Arizona Bridge to Independent Living, Image Map, shows ABIL Logo in the left corner, with various persons with disabilities through it, including hands reading Braille, a woman signing, a young man in a wheelchair smiling, a young woman in a wheelchair talking on the phone, and a couple of students with disabilities.At the bottom of this image map is the list of web site links starting from the top left: About ABIL, Newsletter, Survival Manual, Job Opportunities, Photo Gallery, Opinion Survey. Next line of links from left: Programs, Press Room, Events Calendar, Infomation & Referrals, Contact Us, and Links.

 

 

 

 




INDEPENDENT LIVING AND ADVOCACY BY, AND FOR, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
purple divder line

The Bridge

News from the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living

Volume XVI, Number 11

NOVEMBER  2004  

“Changing Places, Changing Faces”

By Darrel Christenson, Donna Kruck & Phil Pangrazio

 

Since our beginning in 1981, many different people and faces have comprised the staff here at ABIL.  These people have formed the cornerstone of ABIL’s success. Without them, ABIL would never have reached its current level of success.  Put simply, ABIL’s programs are only as good as the staff that provide them.  We are very fortunate to have so many talented and dedicated staff passionate about the empowerment of individuals with disabilities. As our programs continue to expand and the number of individuals we serve increases, new opportunities have opened up for staff advancement.  We wanted to inform our community of these recent staffing changes – otherwise you might just think we are playing musical chairs!

 

Administration:

We are very pleased to announce that Susan Webb, formerly Director of ABIL Employment Services, is taking on a new challenge as our Business Development Director. Susan has held many roles with ABIL over the last 15 years including Board of Director member, Executive Director and most recently Director of ABIL Employment Services.  She brings a wealth of business and disability related knowledge and experience that will further advance the mission of ABIL and ensure our future success.

 

Ann Pasco, formerly ABIL’s Volunteer Coordinator for the past 4 ½ years, has been promoted to join the management team as our Operations Director. Ann has a background in nonprofit management and worked in the disability field for 8 years. We welcome Ann to her new role where she will supervise our support staff and manage all ABIL facilities and special projects.

 

Welcome to Don Daugherty, our new Human Resource Specialist.  Don’s experience in Human Resources will fill a very important need for ABIL.  Deanna Lott comes in as a new Program Aide and joins Don in the Washington Street office.

 

Advocacy Unit:

Congratulations to Peter Clute, the Advocacy Unit’s newest certified Work Incentive Specialist for the AZ Freedom to Work Social Security Benefits, Planning, Assessment and Outreach Project! Peter was most recently the Information and Referral Coordinator for ABIL. Before that, Peter provided ADA technical assistance for a Center for Independent Living in Michigan. He will be located in the Thomas Street office in Suite 290.

 

Congrats to Rhonda Webb, who was recently promoted to Benefits Planning Coordinator for the statewide AZ Freedom to Work Program! Rhonda has been with our Benefits, Planning, Assistance and Outreach Project for almost two years.   She actually moved to Arizona to find employment because her home state was several years behind  AZ in implementing the Ticket to Work program.

 

Marilon Cox joins the Advocacy team as Volunteer Coordinator. Marilon has a long history of community volunteer work and coordination, most recently working for ABIL Employment Services.  Marilon will coordinate all volunteer activities, including the Peer

Mentor program.  She has a “can do” attitude that provides role modeling for us all!

 

Pandy Elliott joins the Advocacy Unit as our full-time Program Aide.  Pandy will be counted on to keep the office together, acting as office coordinator, receptionist and all around problem solver at the Thomas office Suite 290. Welcome Pandy – we are sure

glad to have you!

 

 

Personal Assistant Services Unit

The Personal Assistant Services (PAS) Unit is continuing to grow by leaps and bounds.  We always try to promote from within, whenever possible.  Congratulations to Natalie Palmer, previously an ABIL attendant, who joins the PAS administrative team.  ABIL is pleased to promote Pat Trout and Kelli Martin to Field Representatives.  Pat and Kelli assist ALTCS members to find appropriate attendants so that they can maintain their

independence in their own homes. The PAS Unit also welcomes Darlene Clayton as the receptionist at our Metro office.

 

Community Integration Unit

The Community Integration Unit welcomes Heather Urick, as Information & Referral Coordinator. Previously, Heather was a Peer Mentor for ABIL’s This Is My Life program before leaving for South Florida to earn her B.S.W. and intern at the Center for Independent Living in Ft. Myers. We welcome her back to the Valley of the Sun.  Heather is the one we all rely on to answer questions about community resources.Lisa Racz is our newest Independent Living Skills Coordinator in the northwest & north central valley and is assisting part-time with consumers as they work toward achieving their goals of independence. Lisa brings a Bachelor in Business, experience as a paralegal as well as her infectious positive attitude to all who meet with her.

 

ABIL Employment Services Unit

In mid -October Larry Wanger will begin his new position with ABIL as the Program Manager of ABIL Employment Services.  Larry comes to us from the CIL in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he is currently working at their Programs Director.  Larry has

many years of experience as a manager in a CIL environment, is very knowledgeable about the Ticket to Work Program and has extensive experience in marketing and operating employment services programs.  Larry is moving to the Valley of the Sun with his wife, Saffron, his Guide Dog, Darrel, and, yes he has a cat!  We know Larry will make an excellent addition to the ABIL family.

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Many Thanks to All of ABIL’s Peer Mentors!

By Phil Pangrazio, ABIL Executive Director

 

Thanksgiving is time for being grateful and giving thanks.  In keeping with this spirit, I would like to express special thanks to all of our peer mentors who have volunteered their time to ABIL.

 

Peer mentorship is the cornerstone of independent living philosophy.  For nearly fifteen years, ABIL has been training and deploying volunteers with a variety of disabilities to provide peer support and advocacy for people new to living with a disability, in a life transition or new to the Valley.  These volunteers are people with disabilities who have successfully achieved independent living in their own life and are willing to assist others to achieve their own independent living and employment goals.  Mentees are pared with Mentor volunteers based on their independent living goal, interest or expertise as much as on disability.  In total, ABIL peer mentors have worked with nearly 1,200 mentees and have volunteered over 12,000 hours of service.

 

ABIL also offers peer support through its Early Intervention program.  ABIL’s Early Intervention program works with major rehabilitation centers in the Valley to provide peer support to newly disabled individuals during their rehabilitation.  Independent living (IL) philosophy presentations, peer mentoring, IL skills instruction and other support activities can facilitate the process of learning to live with a disability and gaining a positive self-image.  Combined, these activities set the stage for a successful and integrated life.

 

Believe me, I know firsthand the truth of this.  Like many of you, I too have personally benefited from peer mentorship.  In 1979, as a result of a spinal cord injury, I was an inpatient for ten months at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y.  The majority of that time was spent in a rehabilitation unit.  Although formal peer mentor programs did not exist then as they do today at ABIL, hospital rehab staff recognized the benefits of newly disabled patients interacting with people who had lived with their disabilities for many years.

 

Rehab staff would frequently invite an experienced peer mentor to visit the new rehab patients.  I remember a paraplegic named Rick whom visited us at least once a week.  Rick talked individually to the twenty or so rehab patients on the unit, many of us with spinal cord injuries.  I remember Rick having a fancy wheelchair and cowboy boots.  I also noticed that Rick wore jeans, a nice shirt, and had a cool leather jacket.  Wow!  A person using a wheelchair that didn’t wear hospital pajamas!  I didn’t think it was possible!  I just figured all wheelchair users would wear hospital pajamas for the rest of their lives.

 

Thank God for people like Rick!  His sense of humor and optimistic attitude were really what encouraged me to work hard and stay positive.  Without his mentorship, and that of people like him, many of us would never achieve our potential.  Many of us would never overcome the attitudinal barriers that prevent us from living independent and integrated lives.

 

I would like to personally thank the 166 peer mentors that have volunteered their time over the past fifteen years.   The knowledge and experience you have shared has revitalized thousands of lives.  Your peer mentorship is what makes independent living possible.  You are greatly appreciated!  Thank you all!!!

ABIL will be conducting a peer mentor training on November 9th and 11th at its office located at 2150 South Country Club, #10 in Mesa.  If you have knowledge and experience with disability and would like to share it, please consider becoming an ABIL peer mentor.  If interested, please contact Marilyn Cox at (602) 443-0725 for more information.  If you want to work with a Peer Mentor, you can get referred through an Independent Living Advocate by calling 602-256-2245.

 

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The Bridge newsletter is a free monthly publication of  Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL). To add or remove your name from our mailing list, or to place  a  disability related personal or business classified ad,

call or write to us at:

 

The Bridge c/o ABIL

Attention: Editor

1229 E. Washington, Phoenix,  AZ  85034-1101

602-256-2245   602-296-0591 TTY 

1-800-280-2245  (outside the 602, 623, 480, calling areas)

FAX:  602-254-6407    

 

ABIL-Thomas office   (behind the flower shop)

2345 E. Thomas, Phoenix, AZ   85016 

ABIL Advocacy Unit, Suite 290

602-443- 0720   602-433-0737 TTY  

FAX 602-443-0721

ABIL Employment Services, Suite 310-A

602-667-0277     FAX 602-667-0318

 

ABIL - Metro Center office

10000 N. 31st Avenue, Suite D-405

Phoenix, AZ 85051 

602-424-4100     FAX 602-424-4118

 

ABIL-East office

2150 S. Country Club, Ste. 10,  Mesa, AZ 85210

(Located in the Fiesta Tech Office Complex)

480-655-9750   FAX 480-655-9751  

Voice/TDD 602-256-2245

 

E-mail: azbridge@abil.org

Website: www.abil.org

Staff email: First name, initial of last name, @abil.org

 

To Receive “The Bridge” by e-mail automatically each month, send your request including phone number, to: pennyf@abil.org or Penny c/o ABIL, 1229 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ  85034-1101, or call 602-296-0518.  Please also indicate if you would like to discontinue receiving the hard copy by mail.

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ABIL Board of Directors

Tom Ringhofer ....................…….………......... President

Edward L. Myers, III ...............................…………... Vice President

F. Lee Jacquette, ...............................................Treasurer

Susan Scott  ........................................………………... Secretary

Joseph Mikitish ...................…..................... Past President

Pamela Allan ........................….......…............…...…. Member

Nola Baker-Jones ................................................... Member

Marjann Fletcher ................................................ Member

William Harper ................................……....…….... Member

Lynn C. Houston ................................………………. Member

Nikki Jeffords ..............................………………. Member

Max McQueen  .....................................……....…….. Member

Nicholas L. Perry.....................................……....…….. Member

 

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- All Area Codes 602 unless noted otherwise -

ABIL Administrative Staff

Phil Pangrazio, 296-0513 .........…............. Executive Director

Don Daugherty, 296-0527 ....... Human Resource Specialist

Louise Downey, 296-0523............  Full Charge Bookkeeper

Penny Fore, 296-0518 .............. Executive Assistant

Jay Murrillo, 296-0517............... Van Driver/Facilities Maint.

Ann  Pasco, 296-0514 .. Operations/Special Projects Director

DeMarQues Thomas, 296-0538 .... Van Driver/Facilities Maint.

 

Advocacy

Donna Kruck, 443-0722 ............…................Unit Director

Lynn Bejnar, 443-0729 ............. “This is My Life” Prg. Mgr.

David Carey, 443-0723 ............…….... Advocacy Specialist Peter Clute, 443-0703 ...... Work Incentives Specialist

Marilon Cox, 443-0725 ............... Volunteer Coordinator

Pandy Elliott, 443-0720 ......... Program Aide/Receptionist

Erik Jensen, 443-0727 ...........…. Work Incentives Specialist

Donna Lorti, 424-4105 ............... Work Incentives Specialist

Carolan Quenneville, 443-0724 ..Graphic Specialist/Newsletter

April Reed, 443-0730 ........................... Advocacy Intern

Rhonda Webb, 443-0728 ......... Work Incentives Coordinator

 

Employment Services

Susan Webb, 443-0711.........…...................Unit Director

Marisa Colon, 443-0713 ....... Program Aide/Support Coord.

Lynda Connors, 443-0712 ......... Employment Coordinator

Joe Connors, 443-0709 ............... Employment Coordinator

Larry Wanger,443-0710..................Program Manager

Rosalie Perry, 443-0707 ...... Independent Living Specialist

Maggie Zamora, 443-0714 .......... Employment Coordinator

 

Community Integration

Darrel Christenson, 296-0530 ..................Unit Director

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

Fernando Cruz 443-0708 ................... Reintegration Coord.

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

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

Andrea Reynoso, 480-222-4211 ....... Com. Liv. Options Coord.

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

Don Price, 443-0726 ................ Early Intervention Coord.

Lisa Racz, 296-0536 ......................... IL Skills Coordinator

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

Heather Urick 296-0533 ........ Information & Referral Coord.

 

Personal Assistant Services

Gwen Dean, 296-0541.............……............Unit Director

Mary Avila, 296-0528 ............................... PAS Field Rep.

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

Jerry Chee, 424-4107 ..................... Program Manager

Maria Deleon, 480-222-4203 ................... PAS Field Rep.

Lyndora Hall, 296-0529............…............ PAS Field Rep.

Judy Ludlow, 296-0542 .......................... PAS Field Rep.

Teodoro Marquez, 424-4102 .................. PAS Field Rep.

Sheri Mecca, 296-0547..................... Program Manager

Diane Patton, 480-222-4206 .............… Program Manager

Colleen Podmore, 424-4108 ......…........ PAS Field Rep.

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

Grace Walstad,  296-0540 ....................... PAS Field Rep.

Roxanna Williams, 424-4106 .................. PAS Field Rep.

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

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

 

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Arizona Bridge to Independent Living

2004 Spirit of ABIL Award

Honoring a consumer or advocate that exemplifies

the Independent Living Philosophy

 

 

Nominee Information

Name: _________________________________________________________                 

Address: _______________________________________________________

City, State, ZIP: __________________________________________________

Telephone: ______________________ E-mail:  _________________________

Reasons for nomination (list accomplishments of the nominee and how those contributions exemplify the Spirit of Independent Living Philosophy):
____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

- For additional space, please use back of form or attach additional documents  -

Nominator Information:

Name: ____________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

City, State, ZIP: _________ ___________________________________________

Telephone: ______________________ E-mail:  ____________________________

 

Please return completed form in a sealed envelope to:

Board of Directors - c/o Tom Ringhofer, President

Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL)

1229 E. Washington St.

Phoenix, AZ 85034

NOMINATIONS DUE: DECEMBER 15, 2004

Awardee will be honored at the Spirit of ABIL luncheon in February 2005

 

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Nomination Instructions:  Please complete the attached “Spirit of ABIL” nomination form on page five and return it to Tom Ringhofer, President, ABIL Board of Directors by Wednesday, December 15th, 2004. Please attach any supporting documentation, not to exceed three pages single sided.

 

Judging Criteria and Qualifications: The 2004 “Spirit of ABIL” award will be presented each year to the person who best personifies the independent living philosophy of consumer control, self-advocacy, and peer support.  Nominees will be judged on at least some or all of the following criteria (specific accomplishments to have occurred or are currently ongoing for 2004 calendar year):

 

·                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.

 

* Please list ABIL programs that nominee participates in either as a consumer or advocate.

 

 

 

 

ABIL MISSION STATEMENT

 

Arizona Bridge to Independent Living offers and promotes programs designed to empower people with disabilities to take personal responsibility so that they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community.

 

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.

 

 

Arizona Bridge to Independent Living

2004 Spirit of ABIL Award

Honoring a consumer or advocate that exemplifies the Independent Living Philosophy

 

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Advocacy Presentations/Workshops

All Advocacy presentations are free - Participants must RSVP with David Carey, 602-443-0723

 

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.

 

Social Security Work Incentives

l On Social Security Benefits.

 

l Do you want to work?

 

l We can help you understand the Social Security rules, new work incentives, and how to work your way off poverty.

 

 

Workshops for Service Providers

Learn about ABIL’s Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach program.

 

Thursday, November 18th     1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.                

ABIL Metro Center, 10000 N. 31st Ave, #D405, Phx

 

 

Workshops for SSI/SSDI Consumers

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 him at 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 person are welcome.

 

Work Incentives & SSDI

Wednesday, November 17            1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.    

2345 E. Thomas Rd.  Ste. 290, Phoenix, AZ

 

Work Incentives & SSI  

Thursday, November 4th            10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.    

735 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134, Gilbert, AZ

 

Wednesday, November 10th     1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.                

ABIL Metro Center, 10000 N. 31st Ave. #D405, Phx

 

Monday, November 22nd    1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.                

2345 E. Thomas Rd.  Ste. 290, Phoenix AZ

 

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America West Airlines -

Air Travel for People with Disabilities

Will be discussing the travel process for people with disabilities. They will be discussing the do’s and don’ts.  In addition, offering tips for before, during, and after the travel process. There will also be a question and answer session. 

 

Guest Speakers: Cheryle Eckhardt & Kellie Simms, Customer Relations

Friday, November 5th , 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

2345 E. Thomas Rd.  Ste. 290, Phoenix

 

Southwest Low Vision, Inc

Southwest Low Vision, Inc provides the latest in low vision assistive technology products. These products are constantly improving with advances in technology and include CCTV’s, portable LCD panels with cameras to read while travelling or away from home, the new Jordy glasses that offer both a home use CCTV and remote magnification system to allow low vision persons to see sporting events, movies, TV, etc.

 

Guest Speaker:  Dominic Gagliardo

Tuesday, November 16th     1:00 – 3:00 p.m.        

2345 E. Thomas Rd.  Ste. 290, Phoenix

 

AZ Center for Disability Law-

How to Represent Yourself at an Administrative Hearing to Obtain AHCCCS

Have you or someone you know been denied a healthcare service by the Arizona Healthcare Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)?  An AHCCCS consumer denied a healthcare benefit has a right to a fair hearing before an administrative law judge at the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings.  The Arizona Center for Disability Law is offering a free workshop on “How to Represent Yourself at an Administrative Hearing” to obtain AHCCCS benefits such as prescription drugs, referrals to specialist and assistive technology devices.  Family members, friends, ABIL staff, and others who assist AHCCCS consumers in obtaining healthcare benefits are welcome to attend. 

Guest Speaker:  Robin Murphy

Friday, November 19, 2004     1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

 

Location:  2345 E. Thomas Road, Suite 290, Phoenix, AZ. 

To register for this presentation only contact Ginette at the Arizona Center for Disability Law (602) 274-6287

 

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PDBTAC Teleconference

November 16th  

Noon-1:30  ABIL/Phx

“Ask the EEOC”

 

Speaker: Sharon Rennert, Senior Attorney, ADA Div., US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Back by popular demand! Join us for an open discussion with a representative from the EEOC. We invite you to bring your tough questions regarding a specific aspect of the Employment Provisions of the ADA or any of the enforcement activities they have undertaken over the past year. Sharon will provide a brief update on the EEOC's ADA related activities prior to the Q&A session.

 

RSVP to Darrel Christenson, 602-296-0530.

 

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Your Treatment: Time to Take Stock

Is it Time to Take Another Look?

Epilepsy Foundation of AZ Annual Conference  

November 6th, 8:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Barrow Neurological Institute

 

This conference will address the needs of those who have been on epilepsy medication for many years and those who are still having seizures or unwanted side effects. Speakers include neurologists from Barrow Neurological Institute, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale and University of Arizona.

 

For more information or to receive a registration form call 602-406-3581 or 1-888-768-2690 (outside of Maricopa County).

 

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28th Annual Teacher Educators for Children with Behavioral Disorders Conference

Please join us for the 28th Annual Teacher Educators for Children with Behavioral Disorders Conference.  The conference will be held November 18-20, 2004 at the Tempe Mission Palms.   The conference is open and relevant to family members, service providers, pre-service and practicing teachers, all well as all other interested parties. This year will mark our largest conference ever with over 145 presentations delivered by speakers from all over the United States and abroad.  Sessions will address such timely topics as early intervention, positive behavior support, cognitive behavioral interventions, autism, juvenile justice, student discipline, and much more.  Registration for the three-day event for family members and students is $65.  Registration for all other parties is $165.   Visit our website at www.tecbd.org to find a more detailed program. For addition information, please e-mail us at tecbd@cox.net or call us 480-727-7106.  

 

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New Health Care Option-

HealthCare Connect

HealthCare Connect, is a new non-profit health care plan for individuals who earn low to middle income in Maricopa County. This exciting program will also work for those individuals found eligible for SSDI cash benefits in that two year Medicare waiting period.

 

Eligibility:

· Proof of Maricopa residency

· Must not have employer-sponsored insurance or be eligible for any other public health program

· Must meet income guidelines 

 

Benefits:

· No monthly premiums

· Annual enrollment fee ($50 for individual, $100 for family)

· Low affordable fees per visit

· No medical conditions are excluded

· Includes doctor visits, hospitalization, lab services, radiology, prescription drug discounts, medical transportation and dental discounts

 

For more information about HealthCare Connect, contact 602-288-7564 or go to http://www.healthcareconnect.org

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Homeownership Interest?

By Darrel Christenson

 

ABIL is actively advocating for accessible and affordable housing throughout the Valley, Arizona and the nation. Our efforts have crossed the housing industry from rentals to homeownership, from fair market to subsidized housing, and from “stick built” homes to manufactured housing. We believe that accessible housing gives individuals and families the style of home that can span one’s lifetime.

 

Currently, ABIL is working with a number of community partners to promote inclusive designed homes. We are asking that individuals who are looking for a new manufactured house to purchase please call Darrel Christenson at 602-296-0530 and give your name, phone number and current city of residence. This will assist us in determining the level of need and we will put you in touch with a manufactured housing company who can assist you with down payments, locating a lot, qualifying for loans and design a home to fit your needs. ABIL will keep this information confidential.

Please respond no later than Monday, November 15, 2004.

 

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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.  Please do not wear scented products or smoke when attending events. Reasonable Accommodations, including Sign Language Interpreters and Personal Assistants,

will be provided at ABIL events upon request.

 

 

Nov 02               General Election   VOTE!   VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE! 

 

Nov 04               SSI/Work Incentives, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 735 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134, Gilbert.  See details page 7.  David, 602-443-0723

 

Nov 04               SR/Arizona Casino, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 524 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale.  Cost: $ up to you. Leanne, 602-296-053

 

Nov 05               America West Airlines, 1 - 3 PM, Thomas Ste. 290.  Discussion of the travel process for people with disabilities.  David, 602-443-0723

 

Nov 09  Peer Mentor AM Training, 10 AM - 4:30 PM.  Mesa Classroom.  Train to become a peer mentor volunteer.  Call Marilon at 602-443-0725 for details.

 

Nov 09 & 23  Healer Within, 1:00 - 3:30 PM.  Thomas Ste. 290.  Women’s wellness group, make an appointment with ourself using mind, body and spirit for wellness.  Donna K., 602-443-0722

 

Nov 10               SSI/Work Incentives, 1:00 - 3:00 PM.  Metro Classroom.  See details page 7.  David, 602-443-0723

 

Nov 10               SR/In-House Movie,                12:30 - 3:00 PM.  Phx Kitchen.  Soda and popcorn will be provided. Call Leanne with movie title ideas.   Cost:  None.  Leanne, 602-296-0535

 

Nov 11  Peer Mentor PM Training, 12:00 - 4:30 PM.  Mesa Classroom.  Train to become a peer mentor volunteer.  Call Marilon at 602-443-0725 for details.

 

Nov 11               V.O.I.C.E., 1:00 - 4:00 PM.  A monthly support and information group for individuals with disabilities, their families & rehabilitation providors.  19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale.  Clayton Guffy, 602-789-9129.

 

Nov 16               PDBTAC Teleconference, 12:00 - 1:30 PM.  Phx Kitchen.  Join us for an open discussion of the                Employment Provisions of the ADA with Sharon Rennert of the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  Darrel, 602-296-0530

 

Nov 16               Southwest Low Vision, 1:00 - 3:00 PM.  Thomas Ste. 290.  Presentation of the latest in low vision assistive technology products.  David 602-443-0723

 

Nov 17               SSDI/Work Incentives, 1:00 - 3:00 PM.  Thomas Ste. 290.  See details page 7.  David, 602-443-0723

 

Nov 17               SR/Cooking Group, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM.  Phx Kitchen.  Learn new recipes, skills, and just socialize with others.  Cost: Consumers assist by bringing ingredients for lunch.  Leanne, 602-229-0535

 

Nov 18               Work Incentives/Providers, 1:00 - 3:00 PM.  Metro Classroom.  See details page 7.  David, 602-443-0723

 

Nov 19               Arizona Center for Disability Law, 1:00 - 3:00 PM.  Thomas Ste. 290.  Learn how to represent yourself at an AZ Healthcare Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Admnistrative Hearing. To register for this                presentation contact Ginettee at ACDL 602-274-6287

 

Nov 19               COMPASS, 2:00 - 4:30 PM.  Providing direction and networking to persons with disabilities.  Scottsdale Senior Center, 7375 E. 2nd St., Bldg. 2, Rm. 5, Scottsdale.  Susan DeNova 602-470-1802 x 114

 

Nov 22               SR/Newsletter Party, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.  Phx Kitchen.  Leanne, 602-296-0518

 

Nov 22               SSI/Work Incentives, 1:00 - 3:00 PM.  Thomas Ste. 290.  See details page 7.  David, 602-443-0723

 

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ABIL Soc/Rec Events, Dec 04 - Jan 05 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.

 

Friday, December 3, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.  Holiday Party – Consumers & Peer Mentor Holiday Party. Longview Recreation Center 4040 N 14th St. Phx.  Cost: None.

 

Thursday, December 9, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Phoenix Zoo Lights – 455 N Galvin Parkway – Come see Phoenix Zoo Lights.

Cost: TBA.

 

Monday, December 13, 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, December 15, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Holiday Shopping Chandler Fashion Mall, 3111W. Chandler Blvd.,Chandler. Holiday shopping for family/friends. Cost:  None

 

Thursday, January 13, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm.  AZ Capitol Museum and AZ Mining & Mineral Museum.  Walk in the footsteps of Arizona’s past.  1700 Washington, Phx.  Cost:  TBA

 

Wednesday, January 19, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.  Arts & Crafts Group.  Come be creative with Arts and Crafts projects.  10000 N. 31st Ave. #D405, Phx. Cost:  $2.00 (Bring $3.00 for pizza or your own lunch)

 

Monday, January 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. 1229 E Washington, Phx. Cost:  None.

 

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Empowering Youth Independent Living

Skills Workshops

 

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.

 

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Become A Friend of ABIL Today!!

Name:_________________________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________

City:_______________________________________   State:_________             Zip:______________

Telephone:_________________________________________    New _____   Renewal  _______

In Memoriam/Dedication  __________________________________________________________

 

                        t    DependABIL $25.00             t    LoveABIL            $100.00

            t    HuggABIL            $50.00       t    IncredABIL $1,000.00

            t KissABIL            $75.00               t    UnbelievABIL$10,000.00

                                                                        t    Additional Contribution____________

 

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

 

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Thank You Friends!!!

 

LoveABIL

Rob & Jean Gerstner

 

DependABIL

Pamela Allan

Eleanor Kolstad

Denise & Debra Rapisarda

 

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Top 10 Reasons for a Turkey

to be Thankful

By Carolan Quenneville

 

10. The growing population of vegetarians.

9. Besides a few holidays and renaissance festivals they are hardly ever on the menu.

8. No one ever makes them say dumb things like “Polly want a cracker.”

7. Unlike the Eagle or the Dodo Bird, they are nowhere near extinction.

6. Ben Franklin thought they were cool.

5. Their gizzards are not considered an aphrodisiac.

4. They are seldom used as models for tacky lawn ornaments.

3. Their plumage is not a highly prized fashion accessory.