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 XV, Number 9

SEPTEMBER  2004

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!"

 

 

A Vote for Future Transportation      

By Donna Kruck

 

Proposition 400Transportation sales tax extension

Prop. 400 will extend the current 20-year Maricopa County transportation sales tax that has built most of our freeway system. ABIL supports proposition 400 because it will help fund much needed on-going improvements to our county transportation over the next 20 years – while our valley grows by 2 million people!  The tax extension will help fund our countywide regional transportation plan that includes additional freeways, regional road improvements, more HOV lanes and bus pullouts.

 

Prop. 400 also funds additional public transit that will benefit many individuals with disabilities and seniors who cannot drive.  This will fund additional bus routes, more frequent bus services, over 2,000 more buses, more express bus routes, over 1,000 more Dial-a-Ride vans and an extension of the already planned light rail primarily in Phoenix and Tempe.  Each community will be getting the kind of transportation improvements their leaders advocated for.  For instance: Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa will get road improvements, fixed bus routes, express bus routes and improved Dial-a-Ride; the West side of the County will get more Freeway improvements.

 

ABIL can provide you with a fact sheet on the benefits to Prop. 400, a handout on the Myths and Realities of Light Rail, and early ballot request forms. For more information go to www.Maricopa2020.com or contact us at trip@abil.org or call 602-443-0730 or 602-443-0722 for handouts.

 

Those who support Proposition 400 want the ½-cent sales tax to continue in order to fund ongoing transportation improvements. Many disability advocates support Prop. 400 because it will fund much needed improvements in our regional public transit system, making it easier to get from community to community in a more timely manner. Those advocates who support Prop. 400 will vote “YES.”

 

Those who oppose Proposition 400 either do not want to continue paying the transportation sales tax, or they do not like the regional transportation plan that Maricopa County Associations of Governments has developed. Some just don’t want any funding to go to light rail at all. Those opposed to Prop. 400 will vote “NO.”

 

You have the power! Even if you have no opinions of other ballot issues, please take a stand on what kind of transportation we have over the next 20 years.  Remember, you do not have to vote on every item on the ballot – just the ones you support or oppose!

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Valley of the Sun United Way & ABIL:

A Partnership that Makes a Difference

BY Darrel Christenson

ABIL’S Director of Community Integration

 

Over the past six years ABIL has been a Primary Partner with the Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW) and has been making a difference in the lives of persons with disabilities, their families and in the community. The Community Integration Unit has housed four services: Community Living Options (CLO), Early Intervention, Reintegration from Nursing Home to Community and Empowering Youth.

 

The CLO program grew out of a direct community response to serve individuals in the Dept. of Developmental Disabilities system who were not Title 19 eligible and who found themselves financially and sexually vulnerable as they fell through the cracks. Tyrone Harrington, Program Coordinator has assisted consumers find housing, employment, community Peer Mentors, as well as teaching independent living skills such as budgeting, safety, socialization and transportation. Last year alone the program served

205 consumers.

 

The Early Intervention program assists newly injured consumers in the Valley’s Rehabilitation centers and informs them (and their families) of the Independent Living philosophy, community resources and offers Peer Mentors for support. In each of the past three years the program has reached over 600 individuals new to life with a disability. The program Coordinator provides ABIL’s Survival Manual as a tool to navigate through the initial days and months of adjustment to traumatic disabilities such as spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. Thanks to this partnership with VSUW hundreds of families are staying together at home rather than losing a family member to life in a nursing home or institution.

 

Speaking of which, ABIL’s Reintegration of Young Adults from Nursing Home to Community has made a huge impact on our community! In keeping with the Olmsted decision, this program assists in getting people back out into the least restrictive environment possible in the community. During fiscal year 03-04 ABIL & VSUW successfully assisted 65 individuals back into the community. Not only were families reunited, but this saves taxpayers $20,000 per year for each person living in the community rather than being supported in institutions. Therefore, last year VSUW’s investment netted an estimated $1,300,000 savings to we taxpayers!!

 

Lastly, the ABIL/ VSUW Primary Partnership assists youth ages 14-22 with disabilities to learn independence, self-advocacy and become better prepared to face the challenges of the world as an adult. Program Coordinator, Leanne Jones works with youth, their families, high school teachers and administrators, and other professionals who are there assisting youth with their goals of increased independence. The program not only provides independent living skills instruction on a 1:1 basis, but group settings as well. Group workshop topics include: housing, transportation and budgeting, bringing together real life issues and concerns. Thanks to the Empowering Youth program, students are able to learn from others with disabilities and set their goals higher as they plan for life after graduation.

 

For those of you who have given to Valley of the Sun United Way in previous years: THANK YOU!! You have made a difference to consumers receiving ABIL’s services in these four valuable programs. This year’s campaign is in full swing now with the goals and the community needs higher than ever. ABIL encourages you to donate to the VSUW campaign to whatever level you can. Not only will you be supporting ABIL’s four VSUW funded programs, but you will be making a difference in your very own community!

 

Thanks to you, ABIL and the VSUW, we ALL make a difference!!!!!!!!

 

 

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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 Street,  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    FAX 602-443-0721    602-433-0737 TTY

 

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

 

 

All Area Codes 602 unless noted otherwise

ABIL Administrative Staff

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Ann  Pasco, 443-0725 .................Volunteer Coordinator

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

Marilon Cox, 443-0701 ..... Program Support/ Billing Coord

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)

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

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

Tyrone Harrington, 424-4103 ......... Com. Liv. Options Coord.

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

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

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

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

 

Personal Assistant Services

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

Mary Avila, 296-0528 ............................... PAS Feild 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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Vote Informed!

By Donna Kruck

Let your voice be heard disability community!  Now that the legislative session is over, it is time to get ready to vote for new legislators. Your vote is very important!  There are a variety of places you can go to get information on candidates and ballot initiatives.

 

www.azdisabilityadvocacy.org

You can see how your legislators voted last session on disability related legislation.

 

www.azleg.state.az.us

You can see the state propositions on the November 2nd ballot that you will be asked to vote on.

 

Remember- Proposition 400 is for the transportation sales tax in Maricopa County so it is not listed among the state propositions at this website.   For information promoting Prop 400 log on to http://www.yeson400.com/

 

www.vote-smart.org

Project Vote Smart! can help you find out what districts you are in for federal and state elected officials, read about the candidates for AZ. They can even screen candidates voting histories.

 

Unfortunately, they do not do a disability screen and have refused to do so because they feel not enough people with disabilities vote.  Go to the website and send them an email letting them know you have a disability, you vote and you want them to provide disability friendly candidate screening.

 

To register to vote or to help us register others to vote contact April at aprilr@abil.org or call 602-443-0720

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Important Electoral Dates:

 

September 7 -                  Primary Election

 

September 30 -                 Early Vote General Election

 

October 4 -                              Last day to register for General Election 

 

November 2 -                         Election Day

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ADA Employment Advice Line

Source: Arizona Center for Disability Law

 

l Have you faced barriers to employment because of inaccessible online employment applications because of your disability?

 

l Are you unable to use in-store employment kiosks because they are inaccessible due to your disability?

 

l Is the in-store kiosk inaccessible to your wheelchair?

 

l Is the keyboard to small for you to use?

 

l Is the print too small to see because of a visual impairment?

 

If you have faced these obstacles or other similar problems in the hiring process, please call the Arizona Center for Disability Law’s ADA Employment Advice Line.

 

If you live in Tucson, call 327-9547 (voice or TTY) or outside Tucson call 800-922-1447 (voice or TTY). The ADA Employment Advice Line takes calls 9am to noon on Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays.

 

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ADVOCATES  

 v Get timely legislative updates!  v   Get more involved as an advocate!  v   Find resources to help you!

 

www.azdisabilityadvocacy.org

 

Together we are stronger!  v   The power is in the present!

AzDAC     

Az Disability Advocacy Coalition

 

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E.T. in A. J. Receives Increased Funding

By Judy Benshoof & Marty Hadley

 

Due to  a unanimous vote by the Apache Junction City Council,  the Enabling Transportation (ET) program received $30,000.00 for fiscal year 2004 - 2005. ET, already Mesa, expanded to AJ in January as a pilot program. Since that time 40 persons have qualified for the program and use it on an on-going basis. 

 

The Enabling Transportation (E. T.) Program is a mileage reimbursement program for persons who rely on their friends, neighbors and non-residing relatives for transportation.  The program is for persons with disabilities, 18 through 59  years of age, and senior adults 60+  who are unable to drive and do not have a car.

 

Persons who qualify for the ET program choose their own volunteer driver, and then reimburse the driver for up to a maximum of 300 miles per calendar month. For additional information and/or to apply to participate in the ET program just call Mesa Senior Center East at 480-218-2221 and ask for the ET department to request an ET brochure packet which includes an eligibility application. These packets are also available at the Apache Junction Senior Center located at 1177 Idaho Road or visit www.mesaseniorservices.com to download a copy of the ET packet and application.

 

ABIL staff looks forward to continued collaboration with ET at Mesa Senior Services as the program continues to grow.  We thank Apache Junction City Clerk Kathy Connelly, City Manager George Hoffman, Mayor Doug Coleman, Pat Brenner City of Apache Junction Public Relations and all of the council members for their support.

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Sun Sounds Voter Information Project

1-866-878-3271

The Citizens Clean Elections Commission has partnered with Sun Sounds of Arizona to provide voters with candidate information.  The Sun Sounds Voter Information Project (VIP) provides access to printed election materials for voters who cannot read due to a physical or visual disability via “Sun Dial.”  Prior to the elections voters can call 1-866-878-3271 and listen to the information pamphlet and this same information will be available on the Sun Sounds website at sunsounds.org .

 

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HELP US IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSIT!

Vote YES on 400

You can make a difference. If every one of you reading this article would vote “Yes” on proposition 400 and you each told all your family and friends about Prop. 400 – it would pass. I am convinced of it!  We did it in the City of Phoenix and we can turn the tide in the November 2nd election for Proposition 400 – the extension of the ½-cent transportation tax.  We have handouts to help explain what Prop. 400 will do, and how it will benefit anyone attempting to travel in Maricopa County.  We have volunteers that will come out to any group you find for us to talk about the benefits to this important proposition. 

 

Get involved. Make a difference! We have two months to get the word out. Most people don’t even know what Proposition 400 is about.

 

Contact April at aprilr@abil.org  or 602-443-0730 and leave a message to get involved TODAY.

 

Join us at our next TRIP meeting:

September 13th, 1:00-3:00PM

The Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities office

1717 W. Jefferson, Room #110 Phoenix

 

Call for accommodations, alternate formats, sign language interpreters, telconferencing or transportation assistance. 

 

Please do not wear fragrances to accommodate participants with allergies and chemical sensitivities!

 

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In an ongoing effort to educate the public on Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, ABIL will publish a series of articles on this little understood disability. 

 

About Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

From HEAL Chapter of Southern Arizona  www.healsoaz.org

 

Many chemical, biological, and physical factors in the environment can contribute to multiple chemical sensitivity. 

 

Biological factors include foods, pollens, molds, dust mites, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other parasites. 

 

Chemical factors include inorganic (non-carbon containing) substances, such as lead, cadmium, aluminum, mercury, cyanide, chlorine, nitrous oxides, and ozone, and organic (carbon containing) compounds such as pesticides, phenols, formaldehyde, petroleum and alcohols. 

 

Physical factors include heat, cold, light, noise, electromagnetic fields and meteorological conditions.

 

The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of chemical sensitivity are based on six principles that are described in Chemical Sensitivity by William Rea, MD.  They are:

 

Total body load or burden is the total of pollutants from air, food, and water that the body has incorporated and then has to process in order to maintain homeostasis (stability).

 

Adaptation is an acute survival mechanism that allows the individual to “get used to” acute toxic exposures by changing to a new set point with increased output of enzyme detoxification systems and immune system enhancement.  Adaptation is a masking phenomenon allowing for acute toxicological tolerance that results in increased total body load, depletion of nutrients, and finally end-organ failure or disease.

 

Bipolarity is a two-part response of the immune and enzyme detoxification systems to a toxic exposure.  The first stage is stimulatory.  The second stage is a depressive reaction in which immune, enzyme detoxification, and metabolic systems are unable to process their total load.  This overload leads to pathology and disease.

 

Spreading phenomenon is a secondary response to pollutants that involves increased sensitivity to a growing number of biological, chemical, and food substances, at smaller and smaller doses.  For example, initial damage by a pesticide may increase sensitivity to many other chemicals and foods such as phenol, formaldehyde, perfume, lettuce, and beef.

 

Switch phenomenon is the changing of pollutant-stimulated responses from one organ to another.  Symptoms may change from headache to fatigue, to joint pain, to arrhythmia, to diarrhea, to depression, to hyperactivity, to asthma, to rash, etc.

 

Biochemical individuality is the final principle of chemical sensitivity.  Because individuals are genetically unique, they also are unique in their response to pollutant exposures.  Also, an individual’s nutritional state and toxic body burden at the time of a new exposure will influence the severity of the reaction to that exposure.

 

The recommended treatment for environmentally-induced illness includes three approaches:  allergy, nutrition, and toxicology.  The illness is reversible provided end-stage pathology has not occurred.  Even then, improvement is possible with proper treatment.  First, the cause much be discovered.  Usually, there are multiple causes:  inhalant, food, and chemical sensitivity, nutritional deficiencies, including, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, and toxicological pollutants such as pesticides, PCBs and solvents.

 

The strategy includes allergy, nutritional, and toxicological testing.  The results of treatment are not measured in a few days or weeks; most patients require nine months to two years to achieve significant improvement.  Drugs to mask illness are used sparingly during treatment.

 

For information on the Chemical Sensitivity Service and Support Group (The Phoenix chapter of HEAL - Human Ecology Action League) please contact,

Email : phxhealchapter@msn.com

http://www.geocities.com/phxheal/

 

WANTED: Full Service Gas Stations

The Southern AZ Chapter of HEAL has just started compiling information on full service gas stations in the Phoenix and Tucson area and would love to know of ANY full service gas stations that you may know of in any city and state. Please use the link below to email any information you have on gas stations to add to the list. The more complete the information the better - HEAL would like to build this into a huge resource for everyone.

 

http://www.geocities.com/phxheal/gasstations.htm

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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 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.

 

Monday, September 20                        1:00 – 3:00PM

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

 

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 the number above 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 & SSI  

Thursday, September 30        1:00 – 3:00PM

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

 

Work Incentives & SSDI

Monday, September 7            10:00 – 12:00PM

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

 

Friday, September 24                    1:00 – 3:00PM

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

 

Monday, September 27        1:00 – 3:00PM

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

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Innovative Mobility

Topics covered will be as follows:

 

l  Driver’s Assessment and Training

l  Equipment Installation Process

l  Information on the Medical Review Program/Motor Vehicle Division

l  Financial Resources

 

Guest Speaker: Jenny Nordine, Occupational Therapist, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, of Driving to Independence and Cindi Vecere Stevick, Assistant to the President of Innovative Mobility

 

Wednesday, September 8    1:00 – 2:00PM

2345 E. Thomas Rd.  Ste. 290 Phoenix AZ

----------------------------------------------------

 

PDBTAC Teleconference

September 21, 2004

Is My Business Accessible?

11:00AM - 12:30PM            ABIL/Phx

Conducting A Self-Assessment: What Do I Need to Consider? Facilitator, Mark Derry, Eastlake, Derry & Associates, LLC.  RSVP to Darrel Christenson, 602-296-0530.

 

Questions about the ADA?

The Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (PDBTAC) can answer questions on all aspects of the ADA and/or provide you with literature in print or alternative formats. Call 1-800-949-4232 or log on to: http://www.pacdbtac.org

 

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Peer Mentor Training
ABIL Mesa Office
2150 S. Country Club, Ste. 10

(Located in the Fiesta Tech Office Complex)
October 5th         October 7th
10:00 - 4:30              12:00 - 4:30


Are you someone who:
l Has a disability, or are close to someone who does
l Has successfully achieved independence on your own
l Is willing to assist others to achieve their own

   independent living goals

If so: we have peer mentor opportunities for you!
l One-to-one contact with people with disabilities
l Outreach to people at rehab centers and nursing homes
l Advocacy for individuals and community issues
l Participation in disability awareness presentations

Peer Mentor Training includes:
l Disability Awareness 
l Adjustment to Disability
l The Independent Living Philosophy
l Communication 
l Goal Planning
l Crisis Intervention
l Legislation
l The Mentor/Mentee Relationship
l and much more!

If you are interested in attending the October training, call Ann Pasco at 602-443-0725. Ask for a peer mentor application and let her know if you need transportation. Applications must be received in the ABIL office by September 30th. 

 

 

Go Fish!
October 9th & 10th
Lake Pleasant            Check-in 7-8:00am

Experience the great outdoors at Fishing Has No Boundaries, Arizona’s 8th annual “Catch and Release” event. According to FHNB, AZ chapter chairman, David Helfand: “Our events are unique  .... a fun day in the great outdoors. We supply everything you need to go fishing, including: boats, fishing equipment, bait, food and bass pros to guide you to the hot spots. We encourage anyone with a disability to sign up, and bring a friend along.”

The cost of $50 per participant includes one free guest/attendant. Sponsorships may be available for those who cannot afford the entry fee. For information contact David Helfand, 480-206-1369, or log on to  www.fhnbaz.org.


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Stuttering Workshops

* SLP workshop with CEUs - October 15th

* Youth Day Workshop - October 16th

Sponsored by the National Stuttering Association

www.westutter.org

Call or email Lynn at ABIL for registration details-

602-443-0729 or lynnb@abil.org

 

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New ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines

Cleared for Publication
Dave Yanchulis
The Access Board recently received approval to issue updated accessibility guidelines for facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Office of Management and Budget, the Federal government’s regulatory clearinghouse, approved the new guidelines on June 25 after a four-month review. The Board plans to publish the new guidelines on July 26, the 14th anniversary of the ADA’s enactment into law.

The new rule marks the first full-scale update of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) which were originally published in 1991. The final rule also will include updated guidelines for Federal facilities, which are covered not by the ADA but by an earlier law, the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). Both the ADA guidelines and the ABA guidelines, which the Board updated jointly to make them more consistent, address access in new construction and alterations.

The published guidelines will not be mandatory on the public. Instead, they will serve as the baseline for enforceable standards (which are mandatory) maintained by other agencies. These other agencies, such as the Department of Justice under the ADA, must update their standards according to the Board’s guidelines. In doing so, they will indicate when the new requirements must be followed.

Further information is posted on the Board’s website at http://www.access-board.gov/news/ADA-ABA-update.htm

 

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GET EMPOWERED!

Join one of ABIL’s advocacy e-groups and keep informed on what is going on in AZ and around the nation regarding issues of importance to people with disabilities. Advocacy e-groups include Empower (general alerts) and topical alert lists: transit, healthcare/Rx drugs, Independent Living, Employment. Anyone who subscribes can post events and alerts on the list. It’s yours. Use it! Just send a note asking to subscribe at listserv@abil.org

 

Please help us get the word out by including this notice in your organization’s publication.

 

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ABIL Community Calendar – RSVP for All Events

Funding for Social and Recreational activities is provided (in part) by the Area Agency on Aging, Region I, Inc. and 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.

 

Sep 02           SR/Movie Theatre, 11:30AM-2:00PM. Move Theater, Metro Center Mall. 10000 Metro Center. Phx. Cost: $7.00. Leanne, 602-296-0535

 

Sep 07           PRIMARY ELECTION DAY

 

Sep 07           SSDI/Work Incentives,  10:00AM -12:00PM. See details page 7. David, 602-443-0723

 

Sep 08           Healer Within, 9:30AM - 12:00PM.Thomas Ste 290. Women’s wellness group: Body, mind and spirit - Make an appointment with yourself. Donna K., 602-443-0722

 

Sep 08           Innovative Mobility, 1:00PM - 3:00PM. Thomas Ste 290. David, 602-443-0724

 

Sep 09           SR/Mesa Southwest Museum, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. Mesa Southwest Museum, 53 N MacDonald, Mesa.  Cost: $2.00. Leanne, 602-296-0535

 

Sep 09           V.O.I.C.E., 1- 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

 

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