INDEPENDENT LIVING AND ADVOCACY BY, AND FOR, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

 

The Bridge News from the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living Volume XIX, Number 1 JANUARY 2008 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 Fundamental Right in a Democracy is the Right to Vote. Register to vote by January 7! By Ramon M Garcia, Organizer, Just Vote Arizona AzDVP@aol.com    602-256-9649 Every eligible citizen of this nation has the right to register to vote, enter a polling place without barriers, cast their vote and have that vote counted correctly.   There are many laws in this state and country that protect the right to vote for all people, including people with disabilities. Even with these laws, people with disabilities typically vote at a rate that is 15-20% lower than non-disabled voters. This is why candidates don’t see the disability community as a constituency they need to consider like they do seniors.  They know most seniors vote!     Don’t just complain… VOTE!     With rights comes responsibility. Citizen advocates can better influence elected officials decisions by reminding them they vote and showing up at the poles.. Elected officials, including the governor and your legislators, can find out whether you vote, but not how you vote. These busy people will pay more attention to disability issues, when more people with disabilities take their voting responsibility seriously and vote.   The Just Vote Arizona! Disability Vote Coalition would like to remind you of some important Election dates:   ·  Presidential Preference Voter Registration Closes - January 7, 2008 ·  Early Presidential Preference Voting Begins - January 10, 2008   ·  Presidential Preference Election - February 5, 2008   In 2002 federal legislation was signed into law to modernize our voting process. The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requires all polling places to have at least one voting machine that allows people with disabilities to cast a secret and independent ballot. It also requires that voters can cast a provisional ballot.   Go to http://www.azdisabilityvote.org to get helpful voting information and to register to vote.     “Vote as if your life depended upon it. It does!” Justin Dart, Disability Advocate and Father of the ADA     …………………………………..   ABIL Seeks Nominations for the 2007 “Spirit of ABIL” Award     By Phil Pangrazio, ABIL Executive Director   On Saturday, March 15th, 2008, ABIL will host the 6th annual “Spirit of ABIL” awards.  ABIL is seeking nominations for its 2007 award.  The “Spirit of ABIL” Award was created to honor and recognize a consumer or advocate for actions that promote and exemplify the independent living philosophy of consumer control, self-advocacy, and peer support.    Nominees are judged on at least some or all of the following criteria: • Accomplishments and goals met in developing independent living skills and making the adjustment to life with a disability.   • Involvement and accomplishments in systems or self-advocacy that positively impacted community integration for people with disabilities in metropolitan Phoenix and Central Arizona.   • Involvement in volunteer peer-mentorship activities.   • Contributions to the disability community at large.   • Professional accomplishments as they pertain to positive adjustment to disability.   Past winners have included Kathy Tweet, Carolan Quenneville, Pam Allan, Mary Hartle-Smith, Ken Heard and Lynn Martinka.   Kathy Tweet received a special Consumer Volunteer award at ABIL’s 20th anniversary. This award eventually became the annual “Spirit of ABIL” award. Kathy has volunteered at ABIL for over 10 years, coordinating ARTREACH, assisting with copying The Bridge when it was printed in-house, and is the visionary that sparked the Improbable Theatre Company.   Carolan Quenneville, a part-time ABIL employee, was honored for accomplishments including: being an ABIL volunteer peer mentor, a co-founding member of the Improbable Theatre Company, and disability awareness speaker and advocate.  Carolan is also the editor and design specialist for the ABIL newsletter, The Bridge.   Pam Allan, an ABIL Board member and advocate was honored for her work on the state planning committee that implemented the Help America Vote Act.  Pam also fought to get the Phoenix Transit 2000 passed, served on the Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues, advocated for the expansion of accessible housing along the Light Rail line, was a peer travel trainer for the Easter Seals, and served on the Valley Metro Dial-a-Ride oversight committee.   Mary Hartle-Smith, an ABIL consumer, was honored for leadership in advocating for increases in public transportation.  Mary worked fervently on Proposition 400, the regional public transit initiative and helped steer the Transit Regional Improvement Project coalition (i.e.TRIP) that led to the passage of Prop 400.   Ken Heard, a former ABIL Board member and consumer, was honored for his passionate advocacy to increase the availability of home and community based services.  Ken, now deceased, spent many years fighting for higher caregiver wages and demanded more dignity and respect for the caregiver profession.  Ken was an active member of American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today (ADAPT).   Lynn Martinka was honored for her involvement in a multitude of activities at ABIL over the past 15 years, including newsletter assembly, ADA advocacy, peer mentorship, socialization through recreation, polio echo, and River of Dreams rafting.   If you know someone who is as deserving as our previous “Spirit of ABIL” award winners, please consider submitting a nomination today!   ……………………………….   Spirit of ABIL Award 2007 Do you know a consumer or advocate who exemplifies the Independent Living philosophy?   Nominations are being accepted through February 15, 2008 for the 2007 “Spirit of ABIL” award.  The award will be presented to the consumer or advocate who best personifies the Independent Living philosophy. The independent living philosophy states that people with disabilities should have the same civil rights, options, and control over choices in their own lives, as do people without disabilities. For more information and nomination forms contact suzys@abil.org or call 602-296-0545.   ………………………………   Transit Planning Output Wanted By Mary Hartle-Smith   The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) wants to hear your thoughts and opinions concerning your needs for transportation in Maricopa County. How well are your transportation needs being met now? What is needed in the near-term and long-range future?   MAG is the designated transportation planning agency for Maricopa County. MAG is made up of 25 incorporated cities and towns within Maricopa County, three Indian communities, Arizona Department of Transportation, Maricopa County and the Citizens Transportation Oversight Committee. While MAG does not actually provide transportation services, it works in concert with its member agencies, and other transportation entities such as ADOT, Valley Metro and Valley Metro Rail, to plan Valley freeways, bus routes and light rail.     MAG, in collaboration with its member agencies, developed the 20-year Regional Transportation Plan, which was adopted by Maricopa County voters as Proposition 400 in late 2004.   MAG also wants to inform you about the work it does to assist all of us to have a better quality of life.   If you belong to a group or organization, and want to help MAG help people with disabilities, please ask your group if they would like to have a MAG representative speak at a meeting. Please contact Mary Hartle-Smith, MAG Associate, at 480-733-5266 to obtain more information or schedule a presentation.   …………………………………… Walk ‘n Roll Dog Walk & Silent Auction January 26th      10:00am-2:00pm Tempe Town Lake Registration/Check-in 9:00 am Power Paws Assistance Dogs, Inc. invites you to participate in the 4th Annual Walk’n Roll Dog Walk and Silent Auction! This 5k walk and wheelchair roll around the lake is our major yearly fund raiser. Friendly dogs are welcome to join in the fun! Power Paws Assistance Dogs, Inc. is a non-profit organization, located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Our mission is to provide highly skilled assistance dogs to adults and children with disabilities, to provide education and continuing support for working assistance dog teams, and to be a resource in the community for people with disabilities. Power Paws Assistance Dogs is working on meeting this need through the use of highly skilled assistance dogs. We raise and train Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers in 90 commands. The approximate cost and value of an assistance dog when fully trained is $20,000, but with the help of donations we are able to place dogs for a minimal $5,000 fee. For more information call 480-945-0754. To register log on to: http://www.azpowerpaws.org/Default.aspx?tabid=564   …………………………………….   Social Security Updates Medical Digestive Listings   Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced that the Social Security Administration published new rules that update its medical listings for people filing for disability benefits based on digestive disorders, including diseases of the liver, stomach and colon.  Social Security’s medical listings are one of the key elements used in determining whether or not someone qualifies for disability benefits.  The new rules are a key step in the Commissioner’s initiative to update and improve the medical listings used to evaluate the medical needs of people with disabilities.  For the first time, the agency will use a composite of quantitative measures to ensure that people with severe liver disease receive benefits far more quickly than in the past.   The changes to the digestive listings reflect state of the art advances in medical knowledge, treatment, and methods of evaluating digestive disorders and Social Security’s own program experience. In addition, Social Security has developed a new disability calculator tool that will be used for the evaluation of chronic liver disease in adults and children.  This tool is the first of its kind used by the agency to help evaluate whether or not someone qualifies for disability.   While the agency is expanding its listings to include more digestive impairments, it is also removing some prior listings that no longer appropriately identify individuals with disabilities - for example, the listing for peptic ulcer disease, which is rarely disabling.    To learn more about the effects of various digestive disorders, please visit www.health.nih.gov/search.asp/5. To learn more about Social Security’s disability program visit www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. …………………………………..   They’re Back!  AZ Legislature Starts Up This Month By Amina Kruck   The Legislative Sessions Starts in January and runs for a minimum of 100 days. During that time they will be discussing what new laws will be passed and developing a budget for the upcoming year.  In the end, to become law and finalize the state budget, Governor Napolitano and the Legislature will have to agree   Trouble in the Desert! - Experts are estimating that the Arizona State budget will be about $1 Billion short of expected income. This means that any program and its associated budget allocation that is not attached to a mandate is at risk. It is likely that many legislators will look to cut those programs out of the budget to save money.  Your Legislators and the Governor are facing very difficult decisions and they need your input.  Don’t let them make these decisions without you!   There are options besides cutting programs included a temporary hold on recent tax cuts until the economy has improved.   Here’s What You Can Do:   - Get on ABIL’s Empower! Email listserve to receive up-to-date information about what is going on during the Legislative Session   - Attend in person or by teleconference the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disability’s Legislative Advocacy Coalition.   - Come down to the Capitol to witness and/or testify on bills or budget issues important to you   - Sign up at the Capitol so that you can testify remotely via the internet on bills (Amina or David can help you).   - Call or email your Legislators and Governor Napolitano to let them know what you want them to do as the issues are being discussed.   - Support the public programs that help you by telling your Legislators how important they are to you.  You are their boss and they need to know!   …………………………………………..   Do You Qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)? The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can put money back in your pocket if you meet any of these criteria:   Earned income and adjusted gross income (AGI) must each be less than: · $37,783 ($39,783 married filing jointly) with two or more qualifying children; · $33,241 ($35,241 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child; · $12,590 ($14,590 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children.   Tax Year 2007 maximum credit: · $4,716 with two or more qualifying children; · $2,853 with one qualifying child; · $428 with no qualifying children. Investment income must be $2,900 or less for the year   Maximum Amount of Advanced Earned Income for Tax Year 2007: · $1,712   Criteria for Free Income Tax Assistance Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) stand ready to help you with your income taxes for free if you fall into one of the following categories: - Individuals with disabilities - Individuals with low or limited income - Non-English speaking persons - Senior citizens   Home Based Tax Assistance To find a site near you Go to http://www.cir.org/seasonal-tax.html or call Arizona’s statewide Community Information & Referral 24-hour Income Tax Assistance Sites Hotline at 800-352-3792 or 602-263-8856.  If you have further questions regarding this information call David for assistance at 602-443-0723.   ………………………………………     ………………………………….   Operation: LOVE YOUR KIDS AHCCCS KidsCare One-day Statewide Enrollment Blitz February 14th   KidsCare is Arizona's health insurance for children under 19. Children age 18 and younger who qualify can get medical, dental and vision services -- all three services combined in one simple plan. Who can qualify? A child age 18 or younger who is:     * a resident of Arizona     * either a U.S. citizen or a qualified eligible immigrant - regardless of the status of the parents     * not currently covered by other health insurance     * a member of a family that meets the KidsCare income requirements listed below   Family Size / Gross Monthly Income* (Count each child, each unborn child, their parent(s) and/or step-parent(s) living in the home.) 1 - $1,702       2 - $2,282       3 - $2,862       4 - $3,442       5 - $4,022       6 - $4,602       Each additional person - $580.00   * Gross monthly income means all the money your family gets during a calendar month, before any taxes or deductions. If you are paid weekly, KidsCare counts 4.3 times your gross weekly pay. If you are paid every other week, KidsCare counts 2.15 times your gross biweekly pay. (Effective April 2007)   For more information on enrollment blitz locations call David Carey at ABIL, 602-443-0723. For questions on eligibility or how to apply for this program call the AHCCCS KidsCare office at 602-417-5437 or 1-877-764-5437 toll-free from area codes 520 and 928.   You can also send your questions about applying for KidsCare by email to ApplicationHelp@azahcccs.gov   …………………………………..   The Arizona Disability EXPO: “Your Life, Your Community, Your Future” Wednesday, February 20th Hall E of the Phx Convention Center, 3rd St/Jefferson 9:00am – 4:00pm   Keynote Speaker, PAUL “DOUG” GODDARD Owner/President, Synergy Consulting & Sports Marketing   -         100+ Exhibitors -         Speakers & performances by Improbable Theater Company -         Honoring Community Leaders with the Brandy Liston Awards & the Randy Werner Award for Excellence -         and much, much, more!!!    For further information, please call or email Susan DeNova at 602-470-1802, x114 or azdx@AZdes.gov   …………………………………………   Capitol Accessibility Improvements Within the last several months several accommodations have been made to improve accessibility and make participating in the legislative process at the Arizona State Capitol much more user-friendly.  Congratulations AZ Disability Advocacy Coalition members, Ken Jacuzzi, and David Carey for your advocacy and persistence to finally achieve this!    The following is a list of accommodations made to public areas to improve accessibility:   - Removal of permanent seating in both the Senate and House hearing rooms to provide designated seating for those using mobility devices.   - Installation of lapel microphone system in the Senate (Available upon request).   - Signage with instructions on how to request reasonable accommodations added to the kiosks.    - Link with instructions on how to request reasonable accommodations place on web sites of both the Senate and House.    - Kiosk in the Senate and House are equipped with JAWS software, which will give individuals with visual impairments the opportunity to independently operate the request to speak in committee system.   …………………………………..   Best Practices in Design: Balancing local, State & Federal Requirements to Ensure Accessibility    January 15th 11:00am-12:30pm   ABIL Main/Kitchen   What is best practice when it comes to designing accessible environments? Is compliance with local, state and federal building codes/standards enough? Architects and designers are faced with a myriad of rules and regulations governing accessible design which may require their professional judgment to determine which provides greater access. Join our panel of speakers as they discuss and debate the issue of achieving minimal compliance versus designing accessible and useable environments.   Speakers:  Jack Catlin, AIA, LCM Architects; Doug Anderson, LCM Architects; John Wodatch, Chief, Disability Rights Section, U.S. Department of Justice; Joe Russo, Deputy Commissioner, Chicago Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities   RSVP to Andrew Moody, 602-296-0536.   Teleconference presented by Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (PDBTAC) , http://www.pacdbtac.org   …………………………………….   Advocacy Presentations/Workshops All Advocacy presentations are free – Participants must RSVP with David Carey, 602-443-0723 Presentations/Workshops without a minimum of 4 participants are subject to cancellation. For accommodations or alternative format please call in advance. For ABIL van transportation, please call as soon as possible.  ABIL requests a $1+ donation (each way) for ABIL van transportation.  Consumers must be 18 years+ or their own legal guardian.   No fragrances please. To accommodate those with allergies, breathing conditions or multiple chemical sensitivities please do not smoke or wear scented products when attending ABIL events.     Arizona Freedom to Work Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA)   - On Social Security Benefits?        - Do you want to work?  - We can help you understand the  Social Security rules, new work incentives   and how to work your way out of poverty.   Workshops for Service Providers only - Learn about the WIPA program. Teleconference not available  Friday, January 18th                     10:00am – 12:00pm ABIL’s W Office, 4136 N. 75th Ave. Ste. 111, Phx Donna Lorti - Community Work Incentives Coordinator   Workshops for Consumers 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 receive both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), David will help you get an appointment with a Work Incentive Specialist. If you are unsure which kind of Social Security you receive, require alternate materials, and/or assistance with transportation, and to RSVP, call David at 602-443-0723. Family members and/or support persons are welcome.   Work Incentives/SSDI - Teleconference not available Tuesday, January 8th                   10:30am – 12:30pm City of Phoenix One-Stop, 9801 N. 7th St. Phx Rhonda Webb - Community Work Incentives Coordinator    Friday, January 11th                     1:00pm – 3:00pm ABIL’s W Office, 4136 N. 75th Ave. Ste. 111, Phx Donna Lorti - Community Work Incentives Coordinator    Tuesday, January 29th                 10:00am – 12:00pm Gilbert Career Center, 735 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134 Erik Jensen - Community Work Incentives Coordinator   Work Incentives/SSI - Teleconference not available Tuesday, January 15th                 10:30am - 12:30pm City of Phoenix One-Stop, 9801 N. 7th St. Phx Rhonda Webb - Community Work Incentives Coordinator     Tuesday, January 22nd                1:00pm - 3:00pm ABIL’s W Office, 4136 N. 75th Ave. Ste. 111, Phx Donna Lorti - Community Work Incentives Coordinator    Tuesday, January 29                     1:30pm – 3:30pm Gilbert Career Center, 735 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134 Erik Jensen - Community Work Incentives Coordinator …………………………………………….   To participate via teleconference in the presentations listed below, please contact David.  (Local Calls Free)     Sick of Our Healthcare System? Protecting Arizona’s Family Coalition (PAFCO) Healthcare Reform Project Almost everyone agrees, the health care system is a broken mess, with thousands uninsured, many more underinsured, growing premiums, high co-payments, lack of rural health care, etc. Yet, the system has great strengths which can be creatively developed as long term solutions.  PAFCO wants to work with you and community leaders in creating solutions to the health care crisis. Come learn how You can be part of the solution!   Guest Speaker:  Timothy J. Schmaltz - PAFCO Coordinator/CEO      Wednesday, January 9                 10:00am - 12:00pm 2345 E. Thomas Rd., Ste. 290 Phx Attend in person or via teleconference call.  In order to attend via conference call, please call David no later than Tuesday, January 8, 2008.     Tax Credit $$$ Could Be YOURS! The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Program is the largest federal tax benefit program, and is credited with lifting millions of people out of poverty. However, too often, many eligible families and individuals are unaware of the tax credits and fear these credits may interfere with current benefits they are receiving.  Our guest speaker will provide valuable resources and information that can help people with disabilities and/or low-income individuals acquire the tax benefits they have earned, including how EITC interacts with other public benefits that people may already be receiving.   Guest Speaker:  Jackie Ciccolo – Community Initiatives Program Wednesday, January 9                 1:00pm – 2:30pm ABIL - 2345 E. Thomas Rd. Ste., 290, Phx Attend in person or via teleconference call.  In order to attend via conference call, please call David no later than  Tuesday, January 8, 2008.   …………………………………. Volunteers Needed for Women’s Health Study   Volunteers are needed for a Research Study on Women’s Health. You may be eligible if you:                                     · Are a women at least 45 years of age · Have had a physical limitation, disability, or chronic illness for at least one year such as:   · multiple sclerosis   · arthritis   · lupus   · scleroderma · fibromyalgia   · muscular dystrophy or other muscular impairments   · cerebral palsy   · polio   · spinal cord injury   · stroke   · amputation   · orthopedic impairments   · spina bifida   · other physically disabling health conditions                                     • Eligible women will be randomly assigned to either an  8-session weekly Women’s Health Group or a Control Group. Both groups will be asked to complete questionnaires on several occasions.   • Women who are eligible and participate in the study will be offered a small payment for their participation.   CONTACT US TODAY and ask about becoming a participant in the “Women’s Health Group” Research Study! Contact Judy Benshoof at 602-296-0532 or  judyb@abil.org   This research study is being conducted by the Center for Research on Women with Disabilities, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, in collaboration with ABIL. The study is funded by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).   …………………………………………..   AZ Freedom to Work, Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Q&A By Erik Jensen  Q: I’m receiving disability benefits from Social Security, but I’m considering a return to the workforce. Are the any changes in the work incentives for 2008?   A: Social Security’s work incentives will still work the same way in 2008 that they did in 2007. However, the dollar amounts relating to most of the incentives will increase effective January 1. For example, if you received SSDI in 2007, earnings of $640 or more in gross wages in a month activated your Trial Work Period. In 2008, it will take $670 each month.   For more information on how the changes in dollar figures may affect you, call one of our Work Incentive Specialists at 866-304-WORK.   …………………………………….   IMPROBABLE THEATRE COMPANY Workshop: Think Fast!  The Art of Improv Saturday, January 19th 1:00pm - 5:00pm Phoenix Burton Barr Library 4th Floor Lecture Room Improv is the art of thinking on your feet and off the top of your head. If you would love to try improv or need a few basic skills to get you going on thinking quicker, make plans to attend this incredible workshop.   This class will help you to: * Think clearly * Deepen your listening skills * Encourage collaboration by working together as a team * Perform instinctively and spontaneously * Develop confidence on-stage and off   Join us for ITC’s Improv Workshop with Jef Rawls, owner of Theater 168 and Director of the Valley’s leading improv comedy troupe, The Jester’Z. Over the last eighteen years, Jef has performed in over 1,500 improv shows and has also acted in film, TV, videos, commercials, and on-stage.   RSVP to ITC’s message line, 602-296-0503 or email: info@improbabletheatrecompany.org - - - - - - - - - - - - Next month: Saturday, February 16th - “Advanced Acting: The Flow” with Dr. Bonnie Eckard, Professor in ASU’s School Of Theatre And Film.   “When actors are not blocked, they flow freely in time and space. This workshop is about helping actors find the freedom that will allow them to access their intuitive and creative impulses. The workshop will involve moving with others in space with awareness and courage; and, giving attention to the other. Participants will learn the Viewpoints: tempo, duration, kinesthetic response, repetition, shape, gesture, architecture, spatial relationship, and topography.”  Join Us!   ITC operates under the auspices of ABIL and is partially funded by the  Phoenix Arts Commission & the Arizona Commission on the Arts       As a courtesy to those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, please to not smoke or wear scented products when attending ITC workshops.   …………………………………………. Save The Date!!! March 19th 4th Annual Urban American Indian Disability Summit Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central, Phx   This important gathering will explore strategies to meet the needs of Native people with disabilities and their families in urban settings. It will also highlight links to tribal resources and to resources available through Arizona state agencies and local communities. Questions? Call Native Health at 602-279-5262   Social Pow Wow! Connect with old friends and meet new ones at our Social Pow Wow. Location to be announced.   ……………………………………….   Hassle Free Donations! ABIL is one of the organizations involved with Bashas’ Thanks A Million Program.  The 2007-2008 Thanks A Million program began Sept. 1, 2007 and will run through March 31, 2008. You can support ABIL by linking our group ID number: 28185, to your Bashas’ Thank You Card.   You only have to link your number once during the program. The link remains active until March 31, 2008.  Even if you have previously participated, you must link your card each year. In return, ABIL will receive a check for 1% of the shopping dollars into a donation to support our programs, up to $2,500. Please share this information with friends and family, to have the largest impact.   ………………………………………….   ABIL Community Calendar – RSVP for All Events 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. JUST A WHIFF of perfume, pesticide, or tobacco smoke could make a person with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities sick for hours, days, or longer.   Jan 08     SSI Work Incentives, 10:30am-12:30pm. Details page7. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Jan 08     Lively Limbs, 4:30pm-6:30pm.  Support group people with amputations. Greenbaum Surgery Center, 2nd Floor Training Room 3535 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. Lise R. Lindsay, C.P.  480-620-7125   Jan 09     PAFCO, 10:00am-12:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Details page7. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Jan 09     Earned Income Tax Credit, 1:00pm-2:30pm. Thomas Ste 290. Details page7. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Jan 10     SR/In-House Movie, 10:30am-1:30pm. Phx Kitchen. Refreshments provided. Cost: None. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535   Jan 10     V.O.I.C.E., 1:00pm-4:00pm. A monthly support & information group for individuals with disabilities, their families & rehabilitation providers. Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave. John Lignos, 602-470-1802 x108   Jan 11     SSDI Work Incentives, 1:00pm-3:00pm. 75th Ave Classroom.  Details page7. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Jan 15     SSDI Work Incentives, 10:30am-12:30pm. Details page7. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Jan 15     ADA Teleconference/Best Practices in Design, 11:00am-12:30pm. Phx Kitchen. Details page 6. Andrew Moody, 602-296-0536   Jan 15     Glendale Commission on Persons with Disabilities, 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Open to the public. 2nd floor Conference Room, 5959 W. Brown St. Sylvia Charters, 623-930-2297   Jan 16     SR/Art & Craft Group, 10:30am-1:30pm. Phx Kitchen. (Bring a lunch or $3.00 for pizza) Cost for materials $2. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535   Jan 17     Men’s Disability Issues Group, 6:30pm-8:00pm. Explore the range of thoughts, feelings and beliefs regarding the impact disability has on your life and the perceptions of others. FOR ADULT MEN ONLY! Legacy at Piestewa Peak Clubhouse, 1411 E Orangewood Ave., Phx. Don Price, 602-980-3232   Jan 18     Work Incentives for Providers, 10:00am-12:00pm. Details page7. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Jan 18     COMPASS, 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Providing direction and networking to persons with disabilities. Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale. Pauline Staples, 602-241-1006   Jan 19     Improbable Theatre Company/Improv Workshop,  1:00pm-5:00pm. Phx Burton Barr Library. Details page 8. RSVP to ITC’s message line, 602-296-0503 or email: info@improbabletheatrecompany.org   Jan 22     SSI Work Incentives, 1:00pm-3:00pm. 75th Ave Classroom. Details page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Jan 24     SR/Bingo, 10:00am-1:00pm. Phx Kitchen. (Bring a lunch or $3.00 for pizza) Cost: none. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535   Jan 29     Work Incentives Twofer; SSDI, 10:00am-12:00pm. SSI, 1:30pm-3:30pm. Details page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723   Jan 29     Healer Within, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Women’s Wellness Group - Make an appointment with yourself: relax and connect. Amina Kruck, 602-443-0722   Jan 31     SR/Cooking Group, 10:30am-1:30pm. Phx Kitchen. Learn new recipes, skills, and just socialize with others. Cost: Consumers assist by bringing ingredients for lunch. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535   ……………………………   Classified Ads – Deadline for the FEBRUARY issue – JANUARY 8th   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 does not endorse listed services, nor is responsible for the quality of advertised items or services.  Please call to renew ads. …………………………. PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE through AzTAP The Arizona Assistive Technology Exchange (ATEX) program is an online forum to donate, buy, sell, exchange or advertise a need for a piece of assistive technology (AT).  To review posted listings or post your ad go to www.azATEXchange.org or contact Clayton Guffey at 602-776-4699 or 1-800-477-9921. …………………………………..   FOR SALE: ’90 Ford Econoline Van w/lift & hand controls. Runs good, has a bit of a wiring problem, may need some work. New battery, approx 90K miles.  Asking $3500. Call 480-255-6388   ‘02 White Chevy express van, fully loaded with top of line accessories. Star Craft  conversion w/tri-fold wheelchair lift. <67K mi. w/100K mi. warranty. Contact Jane, 602 242-4366   ‘04 Dodge Grand Caravan, VMI equiped, kneel system, in floor ramp, 46K miles, light blue, moonroof. $24,900 contact: Diane at  dsa728@yahoo.com  or 602-502-3718   ‘95 Ford Winstar, modified w/side entrance manual ramp, 75K miles, relatively new AC, new tires, motor in excellent condition. $6,950. Call 623-486-4901 or (c) 623-399-0250   ‘95 Chevy Hi-profile conversion van, UVL lift, 97K miles, good condition, $10,000 OBO. Call 602-996-2528   ‘02 Ford Winstar LX, rear entry w/manual ramp, 6 person (or 1 driver, 4 passengers & one mobility device). Dark green w/gray cloth interior, roof rack, ONLY 19,600 miles. Asking $6500. Jazzy 1120-2000 power chair, tilt position & charger, Roho cushion, custom made tray, left &right leg extensions. $350. Invacare Electric hospital bed, no mattress, $300. Commode chair w/cushioned seat, $25. Call 623-939-2974   Two Ricon Power Lifts, stores in vehicle, push button control, exlnt cond. $700 apiece. Call Bill 480-357-3767   Invacare Storm TDX3 Power Wheelchair w/20" wide seat,  Roho cushion, & holder for ventilator, oxygen tanks. Chair tilts and/or reclines. 3-1/2 yrs old, 3 batteries power the chair & vent. All batteries were replaced in July 07. Medicare original price - $22,000.  Asking $4,000 OBO. 623-933-6494   Pride Z pwr chair. Blue. Portable, easily operated in  mobile home or apartment. Never used.  $1000 OBO. Contact Ellen, 623-979-5819. If no answer, leave message, I will call back.    Pride Lift Chair, brown, approx. 6yrs old but rarely used, good condition. Asking $250. Call 602-330-7136.    Hoveround power chair, purchased 9/05, 350lbs wt cap., battery servicable, may need replacement. Dormant 1yr.  Asking $2500, cash only. Hospital bed, twin size, mattress usable may also need replacement, $200 cash only.  Leave message at 602-233-3066. Leave number & best time to call.   Pride Jazzy 1103 Ultra & Escort 2000 Carrier lift w/manuals. Chair has joystick control on right, fold down foot plate, batteries used 1yr. Mint condition. Both together worth $10K, asking $5500, cashiers check. Call 623-546-1611   Sunrise medical bed w/removeable side rails, & mattress. Great condition. $375. Needs to be picked up. 480-948-2506   Electric Thyssen Krupp Stair Lift. Indoor/outdoor use, easy to install, exlnt cond. Original cost $5700, asking $1495. Call 480-220-6705   Mobile Home - single wide, furnished, E. Mesa 55+ MHpark, Val Vista/Univ. 8’ ramp; wide inner doors, grab bars in MBA shower; new wall sink, custom cabinet, 18" toilet, new vinyl flooring; 1/2BA for those w/out disability, 2 AZ rms; new dishwasher; all new flooring. Park has 2 heated pools, exercise rm, activities. $20,000 OBO. Monthly lot rent, $414, incl. water/garbage. Owner out of state. 1-770-514-7825.   Accessible home w/separate Casita. Sun City Grand. Master BR extended 4’, w/motorized Goldman lift & exit to patio. Master BA w/roll-in shower, custom vanity, large custom closet. Please call for more info. Patty Stelton, Coldwell Banker Residential Broker agent 480-951-1010 or 800-627-2286.  $349,900   SEEKING/WANTED Caregiver needed for male w/quadriplegia, Gold Canyon area. Need assist mornings, 2 hrs, w/bathing, dressing, etc. Ask for Steve or leave message, 480-983-1053   Seeking roommate for my 31yr old niece w/special needs. She’s currently employed & receives Soc Sec. Prefer N. Phx location - will consider others as we plan on checking in often. A very loving, caring person, no anger or other emotional issues, & would make a great friend & roommate. Prefer a female. Call John, (c) 623-330-7878 or lnicholson5@cox.net   Woman with disability seeks transportation to run errands, shopping, bank etc. around Apache Junction. Please call 480-835-1520   SERVICE - BUSINESS ADS A-Z Personal Services - Providing mobile salon services to individuals with disabilities.  A-Z Personal services provides haircuts & a variety of styles in the comfort of your home. Contact Selina, 602-434-2038   Communication Consultant - Non-judgmental, active listener, encouraging confidant. Need to talk? Meet at a public place of your choice. Call 480-314-1699   Accessible Homes - Buy or Sell, New or Pre-owned. 16yrs experience in serving the disability community.  I can help you buy or sell properties in AZ as well as anywhere in the continental U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico. Certified Cartus Relocation Specialist and USAA Certified Specialist. Patty Stelton, Disabilities Specialist, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. (o) 480-951-1010 , (c) 480-540-6898. Email: patty@pattystelton.com Web: www.pattystelton.com   DDR is hiring people to work as Direct Support Professionals in the East Valley for Respite, Habilitation & Attendant Care services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Benefits: earn up to $14.75/hour, flexible schedules, direct deposit, paid training, employee referral program. Contact DDR at www.ddresources.com or 480-529-6844 for an employment application.   Handicap Accessible Vans for rent. Daily/Weekly/Longer term rental. Chrysler Town & Country or Chevy Venture with fully automatic side ramp, lowered floor, kneeling function and hand controls. Toyota Sienna with fully automatic rear entry, lowered floor, kneeling function and hand controls. Guaranteed lower rates than other agencies in the area. Handi Vans AZ. Call anytime, day or night, including weekends. 480-747-7510. Web: handivansaz.com   ………………………………………………   ABIL Soc/Rec Events, February - March ‘08 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.