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In This Issue
Center News
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Breaking Down Barriers
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2008 ADA Celebration & Expo
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A Fresh New Start
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A New Vision
·
The IEP – An Inside Look
Community News
·
May Was National Arthritis Month
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Emergency Preparedness For People With Disabilities
State of Illinois
News
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Coalition Of Citizens With Disabilities In Illinois
2008-2009 Advocacy Agenda
Executive Director
………………Glenda Farkas
Outreach Director
………………Ryan Jansen
Program Director
……………..Dale Winner
Youth Services
………………Dustin Gorder
Home Services & Reintegration Coordinator
………………Jennifer Kelly
Independent Living
Specialist
…..…………Patricia Bissell
Independent Living
Specialist
……………..Joe Pashka
(800) 225-0407
TTY (217) 223-0475
FAX (217) 223-0479
Satellite Office:
440 N. Lafayette
First Bankers Trust Bldg. Lower Level
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 833-5766
(888) 309-5766
FAX (309) 836-5867
cilod@adams.net
www.wcicil.org
Support Group Schedule Blind\Low Vision
( Adams County Group)
Every first Thursday of the
month,
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
(Brown County Group)
Every last Tuesday of the
month,
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Call Patricia Bissell
for more info:
217-223-0400
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Center News
Breaking Down Barriers
By Ryan Jansen
Over 54 million Americans with physical or mental impairments that
substantially limit daily activities are protected under the ADA. These
activities include working, walking, talking, seeing, hearing or caring
for oneself. People who have a record of such impairment and those
regarded as having an impairment are also protected. There are an
estimated 4,000 people with disabilities in Adams County based upon the
national average which states that one in five Americans have a
disability.
West Central Illinois Center for Independent Living this year held its
ninth annual event marking the 18th Anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act. “Breaking down Barriers” was the name of this year’s
celebration held Thursday, July 24, 2008 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at
Quincy Senior and Family Resource Center. The event co-sponsored by Quincy
Park District was a success despite the rain which moved the celebration
indoors instead of outside
at Washington Park. Over 30 exhibitors were present showcasing their
services
and programs for the community. Relaxing sounds of an acoustic guitar and
banjo accompaniment filled the room performed by Steve Rees. It provided a
nice escape from the scattered rain showers beyond the doors outside.
West Central Illinois Center for Independent Living Board President, Chris
Bunch, kicked off the event recognizing WCICIL’s accomplishments for
empowering people with disabilities toward independent living. Bunch also
noted these efforts are creating a positive impact in the community. An
opening prayer was delivered by Chuck Sackett from Madison Park Christian
Church. The National Anthem was beautifully sung by Lacey Phillips.
Representative, Jil Tracy addressed the crowd regarding the need for
continued funding of social service agencies who serve people with
disabilities and the importance of the Americans with Disability Act
Legislation. Keynote speaker, LuAnn Kleemeyer, spoke about her personal
experience of losing a leg in an almost fatal accident that changed her
life forever. She humbly reminded people with disabilities to press
forward and never give up.
The celebration ended with an award ceremony. Accessible Entity of the
Year award went to the Quincy Park District and the Volunteer of the Year
award went to Darryl Peacher. The Bumble Bee Award named in honor of the
late Jordan Pyatt went to Mick Freeman.
Special thanks to the Quincy Park District, Quincy Senior and Family
Resource Center, Illinois School Supply, County Market, Wal-Mart, and
Refreshment Services Pepsi and every one else who made this event a
success!
West Central Illinois Center for Independent Living is a not-for-profit
agency which offers a variety of services and programs, free of charge to
people with disabilities and communities in Adams, Brown, Hancock, Pike,
McDonough, and Schuyler counties. The ADA celebration and expo is an
annual event for our agency!
If you would like to view photos of the ADA event visit us online at
www.wcicil.org.
A Fresh New Start
By Rachel Curry – reprinted from Pike Press article
A state funded program
called Community Reintegration is giving people in nursing homes between
the ages of 18 – 59 a chance to live on their own again.
Fifty-one year old Karen McDonald of Pittsfield learned about the program
after someone at her sister’s workplace told her sister about it.
McDonald’s
sister is Mary McDonald. McDonald decided to be part of the program.
She was at the Timber Point Nursing Home in Camp Point for a year and a
half after her knees locked one day, causing her to hit her head on the
back of a door frame. McDonald said she had always had problems with her
knees and in
2007 she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. McDonald was in the
hospital for three days, and they recommended that she go to a nursing
home.
She decided it was time to leave Timber Point Nursing Home after improving
in therapy and walking better. “I seemed to be getting better,” she said.
“I thought I could do better on my own.”
At the time of McDonald’s discharge, it was not recommended that she do
any more therapy. McDonald said she could not have moved out on her own
again without the help of the program and Jenny Kelly, the coordinator for
the Community Reintegration Program at West Central Illinois Center for
Independent Living in Quincy. “It has been very helpful,” she said. “I
couldn’t have done it without her.”
McDonald has been doing well on her own so far. She moved out of the
nursing home last fall. “I concentrate on what I can do and not on what I
can’t do. McDonald said she had no idea the program existed. “The program
is a wonderful idea,” she said. McDonald said she also has the support of
her family. There are two personal assistants who help McDonald out, Denis
Hodgernay and Mary McDonald.
The program helps people get back on their feet.
“The program gets those individuals between the ages of 18-59 who are
stuck in a nursing home, who are able to be on their own, more
independent,” Kelly said. The program pays to get the cable started and to
pay up to $400 of past due utilities for the place they were living at
before they moved into a nursing home. $3,000 is given for furnishings,
such as a television, couch, bed and so on. $1000 for home furnishings
from soap for the bathroom to mops. $100 is given for cleaning and
personal hygiene items. $300 for the first month of initial groceries.
“Everything they need for their apartment we get for them,” she said. “We
pay for their first month’s rent and deposit.” Money is also provided to
make a home more accessible.
The program does not pay for any alcohol or tobacco related products.
When someone first moves out Kelly calls them a couple times a week, and
then as times goes on, once a month. “We stay involved with them for a
year,” Kelly said. Many qualify for a personal assistant. Kelly said they
determine by an assessment before someone ever leaves a nursing home of
how many hours a personal assistant will help someone.
A personal assistant does everything from helping someone get cleaned up
to taking one to the doctor. Kelly said Personal Assistants are not
nurses.
If someone is interested in getting more information about the program
they can call Jenny Kelly at 217-223-0400.
A New Vision
By Patricia Bissell
West Central Illinois Center for Independent Living
has joined with the Office of Rehabilitation Services to form a new Vision
Impaired Support Group. This group will meet the last Tuesday every month
at the Brown County Library in Mt. Sterling, IL
Meeting time will be 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Guest speakers and product
demonstrations will be part of the programs. Also, one on one peer support
is a key element with this group.
Each individual will have an opportunity to learn more about their vision
problems and ways to adjust, as well as, discover what products are
available to improve their quality of life. We hope that by attending this
support group people from the Brown County area may become more
comfortable with their disability and renew their independence.
The West Central Mass Transit District of Brown County is very eager to
assist people in getting to and from the Support Group. To schedule a ride
please call Jeannie at: 217-773-3025 or toll free: 866-644-3025.
For more information about the group please call:
Patricia Bissell - 217-223-0400 or Kay Chambers - 217-245-9585.
The IEP
By Dustin Gorder
As school winds down Individualized Education Plans (IEP)
have started to work their way into the schedules of parents and students
alike. To help parents understand the role an IEP plays in a child’s life,
the Youth Services Program at the Center puts on a seminar entitled “The
IEP- An Inside Look” to cover the basics of the IEP. It was held on April
10 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Quincy Family and Resource Senior Center.
Although the weather played a role in the attendance of the seminar
feedback from those who attended was positive and suggested that I go into
more detail. As a result, there will be another seminar on September10
from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at WCICIL that is geared for parents of children with
IEP’s titled “Understanding IDEA.”
In this seminar we will look at Section §1414(d) of the Federal Register
that talks about the Individual Education Program as well as §300.320 –
300.328 the Regulations regarding the IEP and the Federal Regulations
Commentary to help parents understand the meaning behind words such as
“comparable services,” and show them how to use it. Flyers about the
seminar will be distributed at a later date to remind parents of the
seminar.
With the school year coming to a close and a new year just around the
corner, parents need to know that they aren’t the only ones who have
questions. If you know of or are a parent that has questions, please
contact Dustin Gorder at
217-223-0400 or email him at cilys@adams.net. This seminar may have the
answers to the questions you have.
Community News
May Was National Arthritis Month!
Did you know that 46 million Americans have
doctor-diagnosed arthritis? Did you know that arthritis affects 294,000
children? The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve lives
through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and
related diseases.
Arthritis can limit everyday activities, but increasing physical activity
and maintaining an ideal weight can help prevent or reduce joint pain and
arthritis later. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation offers a Life
Improvement Series to help address these issues. These programs are proven
to reduce pain and physician visits, decrease stiffness and increase
function. The programs include the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program,
the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program and the Arthritis Foundation
Self-Help Program.
Understanding your type of arthritis will help you select the appropriate
exercise and management program for you. Consult your physician to
determine what type of program best fits your needs. Your local chapter of
the Arthritis Foundation has a number of programs and services available
to assist you. The Arthritis Foundation offers free educational brochures,
pamphlets and a Medical Referral List (to find a rheumatologist closest to
you).
Join the Arthritis Foundation in celebrating National Arthritis Month.
Arthritis Foundation chapters throughout the country have events planned
such as Arthritis Walks, FREE Public Education Seminars and much, much
more.
For more information on the Arthritis Foundation, go to www.arthritis.org.
Type in your zip code and you can find contact information for the
Arthritis Foundation chapter closest to you.
Emergency Preparedness For People With Disabilities
By Joe Pashka
If you or someone close
to you has a disability or a special need, you may have to take additional
steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency.
A record number of tornadoes (124) tore through Illinois in 2006. The
Illinois Emergency Management Agency says most tornadoes hit between April
and June.
Illinois recently had a 5.2 - magnitude earthquake on April 18, 2008 and
experienced major flooding in June and July.
If you have special needs: Find out about special assistance that may be
available in your community. Register with the office of emergency
services or the local fire department for assistance so needed help can be
provided.
Check for hazards in the home
During and right after a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause
injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause fire is a
home hazard. Check for items such as bookcases, hanging pictures, or
overhead lights that could fall in an earthquake or a flood and block an
escape path.
Be ready to evacuate
Have a plan for getting out of your home or building (ask your family or
friends for assistance, if necessary). Also, plan two evacuation routes
because some roads may be closed or blocked in a disaster.
Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to aid
you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how
to operate necessary equipment.
Discuss your needs with your employer.
If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building,
have an escape chair.
If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark
accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you leave the
building.
Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries,
oxygen, catheters, medication, prescriptions, food for service animals,
and any other items you might need.
Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration.
Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you
require.
Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disability.
Know the location and availability of more than one facility if you are
dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or
treatment.
For more information on the internet, go to www.disabilitypreparedness.gov,
or call 217-223-0400 to talk with our WCICIL Independent Living
Specialist.
State
of Illinois News
Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois 2008 -2009
Advocacy Agenda
Employment
CCDI will conduct ongoing advocacy efforts towards improving employment
opportunities for people with disabilities. This will be the primary
advocacy focus for CCDI. These efforts will include:
Conducting an awareness campaign focusing on the benefits and dispelling
the misconceptions of hiring people with disabilities, and the high number
of people with disabilities in Illinois who cannot locate and/or obtain
employment.
Increasing opportunities for people with disabilities who are currently
under-employed to gain access to better jobs with higher wages.
Creating additional opportunities for people with disabilities to
participate in hands on training aimed at enhancing job readiness skills.
Working to effect legislation and/or changes to existing policies.
Working with Government agencies (i.e.: DRS Vocational Rehabilitation
Services, Central Management Services, Illinois Employment and Training
Center etc.) to improve current service delivery methods.
Additional
CCDI will promote and/or support the efforts of other advocacy groups to
improve the quality of life of people with disabilities in the areas of:
Accessible parking
Increasing affordable and accessible transportation
Healthcare for workers with disabilities
Health benefits for Personal Assistants
Advancing Olmstead implementation in the least restrictive environment
Furthering community choice options
Creating more affordable & accessible housing
Low income heating and energy assistance (LIHEAP)
Efforts to improve transitioning services
Human rights and discrimination
Assistive technology
Voter registration and participation
Did You Know?
This year a total of 283 bills passed both houses and will be sent to the
Governor compared to over 700 in 2007.
Bill That Has Passed Both Houses:
HB 5603 – Sex Offenses/Victim with a Developmental Disability
About 9 years ago the Arc of Illinois led an effort to amend the Code of
Criminal Procedure to provide that a court may allow a victim of a sex
offense who has mental retardation to testify outside of the courtroom and
to have his or her testimony provided to the jury via closed circuit TV.
HB 5603 would expand the law by making it applicable to any victim with a
developmental disability, which includes, but is not limited to, cerebral
palsy, epilepsy and autism. Sponsors: House: Bellock
(R-Westmont): Senate: Dillard
(R-Hinsdale)
Bill That Have Yet To Pass Both Houses:
SB 2538 – State Hiring of Persons with Disabilities
Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in
cooperation with not-for-profit groups and community partners, to develop
and implement an education and outreach campaign to increase awareness of
issues that affect the employment of individuals with a disability.
Language restricting rulemaking authority was added in the House Status:
Passed the Senate 53-0 on April 17, 2008. Amended in the House to add the
rulemaking limitation and passed the House as amended 109-0 on May 22,
2008. Senate sponsor moved to non-concur with the House amendment.
Currently on the House non-concurrence calendar. Sponsors: Senate: Garrett
(D-Highwood); House: Ryg (D-Vernon Hills)
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