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Ahead of the Times  
Volume 22, No. 3
December, 2001

JOB DEVELOPMENT/PLACEMENT PROGRAM HOSTING JOB FAIR
This year the Computer Learning Center (CLC) at Independence, Inc. began implementing a Job Development and Placement Program to provide competitive employment skills to individuals with disabilities. To make this a reality, the CLC began Vocational Certification Training with the first two training tracks, Office Assistant I, and A+ Certification, with graduates successfully completing the internationally recognized MOUS and CompTIA certification exams. These first two classes will graduate December 21.

To assist graduates and other individuals with disabilities in the community, Independence, Inc. will be holding a Job Fair on Monday, January 14, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc., 2001 Haskell.

Among the many employers being represented are the City of Lawrence, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and DST. For those individuals with disabilities who are unable to attend, we will be accepting resumes in advance and will forward them to participating employers. Refreshments will be served and job seekers will be eligible to win valuable door prizes including two one-month-free Internet access packages, a two months-free supply of bus passes and a one night stay at the Holidome.

Spring classes in the Computer Learning Center begin Tuesday, January 15. For more information about classes or the Job Fair, contact Independence, Inc. at 785/841-0333 or 1-888-824-7277 or e-mail webmaster@independenceinc.org or visit our website at 
http://www.independenceinc.org

The Center will be Closed Noon, December 24 through December 28 for the holidays. 
No Transportation Available.

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY TRAINING
Independence, Inc. will host a Legislative Advocacy Training seminar Friday, December 7, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Center. Lunch is on your own. The training will be presented by Gina McDonald, President and CEO of the Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living.

Morning Session Topics

• The upcoming legislative session including proposed cuts to the SRS Budget, already submitted to the Governor's office
• Developing strategies for legislative advocacy

Afternoon Session Topics

• Why it is our civil duty to be informed
• Who is your representative and senator
• How to effectively communicate with your legislative officials

RSVP by December 3 to Jennifer Schwartz, 
785/841-0333, 1-888-824-7277, or Jennifer@independenceinc.org 

COOKING CLUB / PEER SUPPORT GROUP HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
Members of the Cooking Club are getting into the holiday spirit! This month we are going to learn some fun and creative ways to make holiday decorations out of food. Join us on Monday, December 17, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. and learn how to make edible decorations. From cookies to hang on the tree to wreaths made out of cranberries and popcorn, how about necklaces made out of dried fruits? You've gotta love it! At Cooking Club we have learned how to do a lot of things with food (including burn it) now let's learn some fun ways to decorate with food. Don't miss out on this merry making event! For more information, contact Ranita at 841-0333.

THE SILENT DRUMS FOR DECEMBER
Members of the Drum Circle are taking a holiday break this month, however we will return next month, January 25, 2002, 4:30 - 6 p.m. at Independence, Inc. If you have questions about the Drum Circle, please contact Ranita at 841-0333. Members of the Beginners' Drum Circle would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. 

ARO BOARD MEETING
The Board of Directors for Accessible Residential Options (ARO) will have a meeting Monday January 14, 3 p.m. at Independence, Inc. All members must call Kelly Nightengale at 841-0333 two weeks prior to the meeting to confirm your attendance and give your agenda items. Tenants of ARO are always welcome to attend ARO Board meetings. 

TRANSITION COUNCIL RESOURCE FAIR
The Douglas/Jefferson County Transition Council is sponsoring a Resource Fair for people with disabilities and their families on Thursday, February 28, 2002, 4 - 7 p.m. at Lawrence Free State High School. This is an opportunity for families and other residents of the area to gain firsthand information about available services and service providers. A wide range of community resources will be represented so families can explore options and gather information to assist them in accessing services and planning for their child's future. Agencies will represent services available for individuals from birth to adulthood. For more information contact Linda Wildgen at 785/832-5050, e-mail lwildgen@ usd497.org; Sheila Vander Tuig at 785/594-2737, e-mail svander tuig@hotmail.com; or Sharon Branson at 785/887-6711, e-mail sbranson@ nekesc.org 

COUNTRY DRUMMER: Seeking part-time work. Don't have full set or transportation. Could work something out. Contact Ron L. Ray at 841-9528 after 1 p.m.

FOR SALE: Omega 1000 juicer. Asking $100. (Purchased for $220). Used only five times, runs great. Contact Karen at 913/383-9117 or spragues@kcnet.com

TECHNIQUES FOR COPING WITH PAIN 
Come to these classes to learn how to live without pain and sleeping pills. The technique will guide you to relaxation and stress relief. Classes are held at Independence, Inc. every Friday, 1 - 2:30 p.m. For more information call 841-7108, 2 - 6 p.m. and leave a message.

BORED AND BROKE
Here are some of the Free and FUN events going on around Lawrence in December. Please call Elise or Susan at 841-0333 if you have any questions regarding these events. This information comes courtesy of VisitLawrence.com

• "ALBERTO VARGAS: THE ESQUIRE PINUPS"
  Eighty-four of the original watercolors Vargas created for the magazine 940-48 are displayed September 29 - December 30. From the Esquire collection at the University of Kansas. Spencer Museum of Art, KU, 1301 Mississippi 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday; 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday; Noon - 5 p.m. Sunday, 785/864-4710.
• JUNIOR HIGH STUDENT ART EXHIBIT
  Central, West, South, and Southwest junior high school artists will be represented November 20 - December 4. Library Gallery, 7th and Vermont, 785/843-3833. www.lawrence.lib.ks.us
• FESTIVAL OF NATIVITIES
  More than 150 Nativity sets will be displayed with creative use of lights, poinsettias, decorated trees and music. The sets represent many countries and cultures and are crafted from a variety of materials. Display open to the public weekends only December 1 - December 9. Centenary United Methodist Church, 4th and Elm Saturday and Sunday 1 - 5 p.m., 785/843-1756.
• LAWRENCE ARTS CENTER HOLIDAY INVITATIONAL SHOW
  An annual arts and crafts holiday sale featuring the work of approximately 50 area artists. Perfect for finding unique holiday gifts. Lawrence Arts Center, 9th & Vermont. December 4 - 21, Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., 785/843-2787. 
• FREE STATE, LAWRENCE HIGH ART EXHIBIT
  This exhibit continues the tradition of outstanding high school art. Lawrence Public Library Gallery, 7th and Vermont, December 7 - 20.
• CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY SHOPPE
  A special event hosted by Hearts for the Arts where children can join in on the fun of holiday shopping and purchase great gifts for family members at kid-sized prices. December 8 at the Lawrence Arts Center, 9th & Vermont. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 785/843-2787 
• CHRISTMAS FARMERS' MARKET
  Farmers' Market offers Holiday gifts. Choose from a wide array of wreaths, dried flower arrangements, crafts, baked goods, and other regionally made gifts for the holidays. December 15 at Knights of Columbus, 2206 E 23rd. 9 a.m. -1 p.m. 785-842-3883.
• LIVING NATIVITY
  Live performance in a country setting. Vinland Fairgrounds, seven miles southeast of Lawrence. Dec. 20 - 22, 6 - 9 p.m., 785/594-3568

WOMEN'S OPPORTUNITY AWARDS
Soroptimist International of Lawrence, part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, is committed to making a difference for women through projects that help women lead better lives. Lawrence Soroptimists participate in Soroptimist's major service project, the Women's Opportunity Awards. This program assists women who serve as the primary breadwinners for their families and must enter the workforce or upgrade their employment status. These Awards enable these women to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education or additional skills and training such as books, childcare and car fare.

The Women's Opportunity Awards program begins at the club level; Soroptimist International of Lawrence is granting a $500 and a $1,000 award this year. First place club-level winners become eligible for district- and region-level awards. The first-place winner then becomes a candidate for one of three $10,000 finalist awards.

Applications are available by contacting Ruth Stoner, Women's Opportunity Awards Chair at 785/843-3870 or by e-mail at rstoner@ku.edu Application deadline is December 15, 2001.

YOUR CITY IN MOTION 
by Karin Rexroad, Public Transit Administrator, City of Lawrence

What an exciting first year for the Lawrence Transit System (The T). We promised the citizens of Lawrence a dependable, clean, safe and cost efficient transit system to assist the community with its transportation needs and we did it! 

In the first ten months of 2001, The T provided eight fixed routes and 126,146 one way trips to families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, employees, and students. The T Lift provided 37,249 one way trips to individuals who were unable to access the fixed route system because of disabilities. 

In 2001 the ability to purchase ten punch tickets and monthly passes to ride both The T and T Lift became available. Punch tickets and monthly passes alleviated the need for passengers to have the exact fare when boarding a bus. In the first ten months of 2001, we sold $27,485.50 in punch tickets and monthly passes and collected $56,851.45 in passenger payments. This brings our combined fare box receipts to $84,336.95. The Lawrence Transit System should exceed the $100,000 mark for combined fare box receipts in our first year in operation which is a tremendous accomplishment.

November 6 was a long anticipated day for the Lawrence Transit System when all of our new 30 foot, fixed-route transit coaches went in to service. T drivers were excited about the new vehicles which provided several enhancements for their passengers: the ability to kneel (lower the front door access to the curb) the bus to help someone enter safely, two passenger entry doors to improve flow, flip seats that allow for two wheelchair tie-downs or when needed additional passenger seats, and a public announcement system that allows for calling out major stops along the routes, transfer points and requested stops. In addition, fixed route coaches are equip-ped with bike racks on the front of the bus that can hold two bikes. It's exciting that Lawrence now has the ability to bring bikers to the many trails throughout the community via public transportation.
Looking forward to 2002, we will be adding additional paratransit vehicles to help meet the demand for door-to-door services, the T Lift. We have ordered 20 bus shelters and are busy working with business owners to determine the exact location for their placement. We will also place benches along the routes where bus shelters are not provided. The year will also bring increased signs to clarify route locations and transfers. 

Major thrusts for 2002 will be allowing the fixed route system to mature and gathering ridership information. Therefore, we do not anticipate any route changes. Our efforts will be focused on increasing the efficiencies of paratransit service. We will also focus on avenues to provide travel training for the fixed-route service. Building public awareness and encouraging first-time riders will also be critical to the continued increase in ridership.

I want to take this opportunity to thank MV Transportation, our transportation service provider, for their dedication to making the Lawrence Transit System a success. I also want the thank the Public Transportation Advisory Committee (PTAC) for their hard work in setting policies, holding public hearings and making the hard decisions related to route changes and the downtown transfer station. A special thank you goes to Rob Tabor and Pat Slick from Independence, Inc. who both serve on PTAC. 

A big thank you goes to the Lawrence Transit System's passengers - we appreciate your ongoing use of The T and T Lift. The Lawrence Transit System looks forward to serving your transportation needs in 2002. 

For more information about the Lawrence Transit System, call 785/312-7054 or 785/312-7063 TDD or check The T's Web site, www.lawrencetransit.org 

LOAN BANK NEWS
Here is a list of supplies that we currently have available in the Loan Bank for give-away. Please remember that items are given away on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Alcohol Prep Pads
• Iodine Swab Sticks
• Gauze Pads, Sponges, and Wraps
• Wound Packing Kits
• Sodium Chloride Irrigation Solution
• Sodium Chloride Inhalation Solution
• Disposable Urinals
• Tube Feeding Formula
• Protein Drink (like Ensure, mostly vanilla flavor)
• Enteral Nutrition Sets
• Enteral Pump Sets
• Suction Catheters
• Suction Catheter Kits
• Urostomy Pouches (please call for sizes)
• Texas Catheters
• Bed Pads (chux)
• Adult Diapers (limited quantities)
• Feminine Bladder Control Pads
• Latex Gloves (limited quantities)

Also, we can always use donations of supplies and durable medical equipment - especially latex gloves. Please keep us in mind if you are cleaning out your garage or basement and have equipment to dispose. Please call Jeff, Karen, or Jim McCrary, our new AT Clerk at 841-0333 or 1-800-526-3648 if you have any questions regarding the loan bank. 

STUDY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED
The University of Kansas, Research and Training Center on Independent Living, is conducting a study to help understand emerging disabilities from the consumer's viewpoint. 

Persons with disabilities who are currently receiving services from Independence, Inc. or would like to receive services are eligible to participate. Each participant will receive $20 for their time. The interview will take no more than one hour. An example of the type of questions that will be asked is: "How would you generally define emerging disabilities, or how are emerging disabilities distinctly different from traditional disabilities?" 

If you are interested in partcipating, contact Dr. Michael Fox or KyungMee Kim at 785/864-4095 or by e-mail: mfox@ku.edu or kyungm@ku.edu 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
The Kansas Medicaid Buy-In program, Working Healthy, will be starting sometime next year. This program will allow people with disabilities who want to work the opportunity to get or keep Medicaid coverage. 

A team from the University of Kansas is contracting with SRS to evaluate consumer satisfaction and the effectiveness of Working Healthy. One part of the evaluation will be to talk with consumers before and after they enroll to see how their lives change after they participate in Working Healthy. Research participants will receive a small stipend for their time. 

If you or someone you know is seriously planning to enroll in Working Healthy when it begins, the KU team would like to talk with you. Please call or email Jean Hall for more information (785-864-7083 or jhall@ku.edu). You can help to make sure the program meets the needs of Kansans with disabilities! 

SATURDAY SIBS OF DOUGLAS COUNTY
Saturday Sibs is a program just for brothers and sisters (siblings) ages 7 - 12, of children with special needs. Participants in Saturday Sibs meet other siblings of children with special needs. They have the opportunity to make new friends and talk about their lives with others who really know what it's like to have a sibling with a disability.

Workshops, which are sponsored by the ARC of Douglas County, include monthly activities such as museum visits, theatre, and a trip to the pumpkin patch.

If you would like more information about Saturday Sibs of Douglas County, Contact the Arc at 749-0121.

NEW SECURITY REQUIREMENTS PRESERVE 
THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
The U.S. Department of Transportation, in response to heightened security at airports, has issued a guidelines for all airport personnel to assist them in making appropriate accommodations for people with disabilities. The Department recommends people with disabilities have a copy to carry with them if they intend to fly within the next few months.

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Department of Transportation's implementing rules prohibit discriminatory treatment of persons with disabilities in air transportation. Since the events of September 11, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued directives to strengthen security measures at airline checkpoints and passenger screening locations. In securing the national air transportation system, steps were also taken to ensure that the new security procedures preserve and respect the civil rights of passengers with disabilities. 

This information about accessibility requirements in air travel in light of strengthened security measures, provides a few examples of the types of accommodations and services that must be provided to passengers with disabilities. The examples listed below are not all-inclusive and are simply meant to provide answers to frequently asked questions concerning air travel by people with disabilities.

Check-in

• Air carriers must provide meet-and-assist service (e.g., assistance to gate or aircraft) at drop-off points. The lack of curbside check-in, for certain airlines at some airports, has not changed the requirement for meet-and-assist service at drop-off points.

Screener checkpoints

•  Individuals assisting passengers with disabilities are allowed beyond the screener checkpoints. These individuals may be required to present themselves at the airlines' check-in desk and receive a "pass" allowing them to go through the screener checkpoint without a ticket.
• Ticketed passengers with their own oxygen for use on the ground are allowed beyond the screener checkpoints with their oxygen canisters once the canisters have been thoroughly inspected. If there is a request for oxygen at the gate for a qualified passenger with a disability, commercial oxygen providers are allowed beyond the screener checkpoints with oxygen canisters once the canisters have been thoroughly inspected. Commercial oxygen providers may be required to present themselves at the airlines' check-in desk and receive a "pass" allowing them to go through the screener checkpoint without a ticket.
• The limit of one carry-on bag and one personal bag (e.g., purse or briefcase) for each traveler does not apply to medical supplies and/or assistive devices. Passengers with disabilities generally may carry medical equipment, medications, and assistive devices on board the aircraft.
• All persons allowed beyond the screener checkpoints may be searched. This will usually be done through the use of a hand-held metal detector, whenever possible. Passengers may also be patted down during security screenings, and this is even more likely if the passenger uses a wheelchair and is unable to stand up. Private screenings remain an option for persons in wheelchairs.
• Service animals, once inspected to ensure prohibited items are not concealed, are permitted on board an aircraft. Any backpack or sidepack that is carried on the animal will be manually inspected or put through the X-ray machines. The service animal's halter may also be removed for inspection.
• Assistive devices such as walking canes, once inspected to ensure prohibited items are not concealed, are permitted on board an aircraft. Assistive devices such as augmentative communication devices and Braille 'N Speaks will go through the same sort of security screening process as used for personal computers.
• Syringes are permitted on board an aircraft once it is determined that the person has a documented medical need for the syringe.
• Personal wheelchairs and battery-powered scooters may still be used to reach departure gates after they are inspected to ensure that they do not present a security risk. Any backpack or sidepack that is carried on the wheelchair will be manually inspected or put through the X-ray machines.
• Personal wheelchairs will still be allowed to be stowed on board an aircraft.
• Air carriers must ensure that qualified individuals with a disability, including those with vision or hearing impairments, have timely access to information, such as new security measures, the carriers provide to other passengers. For example, on flights to Reagan Washington National Airport, persons are verbally warned to use the restrooms more than half an hour before arrival since after that point in time passengers are required to remain in their seats. Alternative formats are necessary to ensure that all passengers, especially deaf persons, understand new security measures such as the one at Reagan Washington National.
  Members of the public who feel they have been the subject of discriminatory actions or treatment by air carriers may file a complaint by sending an email, letter, or completed complaint form to the Aviation Consumer Protection Division (ACPD). 

ACPD's may be contacted at: 
Aviation Consumer Protection Division
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Room 4107, C-75, 
Washington, DC 20590

or by e-mail at airconsumer@ost.dot.gov 

Complaint forms are available at: 
www.dot.gov/airconsumer/problems.htm

Did you know . . .
The Assistive Technology Department Loan Bank at Independence, Inc. has equipment available for use at no charge? Whether for one day or one month, we have a wide selection of items such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, shower benches, and commodes. Call us at 785/841-0333 or 1-800-KAN-DO-IT

DISABILITY MOVEMENT LOSES PROMINENT ADVOCATE
Howard Moses, beloved son, brother, friend, Disability Rights leader, and Gay Rights activist, passed away October 28 in Topeka. The thousands of people whose lives were directly touched by Howard will remember him as a mentor, confidante, and advocate who worked tirelessly and passionately for equality. With an infectious laugh and an incredible commitment to living life to its fullest, Howard had an unbridled sense of humor and wit that he joyously shared with the world. He will also be remembered as a public policy strategist and enlightened intellect whose commitment to human and civil rights was an inspiration to those who knew him. He influenced every piece of major disability rights legislation in the last 15 years including the ADA, the reauthorization of the Rehab Act, TWWIIA, and IDEA.

Howard grew up in Kansas and began working at the grassroots level to improve the lives of people with disabilities immediately after graduating from college. He later used his innate political skills working for Democratic candidates in Kansas and then went to work in Washington in the 1980s. He was a civil servant in the Dept. of Education working with Justin Dart, Commissioner for the Rehabilitation Services Administration and worked with the late Evan Kemp at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. 

In 1993, he was named by President Clinton and Secretary Richard Riley to be the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the US Dept. of Education, serving as deputy to Assistant Secretary Judith E. Heumann.

Most recently, Howard returned to Kansas to work on implementation of the TWWIIA and the Olmstead decision. Kansas, as one of the leaders in the Independent Living Movement, was thrilled that he returned home to work on these critical pieces of legislation. This allowed him to use his wealth of experience to continue to fight for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities. 

Howard's tenacity must be carried on by those who knew and loved him and by those who believe in his dream of Justice for All.