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Ahead of the Times
Volume 23, Number 5
Spring, 2003

NEW INDEPENDENCE, INC. DIRECTOR
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Sidney Hardgrave, current director of Douglas County AIDS Project, has been hired as the new Executive Director of Independence, Inc. She will begin her new position at Independence, Inc. on May 1. She brings both non-profit management and local fundraising experience, as well as lots of enthusiasm to the organization. Welcome Sidney!

The Center will be closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day. 
No transportation available.

BIG TENT COALTION
"Living by Chance Not Choice: Kansans Affected by Budget Cuts" is now on the Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas website at http://www.silck.org/LBC1.htm  These are stories of people with disabilities whose lives are being torn apart by Kansas budget cuts. In August and November of 2002, Governor Graves ordered allotments [cuts] totaling over $32 million in State General Funds for Kansas Social and Rehabilitative Services (SRS). When federal matching funds are included, this amounts to a loss of over $63 million to the SRS budget. Cuts to SRS Home and Community Based Services and Medicaid services are causing people with disabilities to lose their freedom, independence, dignity, and right to be productive community members. The cuts will force many into nursing homes, and force others to live in environments that put their health, safety, and well being in jeopardy. 

Together we can make a difference! To accomplish needed funding for Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services, which funds many essential social services, it is vitally important that people continue to write their legislators through April in support of the Big Tent Coalition's proposal for more funds for SRS so people with disabilities and senior citizens can be served who are spending many months on waiting lists for essential services. The sooner the better! If you are not sure who your legislator is, simply call the County Clerk's office. 

If you need any assistance putting the pen to paper to write a letter, contact Advocacy Coordinator Bob Mikesic at 841-0333, or by e-mail bobm@independenceinc.org  We have people who are willing and able to assist. Thanks! - Bob Mikesic, Advocacy/ADA Coordinator 

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
Patty Holt, Transportation Manager
Recent funding cuts that have hit area agencies have impacted the coordinated transportation system to which Independence, Inc. belongs. The result is that it may get harder to schedule a ride. Medical rides have been, and will continue to be, a priority. I will still schedule all the rides that I can, but it may be necessary for me to cancel a scheduled non-medical trip. Thank you in advance for your patience.

BIG TENT COALITION
A basic American doctrine is that "you must help people to help themselves." For many, these services allow them to remain independent, while participating productively in their families and communities. To that end we support the total SRS, Aging and Health budgets as recommended by the Governor as a major step forward to restore cuts to vital programs. This support is not meant to infer this to be adequate funding, the budget continues to reflect inadequate funding to meet the critical need for essential services to vulnerable Kansans. Therefore, in addition to supporting the Governor's 2004 recommended budget, we support the following items to restore and stabilize the delivery of essential services. 
We speak for and urge the common good for the people of Kansas. As of February 1, 2003:

1. We support an increase of $4.9 M in State General Funds and $12.4 M in All Funds to fund the Physical Disabilities waiver waiting list of 784 persons.
2. We support an increase of $11.7 M in State General Funds and $29.3 M in All Funds to fund the Developmentally Disabled waiver waiting list of 916 persons.
3. We support an increase of $5.1 M in State General Funds and $12.6 M in All Funds to fund the 
   Frail Elderly waiting list of 1070 persons. 
4. We support an increase of $2.5 Million in State General Funds to restore funds the 
   Senior Care Act and to fund the waiting list of 650 persons.
5. We support an increase of $27.4 Million in State General Funds, which would restore some of the cuts over all of the programs and population groups, including but not limited to CMHCs, CDDOs, family support, pharmacy, hospital reimbursement rates and medical transportation.
6. We support an increase of $22.6 Million in State General Funds to fund other reductions to the 
   SRS budget and TANF Transitional-Medicaid programs.
7. We support an increase of $27.0 Million in State General Funds restore reimbursement rates to the PD, DD, HI and FE waivers and funds to ensure provider participation and to stabilize the delivery of essential services to vulnerable Kansans.

Total State General Funds = $99.3M

For more information contact Shannon Jones, 785/234-6990.


MEMBERS SIGNED ON TO BIG TENT COALITION:
Representing 74 organizations and a total of 603,329 members/customers

• Statewide Independent Living Council of KS
• Coalition for Independence (5,000)
• Prairie Independent Living Resource Center (800)
• ILC of NE Kansas (521)
• CIL of Southwest Kansas (600)
• Kansas AFL-CIO (100,000)
• Kansas Home Care Association (125)
• Kansas Assistive Technology Cooperative
• KS Association of Centers for Independent Living (14)
• Three Rivers, Inc. (1,300)
• Resource Center for Independent Living (1,860)
• Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (10,000)
• Prevention & Recovery Services (10,000)
• Independent Living Resource Center (1,300)
• The United Methodist Church-KS Area (166,000)
• Nat'l Multiple Schlerosis Society-Mid America (20,000)
• KS Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (256)
• Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of KS, Inc (1,400)
• United Cerebral Palsy of KS, Inc (500)
• Kansas Area Agencies on Aging Association (45,000)
• LINK, Inc. (972)
• The Whole Person, Inc (1,000)
• Kansas Association of the Deaf, Inc (2,000)
• Butler Co. Dept of Aging (16,000)
• Southeast KS Independent Living (2,196)
• The Dream Works (100)
• Assistive Technology for Kansans (18,423)
• Self-Advocate Coalition of KS (6,540)
• First Class Transportation (500)
• Midwest Bioethics Center (20,000)
• Independence, Inc (1,200)
• Kansas for Addiction Prevention (7,000)
• Brain Injury Association (597)
• The ARC of Douglas Co. (500)
• Kansas Action Network (20)
• Harper Hospital Home Health (62)
• Jason Gallagher
• Craig Home Care (200)
• The Paratransit Council, Inc (3,000)
• Community Memorial Healthcare (280)
• Via-Christi Riverside Home Care (120)
• Topeka Center for Peace & Justice (666)
• Western KS Assoc. on Concerns of the Disabled (4,000)
• SEK-CAP, Inc (1,000)
• Community Works, Inc (140)
• Association of CMHCs of Kansas (85,000)
• InterHab (10,000)
• Keys for Networking (10,000)
• Independent Connection (1,200)
• Reno County Youth Services (650)
• KS Chapter, Nat'l Association of Social Workers (1700)
• Breakthrough House Inc (700)
• Full Citizenship, Inc (50)
• Kansas Public Health Association, Inc (500)
• Developmental Services of Northwest KS (500) 
• Nat'l MS Society-All America Chapter (3500)
• Families Together, Inc (10,000)
• CLASS LTD (350)
• KS Assoc. of Home & Services for the Aging (15,300) 
• Kansas Pharmacises Association (1000)
• Care 2000 Home Care & Care 2000 Home Health (197)
• Ks Commission on Disability Concerns (500)
• Lucas Golden Age Center (25)
• OCCK Inc. (2,000)
• Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, KS (195)
• Grinnell Senior Center (20)
• Kansas Hospital Association (150)
• Greg Jones 
• Dave Sorrick
• Becca Bernd
• Marilyn Kubler
• Kelly Smith
• Kansas Youth Leadership Forum (300)
• Public Housing Authority of S. Hutchinson (200)

NEW ACCESSIBLE SELF DEFENSE GROUP FORMING
If you are interested in practicing self defense techniques designed for persons with physical disabilities, you might want to join a new group that is forming at Independence, Inc. If you are interested, please come to an informational meeting on April 25, 2 - 4 p.m. in the conference room. For more information or to request an accommodation, call Ranita Wilks at 785/841-0333 or toll-free at 888-824-7277 or e-mail her at ranitaw@independenceinc.org 

CONSUMER GROUPS ACTIVITIES 

• April 2003

  PEER SUPPORT GROUP ART TOUGEAU DECORATING PARTY AND COOK OUT
  Join us Monday, April 28, 12 - 4 p.m. in the parking lot of Independence, Inc. for an outrageously good time decorating a car for entry into the 8th Annual Art Car Parade on May 3. In the past the Peer Support Group and Independence, Inc. staff have spent an exhaustive but FUN time turning a simple car or truck into a masterpiece of ART! If you're a creative type or you like having fun with great people then please join us for this event. Feel free to decorate your wheelchairs and scooters, after all the parade is about anything on wheels! We will have hot dogs and cold drink as well as whatever you want to bring to throw on the grill. If you have questions call Ranita at 785/841-0333 or toll free 888/824-7277.
  

• May 2003

  COOKING CLUB GOES SOUTH OF THE BORDER FOR MAY
  Come celebrate Cinco de Mayo and the taste of Mexico with the Cooking Club on Monday, May 5, 4:30 -6:30 p.m. It'll taste so good you'll think you're in Mexico! To reserve your seat at the table, call Ranita at 785-841-0333 or toll free 888-824-7277. Adios!
  
  PEER SUPPORT GROUP GOES TO THE PARADE
  Peer Support Group members will participate in the Eighth Annual Art Tougeau Parade on Saturday, May 3. The Art Tougeau Parade is an "Art Extravaganza On Wheels" where anything mobile or wheeled is uniquely decorated. If you plan to be in the parade then you need to arrive for registration by 10:30 a.m. at the Lawrence Art Center located on New Hampshire between 9th and 10th Streets. To watch the parade starting time is Noon. If you have questions all Ranita at 785-841-0333 or toll free 888/824-7277
  
  QUILTING/ARTS AND CRAFTS GROUP CROCHET CLASS
  Nola Mayhugh will host a class on "Learning how to crochet" on Monday, May 12, 1 - 3 p.m. in the large conference room at Independence, Inc. If you have any questions, please call Ranita at 841-0333.
  

• June 2003

  COOKING CLUB GOES ROYAL FOR JUNE
  The members of the Cooking Club would like to invite you on Monday, June 16, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. for our "version" of a proper British tea party. Come learn how to make cucumber sandwiches, buttery scones, jam cookies and the proper way to brew a pot of tea plus other fun things. Even the Queen might stop by. well.maybe not. To RSVP by June 13, call Ranita at 841-0333.
  
  PEER SUPPORT GROUP BOWLING EVENT
  Peer Support Group will go bowling at Royal Crest Lanes, 9th and Iowa on Friday, June 27, 4:30 - 7 p.m. For more details and to RSVP, contact Ranita at 785-841-0333.
  
  QUILTING/ARTS & CRAFTS GROUP
  Join the Quilting/Arts & Crafts Group on Monday, June 16, 1-3 p.m. in the large conference room. We will learn how to make grass skirts for an upcoming Cooking Club with the theme "Hawaii and Luau." We will make other Hawaiian themed decorations as well. Please check to see if you have any items that could be used to make grass skirts, coconuts, pineapples, tropical flowers, etc. Questions? Call Ranita at 785-841-0333.

CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH CLUB 
Consumers if you are interested in learning to speak Spanish we have a great opportunity for you. Ms. Amy Summers, Spanish language teacher extraordinare, is starting a Conversational Spanish Club for beginners. Amy will teach basic conversational skills and provide information about Latin culture. At this time, Amy has not set a first meeting date and time. Please contact Ranita at 841-0333 for more information and possible meeting dates. 

BASIC JEWELRY DESIGN
Come learn the basics of making beaded jewelry on Friday, April 25, noon - 1:30 p.m. in the large conference room at Independence, Inc. Steve Porzig, metalsmith and jewelry designer, will teach you how to make a variety of interesting pieces. A $5 workshop fee will cover cost of materials. You keep whatever items you make. To leave a message for Steve Porzig, call 785-841-0333 and ask for Ranita. 

VOLUNTEERS WANTED
The American Cancer Society's Relay Walk for Life is wanting individuals who are passionate about working on the planning committee related to this event to be held in June, 2003 at Haskell Stadium. Meetings will be short and direct. Individuals are needed to recruit teams for the walk itself. For more information contact Carol Wallace, 843-5077, or Bob Silipigni at 842-2449.

WANTED: Electric box or oscillating fans that are broken or that you no longer want. Any brand and size accepted. If necessary, unwanted fans can be picked up. Contact Michael at 785/840-9861 or 841-5046 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.

COMPUTER CLASS NEWS
The Summer 2003 Computer Learning Center Catalog will be available May 1. Classes that have already been scheduled include Computer Basics which starts the first Tuesday of every month and lasts for four weeks. Because of Memorial Day, the next set of classes will begin April 29 and run through May 23. We will also be teaching Introduction to Excel beginning April 29 and ending May 16.

You can get your copy of the catalog online at http://independenceinc.org/forms.html or pick one up at the front desk, or call 841-0333 and have a copy mailed to you.

The students taking our new Small Business Skills class called it a smashing success. We had guest speakers from the Small Business Development Center, Douglas County Bank, Kansas Insurance Commissioner's Office, H&R Block and Social Security come and give presentations. Students worked on business and PASS plans and learned about online businesses and finding funding.

TENANTS TO HOMEOWNERS PROJECT
Tenants to Homeowners, Inc., a non-profit housing development organization, is excited to announce the beginning of construction of a unique home to be sold to a low income buyer with accessible housing needs in Lawrence. This building project is made possible by a partnership between Studio 804 architecture students at the University of Kansas and Tenants to Home-owners. 

The project provides a unique opportunity to bring creative design, contributed materials and donated labor to the construction process, greatly reducing the final cost. By incorporating southern exposure, thermal mass heating, insulated glass, and a light shelf, they attempt to maximize natural light and energy efficiency. The students continue their commitment to create homes that are universally accessible.
The home is being constructed at 1718 Atherton Court and is scheduled to be completed in May when it will be sold to a low-income buyer. This is the fifth design-build project for Studio 804 and the students' third accessible design built for Tenants to Homeowners, Inc. 

Tenants in the universally designed homes have accessible housing needs and were able to rent the homes on a lease-to-purchase contract due to a funding stipulation of Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing. After five years they have the option to buy the homes at a minimal cost. TTH is working with these families to ensure that they will be prepared to take advantage of this home purchasing opportunity. 
Part of this preparation includes participation in the TTH True Blue Individual Account (IDA) Program for homeownership. In cooperation with Capitol Federal Savings, this program allows tenants to open a savings account and make monthly deposits to save for a down payment. When this savings is applied to a home purchase, the amount will be matched by a grant from the Capitol Federal Foundation.

Please contact Rebecca Buford, Associate Director of Tenants to Homeowners, Inc. with any further questions at 842-5494 or e-mail: rebufordefird@yahoo.com 

ACCESSIBLE HOUSING PROGRAM
Is your apartment or home accessible? Are there ways to make your rooms easier to use? The Accessible Housing Program (AHP) at Independence, Inc. uses funds from a Lawrence Community Development Block Grant to provide people with disabilities improved access to their rented units. Some typical modifications are:

• Building ramps for the home or garage entrance.
• Widening doorways and installing a new door and trim to match other existing doors.
• Installing visual signals, flashing lights for the doorbell, smoke detector, and/or telephone.
• Installing short threshold ramps for raised thresholds at the front or back entrance.
• Installing grab bars in the bathroom
• Installing lever handles on doors or faucets.

To qualify, applicants must have mobility or sensory impairment, currently rent housing in Lawrence, and need accessibility modification. General maintenance, such as roof repair, is not covered by AHP. Applicants also must be within the low to moderate income levels established by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department. These levels are based on annual income and the number of persons living in a household.

For an application and more information contact Bob Mikesic or Kelly Nightengale at Independence, Inc., 841-0333.

NEEDED: Volunteer to mow lawn every other week for a Lawrence woman with a disability. Lawnmower provided. If you would like to help her, please contact Susan Mikesic at 841-0333. Thank you!