Society for Equal Access Independent Living Center, Inc.
Fall 2008
Links to what's in this issue:
People First
Boatsie Campaign
Consumers of the Month
SEA Drivers have
New Look
A “Thank You” from SEA
Is your Place
of Worship Accessible?
SEA Acquires the
Kids on the Block
SEA works with RSC
Understanding
Homelessness
Exercise your
right to vote
Grants
Received and Applied for by SEA
Counties
redistributed Among IL Skills Specialists
Tax Stimulus
Personal
Assistants CO-OP
A few months ago, the Independent living Skills Department and a few consumers went on a Youth Outreach in Coshocton County. Following the presentation, I was called over to a table where a camp counselor was working with several teenagers. He said, “Perhaps you could help me answer something.” I said, “You have the newest employee working in the Independent Living Skills department, but I will certainly try to give you an answer, or find someone else that can.”
The counselor replied, “Well I am going to let her (nodding toward a young lady) ask you the question that I have no answer for.” The young lady proceeded to ask me, “How should you refer to someone with a disability, do they prefer being called disabled people, or should I call them people with disabilities? Would they be mad at me for saying it wrong?”
As a relatively new employee with SEA and the Independent Living Skills Department, I was thrilled that I knew the answer to this particular question. However, I didn’t want to just blurt the answer out, I wanted to give a lesson by example. I asked the young lady to give me a minute while I thought about how I wanted to word my answer.
I finally asked the young lady, “Would you prefer to be called the red-shirted girl, or a girl wearing a red shirt?” The counselor just looked at me and smiled, he instantly caught on to the example that I was about to give. The young lady replied, “Well calling me a red-shirted girl just sounds wrong.” I agreed with the young lady and asked her, “What sounds wrong about what I just said and how did it make you feel?” She replied, “Well…it just sounds funny and it doesn’t feel right. It made me feel like the color of my shirt and my shirt was more important to you than the fact that I am a person.” She was a sharp young lady and I could see that as soon as the words came out of her mouth, she instantly understood the point that I was trying to make. As soon as the young lady caught on, so did the rest of her peers sitting at the table. You could hear several “oh’s” as the table full of teens understood the point that I was trying to make.
The point was, is, and will always be…that people come first. We were each born a person and anything that we have, do, or are is secondary to that fact.
Article by Bobbie Houy
SEA ASSISTING WITH FILING TAX STIMULUS
AND UPCOMING HEAP APPLICATIONS
Did you know that over 25% of persons in Ohio that are eligible for the Tax Stimulus Payment have not filed yet? Don’t miss out on your rebate. Most Social Security beneficiaries, disabled veterans, and other low-income citizens normally exempt from filing a tax return must do so to receive a Stimulus payment. The filing deadline for qualifying individuals is October 15th and payments start at $300.
If you qualify and have not filed for the Stimulus Payment, Society for Equal Access can help. SEA is using the Ohio Benefit Bank program to file your rebate electronically.
To be eligible for the Tax Stimulus Payment, you must have $3,000 or more in qualifying income for 2007. Documentation of income for 2007 and valid identification is all that is needed to file.
The Benefit Bank can help you apply for a range of benefits, such as Food Stamps and Medical Benefits and file federal and state taxes all at once. The Benefit Bank is a free service designed to help you get all of the benefits and tax credits you may be eligible for. These resources can make a real difference in your life.
Applying for benefits can be a confusing, time consuming and difficult experience, while the resources you are trying to access can make a real difference in your life. The Benefit Bank simplifies the process - making it easier for you to access the programs you need to be healthy and secure.
Although the weather is still beautiful, cool weather is just around the corner. SEA is now assisting individuals with the 2008-2009 HEAP application. Call 1-888-213-4452 or locally 330-343-9292 to set up a time to sign up for benefits through the Benefit Bank.
Article by Heather Heid
Jon Rectanus came to SEA originally in 2003 as a board member, he saw a need
and stepped up to the plate and began volunteering a “FEW” hours a week in
the transportation department, where it was and continues to be an extremely
busy place.Those “FEW” hours weekly turned into a WHOPPING 1400 HOURS in a
short amount of time!
As a position opened up for a full time dispatcher, Jon
became one of several applicants. He was hired and continues to do a great
job.
Jon suffers from diabetes which affects his eye sight; Jon was in need of
some assistive technology to perform his job with ease.
Through the collaboration efforts of SEA and the Rehabilitation Service
Commission (RSC) Jon qualified for Zoom Text, which allows for print to be
enlarged, it also has the capability to read text out loud. A 19’ monitor,
easy read key board along with the expert mouse enhances the entire system.
Jon is very grateful for his new equipment; he was also able to self pay for
a complete extended warranty that allows for upgrades to the package along
with a maintenance agreement for two years.
When asked what the biggest benefits of the new system were, Jon states that
it is much easier to see, he has better control of the mouse and the bigger
monitor is a huge plus.
SEA specializes in collaboration efforts with other agencies and has many success stories like this
SEA ACQUIRES KIDS ON THE BLOCK
Kids on the Block, Inc. originated in 1977 in direct response to US Public Law 94-142, which required that children with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment. For many children, this meant being included in a classroom with their non-disabled peers. Mark Riley, who represents a child with cerebral palsy, was the first puppet character created to fill the need of children with disabilities to have their non-disabled peers understand and except them.
Through Mark Riley, the children learned about cerebral palsy and began asking questions directly to Mark. The Kids on the Block, Inc. was launched because of this enthusiastic response from the children. A few of the topics include programs on disabilities such as visual impairments, spina bifida and cerebral palsy. topic is thoroughly researched and field-tested before it becomes available to schools, community and service organizations, hospitals and special interest groups. A complete curriculum accompanies each topic area including scripts, answers to questions children ask, background information on the topic, character biographies, resource materials, follow-up information, and continued support from the KOB national office.
SEA IL staff is being trained to become KOB puppeteers and will be taking the show on the road this fall.
If you would like to know more about this new exciting program or schedule a showing for your school or group please contact us @ SEA (330) 343- 9292 or 888 213 4452. Ask for the IL department.
Article by Heather Heid
We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided
each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all
gates, all opportunities.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
If a profound gulf separates my neighbor's belief from mine, there is
always the golden bridge of tolerance.
- Anonymous-
It’s That Time of the Year Again
Believe it or not, Tuscarawas County Peer Support and Bridgeport Peer Support Groups are starting to collect items for the Boatsie Program.
This program provides necessities and or niceties for the men and women serving our country in the Armed Forces.Although distribution time is targeted for Christmas Day, we need to have items ready to ship by October 30, 2008.
Items of need are:
Carmex lip balm, deodorant, shampoo, hair conditioner, mouth wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, playing cards, combs, manicure kits, beef jerky (that does not contain any pork product), peanuts, snack packs, socks, single serving packets of Kool-Aide, Crystal Light, and the Sport Drinks, etc.
Please note:This program does not ship any items that are in cans or glass.Items include:sardines, soups, canned chicken or tuna, olives, pickles, etc.
If you wish to donate, please contact Ruthanne Donalson at 330-343-9292 ext. 215 for further information.Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm.
This has always been one of the best outreach projects our peer support groups have collected for.Let’s make it another good year.Support Our Troops!
Working with a Personal Assistant (PA for short), is probably one of the scariest things you can do.The thought of becoming an employer and hiring someone yourself or having to work with home health agencies and their red tape can be overwhelming.
You are inviting a stranger into your home and depending on your situation, giving another person access to your body, your money, your possessions, and intimate knowledge of your personal life.There are so many things to consider.
You should consider:What kind of help is available?Where do I find the help?How do I pay for it?Where do I begin?
Society for Equal Access and LEAP (Linking Employment Abilities & Potential) have been working hand in hand to start such a service for those who have needs.LEAP has been working along with the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council to increase consumer controlled personal assistance options for people with disabilities over the last few years.
The goal is to create a consumer-controlled Co-Op, for the purpose of providing those in the Co-Op with the security of back-up home health coverage, not to create competition between home health agencies and/or independent providers.
Co-Op with the security of back-up home health coverage, not to create competition between home health agencies and/or independent providers.
It’s a known fact that existing Co-Ops have proven to be a Win-Win situation for all consumers, independent caregivers and agencies.It’s also a known fact that people want more control over when, where and who provides care.This can be done by sharing aides.This does not mean you give up your aide or waiver slot.It does mean that you will have more reliable backup help from someone you know.It’s also a great way to get extra help if you need it, great way to get extra help if you need it, to go to a community event such as a football game, garage sale, parade, a movie or out to eat with a friend.It can be accomplished.
If you would like further information on this program, contact Society for Equal Access, ILC. At 330-343-9292.
New at SEA
Kymberly Murtaugh
Receptionist
Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own
sunshine.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The
moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the
truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should
speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.
Albert Einstein
For those of you who utilize the SEA Transportation Department, you may have noticed that our drivers are now wearing matching SEA shirts.
SEA decided to make this transition in uniform due to several reasons, one of which is the safety of consumers being transported by the SEA Transportation Department. SEA drivers will instantaneously be recognized by their new cobalt blue shirts with the SEA logo embroidered on it.
In addition to this, the shirts present a professional image and demonstrate the seriousness and dedication that our drivers strive to present to the public we serve on a daily basis.
For additional information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact the SEA Transportation Department at 330-343-3668 or call our Toll Free number at 888-2134452
Written by Bobbie Houy
One odd thing about churches- some
congregations were making accommodations for disabilities long before the
Americans with Disabilities Act became law; others are resisting still,
using their exemptions as shields, citing economic hardship, architectural
ugliness- we probably have heard every excuse.
Now there is a campaign by the National Organization on
Disability to create a national register of accessible of Churches and
Synagogues and already has 2,000 churches enrolled. Amazingly, 4 of them are
in Tuscarawas County. The reason they are not named is that we know there
are more- they simply haven’t registered yet. (No other county we serve has
a church listed.) A church does not have to be 100% accessible, more
important is the admission that the church is not totally accessible, but
there is a commitment to action of the congregation to remove those barriers
whether they are physical or programmatic.
After a church is registered, they
are permitted to use the “Accessible Congregations Campaign” logo above. It
cost nothing to register. A “Commitment Form” and more information
(Including 10 Things You Should Know about the Accessible congregations
Campaign) can be gotten from the NOD website www.nod/ACC/interactivemap.html
or from Rik Opstelten, Accessible Congregations Campaign, 910 16th Street,
NW, Washington DC 20006
Article by Jerome Geisinger
Sea Wishes to Express a Heartfelt “Thank You”
The Society for Equal Access Independent Living Center
would like to express a heartfelt “thank you” to the family of Harry Hutras
for their generous donations made to SEA in memoriam of their loved one.
Here at SEA, we are honored to be remembered at such a difficult time for
the family of Mr. Hutras.
The staff of SEA would like to express their condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Harry Hutras.
With the Presidential Election only a few months away, it is time to
register to vote if you are not already registered. Who is eligible to vote?
Any US citizen, who is 18 or older, may vote. The only restrictions are that
you must reside in the your state of residence for more than 30 days or not
be incarcerated for a felony.
To register you can contact your county’s Board of Election’s. Other places
to register are public libraries, agencies providing public assistance, high
schools/vocational schools, Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, County Treasure’s
Office, or the Office of the Ohio Secretary of State.
An application can be obtained from the Ohio Secretary
of State website. You can print this off and mail it in. All voter
registrations must be postmarked on or before October 6, 2008. The
County Board of Election will then notify you of your registration no later
than 20 days after receiving your registration. This notification will state
that you are registered and state where your voting location will be. It
will also inform you of identification you will need to bring along to vote.
If your registration has been denied, the County Board of Election must
notify you immediately and inform you why your registration was denied. They
may also ask for any information omitted in the registration. If you have
any problems registering or if you are being denied your registration, you
can contact the Ohio Legal Rights Service Intake Department at 614-466-7264
or 1-800-282-9181. TTY number is 614-728-2553 or 1-800-858-3542.
Article by Heather Heid
A recent HUD report found that about 1.6 million Americans had slept in a homeless shelter or transitional housing sometime over a 12-month period beginning in October 2006.In March 2007, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and HUD jointly sponsored a national symposium to review progress in homelessness research and practice over the past decade.
Efforts to alleviate homelessness must necessarily begin with reliable data on homeless people.Since 2001, Congress has issued a series of directives asking HUD to assist local communities in setting up Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) and putting client–level reporting in place.The goal is to develop an unduplicated count of homeless people and homeless assistance services.With this information in place, a national picture of homelessness will begin to emerge.
In January 2006, a nationwide effort to stage a point-in-time count of the homeless resulted in an estimate of 759, 101 homeless people in America.About 44 percent were without shelter, living on the street, on steam grates, in parks, in abandoned buildings, and in other places not meant for human habitation.56 percent of those identified in this count were shelters, emergency, transitional, or permanent supportive housing.Children accompanied just under half of these sheltered individuals.
According to this count, about 21 percent of the total homeless population consisted of the chronically homeless, defined as unaccompanied individuals with a disability who have either been continuously homeless for at least a year or had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years.
Children also represent a significant proportion of the homeless population. percent of all homeless persons were members of households with children. Children also make up roughly 20 percent of those using shelters.
More than half (53 percent) of those using homeless shelters were single adult males.Minorities were represented among the sheltered homeless.Although representing a third of the general population, minorities accounted for about two-thirds of the sheltered homeless population.Veterans accounted for 14 percent of the sheltered homeless population.It was noted that sheltered homeless adults were more than twice as likely as the overall U.S. population to have a disability.There is an estimated 603-212 year-round beds for the homeless.Right here in the United States of America!
For more information on just how many people in America are considered homeless or near-homeless, visit the Homelessness Resource Exchange (HRE) at www.hudhre.info.
Article by Ruthanne Donalson
SEA continually strives to improve services to our consumers. In keeping with that philosophy, please note that some redistribution of the counties that we serve has taken place. This redistribution will allow us to more fully cover the counties served. Carroll and Harrison counties are now assigned to Bobbie Houy. Your Independent Living Skills Specialist can be reached by calling 330-343-9292 or toll free at 888-213-4452. The Independent Living Skills Specialists and their respective counties are as follows…
Ruthanne Donalson, Belmont and Tuscarawas counties ext. 215
Frances Gundrum, Coshocton and Holmes counties ext. 219
Heather Heid, Guernsey and Jefferson counties ext. 217
Bobbie Houy, Carroll and Harrison counties ext. 224
Jerome Geisinger, ILS Department Supervisor ext. 218
Consumers of the Month are chosen by S.E.A. employees . Consumers are chosen by the fact that they endeavor to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through their service to the community and advocacy.
CONSUMERS CHOSEN:
April: John Cook
May: Debbie Henjy
June: Carl Russo
July: Jack Durant
August: Walt Wilson
September: Mary Beth Schumacher
You may visit the
to view photos.
Nothing can stop the man
with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can
help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
Thomas Jefferson
If you have built castles
in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be.
Now put foundations under them.
Henry David Thoreau
Austin-Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation
Generously gave SEA a grant in excess of $32,000 that allowed us to buy outright a specialized van model that was not available to us through ODOT . It is equipped with a rear-loading lift and will hold two wheelchairs. Rick Domer says it is being scheduled every day and saves us money compared to our other vehicle that will take two chairs.
The Harold & Marjorie Rosenberry Tusc. Co. Foundation
Has graciously consented to provide the match-money for 2 of our 5 vans coming from ODOT. One is a long 12 passenger and the other is a modified mini-van, one with a lift, in a grant for 14.6 thousand dollars. This leaves SEA to find match money for the 3 other mini-vans which amounts to 19.4 thousand to go. We currently have several vehicles with an excess of 200,000 miles and desperately need to be retired. Anyone who wants to donate to this worthy cause is heartily encouraged to do so!
The Ohio Housing Trust Fund Grant
For Emergency Repairs and Handicapped Modifications has been applied for by SEA. We have asked for $157,200 and have entered into an agreement with Municipal Services Corporation for project management for ramps, bathrooms, doorway enlargement, roofs and anything else that is a health or safety issue. We feel that our chances of getting this grant are good enough to start a waiting list. If you have a need, call us for an assessment and income qualifications Toll free at 888-213-4452.
Article by Jerome Geisinger
From the Director’s Desk
As I take time out from my busy schedule and reflect on the past year and all that has happened at S.E.A. the only word that comes to mind is Wow! It has been a very busy year for us with a lot of growing. We have been in the United Way building for only two years and we are in need of more space. This is a good thing (growing) and Scott Robinson, Director of United Way is graciously accommodating us. I cannot thank him enough for all he and his staff have done for S.E.A.
Our Independent Living department has grown to the point that I had to hire an additional Independent Living Specialist the beginning of the year to help with the caseload of the other IL’s. The IL staff has attended several trainings and a new service that has been added to S.E.A. is the Benefit Bank. We have also applied for a home modification grant to be implemented in eight counties over a two-year period. We will let the public know when we receive this grant so people who qualify can apply.
In our transportation department, we are growing leaps and bounds with increasing our trips by 12% in one month. The Tuscarawas County Commissioners have appointed S.E.A. as the lead agency for transportation in Tuscarawas County. S.E.A., the Tuscarawas County Senior Center, and Horizons are forming a coordination to provide transportation for seniors, disabled and low-income persons in the county through the New Freedom project made possible from ODOT. All of the changes have come about due to Holmes County dissolving their transportation services in our county. I am very proud to say that several of the social service agencies in the county have stepped up to the plate in coordinating transportation that is very much needed in this county.
I could go on and on with all the exciting things happening at S.E.A. but I must return to other duties that await me to keep things in order for the agency. Look for more information in the local news for the expansions to take place.
Respectfully,
Dianne K. Renicker
Executive Director