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Ahead of the Times
Volume 25, Number 5
August - September, 2005

ADA 15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 
by Bob Mikesic, Advocacy Coordinator and Assistant Director for Programs

A party took place at Independence, Inc. on July 26 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the most comprehensive law mandating the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. On this day in 1990, the ADA was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush, who called for the “shameful wall of exclusion” to come tumbling down. To mark this significant anniversary, people with disabilities, staff, board and community members gathered at Independence, Inc. to celebrate, assess progress and renew efforts to fully realize the promise of the ADA.

Part of this event included several speakers who were introduced by Independence, Inc. Executive Director Tanya Dorf. City of Lawrence Mayor Dennis “Boog” Highberger read a proclamation that included an acknowledgment that “The Americans with Disabilities Act recognized and made the law of the land, the premise that every person with a disability has the right to live independently and to fully participate in all aspects of our society, including our schools, our businesses, and our communities.” The proclamation was read again at the City of Lawrence, City Commission meeting that evening, graciously accepted from Mayor Highberger by members of the Independence, Inc. Access Task Force and Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas.

Representative Paul Davis shared a proclamation issued by Governor Kathleen Sebelius in recognition of the ADA anniversary. Other speakers included Michelle Smith, Human Resource Specialist with the Lawrence Human Relations Commission and Lawrence Human Relations/Human Resources Department; Barbara Ballard, Kansas State Representative; marci francisco, Kansas State Senator; Tanya Dorf, Executive Director, and Bob Mikesic, Advocacy Coordinator, Independence, Inc.

ADA SUCCESSES
The Americans with Disabilities Act was cited as having a positive impact on people with disabilities' access to employment, government services and programs, transportation, places of public accommodation, voting, and communication and information technology. Many cities and communities in Jefferson, Douglas and Franklin counties were recognized for making ADA based improvements in their communities and public schools, based on ADA. 

The City of Lawrence was acknowledged for prohibiting discrimination based on disability in employment and public accommodations sections of Chapter X, Article 1 of the Code of the City of Lawrence, Kansas. These sections mirror the ADA and make local enforcement possible through the ongoing public education, mediation and enforcement work of the Lawrence Human Rights Commission and Human Relations / Human Resources Department. All of the City of Lawrence services and programs were recognized, not only during this celebration but also during the 1994 Kansas Disability Caucus, which gave an award to the City of Lawrence for setting an outstanding example for the rest of the state complying with the spirit, letter and intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act in all of it's services and programs.

The State of Kansas was acknowledged for updating the Kansas Act Against Discrimination to mirror ADA requirements in employment and public accommodations. The Kansas Act is enforced by the Kansas Human Rights Commission. The Kansas Architectural Accessibility Act was passed into law to create a state and local level enforcement of ADA accessibility requirements that apply to newly constructed or altered public accommodations and commercial facilities. 

The ongoing ADA public education and technical assistance that is provided by these enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations like Independence, Inc., the ADA/Information Technology Project and the Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas were also cited as key ways of continuing to bring about positive changes in the community based on the integration and equal opportunity mandates of the ADA. 

ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS
Many changes brought by the ADA have also been embraced by the general public. For example, sidewalk curb ramps and ramps in general are frequently used by parents pushing strollers, workers delivering packages and travelers pulling suitcases on wheels. Captioning on television designed for people who are deaf or hard of hearing is often used by people with no hearing impairment in noisy places like sports bars. Many new building and product designs, the result of the ADA, have universal appeal: computers that respond to voice commands, no-step entrances, adjustable podiums, larger restrooms, and voting machines that can read the ballot in multiple languages are used and enjoyed by everyone.

In 2004, a new state law was enacted that strengthens people with disabilities' right to vote. All polling places are now required to be accessible to voters with disabilities on the day of an election either by permanent or temporary means. Voters with disabilities may use whatever method they usually use to sign their name including directing another person to sign for them. Assistance in completing the ballot can be provided by a person chosen by the individual rather than a poll worker. The law also states that even though voters with disabilities may choose to use “curb side” voting to accommodate disability, poll workers cannot require that a person with disabilities vote at the curbside.

CHALLENGES AHEAD
Home and Community Based [attendant] Services (HCBS) continue to give people with disabilities a choice to receive attendant services they qualify for in the most integrated setting, a choice mandated by the ADA. There was acknowledgment that there is still work to be done to make HCBS attendant services as available as nursing home and institutional based services, which have an entitlement status in Kansas and most other states. 

One acknowledged disappointment is the low employment rate of people with disabilities. About 70 percent of working-age people with significant disabilities are not working. This level has remained about the same for the last twenty years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Public and private employers need to make greater efforts to recruit, hire and advance qualified workers with disabilities in their labor force. At the same time people with disabilities need to continue to gain the education and training that is essential for employment.

In addition to the legal protections of a civil rights law like ADA, we are also seeking a greater transformation of attitudes. One where disability is considered a natural part of the human experience. And that if a person happens to have a physical or mental disability, it should not limit their the right of people to make choices that affect their lives, obtain meaningful employment, live independently, and participate fully in all aspects of society. All are encouraged to join us in achieving this greater change. 

The Center will be Closed 

• Monday, September 5
  for Labor Day 
  No Transportation Available
• Friday, September 9 
  for a staff planning retreat.
  No Transportation Available

CONSUMER SUPPORT GROUPS

AUGUST EVENTS

Cooking Club Prepares “No-Cook” Menu
Cooking Club is taking a night off from the stove by preparing 30-minute, easy to prepare, no-cook recipes. Join us in the Independence, Inc. training kitchen on Monday, August 8, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. On the menu: Gazpacho and Black Bean Salad. With 100- degree temperatures…a night away from the stove is a welcomed treat…so don’t miss this “cool” event. RSVP with Ranita by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 5 at 841-0333.

“Friends 4 Life” Youth Advocacy Group
Summer vacation is over so let’s celebrate a return to school with a “Back to School Bowling and Pizza Party” at Royal Crest Lanes, 9th and Iowa (Hillcrest Mall), on Friday, August 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Bowling, pizza, and drinks will be provided. If you want to play arcade games, please bring money. “Friends 4 Life” is a peer-support group for youth with disabilities involved in high school or transition programs. All youth with disabilities are welcome to join “Friends 4 Life” activities, no membership fee required. RSVP by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24 with Ranita at 841-0333.

Accessible Self-Defense Group 
The Accessible Self-Defense Group will meet on Tuesday, August, 9,16, 23, and 30, 4:30 -5:30 p.m. in the large conference room at Independence, Inc. The Accessible Self-Defense Group is a training program that teaches ALL people with disabilities defense techniques associated with Martial Arts. Contact Ranita at 841-0333 if you have questions about enrolling in the group. 

Accessible Gardening Group
Bring your sunscreen and straw hats for the next Accessible Gardening meeting on Monday, August 22, 1 - 2:30 p.m., on the back patio at Independence, Inc. 

The “ever-expanding” accessible garden includes several fun items this year…including pumpkins, and of course, our “famously-cute” baby cantaloupes. RSVP with Ranita at 841-0333.

Accessible Gardening Group Thank You!
The Accessible Gardening Group extends a warm thank you to Ms. KT Walsh, Mr. Mike Rundle, and Mr. Tony Peterson for their much- appreciated donations for the garden. Because of their generosity, the Accessible Gardening Group now has TONS of gardening tools (no more digging with kitchen spoons for us!), organic compost, and garden pots.

Peer Support Group Bowling Event
Get out your bowling shoes for another Peer Support Group bowling showdown! Join us on Friday, August 26, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Royal Crest Lanes, 9th and Iowa (Hillcrest Shopping Center). Don’t miss the opportunity to see if Peer Support Group’s Bowling King, “Strike-em Down” Todd, beats his bowling record or gets defeated by a new consumer champion. This is better than the WWF Smack down!! To RSVP, please contact Ranita at 841-0333 by 5 p.m. on August 24.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Quilting/Arts & Crafts Group
The Quilting/Arts & Crafts Group is cancelled this month since the Labor Day Holiday falls on our meeting date, September 5. Have a safe holiday…and we’ll see you next month.

58th Annual Band Day Parade
No plans for Saturday? Well, you are invited to join members of “Friends 4 Life” and the Peer Support Group in downtown Lawrence for lunch and to watch the 58th Annual Band Day Parade on Saturday, September 10. Details regarding start time of parade and lunch location are still in process as of this printing. Contact Ranita at 841-0333 to RSVP and to get updated details about meeting location, time, etc. for this event.

Cooking Club 
Experiments With Asparagus - Cooking Club’s experimenting with 30-minute, easy prep meals again this month…and this time we’re experimenting with the wonderful taste of Asparagus. If you have never had asparagus or if you’re a huge fan of the vegetable…this is a Cooking Club for you!

On Monday, September 12, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Independence, Inc. training kitchen, we will learn how to make two dishes: Grilled Asparagus & Avocado Salad, and Asparagus Pasta Salad. RSVP with Ranita by 5 p.m. on September 8, at 841-0333.

Accessible Self-Defense Group 
The Accessible Self-Defense Group will meet on Tuesday, September 13,20, and 27, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. in the large conference room at Independence, Inc. The Accessible Self-Defense Group is a training program that teaches ALL people with disabilities defense techniques associated with Martial Arts. Contact Ranita at 841-0333 if you have questions about enrolling in the group. 

Accessible Gardening Group
It’s time to check on the progress of our little pumpkins and cantaloupes. The Accessible Gardening Group will meet on Monday, September 19, 1 - 2:30 p.m. on the Independence, Inc. back patio. Remember to use sunscreen and wear a hat for sun protection! RSVP with Ranita at 841-0333.

COPING WITH STRESS MANAGEMENT
The Coping with Stress Management classes are held every Friday, at 12:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc.. For more information call 841-7108, 2 - 6 p.m. and leave a message.

INDEPENDENCE, INC. SERVICES FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY RESIDENTS
If you live in Jefferson County and have a disability, we want to hear from you. Our new rural outreach specialist, Charlie Ross, would like to talk with you to about ways to provide services to you and your county. 
Services that we anticipate could be provided for consumers in Jefferson County include legal advocacy, disability benefits application, assistive technology (equipment and other supports that help a person accomplish tasks), personal care attendant management, housing assistance, accessible housing modifications, peer support and counseling, 

Please call Charlie toll-free at 888-824-7277, email to charlier@independenceinc.org, or send a card to him in care of Independence Inc., 2001 Haskell, Lawrence, KS, 66046. Please provide your name and telephone number, email address or mailing address. 

SPECIAL SESSION WRAP-UP
by Tanya Dorf

In our last newsletter I reported on the outcome of the 2005 Legislative Session and speculated that there would not be a Special Session. Clearly my crystal ball was not in working order, because after we went to press the Governor did order the Legislature to convene a Special Session to respond to the Supreme Court’s order that an additional $143 million be provided for K-12 education. 

The good news is the Legislature adjourned having passed an education plan and not passed a constitutional amendment that would prohibit the Court from being involved in the amount of state funds that are appropriated for any purpose. The bad news is this is only the beginning.

After twelve long days of wrangling about constitutional amendments and debating whether to add money to education as the Supreme Court ordered, the Legislature finally came to an agreement. They passed an education bill that adds $148.4 million for education. The money to fund this bill will come out of the state’s ending balances in FY 2006. The state experienced a significant increase in tax revenues toward the end of FY 2005, so the ending balances in FY 2006 will be sufficient to cover this expense. 

The ray of sunshine the disability community experienced during the Special Session was the House’s passage of a resolution that stated they would not cut funding to social services during the Special Session. Thanks to some great advocacy from ADAPT, the House agreed to pass this resolution and passed it quickly. 
So, the battle has been won... new money for schools, no constitutional amendment, and no cuts to social services. But, the war rages on... the 2006 Legislative Session is destined to bring extremely contentious discussions about additional funding for education, potential cuts to all state services, and ways to pass a constitutional amendment regarding the Supreme Court’s powers. The ending balance in FY 2006 is sufficient to cover the increase for schools, but projections in FY 2007 and beyond do not look good. Other sources of revenue or cuts must be found in order to continue the funding to schools. 

As you have the opportunity to talk with your legislators this summer, thank them for doing the responsible thing during the Special Session and continue to impress upon them how important it is that the social services network in Kansas be maintained. 

NEW INDEPENDENCE, INC. STAFF 
by Tanya Dorf

In June, Independence, Inc. was fortunate enough to welcome two new staff members, and we welcomed a third in July. Shauna Downing began work as the PASS Coordinator in mid-June. Shauna is hard at work with our PASS Assistant Wilma Patterson improving our payroll and Medicaid billing processes. Shauna joins us with a great deal of medical billing and personnel management experience. 

Our new Assistive Technology Specialist Mikel McCary also began work in June. Mikel previously ran the Envision branch in Topeka, and has extensive experience in assessing people’s need for assistive technology and helping them find what they need. 

One of our drivers, Ryan Easum tendered his resignation at the end of June. He did a good job for us during his short tenure here. A former back-up driver, Melanie Birge, re-joined Independence, Inc. as a full-time driver in mid-July. 

We look forward to working with Shauna, Mikel and Melanie, and we are glad each of them has joined Independence, Inc. 

PRESENTATION ON CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ADVOCACY SERVICES
Lane Williams from the Disability Rights Center (DRC) will make a presentation on Tuesday, August 30, 10:30 -11:30 a.m at Independence, Inc. Lane will talk about the Client Assistance Program (CAP), a program administered by the DRC. The Client Assistance Program provides advocacy for consumers who are receiving services from agencies that receive state funding. We will learn from Lane about CAP services and how to access them through the DRC office. Please join us if you are interested in this information. Call Susan Mikesic at 785/841-0333 or toll-free at 888-824-7277 or email her at susanm@independenceinc.org if you have questions or want to request an accommodation.

"T" TIME TRAVEL TRAINING
"T" Time prepares citizens in Lawrence to travel safely and independently on the ADA accessible "T" fixed route buses. Enrollment for Lawrence Transit System's "T" Time travel training workshops are going on now. The next workshop will take place Saturday, August 13, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Lawrence Public Library. For more information on travel training visit www.lawrencetransit.org or call 832-3471.

NATIONAL DISABILITY MENTORING DAY
We are currently looking for business mentors and students with disabilities to participate in Disability Mentoring Day-Lawrence, on Wednesday, October 19. Disability Mentoring Day is a national event promoting career development for students with disabilities. It is celebrated each year during October, which is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Disability Mentoring Day matches students with disabilities (high school and college level) with members of the business community for one day of mentoring and career development. Students are matched with mentors who represent the student’s career choice. 

Since 2001, Independence, Inc. and the Transition Council of Douglas and Jefferson Counties have matched more than 187 students with members of the Lawrence and Kansas City business communities. Disability Mentoring Day gives students and mentors the great opportunity to connect and learn from each other. If you are interested in being a part Disability Mentoring Day-Lawrence, please contact Ranita at 785/841-0333 or ranitaw@independenceinc.org 

Sponsors and Donations Needed for Disability Mentoring Day
Each year to kick- off events for Disability Mentoring Day-Lawrence, we host a breakfast and keynote speaker event for mentors, students, and National Disability Mentoring Day supporters. The breakfast allows students and mentors time to get acquainted before they leave for a day of career development. 

To help make the breakfast a wonderful event for students and mentors, the Mentoring Day planning committee needs help with the following items: breakfast items (coffee, creamer, tea, juice, etc.), door prizes (gift certificates, etc.), or sponsors to help with miscellaneous expenses. Independence, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization and your donations are deductable to the extent provided by law. Please contact Ranita at 785/841-0333 if you would like to help. Donors and sponsors will be recognized on our breakfast program.

Computer for sale: Packard Bell Windows 95. Includes mouse, monitor, and keyboard. $50. Call 841-0833

ACCESSIBLE TENNIS
We have a great opportunity to start a local accessible tennis program. We have tennis rackets and wheelchair tennis chairs for those interested in learning how to play. If you are interested contact Ranita at ranitaw@independenceinc.org or by calling 841-0333.

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., Mon. - Fri.

FREE SPECIALIZED TELEPHONES FOR KANSANS WITH DISABILITIES 
The TAP (Telecommunications Access Program) provides FREE telephones and communications equipment to all Kansans who qualify. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired, visually impaired, blind, deaf-blind, mobility impaired, cognitively impaired or who have a combination of these disabilities can apply and receive equipment if they meet the eligibility requirements.

To receive equipment you must be:

• A Kansas resident.
• Have a landline telephone service at your residence.
• Have a certified disability or impairment that prevents you from using standard telephone equipment.
• Your annual adjusted gross income must not exceed $55,000 per household.

What kind of equipment is available?

• Teletypewriter (TTY) for deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired
• Large Number Amplified Telephone
• Hands-free voice activated phone for people with mobility limitations
• Photo Button Telephone using pictures for people with memory loss or limited cognitive abilities
• Loud Bell Ringer
• Light Flasher/Visual Signaler
• Amplified Cordless Telephone
• Telephone with Emergency Remote Necklace
• Other items are also available.
  
  If you would like more information about this program contact Assistive Technology for Kansans at 1-800-KAN-DO IT or 1-800-526-3648 toll free or call Independence, Inc. at 785/841-0333 and ask for the Assistive Technology staff.

COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER NEWS -- Fall Classes
The fall computer class catalogs are now available at the front desk or on-line at http://independenceinc.org/forms.html. In addition to Computer Basics, as well as Word, and Excel, we’ll be teaching some new classes: 

• “Protecting Yourself On-line” - dealing with spam, scams, identity thefts, viruses, spyware, and what to do if something bad happens.
• “Selling Something On-line (And Finding Something to Sell if You Don’t Already Have It!” 
• “Creating a Decorated, Personalized Holiday Letter.”
• Office Assistant I and A+ Computer repair Certification will both be taught this fall. Please note that the A+ class will start August 16.

Lab Hours
The Computer Learning Center is no longer open on Wednesday evenings.

Computer Donations
We are still accepting working computers for our giveaway program. Please note that we have minimum requirements of 64 MB of RAM, 3 GB hard drive, and 233 or higher processors. Old, slower machines simply won’t handle today’s software. Also, if you give us a PC with XP on it, you will need to provide us with the XP disk as well. Your donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.

As a reminder, we cannot use broken equipment, fuzzy or dim monitors, printers with dried out ink cartridges, fax machines or copiers. 

On July 26, 2005, Independence, Inc. celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Many of our friends in the community, including Mayor Highberger, Senators francisco and Pine, and Representatives Ballard and Davis, helped us mark the occasion. We were fortunate to receive proclamations in honor of the occasion from Mayor Highberger and Governor Sebelius. 

We look forward to helping plan a larger community celebration of this landmark in civil rights later this fall. Independence, Inc. is working with the University of Kansas and the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics to put together a series of lectures this fall commemorating this 15th annivesary year. Please watch the news and your mailbox for more details on these events. We look forward to helping offer the community a chance to learn more about the history and the future of the Americans with Disabilities Act across the country and here at home. 

Thanks to all of our friends for being a part of Independence, Inc.’s journey over the past 27 years to help ensure all people have equal access to their communities, to jobs, to information, and to a fulfilling life. If you would like more information on how you can help be a part of our civil and human rights journey, contact Independence, Inc. at 785/841-0333.