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AHEAD OF THE TIMES
Volume 25, Number 3
April - May, 2005
ARO APARTMENTS
CTR Management is currently accepting applications for residency at Accessible Residential Options (ARO). These apartments are located at two sites in fourplexes and feature both one and two bedroom units which are fully equipped for accessibility for a tenant who uses a wheelchair for mobility. The units have roll-in showers, accessible light and environmental controls, front loading laundry machines, and knee clearance underneath the kitchen counters and stove. ARO is subsidized by HUD, so applicants are charged rent according to income and out-of-pocket medical expenses. To apply for housing at ARO contact CTR Management at 785/840-5261 or call Independence, Inc. at 841-0333 to get an application.
The Center will be Closed Monday, May 30 for Memorial Day
No Transportation Available
TRAVEL TRAINING PUTS FLEXIBILITY INTO TRANSPORTATION
By Rachel Cornish, Lawrence Transit System
The advent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) opened many new doors for persons with disabilities. For transit, it ushered in accessible community transportation. The ADA created transportation reform through accessibility of vehicles, places, equipment, and communication, as well as requiring complementary paratransit service to fixed route transit service. For many individuals, the ADA complementary paratransit and other general transportation services are a lifeline to their community and independence. However, the use of these services has proven to be a costly alternative to the fixed-route transit service.
In 2005, Lawrence Transit System is making it easier to go places with public transit by offering travel training workshops to Lawrence residents. The workshop, "T" Time, targets seniors and persons with disabilities who are not familiar with using public transit, the workshop is also open to the general public. This tuition-free workshop will help individuals establish their ability to travel independently. It focuses on the use of the "T" fixed route service. Various issues, like the planning and safety involved with riding a fixed route system, are explored.
Using public transportation is one of the most important civil rights guaranteed under the ADA. "T" Time will give its participants freedom to choose what kind of transportation they wish to take and when. The "T" fixed route service costs less than paratransit service and taxis. Travel training allows travel to be spontaneous and flexible by not having to schedule in advance for a ride as is the case with
paratransit, medivans, family or friends. Accessible transportation puts individuals in control of their schedule, time and life. For more information on "T" Time workshops visit
www.lawrencetransit.org or call 832-3471.
FREE: Computer table with drop-down keyboard drawer. Must pick up at Independence, Inc. For more
information contact the Computer Learning Center at 841-0333.
CONSUMER SUPPORT GROUPS
- APRIL 2005 EVENTS
Guest Chef Teaches Cheesy Mac Recipe
Cooking Club's very own Roy "Todd" Wallace will serve as our guest chef for the month. On Monday, April 11, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Independence, Inc. training kitchen, Todd will teach the group how to make his delicious Mac and Cheddar Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli. RSVP with Ranita at 841-0333 by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 8. For copies of this recipe or other Cooking Club recipes, check out the consumer support groups section at
www.independenceinc.org
The Peer Support Group Bowling Event
Get out your bowling shirts, the Peer Support Group is going bowling! Join us Friday, April 29, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. for a fun evening of bowling at Royal Crest Lanes, 9th and Iowa, in the Hillcrest Shopping Center. For more details about meeting location inside the bowling alley and to RSVP, contact Ranita at 841-0333 by April 22.
The Accessible Self Defense Group
The Accessible Self Defense Group will meet on Tuesday, April 5, 12, 19, and 26, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. in the large conference room at Independence, Inc. The Accessible Self Defense Group is a training program that teaches people of all disabilities defense techniques associated with Martial Arts. Contact Ranita at 841-0333 if you have questions about enrolling in the group.
Friends 4 Life Youth Group Goes Bowling
Friends 4 Life, a youth advocacy group for high school teens, will join the Peer Support Group for a bowling event at Royal Crest Lanes, 9th and Iowa, on Friday, April 29, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. RSVP with Ranita at 841-033 by April 22.
Accessible Gardening Group
Put on your sun block and bring your wicker hats for the next Accessible Gardening Group. We will meet Monday, April 25, 1 - 2:30 p.m. to tend to our little garden. Please contact Ranita at 841-0333 if you have any items you would like to donate to the Accessible Gardening Group. We could use the following items: large planter containers (whisky barrels, etc.), soil/compost, and gardening tools.
- MAY 2005 EVENTS
Mexican Fiesta Dinner
Enchiladas anyone? If you love the wonderful flavors of Mexican cuisine, don't miss this month's Cooking Club. Join us Monday, May 9, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Independence, Inc. training kitchen. We will learn how to make enchiladas from scratch! Reserve your spot at "La Casa de Indy Inc." with Ranita at 841-0333 by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 6.
Quilting/Arts & Crafts Group: Art Car Decorations
On Friday, May 20, 2 - 5 p.m. in the Independence, Inc. parking lot, the Quilting/Arts & Crafts Group will decorate a vehicle for the annual Art Tougeau Parade. If you have questions, contact Ranita at 841-0333.
Peer Support Group Attends the Art Tougeau Parade
Gentlemen, start your engines! It's time for the annual Art Tougeau Parade. The parade consists of anything, and we do mean anything, creatively decorated on wheels. This year the Art Tougeau Parade is on Saturday, May 21 and starts at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire Street. Registration begins at 11 a.m. Parade time is Noon. If you want to be in the parade with the Peer Support Group, please contact Ranita at 841-0333 by Thursday, May 12. The Peer Support Group will sponsor a car decorating party for the parade on Friday, May 20, from 2-5 pm in the Independence, Inc. parking lot. Don't miss out on this FUN event!
The Accessible Self Defense Group
The Accessible Self Defense Group will meet Tuesday, May 3, 10,17, 24 and 31, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. in the large conference room at Independence, Inc. The Accessible Self Defense Group is a training program that teaches ALL people with disabilities defense techniques associated with Martial Arts. Contact Ranita at 841-0333 if you have questions about enrolling in the group.
Accessible Gardening Group
Don't forget your sun block and wicker hats! The Accessible Gardening Group will do a little gardening Monday, May
23, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Please contact Ranita at 841-0333 if you plan to attend.
Accessible Tennis For People With Disabilities
We are interested in starting an "Accessible Tennis Group" for people with disabilities in Lawrence. Tennis rackets and tennis wheelchairs will be provided. Contact Ranita at 841-0333 if you would like to participate.
THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING YOUR FIRST HOME?
Independence, Inc. still has funds available for this year from the City of Lawrence Neighborhood Resources Dept. to provide financial assistance to first time homebuyers with disabilities through the Home Of Your Own Grant (HOYO). This grant must be used in conjunction with the Home Owners Out of Tenants Loan (HOOT Loan) for low to moderate income households purchasing their first home. The HOYO Grant adds up to $15,000 to the HOOT Loan (soon to become the Lawrence Community Land Trust) to be used for down payment, rehabilitation, or accessibility modifications.
To qualify for the loan or for the Land Trust Program you must first complete a few educational requirements. Tenants to Homeowners, Inc. offers a first time homebuyers workshop every odd numbered month on the second Saturday of the month. This workshop is required for the loan. The next scheduled workshop is: Saturday March 12, 9:45 a.m. at the United Way building, 2518 Ridge Court. A pre-purchase counseling session is also necessary for the loan and can be scheduled by calling Tenants to Homeowners, Inc. at 785/842-5494.
Consumer Credit Counseling also offers budget counseling to fulfill the educational prerequisites for the loan. This can be set up by calling 785/749-4224. It is important to remember that the loan requires two years of good bill paying history and two years of steady income.
The HOYO Grant is available to any first time homebuyer who secures a HOOT Loan and has a disability. Applications are available at Independence, Inc. by appointment by calling 785/841-0333.
COPING WITH STRESS MANAGEMENT
The Coping with Stress Management classes are held every Friday, at 12:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc.. For more information call 841-7108, 2 - 6 p.m. and leave a message.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Independence Inc. is seeking volunteers for two programs: Volunteer Peer Counseling and Volunteer Readers for people who are blind.
Volunteer Peer Counselors are people with disabilities who offer their assistance to others with disabilities. They provide advocacy, information, training, and emotional support and serve as role models for others who have disabilities similar to their own.
Volunteer Readers are matched to a person with vision impairment for a weekly visit to read mail and other documents for them.
For more information about these volunteer opportunities, call Susan Mikesic at 841-0333, or e-mail her at
susanm@independenceinc.org
TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free assistance for completing federal and Kansas Individual income tax returns. This program, staffed by KU law students, will provide this service until April 15. Locations and times are listed below.
INDEPENDENCE, INC. HAS NEW STAFF MEMBERS
Independence, Inc. is pleased to announce three additions to our staff:
One of our back-up drivers in our transportation department came on as a full-time driver in March. Ryan Easum is already a loyal member of our transportation department and is a thoughtful and enthusiastic addition to our team.
One of our volunteers, Charlie Ross, has been hired to serve in the capacity of Rural Outreach Specialist. One of our Center's key goals is to continue to improve our outreach in the rural parts of our service area. Charlie is outgoing and very good at talking with people about Independence, Inc. He will be a great asset to Independence, Inc.'s efforts to better serve Douglas, Franklin and Jefferson Counties.
Another of our loyal volunteers, Sharilyn Wells, has been hired to take on the daunting task of keeping us organized. Among her many responsibilities will be maintaining our consumer files, keeping our supplies of brochures stocked and conducting transportation intakes over the phone when the Community Coordinator is out of the office. She is very dedicated to Independence, Inc. and is a hard worker. Sharilyn is a great addition to our staff, and we are all excited that she will help us stay organized.
NEAT NOTES
Northeast Kansas Assistive Technology
Sometimes things just work out. Assistive Technology and the local Red Cross had been working with a young couple in Lawrence who desperately needed funds to acquire a accessible van to transport their young son to medical appointments. They were not having much luck. Then, in an unusual and unexpected moment an individual called wanting to donate an accessible van, with a lift, to someone in need in our community. Assistive Technology and Independence, Inc. teamed up with the person and were able to transfer the van to the family in need.
It isn't often such a successful event takes place and we are happy to have been able to make this happen.
ARO BOARD
The Board of Directors for Accessible Residential Options (ARO) announces that longtime board member and president George Robson has bid farewell to the board after eighteen years of service. George has dedicated years of expertise and devotion to fully accessible housing in Lawrence. Thanks for your great service to the board, George! We will miss you!
TENANTS TO HOMEOWNERS SAYS GOOD-BYE TO ALAN BOWES
Tenants to Homeowners has been a long-time collaborator with Independence, Inc. to increase homeownership for people with disabilities. Director Alan Bowes will be leaving Tenants to Homeowners to take a job in Ashland, Oregon. Alan's dedication to accessible housing and increased homeownership for people with disabilities has been invaluable to the independent living movement in Lawrence.
He assisted Independence, Inc. in forming the Home Of Your Own (HOYO Program). In 1999 he received a Community Access award for developing a policy of Visitability for all housing developed by Tenants to Homeowners. This policy preceded the state enactment of the Visitability law which also mandates that any state funds used for housing development will incorporate structural features that make the home visitable to anyone who uses a wheelchair.
Independence, Inc. formally thanks Alan for his great collaboration and advocacy efforts in creating affordable and accessible homeowner-ship opportunities in Lawrence.
Have a great time in Oregon, Alan!
RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS NEEDED
The Whole Person, Inc. is seeking women with physical disabilities to participate in a study on depression. This research project is part of a national study conducted by Dr. Rosemary Hughes and her research team at the Center for Research on Women with Disabilities at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.
The primary objective of this study is to develop and test the effectiveness of a depression self-management group program for women with physical disabilities who live in rural settings.
All participants will receive $40 for completing the requirements for the group to which they were assigned. The sessions will start the second week of April and end the third week of May. The researchers hope to learn ways to prevent and treat depression experienced by women with disabilities.
For more information please contact Evelyn Harden at 913/262-1294 or toll free 1-877-767-8896 to sign up for this research project.
INDEPENDENCE, INC.'s NEW STRUCTURE
by Tanya Dorf, Executive Director
Independence, Inc. made a big change in our staffing structure at the beginning of this year. We reorganized into two departments: Operations and Programs. This change allows the Center to use its resources more
efficiently and ensure all staff have the support they need. Along with this reorganization came two major promotions.
The new Assistant Director for Programs is Bob Mikesic. Bob has been with Independence, Inc. for 20 years. For the last several years he has served as the Advocacy Coordinator and has gained
recognition around the state as one of the foremost ADA experts. He continues to perform many of his advocacy duties, but also takes on managing the Independent Living Counseling and Independent Living Skills departments.
The new Assistant Director for Operations is Tony Peterson. In nearly 20 years with Independence, Inc. Tony has served in a great many capacities. He is best known for being the person who knows just about everything there is to know about the organization's history and operational structure. He is now managing the finance departments, the administrative and community coordination staff, and the physical plant.
Tony and Bob have always been fantastic assets to Independence, Inc. In their new roles, they provide valuable leadership and knowledgeable support to the organization.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNSELOR
Time: Full Time
Benefits: Health, Life, Dental
Starting Salary: $25,000
Status: Non-exempt
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
The Independent Living Counselor works with people eligible for the Medicaid Home and Community Based Service Waiver for individuals with physical disabilities (HCBS/PD). This position is responsible for evaluating eligibility, plus developing and maintaining plans of care for consumers between the ages of16-64 to direct their own care needs under the Medicaid guidelines regulating these services. The position requires sensitivity to the needs of people with disabilities and knowledge of independent living philosophy. This position also provides information and referral about the other Medicaid Waivers for people who have a developmental disability, head injury, or are frail elderly. The Assistant Director for Programs/Advocacy Coordinator supervises this person.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
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Provide direct consumer services per SRS guidelines on an ongoing basis.
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Serve as point of access for HCBS/PD services or manage HCBS/FE services.
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Assess the consumers' service needs.
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Complete necessary evaluation for eligibility and service needs.
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Develop the consumers' annual plan of care.
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Ensure that consumers have full and unbiased access to services.
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Ensure that the plans of care are cost effective.
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Provide individual advocacy for consumers as necessary to access services.
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Provide service reports in a timely manner.
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Work with HCBS/PASS Specialist on service billings.
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Maintain appropriate interpersonal relationships with staff, peers, and consumers.
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Participate in state-mandated, technical trainings.
OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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A minimum of six months personal experience with a disability as defined in the ADA; or one year experience working with or providing services to people with a variety of disabilities.
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Ability to complete a Certificate of Completion of state-mandated training for the Uniform Assessment Instrument (UAI) that is provided to the IL Counselor in the first month of employment.
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A demonstrated understanding of the Independent Living philosophy.
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Documented outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
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Documented organizational skills.
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Documented problems solving skills.
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Reliable transportation for making home visits on a daily basis.
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Willingness to work flexible hours.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Qualified person with a disability.
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Demonstrated commitment to independent living.
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Demonstrated knowledge of a range of disabilities.
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Bachelor's degree and/or related job experience.
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Counseling experience or peer counseling training.
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Knowledge and experience working with personal computers.
Submit cover letter and resume by Friday, April 15 to:
Carol Hartman
Independence, Inc.
2001 Haskell Avenue
Lawrence, KS 66046
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