ARIZONA BRIDGE TO INDEPENDENT LIVING: Febuary 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!"

(ABIL & Staff contact numbers can be found at the end of the document)

Among these, if Proposition 4 is passed, ABIL, in collaboration with the City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation Programs, will construct a state-of-the-art, universally accessible, “Sports, Recreation and Fitness Center for Persons with Disabilities.” This Recreation Center will accommodate a wide array of competitive and recreational programs for people living with disabilities throughout the Valley including:

Below are the 7 ballot items that make up the 2006 City of Phoenix Bond Program:

Proposition Number 2: Using Technology to Improve Police and Fire Protection, Government Efficiency, Customer Service and Access to Voting

Proposition Number 3: Building Small High Schools, Higher Education and Health Science Facilities

Proposition Number 4: Increasing Recreational Opportunities with New Parks and Open Spaces

Proposition Number 5: Serving Our Community with Libraries and Youth, Senior and Cultural Centers

Proposition Number 6: Providing Housing that is Affordable to Families and Seniors and Revitalizing Neighborhoods

Proposition Number 7: Constructing Streets and Storm Sewers for Better Infrastructure

The 2006 Phoenix Bond initiative is a comprehensive plan that will ensure the quality of life
for our rapidly growing community with “No New Taxes.” Please support the entire 2006 Phoenix Bond initiative!

For more information or to request an early ballot and vote by mail, please go to www.PhoenixFuture.com

Getting older certainly has changed my attitude! As we’ve plunged into the New Year, I could not pass up this opportunity to share with you an empowering experience I had in 2005. Drum roll please! Are you sitting down! Just take a deep breath! Ok, ok, here it is! I started using a “power wheelchair.” Ok, “I said it!” That’s right, a power wheelchair! After twenty-five years of pushing a manual wheelchair, I said uncle! Yes, I’m tired! I caved! I needed a break! Maybe more importantly, however, so did some of the people I relied upon to push me when I could not push anymore, or when the hill was too steep.

My wife, my family, and my friends have all for years pestered me about getting a power wheelchair. I know they probably thought my reluctance was some sort of ego thing, a macho attitude, a last ditch attempt to deny the inevitable demise of my physical persona. “Why don’t you get a power wheelchair,” they’d say. “Nope, I don’t need one,” I’d respond.

The truth is, for many of us who keep-on pushing, not wanting to give in to using a power wheelchair has many facets. Some of these may include pride, stubbornness, convenience, practicality, economy, ignorance, or even stupidity; just to name a few. For me, I can (with a slight chuckle) happily claim all of those reasons. In fact, if I had to do it all over again, I would probably do it the same way. I’ve always wanted to do as much as possible for myself. I’ve always felt that pushing my own chair, even as a C6-7 quadriplegic, would better my physical health and stamina. I’d be stronger and thus more independent.

To a certain extent this is true. I have achieved a great amount of independence by improving my strength and maintaining my physical health. On the other hand, however, I have learned that by not using a power wheelchair, I have given up a significant amount of independence. A power chair is actually a liberator in many ways. It gets you to places that you might otherwise avoid if you had to push there yourself. That’s precisely why I got the power chair. I don’t use it all the time, but when I do, I really notice the difference it makes in my freedom.

My first experience using a power chair was when my wife Jami and I took our second cruise. On our first cruise, I was so frustrated by having to push through the thick carpet that was everywhere throughout the ship. Or maybe it was Jami that was frustrated by having to push me. We both laugh when we remember this elderly man leaving his cabin in a scooter at midnight. He was heading-out for a late night at the ship’s casino! I was exhausted and heading to bed. At that moment, it became clear to me that a power wheelchair would be a good idea. So, on our second cruise, I borrowed a friends spare power chair and I’ve never looked back since. It’s also provided Jami and others with some welcome relief when the terrain gets too difficult for me.

Since that time, I’ve acquired my own power chair and have found it extremely liberating for many circumstances. For travel, it is fantastic! No more pushing up steep inclines and through the thick carpets at our nation’s expansive airports. Upon reaching a destination, touring a city and enjoying the sights is as easy as the push of a toggle switch…even when rough and hilly terrain is everywhere. No more worries about the hills at Sun Devil Stadium, the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Gardens, the Phoenix Open, or the many other local attractions we love to visit.

It’s also wonderful being able to get to places quickly. Today’s power chairs really can move fast! Maybe most important, however, is how beneficial it is to be full of energy once you arrive at your destination. Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I like keeping my hands and cloths clean and out of the wheels of a manual chair. It’s great to wear a jacket or blazer and not worry about it getting instantly dirty.

Independent living philosophy teaches us that consumer choice should always be respected when it comes to the use of assistive technology. From my experience, the choice to use a power wheelchair was truly liberating! If you are considering this choice, I strongly encourage it!

The following are the legislative issues either voted upon for support by the Arizona Disability Advocacy Coalition, or being considered by our individual organizations members. You can go to www.azdisabilityadvocacy.org to get updates and for a list of coalition members with contact information. With a budget surplus, we have the opportunity to secure funding for disability issues this year with your help. Legislators listen to their constituents (VOTERS!).

The legislative session is only 100 days long and issues change and move quickly. To stay involved and get advocacy alerts with updates on public policy issues join ABIL’s Empower! listserve by emailing listserv@abil.org and request to be added to the list.

l Full state match for Vocational Rehabilitation (DES/RSA) - We are asking Governor Napolitano and the Arizona legislature to include about $2M in their budget (general funds) in order to draw down full federal funding match. Last year Arizona lost $9.3 million in available federal funding for VR. VR finding pays for VR counselors, job training and assistive devices that make it possible for Arizonan’s with disabilities to get back into the workforce, avoid poverty and long-term dependency on public assistance. VR serves people with all kinds of disabilities. Getting more Arizonan’s to work is good for everybody!

l AHCCCS coverage for co-pays for individuals with disabilities who are eligible for AHCCCS and Medicare (dual eligibles). Due to the new Medicare Modernization Act, dual eligibles now have co-pay for their prescriptions, even though their income is under the AHCCCS eligibility income limit and those eligible for AHCCCS only have no co-pay for prescriptions. These are people living under the federal poverty level! It’s unfair and we need to change this!

l Change all references to the term “mental retardation” to “cognitive disability” in Arizona state statutes pertaining to the Division of Developmental Disabilities

Other bills that AzDAC has been asked to consider at publication deadline are:

l Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training for police departments statewide. CIT is a 40 hour training program based on the Memphis CIT Model. CIT training is currently being offered in Maricopa and Pima counties but the overtime and travel costs as well as the lack of emergency drop off points have prevented implementation of the training in the other counties. The bill would create and fund a position within ADHS, which would be responsible for coordinating training’s statewide and overseeing RBHA contract compliance in providing crisis services (drop off points). It would also fund the necessary overtime, travel and training expenses that would be incurred by the police departments. It is the hope that this would be a one time expenditure of “seed money” and that federal grant money would then be used for future funding.

l Senator Barbara Leff’s bill (HB 2479) to provide AHCCCS coverage (general fund) to people who become eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) until the Medicare coverage begins (2 year wait). Most are just above the Federal Poverty Level (average $820-890 month) and loose all health care once they start getting SSDI checks! This is outrageous! The very people who have worked and paid into the Social security system end up disabled without any healthcare for up to two years. This is a federal law, but until it is changed, Arizona needs to step up to the plate. People are much more likely to rehabilitate and go back to work if they get the health care they need early in their adjustment to disability and chronic illness.

We have the opportunity to secure funding for disability issues this year with YOUR help! - Stay informed! - Join ABIL’s Empower! listserve by emailing listserv@abil.org & request to be added to the list.

This year we will celebrate ABIL’s 25th Anniversary in the Valley. Here is your opportunity to tell ‘the world’ of Bridge readers how ABIL has affected your life. Has a particular program or person empowered you? How has an ABIL employee, peer mentor or role model inspired you to be your best? What changes have you made in your life because of ABIL?

We are not suggesting any particular style or length – so use your creativity. Whether you share a journal entry or craft a unique poem, we would like to hear from you! If you would like assistance writing or putting your feelings into words, contact Carolan Quenneville at 602-443-0724.

From now until September, send your ABIL stories to Ann Pasco at ABIL, 1229 E Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85034. We will consider all stories as possible articles for The Bridge each month and also as part of our 25th Anniversary event.

We all know there are names we don’t want to be called! As you can see, I have changed my first name. Everyone wants to know why. It is a gift. A gift that recognizes the changes in my life, inner and outer – and the gratitude that I have.

When I first came to ABIL, I felt I was one-in-a-million. I grew up looking different, feeling different and thinking I didn’t belong. I spent long hours in dermatology clinics, willing to do almost anything for “the cure.” At that time everyone agreed that I should be willing to do anything to not be the way I was, because something was clearly “wrong” with me. For those who don’t know me, I have chronic skin condition called psoriasis. I spent the years from age 10 to 26 being poked, prodded, photographed naked “for science,” biopsied, using tar creams/ steroids/ cancer drugs, mega doses of ultra-violet light and more. Only I seemed to notice that my skin condition was not getting and staying “better” when in fact was getting dangerously “worse.” Back then they didn’t know I had an autoimmune condition that adapts to treatment and that more is not always better. I ended up with arthritis, chemical sensitivities and skin cancers. The most damage, however, was psychological. I came out of that experience rebellious, hateful, pessimistic, bitter, angry, feeling congenitally wrong, abandoned by god, unlovable, and a failure. I was clearly a monster that was “incurable.”

My stubborn nature, prayer, Disability Liberation Theory and help from family and friends helped me survive that and eventually led me to my own path: advocacy as a career, marriage, a full spiritual life, and all those I have met and worked with at ABIL. Here I learned that I have a support group comprised of many “one-in-a-million” unique people. I learned through you and others to fight for my rights, respect myself as a person with a disability, accept a wonderful husband, and expect a great life! Through role models like Ed Roberts, Martin Luther King, Judy Hueman, Mother Teresa and Susan Webb, I have learned I can channel my anger into advocacy and that I can be an even better advocate motivated by love. This name change is symbolic to me of a total change of identity that has happened over time. I now know the truth about who I am by knowing all of you: that I belong, deserve respect (from myself and others) am how God wants me to be, am lovable and loving and that life is good!

Youth Action Council of AZ

Are you interested in meeting new people your age? Do you believe young adults should have a voice in matters that affect them? Are you interested in politics? YAC-AZ is your group! You make the rules! You decide what to do! Join us to learn more about the group:

Understanding the interplay between the ADA and FMLA is critical when an employer is faced with a request for leave as a reasonable accommodation. Many employer leave policies address FMLA but do not consider the impact that the ADA may have on the implementation of leave policies. Join us for this session as we discuss how the ADA affects employer policies related to granting “leave” and what is considered “reasonable.”

Randy Roy Werner, 52, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 30, 2005.

Randy Werner exemplified his favorite saying, “Live Well, Love Always, and Laugh Often.” A former ABIL employee and more currently President of Upward Motions, a disability consulting firm, Randy was involved in various disability support groups and was twice named “Counselor of the Year” by the City of Glendale. A gifted singer and tireless advocate, Randy Werner had an immeasurable impact on lives of others.

“Randy was one of the first people I was introduced to after my disability many years ago. He was my mentor and became my best friend. He shared himself & his family with me often and was always there if you needed him. He was the best advocate I ever knew and taught many of us to be advocates too. He was always telling us to take care of ourselves and with the right attitude we could handle anything .... I will miss his words of wisdom & big smile, & big heart.”

“Randy will be missed. He is one of the few people who understood why it is so important for me to stay employed, not only to support my famly, but to be an inspiration to others. (just like our beloved Randy.) He was and forever will be an inspiration to Scott. Randy was the first man who took the time to teach Scott how to help himself and prepare him for moving out of his moms house.”

“I met Randy in the mid-90s when I was working at ABIL after he had left ABIL. I met him again a few years later when I was starting with Independent Living Rehab Services and he was beginning his company, Upward Motions. We became friends and colleagues. Randy was very much a positive light in every life he touched, and he touched many. He will be remembered for his advocacy and support to the disability community, as well as for that smile that he gave to everyone. A little part of Randy will live on in all of us who will keep his legacy alive.”

Do you need assistive technology, but can’t afford the out-of-pocket expense?

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

For more information contact Pamela Alcala, 602-776-4670 (V); 602-728-9536 (TTY); 800-477-9921 (Toll Free) or email pamela.Alcala@nau.edu.

l Keynote Speaker Scott Hogsett, 12 noon-1:00pm. Scott plays wheelchair rugby for Team USA, and the Phoenix Heat, and was in “Murderball,” a recent movie documentary on wheelchair (quad) rugby.

l Exhibits! Exhibits! Exhibits! 100+ organizations offerring products, services & networking opportunities, including DME providers, recreation & sports, support groups, advocacy organizations.

l MUCH MUCH MORE!! Contact Susan DeNova, 602-470-1802, x114 or sdenova@azdes.gov

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

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 602-443-0723 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 persons are welcome.

Work Incentives & SSI

Learn about the assisted housing programs operated by HOM, Inc., including the Shelter Plus Care, Supportive Housing and Mainstream Housing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Programs. Discussion will include topics such as program history, eligibility guidelines, waiting list and application/referral processes, rental assistance calculations and Fair Market Rent (FMR) restrictions, inspection requirements, supportive services, and other program related information.

l The full range of care and housing options - respite, long term, at home and in a facility, specialized and for the broader market.

l Key features of each option: the care and support available, meals and services provided, cost ranges, average age, abilities of the residents who best fit the category, and more.

l Options for coping with the financial demands of care and housing: a detailed overview to help the resident identify the most promising alternatives to investigate.

Harpist and composer, Megha Morganfield will lead us in a toning meditation. Music has long been recognized as a source of healing. We all have our own natural tone, which can be altered by life experiences and stress. Using the voice for meditation can be empowering and extremely relaxing. Join us to find your natural tone. Experience how we can make harmony together while maintaining our own natural tone. Ms. Morganfield has 20 years of experience facilitating healing through music. She will bring her CD’s along, in case one might want to purchase one for use at home.

Reading is reading right? Wrong! Find out the difference between reading something for yourself and reading for performance before an audience.

Come join Us! To RSVP please leave a message at ABIL’s Artreach/ITC line, 602-296-0503 or email improbabletheatreco@cox.net

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

l Exhibits! Exhibits! Exhibits! 100+ organizations offerring products, services & networking opportunities, including DME providers, recreation & sports, support groups, advocacy organizations.

l MUCH MUCH MORE!! Contact Susan DeNova, 602-470-1802, x114 or sdenova@azdes.gov

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. Please do not smoke or wear scented products when attending events. Reasonable Accommodations, including Sign Language Interpreters and Personal Assistants, will be provided at ABIL events upon request.

FEB 01 LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY TRAINING DAY - Phoenix Airport Marriott. Must be registered to attend.

FEB 02 LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS DAY - Open to all. 8:30am - 2:00pm. Senate Lawn - Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W Washington, Phoenix. Jason Geroux, 1-800-701-5575 or email jason@azgcdd.org

Feb 07 Work Incentives/SSDI, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Metro Classroom. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Feb 09 SR/Bowling, 11:00am - 2:00pm. 4407 S Rural Rd., Tempe. Bowling ramps will be provided. Cost: $1.50 per game. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

Feb 09 V.O.I.C.E., 11:00am - 2:00 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.

Feb 13 Healer Within, 12:30 -3:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Women’s Wellness group: Make an appointment with yourself! Amina Donna Kruck, 602-443-0722

Feb 14 Work Incentives/SSDI, 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Feb 15 SR/Cooking Group, 10:30am - 1:30pm. Phx Kitchen. Consumers assist by bringing ingredients for lunch. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

Feb 15 Home Inc., 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Thomas Conf Room. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Feb 17 COMPASS, 2:00pm - 4:30pm. Providing Direction and Networking to Persons with Disabilities. Scottsdale Senior Center, 7375 E. 2nd St., Bldg. 2, Rm. 5. Coordinator: Susan Denova, 602-470-1802

Feb 18 Improbable Theatre Company/How to Read a Play, 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Burton Barr Library, Room A. Details page 8. Kathy Tweet, 602-296-0503 or email improbabletheatreco@cox.net.

Feb 21 Glendale Commission on Persons with Disabilities, 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Open to the public. 2nd floor Conference Room, 5959 W. Brown St., Barbara George, 623-930-2284

Feb 21 Work Incentives/SSI, 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Feb 21 ADA Teleconference, 12:00pm - 1:30pm. Phx Kitchen. Interplay Between the ADA and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Details, page 6. Darrel Christenson, 602-296-0530

Feb 23 “A Place For Mom,” 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Feb 23 SR/Art & Craft Group, 10:00am-2:00pm. Mesa Classroom. (Bring $3.00 for pizza or your own lunch) Cost for craft materials, $2.00 Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

Feb 24 Work Incentives/SSDI, 10:00am-12:00pm. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Feb 27 SR/Newsletter, 8:00am-5:00pm. Phx Kitchen. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

Feb 28 Work Incentives/Providers, 10:00am-12:00pm. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Feb 28 Healer Within Special Event, 10:30am - 12:30pm. Details page 6. Amina Donna Kruck, 602-443-0722

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

‘96 Dodge Grand caravan conversion w/fold out ramp - Asking $14,699. Van has 61,508 miles, Blue/gray finished with gray cloth interior. Please call Karl at Arizona Mobility Products 602-385-5848, for a demonstration.

‘98 Dodge Grand Caravan conversion with in floor north star VMI conversion ramp -
Asking $ 27,900. Van has 38,000 miles, Red with grey interior. Please call Karl at Arizona Mobility Products at 602-385-5848, for a demonstration.

‘96 Ford E150 van w/Ricon Lift & hand controls. “Eyebrow” door openings, pwr seat, finished int. Reliable, great cond., 103K miles, no problems. $3,900. Call Gary, 602-305-6462

‘88 Plymouth Voyager w/ 10” lowered floor ramp system. 252K miles, driveable. $3000 OBO. Call 602-249-1123

Alante power chair, original cost $5K, Excellent condition. Asking $1200 OBO. Two scooters - Amigo & Sierra, excellent condition, asking $250 OBO. Transport chairs, light wt, small wheels, $200. Call 623-566-2508

Lift Chair/recliner, $299 OBO. Rally Scooter w/lots of extras, baskets, carrier for walker. Paid $2300, asking $495. Excellent shape. Off Boswell/ 99th Ave. Also have walker w/wheels & seat - make offer. Call Dale, 623-583-0419

1103 Ultra Jazzy, 1 1/2 yrs old, good condition, used in house only. Cost new $6000, asking $3000 OBO. Call Dennis, 623-584-7784

‘05 Jazzy 1103 Ultra, never used, checked over, charged and ready to go. Pd $6000, asking $3500. Call 623-556-0264

Back Packer Lift. Will fit in mini van or full size van, all parts included. $800 OBO. Call Nick 480-225-4567.

Soft Tub Spa/whirlpool w/cover. Large size, good for arthritis. Works good/exclnt cond. $1000 OBO. Call 480-671-0314

3 wheel stool w/bicycle type seat. Allows you to sit in near standing position and scoot around kitchen. Adjustable seat height. Make offer. Call 963-0130

Jet 3 Power Chair, 4 years old, side pockets, perfect working condition. $600. Call Rene, 480-570-9009.

Moving out of state - must sell deceased husband’s Shoprider Sovereign scooter, like new, paid $4000 -

Brand new Hoyer lift, $325 OBO. Invacare electric wheelchair, reclines, good condition, $675 OBO. Call 480-882-2607

Accessible Home for Rent: 3BR/2BA, across from an elementary school, washer/dryer/refrigerator/microwave & stove incl. 1304 E. 9th Ave., Mesa. Contact Marsha, 480-497-0907 or email dmliving@cableaz.com, w/RENT in subject line. Rent is $1,000 per mo, w/one-month deposit required.

Single Story Accessible Condominium for Lease, 2BR - Master Bedroom Split 1 ¾ BA, 2 car garage, 1,107 Sq. Ft., freshly painted, atrium, community swimming pool, backyard patio. 9083 N 47th Lane, Glendale. $800 Call Howard at 602-741-7040 with any questions or to view property. Also have power chairs & various medical supplies (catheter, foley etc) call for information

Seeking roommate male or female, who is DD eligible. Current renter (my son) has mild DD, attending Tungland Day Program in Peoria. Home is staffed by Tempe Center for Habilitation and is located in nice neighborhood near Beardsley/33rd St., and Cave Creek exit off the 101. Rent includes utilities, cable, & use of washer/dryer, reduced to $300 a mo. Call Linda 623-376-2468

Seeking Personal Assistant, Part Time (No personal care needed). 62 yr old male, chair user, retired Boeing 747 Captain needs help organizing accessible apartment (no cleaning). Secretarial help, teach computer usage including word processing. Pay commensurate w/ability. Must be dependable. Weekdays only. Scottsdale/Shea area. Call Jim 480-348-0905

Seeking donated accessible van - Willing also to make payments. Call Tim 480-217-6380 or 480-969-1718

SUPPORT GROUP - For Men & Women who have had a physically traumatic injury of any kind is now being formed. The group will meet the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Neuro Institute, 1221 W. Warner, Tempe. If you would like to participate please call 480-735-0124. Please note: Attendance is restricted to men & women age 18 and up. Please do not bring minors to the group.

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.

Wednesday, March 8, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Phoenix Zoo - Home to more than 1,300 animals. 455 N Galvin Parkway. Phx. Cost: $3.00.

Wednesday, March 15, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm 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.

Monday, March 27, 9:00 am -???? 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.

Wednesday, April 5, 10:00 pm – 1:00 pm Desert Botanical Gardens. Desert plants of the world with emphasis on the Southwest. 1201 N Galvin Parkway. Phx. Cost: $4.00.

Thursday, April 13, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Arts & Crafts Group. (Bring $3.00 for pizza or your own lunch) Come be creative with Arts and Crafts projects. 1229 E Washington, Phx. Cost: $2.00

Wednesday, April 19, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm 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.

Monday, April 24, 9:00 am - ???? 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. Phx Kitchen. Cost: None.

Telling a person with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

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.