The Bridge

News from the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living

Volume XIV, Number 2

February 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!"

 

WE HAVE THE POWER!

ABIL Joins the Arizona Disability Advocacy Coalition (AzDAC)

 

ABIL is proud to announce our membership in AZ Disability Advocacy Coalition - AzDAC. The mission of AzDAC is to coordinate advocacy efforts that promote public policy that enhances the choice, dignity, rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities and their families.  AzDAC will act as a catalyst to engage individuals with disabilities, their families and organizations in these efforts.

 

Guiding Principles:

· To provide a strong voice on disability related issues and develop a cohesive strategy to promote legislative action.

· To adhere to a philosophy of advocacy and education that promotes the choice, dignity, rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities and their families.

· To share in the commitment of increasing the participation of individuals with disabilities, their families and organizations in the public policy process.

· To represent the diversity of the disability community in Arizona by welcoming individuals of various ages, ethnicities, genders, religions and disabilities, including physical, mental, psychiatric, sensory, cognitive and environmental disabilities.

· To strive to become more educated about various disability groups and their issues of concern.

· To provide support for individuals with disabilities and their families so they can become active in the public policy arena.

 

If you would like more information or would like to join AzDAC’s list serve, which provides regular updates on legislative issues, please call: Jami Snyder 602-274-6287, snyder@acdl.com or Ed Myers 602-776-4699, 1-800-477-9921, TTY 602-728-4699, edward.myers@nau.edu .

 

AzDAC Membership

Arizona Center for Disability Law

Arizona Technology Access Program

Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Arizona Bridge to Independent Living

ARC of Central Arizona

Behavioral Health/Consumers in Action

DIRECT Center for Independent Living

Mental Health Association

Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities

Institute for Human Development

Pilot Parents of Southern Arizona

Raising Special Kids

SMILE Center for Independent Living

Statewide Independent Living Council

AzDAC supports these issues:

 

·   Protecting disability programs from further budget cuts.

 

·   Limited Guardianship, HB 2181.  We are seeking to amend ARS 14-5303 and 14-5304 to include language that clarifies all options available to the Court when establishing a guardianship in Arizona. The new language, to be proposed during this legislative session, will not interfere with the establishment of full guardianships when appropriate, but rather, will promote the establishment of limited guardianships for individuals who retain the capacity to make decisions about certain areas of their life. Both the developmental disability and mental health communities support this bill. *Note: The Arizona Constitution restricts an individual for whom full or limited guardianship has been established from voting.  If you want more information contact Jami Snyder at Arizona Center for Disability Law, 602-274-6287 or JSnyder@acdl.com

 

·  Textbook Accessibility, HB2275. HB22275 1) Expands current Braille Law to include accessible textbooks for children with active Individual Education Plans or Section 504 Plans; 2) Requires the Department of Education to promulgate rules by July 1 2004 for all groups covered under the law; 3) Requires school district request for proposals contain language notifying publishers of textbooks of the requirement.   If you would like more information please contact Edward L. Myers III, Policy and Funding Specialist with the Arizona Technology Access Program at 602-776-4699 or Edward.Myers@nau.edu 

 

·     Access to Information Technology, Senate Bill.  Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments (Section 508) requires that when Federal Agencies develop, procure (purchase), maintain, or use electronic and information technology (EIT), they shall ensure that electronic and information technology allows Federal employees with disabilities and the general public to have access and use of information and data that is comparable to access by Federal employees who are not disabled. States, which receive Assistive Technology Act of 1998 funds, are required to provide written assurances that they will comply with Section 508. The assurances most often take the form of a simple statement and fail to provide any specifics. We will have a bill that advocates for public policies, which guarantee full implementation of Section 508 through various means. Costs should be non-existent. At least four states (Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, Kentucky, California and North Carolina) that have enacted similar legislation have determined that there were no appreciable additional costs. If you would like more information please contact Edward L. Myers III, Policy and Funding Specialist with the Arizona Technology Access Program at 602-776-4699 or Edward.Myers@nau.edu 

 

·      Law enforcement training. AzDAC also supports legislation that would provide police officers with training on disability issues including mental and hearing disabilities.  Bill number to be announced. For more information contact the Mental Health Association of Arizona at 480-994-4407 to see how you can help.

 

How to Find your Legislators

In your pocket: (No pun intended)

Look on your Voter Registration card for Legislative and Congressional District numbers.

 

On the Web:

Go to www.vote-smart.org

·Click on “Candidates, Issues and More” and in the left column, enter your full 9 digit zip code. It will give you all elected officials including your state legislators and federal congressmen.

 

Or go to www.az.gov

·Click on Arizona Government (in the orange, left column)

·Then go to “Elected officials” and click on “find your Congressman”

·Click on “Final Legislative District Maps”

·Then you can put your address and or zip at the top and it will search for you.

 

Or go to http://azredistricting.org

·Choose “2004 Final Legislative Map”

·Click on “Interactive Map” – again, you can simply type in your address and/or zip code.

 

How do I contact my legislator?

See the Bridge insert (at the end of this document) or Vote-smart.org has a direct link to your legislator… or once you have the district, you can go to www.azleg.state.az.us and click on members, then click on your members name and you will find contact and identification information, including a direct link to their email.

 

No Web Access?

Call the AZ Independent Redistricting Commission at 602-364-1350 or 866-864-7569 (Toll Free-Voice).

 

 

Achieving Employment

Means Taking Responsibility

Phil Pangrazio, ABIL Executive Director

 

For many people with disabilities, work as a means to achieve independent living must seem like an unobtainable dream.  The seventy percent unemployment rate amongst people with disabilities is certainly evidence that working and having a disability is the exception not the rule.  For me, however, returning to work was practically the only thought on my mind after I was injured in 1979.

 

At 19 years of age, I had become accustomed to working.  I had been working at least part-time since the age of 12.  I enjoyed the independence it gave me.  I didn’t have to ask my parents for money…I had my own and I was proud of it!  Once disabled, however, employment seemed like a distant dream.  I grew-up in a world where the lack of physical abilities certainly seemed like a recipe for unemployment and a dependence upon social welfare.  What could I do?  What skills did I have?  What skills could I acquire?  Who would hire a quadriplegic?  These were the questions running through my mind.

 

Twenty-three years later, here I am, Executive Director of ABIL.  Who could have imagined?  Certainly not me!  Now please don’t misunderstand me.  My intent is not to boast about how great I am or how much I’ve accomplished.  Rather, it’s to point out that employment or a professional career for people with significant disabilities is achievable, but it takes time and persistence.

 

Like many of my peers with disabilities who work, we all have traveled down a similar road.  Many of us received assistance from a state vocational rehabilitation program and completed college.  We got bachelors and masters degrees.  We worked a couple of summer internships.  We got hired as a temporary in our first entry-level position and six months later became full-time.  Several years later we got promoted or went on to another position within some other organization.  Before we new it, we had worked for ten, fifteen, or even twenty years or more, all while managing our disabilities.  Little by little, we achieved small employment goals and began building an inventory of skills that are in demand in today’s marketplace.

 

So what does this have to do with independent living?  Well actually, it is a very integrated process.  When we describe what independent living philosophy is, we often make reference to the process of adjustment.  In part, this means getting used to and comfortable with our disability and learning the possibilities of our bodies.  Similarly, achieving and maintaining employment for people with disabilities is also an adjustment process.  First, we must learn to adjust our attitudes about what is possible to achieve with regard to employment.  Second, we must be realistic, but we must also dream.  And third, we must take responsibility for readying ourselves for employment by acquiring skills that complement our abilities and interests.  That, of course, takes time and may take many forms including self-help, higher education, vocational training, volunteerism, or entrepreneurship.

 

Whatever form this takes, it is imperative that we as people with disabilities accept responsibility in this process.  No business will ever just hand us a job.  We must earn it, and even then there is still no guarantee.  Few businesses will accept un-professionalism or inappropriate behavior such as coming to work in torn or unclean cloths.  If we as people with disabilities expect to compete for jobs in the marketplace, we must play by the same rules as those without disabilities must abide.  We must prove our worth.  We must be productive.  We must be able to add value to an organization.

 

“But what about discrimination,” you say.  Yes, it does exist, and all the federal regulations and protections will never completely eliminate it.  Achieving employment, however, is far more likely when we take responsibility for doing what is necessary to someday become employable.

 

 

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

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

E-mail: azbridge@abil.org 

Website: www.abil.org

 

ABIL-Thomas office
2345 E. Thomas Rd., Suite #310-A
Phoenix, AZ 85016 

(602) 667-0277

FAX 602-667-0318

 

ABIL Metro Center office

10000 E 31st Ave, Ste # D-405

Phoenix, AZ 85051

(602) 424-4100

FAX 602-424-4118

           

ABIL-East office
225 E. First Street, Suite #206
Mesa, AZ 85201    

(480) 655-9750

FAX (480) 655-9751

           

Voice/TDD  (602) 256-2245

1-800-280-ABIL

(outside the 602, 623,480 calling areas)    

FAX (602) 254-6407   

e-mail:  azbridge@abil.org

Website: www.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

 

 

ABIL Board of Directors

Joseph Mikitish, President

Tom Ringhofer, Vice President

Lynn Houston, Treasurer

Jim Brahaney, Secretary

Marjann Fletcher, Past President

Pamela Allan, Member

Sharon Atwood, Member

Sheila Denny, Member

William Harper, Member

Ken Heard, Member

Edith Kilany, Member

Marsha Maake, Member

Edward L. Myers, III, Member

Nicholas L. Perry, Member

Scott Turner, Member

 

ABIL Administrative Staff

Phil Pangrazio, 296-0513, Executive Director

Sandy Guinn, 296-0514, Director of Operations

Penny Fore, 296-0518, Executive Assistant

Feng Chiou, 296-0511, Director of Finance

Louise Downey, 296-0519, Accounting Assistant

Nancy Fleming, 296-0512, Accounting Clerk

Tina Hedges, 296-0516, Billing Clerk

Jason Miller, Billing Assistant

Donna Jones, 296-0510, Program Aide

Jay Murrillo, 296-0517, Van Driver

Maribel Diaz, 296-0515, Receptionist

Maria Deleon, 480-222-4201, Mesa Receptionist/Program Aide

 

Advocacy Unit

Donna Redford Kruck, 296-0520, Unit Director

David Carey, 296-0523, Advocacy Specialist

Lynn Bejnar, 667-0277, Ext 16, “This is My Life” Prg. Mgr.

Ann Pasco, 667-0277, Ext 14, Volunteer Coordinator

Erik Jensen, 296-0527, Work Incentives Specialist

Donna Lorti, 424-4105, Work Incentives Specialist

Rhonda Webb, 296-0509, Work Incentives Specialist

Carolan Quenneville, 296-0524, Graphic Specialist/Newsletter

 

Employment Services

Susan Webb, 667-0277, Ext 11, Unit Director

Lynda Connors, 667-0277, Ext. 12, Employment Coordinator

Dan Siegler, 667-0277, Ext 10, Employment Technician

Buffy McDonald, 667-0277, Ext 18, Employment Coordinator

Jennifer Stetson 667-0277, Ext 17, Employment Program Aide

 

Community Integration Unit

Darrel Christenson , 296-0530, Unit Director

Leanne Jones, 296-0535, Soc/Rec, Youth Outreach/ILA

Tyrone Harrington, 424-4103, Com. Liv. Options Coord.

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

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

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

Leonard Smith, 296-0533, ILA/Reintegration Prg. Coord.

Tony DiRienzi, 296-0534, Early Intervention Coord.

Paula Grodecki, 480-222-4212, Reintegration Coord.

Rosalie Manuel, 296-0536, Independent Living Skills Advocate

 

Personal Assistant Services

Gwen Dean, 296-0541, Unit Director

Diane Patton, 480-222-4206, Program Manager

Judy Ludlow, 296-0542, PAS Field Rep.

Grace Walstad, 602-424-4106, PAS Field Rep.

Sheri Mecca, 296-0547, PAS Field Rep.

Jerry Chee, 602-424-4107, PAS Field Rep.

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

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

Christina Velasquez, 602-424-4104, PAS Field Rep.

Kathy Carlisle, 480-222-4203, PAS Field Rep.

Mary Avila, 296-0528, PAS Field Rep.

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

Roxanne Williams, 424-4106, PAS Field Rep.

Lyndora Hall, 296-0546, Payroll Clerk

Christine Pinedo, 296-0506, Payroll Clerk

Colleen Podmore, 296-0552, Program Aide

Kelli Martin, 296-0544, Program Aide

 

 

New Medicare Rx Plan

By Donna Kruck

 

On her second day in office Governor Janet Napolitano signed her historic Executive Order creating a discount prescription drug program for seniors and persons with disabilities.  She estimated the program would start up in 120 days – about April 1st.   Because of ABIL’s consistent advocacy the last three years on this issue, I got to be at the press conference on Jan. 7th when she announced the program, crediting ABIL, Arizona Citizen Action and AARP for their advocacy efforts. 

 

I find it heartening that Governor Napolitano kept her campaign promise, took the bull by the horns and did more with a stroke of her pen than the drug lobbyist-dominated Legislature had done in three years.

 

Governor Napolitano’s new Order sets up a state buying pool for all Arizonans eligible for Medicare regardless of their income or health plan status. For just $25 membership fee, any Medicare recipient can get a card for what is estimated to be a 20% discount on all Rx drugs. For someone paying $300 a month for his or her medications, that’s $60 in savings a month, enough to pay a utility bill, buy a bus pass for a month, or buy much needed groceries.

 

Perhaps more importantly, Governor Napolitano set in motion a review of AHCCCS’ contracting for Rx drugs. This could save the state tens of millions of dollars in this budget crunch by using the state’s negotiating power to lower costs for the drugs it currently purchases and for a new larger buying pool! That’s new money available to save threatened health and human services like the AHCCCS Freedom to Work program, DDD state only services or Vocational Rehabilitation services.

 

We consulted closely with the Governor and her staff on this problem and look forward to taking the next steps together. Elections do matter!

 

What you can do:

Contact your legislators and tell them you support the Governor’s new Prescription Discount Program and send a “thank you” to Governor Napolitano.

 

Social Security

Work Incentives Q&A

AVOID SOCIAL SECURITY OVERPAYMENTS

 

Q:  What happens if I just work part-time and don’t report it to Social Security?

 

A:  You could end up losing your Social Security cash benefits and owing Social Security money! If taxes are paid on your earnings, Social Security will find out that you worked, but it may take a year or more for them to figure it out if you don’t notify them.  When they do find out, they will investigate how much you earned each month to determine where you stand in their federally mandated work incentive rules.  Earned income affects the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)  and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cash and medical benefits differently -  in both cases it does affect your cash benefits, depending upon how much you earn.  Different years had different Social Security rules.  If Social Security determines you have an overpayment due to employment, they will require you to pay that money back.  Because of understaffing and lack of adequate training in the past, you may have even received incorrect information about employment and Social Security from service providers, or even Social Security themselves. We can provide you with accurate, up-to-date information.

 

This is why anyone on SSDI or SSI thinking about working, or working already still receiving cash benefits needs to meet with our trained and certified Work Incentive Specialists.  We have been on the SSI and SSDI programs ourselves and we understand your concerns.  We will sit down with you to explain to you how your benefits work and how your earnings affect them. 

 

We want to help you improve your income, yes.  We also want to avoid your sudden loss of cash benefits due to part-time employment, or a costly overpayment, which you will have to pay back to Social Security. 

Contact us at 602-256-2245 today!

 

* From the Top Ten

    SGA - Substantial Gainful Amount

    PASS - Plan for Self Support

    IRWE - Impairment Related Work Expenses

 

 

ABIL Bids Farewell to John Smith

Photo:  John Smith, at a family gathering with his son Dan and daughter Diane.

 

John Smith came to ABIL in 1993 with no independent living needs - just the desire to give back to his community. He was very involved with Disabled Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America and teaching computer skills to others. John’s computer skills were instrumental in the development of ABIL’s first “Disability Survival Manual.” Shortly after John started volunteering at the Newsletter Party he began managing all the mailing materials. He even took classes at the Post Office to learn mailing codes and regulations. Even though John never took the training to become an ABIL peer mentor, John would freely assist other ABIL consumers with computer questions or independent living skills instruction. He brought a lot of skills and assistance to ABIL and the Social/Recreation program and was an integral part of the Newsletter Party. John will be greatly missed and ABIL expresses their sympathies to his family and friends at his passing.

 

 

Warning! Road repairs, Bus and Dial-a-Ride Service in Danger

Mesa and Scottsdale Transportation service, such as road repairs and bus service, are in danger of being cut starting July 1, 2003. Cities are facing huge budget deficits and will be making difficult decisions based on what city services they prioritize. Public transportation and roads in good repair are an essential part of our community – they affect our safety, economic prosperity (non-driving workers need buses - retailers need customers) and quality of life (overcrowded roads and air pollution from congested streets)

 

If you depend on public transportation

and want good roads take action now or lose them!

 

l Call your City Council member and let them know

9 Scottsdale City Council, 480-312-2550, Fax 480-312-2738 or www.scottsdaleaz.gov

 

9 Mesa City Council, 480-664-3000, Fax 480-664-2175 or www.cityofmesa.org

 

l Join our efforts to save public transit by attending TRIP meetings the second Monday of the month. 2-4 at ABIL. 225 E. 1st Street, #206, Mesa. For more information, contact TRIP at 480-733-5266

 

 

 

Peer Travel Training Program Seeks Trainers

The Peer Travel Training Program pairs older adults and people with disabilities who would like to learn how to ride the bus with their peers who are already experienced transit users.  This program is seeking individuals who are regular bus passengers who would like to be Trainers.  You can create your own part-time schedule.  Older adults are especially encouraged to inquire about this opportunity.  A brief interview and a four hour training course are required to begin. Please contact Donna Powers at the Community Forum:  (602) 223-4104.

 

 

East Valley Disability Awareness Program Seeks Panelists

Do you have a disability and travel primarily on bus routes in the Tempe area?  Read On! The East Valley Disability Awareness Program (EDAP) brings passengers with disabilities and Tempe bus operators together to share experiences and expectations of the transit system.   We need people with a variety of disabilities to serve as panelists sharing their lives, disabilities, bus use and transit expectations with bus operators.  If you are interested and can speak articulately in front of a group of 25 people, please call Donna Powers at the Community Forum: (602) 223-4104.

 

 

Triple R WarmLine

Triple R Behavioral Health, Inc.

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 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.

 

AHCCCS Freedom to Work

Learn about the expanded AHCCCS medical coverage for individuals with disabilities 16 through 64 years of age who have countable income under 250% Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Guest Speaker:  Donna Kruck - ABIL Advocacy Director

 

Thursday, February 13, 2003 – 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location:  1229 E. Washington St., Phoenix

 

Social Security Work Incentives Workshops

Come and learn how employment will affect your cash and medical benefits.  Please sign up for the workshop that matches the kind of Social Security you receive.  If you are unsure which kind you receive, David can help you figure that out when you call to RSVP.  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. We will conduct workshops specifically for services providers upon request.

 

Work Incentives & SSDI

Guest Speaker:  Erik Jensen, Rhonda Webb, and Donna Lorti - Work Incentives Specialists

 

Tuesday, February 18, 2003 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location:  1229 E. Washington St., Phoenix

 

Work Incentives & SSI

Monday, February 10, 2003 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location:  ABIL East - 225 East 1st Street. Mesa, AZ

 

Thursday, February 20, 2003 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location:  1229 E. Washington St., Phoenix

 

Thursday, February 27, 2003 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location:  Metro Center Office (10000 N. 31st Avenue, Ste. D-405), Phoenix, AZ 85016

 

 

Medicare Focus Group

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD -

Attention persons on Medicare and those who are eligible. You are invited to participate in a focus group sponsored by the Benefits Assistance Program at the Area Agency on Aging. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss their needs in understanding how to navigate the Medicare system.  The focus group will address issues such as how clients receive Medicare information and difficulties they may encounter in the process. Information gathered will be utilized in better assisting the under 65 disabled population in accessing Medicare and Medicare related services.

Guest Speaker:  Paulette Fraenkel

 

Friday, February 21, 2003 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location:  1229 E. Washington St., Phoenix

 

Transportation Alternatives for People with Disabilities

Learn about transportation alternatives across the Valley for people with disabilities and about job opportunities related to improving the bus system.

 

Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Location:  1229 E. Washington St., Phoenix

 

ADA Teleconference:

Going Beyond Web Accessibility: What else is there?

Feb 18th  11:00 - Noon    ABIL/Phx

It seems like everyone is talking about web accessibility and what is required. Yet little is said about accessibility as it relates to other forms of electronic and information technology such as information kiosks, photocopy machines, video and multi-media products, and keyboards. Join this session to gain a better understanding of the requirements as they apply to a wide variety of products and systems. Experts will address what industry is doing in response to the issues as well as resources for more information. RSVP to Darrel, 602-296-0530. 

Sponsored by Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC)  http://www.pacdbtac.org

 

 

I&R   Information & Referral
Q&A   Question of the Month

 

Q:  I’m retired, over 66, and partially disabled, but I’d like to find some part-time employment to supplement my Social Security benefits. Any suggestions?

 

A:  The Area Agency on Aging links older job seekers with employers who have jobs and skills training.  “AgeWorks” is a free information and referral hotline assisting mature adults find employment and training program information. Call: (602) 264-4357 or check out www.aaaphx.org.

 

Have them mail you the “Elder Resources Guide.” Pages 24 and 25 list numerous older worker programs throughout the Valley.

 

If you have a question that you would like to see addressed here call Joanna Savidan at 602-296-0531.

 

Advanced

Wheelchair Skills Clinic

Barrow Neurological Institute Physical Medicine Department in partnership with the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association, The Banner Wheelchair Suns and the Phoenix Heat Rugby team would like to invite you to this program designed to enhance the skills of wheelchair users, and to promote independence. This free clinic is offered in three modules to meet the challenges faced by wheelchair users in the most challenging of environments.

 

February 19 -

Managing your Environment

• Opening and Closing Doors

• Drinking from Water Fountains

• Managing Stairs

• Using Pay phones

• Operating elevators and escalators

• Wheelies (Forwards, Backwards & Circles)

 

February 26 -

Mechanics of your Chair/Wrap up & Feedback

• Adjustments

• Maintenance

 

All Modules are held at St. Joseph’s Hospital Outpatient Physical Medicine Building (114 West Thomas Road) and will begin at 2:00 p.m. Modules are 1 to 1 1/2 hours in duration. For more information call, 602-406-4022 or the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association at 602-239-5929.

 

 

 

 

 

GET EMPOWERED!  - ABIL’s EMPOWER! listserve is new and improved to eliminate spam emails. Find out what is going on in AZ and around the nation regarding advocacy, legislation, public policy, and YOUR civil rights. Anyone who subscribes can post events and alerts on the list.  It’s yours. Use it! Just send a email asking to subscribe at  listserv@abil.org

 

Empower Listserv members - If you have a change in email address please forward it to: azbridge@abil.org If we get your emails returned a few days in a row we automatically take you off the listserv.  You will need to contact us to be added back on when your email is up and running again.

 

 

ABIL COMMUNITY CALENDAR – Please 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 Rehabilitation Services Administration. ABIL requests a $1+ donation (each way) for transportation provided on the ABIL van. Consumers must be 18 years+ or own legal guardian for transportation on the ABIL van. 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.

 

Feb 4           SR/The Bead Museum, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. 5754 W Glenn Dr, Glendale. Cost $4.00. Leanne, 602-296-0535

 

Feb 4           Improbable Theatre Company - 6-8:00 pm. Longview Rec. Center, 14th St/Indian School. Join us for new theatrical challenges. (*and every Tues. evening of the month) Kathy Tweet, 602-296-0503

 

Feb 5    Youth Transition - Budgeting, 9-11:00 am. ABIL/Phx. Learn to manage your money. Leanne, 602-296-0535

 

Feb 6    Healer Within, 1:30 - 4:00 pm. New Location - Thomas Office/Classroom. Women’s wellness group: explore how body, mind and spirit work together towards wellness. Relaxation practices & group discussion. Donna, 602-296-0520

 

Feb 6           COMPASS EAST, 4-6:00 pm.  202 South Gilbert Road, Gilbert  Providing Direction and Networking to Persons with Disabilities. Susan Denova, 602-470-1802

 

Feb 10  E. V. D. A. G./ TRIP Meeting  2-4:00 pm. Mesa/Classroom. Community & Transportation Advocacy Meeting. Robert Payne, 480-642-8445 or Mary 480-733-5266

 

Feb 10           SSI/Social Security Work Incentives, 10:00-Noon. Mesa/Classroom. Thinking about going back to work? Find out how working will effect your SSI cash and medical benefits. See page 7. David, 602-296-0523

 

Feb 13           SR/Cooking Group, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm. Phx/Kitchen. Leanne, 602-296-0535

 

Feb 13           V.O.I.C.E., 1- 4 pm. 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale. Monthly support and information group for individuals with disabilities, their families & rehabilitation providers. Clayton Guffey, 602-789-9129.

 

Feb 13           Arizona Freedom to Work, 2-4:00 pm. Phx/Kitchen. Learn about the expanded AHCCCS medical coverage for individuals w/disabilities 16-64 years of age who have countable income under 250% Federal Poverty Level. David, 602-296-0523

 

Feb 18           SSDI/Social Security Work Incentives, 1-3:00 pm. Phx/Classroom. Thinking about going back to work? Find out how working will effect your SSDI cash and medical benefits. See page 7. David, 602-296-0523

 

Feb 18           PDBTAC Teleconference, 12-1:30 pm, Phx/Kitchen. “Going beyond web accessibility: What else is there?” Information Technology Technical Assistance & Training Center. Darrel, 602-296-0530

 

Feb 20  Healer Within, 1:30 - 4:00 pm. New Location, Thomas/Classroom. Women’s wellness group: explore how body, mind and spirit work together towards wellness. Relaxation practices & group discussion.  Donna, 602-296-0520

 

Feb 20           SSI/Social Security Work Incentives, 1-3:00 pm. Phx/Classroom. Thinking about going back to work? Find out how working will effect your SSI cash and medical benefits. See page 7. David, 602-296-0523

 

Feb 21           COMPASS,  2-4:30pm. 7375 E.2nd St., Scottsdale. Providing Direction and Networking to Persons with Disabilities. Susan Denova, 602-470-1802

 

Feb 22           SR/Highland Games, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. A celebration of Scottish Culture. 1833 W. Southern Ave, Mesa. Cost: None. Leanne, 602-296-0535

 

Feb 24           SR/Newsletter Party, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Phx/Classroom & kitchen.  Leanne, 602-296-0535

 

Feb 26           Community Forum, 1-3:00 pm. Phx/Classroom. Learn about transportation alternatives across the valley for people with disabilities and job opportunities related to the Bus system. David, 602-296-0523

 

Feb 27           SSI/Social Security Work Incentives, 10:00 am -Noon. Metro Center/Classroom. Thinking about going back to work? Find out how working will effect your SSI cash and medical benefits. See page 7. David, 602-296-0523                                                                                                                                      

 

 

 

ABIL Soc/Rec Events –March - April 2003

Contact Leanne, 602-296-0535

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

 

Monday, March  3, 1:05 pm – 3:00 pm  Spring Training Baseball Game – Oakland A’s vs. Arizona Diamondbacks. 

Phx Municipal Stadium, 5999 E. Van Buren, Phx. Cost: $10.00

 

Thursday, March 13, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm   (Bring $3.00 for pizza or your own lunch) Arts & Crafts Group. Come be creative with Arts and Crafts projects.  MetroCenter Office 10000 N 31st Ave. Phx. Cost: $2.00

 

Friday, March 21, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Rawhide Wild Western Towne. Step back in time to this museum and western theme park.  23023 N Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale Cost:  None.

 

Monday, March 24, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm  Newsletter Party (lunch provided) - Join the fun of meeting new people, sharing experiences and working towards a goal of sharing the Bridge with others throughout the states. 1229 E Washington, Phx. Cost:  None.

 

Thursday, April 10, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Cooking Group – Picnic and Nature Trail at Encanto Park.

2615 N 15th Ave. Phx. Cost:  Consumers assist by bringing ingredients for lunch.

 

Tuesday, April 15, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Victim Assistance Program – Presented by Bobbi Christensen - Learn advocacy skills needed to assist you from becoming a victim. Metro Center  Office, 10000 N 31st Ave. Phx. Cost: None.

 

Monday, April  21, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Newsletter Party (lunch provided) - Join the fun of meeting  new people, sharing experiences and working towards a goal of sharing the Bridge with others throughout the states.

1229 E Washington, Phx. Cost:  None.

 

 

Empowering Youth

Independent Living Skills Workshop  Topic: Budgeting

February 5th,  9-11:00 am, 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.

 

Arizona Scottish Gathering & Highland Games

February 22 - 23     Mesa Community College

 

Enjoy the sound of bagpipes, the entertainers, the highland dancers and the spirited athletic competitions!

Advance ticket prices: Adult (16+) $10, Senior (60+) $8  Child (5-15) $4. Group tickets call 602-431-0095.

 

Night Rescue        602-495-5555

If you are a wheelchair user stranded without accessible transportation between 8pm - 6am, you can get home for a fee of $7 - $45. Billing is available.

Coordinated by Phoenix Fire Department, Laidback Transportation, SuperShuttle, The Community Forum, Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues

 

 

Classified Ads

Next ad deadline: Febuary 12th. Call 602-296-0524 or send by email marked “Want Ad” to carolanq@abil.org  ABIL provides space for individuals to place disability related personal classified ads free of charge and is not responsible for the quality of advertised items or services. The fee for business ads is $25. Please call to renew ads.

 

For Sale: ‘97 Chevy Hi-Top Conversion Van, 350 V8, AT, Full Pwr, Front/Rear AC, Crow River Vangater Wheelchair Lift, Ricon 6 Way Front passenger seat, alloy wheels, New 6 ply radial tires, Rear sofa/bed, white exterior/blue interior, Original owner, 29,000 miles, Excellent cond. - $17,700 - Call Bill at 952 929-0147 or Sandy at 480 988-9386 - Van is in Phoenix area.

 

For Sale: ’83 Ford van w/Ricon lift. Good shape, new tires & battery. $3,500 OBO. Call 602-553-8193.

 

For Sale: ’92 Half ton, Hi-top conversion van w/ like new Braun lift. Exlnt mechanical and physical cond. Looks good in & out. Runs great. $4,500 OBO. New Invacare Ranger X pwr whlchair, recline & tilt. $2,500 OBO. Leave message at  602-416-9927

 

For Sale: ‘95 Ford Van Econoline 150 E-Series, fully handicapped equipped; one owner; well kept; good condition; $8,550. ‘99 Quickie Adult power wheelchair; excellent condition, rarely used,$3, 500. Call 480-994-8413.

 

For Sale: 97’ Mercury Marquis w/heavy duty pwr escort lift built to handle a 4whl pwr chair up to 250lbs. Folds allowing access to trunk. Mounts on Class 3 trailer hitch (2” receiver), automatic hold downs & cover for dust or rain. $9500. Call 623-584-6937.

 

For Sale: Gently used ’95 Action 9000 power wheelchair, gel cushion, elevated foot rests, contour back. 20" wide, for smaller person. Good condition. $3,000. Please leave message with Suzanne 602-336-0372. 

 

For Sale: Quickie Mach II Hand Cycle. Like new, used less than 5 miles. Teal,w/ seat belt. $900. Call Jane 480-899-5857.

 

For Sale: Tuffcare 4 Wheel Walker w/hand brakes and partial seat - $75. Nova 4 wheel walker  w/hand brakes and full seat  - like new condition - $150. Invacare Tracer manual wheelchair, hardly used - $175. Pride Electric Lift Recliner Chair,  good condition - $250. Call Paul, 602-942-1777 after 4 P.M. weekdays and anytime weekends.

 

For Sale: Two  walkers, $10 each. Hemi-walk