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AHEAD OF THE TIMES
Volume 23, Number 6
Summer, 2003

PASS PROGRAM TRAINING
The PASS Program of Independence, Inc. will be conducting two training sessions for all consumers and personal care attendants. These training sessions will consist of the following information:

• How to complete the new September 2003 timesheets.
• Review state requirement for payroll agencies.
• New pay period going to every other week. How does this effect you as a consumer or Personal Care Attendant.
• What the PASS Program offers to the Consumers and the Personal Care Attendants.
• Adult Protection Services: How does this effect you as a consumer and /or Personal Care Attendant.

Sessions will be held at Independence, Inc., 2001 Haskell Avenue, Lawrence. The first session will be Monday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m. It will be repeated Friday, August 22 at 1 p.m. If consumers need transportation to these sessions, contact Patty at 785/841-0333, 8-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. daily.

Jill Enyart, Independent Living Counselor at Independence, Inc., will be present to answer any questions regarding the Physical Disability (PD) waiver. Bob Mikesic, Advocacy/ADA Coordinator, and Sidney Hardgrave, Executive Director of Independence, Inc. will also be present to answer any questions that you may have. 

With all these changes we strongly suggest that you attend one of these session dates. These changes, we feel will eliminate some confusion for you, the personal care attendant, and our department regarding allowable hours on timesheets. Independence, Inc. and the PASS Program want to hear your concerns or questions. 

RSVP to Mary Beth Retke by Friday, August 8 at 785/841-0333, 888-824-7277 (toll-free), or by e-mail marybeth@independenceinc.org as to which session you will be attending. Refreshments will be provided. 

Following both sessions we will send out notes regarding frequent asked questions raised at the sessions. If you can not attend either session we will send you all pertinent information to help you with these adjustments. 

If you have any questions, contact Mary Beth 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Center will be closed Friday, July 4 for Independence Day and Monday, September 1 for Labor Day. No transportation available.

TOWN HALL MEETING
The University of Kansas' Research and Training Center on Independent Living and Douglas County Emergency Management are sponsoring a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, July 23, 7-9 p.m. at Raintree Montessori School, 4601 Clinton Parkway in Lawrence.

The purpose of the meeting is to hear the stories, needs, and concerns of persons with disabilities and their families who experienced the recent tornado that hit Lawrence. The goal of this event is to make Douglas County a safer place for all citizens when disasters occur. To request a reasonable accommodation or schedule transportation contact Independence, Inc. at 841-0333 by July 16. For more information about the meeting contact the Research and Training Center for Independent Living at 785/864-4095.

CONSUMER GROUP ACTIVITIES 

• July
  
  COOKING CLUB HAWAIIAN LUAU FESTIVAL
  Kick off some summer fun with Cooking Club's Hawaiian Luau Festival on Monday, July 14, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. We have an exciting agenda planned that includes tropical fruits and Hawaiian style dishes, decorations, flower lais, music, etc.and most fun of all we will learn how to do a hula dance associated with traditional Hawaiian weddings. We will have a contest for "Best Island Outfit" so get out those Hawaiian shirts! Don't miss out on this fun event. To RSVP, call Ranita at 785-841-0333 by 5 p.m. Friday, July 11.
  
  QUILTING/ARTS AND CRAFTS GROUP KNITTING WORKSHOP
  How many ways can you spin some yarn? Join the Quilting/Arts & Crafts Group on Monday, July 14, 1-3 p.m. in the large conference room at Independence, Inc. What's on the agenda? Learning how to "Knit 101." Questions? Call Ranita at 785/841-0333.
  
  PEER SUPPORT GROUP BROWN BAG LUNCH AND FREE MUSIC EVENT
  Come spend a summer afternoon in downtown Lawrence with members of the Peer Support Group. We will attend the brown bag luncheon and free music event sponsored by Parks and Recreation. At noon, Thursday, July 17 we will meet in front of US Bank, 900 Mass to hear a free concert by "Debbie and the Mystics." If you have questions all Ranita at 785/841-0333.
  
  HOLA ESPANOL? CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH CLUB INFO MEETING
  Want to learn a new language? Interested in learning about Latin culture? Come join us for a new group where you can learn the native language of Ricky Martin.and shake your bon-bon, too. On Monday, July 7, 1-2 p.m. in the large conference room we will have an informational meeting about starting a Conversational Spanish Club. You will meet your wonderful instructor Ms. Amy at this meeting. For more information call Ranita at 841-0333. Adios!

• August
  
  COOKING CLUB'S TOUR OF ITALY:
  Come explore the delicious foods of Italy! On Monday, August 11, 4:30-6:30 p.m., the Cooking Club will learn how to make wonderful pasta dishes associated with Southern Italy. We'll have a "noodle" of a good time at this one. RSVP by 5 p.m., Friday, August 8 with Ranita at 785-841-0333.
  
  MUSIC APPRECIATION GROUP FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT EVENT
  Spend your Friday evening with the Music Appreciation and Peer Support Groups. On Friday, August 22, we will attend a free concert performance by the Alison Brown Quartet at the Lied Center's northeast lawn. Showtime starts at 7 p.m. For further details about meeting location, etc. please contact Ranita at 785/841-0333.
  
  QUILTING/ARTS & CRAFTS GROUP
  The Quilting/Arts & Crafts Group will meet on Monday, August 11, 1-3 p.m. in the large conference room. We will continue our knitting project. Refreshments will be served. For more info call Ranita at 785/841-0333.
  
  CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH CLUB
  Next meeting time TBA. Call Ranita at 841-0333 for specific date and time.

• September
  
  COOKING CLUB CELEBRATES A TASTE OF INDIA
  Join Cooking Club on Monday, September 8, 4:30-6:30 p.m. to learn about the wonderful flavors of Indian cuisine. We will explore and cook with aromatic spices like curry, coriander, turmeric and cloves. Don't miss the experience to learn about the culture and foods of India. Please RSVP with Ranita at 841-0333 by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 5.
  
  September events for the following groups have not yet been scheduled. Please call Ranita at 785-841-0333 for upcoming information.or check the consumer support groups web page at www.independenceinc.org:
  
  Peer Support Group
  Quilting/Arts & Crafts Group 
  Music Appreciation Group
  Conversational Spanish Club

LOOKING FOR A JOB?
The City of Lawrence Human Relations/Human Resources Department and The Lawrence Human Relations Commission will present "Employment for Today's Job Market" on Saturday, August 2, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., in the lower level meeting room of the Community Building, 115 West 11th, Lawrence. You will learn from a panel of employment experts how to connect and be hired by your favorite employer.

Topics covered include recruitment, advertising, interviewing, the hiring process, employment laws, and job training/education. There will also be an opportunity for interview roll-playing. This seminar is free and open to the public. If you would like more information call 795/832-3310.

WANTED: Electric box or oscillating fans that are broken or that you no longer want. Any brand and size accepted. If necessary, unwanted fans can be picked up. Contact Michael at 785/840-9861 or 841-5046 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.

IT'S A GIRL!
Stephanie and Joel Pascua are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Alexandria Marynn Pascua. She was born June 9 at 11:25 p.m. and weighed 6 pounds, 1 ounce. Stephanie's last day with Independence, Inc. as an Independent Living Counselor was June 6.

ARO ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Accessible Residential Options (ARO) Apartments are taking applications for 1-2 Bedroom fully accessible apartments. The rent is adjusted to income and medical expenses. To apply call Master Plan Management at 841-4935

HOME OF YOUR OWN
The Home of Your Own (HOYO) Grant is still available for first time homebuyers with disabilities. To qualify you must first obtain a Home Owners Out of Tenants (HOOT) Loan and the HOYO Grant provides up to $15,000 in additional subsidy if your income is limited because of a disability or if the cost of a home is made more expensive because of modifications. Tenants to Homeowners, Inc. at 842-5494 provides the required pre-purchase counseling and first time homebuyers workshop for those interested. Consumer Credit Counseling, Inc. at 749-4224 does budget counseling to fulfill another HOOT loan requirement. For more information about HOYO or to apply call Kelly at 841-0333. The next First Time Homebuyers Workshops will be held Saturdays July 12, and September 13, 9:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the United Way Center, 2518 Ridge Court.

NEAT NEWS
A new program is now available throughout Kansas called the Kansas Equipment Exchange (KEE). In partnership with Kansas Medicaid, this program is designed to recycle durable medical equipment within our state. 

How does it work? When medicaid purchases a piece of equipment for a consumer, the vendor places the equipment into the KEE system. That equipment is tracked and when one person no longer needs it another person who needs that particular equipment becomes eligible. Although medicaid eligible consumers are at top of list, all individuals are eligible to receive equipment if they have a need. This is all available at no charge. Equipment in the bank now includes scooters, wheelchairs (both power and manual) and everything else from walkers to canes.

If you, or someone you know wants more information about this program, contact Jim McCrary at 785/841-1067 or the KEE state office (toll free) at 1-866-666-1470.

DOT HOTLINE AVAILABLE FOR TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Toll Free Hotline for air travelers with disabilities has been in operation since August 2002 and is available for callers from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time, seven days a week. The Hotline serves two main purposes: (1) education and (2) assistance in resolving disability-related air travel problems.

Many air travelers with disabilities are not aware of their rights and the Hotline, in part, exists as an educational service to inform air travelers about their rights under the Air Carrier Access Act and the Department's implementing regulations 14 CFR Part 382 (Part 382).

Hotline operators are well versed in the ACAA and Part 382 and can provide callers with on the spot general information about the rights of air travelers with disabilities. The Hotline operators also respond to requests for printed consumer information about air travel rights of the disabled. The Hotline can also assist air travelers with disabilities in resolving real time or upcoming issues with air carriers. The purpose of "real-time" assistance is to facilitate airline compliance with DOT's rules by suggesting to the passenger and the airline involved alternative customer-service solutions to the problem. The airline remains responsible for deciding what action will be taken to resolve the issue in accordance with the ACAA and Part 382. Generally, if a caller has a real time problem or an upcoming issue with an air carrier, a Hotline Duty Officer will contact that air carrier and attempt to resolve the issue. For example, there have been a number of incidents in which Hotline Duty Officers have contacted air carriers and convinced them to accept service animals and electric wheelchairs on board flights, to stow folding wheelchairs in the cabin, and to provide requested wheelchair assistance.

Air travelers who want information about the rights of persons with disabilities in air travel or who experience disability-related air travel service problems may call the Hotline to obtain assistance at 1-800-778-4838 (voice) or 1-800-455-9880 (TTY).

Air travelers who want DOT to investigate a complaint about a disability-related issue still must submit their complaint in writing via e-mail at airconsumer@ost.dot.gov or postal mail to: Aviation Consumer Protection Division, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590

LAWRENCE OPEN SHELTER TOUR
The Board of the Lawrence Open Shelter will be holding a special preview tour of recent renovations on Saturday, July 12, 10:30 a.m. at 944 Kentucky, Lawrence. A donation to the Lawrence Open Shelter for construction of an accessible bath and showers will enter your name in a drawing for a door prize. Address your contribution to: Lawrence Open Shelter, P.O. Box 1243, Lawrence, KS 66044. RSVP to Mary Easterday, 785/842-5083.

"THE GREAT JERRY LEWIS DEBATE": AN ABILITY AWARENESS PRESENTATION
What's more traditional than picnics and hotdogs on Labor Day Weekend? The annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon! Every Labor Day weekend since 1966, Jerry Lewis has entertained millions of television viewers while encouraging them to support "Jerry's kids" and the fight against Muscular Dystrophy. However, in recent years some of "Jerry's kids" are not so happy with their "surrogate" dad. Come see what all the controversy is about on Monday, September 8, 7-8 p.m. at Independence, Inc., 2001 Haskell Avenue. We will have an "informative" and "lively" discussion by a panel of folks who think Jerry and his telethon are "just great," and folks who think Jerry and his telethon should "just go away." Watch the telethon this Labor Day weekend and bring your own opinions/thoughts to the discussion. 
This presentation is part of the Ability Awareness series that is sponsored by the Human Diversity Task Force and Speakers' Bureau of Independence, Inc. To request an accommodation, please contact Susan Mikesic or Ranita Wilks before September 8 at 888-824-7277 (toll-free) or 785-841-0333. Independence, Inc. is a scent-free zone. 

A Special Invitation to Ability Awareness Participants
You are invited to join members of the Cooking Club of Independence, Inc. for the Indian dinner that takes place before the panel discussion from 4:30-6:30 p.m. For more information about the Indian dinner, see the "Consumer Groups" section, or contact Ranita at 785-841-0333 to RSVP.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Compeer, Inc. is an international nonprofit organization based in Rochester, NY, with 120 programs worldwide. The Bert Nash Center has been a sponsor of this program for the people of Douglas County since 1989.

Friendship is what the Compeer Program is all about. The program matches trained volunteers with consumers of mental health services to foster friendships and recovery.

There are two ways you can participate in the Program:

1. Adult Compeer - Provides friendship to people 18 years or older who are currently receiving mental health.
2. Compeer Calling - Provides weekly telephone visits for clients waiting for a Compeer friend match, bridging the time between a request for a Compeer friend and a volunteer.

Compeer friends meet once a week for a one- to two-hour visit. Both friends in each Compeer match make a commitment to their relationship for at least one year.

Compeer is important because social isolation can increase a person's risk for physical and mental health problems. People who are struggling with emotional or behavioral problems often become alienated, isolated and lonely. Through Compeer, you can give one of the most powerful healing tools: friendship.

Your friendship helps reduce social alienation and isolation; helps your friend build self-esteem; and fosters personal growth.

The volunteers in Compeer also benefit from the friendship. The more connected we are to others, the healthier we are. The compeer volunteer has the opportunity to make an important difference in someone's life and share in a unique relationship while actually increasing his/her own chance of living longer.

The community benefits from Compeer because the program serves as a supplement to community services, decreases hospitalizations and creates community understanding and awareness of mental health needs.

For more information contact Julie Trowbridge, Compeer Program Coordinator, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center in Lawrence at 423-4094.

FOR RENT: Approximately 1500 square feet of office space, up to five rooms of various sizes available furnished or unfurnished. If you would like more information contact Sidney Hardgrave at Independence, Inc., 785/841-0333