The Bridge
News
from the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living
Volume XIV, Number 4
April 2003
ABIL offers and promotes programs designed to empower people
with disabilities to take personal responsibility so they may achieve or continue
independent lifestyles within the community. ABIL is a member of the National
Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
"Not just responding to change, but leading it!"
(Special
Bridge insert regarding the Budget and disability issues at the end of document)
Budget Talk
Don’t Hang Up – It’s Just Getting Interesting!
By Donna Kruck
You have been hearing a lot about Arizona’s budget
problems. The good news is the 2003
budget seems settled with a final childcare agreement. There were no more
cuts to state programs for the rest of the 2003 budget cycle that ends in
June. But the 2003 budget was only
“spring training” for our legislature and governor. The real season (and battles) start now as they have to find a way to
agree on a 2004 budget with a $1
billion dollar deficit.
There is huge difference between the Joint Legislative
Budget Committee (JLBC) which eliminates or severely reduces funding for many
disability related state programs and the Governor’s budget which maintains
most of the programs and uses other means to handle the deficit. The decisions will be very difficult. Do we
cut any program that isn’t nailed down (mandated by federal law and matched
with federal funding) or do we sell state land, delay payments and take out
loans? It certainly has all the
different interest groups hustling to impress upon their legislators why their
programs must not be cut: health care, independent living services, domestic
violence, homelessness. Over and over I
hear pleas from people to not cut services to Arizona’s MOST vulnerable:
children with disabilities, seniors, newly disabled individuals, people who
will die without medication or kidney dialysis, people with serious mental
illness, domestic violence victims. It
is pitting us against each other: “Fund me!” “No me!” “No me!” “We need it
more, we’re MORE vulnerable than YOU!”
Most legislators appear to be genuinely struggling with
these issues – especially the more they hear from the voters in their districts
(You, I hope.) about the consequences of cutting program funding. Just looking at the numbers, it’s easy to
cut some of the numbers (and corresponding dollars) out of the budget. At least it was simple until people like you
came along and put a face to the numbers. In fact, the new legislators (about
half of the total) came into office thinking it would be a slam-dunk – they
would just cut the “fat” out of the budget.
They had no idea how much “fat” had already been cut in 5 special budget
sessions last year. Ignorance is bliss. They even tried to set it up so they
wouldn’t have to listen to any testimony in the House Appropriations Committee
about what their budget cuts would mean Arizonans that use those services. But the voters are showing up anyway - in
rallies at the Capitol, through emails and phone calls and individual
visits. And now, some of the
legislators are really confused! Bliss interrupted. At least they are more in touch with reality.
One thing is clear: it is up to you, the voters, to let your
will be known to your very own legislators.
It’s been working. Everyone
knows the original JLBC budget won’t work.
Trust me, they won’t go out on a limb for the programs important to you,
unless you are out there with them, encouraging them, supporting them. Call them up and tell them what programs are
important to you and why. Do it now,
while you still can. And if you get a
call to join us at the Capitol for a rally, please show up if you can. You are the voters in their district. I as
an advocate am only one voice. You have the power – you have the vote!
Want to get more involved?
Need more information or help?
s See the fact sheet insert for information
you can use when you talk to your legislator about Independent Living Services
funding or the AHCCCS Freedom to Work healthcare plan for people with
disabilities who are employed.
s Attend the workshop on the budget 4/14/03.
See page 5 for details.
s If you have internet service:
w Learn how to use the www.azleg.state.az.us
web site
w Join our email alert group by contacting
donnak@abil.org
s Refer to our list of legislators in the
February Bridge
s To speak to your public policy makers (be
nice to their secretaries – they are your link):
w House: 602-542-542-4221
w Senate: 602-542-3559
w
Governor: 602-542-4331
Vital Disability Programs Face Elimination in
2003-04 State Budget Cuts
Phil Pangrazio, ABIL Executive Director
It is hard to imagine a time when one of ABIL’s four core principles,
the principle of advocacy, has been more important. The state of Arizona is facing one of the
largest deficits in its history. As a
result, state lawmakers are being asked to tighten the belts of state agencies
and state-funded programs, some of which serve people with disabilities. Two of the programs under fire are the
Freedom to Work AHCCCS Buy-In program and the Department of Economic Security’s
(DES) Independent Living Rehabilitation Services (ILRS) program, both of which
aim to increase the independence and self-sufficiency of individuals with
disabilities.
In January, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC)
released its budget recommendations for fiscal year 2003-04. The JLBC’s budget recommended repealing
Arizona’s Freedom to Work AHCCCS Buy-In Program. Critical to the success of the federal Ticket to Work & Work
Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, the “Buy-In” program allows Arizonans with
disabilities, ages 16-64, to go back to work while maintaining their
AHCCCS/ALTCS healthcare coverage by paying in a share of the cost until they
get their own health insurance. As of
March 1, 2003, 126 individuals were already enrolled in the program. The elimination of the “Buy-In” would mean
that many of these individuals would have to quit working in order to retain
necessary healthcare through existing AHCCCS programs. In addition, other Arizonans with
disabilities that desperately want to work would essentially be prevented from
doing so.
The JLBC has also recommended elimination of state funding
for DES’s Independent Living Rehabilitation Services program. This program
assists individuals who are disabled and/or blind adapt to life with a
disability. The services and equipment
provided by the program include assistive technology such as adaptive software
programs and hearing aids, home modifications such as grab bars and ramps, peer
support and counseling services, as well as, sight conservation services to
over 8,000 individuals who need eye exams and glasses. Often times, the ILRS program assists
individuals when no other resources are available, helping people with
disabilities throughout Arizona live independently and be more able to
participate in community life.
The
survival of these two programs could depend largely on our advocacy efforts
over the course of the next few months.
As legislators begin to work out the details of the fiscal year 2003-04
budget, it is imperative that we let them know how vital these two programs are
to people with disabilities in Arizona.
It is our job to remind legislators of the vital purpose of these
programs…to increase the self-sufficiency of people with disabilities and to
improve the likelihood of our participation in all aspects of society (i.e.
political, social, and economic) that is routinely enjoyed by those without
disabilities.
In
the end, the dollars returned to the state by Arizonans with disabilities who
benefit from these programs will far outweigh the costs. We must let our legislators know that
eliminating the Freedom to Work AHCCCS Buy-In and the DES Independent Living
Rehabilitation Services programs does not make sense for the people of this
state and for a legislature charged with protecting the fiscal future of Arizona.
I encourage each of you to let your legislator know how you
feel!!! Please join us over the coming
months as we fight to protect these vital programs. Your call, email or letter to your state legislator could make
the difference in swaying a vote in our favor.
Does the State Budget Process Seem Confusing?
Do you want to learn more about how the process
works?
Do you want to hear from experts on how to ensure
that your services and/or your child’s services are not cut from the budget?
If you do, please join the Arizona Disability
Advocacy Coalition for a half-day workshop on the morning of April 14,
2003.
Where:
Grand Canyon Room, Governor’s Tower
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, Arizona
When: April
14, 2003
9:30 a.m.-Noon
Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
Who:
People
with Disabilities, Family Members,
Concerned Citizens – This
workshop is for YOU!!
How:
Register
by April 9th to assure materials are available. Call Judy at 602-274-6287
(voice/TTY, Phoenix) or 1-800-927-2260 (voice/TTY, outside of Phoenix). Reasonable accommodations, alternate formats
and sign language interpreters are available upon request.
The Bridge available by e-mail!
To receive The Bridge by email automatically each month,
send your request to: azbridge@abil.org or by mail to Penny c/o ABIL, 1229 E.
Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ
85034-1101, or call (602) 296-0518.
Please indicate if you would like to be removed from the list of those
receiving hard copy by mail. The Bridge newsletter is a monthly publication of
Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL).
The Bridge is a free publication.
To add or remove your name from our mailing list, or to place a
disability related personal or business classified ad, call or write to us at:
The Bridge c/o ABIL
(602) 256-2245
1-800-280-2245
(outside the 602, 623, 480, calling areas)
E-mail: azbridge@abil.org
Website: www.abil.org
(602) 667-0277
ABIL
Metro Center office
10000
E 31st Ave, Ste # D-405
Phoenix,
AZ 85051
(602)
424-4100
FAX
602-424-4118
(480) 655-9750
1-800-280-ABIL
(outside
the 602, 623,480 calling areas)
e-mail:
azbridge@abil.org
Staff
email: First name, initial of last name @abil.org
Questions about the ADA?
The Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance
Center (DBTAC) can answer questions about 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
Joseph
Mikitish, President
Tom
Ringhofer, Vice President
Lynn
Houston, Treasurer
Jim
Brahaney, Secretary
Marjann
Fletcher, Past President
Pamela
Allan, Member
Sharon Atwood, Member
William
Harper, Member
Ken
Heard, Member
Edith
Kilany, Member
Edward L. Myers, III,
Member
Nicholas L. Perry, Member
Scott Turner, Member
ABIL
Administrative Staff
Phil Pangrazio,
296-0513, Executive Director
Feng Chiou,
296-0511, Director of Finance
Maribel Diaz,
296-0515, Receptionist
Maria Deleon,
480-222-4201, Mesa Receptionist/Program Aide
Louise Downey,
296-0519, Accounting Assistant
Nancy Fleming,
296-0512, Accounting Clerk
Penny Fore,
296-0518, Executive Assistant
Sandy Guinn,
296-0514, Director of Operations
Tina Hedges,
296-0516, Billing Clerk
Donna Jones,
296-0510, Program Aide
Grace Landas,
296-0516
Jason Miller,
Billing Assistant
Jay Murrillo, 296-0517,
Van Driver
Advocacy
Unit
Donna Redford
Kruck, 296-0520, Unit Director
Lynn Bejnar,
667-0277, Ext 16, “This is My Life” Program Manager
David Carey,
296-0523, Advocacy Specialist
Erik Jensen,
296-0527, Work Incentives Specialist
Donna Lorti,
424-4105, Work Incentives Specialist
Ann Pasco,
667-0277, Ext 14, Volunteer Coordinator
Carolan
Quenneville, 296-0524, Graphic Specialist/Newsletter
Rhonda Webb,
296-0509, Work Incentives Specialist
Employment
Services
Susan Webb,
667-0277, Ext 11, Unit Director
Lynda Connors,
667-0277, Ext. 12, Employment Coordinator
Buffy
McDonald, 667-0277, Ext 18, Employment Coordinator
Dan Siegler,
667-0277, Ext 10, Employment Technician
Jennifer
Stetson 667-0277, Ext 17, Employment Program Aide
Community
Integration Unit
Darrel
Christenson , 296-0530, Unit Director
Judy Benshoof,
296-0532, ILA/Home Mod. Coord (Mesa/Tempe)
Jon DeWinter,
296-0537, Home Mod.Coord.(Glendale/Peoria)
Tony DiRienzi,
296-0534, Early Intervention Coord.
Paula Grodecki,
480-222-4212, Reintegration Coord.
Tyrone
Harrington, 424-4103, Com. Liv. Options Coord.
Leanne Jones,
296-0535, Soc/Rec, Youth Outreach/ILA
Rosalie
Manuel, 296-0536, Independent Living Skills Advocate
Joanna
Savidan, 296-0531, I&R, Home Mod. Coord. (Phx)
Leonard Smith,
296-0533, ILA/Reintegration Prg. Coord.
Personal
Assistant Services
Gwen Dean,
296-0541, Unit Director
Mary Avila,
296-0528, PAS Field Rep.
Pam Burdette,
480-222-4204, PAS Field Rep.
Kathy
Carlisle, 480-222-4203, PAS Field Rep.
Jerry Chee,
602-424-4107, PAS Field Rep.
Lyndora Hall,
296-0546, Payroll Clerk
Judy Ludlow,
296-0542, PAS Field Rep.
Teodoro
Marquez, 424-4102, PAS Field Rep.
Kelli Martin,
296-0544, Program Aide
Sheri Mecca,
296-0547, PAS Field Rep.
Diane Patton,
480-222-4206, Program Manager
Christine
Pinedo, 296-0506, Payroll Clerk
Colleen
Podmore, 296-0552, Program Aide
Grace Walstad,
602-424-4106, PAS Field Rep.
Roxanna
Williams, 424-4106, PAS Field Rep.
Melanie Woods,
480-222-4205, PAS Field Rep.
Christina Velasquez,
602-424-4104, PAS Field Rep.
Bonnie
Zanardi, 480-222-4202, PAS Field Rep.
ABIL Board member Lynn Houston has been appointed chair of
the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Commission On Disability Issues (MCDI). The commission
provides a forum for issues affecting people with disabilities and advises
public and private entities on those issues. During her two-and-one-half years
on the commission, Houston has served as vice chair and on several
subcommittees. Houston is a volunteer for the Accessibility Compliance
Enforcement (ACE) Program that issues tickets for disabled parking violations.
The Phoenix Police Department and the MCDI Transportation Committee created and
trained the corps of ACE volunteers as part of the “Save Our Space” campaign,
which reminds the public to save accessible parking spaces for the people who
really need them.
She co-chairs the Architectural Accessibility Committee that
provided pre-construction consultation for facilities such as America West
Arena and Phoenix City Hall, and serves on the Community Relations Committee
that presents the Ability Counts Awards Luncheon each October. Houston also
serves on four non-profit boards including the AZ Service Dog Brush-Up
Association, the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, Arizona
Bridge to Independent Living and River of Dreams. She also holds two part-time jobs.
“We have a dedicated group of people on the Mayor’s
Commission On Disability Issues,” said Houston. “We have accomplished a great
deal under the leadership of former Chair Gary Corcoran and I hope to maintain
that quality of leadership and progress in the coming year.”
Dan Martinez, Arizona Industries for the Blind customer
service liaison, has been named vice chair of the commission. Dr. Patricia A. Moore, Moore Design
Associates, has been newly appointed to the commission. The members of the
commission represent a diverse set of disabilities and a number of individuals
who are advocates for disability issues.
Social Security
Work Incentives Q&A
Q: I’m receiving SSDI benefits. Do I still have
to pay Social Security and Medicare tax on my earnings if I continue to work
part-time?
A: Yes, you do. Whenever you work in a job that
is covered by Social Security, your employer must deduct your Social Security
and Medicare taxes from your salary and must pay the equal employer’s share of
the taxes. Your earnings will be reported to SSA every year just like any other
worker’s earnings.
If you are self-employed while getting benefits and your net
profit from your business is more than $400, that, too, is covered by Social
Security and Medicare. You must report those earnings and pay the Social
Security and Medicare taxes when you file your personal income tax return for
the year. These extra earnings may help increase the amount of your benefits.
Have questions about how you earnings may effect
your SSA benefits, call one of ABIL’s Work Incentive Specialists at (602)
256-2245.
April 15th 11:00 am- 12:30 pm ABIL/Phx
Best Practices in
Reasonable Accommodation: Back to the Basics
LEARN YOUNG - A Disability Awareness Presentation
By Ann
Pasco
Learn Young! -
ABIL’s disability awareness presentation for children in elementary schools –
continues to capture the interest and curiosity of hundreds of students across
the valley. Just recently staff and volunteers visited Carminati Elementary
School in Tempe, Helen Keller Elementary School in Mesa, Crockett Elementary
School in Phoenix, and Higley Elementary School in Gilbert. The underlying message of our presentation
is simple: people with disabilities are like everyone else, we just do some
things differently.
Grade school children are very receptive to our
presentation. They are inquisitive and often ask a lot of questions. Many send
thank you notes; “I like how you teach us how to treat other people.” “It’s
nice because it teaches us a good lesson.”
“I liked that you came to talk to us.”
“It was fun having you here.”
“Thank you for sharing your abilities with us.” “I think all people should treat you the
same as they are treated.” “I hope you come back again.” “...you people were
great to me. You guys are awesome to me.
I love you, who you are.”
If you know of a group who would be interested in this
presentation, call Ann Pasco at 602-667-0277 ext. 14.
Photos: #1. Gail Elaine Irons reads from a Braille
magazine. #2. Carolan Quenneville talks about tools we all use (ie spoon,
chair, eyeglasses), and a few tools she uses. #3. Jay Murillo discusses
transportation and the importance of seat belts and wheelchair tie downs.
Resources For Accessible Congregations
Religious
organizations may be exempt from some sections of the ADA, but they must answer
to a higher power. Making that case to congregations is the life work of Ginny
Thornburgh and Lorraine Thal at the National Organization on Disability. They
do it persuasively, with love, in a positive and ecumenical spirit. Their
publications, “Loving Justice,” “From Barriers to Bridges,” and “That All May
Worship,” are derived from the
teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, Gandhi, Mother Theresa, the Torah, and from
everyday sense and sensibility. The books offer a sample floor plan for an
accessible sanctuary, an audit of barriers to worship, conference planning and
resource listings to help get any congregation on board. The books are also
available on audiocassette.
Connect with the accessible congregations campaign at
www.nod.org or by writing to NOD at 910 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.,
20006.
Phone 202-293-5960, TDD 202-93-5968.
Source: “Mouth Magazine” January-February 2003
issue, featuring Disability & Religion. To obtain a copy contact: Mouth
Magazine, PO Box 558, Topeka, KS 66601-0558 or log on to www.mouthmag.com
ARTability Benefit Day
Saturday, May 10th
ARTability, a state-wide
organization that advocates and promotes accessible services in the arts is
very pleased to announce that Borders Bookstores will be hosting its first
ARTability Benefit Day on May 10th, 2003. All the Borders Bookstores in the
Valley and in Tucson will be accepting ARTability Vouchers. When you make a
purchase any time on that day the vouchers help ensure that 15% of your total
purchase will be contributed to ARTability. Vouchers will not be passed out on
the Benefit Day, so remember to bring it with you.
Why should you take
part? May 10th just so happens to be the day before Mothers Day, so why not buy
mom a gift and help others at the same time! If you are planning on making
purchases in the near future, wait for May 10th and you can squeeze in a good
deed for the day with very little effort. Make mom proud and help make the Arts
accessible! Remember to bring in and use this voucher.
For information on how you can obtain an ARTability Benefit
Day Voucher, contact Laura Alverado at 602-757-8118 or 520-631-6253.
Triple R WarmLine
602-347-1100
New Hours: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm 7 days a week
A friendly voice - Peer support - Confidential - Trained
listeners!!!
If you need assistance before or after hours please call
Value Options Crisis Line at 602-222-9444 or 1-800-631-1314
Advocacy Presentations/Workshops
All
Advocacy presentations are free.
Participants must RSVP with David
Carey, 602-296-0523.
Presentations/Workshops
without a minimum of 4 participants are subject to cancellation.
For accommodations
or alternative format please call in advance. For ABIL van transportation
please call as soon as possible. ABIL requests a $1+ donation (each way) for
ABIL van transportation. Consumers must
be 18 years+ or own legal guardian.
Social Security Work Incentives 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 pubic programs. Our trained and certified Work Incentive
Specialists are also happy to provide presentations at your agency location.
Guest Speakers: Erik
Jensen, Rhonda Webb, & Donna Lorti - Work Incentives Specialists
Tuesday, April 22 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SSDI & SSI Work Incentives Workshops
for Beneficiaries Only
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 (SSI, SSDI). If you are unsure which
kind you receive, David can help you figure that out when you call to RSVP. From now on, we will be having separate
workshops for each type of benefit: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because each program has different rules
and different work incentives. If you
receive both, let David know and he will help you get an appointment with a
Work Incentive Specialist. Family members and/or support person are welcome.
Work Incentives & SSDI
Thursday, April 24 10:00
a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Work Incentives & SSI
Thursday, April 10 10:00
a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Monday, April 14 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: ABIL East - 225 East 1st
Street. Mesa, AZ
Monday, April 28 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Metro
Center Office (10000 N. 31st
Avenue, Ste. D-405), Phoenix
Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology (AzLAT)
is a statewide program to make affordable financial loans to individuals with
disabilities for the purchase of assistive technologies and services. Come hear
about how it works and how to apply. Guest Speaker: Tony DiRienzi
Airline personnel will be discussing the travel process for
people with disabilities. They will be discussing
the do’s and don’ts and also offering tips for before, during and after the
travel process. There will also be a
question and answer session. Guest Speakers:
Jennifer Tonge, Director of Customer Relations/John Romanic, Manager
Airport Customer Service
Wednesday, April 9 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Self-Employment Presentation
Guest speaker, Hank Garbade will discuss the following
services that he provides: Career,
Vocational, Rehabilitation Counseling; and Entrepreneurial/Self-Employment
Counseling, including the development of a fundable Business Plan; Long-Term
Assessment & Case Management; SSDI/SSI - PASS & IRWE Plan Development
& Implementation; and Possible Funding Sources. There will also be time for
Q & A’s.
Tuesday, April 22 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
PROJECT VOTE SMART
Coming to the Phoenix-Tempe Area
Wednesday
April 9th
6:30
PM
Tempe
Public Library
3500
S. Rural Road
(480)
350-5551
Thursday
April, 10th
6:30PM
ASU
Downtown Center
502
E. Monroe St
(480)
965-3046
Meet Project Vote Smart’s President Richard Kimball and
Board Chairperson Adelaide Elm. See a short video of outrageous political
commercials and hear about upcoming project plans for the 2004 Presidential
Election. RSVP: Cornelia or Marianne 406-859-8683 membership@vote-smart.org
“Actual Lives” Workshop
Beginning Monday, April 7th
The Improbable Theatre Company (ITC) invites you to join us
in an exciting creative workshop called “Actual Lives.” This
writing/performance workshop was conceived by and for people with disabilities
and has proven successful with groups comprised both of individuals with and
without disabilities. Designed as an intensive workshop followed by four weeks
of rehearsals, this “from page to stage” process will afford participants the
opportunity to fully exercise self expression as we create an exciting theatre
piece from autobiographical material.
The workshop will begin Monday, April 7th and run through May.
The final piece will be performed as part of the Herberger Theater Center’s
Lunch Time Theater Series, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from May 20th
through June 5th.
Workshop/Rehearsal Schedule:
Mondays/Wednesdays 2:30- 5:00
Longview Neighborhood Recreation Center
14th Street/Indian School
Saturdays 1:00-3:30
ABIL/Phx April, 12,19,& 26th
Herberger Theater Center, May 3,10,17th
Come join us! Bring your stories, talents & creativity!
For more information, leave a message for Kathy Tweet at ABIL’s Artreach/ITC
line, 602-296-0503.
Saturday, May 10th, Noon - 4:00 pm
St Paul’s Catholic Church, O’Carroll Hall, 330 W.
Coral Gables, Phx.
The 1st annual Disability Awareness Spring Mixer and Educational
Gathering is open to all adults with disabilities and their companion living in
the valley. Join us for food, entertainment, speakers, door prizes and other
activities. All for FREE!
Coral Gables is located approx. ½ mile South of Greenway Parkway
between 7th Ave and 7th St. If you want more information regarding this event
or are interested in helping plan it, please contact Bill Falls, 602-866-1095
or e-mail: wfalls@qwest.net
Supported and organized by Arizona Bridge to
Independent Living, Arizona Chapter of
Paralyzed Veterans of America, Polio Echo, Disability Network of AZ,
Joni and Friends and VOICE.
Vision Conference
Friday, April 4th
9:30am -3:30pm
AZ Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired
3100 East Roosevelt, Phoenix
The
AZ Chapter of the Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind
& Visually Impaired and the staff of the newly remodeled AZ Center for the
Blind & Visually Impaired (ACBVI) invite you to participate in a one-day
conference! Featured presenter: Dr. Velma Dobson, University of Arizona
Department of Ophthalmology. For
information call: Rachel Jones, 602-347-3028 or log on to http://www.ed.arizona.edu/azaer/
Victim Assistance Program
April 15, 1-3:00 pm,
ABIL/MetroCenter, 10000 N. 31st Ave,
D-405
Empower yourself and keep the people you care about safe! No
matter what your disability, this course will help you learn how to how to
communicate effectively and how to keep yourself safe. Hope to see you there! Leanne, 602-296-0535.
I&R Information & Referral
Q&A Question
of the Month
Q: I am visually
impaired and have great difficulty seeing the keys on my keyboard. Is there anything to assist me?
A: Call the
Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired 602-273-7410.Their hours are
from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. They can offer assistance with
ordering special aids for this purpose as well as assistive technology training
and evaluation with computers for people with physical disabilities.
If you have a question that
you would like to see addressed here call Joanna Savidan at 602-296-0531
Empowering Youth
Independent
Living Skills Workshop Topic:
Transportation
April
2nd 9:00-11:00 ABIL/Phx
The Empowering Youth with Disabilities into Adulthood/Youth Transition
Program brings in community resources to teach independent living skills to
young adults ages 14-22. If you or your high school group would like to attend
any of these, please call Leanne Jones at 602-296-0535 to RSVP. For accommodations or alternative format
please call Leanne in advance.