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Ahead of the Times; Volume 21, 
Number 12; September, 2001

The Center will be closed Monday, September 3 for Labor Day
No Transportation Available

CLC CATALOG AVAILABLE ON-LINE
The Computer Learning Center at Independence, Inc. has the Fall catalog of classes as well as application forms available at the Center or on the web at www. independenceinc.org/forms.html

AWARDS PRESENTED TO PRAEGER AND BALLARD AT DISABILITY CAUCUS
During the Kansas Disability Caucus banquet on August 9 awards were given to a number of grassroots advocates across the state. Several of the significant legislative measures that passed into law were highlighted when awards were presented to local legislators, Senator Sandy Praeger and Representative Barbara Ballard. Senator Lana Oleen, from Manhattan, was given an award in recognition of her work for HB 2020, the Kansas Visitability Initiative.

Senator Sandy Praeger, who has been representing people in Douglas County in the Senate for the last decade, was recognized for leading the Kansas Legislature in making needed health care reforms in Kansas and helping increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities through passage of the Kansas Medicaid Buy In Program. Her leadership resulted in a new law, the Kansas Business Health Partnership Act, which provides assistance to low and moderate income workers in small businesses so they can buy health insurance. The Act also gives eligible employees a choice of health plan options. During the 2001 legislative, Senator Praeger testified in both the Senate and House committees in support of the Kansas Medicaid Buy In Program. Also during this last session, amid strong opposition, she worked the entire session to arrive at a mental health parity bill that finally passed into law, significantly expanding insurance coverage for treatment of mental illnesses.

Representative Barbara Ballard, who represents the 44th District in Lawrence, received an award for her advocacy for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities during the eight years she has served in the legislature. As a member of the House Appropriations and Social Service Budget Committees, she worked to achieve the community based, self-directed personal assistance services we have in Kansas. She also won Legislative approval for $1 million in state funds, which brought in an additional $1.5 million federal match for the Head Injury Waiver program. Because of this, on July 1, 2001 people with head injuries who had waited for as long as two years began receiving services needed to live and work in the community. 

Thank you Senator Praeger and Representative Ballard for your work for people with disabilities throughout the 2001 session.

TAKING ROOT
By Susan Mikesic
Are you new to Lawrence? Welcome! I think you will find Lawrence an interesting place to live. A lot goes on here. There are numerous parks, and many free-of-charge community events. To help you in your efforts to snuggle in, I would like to provide you with a list of suggestions:
ú Visit the library at 7th and Vermont. Along with the traditional books, the Lawrence Public Library also has videos, books on tape, Compact Disks for the computer, and music Compact Disks (CDs). They also have an extensive children's section and an art gallery.

• Read past issues of the Journal World. The library has issues from the past few weeks in the periodicals section, plus issues from the distant past on microfiche. You'll find out who in the area is doing things that interest you.
• Read bulletin boards. These are found all over the community. The public library has a bulletin board, as well as many local restaurants, music stores, bookstores, laundromats, and grocery stores. Also, check the Kansas Student Union at the University.
• Visit the Lawrence Visitor Information Center, 402 North 2nd (the renovated train depot). They have a wealth of information about Lawrence, including maps and brochures about downtown, the various eating establishments, the University of Kansas, and the history of Lawrence. Ask for the Lawrence Visitor's Guide, a handy booklet with details about our community. The staff of the Visitor Information Center can also be reached by phone at 865-4499.
• Visit the Chamber of Commerce at 734 Vermont. They publish a free Lawrence Visitor's Guide, which can help orient you to what's going on in the community. They also have maps of the area and can answer questions from new residents.
• Tour the town. Take a walking/wheeling tour of the Old West Lawrence Historic District, an area of Lawrence's turn-of-the-century homes. (The area is bound on the east by Tennessee Street, on the west by Michigan Street, on the north by Sixth Street, and on the south by Ninth Street.) Or, take one of the Art Walk tours that feature the sculpture pieces that can be found at various locations around town. Brochures and maps about these and other tours are available at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, 865-4411. 
• Visit museums. To help you get a sense of the community's past, visit the Elizabeth M. Watson Community Museum at 1047 Massachusetts. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1:30 to 4 p.m. They can be reached at 841-4109. The University of Kansas campus also has several museums. The Spencer Art Museum (864-4710) and the Natural History Museum (864-4540) are especially worth visiting.
• Volunteer. The Roger Hill Volunteer Center at 865-5030 can provide you with a vast selection of volunteer opportunities throughout the city and across a broad range of duties. What better way to meet people than to start right off contributing something to our community?
• Take a class. This is a great way to meet people who share your interests. Educational opportunities abound in Lawrence. Try the Lawrence Arts Center (843-2787), Lawrence Parks and Recreation (832-3450), and Lawrence Continuing Education (842-6234) to name a few. There is also the option of taking a class for credit, or auditing a course, at the University of Kansas. And, if you are interested in learning more about computers, our own Independence, Inc. Computer Learning Center is also a source for some scintillating edification.
• Join your neighborhood association. These groups attend to common civic concerns affecting your neighborhood, and are a good way to meet your neighbors. To find a contact person for your neighborhood, call 832-3400.
• Join a club. Every September, the Lawrence Journal-World publishes the "City Scene," a list of civic organizations, social organization, recreational clubs and special interest groups with contact names and meeting times. The new City Scene will be in an upcoming issue of the newspaper, so watch for that. If you miss it, you might be able to catch it at the Lawrence Public Library, or at the Journal World office at 609 New Hampshire. A great way to meet new friends who share your interests!
•  Go out! Visit local nightspots or coffee shops. Go to hear some music. See a play. For information about what is going on around town, the Lawrence Journal-World carries a section called "Guide to Going Out" every Thursday. 

For more information about what's happening at the University of Kansas, call the K.U. Information Center at 864-3506. 

Also, refer, each month, to the Bored and Broke column in Ahead of the Times. We try to keep you informed about free or low-cost activities. There's always something going on, so get out there!

Again, welcome. I hope you enjoy living here. If there is anything else we can do to assist in your nest-building and root-taking, let us know. 

COOKING CLUB
Cooking Club will meet Monday, September 10, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. To RSVP call Ranita or Teresa at 841-0333 before 2 p.m. on September 10. Cooking Club members would like to say thank you to Nola Mayhew for teaching the group how to make a delicious Bird's Nest Pudding last month. 

DRUM CIRCLE
Let the drums roll! Okay, we had a month off so now it's time to get back into the drumming mood. The Beginners' Drum Circle will meet Friday, September 28, 4:30 - 6 p.m. in the large conference room at Independence, Inc. We will provide the buckets and drum sticks . . . however we desperately need a new drum instructor. Our beloved drum instructor, Shining Mike, moved away last month so we need to find someone who can fill his talented shoes. If you know of someone who would like to be our fearless leader (and if you've ever heard us play you'll understand the fearless part) then please have that person contact Ranita at 841-0333. 

PEER SUPPORT GROUP COOKOUT AND FISHING TRIP
Grab your fishing poles and bait! The Peer Support Group is having a cookout and fishing event at Clinton Lake on Saturday, September 22, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Independence, Inc. will provide transportation to and from the lake. If you want to attend, you will need to meet at Independence, Inc. by 11 a.m. sharp. We will not pick you up from home! Consumers will need to purchase a one-day fishing license for $2.75. For more information about the fishing trip, or if you need to borrow fishing gear, then please contact Teresa at 841-0333. Please RSVP by 5 p.m., Monday, September 17. A huge thanks to Checkers for donating hot dogs and buns.

COPING WITH STRESS MANAGEMENT
The Coping with Stress Management classes held at Independence, Inc. have a new meeting time. Classes are now held 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.

TRACABOUT DEMONSTRATION 
Perhaps you have heard about the new designs in all-terrain wheelchairs. We have scheduled a local company to visit our center at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 4 to demonstrate the TracAbout, a "personal mobility vehicle." Join us for the fun and information. Call Susan Mikesic at 841-0333 or toll-free at 888-824-7277 for information or to request an accommodation.

ARO BOARD MEETING
Monday, September 17 at 3 p.m. the ARO Board will meet at Independence, Inc. To ensure we have a quorum, Board members should call Independence, Inc. at 841-0333 two weeks before the meeting to RSVP. Also, please let us know if you have any agenda items. Since Board meetings are open to tenants as well, if you are a tenant of ARO and wish to attend the meeting, please also call Independence, Inc. at 841-0333.

WANTED: Volunteer readers. Three hours per week at your convenience. Call Art at 841-4608.

FOR SALE: Jazzy Model 1100 power wheelchair for sale. Super maneuverability and operating control. Hand control with joystick on right arm. Rechargeable battery still holds charge. Purchased in early 1997 and used only a few months mostly indoors. Like-new condition. $1,500. Call 785/542-2910 or 542-2670.

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.

BORED AND BROKE
Here are the events happening around town this month. Call Susan or Elise at Independence, Inc., 841-0333, if you have any questions.

• Thirteen Years: Lawrence Indian Art Show Posters
  All wonderful examples of Native art, these 13 posters advertising the 13 years of the Indian Art Show will be exhibited together for the first time at the Lawrence Public Library, 7th and Vermont, for the entire month. You may view the posters during the library's regular hours of operation. Call 843-3833 for more information.
• Healing the Sacred Hoop: Baby Quilts
  These baby quilts made by Native American mothers were made as part of the Healing the Sacred Hoop Project sponsored by the Lawrence Housing Authority. The quilts can be viewed September 1 - 30 at the Lawrence Public Library, 7th and Vermont during regular hours of service. Call 843-3833 with questions. 
• Native American Beaded Earrings Exhibit
  Also on display September 1 - 30 at the Lawrence Public Library this month will be earrings made by the Circle of HeARTS cultural art group. Call 843-3833 with questions. Otherwise this exhibit can also be viewed during the library's regular hours of service.
• First Friday Gallery Walk
  On September 7, 6 - 9 p.m. participating galleries, museums, and Arts Centers will stay open to the public featuring special exhibitions, demonstrations, and other festivities. Guide maps are available at the Lawrence Arts Center, 9th & Massachusetts. Call 843-2787 for details.
• Haskell Indian Art Market
  This two-day outdoor market will feature Native American artists from around the country. There will also be artist demonstrations, entertainment, and food booths. The event will take place at Haskell Indian Nations University, 23rd & Barker. Friday, September 8, 10a.m. - 6p.m., Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call 864-4245 for details.
• 22nd Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival
  This festival will present handmade crafts and original artwork by more than 150 artists and craftsmen in South Park, 11th & Massachusetts, September 9, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call 832-7940 for details. 
• Victoria's Values
  This event marks the Centenary of Queen Victoria's death. The Hall Center for the Humanities presents Victor Bailey, a professor of modern British history at the University of Kansas and Director of the Hall Center for the Humanities, at the Spencer Museum of Art at K.U. September 12, 7:30 p.m. Call 864-4798 for details.
• Art Walk-Baldwin City
  This gallery and sidewalk art show celebrates art and artists in the area. Visit the Art Walk in downtown Baldwin City near 8th and High Streets on September 21, 7 - 9 p.m. For additional information e-mail bcartscouncil@aol.com
• CameratA Lawrence
  Angela McComas and Erica Hendryx will present a concert of flute duets, performing the music of Quantz, Devienne, Mozart plus others in the Lawrence Public Library Auditorium on September 23 at 2:30 p.m. Call 843-3833 if you have questions.
• Tenth Annual Harvest of Arts
  This nine-day event, September 29 - October 7 will showcase local art of all kinds. Downtown storefronts become an art gallery, there is music in the streets, a film festival, dance, poetry, and many other activities. There is admission to some events, so call 393-1019 if you have questions.

STOP CREDIT AGENCIES FROM SELLING PERSONAL INFO
By Rob Tabor
In case you haven't already heard, the four major credit bureaus in the US will be allowed, starting July 1, to release your credit information, mailing addresses, and phone numbers to anyone who requests it. If you would like to "opt out" of this release of personal information you can call 1-888-567-8688. This is the toll free Opt Out Line which will prevent the four credit reporting agencies from releasing your name and contact information. These four credit agencies are Experiam, Equifax, Innovus, and TransUnion. The Opt Out program does not prevent your name and contact information from being sold to other list brokers, but every little bit helps.
The Opt Out phone call only takes a couple of minutes to do, and you can take care of anyone else in the household while making only one call, you'll just need to know their social security number. Be sure to listen closely, the first opt out is only for two years, make sure you wait until they prompt you to press '3' on your keypad to opt out for good. If you choose permanent removal of your name, a form will be sent to the address you give for verification. 

VOLUNTEER PEER COUNSELING TRAINING SCHEDULED
Do you have time on your hands? Would you like to learn about disability rights advocacy? Would you like to meet some nice people? Do you want to make a contribution?
If you answered yes to these questions, you might be interested in our upcoming Volunteer Peer Counseling Training. We will be training potential volunteers on the topics of advocacy and companionship skills. We have put together a great training, with lots of great handouts. The training is tentatively planned for September 15 and 16, a Saturday and Sunday, for a total of about four hours. The training dates and times may be re-negotiated based on the scheduling needs of the students involved. Refreshments will be provided. (We hope to have a pizza lunch on at least one of these days.) 

As part of the training, Susan Mikesic will teach counseling skills and rapport building, Ranita Wilks will teach about the independent living movement and community resources, and Bob Mikesic will teach advocacy skills and share information about disability rights laws. Kelly Nightengale will talk about housing options and housing advocacy, Pat Slick will teach about transportation advocacy, and Jennifer Schwartz will train on education advocacy. 

Please consider joining us for this tremendous opportunity to learn from some highly experienced people. If you are interested, please contact Susan Mikesic, or any of the individuals listed above, at 841-0333 or toll-free at 888-824-7277. See you there!

LOW VISION OUTREACH CLASS
Kansas Seniors Achieving Independent Living (Kan-SAIL), a program within Kansas Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, will be conducting a free three-day workshop 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on September 12, 13, and 14. The workshop is open to people age 55 and older with visual impairments, their family, and friends and will will be held a first United Methodist Chruch, 946 Vermont in Lawrence.

KanSAIL instructors will teach classes in techniques of daily living such as cooking safely, and threading a sewing needle. Instructors will cover communication skills including the use of talking watches, writing guides, and identification of money. Kan-SAIL will also provide instruction and use of many magnification aids. Dr. Abio Sokari, M.D., Phd., will speak on medical concerns related to aging and diabetic complications.

Kan-SAIL is providing the workshop and lunch at no cost, but registration is required. To register or request additional information, call 1-800-547-5789.

NEW TOOL HELPS PEOPLE COMPLETE DISABILITY FORM
Are you or someone you know planning to file for disability benefits? There's a new tool to help. When an adult applies for disability benefits, Social Security completes a Disability Report (SSA-3368). The form helps them obtain information about an applicant's condition, and is the key to obtaining medical records. Now you can get tips right over the Internet on how to best complete the 3368. Just click on any section of the form and you'll get a "plain language" explanation of what they're looking for, why they need the information, and how your answers help them decide if you can get disability benefits. This new tool is your key to having the Disability Report completed before your appointment. To take a look, visit http://www.ssa.gov/disabilityformhelp/ 

BARRIERS TO HOUSING SUBCOMMITTEE
The Housing Practitioner's Panel has split into subcommittees to address specific housing issues within the city of Lawrence. The Barriers to Housing Subcommittee includes representatives from the Lender's Association, Independence, Inc., Landlords of Lawrence, Lawrence Board of Realtors, and Women's Transitional Care Services. The next meeting will be Thursday, September 20, 3:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. This subcommittee will look at existing housing resources in Lawrence, both for rental housing and homeownership. From there they will identify barriers keeping people from getting decent, affordable housing and then will work with the Housing Practitioner's Panel on decreasing the barriers to housing. Other subcommittees on the panel include: Networking, Prevention, and Data Collection.

DID YOU KNOW . . .
Independence, Inc. provides information about the legal rights of people with disabilities? We work with consumers and the community to ensure that people with disabilities acquire and maintain their legal rights and benefits. We also provide information on architectural or environmental accessibility to individuals, businesses, and those in the building trade. Additional information is available on local, state, and federal non-discrimination laws covering people with disabilities. Contact us at 785/841-0333 or 1-888-824-7277.

Independence, Inc. Community Access Awards
Independence, Inc. is seeking nominees for the annual Community Access Awards. The awards publicly recognize people whose actions clearly promote independent living for people with disabilities in integrated and accessible communities. Nominations are requested from people in Douglas, Franklin, or Jefferson counties knowing someone deserving such an award. Categories include:

• Individual
  Recognizes an individual's efforts - whether through their job, volunteer efforts, or personal actions - to advance opportunities for people with disabilities to live active, contributing lives in the community.
• Business
  Recognizes the efforts a business has taken to (1) extend equal employment opportunities or practices to people with disabilities, or (2) provide exemplary customer accommodations or accessibility improvements. 
• Organization 
  Recognizes the efforts of an organization to promote or support community activities that either empower people with disabilities to live more independently, or enhance the public's understanding of people with disabilities which contributes to integration.
• Roger Williams Community Access Award
  Named in honor of pioneering disability advocate Roger Williams, this award recognizes an individual with a disability whose advocacy efforts make a positive impact on the Lawrence community.