TO INDEPENDENT LIVING: December 2006 Newsletter

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!"

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I was intrigued by the recent student protests at Gallaudet University over the selection of Jane K. Fernandes as the new president (Note: her selection was recently rescinded). Gallaudet is the nation’s only liberal arts university for people who are deaf. Students were opposed to Ms. Fernandes’ hiring because they felt she did not adequately support and represent “deaf culture.” The Washington Post wrote that the protesters real objections had to do with Fernandes’ vision for Gallaudet: a diverse place “that would welcome all sorts of deaf and hard-of-hearing people” and would help “more and more deaf people to function in the hearing world.”

Fernandes, a provost at Gallaudet for eleven years before being named president, was seen by many students as supporting policies that were detracting to deaf culture and unacceptable for a University that was established to meet the needs of students who are deaf. Students complained about being forced to lip read because many professors could not sign well. Others complained about certain university staff such as police and security who could not sign. Many felt it was Fernandes who permitted these professors and other staff to continue to teach or work at Gallaudet, putting students at risk or impeding their education.

Some students went so far as to suggest that Fernandes was not “deaf enough.” Fernandes, who is deaf, was raised with hearing children and did not learn American Sign Language (ASL) until her twenties. One student protester said through an interpreter that, “Fernandes did not connect with deaf people. She doesn’t really feel us. She’s very critical of deaf culture because she is married to somebody who hears.”

The issue of cochlear implants also came to light during the Gallaudet protests as well. Surgically implanted in the inner ear, cochlear implants pick up sound and transmit it as electrical impulses to the brain. However, they are not unimpeded sounds as they are heard, but rather are signals that people who are deaf must learn to interpret into words.

Ironically, but maybe not too surprising, the use of cochlear implants has not been embraced by many in the deaf community. In fact, they have brought considerable criticism to those who use them. Explaining himself, one Gallaudet student signed, “In some ways, you’re saying deaf people are not good enough, they need to be fixed. I don’t need to be fixed. My brain works fine.”

As I read about the Gallaudet protests, I reflected upon the reactions of the deaf community as they related to my own experience as a person living with a spinal cord injury, and one who has been active in the independent living movement. My first thought was one of appreciation that the Gallaudet protesters really “get” IL and rebuke the medical model philosophy of treating, curing and “fixing” the disabled. I also was impressed that Gallaudet students understood the importance of the peer support model, thus their desire to see one of their own leading the University…who better to be a mentor and role model? Also notable, was their desire to retain traditional modes of learning (i.e. ASL) as a matter of choice and preference.

On the other hand, however, I also believe that the deaf community is at a crossroads. Is deaf culture too isolated? Is this partly self-imposed isolation in the best interest of future generations of people who are deaf? Could embracing technology and other forms of learning lead to greater integration and positive relationships with mainstream society?

I think these are important questions, not just for the deaf community, but for the rest of society as a whole. How will we respond to medical and scientific advancements that will surely result from genome and stem cell research? How would people react to my choice to walk again? I’m not sure, but it’s certainly worth talking about!!!

(Phoenix , Ariz. – Nov. 3, 2006 ) The Holiday Season is a time of year when many Arizona consumers contribute to charities. As the Holidays draw closer, Attorney General Terry Goddard advises consumers to be careful when donating to charitable organizations, especially groups they know little about.

l Ask questions about the organization soliciting funds. A legitimate charity will be happy to provide information about its work.

l Be careful of charities with names that sound impressive or resemble those of other organizations. Some scam artists use names similar to reputable, well-known organizations to confuse donors.

l Do not make cash donations. Always contribute by check. Make your check payable to the charity, never to the individual soliciting the donation.

l Remember to ask for a receipt and a statement that the contribution is tax deductible.

l Be very skeptical of anyone asking for an immediate donation by requesting your credit card number or bank account information over the phone.

l Find out how the charity will use your donation. Ask for information about its programs and for a copy of its financial report. Ask what percentage of the funds will be used for programming and how much will be spent on administrative costs. Reputable charities will be happy to provide this information.

l Be wary of calls soliciting funds that coincide with highly publicized tragedies, such as devastating fires, floods or other dramatic events. Fraudulent fund raisers will try to exploit your sympathy for those who suffered.

l If you have any doubts about a charity, check with the Secretary of State to ensure it is registered as a non-profit.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at 602-542-5763; in Tucson at 520-628-6504; or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 1-800-352-8431.

To file a complaint in person, the Attorney General’s Office has 25 satellite offices throughout the State with volunteers available to help. Locations and hours of operation are posted on the Attorney General’s Web site at www.azag.gov. Consumers can also file complaints online through the Web site.

With the holiday season fast approaching, many of you are making your travel arrangements and checking them twice. In order to arrive at your final destination, however, you must first get through the airport’s security checkpoints. Keeping a few things in mind while packing and before leaving for the airport will help cut down on wait times. Below are some of the most current federally mandated travel restrictions.

· Knives, tools, firearms and lighters are still not allowed in carry-on luggage.

o MUST be in containers 3-ounces or smaller. Larger containers that are only half-full will NOT be allowed.

o MUST be placed in quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bags. Items in larger bags that are not zip-top will not be permitted through the checkpoint.

· Liquids, gels, and aerosols used by persons with disabilities and/or medical conditions will be permitted in carry-on luggage in containers larger than 3-ounces, but must separated from other non-medical liquids, gels, and aerosols.

· At the checkpoint passengers must remove liquids, gels, and aerosols from their carry-on luggage and place them on the conveyor belt for inspection. Liquids, gels, and aerosols larger than 3-ounces used by persons with disabilities and/or medical conditions must be declared to a security officer at the checkpoint for further inspection.

· Prescribed medications are permitted in carry-on luggage in any quantity as long as it is in the original labeled bottle. Passengers are encouraged to remove them and declare them to the security officer at the checkpoint, however.

· Beverages: Only beverages purchased AFTER the checkpoint are allowed past the checkpoint or on the plane.

Up to the minute information on restrictions can be found at the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) website www.tsa.gov The TSA can also be reached at their toll free telephone number 1-866-289-9673 to answer any additional questions.

SkiAble is a multi-day event in the mountains of Arizona for individuals with permanent physical disabilities. The cooperative program provides an opportunity for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers to enjoy the freedom and thrill of the downhill sport.

SkiAble also welcomes Family members and Professionals to jump on board for an educational experience. Dry land and On-hill training is offered for those choosing the Professional track to promote awareness of adaptive equipment, teaching techniques, safety, disability awareness and more.

Registration includes one-on-one adaptive ski instruction, adapted equipment and a one day lift ticket. Please express interest as an Athlete or Professional to Susan Byrne Rossi, City of Mesa Adaptive Sports, 480-644-5702 or susan.byrne@cityofmesa.org.

Sponsored by Arizona Disabled Sports, Snowbowl, Breckenridge Outdoor Recreation Center (BOEC), City of Mesa, and Mesa Public Schools

The first annual Phoenix Coyotes Tournament dedicated to the memory of Peter Clute was a great success. The sled hockey teams of the Phoenix Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, Utah National Ability Center Golden Eagles, and the Sacramento Lightning hit the ice, the puck and each other in this best of the southwest contest. For information on the sport of sled hockey log on to: www.usahockey.com/ussha/

St Joseph Hospital, McAuley Bldg., Grand Canyon Room, 2nd Floor, 500 W Thomas Road, Phx

The Governor’s Council on Spinal and Head Injuries invites you to join in on a twelve-week course designed to empower those with spinal cord injuries, their family members, and the professionals who work with them. This course was designed by consumers and family members for those who share their experience. Come hear from top experts and professionals in the field of spinal cord rehabilitation and education. Each evening offers opportunities for discussion, dialogue, and a chance to speak with others whose lives have been effected by spinal cord injury. Bring your knowledge and life experiences; come and share with others.

Please join V.O.I.C.E. and friends for a tree planting in memory of Randy Werner. No Host lunch following at Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant, 5670 W. Peoria Avenue. For map and directions log on to: www.voice-az.com

Goodwill of Central Arizona and Southwest Institute for Families and Children with Special Needs (SWI) have received funds from the city of Phoenix to help youth, ages 14 – 21, acquire basic life skills, job training, and job experience. This integrated program will be provided at no cost to the youth. The program is open to youth, ages 14- to 21-years-old, who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and live in the city of Phoenix. In addition, youth must complete an application, participate in an interview, and show evidence of being able to read and write at a 4th grade level or above. For more details call Nora Stiles at 480-222-8800 Ext. 30.

l Are enrolled with an AHCCCS or ALTCS health plan? Do you receive mental health services from CPSA, ValueOptions, Cenpatico, NARBHA, the Navajo Nation, the Pasqua Yaqui Tribe, or Gila River Indian Community?

l Have you ever been denied a service you need? Or has an existing service been terminated?

Call 1-800-927-2260, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 9:00am - 1:00pm.

Q: I’m currently receiving SSDI, but I plan to start working after the first of the year. Do I need to report my earnings to Social Security?

A: YES! If you work and get any kind of disability benefit from Social Security, then you must report your earnings. This information must be reported no later than the 10th day of the month after the month you started working. For example, if you start working on January 22, then you must report this information no later than February 10. A Community Work Incentives Coordinator can assist you with income reporting if you feel you want help. Call 602-304-WORK for more information.

ABIL is proud to announce that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has renewed our statewide grant to provide Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) through our AZ Freedom to Work Program for the next three years. Through this program Community Work Incentive Coordinator who are trained and certified through SSA contractors will continue to help SSA beneficiaries with disabilities understand the most up to date work incentives and how employment earnings affect their cash, medical and other benefits.

· Erik Jensen - Central Phoenix, Eastern Maricopa County, Pinal and Gila counties.

Northern AZ Work Community Work Incentive Coordinators at New Horizons Independent Living Center: Dan Kelsey, Steve Aurzada

Southern AZ Work Community Work Incentive Coordinators at DIRECT Center for Independence: Steve Jeton, Ken Laux and Laura Morales

South Eastern AZ – SMILE Center for Independent Living is currently recruiting their Work Community Work Incentive Coordinator.

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.

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 WIPA program.

Learn how employment will affect your cash and medical benefits. Sign up for the workshop that matches the kind of Social Security you receive. If you are unsure which kind you receive, David can help you figure that out when you call 602-443-0723 to RSVP. If you receive both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), David will help you get an appointment with a Work Incentive Specialist. Family members and/or support persons are welcome.

Work Incentives - SSDI

Work Incentives - SSI

Youth Action Council of AZ

It has been over 15 years since the initial ADA Accessibility Guidelines were published. This session will discuss the status of developing and pending accessibility guidelines including the revised ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines, public rights of way, outdoor developed areas and passenger vessels. In addition, this session will explore the direction that the U.S. Access Board is going in related to their research agenda and future areas of rulemaking/guidance. Speaker: David Capozzi, Director, Technical and Information Services, U.S. Access Board

Provided by the Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (PDBTAC)

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

All artists have an instrument or tools they are using when they are creating something. For example, guitarists have their guitars, painters have paintbrushes and even actors have an instrument. But an actor’s instrument does not require a case or regular cleaning. But it does take care, because it can be used for singing, talking, humming, chanting, screaming and most importantly performing. This multifaceted instrument is an actor’s voice, according Barbara Acker, associate professor from Arizona State University’s School of Theatre and Film. Acker has been teaching voice and acting classes at Arizona State University since 1991 and she led a two-part workshop for the Improbable Theatre Company (ITC) in October at the Longview Community Center.

During the first part of workshop Acker explained how the voice projects itself through the body and how to properly care for the voice, as well as teaching a few vocal exercises to ITC workshop participants. Acker dedicated the second half to helping ITC workshop participants with their newly learned exercises, and finding ways for everyone to participate, despite the disabilities of some participants.

Some exercises practiced were for articulation projection and quality. This only meant one thing for everyone- pure silliness. For example before they knew it everyone, including Acker was sticking out their tongues, squinting their eyes, and making frog sounds.

Acker said she was honored to lead this workshop, because she believes everyone can be successfully creative, no matter what challenges people face.

Theater is more than reciting lines from a script. It’s placement, pacing, props, lighting, sound, emotion, voice, movement, interaction between actor and audience ...and much, much more. Come and join us as we learn about all the aspects of preparing a scene, then practice what we’ve learned. Beginners welcome! ITC is a place to try out new things and have fun doing it!

To RSVP please leave a message at ABIL’s ITC line, 602-296-0503 or email: improbabletheatreco@cox.net. Please note if you will require alternate format materials.

ITC operates under the auspices of ABIL and is partially funded by the Phoenix Arts Commission & the Arizona Commission on the Arts

No fragrances please. To accommodate those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities please do not smoke or wear scented products when attending ITC events.

Take time this busy holiday season to make time for yourself. Join us for relaxation practices and share ideas for living with and releasing the stress of the holidays. No previous experience necessary. The only skill needed is willingness and the ability to listen to others. For travel convenience, we are offering one in Mesa and one in Phoenix. Women only please.

Funding for Social and Recreational activities is provided (in part) by the Arizona Department of Economic Security. ABIL requests a $1+ donation (each way) for transportation provided on the ABIL van. Consumers must be 18 years+ or own legal guardian for ABIL van transportation. Reasonable Accommodations, including Sign Language Interpreters and Personal Assistants, will be provided at ABIL events upon request. Please do not smoke or wear scented products when attending events.

Dec 05 WIPA/SSDI Presentations,, 10:30am-12:30pm. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Dec 05 Holiday Healer Within - Mesa, 1:30pm-3:30pm. Mesa Classroom. Women’s wellness group: Stress reduction for the Holidays. Amina Kruck, 602-443-0722

Dec 08 WIPA/SSI Presentations, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Metro Classroom. See page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Dec 08 Holiday Party, 11:00am-2:00pm. Consumer and Peer Mentor Holiday Party. Longview Recreation Center. 1414 E Indian School Rd., Phx. Cost: none. April Reed, 602-296-0533

Dec 12 WIPA/SSI Presentations, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Dec 12 WIPA/SSDI Presentations, 10:00am-12:00pm. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Dec 12 Holiday Healer Within - Phx, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Thomas Ste 290. Women’s wellness group: Stress reduction for the Holidays. Amina Kruck, 602-443-0722

Dec 13 WIPA for Providers, 10:00am-12:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Dec 13 V.O.I.C.E./Annual Chili Cook-Off., 11:00am-2:00pm. Encanto Park Clubhouse. No VOICE meeting at the Foothills Library in December! Clayton Guffey, 602-789-9129, ext 207. Website: www.voice-az.com

Dec 14 SR/Phoenix Zoo Lights, 6:00pm-7:30pm. 455 N. Galvin Pkwy. The magic begins after the animals at the Zoo go to sleep! Cost: $8.00 Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

Dec 15 COMPASS, 2:00pm-4:00pm. Providing direction and networking to persons with disabilities. Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale. Pauline Staples, 602-241-1006

Dec 18 SR/Holiday Shopping, 10:00am-1:00pm. 7700 West Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale. Cost: None. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

Dec 19 Glendale Commission on Persons with Disabilities, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Open to the public. 2nd floor Conference Room, 5959 W. Brown St. Julian Avila, 623-930-2297

Dec 19 WIPA SSI Presentation, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Dec 28 Men’s Disability Issues Group, 6:30pm-8:00pm. Explore the range of thoughts, feelings and beliefs regarding the impact disability has on your life and the perceptions of others. FOR ADULT MEN ONLY! Legacy at Piestewa Peak Clubhouse, 1411 E Orangewood Ave., Phx. Don Price, 602-980-3232

To place an ad please send an email marked “Want Ad” to carolanq@abil.org or call 602-443-0724 and leave the information on voice mail. ABIL provides space free of charge for individuals placing personal disability related ads. The fee for a disability related business ad is $25. ABIL is not responsible for the quality of advertised items or services. Please call to renew ads.

‘98 Ford Econoline Hi-top van, industrial Braun lift, tie downs for wheelchairs. clean, dependable, new transmission, new tires & battery. Dependable Transportation. $5500 OBO Call 602-249-1591

'99 Chevy Venture van, has lowered floor, kneeling system, manual tie downs, removable front seats, under 21,000 Miles, slide under ramp system, all pwr, tilt, cruise, pwr & manual side doors, front/rear AC/heat, Really nice...Asking $20,000 OBO, CALL: 623-910-2013

‘03 Dodge Grand Caravan eX, IMS Rampvan Conversion - Pioneer Navigation system, multimedia player, 36K miles, one owner, non smoker, Easy Lock system, 7yr extended warranty. Q Straints available for sale in addition to van. Lowered floor; pwr door, fold-out ramp, kneeling system, 4-pt manual tie downs, inside/outside switches, removable front pwr seat, pwr windows, locks/mirrors; tilt and cruise. $28,500. For pricing questions & info call 480-628-4902

‘05 Dodge Caravan w/Joey Lift & stow away seats. 29K miles. Asking $24,000. Harner Mobility Lift for back of vehicle w/warranty and lift cover. $1800 OBO. Call 623-566-0106

‘97 Dodge Ram Van w/Braun Lift, side loading, tie downs, extended roof 96” hgt. Seats 6, 4 in back w/wc behind drivers seat. Exrta large battery. White, needs some work (speedometer does not work), 152K hwy miles. $5500 OBO. Call 602-252-5508

Lift for car or van. Like new, easy to operate. URGENT: Stored at Wheelchair Carrier in Scottsdale for only a month - can be installed there. Like new, hardly used. Paid $1500, asking $900. Call 480-391-1153

BUZZ HMV Highly Maneuverable Vehicle, INVACARE Zoom 220 Scooter. Brand new with tags and Operator Manual $1500. Walker w/seat, basket & brakes. Like new. $60. 623-878-8894

Jazzy 1103 Ultra chair w/carrier and ramp. Very good condition, used only 3-4 times. $3000. Call (h) 480-654-0905 or (w) 480-443-4342

Solo scooter w/onboard charger, power seat & odometer. Great for neighborhood errands, very dependable. Asking $2,500 OBO. Nearly new (used 3hrs) Lifestyle power chair by Quickie, on board charger & oxygen tank carrier. Chest strap & lap belt. Super cushion w/valve adjustments. Asking $3,000 OBO 480-926-0875

‘02 Jazzy 1122, new batteries as of March w/50 hrs use, solid tires, up/dn seat, heavy duty, 200-300lb wt capacity. Cost new $6300, asking $1500 Firm. Call 480-982-2413

Pride Jazzy 1101 pwr chair, almost new, used 4 times. Cost new $5000, asking $2500. Call 623-977-7495

Invacare Action 9000 Power Chair, 2 new batteries/Jay2 gel cushion, electric charger. $800 firm. Call 623-434-3539

Invacare electric hospital bed, head/foot/bed raises, w/2 gel mattresses. Exclnt cond. $550. Manual Wheelchair w/pwr assist - Cost 9K will sell at $3500 OBO. Invacare pwr chair w/pwr tilt, $400 OBO. Standing frame, 5000 series, 2 mos old, $675. Call Burt, 480-855-0226

Sunrise Medical Electric Bed, like new, used less than one year. Side railings, head/foot controls. $400, serious offers only. Call 480-948-2506

Lasco Powerchair, w/head mount, hardly ever used, exclnt condition, needs new batteries, paid $2500, asking $1200. Call after noon, 480-551-2529

Breezy Wheelchair w/motor attachment. 3 yrs old w/ less than 50 hrs use, very good condition. Original cost $ $4600, asking $1400 Or Best Cash Offer. Call 602-481-8275

Accessible Home For Sale By Owner - W. Valley, Glendale, 4BR/2BA, Blt.’03, 1686 Sq. Ft., block. GE appliances, roll-under sinks, roll-under stove, wall-mounted oven, grab bars in MBTH, lge. covrd. patio, across from greenbelt, sloped driveway, walk-way, J&J BTH (#1), fireplace, bay wdw. in DR & MBR, other nice upgrades! Min. to Glendale arena/ freeways. $261,970. Call 623-939-2318, E-mail AEllis1968@aol.com for a link to see pictures of home.

‘71 Mobile Home for sale – 12’ x 46’ with 4”steps put in by ABIL’s Home Mod program. 1 BR. Fully upgraded appliances. Doors wide enough for small wheelchair. In gated community w/pool. $7000 for home. $35 approval fee, space rent $300 per month. Call 480-615-6653

Caregiver[s] needed for Gilbert quadriplegic--cooking, cleaning, personal care--live-in preferred--nice 4 BR home w/pool--will train, no experience needed, call Jeff 480-892-3922

36 year-old male quadriplegic seeking part-time caregiver. Must be very reliable. Tempe (ASU) area. Ask for David or leave message. 480-731-9113

Seeking room or shared housing rental, E. Valley/Mesa area. Mature female with Lupus. Can handle light smoking, can be available for older person or small children. Call Angie, 480-255-4460

NEED A ROOMMATE w/disability - Must qualify for DDD and Title 19, may have SSI/SSDI. Non-smoker, non-drinker, ambulatory. Seeking Adult male, semi-independent, to share Ahwatukee home with 2 of the same, ages 24 and 31. We have someone here to help us when we need it. Call 480-759-2400 or 480-861-7400

Seeking Assistance w/house hold tasks, maintenance, no personal care needed. Call after noon 480-551-2529

Handicap Accessible Vans for rent. Daily/Weekly/Longer term. Dodge Caravan w/fully automatic side ramp, lowered floor, kneeling function, hand controls. Toyota Sienna w/fully automatic rear entry, lowered floor, kneeling function, hand controls. Guaranteed lower rates than other agencies in the area. Handi Vans AZ. Call anytime, day or night, weekends... 480-747-7510, www.handivansaz.com

Used shower/commode chair (ActiveAid) w/flip up arms; seat is about 17” wide. Please call 480-835-0279

Ads that missed the print issue of the Bridge --------------------------------

Transportation is limited. Please RSVP at your earliest possible convenience. Consumers must be 18 years+ or own legal guardian for transportation. ABIL requests a $1+ donation (each way) for transportation provided on the ABIL van.

Thursday, January 11, 10:30am –1:30pm (Bring $3.00 for pizza or your own lunch) Arts & Crafts Group. Come be creative with Arts and Crafts projects. 1229 E Washington, Phx. Cost: $2.00

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

Thursday, January 25, 10:00am – 2:00pm In-House Movie Come enjoy a movie at the ABIL office. Soda and popcorn will be provided for the movie. 1229 E Washington, Phx. Cost: None.

Thursday, February 8, 11:00am – 2:00pm Bowling. Enjoy an afternoon of fun and bowling. Bowling ramps will be provided. 4407 S Rural Rd. Tempe. Cost: $1.50 per game.

Wednesday, February 14, 10:30am - 1:30pm Cooking Group Learn new recipes, skills, and just socialize with others. Each month we try to have a luncheon theme. 1229 E. Washington. Phx. Cost: Consumers assist by bringing ingredients for lunch.

Thursday, February 22 , 10:00am – 12:00pm The Bead Museum Beads - A global language of human connection. 5754 W Glenn Dr. Glendale. Cost: $6.00

Wednesday, February 28, 10:00 am –12:00 pm Phoenix Police Museum – “An Exciting Historical Experience,” 101 South Central Avenue, Suite 100 Phoenix. Cost: free.

Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology (AzLAT) is a federal/privately funded program that provides affordable loans to persons with disabilities who need a range of assistive technology devices. Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology-Telework provides affordable business loans to persons with disabilities who telework, or as a self employment opportunity who need assistive technology and business equipment.

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 or schedule any of these, please call Leanne Jones at 602-296-0535 to RSVP. For accommodations or alternative format please call Leanne in advance.

Around the holidays when you are “making your list and checkin’ it twice” please check to see if ABIL is on that list. By supporting ABIL with your tax deductible gifts you are giving someone:

Your contribution is tax deductible, and helps to support ABIL’s many programs.