is a history of mental illness-

 

MYTH: People with mental illnesses can’t advocate for themselves and don’t know what they want and need.

 

FACT: Most people diagnosed with mental illnesses, like most other people with disabilities, can far more accurately describe what they want and need than can social workers or other professionals. Most people diagnosed with mental illness want the opportunity to live integrated lives in the community, and will seek out those services that can help them achieve their goals.

 

MYTH: People diagnosed with mental illnesses need others (such as mental health professionals, and family organizations) to speak “for” them.

 

FACT: While organizations like the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) often claim to speak “for people with psychiatric labels, they in fact represent interests that are often diametrically opposed to what people want for themselves. Both APA and NAMI support forced drugging and forced institutionalization, which violate the human rights of people with psychiatric disabilities. Through our own organizations, such as the National Empowerment Center (www.power2u.org), Support Coalition International (www.mindfreedom.org), and many others on the statewide and local level, we can and do speak for ourselves.

 

NOTHING ABOUT US, WITHOUT US!

------------------------------------

 

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 or write to us at:

 

The Bridge c/o ABIL

Attention: Editor

1229 E. Washington Street,  Phoenix, AZ  85034-1101

602-256-2245    1-800-280-2245*

(*outside the 602, 623, 480, calling areas)

FAX:  602-254-6407    

 

ABIL-Thomas office   (behind the flower shop)

2345 E. Thomas, Phoenix, AZ 85016 

 

ABIL Advocacy Unit, Suite 290

602-443- 0720    FAX 602-443-0721

 

ABIL Employment Services, Suite 310-A

602-667-0277     FAX 602-667-0318

 

ABIL - Metro Center office

10000 N. 31st Avenue, Suite D-405

Phoenix, AZ 85051 

602-424-4100     FAX 602-424-4118

 

LOCATION CHANGE!!!

ABIL-East office - New Address !!!

2150 S. Country Club, Ste. 10,  Mesa, AZ 85210

(Located in the Fiesta Tech Office Complex)

480-655-9750   FAX 480-655-9751  

Voice/TDD 602-256-2245

 

E-mail: azbridge@abil.org

Website: www.abil.org

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

 

To Receive “The Bridge” by e-mail automatically each month, 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.

 

----------------------------------------

 

ABIL Board of Directors

Joseph Mikitish ....................…….……….……........ President

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

Edward L. Myers, III ...................................…..........Treasurer

Jim Brahaney ...............................……….……..…... Secretary

Marjann Fletcher ...................…...............….... Past President

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

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

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

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

F. Lee Jacquette ..............................…………………. Member

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

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

Scott Turner ........................................……....…..….. Member

 

 

All Area Codes 602 unless noted otherwise

ABIL Administrative Staff

Phil Pangrazio, 296-0513 .......……............. Executive Director

Louise Downey, 296-0523....….…..... Full Charge Bookkeeper

Penny Fore, 296-0518 .........….….……... Executive Assistant

Sandy Guinn, 296-0514 .........………... Director of Operations

Jay Murrillo, 296-0517..........…..... Van Driver/Facilities Maint.

DeMarQues Thomas, 296-0538 .... Van Driver/Facilities Maint.

 

Advocacy - New Numbers!

Donna Kruck, 443-0722 ............…................Unit Director

Lynn Bejnar, 443-0729 ............. “This is My Life” Prg. Mgr.

David Carey, 443-0723 ............…….... Advocacy Specialist

Erik Jensen, 443-0727 ...........…. Work Incentives Specialist

Donna Lorti, 424-4105 ............... Work Incentives Specialist

Ann  Pasco, 443-0725 .................Volunteer Coordinator

Carolan Quenneville, 443-0724 ..Graphic Specialist/Newsletter

Rhonda Webb, 443-0728 ......... Work Incentives Specialist

 

Employment Services

Marisa Colon, 443-0713 ....... Program Aide/Support Coord.

Lynda Connors, 443-0712 ......... Employment Coordinator

Joe Connors, 443-0709 ............... Employment Coordinator

Marilon Cox, 443-0701 ..... Program Support/ Billing Coord

Rosalie Perry, 443-0707 .... Independent Living Specialist

Dan Siegler, 443-0710 ...…..…..... Employment Technician

Maggie Zamora, 443-0714 .......... Employment Coordinator

 

Community Integration

Darrel Christenson, 296-0530 ................Unit Director

Judy Benshoof, 296-0532 ....... ILA/Home Mod. Coord (Mesa)

Peter Clute, 296-0527 .................... Information & Referral

Fernando Cruz 443-0708 ................... Reintegration Coord.

Jon DeWinter, 296-0537 .. Home Mod.Coord.(Glendale/Peoria)

Don Price, 443-0726 ................ 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 Perry, 296-0536 .. Independent Living Skills Advocate

Joanna Savidan, 296-0531....... Home Mod. Coord. (Phx)

Leonard Smith, 296-0533 ........... Reintegration Coord.

 

Personal Assistant Services

Gwen Dean, 296-0541.............……............Unit Director

Mary Avila, 296-0528 ............................... PAS Feild Rep.

Pam Burdette, 480-222-4204 .....…......... PAS Field Rep.

Jerry Chee, 424-4107 ..................... Program Manager

Maria Deleon, 480-222-4203 ................... PAS Field Rep.

Lyndora Hall, 296-0529............…............ PAS Field Rep.

Judy Ludlow, 296-0542 .......................... PAS Field Rep.

Teodoro Marquez, 424-4102 .................. PAS Field Rep.

Sheri Mecca, 296-0547..................... Program Manager

Diane Patton, 480-222-4206 .............… Program Manager

Colleen Podmore, 424-4108 ......…........ PAS Field Rep.

Christina Velasquez, 424-4104 ............. PAS Field Rep.

Grace Walstad,  296-0540 ....................... PAS Field Rep.

Roxanna Williams, 424-4106 .................. PAS Field Rep.

Melanie Woods, 480-222-4205 ................ PAS Field Rep.

Bonnie Zanardi, 480-222-4202 ................ PAS Feild Rep.

 

 

Glendale Union H.S. District May Be Sued Under ADA

 Arizona Center for Disability Law

 

On April 26th, 2004 the U.S. Supreme Court denied Glendale Union High School District’s petition for review and let stand a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that Arizona school districts may be sued by employees and employment applicants under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The Arizona Center for Disability Law brought suit on behalf of Shelley Savage, who uses a wheelchair because of partial quadriplegia, against the school district when she was fired from her job as an educational technician in the computer lab at Independence High School for refusing to affix a flag and flagpole to her wheelchair.  Because the Supreme Court will not review the Ninth Circuit’s ruling, Savage’s lawsuit will now proceed in U.S. District Court in Phoenix before Judge Robert Broomfield more than three years after she filed suit.

 

            “This is good news for the tens of thousands of public school employees and employment applicants… whether they are teachers, instructional aides, custodians, clerical, administrators or food service workers… because it means that school districts are not shielded from suit in federal or state court for ADA discrimination as well as other federal laws,” said Rose Daly-Rooney, an attorney at the Arizona Center for Disability Law who, with Diana Chen, represents Savage.  “The Ninth Circuit’s ruling also means that school districts are not immune from suit for violations of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Equal Pay Act or Pregnancy Discrimination Act,” added Daly-Rooney    “The fact that school districts remain liable for money damages under the ADA and other laws should also act to deter discrimination and violations,” added Chen.         

           

Soon after Savage filed her lawsuit in federal court, the school district filed a motion to have her case dismissed claiming that school district employees could not sue their employers because all school districts were shielded from suit brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Judge Broomfield denied the school district’s motion, concluding that school districts were not entitled to immunity from suit by citizens of the state as states are under the Eleventh Amendment of the Constitution.  When the school district appealed, a panel of judges from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Judge Broomfield’s decision.  The circuit court concluded that Arizona’s school districts are more like most public school districts in other states that exercise local control rather than the more state-controlled system of California.  

      

            “I am happy that I will be allowed to continue with my lawsuit.  The requirement to place a flag and flagpole on my wheelchair was humiliating and embarrassing.  I want people to see past my wheelchair and past my disability,” Shelley Savage said in response to the Supreme Court’s announcement.

 

            Copies of the Complaint, the Ninth Circuit decision and the Arizona Center for Disability Law’s opposition to the school district’s petition for the Supreme Court to review the Ninth Circuit decision are available from the Arizona Center for Disability Law.

 

The Arizona Center for Disability Law provides free legal services to ensure people with a wide range of disabilities are free from discrimination, abuse and neglect, and have access to education, housing, jobs, health care and other services.  The Center assists individuals statewide through federal protection and advocacy funding along with other grants and donations.  The Center does not charge clients for its services.

 

            Individuals who have experienced similar requests to place objects on their wheelchairs or who believe they have been discriminated against by GUHSD are encouraged to contact the Arizona Center for Disability Law - Attention Rose Daly-Rooney or Diana Chen at     1-800-922-1447.

 

--------------------------------

 

ADVOCATES!!!  

* Get timely updates on disability related legislation!

* Get more involved as an advocate!

* Find resources to help you!

www.azdisabilityadvocacy.org

 
Together we are stronger!   The power is in the present!

 

AzDAC  - Az Disability Advocacy Coalition

 

--------------------------------------

 

ABIL A Vital Community Partner During

Fair Housing Month

By Darrel Christenson

 

April was National Fair Housing month and a time to raise awareness of housing issues such as housing rights for persons with disabilities, laws and enforcement, recognizing predatory lending practices, accommodations/ modifications and landlord/tenant related topics.

 

This year ABIL was a community partner in three activities across the Valley. On April 14th a half-day workshop was given in Scottsdale in partnership with the Cities of Scottsdale & Tempe, HUD, AZ Fair Housing Partnership, AZ Multihousing Association, and the Southern AZ Housing Center. Attendees learned more about Fair Housing issues, including “Marketing to Persons with Disabilities” given by ABIL’s Director of Community Integration Darrel Christenson.

 

Later in the month on April 28th ABIL gave the same presentation in the West Valley at the Avondale City Council Chambers to an audience of 45 individuals. This half-day workshop was co-sponsored by ABIL, the Cities of Avondale, Goodyear, El Mirage, Tolleson, Buckeye & Maricopa County in association with the AZ Fair Housing Partnership, AZ Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division, AZ Mortgage Lenders Association, & Neighborhood Services of Phoenix.

 

The month ended on the 30th with ABIL reaching a new audience as the “Marketing to Persons with Disabilities” presentation was given to 68 members of the Affordable Housing Management Association (AHMA). There, Darrel Christenson presented the morning session while Lynn Dover from the firm Kimball, Tirey & St. John spoke about Fair Housing from a legal standpoint.

 

Overall, the presentations were very well received and education on Fair Housing as it pertains to persons with disabilities will encourage communities to pay attention to persons with disabilities as a vital part of the marketplace in the housing industry!     

 

------------------------

 

Welcome Peer Mentor Volunteers!

We are pleased to announce that on May 6th, Sally Whitey, Elida LeSueur, Russell Whitney, David Voytek and Sally Berdt completed ABIL’s Peer Mentor Volunteer training. In order to get a more comprehensive understanding of ABIL programs and IL philosophy, relatively new ABIL staff member Peter Clute also attended the sessions. The training included sessions on disability awareness, adaptation to disability, communication, goal planning, crisis intervention, the independent living philosophy and much more. Congratulations to our new peer mentors and welcome to our team!

 

For information on how you can become an ABIL volunteer, contact Ann Pasco at 602-443-0725.

 

 

ADA Success! 

By Ed Myers

The US Supreme Court ruled May 17th, in a narrow 5 to 4 decision in Tennessee vs. Lane, that persons with disabilities have a right to physical access to the courts under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act!  This means that all courthouses should be physically accessible – No more crawling up the courthouse steps in the future!

 

 

Medicare Prescription Cards

By Donna Kruck

 

We understand there is a lot of confusion about how the new Medicare Prescription Discount Cards program works. Now, in addition to the discount prescription cards sponsored by different pharmacies, and the Arizona CoppeRx Card coordinated by RxAmerica, those who are eligible for Medicare have the option of getting a Medicare discount prescription card.  We want to know if any of these are working for you! 

 

To get more information about the new Medicare Discount Prescription cards go to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-Medicare (633-4227).  Locally you can contact the Senior Help Line (even if you aren’t a senior) at 601-264-4357 to get an information packet or to speak with trained volunteers.

 

------------------------------

 

Phoenix.gov Website Accessibility Testing

 

The City of Phoenix Information Technology Department PhxWeb Section is seeking volunteers to test the accessibility of the phoenix.gov Website.

 

Using a phased-approach, the current phoenix.gov Website is being reorganized and migrated into a new Content Management System (CMS). A segment of the current site was selected for a pilot project and it is the result of that effort that the Phx Web Section is looking for volunteers to help test for accessibility.

 

The test site is at http://148.167.202.163:8000/AVIATION/

 

The testing will be done in a one-on-one type setting via phone, email, or other avenue that is convenient and comfortable with the volunteer tester.

 

If you would be willing to help test and provide feedback on the accessibility of the pilot site please contact:

 

City of Phoenix, Information Technology Department

Fax: (602) 534-1488

Contacts: Jerry Cole, Evelyn Maggiano

(602) 256-4104, 495-5762, or 534-5500 (City TTY Relay)

 

 

----------------------------

 

Independence is priceless…

AZLAT  Makes it affordable!

 

Do you need assistive technology, but can’t afford the out-of-pocket expense? Arizona Loan$ for Assistive Technology (AzLAT) may be the answer for you!

 

$    Affordable loans to persons with disabilities for the purchase of assistive and adaptive technology

 

$      For information: www.azlat.org or call 602-776-4670, 800-477-9921 (toll-free), 602-728-9536 (TTY)

 

------------------------------

 

Pilot Parents of Southern Arizona present:

PARTNERS IN POLICYMAKING

FREE Leadership Training

 

WHO: For Consumers & Family Members

 

WHEN: One weekend a month (Friday & Saturday)

 

WHERE: Chandler, AZ

 

WHY: To be a well informed advocate

 

What does Free mean?

Mileage paid (carpools arranged), Hotel paid, Food provided. Curriculum provided. Attendant care and/or other accommodations as pre-arranged.

Respite as pre-arranged

 

Session 1: History

October 1st and 2nd, 2004

 

Session 2: Education/Inclusion

October 29th and 30th

 

Session 3: Support Coordination/State Programs

November 19th and 20th

 

Session 4: Assistive Technology

January 14th and 15th, 2005

 

Session 5: Arizona System Change

February 27th and 28th

 

Session 6: Family and Community Support

March 18th and 19th

 

Session 7: Federal System Change

April 29th and 30th

 

Dates for 8th Class: 2004 and 2005

 

Application deadline is June 15th, 2004

For an application contact:

 

Pilot Parents of Southern AZ

2600 N. Wyatt Dr.

Tucson, AZ 85712

1-877-365-7220

Fax: 520-324-3152

 

• You will be sent a postcard to verify receipt of application.

 

• Notification of acceptance/decline will by August 31st.

 

Attendance is required for all sessions if accepted into the program.

 

-----------------------------

 

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.

 

Social Security Work Incentives

Speakers:  Erik Jensen, Rhonda Webb, & Donna Lorti - Work Incentives Specialists.

 

Workshops for Service Providers

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, June 29                                 1:00 – 3:00 PM

2345 E. Thomas Rd.  Ste. 290, Phx

 

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.  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  

Monday, June 7            10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

NEW LOCATION! -ABIL East, 2150 S. Country Club, Ste. 10, Mesa

 

Monday, June 21            1:00 – 3:00 PM

2345 E. Thomas Rd.  Ste. 290, Phx

 

Monday, June 28            1:00 – 3:00 PM

ABIL Metro Ctr, 10000 N. 31st Ave, Ste. D405, Phx

 

Work Incentives & SSI

Monday, June 14            1 – 3:00 PM

2345 E. Thomas Rd.  Ste. 310, Phoenix AZ

 

--------------------------------------

 

United Cerebral Palsy Assistive Technology Team

Come and hear about the Assistive Technology Demonstration Lab, evaluations, and trainings provided by UCP’s Assistive Technology Team.  Learn about:

- The various Assistive Technology Evaluations

l Adaptive Equipment and Home Modification

l Alternative Power Mobility

l Augmentative and Alternative Communication

l Computer Access

l Worksite Modification 

- The process for setting up evaluations and ongoing trainings

- Ongoing Training for several of the above listed Evaluations

- Arizona Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program

- Some of the equipment which will be displayed

 

Guest Speakers: Jodi Lindstrom, OTR/L and Cyndi Blair, M.S., CCC-SLP

Wednesday, June 16                                 1:00 – 3:00 PM

1229 E. Washington, Phoenix AZ

 

 

Life Planning Workshop

Planning for the future is difficult when managing time and responsibilities each day takes up the majority of your time. This barrier is one many families face when they wish to set up an estate plan for a child with special needs. Finding the time to plan is difficult...but it is essential. If you don’t have a plan for your child’s future the State of Arizona has one for you. Special needs planning involves Life Style, Government Benefits, Legal and Financial Planning. Learn the first steps to create a plan that will provide an optimal environment for your special needs family member.

 

Guest Speakers: Steven G. Johnson CFP®, ChFC, CLU, LUTCF, Financial Consultant

Tuesday, June 22                                 1:00 – 3:00 PM

1229 E. Washington, Phoenix AZ

 

---------------------------------------

 

Questions about the ADA?

The Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (PDBTAC) 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

 

--------------------------------

 

Disability Awareness Night at BOB

Friday, June 18th

Come join the Arizona Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (AZPVA) and our peers for an evening of fun, education and recognition at Bank One Ballpark!

 

The AZPVA is partnering with the Arizona Diamondbacks as a ticketing agent in order to educate the public and our peers and their families on community services. Tickets are for the Friday, June 18, 2004 game to see the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and will be available for $14. 

 

To order your tickets, please contact:  Mara Rasmussen at the Arizona Chapter office at 602-244-9168 or by e-mail: marar@azpva.org.  You may pay by credit card or check.

Cut-off date for ticket sales is Friday, June 11, 2004. Game time is 7:05 PM.

 

Proceeds to benefit the Family Relief Fund for the Arizona National Guard and The 2/363 TSB Soldier Relief Fund

---------------------------------

 

New Name, Home for Popular ACDHH TV Show

 

You may have watched “Sign Out” the nation’s longest running program for the deaf and hard of hearing, over the years. The popular show, which is produced by the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, is often a forum for many of the happenings in the disability community. Now, the Commission announces several major changes for the show, including the name! The Commission recently organized a contest to find a new name for the program, and starting in June, it will be known as “Community View.” That’s not the biggest change for the show though! The program will move from Channel 3 to Channel 13, and to a better time slot – Sundays at 2:30 pm! The show will be produced and will air on AZTV Channel 13 in Phoenix, and continue to air on KUAT in Tucson.

For more information visit the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing website at www.acdhh.org or call (800) 352-8161 (V/TTY).

 

-------------------------------------------

 

Improbable Theatre Company

Actual Lives:  “Sex, Death & Wheelchairs”

Herberger Theater Center

Lunch Time Theater Series

222 E. Monroe, Phx  

(Enter on Van Buren, under canopy)

 

June 28th 7:00 PM (Premiere, tickets $3)

 

June 29th, 30th, July 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th   

Doors open at 11:40, shows begin at 12:10.  Show is $5.

 

There’s a party going on. Who are these people and what’s the big secret? A funny, passionate and inspiring theater piece which evolved from a workshop designed to use personal experiences of people with disabilities in the writing process.

 

Bring your own lunch or pre-order a box lunch catered by “El Museo”for $5. Call 602-696-6590 before 9:00 AM on show day (or the day before) to have your lunch and seat reserved. Reservations are held until 12:05, after which the Herberger reserves the right to release your lunch and seat to a waiting customer. For more information call 602-254-7399 x106.

 

The Actual Lives workshop is a component of VSA arts of Texas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing barriers between the cultural arts and people with disability. For more information contact:

Celia Hughes, VSA Arts of Texas.

Phone: 512-454-9912             Voice,  512-454-6298 TTY
Email: celia@vsatx.org              Website: www.vsatx.org

--------------------------------------------

 

GET EMPOWERED!

Join one of ABIL’s advocacy e-groups and keep informed on what is going on in AZ and around the nation regarding issues of importance to people with disabilities. Advocacy e-groups include Empower (general alerts) and topical alert lists: transit, healthcare/Rx drugs, Independent Living, Employment. Anyone who subscribes can post events and alerts on the list. It’s yours. Use it! Just send a note asking to subscribe at listserv@abil.org

 

Please help us get the word out by including this notice in your organization’s publication.

 

-----------------------------------------

 

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.

 

Jun 02         Healer Within, 1:00-3:30 PM. Thomas/Ste 310. Women’s wellness group: Body Mind & Spirit.  Make an appointment with yourself. Donna Kruck, 602-443-0722

 

Jun 03         SR/Arizona Science Center, 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM.  Come explore the wonders of science. Cost: $9.00 adults, $7:00 seniors.  Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

              

Jun 07         SSDI/Work Incentives, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Mesa/Classroom. Details, page 7.  David Carey,  602-443-0723

              

Jun 10         SR/Arts & Crafts Group, 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM. Metro/Classroom. (Bring $3.00 for pizza or your own lunch) Come be creative with Arts and Crafts.  Cost: $2.00. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

              

Jun 10         V.O.I.C.E., 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM. 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale. Monthly support and information group for individuals with disabilities, their families & rehabilitation providers. Clayton Guffy 602-789-9129

              

Jun 14         SSI/Work Incentives, 1:00-3:00 PM. Thomas/Ste 290. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

              

Jun 15         Glendale Commission on People with Disabilities, 6:30-8:30 PM. Meeting open to the public.   2nd floor Conference Room, 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale. Pamela Unternaehrer, 623-930-2287        

              

Jun 15         ADA/PDBTAC Teleconference, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM. Phx/Kitchen. “To Disclose or Not to Disclose. What are the Pros & Cons?” Peter Clute, 602-296-0525

              

Jun 16         Healer Within, 1:00-3:30 PM. Location change - Thomas/Ste 290. Women’s wellness group: Body Mind & Spirit.  Make an appointment with yourself. Donna Kruck, 602-443-0722

              

Jun 16         Assistive Technology/United Cerebral Palsy, 1:00-3:00 PM. Phx/Kitchen. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

              

Jun 18         COMPASS, 2:00-4:30 PM, Providing Direction and Networking to Persons with Disabilities. Scottsdale Senior Center, 7375 E. 2nd St., Bldg. 2, Rm. 5, Scottsdale. Coordinator: Susan DeNova, 602-470-1802 x 114

              

Jun 21         SSDI/Work Incentives, 1- 3:00 PM. Thomas/Ste 290. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

              

Jun 21         SR/Newsletter Party, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. Phx/Kitchen. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

              

Jun 22         Financial Planning, 1:00-3:00 PM. Phx/Kitchen. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

              

Jun 28         SSDI/Work Incentives, 1:00-3:00 PM. Metro/Classroom. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Jun 28         Improbable Theatre Company/LTT Prem