INDEPENDENT
LIVING
AND
ADVOCACY
BY,
AND
FOR,
PEOPLE
WITH
DISABILITIES
|
The Bridge News
from the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living Volume
XV, Number 8 AUGUST
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!" Election
2004 Facts
for the Disability Community from the Arizona Center for Disability Law o Only 1 in 3 Arizona voters with disabilities voted
in the 2000 election o Arizona ranked 51st in level of voter participation
among voters with disabilities o U.S. General Accounting Office in 2001 found 84% of
the polling places limit access for people with disabilities Help
America Vote Act provides funding, information and training for election
workers to overcome the barriers identified above. ACTION NEEDED 1.
Deadline to Register to vote for the Primary Election is August
9th 2.
Vote in the Primary Election on September 7th
(remember even Independents can vote in the Primary
Election) 3.
Vote by Mail request can be made starting on August 27th. Voting
assistance in the home can also be requested. Contact your County
Election office at www.sos.state.az.us/election/2004/County.htm 4.
Get out the vote! 5. ABIL can help
you register - Call 602-443-0720 This
information is provided by Arizona Center for Disability Law through a
grant from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Administration
on Developmental Disabilities. ---------------------------------- Travel
can Lead to Greater Independence Phil Pangrazio, ABIL Executive Director
Summer
in the United States is a time to travel.
For many persons with disabilities, the thought of traveling
brings about much anxiety and fear.
For those of us who have traveled often over the years, traveling
is no big deal. It’s
something to look forward to with excitement and enthusiasm!
In fact, traveling can be an essential part of adjusting to life
with a disability. The
experience can liberate the mind and spirit from limiting thoughts about
what we “think” we can and cannot do.
Overcoming these attitudinal barriers can lead to greater
independence and self-esteem. As
a wheelchair user who has lived with a spinal cord injury for nearly
twenty-five years, I have taken many trips throughout the U.S.
I have traveled in various ways too including car, van, bus,
train, boat, aircraft, and even cruise-ship.
All of these means of travel can be managed quite effectively if
you plan in advance. In
fact, today more than ever, travel for persons with disabilities is
really quite good. The
accessibility of travel, leisure activities, and lodging accommodations
in the U.S. has improved significantly since the passage of the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). My
most recent trip was to Washington, D.C.
As is often the case, my trip began at Sky Harbor airport.
Just getting to the airport involves preparation.
For me, getting a ride from my wife, a friend, using private van
transit, or just driving myself are all possible alternatives.
Driving oneself is possible, but parking and taking the bus to
the terminal with multiple bags of luggage is a challenge.
On this trip, I drove myself.
Fortunately, I was able to persuade a skycap to hold my luggage
until I returned from long-term parking.
I really do not advise this though as it is getting more
difficult for the airlines to agree to this and still maintain adequate
security. For
me, the two most significant aspects of airline travel are boarding and
being prepared to not use a restroom for 3 ½ to 4 hours. Airliner bathrooms are not required to be accessible!
So, rule number one is… always go before you get-on.
And, rule number two is…always arrive early so you have enough
time for check-in, security processing, and accomplishing rule number
one. If your destination is
over-seas or the duration of the flight is significantly longer, I’d
suggest you fly with a companion if you know you may need in-flight
assistance. Boarding
the plane is the last challenge. Since
a wheelchair cannot fit between the airplane aisles, those of us who
cannot stand or walk must board using an aisle chair.
The aisle chair is similar to a movers’ dolly with a small seat
on it. It’s about as
comfortable as one too, but it does the trick!
If you cannot transfer yourself, all airlines have passenger
assistance workers that can lift you.
Some are trained better than others, however, so I suggest you be
assertive, speak-up and explain how they can best help you.
Upon
arriving in D.C., I took a cab to my hotel.
For me, a regular cab works just fine.
If this is not an option for you, I advise you call in advance
and reserve an accessible van service.
They can be waiting for you when you arrive.
Once you get to D.C., accessing the city is easy.
The Metro subway system is totally accessible and can get you
just about everywhere. Just get a map, go to your nearest Metro station, buy a fare
pass, get on and go. No
assistance is necessary and no wheelchair lockdowns are required. If you do need help operating the automated ticketing
machines, there is always Metro staff eager to assist you in any way.
My sightseeing this year included the new World War II Memorial
and Holocaust Museum. There
are so many sights in D.C., so plan enough days to see them all. You do
not want to miss the wonderful art, history, and architecture this city
has to offer. Bring an
umbrella too!
Whenever
in D.C., I also usually take in an Orioles baseball game.
This year was no exception and I recommend it.
Camden Yards is fabulous! It’s
one of the newest ballparks in baseball, but it has a nostalgic
ambiance. Getting there is
also easy too. Just take the Metro to Union Station, purchase a ticket
on the MARC train, get on and go. You’ll be at Camden yards in about
50 minutes. The MARC is
also totally accessible. It
even has accessible restrooms. After
the game…to get home… you will need to ride a bus to return to Union
Station since the MARC does not run late at night. Don’t worry though! Plenty of buses are available and equipped with wheelchair
lifts and tie-downs for safety. A baseball game at Camden yards is a
great way to cap off a trip to D.C. As
you can see, travel for persons with disabilities has many rewards.
It is exciting and rejuvenating in so many ways.
The experience can awaken your spirit to a new level of
independence. So if you
have been putting off traveling for fear of the unknown…delay no more!
As the Nike commercial says, get out there and “just do it!”
-------------------------------- 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 ABIL-East office
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 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 William
Harper ................................……....… Member Lynn
C. Houston ................................………. Member Nikki
Jeffords ..............................……………..Member Max McQueen .....................................…….... Member Nicholas
L. Perry.....................................…….. 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 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 Peter Clute,
443-0703 .................... Work Incentives 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 April Reed,
443-0720 …………………………... ASU Intern Rhonda Webb,
443-0728 ......... Work Incentives Coordinator 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) 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 Jay Murrillo,
296-0517..........…..... Van Driver/Facilities Maint. Joanna Savidan,
296-0531....…... Home Mod. Coord. (Phx) DeMarQues Thomas,
296-0538 .... Van Driver/Facilities Maint. 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. ----------------------------------- Another
Perspective on Mental Health/Mental Illnesses
By
Sue F. Davis, Executive Director, Arizona Alliance for the Mentally
Ill—NAMI Arizona I
have a wonderful adult son, Tod, who developed schizophrenia at age 20
while a scholarship student at MIT in Cambridge, MA. Schizophrenia is
one of several brain diseases, more commonly known as “mental
illnesses.” There is no blood test to diagnose schizophrenia.
Clinicians make the diagnosis by observing behavior and listening to
descriptions of behavior as related by family members and friends.
Schizophrenia has occurred throughout time in about one percent of the
population. Tod
would be considered by many to have a “disability;” he receives
Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Tod and I focus on his many
“abilities.” He lives independently in the community, voluntarily
sees a psychiatrist of his choosing for treatment, takes medications to
help him manage his symptoms, has a part-time job, drives a car, surfs
the internet with his computer, and votes. He is a wonderful human being
and has great “mental health.” He believes that he is in
“recovery” but will always need to manage the symptoms of his
illness in order to live a productive life that is meaningful to him.
Tod believes that schizophrenia is a real, brain-based illness. For 20
years he has had positive and negative relationships with many
psychiatrists. He has learned that it is important to find a clinical
professional with whom one can build a trusting relationship. He has
also learned what can happen when he stops taking his medication or lets
stress get the better of him. He has decided that he wants his family
involved in his life, sometimes to help him make important decisions. He
has expressed gratitude that once, to save his life, he was
court-ordered into treatment in which he and his family had a voice. Tod
is a member of NAMI, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. He
enjoys friendships and supports from people of all ages in his NAMI
“family.” NAMI is a
nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of
consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses.
NAMI members are dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and to
the improvement of the quality of life of all whose lives are affected
by these brain-based diseases. By including consumers equally in
governance and policy making, NAMI
exemplifies the mantra: “Nothing about us without us.” NAMI
believes there is a difference between mental health and mental illness.
Everyone should strive to have “good mental health.” NAMI focuses on
helping people of all ages who are affected by severe mental illnesses,
that affect the brain. Mental illness can profoundly disrupt a
person’s thinking, feeling, moods, ability to relate to others and
capacity for coping with the demands of life. Mental illnesses can
affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental illnesses
are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor
upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people with serious
mental illnesses need medication to help control symptoms, but they also
rely on supportive counseling, self-help groups, assistance with
housing, vocational rehabilitation, income assistance and other
community services in order to achieve their highest level of recovery. Here
are some important facts about mental illness and recovery. We believe: l Mental illnesses are biologically based brain disorders.
They cannot be overcome through “will power” and are not related to
a person’s “character” or intelligence. l Mental disorders fall along a continuum of severity. The
most serious and disabling conditions affect five to ten million adults
(2.6 – 5.4%) and three to five million children ages five to seventeen
(5 – 9%) in the United States. l Mental disorders are the leading cause of disability
(lost years of productive life) in the North America, Europe and,
increasingly, in the world. By 2020, Major Depressive illness will be
the leading cause of disability in the world for women and children. l Mental illnesses strike individuals in the prime of their
lives, often during adolescence and young adulthood. All ages are
susceptible, but the young and the old are especially vulnerable. l Without treatment the consequences of mental illness for
the individual and society are staggering: unnecessary disability,
unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate
incarceration, suicide and wasted lives; The economic cost of untreated
mental illness is more than 100 billion dollars each year in the United
States. l The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today
are highly effective; between 70 and 90 percent of individuals have
significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with a
combination of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments and supports;
l Early identification and treatment is of vital
importance; By getting people the treatment they need early, recovery is
accelerated and the brain is protected from further harm related to the
course of illness. l Mental disorders are real, treatable health conditions.
We have allowed stigma and a now unwarranted sense of hopelessness to
erect attitudinal, structural and financial barriers to effective
treatment and recovery. It is time to take these barriers down. NAMI
never claims to speak on behalf of someone with a mental illness who
chooses to speak for himself. NAMI has thousands of consumer members who
have chosen to be part of the NAMI family. NAMI believes that treatment
should be voluntary, engaging, and participatory. NAMI recognizes that
on rare occasions a person with a mental illness, due to the symptoms of
illness, may lack the capacity to make decisions that are in his/her
best interests. NAMI supports the use of mental health advanced
directives that allow a consumer to direct his care in the future. On
those rare occasions when a consumer does not have an advanced
directive, NAMI believes that court ordered treatment in a least
restrictive environment is a necessary last resort to save a life. Many
NAMI consumer members have thanked their NAMI family for using the
mental health advanced directive or court ordered treatment to save
their lives by intervening when they were unable to direct their own
care. Visit the NAMI web site (www.nami.org) for more information
about any of these topics. ----------------------------- TRIP
- Transit Advocates Vote
YES on 400 Our next TRIP coalition meeting is Monday August 9th, 1:00-3:00PM 1717 W. Jefferson, Suite 110 Help
us rally voters with disabilities, their friends, family members and
service providers to vote “Yes!” on Proposition 400 this November. Prop. 400 will extend the current transportation sales tax
another 20 years to pay for transportation improvements. We need your help: l registering voters, l writing letters to the
editor l distributing Prop. 400
information to bus and dial-a-ride users l speaking with the media
about the importance of expanded regional public transportation to
individuals with disabilities and seniors who cannot drive. Do whatever fits for you, but – Just Do It! Help us put a face on this issue
To
get involved, contact us today. RSVP for alternate formats or
transportation contact: aprilr@abil.org or
call 602-443-0720, ask for April or leave a message. ---------------------------- Help
Survey Polling Sites
AZ Center for Disability Law is conducting surveys of
polling sites statewide during the primary on September 7th, 2004 to
determine if they are accessible or not. They need volunteers who are
willing to complete a survey of their polling site.
Some of you might even want to survey several polling sites
during the primaries. The
results will help us advocate with county registrars to improve polling
access for individuals with disabilities. If you are interested in
conducting surveys contact April at 602-443-0720 or aprilr@abil.org . ------------------------------ “In democracy its your vote that counts…” Election 2004 - More Facts
To
Register to Vote in Arizona Qualifications: Be a citizen of the United States, a resident of the state 29
days preceding the next election, be
18 years or older before the election, not incapacitated under Arizona
law, and not convicted of treason or felony unless rights have been
restored. Where to Register:
You
can register online at www.servicearizona.com if you have a
driver’s license or state-issued identification.
Registration forms can be obtained from the county elections
offices or downloaded from the Secretary of State’s website at http://www.azsos.gov/election/VoterRegistration.htm Other
sites for registration forms include ABIL, County Election offices, City
or Town Clerk’s offices, some public libraries, some banks, some
grocery stores and the United States Post Offices. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities
are available including, but not limited to accessible polling places,
large print ballots or magnifiers, and allowing assistance for someone
to vote with a disability. Call
your County Election Officials listed below if you need assistance
registering or voting because of your disability. Questions
about Registering or Voting? Call
Toll-Free inside Arizona - Voter
Registration Hotline Maricopa
County Elections Department
602-506-1511 Important Electoral Deadlines: August 5 .....…….
Primary Early Voting Begins August 9 ..............
Last Day to register for
Primary September 7 .....
Primary Election September 30 ....
Early Vote General
Election Begins October 4 ..........
Last day to register for
General Election November 2 ......
General Election ----------------------------- Election
Lingo 101 The
General Election is the first Tuesday
in November where citizens are asked to vote for their choice for
federal and state representatives, ballot initiatives called
“propositions,” and judges. This
November 2nd you will vote to chose the President of the US (every 4
years), federal Senators (every 6 years), federal Congressional
Representatives (every 4 years), state legislators (Senators and
Representatives every 2 years). In other years you will be asked to vote
for our state Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, etc. You
will be able to vote this year for one state senator and two state
representatives. The
Primary Election is held before the General Election to
select the candidates from each political party that will run for office
during the General Election.
For most offices only one person from each party can run on the General
Election ballot, so if there are two candidates or more from the
same political party, you get to vote to choose one in the Primary
Election. In Arizona we have two state representatives per
legislative districts, therefore you get to choose two candidates of
your choice during the Primary Election.
See previous article for more information. --------------------------- Sun
Sounds Voter Information Project The
Citizens Clean Elections Commission has partnered with Sun Sounds of
Arizona to provide visually impaired voters with candidate information.
The Sun Sounds Voter Information Project (VIP) provides access to
printed election materials for voters who cannot read due to a physical
or visual disability via “Sun Dial.”
Prior to the elections V.I.P.’s can call 1-866-878-3271 and
listen to the information pamphlet and beginning in August, this same
information will be available on the Sun Sounds website at www.sunsounds.org
. “We
are delighted to continue our partnership with the Citizens Clean
Elections Commission and to provide equally accessible information to
the vast population of blind and visually impaired residents of
Arizona,” said Bill Pasco, director at Sun Sounds of Arizona.
“This partnership enables visually impaired voters to be
educated about the issues and candidates so they can make informed
decisions and exercise their right to vote.” ------------- 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 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,
August 30 10:00 a.m. –
12:00 p.m.
ABIL
Metro Ctr, 10000 N. 31st Ave, Ste. D405, 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 the number above 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, August 13
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
2345
E. Thomas Rd. Ste. 290
Phoenix AZ Work Incentives & SSI
Monday,
August 2
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 735
N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134, Mesa, AZ Monday,
August 16 2:00
p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ABIL
Metro Ctr, 10000 N. 31st Ave, Ste. D405, Phx Thursday,
August 26
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 2345
E. Thomas Rd. Ste. 290,
Phoenix AZ -------------------------------------- A Place for Mom
This
presentation will focus on independent and assisted living options in
the Phoenix area - typical costs and services provided, assistance
available, and financial assistance available.
In addition, home care assistance, day care, respite, and other
short term options will also be discussed.
Jim Dillard of ADL Solutions will also speak about modifying your
home to make it accessible and safe. Tuesday,
August 10
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
2345
E. Thomas Rd. Ste. 290,
Phoenix AZ ---------------------------------------------------- AZ Legislators Voting Records By
Donna Kruck Let
your voice be heard disability community!
Now that the legislative session is over, it is time to get ready
to vote for new legislators. Your vote is very important!
There are a variety of places you can go to get information on
candidates and ballot initiatives. www.azdisabilityadvocacy.org - You can see
how your legislators voted last session on disability related
legislation. www.azleg.state.az.us - You can see the propositions on the November 2nd ballot
that you will be asked to vote on.
Remember- Proposition 400 is for the transportation sales tax in
Maricopa County. ABIL
supports this proposition because it will fund additional public transit
and help transit users get round the valley from city to city in a more
efficient consistent basis. www.vote-smart.org -
Project Vote Smart!
can help you find out what districts you are in for federal and state
elected officials, read about the candidates and ballot initiatives for
AZ and they can even screen candidates voting histories. Unfortunately,
they do not do a disability screen and have refused to do so because
they feel not enough people with disabilities vote.
Go to the website and send them an email letting them know you
have a disability, you vote and you want them to provide disability
friendly candidate screening. To
register to vote or to help us register others to vote contact April at aprilr@abil.org
or call 602-443-0720. --------------------------------------- Mosquito
Fogging Info By
Donna Kruck You
have probably heard about the concern over mosquitoes spreading West
Nile Virus. The county is spraying neighborhoods in response to
complaints about mosquito’s and confirmed cases of the virus in humans
or animals. The virus is
extremely dangerous and we all need to take precautions to keep
mosquitoes from breeding. For those of us with severe allergies and
chemical sensitivities, the spraying, or fogging as they call it, can
also be dangerous. The
Phoenix HEAL support group has put together helpful information which
can be found on their website at: http://www.geocities.com/phxheal/fogging.htm The
information below is taken from their web site. The
fogging chemical is sprayed into the air from a truck that drives up and
down the streets, killing all mosquitoes and insects in its path.
The spray covers about 300 feet, depending on temperature and wind. If
the wind is over 5 mph they cannot spray. The County only has 7 staff
for the entire county. You
can call the Fogging Hotline number every day to see what neighborhoods
they are spraying. Fogging Hotline 602-372-3000 Maricopa County Environmental Services Vector Control Here
are some tips to help the chemically sensitive during a spraying. People
who have chemical sensitivities or who feel spraying may aggravate a
preexisting health condition, may consult their physician or local
health department and take special measures to avoid exposure. http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/mosquitojoint.htm
l Lower your air conditioner so that it will not come on between the 12:00
p.m. and 4:00 a.m. when
they typically spray. (It takes a few hours for the chemical to start
breaking down and dissipating, and when sunlight hits it, it breaks down
even quicker.) l You can tape off windows and doors. Use a metal tape - masking tape is
too porous. l Run your air purifiers l Have your Breathe Right Allergy or other allergy masks close by. l
Call to
keep informed of an upcoming spraying in your area. If you are
chemically sensitive you can be put on a MUST CALL list to
notify you when they will be spraying within a square mile area of you.
To get on the list call 602-506-0700. ---------------------------------------- The
Public Relations Society of America/Phoenix Chapter Honors ABIL and HMA
Public Relations The
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)/Phoenix Chapter has awarded
Phoenix-based HMA Public Relations with a Copper Anvil Merit Award for
its ongoing not-for-profit public relations efforts on behalf of its
long-time client, Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL). HMA
was recognized at the PRSA Copper Anvil Awards dinner at the Wrigley
Mansion on Thursday, June 24, 2004, in Phoenix. Vice President/General
Manager Abbie S. Fink, of Scottsdale, was on hand to receive the award.
HMA received the award, in part, for its collaborative work with ABIL to
generate creative, fresh and relevant story ideas for print, radio and
broadcast. With a wealth of information and both willing employees and
members, HMA generates story ideas centering on ABIL’s main message:
ABIL as a powerful “voice” for the community of people with
disabilities in Arizona. “Both
our agency and ABIL have worked tirelessly in our public relations and
media relations efforts and are proud to receive such prestigious honors
for our work,” said Fink. HMA is located at 3610 N. 44th St., Suite
110, Phoenix, AZ 85018. For more information, please call 602-957-8881
or log onto www.hmapr.com. ---------------------------------- PDBTAC
Teleconference What Makes A Meeting Accessible? August
17, 2004 11:00AM
- 12:30PM
ABIL/Phx Facilitators: June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy
Consultant and Author of “A Guide to Planning Accessible Meetings”
and “Accessibility Guidelines for Speakers” RSVP
to Darrel Christenson, 602-296-0530. 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 -------------------------------- 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. Aug 02
SSI/Work Incentives
10:00 AM-12:00 PM. 735 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134, Mesa. See details, page
7. David, 602-443-0723 Aug 05
Early Voting for Primary
Elections STARTS! Aug 05
SR/Baseball Game, 3:00-6:00
PM. Az D-backs vs Florida
Marlins. 401 E Jefferson St, Phx. Cost: $11.00. Leanne, 602-296-0535 Aug 09
LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR PRIMARY ELECTIONS! Aug 09
TRIP/Transit Coalition,
1:00-3:00PM. 1717 W. Jefferson, Ste 110. See details page 5. RSVP to
602-443-0720, ask for April or email aprilr@abil.org Aug 10
& 24
Healer Within, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM. Thomas Ste 290. Women’s Wellness Group:
Make an
appointment with yourself. Using mind, body and spirit. Donna K,
602-443-0722 Aug 10
A Place for Mom,
1:00-3:00 PM. Thomas Ste 290. See details, page 7. David, 602-443-0723 Aug 11
SR/Art & Craft Group,
10:00 AM- 2:00 PM. Mesa Classroom. 2150 S Country Club #10, Mesa. Cost:
$2.00. Leanne. 602-296-0535 Aug 12
V.O.I.C.E.,
1:00-4:00 PM, A monthly support and information group for individuals
with disabilities, their families & rehabilitation providers. 19055
N. 57th Ave. Glendale. Clayton Guffy 602-789-9129 Aug 13
SSDI/Work Incentives, 1:00-3:00 PM. Thomas Ste 290. David, 602-443-0723 Aug 16
SSI/Work Incentives
2:00 - 4:00 PM, Metro Classroom, David, 602-443-0723 Aug 17
PDBTAC Teleconference, 11:00
AM-12:30 PM. Phx Kitchen. “What Makes A Meeting Accessible?” Darrel.
602-296-0530 Aug 17
Glendale Commission on Persons 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 Aug 18
SR/Heard Museum,
10:30 AM- 1:30 PM. Native Culture & Art of the Southwest.
2301 N. Central Avenue. Phoenix. Cost: $7.00 adults, $6.00
seniors. Leanne, 602-296-0535 Aug 20
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. Susan DeNova, 602-470-1802 x 114 Aug 23
SR/Newsletter Party, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM. Phx Kitchen. Leanne, 602-296-0535 Aug 26
SSI/Work Incentives
1:00 - 3:00 PM. Thomas Ste 290. David, 602-443-0723 Aug 26
Improbable Theatre Company, 6-8:30
PM. Longview Recreation Center, 14th St/Indian School Rd, Phoenix. Come
join us and share your creativity as we prepare for future performances!
Kathy Tweet, 602-296-0503. Aug 30
Work Incentives/Providers,
10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Metro Classroom. David, 602-443-0723 --------------------------------------------- Classified
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