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Ahead of the Times
VOLUME 22, NO. 2
NOVEMBER, 2001

It is with a great deal of pleasure and gratitude to the Executive Director Search Committee, the Board of Directors, staff and consumers of Independence, Inc. that I write you as Executive Director of Independence, Inc.

When I joined Independence, Inc. in early March 2001 as part-time Interim Executive Director, I was immediately welcomed by the board, staff and consumers in a most friendly and outgoing "welcome aboard" manner. The interim position was expected to last 60 to 90 days as the search progressed for a permanent Executive Director. The first search failed to find an appropriate candidate to lead the agency and a new national search was implemented. By the time this search was implemented it was clear to me that there couldn't possibly be any finer, more professional, more caring staff anywhere in the independent living movement than the staff assembled in Lawrence, Kansas! Not only was there an incomparable staff, it was obvious there was a dedicated Board of Directors and a consumer base making use of the many services Independence, Inc. offers. Having found the service as Interim Executive Director the most rewarding opportunity of my career, I made the decision that I wanted to be part of Independence, Inc. as permanent Executive Director-and as has been said over the years - "the rest is history." 

I look forward to working with our consumers, staff and the Board of Directors toward common goals of meeting consumer needs, evaluating and implementing new programs that will be beneficial to consumers in Douglas, Franklin and Jefferson counties, as well as establishing greater visibility in our communities, thus reaching out to more consumers who may not be familiar with the many services we provide.

Please drop by, introduce yourself and visit with me when you are at Independence, Inc., or contact me by phone if I may be of assistance. Every staff member at Independence, Inc. is here to help in meeting the needs of our consumers! It is an old clich‚, but one that is quite true-the door is always open and you're always welcome at Independence, Inc.

Robert A. LeGresley
Executive Director

The Center will be closed November 12 for Veteran's Day and November 22 - 23 for Thanksgiving. No Transportation Available

OPEN HOUSE AND COMMUNITY ACCESS AWARDS PRESENTATION A SUCCESS
Independence, Inc. held its annual open house on October 30 to recognize National Disability Awareness Month and honor this year's Community Access Award recipients. 

Community Access Awards are presented annually to publicly recognize people whose actions clearly promote independent living for people with disabilities in integrated and accessible communities. This year, awards were presented to three individuals and one business. The highest honor, the Roger Williams Community Access Award, is named in honor of the pioneering disability rights advocate, and recognizes an individual with a disability whose advocacy efforts have made a positive impact in northeast Kansas. 

Brad Linnenkamp, received the Roger Williams Community Access Award for his outstanding leadership and advocacy activities with the Self Advocacy Coalition of Kansas. As a Self-Advocacy Trainer for the Coalition, he has created and conducted self-advocacy trainings for people with developmental disabilities and family members from Cottonwood, Inc. and Community Living Opportunities, Inc. as well as for the high school special education classes in USD 497. Brad is currently training junior high school students to help them develop and practice self-determination skills before they enter high school and the transition phase. Some of his trainings include Rights and Responsibilities, Person-Centered Support Plans, Abuse, and Neglect and Exploitation. New trainings are developed in response to needs and changes in laws affecting people with disabilities. Brad was recognized for being an outstanding advocate and mentor for the many people with developmental disabilities, bringing about positive changes in Lawrence and across the state.

Ann Carlin Ozegovic, received a Community Access Award in the "Individual" category for her outstanding efforts to advocate for the employment of people with disabilities. 
Her long-term commitment and advocacy in this area dates to the mid 90s when she served as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Human Resources. While in this position, she was a strong supporter of the legislative issues advanced by the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns, and she was involved in local advocacy efforts as a member of the Access Task Force. As Program Specialist at the Lawrence Workforce Center, she aggressively pursued including accessibility features on the Kansas Department of Human Resources website, Kansas Job Link.com, facility access, and other measures to ensure computer access for all members of the community visiting the Lawrence Workforce Center. Ann puts her knowledge of disability issues into practice with enthusiasm.

Constance Wolfe, received an award in the "Individual" category for her outstanding advocacy for accessible housing in our community. She was instrumental in starting the Home Of Your Own (HOYO) program in Lawrence and as a realtor has made a constant effort to find accessible housing to show HOYO participants. She is a strong advocate with both the construction community and state legislators for creating more accessible housing through the passage of the Kansas Visitibility Initiative, House Bill 2020.

Prairie Fire Restaurant, received an award in the "Business" category for the best practice and use of universal design in a business that provides complete and equal access to all areas of the restaurant. Through this design, owners Steve and Susie Wilson, and architect Bo March, have created a model of universal design for the entire community.
Thank you for your contributions. Your actions clearly illustrate "community access" and help promote inclusion and participation by all.

DID SOMEBODY SAY FREE TICKETS?
Yes, that's right Independence, Inc. has free tickets to see the off-Broadway musical, Funny Girl, on Tuesday, November 6, 7:30 p.m. at the Lied Center. So, how can you get your hands on one of these fabulous tickets? Well, you need to call Ranita at 841-0333 and make your request. Only two tickets per request, please! We only have a few tickets and we want to give everyone a chance to see the show. All tickets will be given away on a first-come first-served basis until they're all gone. When you call to request tickets, please let Ranita know if you'll need a reasonable accommodation. A huge thank you to the University of Kansas Lied Center and the Christina Hixson Foundation for the ticket donations.

PEER MENTORS AVAILABLE AT INDEPENDENCE, INC.
What's a Volunteer Peer Mentor? Well, a Volunteer Peer Mentor is a consumer just like you. They are people who have received training in such areas as ADA rights and fair housing laws. Volunteer Peer Mentors who teach self-advocacy skills and assist consumers with a variety of advocacy related issues. Need help understanding housing applications or other forms for assistance? Ask a Volunteer Peer Mentor. Interested in learning more about your civil rights as a person with a disability? A Volunteer Peer Mentor can help. Having trouble figuring out the new fixed-route bus system? A Volunteer Peer Mentor can practice riding the bus with you. A Peer Mentor can also be someone to just sit and have a cup of coffee with. To make a request for a Volunteer Peer Mentor, call Susan Mikesic or Ranita Wilks at 841-0333.

SUPPORT GROUPS ANNUAL FALL CELEBRATION DINNER
Members of the Cooking Club, Peer Support Group and Drum Circle are having the Annual Fall Celebration Dinner on Monday, November 19 at Independence, Inc. Consumers will learn how to prepare the following items: turkey, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes and a sugar-free pie. Consumers who are interested in learning how to prepare and cook a turkey need to arrive at Independence, Inc. at 10 a.m. We will learn how to prepare the rest of the meal at 3:30 p.m. If you have a special dish or dessert that you would like to share, please do. Also, if there is a particular dish that you would like to teach other consumers how to make, you are more than welcome to do so. The dinner will start at 6 p.m. If you plan to attend the dinner you need to RSVP with Ranita at 841-0333 by noon, November 16.

TECHNIQUES FOR COPING WITH PAIN 
Come to these classes to learn how to live without pain pills 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. in the Conference Room. For more information call 841-7108, 2 - 6 p.m. and leave a message.

BORED AND BROKE
Here are the free and fun events happening around Lawrence this month. This information comes courtesy of VisitLawrence.com, the online guide to what's going on around town!

• FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK
  Participating galleries, museums and arts centers will stay open to the public, featuring special exhibitions, demonstrations and other festivities. November 2, 6 - 9 p.m., city-wide. Pick up a guide map at the Lawrence Arts Center. 843-2787.
• MUSIC CONCERT BY TERRY EVERETT QUIETT
  From Winfield KS, singer/songwriter Quiett performs with the Walnut Valley Festival and elsewhere. He has received a Kennedy Center award for orchestration. November 4, 2:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Public Library, 7th & Vermont. 843-3833. 
• YOUTH BALLET COMPANY 'Carnival of the Animals'
  Lawrence Arts Center ballet students age 9-18 final performance. For all ages. November 10 and 11, 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lawrence Arts Center, 9th & Vermont. 843-2787.
• 24th ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR
  Kick off the Holiday shopping season and discover creative hand made gifts, crafts, and baked goods. November 17, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Lawrence Community Building, 11th and Vermont. 842-0029.
• CHRISTMAS IN THE BARN
  Holiday market specializing in products made from fresh goat milk, cheeses, fudge, yogurt, and soaps. Handmade items include unique gift baskets, hand-woven brooms, jams, jellies, honey, and treats for your pets. November 17 and 18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Red Ribbon Acres, 1004 E 1600 Road. 841-7438.
• "THE NEVER-ENDING STORY"
  The Lawrence Arts Center Peanut, Pretzel, and Popcorn dance companies perform for all ages. November 17, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Arts Center, 9th & Vermont. 843-2787.
• HOLIDAY LIGHTING CEREMONY AND SANTA'S ARRIVAL
  The holiday season officially begins when the downtown skyline becomes ablaze with nine blocks of holiday lights. The event includes Santa's "rescue" off the rooftop of Weaver's Department Store. November 23, 6 p.m. in downtown Lawrence at 9th and Massachusetts.
• BIZARRE BAZAAR
  Holiday shoppers will find many unique items made by local artists at this fun event. November 24, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Lawrence Arts Center, 9th & Vermont. 785-843-2787

CLC CLASSES
The Computer Learning Center still has openings in the December Computer Basics class. This hands-on class runs Tuesdays through Fridays, December 4 - 21, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. There is no fee.

We are also starting to plan for next Spring's classes. If you would like to have the Spring Catalog and registration form sent to you when they become available, please call us at 785/841-0333 or email us at clc@independenceinc.org Classes will include Computer Basics, Introduction to Word, Introduction to Excel, and Dreamweaver as well as 12-week Vocational Certification Programs. 

JOB FAIR
A job fair is scheduled to be held at Independence, Inc. on Monday, January 14, 2002. We already have lots of doors 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! Watch future editions of Ahead of the Times for more details.

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.

FOR SALE: 1995 Ford Econoline with one year old power wheelchair lift. Excellent condition. Leather interior, VCR, TV. 65,000 miles. $16,995. Call 785/749-0433 evenings or leave a message.

ABILITY AWARENESS AND COOKING CLUB TO HOST EVENT
On Monday, November 19 at 6 p.m., Independence, Inc. will host the Annual Fall Celebration Dinner with the Cooking Club and Peer Support Group. After the meal, there will be an Ability Awareness presentation on the subjects of depression, bi-polar, and winter blues. 
If you want to help prepare the meal, please come at 3:30 p.m.You will learn how to prepare turkey, gravy, potatoes, and dressing. Please feel free to bring a side dish to share for the meal extravaganza. The agency will provide the turkey and fixings.
Then, join us at 7 p.m., for the Ability Awareness Presentation. A panel of people with depression or bi-polar will speak about their disability and share their personal stories. We plan to have information about depression and winter blues available for participants. 
For more information or to request an accommodation, contact Ranita Wilks or Susan Mikesic at 841-0333 or 888-824-7277. RSVP with Ranita by November 16, if you plan to attend the meal.

WELCOMING DIVERSITY
The Human Diversity Task Force at Independence, Inc. invites you to welcome diversity at our independent living center. Visitors are encouraged to follow these guidelines to ensure that everyone feels welcome:

• Avoid jokes or conversations that are racists, sexist, homophobic or otherwise demeaning of people. This includes negative comments about people of a certain faith or nationality. Avoid any language that could be hurtful to someone. You never know who might be listening.
• Treat every person with the same respect that you would want. You wouldn't want someone to judge you before they knew you. You wouldn't want someone to make jokes about a group you belong to. You would want others to be friendly, respectful, and welcoming to you. 
• Avoid making judgments about people based on stereotypes. A wide range of diversity exists within any group. As human beings, we all want to be known and accepted for who we really are and not prejudged.
• Take time to educate yourself about issues of diversity. Attend a Human Diversity Task Force presentation, participate in a cultural event in your community, visit the library for books and videos on topics such as world culture, world religion, civil rights, gay and lesbian issues, feminism, and so forth. 

For information about the Human Diversity Task Force at Independence, Inc., call 785/841-0333 or 888-824-7277. Or contact the Multi-cultural Resource Center at 785/864-4350.

TELECONFERENCE ON CIVIL RIGHTS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
On Tuesday, November 6, 2 - 3:30 p.m., Independence, Inc. will participate in a national teleconference hosted by The National Council on Independent Living. "Advancing the Civil Rights of Students with Disabilities Through Specific Advocacy Activities" is the latest in its "Advocacy in Action" series. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a civil rights law specifically designed to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a quality education in the least restrictive environment. 

The teleconference will touch upon three important areas and give you comprehensive activities that people can undertake as advocates for the civil rights of students with disabilities. Participants will learn: Accommodation issues related to state and local assessment/testing and the importance of independent living center participation; How to prepare youth to participate in the design and implementation of their education plan; and How to make changes in school transportation systems. 

If you would like to attend, contact Jennifer Schwartz at 841-0333 by November 5 so that we can guarantee handouts for everyone. 

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. 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 

DISCUSSIONS SCHEDULED ON TRANSGENDERED PEOPLE 
Join us at Independence, Inc. for two informative discussions about the lives of Transgendered People. "A transgendered person is someone whose gender identity is fundamentally and irrevocably incompatible with their biological sex," says Jane Newman, one of the speakers for the series. 

On Tuesday, November 20 at 11 a.m., we will watch a videotaped discussion by Mary Boenke of Hardy,Virginia and a short film she and colleagues created entitled, "TransFamily." The film features interviews with family members talking about their transgendered child

Then, on Tuesday, November 27 at 11 a.m. Jane Newman will tell her personal story as a transgendered person. Jane comes highly recommended as a very experienced and highly eloquent speaker on the subject. 

Join us and learn about this important topic. For more information or to request an accommodation, contact Susan Mikesic at 841-0333 or toll-free at 888-824-7277. 

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS WORKSHOP
The next First Time Home Buyers Workshop will be Saturday, November 10, 9:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the United Way building, 2518 Ridge Court in Lawrence. This is a requirement for the Home Owners Out of Tenants (HOOT) loan for low income first time homebuyers. For more information contact Tenants to Homeowners, Inc. at 842-5494.

INDEPENDENCE, INC. BOARD ELECTS NEW OFFICERS
At the September meeting, members of the Independence, Inc. Board of Directors voted in a slate of board members and officers for 2001-2002. Officers are Dot Nary, Lawrence, President; Jody Anderson, Lawrence, First Vice-President; Daryl Mellard, Perry, Second Vice-President; Jeanne Hetherington, Lawrence, Secretary; and K.T. Walsh, Lawrence, Treasurer. Board members are Steve Brown, Lawrence; Hal Cordry, Baldwin City; Sheryle D'Amico, Lawrence; John Flynn, Lawrence; and Tim Metz, Valley Falls. Watch future editions of Ahead of the Times for profiles on these individuals. 

ARO BOARD MEETING
The next Accessible Residential Options (ARO) board meeting will be held Monday, November 5, 3 p.m. at Independence, Inc. Board members are encouraged to call Kelly two weeks in advance to RSVP so that a quorum can be assured. Please also call in any items you may have for the agenda.

Tenants are always welcome at board meetings. Call Kelly at 841-0333 if you plan to attend.

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
• Disposable Urinals
• Tube Feeding Formula
• Protein Drink (like Ensure, mostly vanilla flavor)
• Suction Catheters
• Suction Catheter Kits
• Urostomy Pouches (please call for sizes)
• Texas Catheters
• Bed Pads (chux)
• Adult Diapers (limited quantities)
• Latex Gloves (limited quantities)

We can also always use donations of supplies and durable medical equipment. Please keep us in mind if you are cleaning out your garage or basement and have equipment to dispose of.
Please call Jeff, Karen, or Elise at 841-0333 or 1-800-526-3648 if you have any questions regarding the loan bank. Thank you!

PARTNERS IN POLICYMAKING
The Kansas Partners in Policymaking Program is recruiting people with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and teenagers with disabilities to participate in its training program which begins in March, 2002.

Participants learn about current disability issues and best practices. They become familiar with the policymaking and legislative processes at the local, state, and federal levels. They also learn how to advocate for change in public policy, disability services, and general disability issues. The overall goal is to establish productive partnerships between people needing and using services and those in a position to make policy and law.
Partners attend two-day training sessions eight times a year in Topeka and are required to complete assignments between sessions. Partners also are expected to commit to one major disability-related project within their hometown.

The program is open to 24 people. If selected, the Partners in Policymaking program will pay for lodging, meals and reimburse participants for travel, childcare, and attendant services.
Applications are available and will be accepted until November 16,2001. For more information on Partners in Policymaking or to request and application, contact Josie Torrez at 915 S.W. Harrison, Room 141, Topeka, KS 66612 or call 785/296-2608 or e-mail her at jtorrez@miduse.net

AMERCICAN CANCER SOCIETY CARS FOR A CURE FUNDRAISER
Cars for a Cure is a fundraising program of the American Cancer Society. Individuals may donate cars and trucks. Some areas also accept motorcycles, newer boats, RVs, or motor homes. Rule and restrictions vary from state. The American Cancer Society processes the paper work and arranges for the vehicle's pickup at absolutely no cost to the donor. Proceeds from the sale of the vehicle go the the American Cancer Society to help support life saving research, education, and patient services programs. All donations are tax deductible. For more information call the American Cancer Soceity at 1-800-ACS-2345.

NEW ERA OF TELEPHONE ACCESS
On October 1, familiar calling shortcuts of 911 and 411 were joined by 711 - the new three digit number for access to all Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). It's fast, functional and free.

TRS facilitates telephone conversations between people who do and those who do not have hearing or speech disabilities. In one type of TRS, a text telephone (TTY) user calls a voice telephone user through a TRS provider, where a communications assistant places the call to the voice user, and then relays the conversation by transcribing spoken content for the TTY user and reading text aloud for the voice user.

711 is good news for everyone, not just persons with disabilities. Both voice and TRS users will be able to initiate a call from any telephone, anywhere in the United States, without having to remember and dial a seven or ten-digit access number. There are currently more than 100 separate numbers nationwide for accessing relay services. Being able to dial the same three digits nationwide to access TRS, instead of having to be familiar with each state's unique access number, makes TRS much more accessible.

Under the new rules adopted last year by the FCC, 711 TRS dialing must be provided by all telecommunications carriers in the United States, including wireline, wireless, and payphone providers. The FCC rule also encourages all PBX suppliers to configure their systems for 711 access to TRS.

In addition, to ensure the efficient, effective, and successful use of 711 access to TRS, the FCC required carriers and relay providers, in cooperation with the states, to engage in on-going and comprehensive education and outreach programs to publicize the availability of 711 access.

If consumers find that they are unable to get 711 TRS access, they should contact the FCC's Consumer Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC (voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC TTY), or by e-mail at access @fcc.gov For more information on TRS visit: http://www.fcc.gov/cib/consumerfacts/trs.html