ARIZONA BRIDGE TO INDEPENDENT LIVING: January 2007 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)

The goal of this training is to help you prepare to meet and talk with your legislator.

Space is limited. Completing an application does not guarantee a training spot.

The Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities is proud to present our Legislative Awareness Day 2007 event: “No Longer in the Shadows…the Groundhog Returns.” We have reserved the Senate lawn from 8am-2pm and will have several opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and their family members to interact with their legislators. Some activities include:

- Exhibit expo featuring information from organizations statewide that serve people with developmental disabilities

We encourage you to join with us as we participate in the legislative process. For more information, please contact Jason Geroux, Public Relations Director at 1-866-771-9378 or via email at jason@azgcdd.org .

Calling all transit advocates – here we go again! I am hearing about more and more long waits on Dial-a-Ride (DAR), even in Phoenix. DAR users having untimely delays need to start documenting their wait times.

Keep a little notebook with you that has the date, time of call for service, pick up time and actual time of your late pick up. We know maintaining employment and doctor appointments requires timely ADA DAR pick-ups. Our advocacy is not good without the disability community’s help. Keep track of this and then we will have evidence to present to the transit providers. Without this we are powerless. With enough documentation from enough people we then can go to the transit authorities and under the Americans with Disabilities Act file a complaint. Once you have some documentation, contact David Carey at davidc@abil.org or call 602-443-0727 so we can collect evidence to substantiate our advocacy case.

Next, let’s get our own house in order! Acknowledging that DAR is much more expensive to ride than buses, we need to make sure that people capable of riding the bus are doing so to relieve DAR demand. Living in Motion, through LIFE Inc., has transit assistance programs for people with disabilities that can be helpful. They offer:

- Employment for bus travel trainers (people with disabilities are encouraged to apply!)

- Employment of transit passengers with disabilities to assist in ADA Training of transit operators

- A quality assurance program for the City of Phoenix that monitors DAR services

- An underutilized employment taxi voucher program for residents of Phoenix that work in Phoenix

For more information or to get involved, contact Donna Powers at LIFE, Inc., 480-222-4134 or dpowers@lifeaz.org

Empower is a two way street – you can receive and you can send out alerts yourself, or comment on alerts you receive. The legislative session starts in January and Congress will return after the New Year with a new leadership. Now is the time to get involved. To sign up for Empower! send an email to davidc@abil.org and he will get you enrolled.

Let’s talk disability

· say You are an inspiration to me/You make me realize how blessed I am. I do not exist for your edification or beatification. For some reason, I’ve been royally screwed, and it has nothing to do with you.

· pat me on the head, if I am a short person or use a wheelchair. I am not a pet or a three-year-old child.

· if I use a wheelchair, tell me how you wish you had that gizmo to get around in. I wish I had legs that work.

· say that I’m physically challenged. Your barrier isn’t a challenge to me; it’s rude.

· tell me your home/office/vehicle is accessible, it only has one step/we have strong young men who can lift you to the top of the steps. “Accessible” means I can get there on my own, with no steps and without you dropping me or my $15,000-chair.

· say God did this for a purpose that only He knows. What kind of sadist is your god, anyway?

· tell me If you only try hard enough, you could do it. I have tried, the doctors have tried, the engineers have tried. I/they am/are not lazy. My body does not work.

· assert A cure is just around the corner. I don’t live around the corner; I live here and now.

· expect me to wait on you. If you need help, please ask me, and if I can help you, I will. Otherwise do not assume I am your personal servant unless you are paying me $75/hour.

· tell me You don’t know what it’s like to be in pain/be handicapped/be depressed. Yes, I really do. I am a person, and every person experiences pain and sadness. My pain and my sadness are mine; your pain and sadness are yours. I can respect you if you respect me, in all our humanity. Same struggle—different differences.

· tell me That’s easy for you to say. It probably isn’t, but let’s talk about it. See above.

· blame me for your problems. You are responsible for your life, just as I am responsible for mine.

· think you are alone. We all shiver in the night chill of If only and Why.

Edward Verne Roberts, (January 23, 1939 - March 14, 1995), was the first severely-disabled student to attend the University of California, Berkeley. He became one of the founders and one of the greatest leaders of the disability rights movement.

Ed Roberts contracted polio as an adolescent in 1953. For the first year of his illness, he spent all of his time in a hospital. Eventually he left the hospital, but had to spend vast expanses of time in an iron lung. For a while, he thought of himself as a "helpless cripple," but eventually he graduated from high school after he and his mother worked to have the physical education and drivers license requirements of graduation waived. He noticed the large amount of attention that his disability gained him, and decided to use this attention for positive purposes.

Ed Roberts had to work hard to get Berkeley to accept him, because, as a dean explained, "We've tried cripples before and it didn't work." Instead of living in a dorm, the university housed him in the student infirmary, as it was the only room on campus with a floor that could support the weight of his iron lung.

Roberts spearheaded the drive for such basic accommodations such as curb cuts at Berkeley. With the addition of five other severely-disabled students, who called themselves the "rolling quads," he lobbied for the creation for the first disabled students program at a university. In addition, he was one of the founding members of and directors of the Center for Independent Living and World Institute on Disability.

Self-Advocacy DVD

Your Rights as an Employee with Disabilities

Arizona Center for Disability Law has developed a DVD, entitled, “What to Expect After You Have Filed an Employment Discrimination Complaint.” The 20 minute video on employment rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act goes through the mediation process after filing a discrimination complaint. To order a free DVD send them an email at center@azdisabilitylaw.org or call them at 602- 274-6287 (voice/TTY). Available in American Sign Language.

In November, Centers for Medicaid and Medicare instituted new rules that are meant to reduce fraud and abuse to Medicare on purchases of wheelchairs. Many advocates are concerned that this will result in people who actually need wheelchairs being denied them, or people not being able to get appropriate mobility devices.

The SCI Leaders Group, a product of the recent SCI Summit, held in Bethesda, MD are organizing a specific advocacy process in the effort to ensure that people with mobility limitations get access to optimal power wheelchair products. They are concerned that these new rules threaten the very existence of quality products, because manufacturers and dealers will find it difficult to meet these needs in an increasingly tight payment environment. Some fear the end result will be less mobility device dealers in rural locations. ABIL advocates in coalition with the Multiple Sclerosis Society recently met with Senator Kyl to ask him to take action to delay the implementation of these rules. His staff relayed the message that he would not do so and offered the concern that manufacturers were trying to scare consumers needlessly.

If you have been actually denied coverage by Medicare for Group III power wheelchairs because of the “in-home rule” or because of the recent reductions in funding policy that took effect on November 15, the SCI Leaders group are looking for you. Contact: Gary Karp at gary@lifeonwheels.org, or if you don’t have email, David Carey will forward the message on to Gary, 602-443-0723.

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.

Learn about the Earned Income Tax Credit, the largest Federal tax benefit program. This is a Work Incentive, not public assistance.

Avoid needless tax preparation expenses such as transaction costs, high commercial fees, and predatory practices like rapid-refund loans and check-cashing operations.

The cities like Phoenix are recognizing they have been missing the economic boost that the Earned Income Tax Credit provides to their community. They are gearing up for outreach efforts to help residents take advantage of this Federal tax benefit program.

Last year’s Earned Income Tax Credit campaign was carried out at 25 Tax Preparation Sites that provided 6,400 hours of free tax preparation with over 100 volunteers help.

- 7,000+ low-income families filed returns resulting in nearly $7.0 million in tax refunds!

This year Phoenix and other cities are focusing outreach to people with disabilities because they realize that 26% of people with disabilities live in poverty (3 times the national average)! While there are dozens of assets-building programs across the nation, NONE of them focus on people with disabilities!

EITC nor CTC (Child Tax Credits) are NOT counted as income in most benefit programs (SSI, SSDI, food stamps, Medicaid, federally-assisted housing, etc.), although some count them as a resource for a designated time period after the month of receipt.

Please join us in partnership with Phoenix to:

- Increase awareness of the EITC Program and free tax-filing sites for people with disabilities.

- Recruit people with disabilities to become volunteer tax preparers and greeters at free tax-filing sites.

- Invite disability organizations to promote the EITC Program and become free tax-filing sites.

- Establish a comprehensive network that creates real economic change for people with disabilities through tax refunds, financial education, and asset-building programs that build and preserve financial health.

Who benefits? Everyone: Working poor, employers, businesses, banks and State and local governments.

For information about the Earned Income Credit contact davidc@abil.org 602-443-0723 or erikj@abil.org 602-443-0727. For information about FREE TAX PREPARATION, call the Phoenix Community Information & Referral Line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 602-263-8856.

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.

- 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

Want to attend a workshop/presentation, but transportation, time, or other issues get in the way? You can attend by phone! Contact David Carey 602-443-0723 to schedule you in via teleconference call.

“Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign: Everybody Wins.” Please join us for a presentation by Wayne Tormala, Community Initiatives Coordinator for the City of Phoenix, who will provide valuable resources and information that can help people with disabilities acquire the tax benefits they have earned, including how EITC interacts with other public benefits that someone may already be receiving.

Guest Speaker: Wayne Tormala – City of Phoenix Community Initiatives Coordinator
Wednesday, January 17 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Learn about timelines to enroll in Medicare and your options. Don’t be SCAMMED on your Medicare benefits. Learn what to look for to protect yourself from Medicare fraud and how to report Medicare Fraud.

Youth Action Council of AZ

Q: I receive SSI and want to start my own small business. Are there any work incentives that can help me?

A: Yes, the Plan for Achieving Self Support, also known as the PASS plan, is a great work incentive for people on SSI who want to set some of their countable income aside to for expenses that will help them reach a specific work goal. PASS plans can be established to pay for computer software or hardware, tuition, modified vehicles, small business start up costs, and other things related to working with a disability. To learn more about the PASS, call a Community Work Incentives Coordinator at 1-866-304-WORK (9675).

Veterans, including those with service-connected disabilities, have the skills, training, and character to meet your toughest challenges. There are an extensive number of veterans- resources to assist you in finding veteran candidates for your job openings. In this first session of a two-part series, the Employer Assistance & Recruiting Network (EARN) will showcase some top resources and give you the opportunity to speak key members of these organizations to find out how they can assist you reaching out to veterans in your employment efforts. RSVP to Darrel Christenson, 602-296-0530.

Provided by the The Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (PDBTAC). www.pacdbtac.org

Announcing the 5th annual HOMES FOR ARIZONANS Day event at the State Capitol. Over forty organizations exhibited last year including financial institutions, federal, state, and city government agancies, non-profits and statewide associations. Exhibits begin at 11:00am and lunch will be served at noon with keynote speaker, RL Brown of RL Brown Reports, and Housing Trust Fund awards. For more information, contact Cynthia Diggelmann at 602-771-1016 or cynthiad@housingaz.com.

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.

The Phoenix Arts Collective (PACO) Gallery will host a breakthrough show during the month of January for the artwork of children with autism. These children, due to their disability and sensory issues, are unable to participate in mainstream activities. At Hopi Elementary School in Scottsdale, these students are given individual attention in creating expressive art by Charice Mabry, a four years’ consecutive designee in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.”

PACO Gallery, Char’s Spot, Very Special Arts of Arizona, the Department of Developmental Disabilities, and A Caring Heart have invested in Ms. Mabry’s students to present a month-long show beginning with an opening reception from 7 PM to 10 PM, Friday, January 5, 2007.

PACO Gallery is located at 635 West Indian School Road, Suite 111, in Phoenix. For more information, please call PACO Gallery at 602-279-2654 or see their website at www.phxartscollective.org

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.

Jan 02 WIPA/SSDI, 10:30am-12:30pm. City of Phx One-Stop. Details on page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Jan 06 ITC Workshop: Preparing a Scene, Part 1, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Phoenix Public Library. See details page 8. Call ABIL’s ITC line, 602-296-0503 or email: improbabletheatreco@cox.net.

Jan 09 WIPA/Providers, 10:00am-12:00pm. Metro Classroom. Details page 7.
David Carey, 602-443-0723

Jan 11 SR/In-House Movie, 10:00am-1:00pm. Phx Kitchen. Refreshments provided. Cost: None. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

Jan 11 WIPA/SSDI, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Metro Classroom. Details on page 7.
David Carey, 602-443-0723

Jan 11 V.O.I.C.E., 1:00pm - 4:00pm. A monthly support and information group for individuals with disabilities, their families & rehabilitation providers. Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave. Clayton Guffey, 602-789-9129, ext 207. Website: www.voice-az.com

Jan 16 WIPA/SSI, 10:30am-12:30pm. City of Phx One-Stop. Details page 7.
David Carey, 602-443-0723

Jan 16 Healer Within, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Thomas Ste 290. Women’s Wellness Group - Make an appointment with yourself: Body, mind and Spirit. Amina Kruck, 602-443-0722

Jan 16 Glendale Commission on Persons with Disabilities, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Open to the public. 2nd floor Conference Room, 5959 W. Brown St. Julian Avila, 623-930-2297

Jan 17 Earned Income Tax Credit, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Details, page 7.
David Carey, 602-443-0723

Jan 17 SR/Cooking Group, 10:30am-1:30pm. Phx Kitchen. Learn new recipes, skills, and socialize with others. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

Jan 19 Medicare Benefits/SHIP, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Jan 19 COMPASS, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Providing direction and networking to persons with disabilities. Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale. Pauline Staples, 602-241-1006

Jan 20 ITC Workshop: Preparing a Scene, Part 2, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Phoenix Public Library. See details page 8. Call ABIL’s ITC line, 602-296-0503 or email: improbabletheatreco@cox.net.

Jan 23 WIPA/SSI, 1:30pm-3:30pm. Gilbert Career Center. Details on page 7.
David Carey, 602-443-0723

Jan 23 WIPA/SSDI, 10:00am -12:00pm. Gilbert Career Center. Details on page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Jan 25 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! Clubhouse of The Legacy at Piestewa Peak, 1411 E. Orangewood Ave, Phx. Don Price, 602-443-0733

Jan 25 SR/Arts & Crafts Group. 10:30am-1:30pm. Phx Kitchen. (Bring $3.00 for pizza or your own lunch) Come be creative with Arts and Crafts projects. Cost for craft materials: $2.00. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

Jan 30 Healer Within, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Mesa Classroom. Women’s Wellness Group - Make an appointment with yourself: Body, mind and Spirit. Amina Kruck, 602-443-0722

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 Chevy Venture, Apple Red, full handicapped conversion. 75,000 miles – good condition $10,000. I-Tech Barrier free ceiling lift including 20’ track and sling $5,000. (h) 480-994-4590, (c) 480-577-3889

Jazzy 1121 power chair-red-with Synergy TRU-Balance Power Tilt Seat, 3 yrs old, good shape/used very little, make offer. lloydeadkins0905@yahoo.com or 480 984-1069

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

EZR-1800 EZ Rizer (turning seat) made by Bruno—used very little—cost $6,000. new, will sacrifice for $1500. Also a Bruno Out-Rider PUL-1100 wheel-chair/scooter lift, near-new, also; new cost $3200, will take $1200. Call 928-978-6743

Invacare electric hospital bed, head/foot/bed raises, w/2 gel mattreses. Exclnt cond. $650. Manual Wheelchair w/pwr assist - Cost 9K will sell at $5500 OBO. Invacare pwr chair w/pwr tilt, $625 OBO. Standing frame, 5000 series, 2 mos old, $675. Electric turn key mattress - prevents bed sores, used 2 months, $775. Call Burt, 480-855-0226

Portable wheelchair ramp. Folding, 4’ long, 30” wide w/side rails. Non-slip surface. Lt wt aluminum construction. Never used. $400 new, will take $250 OBO. Very nice ramp. Layne, 602-762-3699

Pulsed Irrigation Evacuation (PIE) Unit. Purchased 3 yrs ago. Only used 6-7 times. Still have a few boxes of the PIE Packs it uses. Paid over $9,000 for it in 2003. Best Offer. Call Ken @ 480-488-5053.

Alero Electric Folding Wheelchair, GP-50 Like brand new, $2500. Call Debbie, 623-466-9594

Action Storm Series Pwr chair, lay back seating system, BIG chair - 329lbs, very good cond., $2000 OBO. 602-955-0187

Jazzy 1113 w/ oxygen tank holder, basket, new batteries, 2yrs old, never used. Cost new $6K, asking $750. 623-399-9416

Go-go Ultra scooter, w/manuals, 2yrs old, breaks into 4 parts for transport. Great cond, seldom used. $900. Personal transport wheelchair, w/small wheels. $25. Lift chair, blue $400. Walker, cane, raised toilet seat w/handles - call for prices. 602-275-8294 or (c) 602-628-0575

‘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 $1200 OBO. Call 480-982-2413

Invacare Hospital Bed, w/mattress & side rails. 3yrs old. $400. Can not deliver. Call 480-362-3215

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, newly updated front yard landscaping, walk-way, J&J BTH (#1), fireplace, bay wdw. in DR & MBR, other nice upgrades! Min. to Glendale arena/ freeways. $261,970 OBO. Call 623-939-2318, E-mail AEllis1968@aol.com for a link to see pictures of home.

Accessible Home for Sale by Owner, El Mirage. 1832sqft. 4BR/2BA, Great room, family room/Loft, 2 car garage w/door opener. Master BR/BA downstairs. Huge roll in shower. Front entryway ramp. Spacious backyard, beautiful landscape. Built 2002. Exceptionally clean, non smoking environment. Fridge, dishwasher, stove, lots of upgrades. Close to shopping. IMMEDIATE MOVE IN! $248,900 Call 623-933-8821

Accessible Home - 2BR/3BA model 700, 1750 sq.ft. Sunland Village retirement community, Mesa. 3rd BA has new whlchr accessible shower, toilet & sink. Very clean w/ceiling fans in every room, new carpet, new kitchen & BR tile. New kitchen countertops, sink & faucet. All new Kitchen-aid appliances: cook top, convection oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator. New AC/heating system installed 09/06 $259,000. Contact Mark Danelowitz, 602-620-0975 or e-mail mark@danelowitz.com

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 caregiver for female, 57 yrs old, chair user w/Myotonic MD & one side paralysis post stroke. Must be able to safely transfer someone. Primary responsibility: transfer assistance in/out of bed, wheelchair, shower, on and off toilet. Also assist w/dressing, meal prep, laundry, very lite house keeping. Live-in w/room & board w/$350 per wk. or work 8am-6pm daily, call for pay info. (c) 602-628-8763 or 602-547-0842.

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

Electric hospital bed, hd/ft raise. Manual wheelchair, standing machine, other equipment. Call 623-907-4609