ABIL Bridge Newsletter, October, 2006

ABIL offers and promotes programs designed to empower people with disabilities to take personal responsibility so they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community. ABIL is a member of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). "Not just responding to change, but leading it!"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (ABIL & Staff contact numbers can be found at the end of the document)

ABIL is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with a celebratory luncheon on September 6th at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel, featuring Emmy-award winning news correspondent and author John Hockenberry as the keynote speaker.

The anniversary luncheon will also include an awards presentation to honor the following recipients for their dedication to the advancement of disability issues and the disability community:

As most of you know, ABIL will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on September 6th at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel in Phoenix. As a prelude to this momentous occasion, I want to share some of ABIL’s fabulous history. From its early days in 1981 to today, ABIL has been a major voice in Arizona for disability awareness and advocacy. Many people are responsible for cultivating the Independent Living (IL) philosophy in Phoenix and Arizona over the past 25 years.

The IL movement in Phoenix actually began prior to 1981. The seeds that would grow into a consumer-controlled Center for Independent Living (CIL) were actually planted in the mid 1970’s. During that time, several local disability advocates, including Frank Kells, Abe Jaffy, Ez Bachand and others working under the name the “Arizona Congress for Action,” began the formative efforts that would lead to the establishment of a CIL in Phoenix. In 1981, after many years of advocacy, ABIL was incorporated as a private, not-for-profit organization, and officially named the Arizona Bridge to Independent living.

ABIL’s first home was leased property at 3125 E. Roosevelt. ABIL’s current main office at 1229 E. Washington was built in 1986 with City of Phoenix Community Development Block Grant funding. In 1997, ABIL opened it first satellite office at 225 E. 1st Street in Mesa. In 2001, ABIL opened an office at 2345 E. Thomas Road in the Green Gable Office Complex. This office provided space for ABIL’s new employment program. In 2002, ABIL opened its Metro Center office at 10000 N. 31st Avenue in Phoenix. In 2004, the Advocacy Unit was moved to the Green Gable Office Complex. Also in 2004, ABIL moved its Mesa office to 2150 S. Country Club. And lastly, in 2006, ABIL opened a PAS field office at 2400 N. Central Ave in downtown Phoenix. Whew!!!

So, what started all this, you ask? That can be attributed to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that authorized the establishment of a nationwide network of CIL’s. The Rehab Act, amended in 1978 to include IL services, required CIL’s to provide four core services. One of these, advocacy, is the ingredient that has made possible full community integration and independence for people with disabilities. ABIL’s advocacy efforts have significantly improved our communities and has led to many advancements in community accessibility including public transportation, integrated housing, community based personal attendant services, and opportunities for employment. ABIL’s advocacy has positively influenced our communities by promoting disability awareness, and advocating for the elimination of attitudinal barriers, discrimination and oppression of people with disabilities.

The other three core services, all of which began in 1981, form the heart of “what” ABIL does. These include peer support, information and referral, and independent living skills instruction. To complement these, ABIL has over the years developed other programs to meet community needs. These include Personal Attendant Services (1987), Volunteer Peer Mentors (1990), Home Modifications (1990), Socialization through Recreation (1991), ADA services (1991), Community Reintegration from nursing homes (1993), Early Intervention at rehab hospitals (1993), This Is My Life (1997), Community Living Options (1998), Empowering Youth in transition (2000), Social Security Work Incentives Counseling (2000), Ticket-to-work Employment Services (2001), TANF employment service (2003), and Improbable Theatre (2003). These programs are all designed to empower people with disabilities to take personal responsibility so they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community.

As to leadership, more than ninety individuals have served as voluntary members of ABIL’s Board of Directors over the past twenty-five years. Their dedication and commitment to excellent governance has provided the leadership that has made ABIL one the most respected CIL’s in the United States.

Last, but certainly not least, ABIL’s real success is due to the many dedicated staff that has served the organization for the past twenty-five years. As a consumer-controlled organization, ABIL’s staff, the majority of who are people with disabilities, promote independence and personal responsibility through a philosophy that emphasizes peer-mentorship and self-advocacy. Their work gives all of us more choice in “how” and “where” we live with a disability. I would personally like to thank everyone who has ever worked for ABIL over the past twenty-five years. Your efforts have improved the lives of people with disabilities in Arizona.

On July 26th the Arizona disability community celebrated the 16th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act at the State Capitol. Terry Goddard, State Attorney General was the keynote speaker. A coalition comprised of ABIL, the AZ Disability Advocacy Coalition, the Arizona Office for Americans with Disabilities and the City of Tempe presented the 2006 ADA Liberty Awards that included: Janet Napolitano, 2006 Legislative Session Disability Champion; Senator Barbara Leff, Pioneer Award; AZ Republic reporter Laurie Roberts, Media Award; Gary Corcoran, Accessibility Advocate Award; and Judith Tunell, Accessibility Advocate Award.

Governor Napolitano received the “ADA Liberty 2006 Legislative Session Disability Champion Award” for her support of disability program funding, including enough state general funds to draw down $10 Million in federal matching funds for Vocational Rehabilitation for Arizonans with disabilities for the first time in our state’s history. This should provide a significant increase in support to individuals with disabilities to secure employment and self-sufficiency. Senator Leff received the “ADA Liberty Pioneer Award” for her sponsorship and leadership to pass SB 1442, which will establish temporary AHCCCS coverage for Arizonans who become eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, who’s cash benefit is over the AHCCCS eligibility income level, until their Medicare healthcare benefit starts. Arizona Republic reporter Laurie Roberts is being honored with the “ADA Liberty Media Award” for her stories of Arizonans with disabilities struggling to survive during that Medicare waiting period.

Judith Tunell and Gary Corcoran are members of the Phoenix disability community who have demonstrated persistent advocacy to improve accessibility in transportation, public programs and housing options. Most recently they advocated for the new accessible paging system at Sky Harbor Airport. Let’s be clear, the airport’s accessibility continues to have many problems, so there is plenty of advocacy work left for community advocates!

The Arizona Bar Association’s Disability Sub-committee gave the “Honorable John R. Sticht Excellence in Disabilities Accessibility Award” to The Arizona Center for Disability Law and the Office of the Arizona Attorney General for their efforts to improve access to the Arizona judicial system for persons with disabilities in the legal profession (e.g., lawyers, paralegals and court and law firm staff with a disability).

A BIG thank you to the 150 community advocates who attended our celebration and to our coalition partners that put this event on.

October 5, 2006 - General Early Voting Begins

Trouble finding election information or don’t have access to the internet? Contact David Carey, 602-443-0723

The Citizens Clean Elections Commission has partnered with Sun Sounds of Arizona to provide visually impaired voters with candidate and voting information. The Sun Sounds Voter Information Project (VIP) provides two ways to access printed election materials for voters who cannot read due to a physical or visual disability via a Sun Sounds service called “Sun Dial.” Prior to the elections V.I.P.’s can call 1-877-517-8711 or for those with screen reader software, follow the links on the Sun Sounds website. http://www.azcleanelections.gov/ccecSS/csp_2006_eng.asp

Maricopa County Elections Accessibility Information: Voters can request early ballots or information in large print and/or Braille: http://recorder.maricopa.gov/Elections/Assistance.aspx

Attorney General Terry Goddard suggests these steps to take to protect yourself:

Arizonans are entitled to one free credit report each year via the Internet at www.annualcreditreport.com or by telephone at 1-877-322-8228.

This Web site allows you to request a free annual credit report from each of the three credit reporting companies - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can check your report more often if you pay the fee set by each company. Or, you can sign up for one of the several credit monitoring services which are available for a fee. The credit reports contain a summary of credit use where the you can determine if any unauthorized credit lines have been opened in your name.

Anyone can place an Initial Security Alert on their credit report for 90 days at no charge. These alerts notify credit institutions to verify your identification before extending credit in your name. You can contact any of the three credit reporting companies to place this alert. The company that takes your request will share it with the other two credit reporting companies.

To place a fraud alert, contact one of the three credit reporting companies:

For veterans concerned about the recent security breach, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has set up a Web site (www.firstgov.gov) and the VA has also opened a call center to answer questions. Veterans can call 1-800-333-4636 (1-800-FED-INFO) Monday - Saturday, 8:00am - 9:00pm (EST).

The Community Living Options (CLO) program offers services for individuals with developmental disabilities (Cognitive Disabilities, Epilepsy, Autism, Cerebral Palsy) who are ineligible for Federal & State support services. CLO brings together people and community volunteers to provide relationship opportunities, resources and supports for individuals needing more help in the community. Come and join us as the group meets to set goals and plan activities for the months ahead! RSVP to ABIL’s CLO Program Coordinator, Helen Noonan at 602-443-0715.

When a man becomes disabled there are unique issues that affect his thinking and behavior. This group is designed to help men aged 18 and up, with any disability, to sort through these issues and enable them better understand themselves and how to function in today’s world. Come to this group prepared to openly talk about yourself.

This group will be held 6:30pm-8:00pm the 4th Thursday of each month, at The Legacy at Piestewa Peak 1411 E. Orangewood Ave [16th St. Between Northern and E. Glendale Ave. off 16th St.] Meetings take place in the condo complex clubhouse. Please call 602-980-3232 for information.

PLEASE NOTE Due to the nature of this group and the topics discussed, please do not bring any children to the group.

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

If you are interested in attending the training, call April Reed, 602-296-0533. Ask for a peer mentor application and let her know if you need transportation. Applications must be received in the ABIL office by September 19th.

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.

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

BPAO Workshops for Service Providers

Learn how employment will affect your cash and medical benefits. Sign up for the workshop that matches the kind of Social Security you receive. If you are unsure which kind you receive, David can help you figure that out when you call 602-443-0723 to RSVP. There are 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 - SSDI

Work Incentives - SSI

ResponseLINK is committed to helping individuals maintain independent lifestyles by helping them live in their own homes. This presentation will cover home safety and fall prevention. Come learn about how ResponseLINK products and services can help individuals with disabilities living independently.*

Wednesday, September 20 1:00pm - 3:00pm 2345 E. Thomas Rd., Ste. 290 Phoenix

*Arizona Bridge to Independent Living does not endorse, takes no responsibility for, and exercises no control over products and/or services offered by ResponseLINK.

Does the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) program mystify, befuddle or otherwise addle your brain? Maybe a quick review of the basics would help. This workshop will include a review of the vision and mission of the RSA program, basic principles and concepts behind the RSA program, and consumers’ roles, rights and responsibilities. Bring your thinking caps and questions. We won’t be solving your individual problems but the workshop will give you some useful perspectives and maybe some tips to help you negotiate the dreaded “RSA process.”

Bertha Villegas-Kinney, AZ RSA Deputy Administrator
Thursday, September 28 1:00pm – 3:00 noon
2345 E. Thomas Rd., Suite 290

ABIL Phx/ Kitchen
Access to hotels, air planes and cruise ships continue to be one of the biggest barriers for people with disabilities. This session will explore the requirements for accessibility as well as discuss resources available for identifying accessible travel options, whether it is a trip to Chicago or a oversees destination. RSVP to Darrel Christenson, 602-296-0530.

Provided by the The Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (PDBTAC)

Come and join us as Abbie Fink, Vice President and General Manager of the public relations firm of Hanson, Moser & Associates guides us through the ins and outs of promoting ITC or any other event you may be planning. To RSVP please leave a message at ABIL’s Artreach/ITC line, 602-296-0503 or email improbabletheatreco@cox.net.

Wyndham Phoenix Hotel
A one-day workshop in Arizona to promote education to speech-language pathologist by providing assessment skills and advancing clinical abilities to integrate parents and teachers into the therapy process. 6 CEU hours are granted.

A family-centered, fun-filled, one-day workshop in Arizona to promote education and self-esteem for school-age children and teens (ages 4-18) who stutter, and to provide education and support to parents and speech-language pathologists (SLPs).

See outreach activities link: http://www.nsastutter.org/nsa-caz or www.westutter.org for registration forms and more details.

A: Yes, there are! For individuals who receive SSDI, the amount of earnings that Social Security considers to be substantial and gainful is higher for individuals who are considered blind. If you receive SSI, Social Security does not count any earned income that you use to meet expenses that are needed to earn that income, such as service animal expenses, transportation to and from work, and federal, state, and local income taxes. For more information on Ticket to Work and Social Security Work Incentives call 602-304-WORK.

Youth Action Council of AZ

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:

Monsoon season is prime time for mosquitoes breeding, biting and some cases spreading West Nile Virus. Maricopa County will again be taking action to reduce our exposure to West Nile Virus through education, fogging and larviciding. Along with concern about the virus, you may be concerned about the health risks of trucks going through neighborhoods spraying insecticide.

For more information or to sign up to receive updates on fogging in your area contact:

The Self Advocacy Coalition of Arizona policy team is collecting stories about how transportation effects employment. We will be developing strategies for this issue locally and statewide. Thanks to all who responded to earlier requests. Keep the stories coming! They are very helpful. We appreciate your efforts and time spent in supporting this issue!

Please send your stories in by calling Katie Griffith at 480-361-2469 or by E-mail to Katydid51886@aol.com

Funding for Social and Recreational activities is provided (in part) by the Arizona Department of Economic Security. ABIL requests a $1+ donation (each way) for transportation provided on the ABIL van. Consumers must be 18 years+ or own legal guardian for ABIL van transportation. Reasonable Accommodations, including Sign Language Interpreters and Personal Assistants, will be provided at ABIL events upon request. Please do not smoke or wear scented products when attending events.

Sep 05 BPAO SSDI Presentation, 10:30am - 12:30pm. See details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Sep 07 SR/Mesa Southwest Museum, 10:00am - 12:30pm. Arizona’s premier museum of cultural and natural history. 53 N MacDonald, Mesa. Cost: $8.00 Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

Sep 12 BPAO SSI Presentation, 10:00am - 12:00pm. See details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Sep 12 Healer Within, 9:30am - 12:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Women’s Wellness Group: Learn relaxation practices and gain support for your wellness. Amina Kruck, 602-443-0722

Sep 14 BPAO SSI Presentation, 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Metro Classroom. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Sep 14 SR/Az Historical Society Museum, 11:00am - 1:30pm. AZ History of the dramatic development of the Valley. 1300 N College Ave Tempe. Cost: $3.00. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

Sep 14 V.O.I.C.E., 1:00pm - 4:00pm. A monthly support and information group for individuals with disabilities, their families & rehabilitation providers. Foothills Library 19055 N. 57th Ave. Clayton Guffy, 602-789-9129

Sep 15 COMPASS, 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Providing direction and networking to persons with disabilities. Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257, 480 312-1700 Rm. 12. Pauline Staples, 602-241-1006

Sep 18 Goal-setting Workshop, 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Mesa Classroom. Step-by step workshop on how to define and achieve your goals. Judy Benshoof, 602-296-0532

Sep 19 ADA Teleconference, 11:00am - 12:30pm. Phx Kitchen. “Accessible Travel Options: By Land, By Air and By Sea.” Darrel Christenson, 602-296-0530

Sep 19 Glendale Commission on Persons with Disabilities, 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Open to the public. 2nd floor Conference Room, 5959 W. Brown St. Julian Avila, 623-930-2297

Sep 20 SR/Cooking Group, 10:30am - 1:30pm. Phx Kitchen. Learn new recipes, skills, and just socialize with others. Cost: Consumers assist by bringing ingredients for lunch.Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

Sep 20 ResponseLINK, 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. See details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Sep 21 ITC Workshop: Marketing, 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Details on page 8. To RSVP leave a message at ABIL’s Artreach/ITC line, 602-296-0503 or email improbabletheatreco@cox.net

Sep 25 SR/Newsletter Assembly Party, 9:00am - ??? Phx Kitchen. Leanne Jones, 602-296-0535

Sep 26 Healer Within, 9:20am - 12:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Women’s Wellness Group: Relaxation practices and group sharing. Amina Kruck, 602-443-0722

Sep 26 BPAO SSI Presentation, 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. Details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Sep 27 CLO Life Skills Group, 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Phx Kitchen. Details, page 6. Helen Noonan, 602-443-0715

Sep 28 RSA Presentation, 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. See details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

Sep 28 Randy’s Group, 6:30pm - 8:00pm. A new disability discussion group for men only. See details, page 6. Don Price, 602-980-3232

Sep 29 BPAO ProvidersPresentation, 10:00am - 12:00pm. Thomas Ste 290. See details, page 7. David Carey, 602-443-0723

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

‘02 Chrysler T&C Limited Van w/VMI North Star ramp conversion -45K miles. Wheel/Power Chair Entry/Exit. Drive normally or w/hand controls from chair or car seat. Multiple lock downs. 6 year/85K mile full warranty. Photos @ http://www.wbhsi.net/~hwoch/vansale/vansale.html Asking $22,000 OBO Call Hal, 480 895-6705

‘98 Ford Econoline Hi-top van, industrial Braun lift, clean, dependable, new transmission, tires & battery. $9000 OBO Call 602-249-1591.

Solo by Ranger 3 wheel power scooter w/on board charger, power seat and odometer. Great for outdoors, errands, etc. Very dependable. $2,500.00 OBO. 480-926-0875

New Quickie Freestyle power chair w/on board charger & oxygen tank carrier. Color change panels & fold aside control pad. Also Varilite adjustable valve cushion. Used 3 hours. $3,000.00 OBO 480-926-0875

Jazzy 1121 power wheel chair-red, w/Synergy TRU-Balance Power Tilt Seat, 3 yrs old, good shape/used very little, original cost over $8,000. Make offer. Call Lloyd, 480-984-1069 or email lloydeadkins0905@yahoo.com

Silverstar Caddy manual wheelchair lift. Holds a manual wheelchair, and mounts on the back of a vehicle. Very easy to use. $40 OBO. Call Catherine, 480-967-0041

Invacare Action 9000 Power wheelchair, 2 new batteries/Jay2 gel cushion, electric charger. $800 firm. 623-434-3539

Pride Jet 3 power chair, purchased in 2002, rarely used, very good cond. New batteries in June. Cost new, $5700, asking $2000 OBO. Call 602-283-5713

Jazzy 1103 Ultra power chair w/power seat and lift. Never used. Asking $3500 for chair, $1000 for lift. Sold together $4200. Call Jackie, 623-374-9549

Alante pwr chair by Golden, w/charger. Rear wheel drive, very good condition, 3 yrs old. $900 OBO. Call 623-875-3812

Wheelchair for someone who cannot walk or transfer without assistance - heavy duty, seat 18” wide, articulated leg rests, 2 cushions and safety belt. $300 OBO. Call 480-362-3215

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

Quickie TS Wheelchair, Chair has tilt positioning, 17" seat, positioning pads, adjustable footrests, Roho seat cushion, sheepskin seat cover. Asking $1,000, or make offer. Call Kim or leave message, at 602-354-5600

Rascal scooter, brand new w/papers, 2 baskets, can be broken down for storage or transport. Call 602-569-2322

October 5, 2006­ - General Early Voting Begins­

BPAO Workshops for Service Providers

Work Incentives - SSDI

Work Incentives - SSI

Youth Action Council of AZ

October 5, 2006 - General Early Voting Begins