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AHEAD OF THE TIMES 
Volume 22   Number 5 
February, 2002

FROM THE DIRECTOR
by Robert LeGresley, Executive Director
There has been a great deal of publicity recently about SRS (Social and Rehabilitation Services) budget cuts. Cuts have already been made by SRS to cover deficits in the current budget. More may be forthcoming as the legislature meets to determine how to handle what appears will be additional major tax shortfalls. While our primary concern at Independence, Inc. is budget matters dealing with individuals with disabilities and the senior population; schools, mental health and virtually all social service agencies have been, or are potentially threatened with dramatic cuts in available funds. 

Our reimbursement rate was cut effective January 1, 2002 for the Personal Assistance Services (PASS) program. The reimbursement rate cut forced us to eliminate one position in the Personal Assistance Services office as well as eliminate one position in the ILC (Independent Living Counselor) department. We also cut two positions at least temporarily to part time. We want to assure everyone that while we have had to make cuts to survive the budget shortfall, our staff is committed to maintain the excellent level of service Independence, Inc. consumers have the right to expect from us. A few consumers receiving Independent Living Counseling services have been reassigned to another counselor, and while the caseload is increasing for each counselor, the counselors and staff are committed to upholding excellent levels of consumer service. 

We will not know the impact of other potential cuts until the legislature begins work on the SRS budget. It is important that each consumer and every citizen write and/or call their legislators to advocate for the services each consumer has the right to expect. If you don't have the address or phone number for your representatives in the Kansas Senate and Kansas House, please contact our advocacy staff (841-0333 or 1-888-824-7277) and we will provide those numbers as well as suggestions on the most effective advocacy you can do to provide your input on the necessity of budget fairness. 

We are actively advocating everyday and will be contacting legislators to be sure they understand the detrimental impact cuts will have on the lives of Kansans with disabilities. 

The Center will be closed Monday, February 18 for Presidents' Day. 
No transportation available.

COOKING CLUB / PEER SUPPORT GROUP
Cooking Club and the Peer Support Group invites you to come experience the wonderful world of Nigerian cooking. Chef Modupe of Bobo's Buka African restaurant will be here on Monday, February 25, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. to share with us the history and tradition of Nigerian cooking. Modupe will prepare two traditional dishes: Ewariro and Jollof rice. Are you curious about what's in the Ewariro? Well, you need to come to the Cooking Club to find out. You'll have a most delicious time! If you are sensitive to spicy foods, Chef Modupe assures you that neither dish is extremely spicy. In order to have enough food for everyone RSVP with Ranita or Tim at 841-0333 by 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 22. If someone would like to donate non-alcohol beverages we would be most grateful.

Also on Monday, February 25 at 11 a.m. in the Independence, Inc. conference room, join us for Modupe's talk on Nigerian Culture as a precursor to her Nigerian meal. Join us for both events if you can! 
Please remember that we are a scent-free zone and refrain from wearing scented products when visiting our center. Thank you.

MUSIC APPRECIATION GROUP 
A free-form spontaneous percussion jam will be held Friday, February 22, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. Think of it as a group of people having fun pounding on things! For more information contact Ranita or Tim at 841-0333.

QUILTING/ARTS AND CRAFTS GROUP
Members of the newly formed Quilting/Arts and Crafts group had a successful planning meeting last month. We have special events planned for the next three months. A special thank you to participants who brought cookies, cake and punch. Please join us in the large conference room on Monday, February 11, 2 - 3 p.m. for a special presentation on how to make "beaded decorative candles" for Valentine's Day. Refreshments will be provided, however, you are welcome to bring a treat to share. The Quilting/Arts& Crafts group is still looking for folks to join and for kind individuals who would like to teach us how to quilt, knit, crochet and needlepoint, so please feel free to come to the next meeting and bring a friend. Call Ranita at 841-0333 if you have any questions.

ASIAN NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
On Monday, February 4 at 11 a.m. in the Independence, Inc. conference room, please join us for a talk on Asian New Year Celebrations. We will have speakers from China and Vietnam who will help us compare and contrast these two traditional holidays.

For information or to request an accommodation, call Susan Mikesic at 841-0333 or toll-free at 888-824-7277. Please remember that we are a scent-free zone and refrain from wearing scented products when visiting our center. Thank you.

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, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Saturday.

TRANSITION COUNCIL RESOURCE FAIR
Thursday, February 28, 4 - 7 p.m. at Free State High School. Find out about resources available for people with disabilities of all ages. Door prizes, refreshments, and child care available.

BORED AND BROKE
Here are some of the free events happening around Lawrence this month. Call Susan or Elise at Independence, Inc. if you have any questions.

• PHOTO ALLIANCE HUGHES EXHIBIT
  The Lawrence Photo Alliance will exhibit photographs inspired and based on the poetry and writings of Langston Hughes. All photos are for sale. KU Student Memorial Union Gallery, 4th floor. February 1 - 28, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mon. - Fri.; 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sat. - Sun.
• LAWRENCE ART GUILD - INSPIRED BY LANGSTON HUGHES
  Come view pieces created by Lawrence Art Guild members under the inspiration of Langston Hughes writings in conjunction with the citywide Langston Hughes celebrations! Lawrence Public Library, 7th & Vermont, February 1 - 28, during regular library hours. 
• KU PERSPECTIVES ON "SHOUTS FROM THE WALL" EXHIBIT
  Lecture by Prof. Robert Spires, Spanish and Portuguese, on "Prewar, Bellicose, and Postwar Spain." Spencer Art Museum, 13th & Mississippi, KU Campus, February 6, 3:30 p.m. 864-4710.
• MUSIC AND POETRY OF LANGSTON HUGHES
  Presented by Lynda Canaday, singer, fifteen poems of Hughes will be musically interpreted including "Song Cycle" arranged by Ricky Gordon. Performance will include "Genius Child," "Sweet Dancing Joy," "Strange Hurts," and " The Negro Speaks of Rivers." February 6, 7:30 p.m. at Watkins Museum, 11th & Mass. 841-4109 http://www.kuce.org/hughes
• LANGSTON HUGHES: BLACK FILM AND BLACK FILM-MAKERS
  A mini-film festival with classic Oscar Micheaux and Paul Robeson films, held in the theater where young Langston Hughes enjoyed watching movies. Haskell Indian Nations University Auditorium, February 8, 7 p.m., 864-7836.
• LANGSTON HUGHES BIRTHDAY PARTY: AUNT SUE'S STORIES
  Based around Langston's poem Aunt Sue's Stories, this event will feature African-American storytelling, as well as a birthday cake to celebrate the birthday of Langston Hughes. Family storytime, all ages welcome. Lawrence Public Library, 7th & Vermont, February 9, 3 p.m. 843-3833 http://www.kuce.org/hughes/events.html
• LAWRENCE'S OWN: LANGSTON HUGHES
  The life of Langston Hughes in Lawrence will be the focus. Using his novel "Not without Laughter" and other materials Hughes' years in Lawrence will be documented. Watkins Museum, 11th & Massachusetts, February 15, 7:30 p.m., 841-4109 http://www.kuce.org/hughes
• GOSPEL CONCERT
  Gospel Concert in conjunction with the Langston Hughes Celebration. St. Luke AME Church, 900 New York, February 16, 7 p.m., 842-2460 http://www.kuce.org/hughes
• LONG NIGHT'S JOURNEY INTO DAY
  Documentary film, by Frances Reid & Deborah Hoffman, is a searing account of South Africa's Truth & Reconciliation Committee. Film was nominated for best documentary at the 2001 Academy Awards. Woodruff Auditorium, Kansas Union, KU Campus, February 21, 7: 30 p.m. 864-4798.
• HUGHES INSPIRED PHOTO EXHIBIT
  The Lawrence Photo Alliance will exhibit photographs inspired and based on the poetry and writings of Langston Hughes. The exhibit will include photos in both black and white and color by local amateur and professional photographers. Lawrence Public Library, February 24 - March 31. 843-3833.

SOCIAL SECURITY CHANGES FOR 2002
by Rob Tabor, Benefits Advocate
Among many things we have to anticipate with the coming of the new year we can always count on the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to introduce changes in benefit payment schedules. This article contains a summary of some of the most important changes.

First, the COLA. Every year those who receive retirement, survivors, or disability benefits from SSA receive a cost of living allowance, commonly called a COLA. But did you know that before 1972 SSA did not adjust benefits to keep up with actual inflation? It's true. As a result your Social Security benefit check was purchasing less than it had during the previous year. Fortunately, these COLA increases happen automatically because they are indexed (pegged) to the consumer price index (CPI), the amount we pay at retail for basic goods and services. 

This year's COLA increase is 2.6 percent. You have probably received a letter from SSA telling you how much your benefit amount will be for 2002. If you have not, you can compute your new benefit amount by computing 2.6 percent of your benefit amount for 2001 then adding that figure to your monthly check for 2001. For example, if you received $1,000 per month during 2001 your COLA-adjusted benefit amount would be $1,026.

Do I get a COLA increase if I am on SSI? Yes, the same 2.6 percent COLA increase. This raises the SSI monthly amount for individuals from $531 for 2001 to $545 in 2002. For couples the benefit amount is increased from $796 in 2001 to $817 for 2002. Other key changes are below.

• Quarterly earnings threshold amount
  2001 2002
  $830 $870
• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for disabilities other than blindness
  2001 2002
  $740 $780
• SGA monthly amount for blind beneficiaries
  2001 2002
  $1240 $1300
• Monthly Trial Work Period threshold amount
  2001 2002
  $530 $560
• SSI Student Earned Income exclusion monthly limits
  2001 2002
  $1290 $1320
• Annual SSI student earned income limits
  2001 2002
  $5200 $5340

There are certain noteworthy numbers that will not change for 2002. On the plus side Social Security and Medicare contributions through payroll withholding and employer match will remain at 7.65 percent each for a total contribution percentage of 15.3. On the minus side the SSI cash resource maximum limits remain at $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. These and other changes are available on line at http://www.ssa.gov/cola/cola2002.htm

SRS GENERAL ASSISTANCE: TIME TO CIRCLE THE WAGONS
by Rob Tabor, Benefits Advocate
If you receive General Assistance (GA) through Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services you may or will soon receive a notice announcing changes in the program. All of the notices begin as follows:
"We may be making changes to the general assistance program next July. Some people could lose cash and medical coverage because of these changes. We want to help you find other coverage or benefits that you might be able to get. We are first asking everyone on the GA program to apply for disability through the Social Security Administration (SSA). We need you to do this even if you have applied and were denied before. If you have an application or appeal with SSA right now you do not have to apply. We urge you to apply again even if your GA case has closed. Please follow these steps. 1. Apply. 2. Give us proof that you have applied by 3/15/02. 3. Read and sign the next page. Allows SRS to give your name to KLS.we may close your case if you do not follow these steps. You do not need to take these steps if your GA case has closed."

The gist of these proposed changes is to end general assistance benefits July 1 for those who have received GA for at least 24 months. While these changes are in anticipation of proposed reductions in the SRS budget, one SRS economic assistance worker tells us the changes are "not set in stone." Specifically, these are only proposals which may not have to be activated if the Kansas State Legislature maintains or increases funding levels. Note that if you receive Temporary Assistance To Needy Families (TANF) this notice does not necessarily apply. GA, the cash entitlement program for single adults, receives no Federal matching funds, while temporary family assistance programs do. If you receive the GA notice we urge you not to panic, but to be proactive in your response. What does this mean?

1. Comply with the action steps SRS recommends in the notice letter. Namely, you should apply for Social Security Disability benefits if you haven't already done so. To apply you can call the Lawrence Social Security office at 843-2254 and they will send you a Social Security Disability application packet and schedule you for an interview. If you have applied but were turned down within 60 days before you receive the notice, you should appeal the denial decision issued by Social Security. If more than 60 days have lapsed, you will need to file a new application. In most cases you will be able to preserve your original alleged onset date (the date you were no longer able to work) if you have not worked since your earlier claim was filed and did not have a due process hearing on that claim. This is called a protective reapplication. 
   
   To file an application or an appeal, or if you need assistance completing an application, and you reside in Douglas, Franklin, or Jefferson counties, call Independence, Inc. at 841-0333 or toll-free at 888/824-7277. If you call after 5 p.m. or on the weekend, dial extension 210 to leave a message for Benefits Advocacy. Please note that if you wish for Independence, Inc. to represent you on your Social Security Disability or SSI claim you will not need to sign the authorization for SRS to refer you to Kansas Legal Services because you will already have a legal representative. We can assist you by informing your SRS economic assistance worker concerning representation and claim filing status. We can not stress enough how important it is to comply with these recommended steps and to keep a copy of all Social Security filing documents. If you decide to challenge a GA benefit stoppage by filing for a due process hearing you will have proof that you did what SRS asked you to do.
   
2.  Get involved with the current legislative session. This is the time of year when the state legislature undertakes its process of setting the budget for all aspects of the state budget including services provided by SRS. There are a number of ways to offer your thoughts and opinions during this legislative session. One of these is to send a letter to your legislator explaining how these cuts will affect you. For a list of local legislators, contact information, bill tracking and other useful information about the 2002 legislative session visit the newly designed web site at http://www.kslegislature.org. 
   
   We recognize that even if you have filed a disability insurance benefit or SSI claim which is still active it can take a long time for the Federal government to reach a decision on your claim. If you feel caught in the middle of "beat the clock" between SRS and Social Security we want to encourage you to communicate this to your senators and representatives and to Governor Graves. In addition to contacting legislators in your house and senatorial districts we also recommend contacting members of the House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means committees, particularly those assigned to the SRS budget subcommittee. This information is available through the Kansas Legislative internet site.

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES 2002
The following issues are those that KACIL (Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living) and SILCK (Statewide Independent Living Counsel of Kansas) have listed as legislative priorities for the current legislative session. Independence, Inc. will actively support each of these issues.

• Proposed Cuts to the SRS Budget
  As members of the DEW Coalition (Disabled, Elderly and Workers Coalition for Budget Fairness) we strongly oppose the proposed reductions in the SRS budget. We respectfully request affirmative support from the legislature to provide adequate funding for the services provided through the SRS budget. These services are essential from a human and civil rights perspective so that people with disabilities, senior citizens and vulnerable children can continue to live in the community. 
  The proposed reductions would only shift the costs of providing basic human services to more costly nursing home or institutional living situations. It would also eliminate preventative medical care and shift more medical costs to local government as visits to emergency rooms, 911 calls and hospital treatment of people with no means to pay for such services. 
  
  At the present time, institutional services remains an "entitlement" while home and community based services are an option that can be cut. If SRS does not receive adequate funding, many people with disabilities will probably have to move into a nursing home to wait for an opening to receive community based waiver services. Such a move and wait is costly for both the individual and the state.
• Senate Bill 319 - Freedom of Choice
  SB 319 would codify in state law the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements defined by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Olmstead decision. This bill states that any person eligible for admission to a nursing facility, adult care home, intermediate care facility, nursing home for mentally ill, state institution for mentally ill, or any other publicly funded institution shall be given the choice to receive appropriate services in a home and community based setting, in the most integrated setting appropriate for that individual. The bill does not force an individual to receive services in their home or community if they choose to enter or remain in a publicly funded institution.
• HB 2020, Kansas Visitability Initiative
  After passage in the House last year, HB 2020 will go to the Senate this year. The bill requires five basic accessibility or "visit-ability" features in newly constructed single-family, duplex and triplex housing built with public financial assistance, such as funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing. 
  
  By making such dwellings visitable, this law would begin to counteract traditional practices such as building housing with steps at each entrance and narrow bathroom doorways. This isolates people with disabilities and senior citizens, when they are unable to visit friends and family because of such structural barriers. HB 2020 would initiate needed change. Current laws, such as the federal Fair Housing Act and the Kansas Act Against Discrimination, only require basic accessibility in multifamily housing with 4 or more units per dwelling. 
  
  The five basic accessibility features in this bill are: an accessible entrance; wide doorways throughout the interior; an accessible route throughout the main floor; reinforcement of bathroom walls for future installation of grab bars; and light switches, electrical outlets and other controls at heights usable by all people. The law would only apply to construction done by developers or organizations, it would not apply to any individual homeowner/occupants. 

BUDGET UPDATE
The following information is based on information from Gina McDonald, CEO KACIL and Secretary Schlansky's budget update conference call on January 18. During the first week of the 2002 legislative session, two budget proposals have been introduced. 

1. The Governor's proposed budget using "existing resources" contains money so that protected income levels don't have to be reduced from $696 to $475 monthly. Durable medical equipment for adults, the general assistance program, the MediKan program, and vision, dental and audiology services for adults are not eliminated; Health Wave eligibility is not reduced from 200% to 150% of the federal poverty level. However, the Governor's budget is a proposal. The legislature and the governor are just beginning to grapple with the state's budget.
2. The one we favor overwhelmingly is the Governors budget proposal that enhances revenue. The Governor's Restoration budget restores funding for:
   - Elderly In Home Services - 4.4 million. This is the meals program.
   - Mental Health Grants
   - DD Grants
   - Funeral Assistance
   - It adds an additional $10 million for SRS. Five million dollars would go to waiting lists and $5 million to rate increases.
   - People with terminal illness could access waiver services. (If they live long enough waiting for services)
   
   To fund it, it would require:
   - 1/4 cent sales tax increase 
   - $.65 cent increase on cigarettes
   - $.01 cent per gallon motor fuel tax (the way prices vary on gas, will you even know the difference?)
   - 3% Registration fees on all vehicles (this is a restoration of taxes we previously paid, then didn't, now will again.)
   
   If you are buying a big ticket item, say a house, the 1/4 cent sales tax will increase the cost. But are we in this for the long haul or not?
   
   The bad news on the Governors Budget is:
   - Still includes requirement that parents co-pay on kids services on HCBS Waiver.
   - Still requires co pay on pharmaceuticals for medical card.
   - Does not allow people with terminal illness to use Medicaid funds for hospice.
   - Does not restore the rate cuts for the PD Waiver. The $5 million increase for rates appears to be for doctors who accept medical cards. We don't want to compete with them, but we need to get the story out that the cut will affect attendant's salaries.

All in all, it is a good budget. 

ACTIONS:

• Please take a minute to thank the governor for his support. If you didn't hear his speech, you should. He talked about people with disabilities at least five times. Talked about independence.
• Let legislators know you want them to support the Governor's proposed budget. No less will do!
• Get more awareness to communities about what cuts will mean.

JOB FAIR A SMASHING SUCCESS
January's Job Fair can be summed up in one word - WOW!!! Even with a great number of people over in Topeka for the rally, several hundred job seekers attended Independence, Inc.'s first full-scale job fair. People started arriving hours before the job fair was to start, and by 1 p.m. when the exhibitors were to arrive, the lobby was full of hopefuls. 

While not all the employers who had committed attended, the employers who came were delighted. Among their comments were "The job fair was great!" and "Excellent turnout," and everyone wanted to be invited back. Employers were NCS Pearson, Lawrence Public Schools, City of Lawrence, KU, KU Housing. Employment services were Adecco, Express Personnel, and the Lawrence Workforce Center. We even had a business, Combined Insurance, show up unexpectedly and could have had another!
Participants also had nice words to say and we had a number of people personally thank us. A number of people had never heard of Independence, Inc. or our services before and were delighted to find us. 
For anyone who was there, you all know that it was crowded! While we expected a decent turnout, this surpassed our wildest expectations. One thing we didn't anticipate was the lack of parking. People were parked up and down the streets, circling the lot, and pouring in the door. 

Special thanks goes to Ranita Wilks, Tony Peterson, and Tammie Torneden for all their enormous help in organizing the fair. Thanks also to Karen Watson and Stephanie Pascua for manning the phones, and a great big thanks to Steve Brown for manning the registration desk! We couldn't have done it without you guys!

We also want to thank all the businesses who helped make the fair possible: Checker's, HyVee, Joe's Donuts, Sixth Street Fitness, Body Works, Herbs & More, Holidome, Journal-World (particularly Mindie Paget), Laird Noller, Laser Logic, Lawrence T-Lift, M & M Office Supplies, Carrol's Web/Networks Plus, Paisano's, Water's Edge, Waxman Candles, and the Eagles Lodge.

Just a note: The Job Fair was originally organized to help graduates of our Vocational Certification computer training programs. While our spring vocational classes are full, we still have room in our regular computer training classes for those interested. Please contact us at 841-0333 for information or to sign up. 

COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER CLASSES
Enroll now for classes in the Independence, Inc. Computer Learning Center. For more information contact the center at 785/841-0333, 1-888-824-7277, e-mail webmaster@independenceinc.org or visit our website at http://independenceinc.org

THE ENTERTAINMENT CORNER
Certainly not a review . . . just the way I saw it.
by Vic Giles
The lighthearted movie Am‚lie made me happy from beginning to end. The pace never dragged, the script was without fault, and the story, set in modern day France was adorable (that's just the only word for it). Am‚lie, the title character, includes the movie audience in her world with looks directed at the camera as she become a secret Zorro-like figure who sets about righting wrongs for friends, family, and strangers.
There were many laugh-out-loud moments ending with me and others in the audience wanting to applaud the joy of the movie characters and the joy it made us feel. And applaud we did!

The scenes were a mix of deep delicious colors, intricate furnishings, with wonderful and quirky characters, each with their own noble struggle. The camera work ran the gamut, from close-ups to fast-forwards, to computer graphics, all the while keeping you in perfect harmony with the story.
Hone up your reading skills because it's in French, and the subtitles move fast. We left the theater with buoyancy of heart and step, and a sense of wishing to figure out a way to make life imitate the art of living this picture shared with us.

Anyway, that's the way I saw it.

VIOLENCE & WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES
The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence is holding a legislative day on February 14 in the rotunda of the Kansas State Capitol. Have your voice heard about legislative issues that impact all of us. Call 785/232-9784 for more details or visit www.kcsdv.org to find out more about the organization.