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 10

October 2005

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!"

 

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National Disability Employment Awareness Month

“Workers with Disabilities: Ready for Tomorrow’s Jobs Today”

 

 

“AHCCCS FREEDOM TO WORK”

Still Gaining Momentum 

By Rhonda Webb

 

The AHCCCS Freedom to Work continues to gain momentum after nearly three years with an increased enrollment of 44% in the past 12 months.  Arizona passed the AHCCCS Freedom To Work legislation in 2001 as part of the Federal “Ticket To Work & Work Incentives Improvement Act” of 1999.  Two years later in January 2003 Arizona implemented this program.  AHCCCS Freedom to Work allows individuals with disabilities between the age of 16-65 who work and earn under the “countable” income to qualify for health care through AHCCCS and pay a monthly premium based on their “countable monthly earned income.”

 

To date the AHCCCS Freedom to Work program is providing healthcare to 782  individuals with disabilities who are employed and paying taxes. The AHCCCS Freedom To Work program removes a major barrier for many individuals with disabilities who once had to choose between working toward greater self-sufficiency/quality of life and keeping adequate/affordable healthcare coverage.  One such individual to benefit from the AHCCCS Freedom To Work program is ABIL’s very own Reintegration Program Coordinator, Fernando Cruz.

 

After graduating from ASU with a Master’s degree in Social Work, Fernando began working at ABIL in the Community Integration unit.  However, he had to keep his earned income below the AHCCCS income threshold or he would loose necessary  health care coverage, which included his prescription coverage, durable medical equipment and Personal Assistance Services (PAS). 

 

When the AHCCCS Freedom To Work program started in January 2003, Fernando jumped at the chance to get on board so he could earn the full salary he deserved while still keeping his AHCCCS healthcare coverage for a very reasonable monthly premium.  Being able to earn more money each month has allowed him to expand his independence and freedom.  As a result, Fernando has recently become a first time homeowner, with the assistance of the Phoenix Home Choice Program, which is part of the Community Housing Resources of Arizona, the local Fanny Mae Program and Access Fine Homes.

 

In his own words, Fernando says, “Now, I have a reason to get up bright and early every morning.  The AHCCCS Freedom to Work Program has given me more independence and freedom, and I think this is what it is meant to do.” For more information or to apply for the AHCCCS Freedom To Work, contact AHCCCS at 602-417-6677   or 1-800-654-8713 option 6 or a BPAO Work Incentives Specialist at: 1-866-304-WORK (9675)

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OCTOBER IS

NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT

AWARENESS MONTH

By Phil Pangrazio, ABIL Executive Director

 

In 2002, President Bush proclaimed October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  The President called on “all government leaders, labor leaders, and employers to collaborate to ensure the full inclusion of our Nation’s persons with disabilities in the 21st century workforce.”

 

Mr. Bush continued, “all of our citizens should have the opportunity to live and work with dignity and freedom.  For many people with disabilities, however, work as a means to achieve independent living must seem like an unobtainable dream.  Fifteen years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act we still witness an appalling seventy percent unemployment rate among people with disabilities.  Still evidence that working and having a disability is the exception not the rule.

 

For me, however, returning to work was the only thought on my mind after I was injured in 1979.  By the age of 19, I had become accustomed to working.  I had been working at least part-time since I was 12.  I enjoyed the independence it gave me.  Once disabled, however, employment seemed impossible.  What could I do?  What skills did I have?  What skills could I acquire?  Who would hire a quadriplegic?  These were the questions running through my mind.

 

Twenty-six years later, however, I find myself having been employed in at least six different positions with various employers.  That’s right, over fifteen years in the workforce, employed fulltime.  Who could have imagined?  Well initially, not even me!  But, employment for people with significant disabilities is achievable, but it takes time and persistence.

 

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

 

Importantly, to achieve employment we must first change our attitudes about what is possible.  We must be realistic, but we must also dream.  Lastly, we must take responsibility for readying ourselves for employment by acquiring skills that complement our abilities and interests.  That, of course, takes time and may take many forms including self-help, higher education, vocational training, volunteerism, or entrepreneurship.

 

Whatever route taken, it is imperative that we accept responsibility in this process.  No business will ever just hand us a job.  We must earn it by proving our worth.  We must be productive and be able to add value to an organization.

 

I hope that October’s “National Disability Employment Awareness Month” is just the motivation you need to pursue your employment goals!

 

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Getting Ready for Work     

By Larry Wanger, ABIL Employment Services Program Manager

 

One aspect of my work with ABIL is talking with potential participants in our Ticket to Work program.  One issue that often comes up is that people aren’t sure how to explain gaps in work history.  You may have worked all of your adult life and then might not have been able to do so for months or even years because of your health or disability.  There are things you can do to address this concern long before you are ready to go back to work.

 

1. Consider furthering your education.  Traditionally, getting additional training or a college degree meant that you had to go to a physical location one or more times per week.  However, thanks to technology things are very different today.  There are degree and certificate programs available from accredited colleges and universities on the Internet.  Locally, you can take classes from Rio Salado College, ASU and The University of Phoenix among others.  The important thing is that you research to make sure the institution is reputable and that they are accredited by the appropriate organizations.  If you have a computer and the will to succeed, you can get the retraining you need.  You can pay for it with scholarships, student loans or other student aid.

 

2. Consider volunteering.  While you may not be ready for the rigors of a full-time job, spending a few hours each week working on behalf of any non-profit or faith-based agency can be very rewarding and beneficial to your future career.  When you volunteer you improve existing skills while learning new ones.  Later, you can list your volunteer service on your resume in addition to highlighting your newly learned skills.  My first “real job” grew out of my volunteer efforts with an organization while attending college.

 

3. Read about and participate in functions focused on the field in which you want to work.  Be it face-to-face networking opportunities or participating in Internet newsgroups, there are countless opportunities available to you.  Participating in these forums and staying current by reading articles and publications related to your field of work can greatly increase your hiring potential.  Being able to tell a prospective employer that you’ve stayed current and how you have done this can be very helpful in a job interview.

 

4. I’ve saved the toughest one for last.  Many people who have not worked in awhile often want to return to work part time or work from home.  You severely limit your job options by making this part of your goal.  Most part-time jobs have no benefits and are low-paying.  Employers who need an important job done usually need it done full time.  They are not willing to let you start part time and work your way up to full time. Why should they?  They need to get the job done; your endurance worries rarely fit an employer’s goals.  Would you hire someone who interviews with those restrictions if you were in business?  The same is true for work-at-home jobs.  Some, quite frankly, are just plain scams.  However, if you take the advice in #2 above, you could not only learn new job skills but also gradually build your endurance.  Then you could go to work full time after you have a chance to test your energy levels and feel totally confident in doing so.

 

If you are receiving Social Security Disability benefits and want to leave poverty behind by getting a good job, please call Larry Wanger at 602-443-0710 and ask about the Ticket to Work Program.

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Bus/DAR Users Needed for Speaker’s Bureau

Easter Seals Arizona is currently seeking people with disabilities who use either Dial-a-Ride or the bus as their primary means of transportation as speakers for our Disability Awareness Training Program. Applicants need to be articulate and comfortable speaking in front of groups comprised of ten to seventy-five people. Those with hidden disabilities are encouraged to respond.

 

Compensation averages $40 per each session. For more information or an application, contact Donna Powers at 480-222-4134 or dpowers@azseals.org

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Phone Survey: Disability Services

The Institute for Human Development at Northern Arizona University (IHD), the AZ Center for Disability Law (ACDL), and the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) want to hear from individuals with disabilities, their family members and disability service providers about the issues facing individuals with disabilities in Arizona. The goal is the development of new long range plans for the disability services they provide.

 

To help with the telephone survey, call Val at GCDD, 602-277-4986 or 1-866-771-9378 (toll free) by October 1, 2005.

 

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Employment Resources: Using Area One Stops and the Disability Program Navigator for Finding and Keeping Employment, or in Upgrading Your Skills      

By Ivy Medow, One Stop Navigator

 

Could be you’ve been hearing in the media about places with names like “Phoenix Workforce Connection” and “Maricopa Workforce Connection.”  The name catches your attention, but it might be hard to figure out how the place can help you.  One Stops were developed in order to leverage resources so a person really could access an array of employment services in one or two visits.  These centers were created under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.  The idea was that consumers could come to one place to engage a myriad of employment related activities, and so the centers were nicknamed “One Stops,” as in “One-Stop Shopping.”  The Navigator is there to help a person with a disability figure out and use all the systems and services available at the One Stop.

 

According to the Department of Labor, which funds the Navigator project through AZ DES/Rehabilitation Services Administration, we function as, “resources, facilitators, problem solvers, systems change agents, and relationship builders.”  We see consumers in and out of the office, and we get involved with projects that create a One Stop that is more welcoming to people with disabilities.

 

One Stops offer the following opportunities and resources (with some variety occurring from location to location): 

 

Ø   Access to computers, copiers, phones, and faxes for job search and work related activities.

 

Ø   Classes on a variety of topics related to job seeking and work retention, (including interviewing, resume writing, assessing and identifying skills and abilities, using the internet to assist in work related activities, and networking.)

 

Ø   Workforce Investment Act funded programs to assist clients in training for re-entry into the job market.

 

Ø   Access to representatives from Unemployment (by telephone) Veterans, AARP, Vocational Rehabilitation, Trade Act, Community Colleges and other programs.

 

Ø      Accessible technology including JAWS, ZoomText, height adjustable table, CCTV and TTY lines. 

 

Of course, the most important thing we offer is caring staff that really want to see job seekers succeed! I am the Program Navigator at the One Stop at Mountain View and Seventh Street in central Phoenix. If you want a fresh perspective, someone to hash things over with, assistance with something like interviewing or anything else employment related, please call Ivy Medow, 602-861-0208 x 1041. To find other AZ One Stops, check out www.ATArizona.com or call me. 

 

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ABIL’s Ticket to Work Program

By Larry Wanger

 

If you want to work and are currently receiving Social Security Disability benefits the Ticket to Work program at ABIL may interest you.  The program helps you stop depending on cash benefits programs that only keep you in poverty. Even though the thought of leaving cash benefits programs may scare you, the fact is this program allows you to try working at a self-supporting level so you don’t have to deal with that stuff ever again.  And if for some reason you cannot sustain employment, you can go right back onto your benefits without reapplying or requalifiying.

 

The Ticket to Work Program also eliminates your fears of losing your health care coverage.  Even though most of the jobs people get through our program have employer-provided healthcare plans, your Medicare will continue for 8 ½ years after you start working.  You can even earn up to $45,000 a year and still be eligible for the State AHCCCS program, which helps with personal assistance services and prescription drug coverage.

 

ABIL has helped many people successfully leave SSA cash benefits behind and enjoy the freedom and self-esteem that comes from having a good job.  If you are motivated and have a desire to work, we want to talk with you.  ABIL and the Ticket to Work program offer:

 

·   Peer counseling and understanding from program staff who have personal experience with disability, SSA benefits and employment.

·   Help with managing your transition from cash benefits so you don’t get into trouble with SSA.

·   Help understanding your options for keeping healthcare coverage after leaving cash benefits.

·   Long-term services and supports that can help you get and keep your job.

·   Help getting back your benefits should you not be able to continue working because of your disability.

 

For more information about ABIL’s Ticket to Work program please contact Larry Wanger at 602-443-0710.

 

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Disability Liberation Workshop:

Eliminating Attitudinal Barriers Disability oppression hurts everyone - with or without disabilities!

 

October 18th    10am - 4pm

2345 E. Thomas, Suite 290

SW corner of 24th St. & Thomas   

(Bring a sack lunch or $3 for Pizza)

 

Who should come? 

Persons with disabilities, friends, family members, allies, service providers, Peer Mentor Volunteers, ABIL Staff & Board members.

 

The biggest barrier to full community participation and employment for people with disabilities might surprise you.  It’s not, housing, transportation or medical care.

It’s attitude - Ours and others!”   - Paul Spooner, NCIL Board President 3/2/2000

 

Workshop goals:

s Learn to identify the disability oppression that’s behind; - Our attitudes about ourselves as persons with disabilities- our self-esteem, life goals and expectations - Discriminating, fearful, or unaware attitudes of others

 

s Identify sources that contribute toward disability oppression 

 

s Learn how to create empowering attitudes that free one up to take action

 

s Learn effective training techniques to improve disability awareness presentations

 

 

“Come and empower yourself. 

Break through defeating attitudes.” J.H.

 

“I got answers to some hard questions.” J.S.

 

“This information empowered me and helped me empower my child.” D.R.

 

 

No one likes to think of him or herself as “oppressed,”

yet true empowerment comes from: 

 

1) Identifying outside forces that have affected your life

    through no fault of your own

 

2) Taking personal responsibility for your choices

 

We all have stereotypes about disability. Many people without disabilities live in fear of becoming disabled. Others are allies who want to help eliminate oppression.  First, we must identify what oppression looks like, and then we can work to eliminate it. Facilitated by Donna Kruck, ABIL Advocacy Director and licensed Professional Counselor in AZ with over 20 years of peer counseling experience.  To register for the workshop and to request accommodations call David at 602-443-0723.

 

---   Remember:  Please do not wear any perfumes or strong scents   ---

 

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Medicare Part D: Don’t Believe Everything You Hear

By Peter Clute, Certified Work Incentives Specialist

 

I’m sure you’ve probably heard all about the new Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage for all Medicare beneficiaries including SSDI beneficiaries and seniors. Well, if you have heard all about this new benefit for new or current Medicare enrollees, then “Houston, err…Arizona, we have a problem!” There are many private companies out there that are providing the public with a lot of misinformation about Medicare Part D when it rolls out in January 2006. You can’t even enroll until November. These companies are simply jumping the gun as they attempt to corner the market on being at the forefront of such a dramatic systems change.

 

As an example, for a couple of months now, many companies have been telling consumers about their available options for choosing a Prescription Drug Plan or PDP. Point of fact, we will not know what the PDPs specifically look like until sometime in October. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is the government agency responsible for the Medicare Part D program and will be distributing a “Medicare & You 2006” handbook by mail in October to all Medicare beneficiaries. This booklet will outline the benefit plans available in Arizona.

 

You can find more information on Medicare’s new coverage for prescription drugs online at www.medicare.gov.  If you do not have access to the Internet, you can call 1-800-633-4227 toll free. And for free counseling services by staff and trained volunteers, related to health and long-term care insurance information, contact The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at 1-800-432-4040 or 602-542-4446. TTY users, call 602-542-6366.

 

For more information about ABIL’s Ticket to Work program please contact Larry Wanger at 602-443-0710

 

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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.

 

Social Security Work Incentives

l   On Social Security Benefits?

 

l   Do you want to work?

 

l   We can help you understand the SocialSecurity 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.   

Tuesday, October 11, 2005   10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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

Erik Jensen - Work Incentives Specialist  

 

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 602-443-0723  to RSVP.  We are holding separate workshops for each type of benefit: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because each program has different rules and different work incentives.  If you receive both, let David know and he will help you get an appointment with a Work Incentive Specialist. Family members and/or support persons are welcome.

 

Work Incentives & SSI      

Friday, October 7                  1:00 – 3:00 PM

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

Erik Jensen - Work Incentives Specialist 

 

Work Incentives & SSDI  

Thursday, October 13               10:00 AM – 12:00 PM     

2345 E. Thomas Rd.  Ste. 290, Phoenix

Peter Clute - Work Incentives Specialist

  

Tuesday, October 25               10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

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

Erik Jensen - Work Incentives Specialist

  

Thursday, October 27               1:30 – 3:00 PM

ABIL Metro Center, 10000 N. 31st Ave. D-405, Phx

Donna Lorti - Work Incentives Specialist

 

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Self-Advocacy Training

If you are experiencing problems dealing with service providers, businesses, friends and/or family members, here is your opportunity to attend ABIL’s Self-advocacy training.  Learn about the history and philosophy of the Independent Living movement, individual and small group communication skills,

learn about your individual rights, how to identify your personal goals and learn how to use community resources.

 

This is an all-day training, so wear comfortable clothing, bring your lunch and leave with a new attitude.  RSVP to Judy Benshoof at 602-296-0532 or send an e-mail to judyb@abil.org

 

Guest Speaker:  Judy Benshoof, Independent Living Skills & Mesa Home Modification Coordinator

Monday, October 10       9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

2345 E. Thomas Rd.,  Ste. 290, Phx

 

 

Arizona Technology Access Program  (AzTAP)

AzTAP operates two loan programs for persons with disabilities:

Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology (AzLAT)

Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology -Telework.

 

Learn about the requirements of both programs and how these programs can be an alternative funding source for the purchase of assistive technology for work, recreation or community living.

 

Guest Speaker:  Edward L. Myers III. JD, Policy and Funding Specialist

Monday, October 31               1:00 - 3:00 PM

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

 

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Southern CILs in Need

The Centers for Independent Living in Biloxi, Mississippi and New Orleans have been gravely affected by the hurricane Katrina. Here are some ways you can help:

 

1) Send a donation to the Red Cross. Designate it for Hurricane Relief, or for people with disabilities in the Biloxi/Hattiesburg or New Orleans.

 

2) Send a donation to the effected CILs directly:      

For the Biloxi Center, (check payable to LIFE of Central MS, designated for the Biloxi Center) to:

 

LIFE of Central Mississippi

754 North President Street, Suite 1

Jackson, MS 39202                                                 

For the centers in Louisiana (make checks payable to Resources for Independent Living - designated for the New Orleans center) and mail to:

 

Resources for IL

11931 Industriplex Blvd. Suite 200

Baton Rouge, LA 70809

 

Centers in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and Lake Charles are assisting evacuees and could also use support. The address for the Baton Rouge center is shown above, addresses for the other centers are below.

 

Southwest LA Independence Center, Inc.

Mitch Granger

1202 Kirkman, Suite C

Lake Charles, LA 70601

 

New Horizons, Inc.

Jerry Kidwell

9300 Mansfield Road, Suite 204

Shreveport, LA 71118 

 

Source: Email alerts, International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet:  http://www.icdri.org/News/NCD_Katrina.htm

 

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PDBTAC Teleconference

October 26th      11:00AM-12:30PM     ABIL/Phx

Overview of the ADA & Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973


Session to be conducted in Spanish

Sesión que se conducirá en español

 

Speakers: Dr. Hernando Caicedo, President & CEO, Institute for Languages and Cultures of the Americas, Washington, D.C.   

Francisco Alvarado, Manager of the Hispanic Services, Division of the Illinois Department of Human Services


RSVP to Darrel Christenson, 602-296-0530.

 

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Seeking a Safer Fabric Softener?  

By Donna Kruck

Here is a suggestion from someone who has chemical sensitivities: Natural Choices (Home Safe Products, LLC)
Safe n’ Soft Fabric Softener


“A naturally derived vegetable based softener made with NO fragrances, animal by-products, dyes or other irritants.”  Ingredients: Water, proprietary vegetable-based surfactant.  From the back of the bottle: “It allows fabrics to remain absorbent, unlike most other fabric softeners which repel water.”

“I have used it for several loads and I am very happy. It does not leave any fragrance on the clothes whatsoever and we have not found it irritating in any way. It really works and my towels are soft again,” the person notes.


Natural Choices, 414-421-9394 or naturalc@execpc.com. Their products can be found at: http://www.oxyboost.com


Locally you can reach Eco Clean for environmentally safe products at 480-947-5286 or http://www.ecoclean-az.com

 

AKA GREEN

Your Home For Eco-Friendly Building Supplies

NOW OPEN! M-F: 9-6, Sat 10-5

4408 N. Miller Road, #101, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

(SW Corner of Camelback Rd & Miller Rd)

info@akagreen.com     480-946-9600    480-946-9611 fax

 

Breathing just got a little easier.  a.k.a. Green opened its doors in mid-June, bringing an extensive retail showroom of eco-friendly building supplies to the Valley of the Sun.  Whether it is for a LEED project, a custom home, or for remodeling your kitchen, come by and explore for all your environmental building supply needs.  a.k.a. Green is also planning educational seminars and hands-on, how-to demonstrations so that you can become familiar with a broad array of environmental options.  Sustainable, Healthy, Non-Toxic, Formaldehyde-free, Renewable, Recycled, FSC Certified… a.k.a. Green. Located at Camelback & Miller Roads in Scottsdale, right next to the Sunflower Market.

 

Legal Help for People Who are Chemically Sensitive    

By Donna Kruck

www.MCSLegalHelp.com

Check it out! “I had been specializing in disability law prior to having to close my office (do to acquiring Multiple Chemical Sensitivities) so I am now concentrating on helping people with MCS get disability benefits.  I have successfully handled a number of cases from people all over the country. “  Michael Walkup

 

(ABIL cannot vouch for sited products or this person’s services – just passing along information we were forwarded as a service to our subscribers.)

 

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Youth Action Council of Arizona

Southwest Institute for Families & Children with Special Needs (SWI)

 

Are you interested in meeting new people your age? Do you believe young adults should have a voice in matters that affect them? Are you interested in politics? YAC-AZ is your group! You make the rules! You decide what to do!  Join us to learn more about the group. For information on September’s schedule of activities contact:

 

David Carey @602-443-0723, or

Nora Stiles @480-222-8800 ext. 30

 

5111 N. Scottsdale Rd. #105, Scottsdale

E-mail: info@swifamilies.org

 

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HELP - I’ve Broken Down & Can’t Get Repaired!!!

By Lynn Martinka, ABIL Advocate

If you have a disability and rely on any sort of mechanical device such as a power wheelchair/scooter or are fortunate enough to own your own adapted vehicle, I’m sure you have uttered these same words. When something breaks down after 5:00PM or on the weekend, calls to AAA or handicap service companies are a total waste of time because either no one answers the phone or they have no idea how to fix the problem.

 

How difficult would it be to have an emergency number with an experienced mechanic on call for this situation? What a profitable undertaking this would be if done properly. I am challenging all you special mechanics to step up to the plate and provide this much needed service.

Do I hear any takers?

 

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Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology (AzLAT)

is a federally and privately funded statewide program that provides affordable financial loans to persons with disabilities for the purchase of assistive technology devices such as hearing aids, portable FM systems, sports wheelchairs, hand bikes, augmentative communication systems or any other assistive devices.

 

Eligibility for the loans require that you:

1) be a current Arizona resident

2) use the loan to buy assistive technology for a person with a disability

3) demonstrate an ability, through sufficient income and credit worthiness-to repay the loans

4) be able to repay the loan by utilizing a direct debit account

 

Loans are from $500 to $10,000. For more information contact Pamela Alcala at 602-776-4670 (voice); 602-728-9536 (TTY); 800-477-9921 (Toll Free) or email pamela.Alcala@nau.edu.

 

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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 smoke or wear scented products when attending events. Reasonable Accommodations, including Sign Language Interpreters and Personal Assistants, will be provided at ABIL events upon request.

 

Oct 03         Healer Within, 1:00 -3:30 PM. Thomas Ste 290. Women’s Wellness group: Make an appointment with yourself! Donna Kruck, 602-443-0722

 

Oct 04   Peer Mentor Training Part I, 10:00 AM- 4:30 AM, Thomas Ste 290. Marilon Cox. 602-443-0725

 

Oct 06   Peer Mentor Training Part II, 12:00 - 4:30 AM, Thomas Ste 290. Marilon Cox. 602-443-0725

 

Oct 07         Work Incentives/SSI, 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM, Thomas Ste 290. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

 

Oct 10   Self-Advocacy Presentation, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM. Thomas Ste 290.  Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

 

Oct 11         Work Incentives/Providers, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM.  Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

 

Oct 13         V.O.I.C.E.,  1:00 PM- 4:00 PM. A monthly support and information group for individuals with disabilities, their families & rehabilitation providers. 19055 N. 57th Ave. Glendale.  Clayton Guffy 602-789-9129

 

Oct 13         SR/Cerreta Candy Co,  9:45 AM-12:00 PM. Phx Kitchen. An old family owned business for making candy. 5345 W Glendale Ave, Glendale. Bring extra money for lunch after the tour at Denny’s Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

 

Oct 13         Work Incentives/SSDI, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Thomas Ste 290.  Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

 

Oct 18         Disability Liberation Workshop, 10:00AM - 4:00PM. Thomas Ste 290. Details, page 8. Donna Kruck, 602-443-0722

 

Oct 18         Glendale Commission on Persons with Disabilities, 6:30 PM- 8:30 PM. Open to the public. 2nd floor Conference Room, 5959 W. Brown St. Barbara George, 623-930-2284

 

Oct 19         SR/Cooking Group, 10:30 AM- 1:30 PM. Phx Kitchen. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

 

Oct 21         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.  Randy Werner, 602-439-0121

 

Oct 24         SR/Newsletter Assembly Party, 9:00 AM-??? Phx Kitchen. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

 

Oct 25         Work Incentives/SSDI, 10:00AM-12:00PM. Details, page 7. David Carey,  602-443-0723

 

Oct 26         PDBTAC Teleconference, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM. Phx Kitchen.  Details, page 8. Darrel Christenson, 602-296-0530

 

Oct 26         SR/AZ State Fair, 12:00 - 3:00 PM. 1826 W McDowell Rd. Phx. Cost: $10.00 adults, $5.00 seniors 55+. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

 

Oct 27         Work Incentives/SSDI, 1:30 - 3:00 PM. Metro Classroom.  Details, page 7. David Carey,  602-443-0723

 

Oct 31            Assitive Technology Access Program, 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Thomas Ste 290. Details, page 7. David Carey,  602-443-0723

 

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Classified Ads –

Deadline For November issue – October 12th

 

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

 

FOR SALE:

‘96 Ford E150 van w/Ricon Lift & hand controls.  “Eyebrow” door openings, pwr seat, finished int. Reliable, great cond., 103K miles, no problems. $4,900. Call Gary, 602-305-6462

 

92 Ford E150 Hi-top van w/Braun lift. Exlnt cond, gently used. 2 owner van, bought from grandparents. Pwr seats, new tires, brakes, front & rear air. Serviced regularly, recent oil & trans service. 150K miles.  Asking $5,800 OBO. Call Burt 480-857-6673

 

’89 Ford E-150 Raised Topped Van. 89k mi., Runs Good, Needs A/C & Lift Work, Call for Details 602-953-3017, $3000 O.B.O.

 

98 Ford Club Wagon XLT Accessible Van, 53Kmi, lift, hand

controls, power slide/turn/raise driver’s seat, 3 way remote, Exlnt mechanical con’d, slight body dammage, tinted windows, AC/AMFMCass/PW/PL, Int. looks brand new. $14,000 OBO. 480-516-1975

 

‘99 Dodge Hi-top van w/crowriver lift. Only 51K miles. Pwr windows/locks,cruise,stereo radio/CD/TV/VCR w/remote & head phones. Wood grain int, interior lighting, electric trifold rear couch. All windows tinted, blinds on back side windows. Front/rear A/C & heat. New heavy duty battery. Interior in exclnt cond. One owner. Serviced regularly. Dk green w/tan cloth int., driver & passenger Captains chairs. Qstraint tie down system. Must see!, runs great. Asking $19,000 OBO. Dennis or Robin, 623-979-3767

 

’99 Dodge Grand Caravan. Braun lowered floor, manual ramp. Wheelchair lock down in mid section, or remove passenger seat and tie down there. Cold AC, rear air. AM/FM cassette. High miles, but well maintained - runs good. New battery, new tires, just passed emissions. $4,500. Call Warren 602-942-9454

 

’89 Ford E150 Van. Ricon Lift. 61K miles. Runs & looks good. Cold AC. AM/FM, CD player. Camper Conversion - captain swivel seats, fold out rear bench seat, window mini blinds. 2 extra windows installed. $5000. Call Warren 602-942-9454

 

‘89 Dodge Caravan