Home | Search | Services | Resources | Advocacy |  Consumers |  Employment 
  Newsletter | Computers | Famous | About Us | Contribute | Contact Info

AHEAD OF THE TIMES
VOLUME 21, NUMBER 6 
APRIL, 2001

COME FOR LUNCH!
Consumers of Independence, Inc. are invited to join us for pizza and conversation on Thursday, April 19, noon - 1:30 p.m. at the Center. The topic of discussion will be "How Can Independence, Inc. Serve You Better?" Your opinions are important to us. Don't miss this chance for fun, fellowship, and fine food. 

Space is limited to 25 people so reserve your place today by calling 785/841-0333 or toll free 1-888-824-7277. Deadline for reservations is April 12. 

LOANS AVAILABLE FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND HOME MODIFICATION
The Kansas Assisitve Technology Cooperative (KATCO) is a consumer run financial loan guarantee program established to allow people with disabilities, or members of their families, to borrow money to purchase assistive technology and home modifications. KATCO guarantees loans through the Mid American Credit Union, which is statewide, and the Parsons Credit Union, which is regional.

The KATCO loan guarantee program is highly individualized, and people of all income levels or credit histories are considered. KATCO also works with applicants to determine whether there are other funding sources available for their assistive technology or home modifications.
If you are interested in obtaining a loan, contact your Assistive Technology Regional Access Site at 1-800-KAN-DO-IT, or by contacting: Mary Ellen O'Brien Wright, KATCO, 214 S.W. Sixth, Liberty Building - Suite 205, Topeka, KS 66603; 785-354-8620; mewright@birch.net

TRANSITION COUNCIL RESOURCE FAIR
The Douglas/Jefferson County Transition Council is sponsoring a Resource Fair for people with disabilities and their families on Thursday, April 19, 4 - 7 p.m. at Lawrence High School, 1901 Louisiana.
This is an opportunity for families and other residents of the area to gain first-hand information about available services and service providers. There will be a wide range of community resources represented so families can explore options and gather information to assist them in accessing services and planning for their child's future. Participating agencies will represent services available for individuals from birth to adulthood. Childcare will be available, there will be drawings for door prices, and refreshments will be provided. If you would like more information about the Resource Fair, contact Linda Wildgen at 785/832-5050, e-mail: lwildgen@usd497.org or Sheila Vander Tuig at 785/594-2737, e-mail: svander tuig@hotmail.com

OPEN-CAPTIONED MOVIE CELEBRATION
The Whole Person, Inc., Kansas Association of the Deaf, and Missouri Association of the Deaf are holding the Fifth Open-Captioned Movies Celebration on Saturday, April 21, 2 - 7 p.m. at AMC Studio 30, I-35 and 119th Street, in Olathe. Some of the door prizes are Motorola "2-Way" pagers and TTYs. Tickets are $7 per person and are available by sending your check payable to: The Whole Person, Inc., 301 East Armour Boulevard, Suite 430, Kansas City, MO 64111-1252, Attn: JJ Jones/Deaf Event. For more information contact JONESJCJH@AOL.COM or by calling 816/561-0304 (Voice/TTY)

COOKING CLUB
The Cooking club will meet Monday, April 16, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. and we will have a guest chef. For more information or to R.S.V.P., call Angie or Ranita at 841-0333. Remember to arrange your own transportation. 
The Cooking Club would like to thank Paula McMahon for showing the group how to make a delicious Irish stew last month. Also, mark your calendar for Cooking Club for Monday, May 7, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. when Nancy O'Connor from the Community Mercantile will be our guest chef. 

DRUM CIRCLE
The Drum Circle will meet on Friday, April 27, 4:30 - 6 p.m. in the large conference room at Independence, Inc. Come learn basic drum techniques from a professional drummer. If you have any questions, call Ranita at 841-0333.

PEER SUPPORT GROUP
The annual Art Tougeau art car parade is just around the corner - next month! Last year the group won two awards at the parade. On Monday, April 23, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc., the group will have an art car parade planning meeting to decide on this year's theme. If you would like to decorate a car, wheelchair, or make a banner for the parade then please join us. If you have any questions, call Ranita or Angie at 841-0333.

THERE IS A CHILD WHO NEEDS YOU
We would like to encourage any interested adult to consider volunteering for the Youth Friends program. A YouthFriend is an adult volunteer who works with a school-aged child through the public schools. As a volunteer, you may choose from a variety of duties. You might tutor a child, guide a class project, eat lunch with a child once a week, serve as a role model or an advocate for a child, read to a child, or just chat. 
YouthFriends is currently taking applications for volunteers for the program. When applying for the program, you have the option to express interest in working with a child with a disability, and your experience with disability issues as a skill you wish to bring to the work. 
Potential volunteers are screened, and are asked to attend a brief orientation. Those accepted for the program are asked to work at least one hour per week for at least four weeks. Independence, Inc. is available for advocacy within the program, and will assist with any accessibility accommodations. For example, you may request YouthFriends training materials in Braille through Independence, Inc. 
Contact YouthFriends at 842-5006 or Susan Mikesic at 841-0333 for more information. To have an application mailed to you, or for assistance in filling out an application, call Susan.

ADVOCATING FOR HEALTH CARE FOR THE UNINSURED
Come hear Nikki Rhea, Executive Director of Health Care Access, speak about the Douglas County Access to Health Care Task Force at Independence, Inc. on Tuesday, April 24 at 11 a.m. Call Susan at 841-0333 for more information or to request an accommodation.

ABILITY AWARENESS PUBLIC FORUM: YOU CAN HELP
Have you fought a battle with an insurance company? Are you willing to share your experience with other health care consumers? If so, we need your help!
We are planning an Ability Awareness Public Forum on the topic of "Fighting to Win with your Insurance Company," Wednesday, May 9, 7 - 9 p.m. in the Independence, Inc. Conference Room. We hope to assemble a panel of consumers to discuss their personal triumphs and frustrations in advocating for their health care rights. The forum will be an opportunity for panelists and audience members to share information about resources and strategies for fighting a good fight. If you are willing to be a speaker for the event, call Susan or Ranita at 841-0333.

SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES
The Ethel Louise Armstrong (ELA) Foundation has announced its annual scholarship for women with disabilities who are pursuing a graduate degree at any college or university in the United States. The application procedure and form can be found on the ELA website at www.ela.org under Grants/Scholarships. All applications must be received by June 15, 2001.
Two scholarships worth $2000 will be awarded in August, 2001. Scholarship money is contingent upon the winner's acceptance to or continuation in an accredited college or university graduate school program and will be made payable to the educational institution for tuition.
Additional information on the ELA Foundation can be found on the website or by contacting: Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation; 2460 North Lake Ave.; PMB #128; Altadena, CA 91001 626/398-8840 voice, 626/398-8843 fax

TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AVAILABLE
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program gives people who are on a low or limited income, are elderly or have a disability free assistance with their income tax, food sales tax, and Homestead applications. The program will be available at Ballard Center, Penn House, Salvation Army, Resident Services, and KU at various dates and times and will continue until April 15. For more information contact ECKAN at 841-3357 or one of the other participating agencies.

LOAN BANK NEWS
Thanks to all of you who responded to the reminders sent about items we've loaned you from our Durable Medical Equipment Loan Bank. We appreciate your response and are thankful to get items back to the Loan Bank so we can loan them to others in need.
We have recently had large donations of consumable items to our Durable Medical Equipment Loan bank. If you are in need of any of the following items, please call Assistive Technology at 841-0333 or 1-800-526-3648. 

Adult disposable diapers (large only)
Rubber gloves 
Prosthetic sheaths
Skin prep pads 
Tape remover pads
Foam wheelchair pads 
Ensure
Nebulizer hoses with mouthpiece

Please be considerate in the amount of consumables you request and how often you request them. We need to make sure there is enough for everyone. Thank you.

PAIN MANAGEMENT CLASSES
The Coping with Pain 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.

BORED AND BROKE
There are plenty of events around town this month to keep you busy so take advantage! Best of all, every one of these events are free! If you have any questions you may call Susan or Elise at Independence, Inc, 841-0333.

The Best of Frank Capra Film Series
For you film buffs, there are several dates that you can go catch a Frank Capra film at the Lawrence Public Library. The dates are April 6, 13, 20, and 27, and all showings begin at 7:00 p.m. Due to licensing requirements, the titles of the movies cannot be printed, so you'll need to call the library (843-3833) for the film schedule. 

Kansas Archaeology Week, April 1-7
Discover the treasures and history that lie beneath our feet and all around us that teach us about how life used to be. Visit the Kansas Archaeology Week exhibit at the Anthropology Museum, Spooner Hall, on the KU Campus. Times are Monday - Saturday 9-5, Sunday 1-5. Call 865-4245 for details. 

KU Jazz Combos I-IV
The spring recital by the University of Kansas top four jazz combos will take place at Swarthout Recital Hall, Murphy Hall, on the K.U. Campus on Tuesday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. Call 864-3436 for details.
Metaphor and Irony Exhibit

"Czech Scenic and Costume Designs from 1920 to 1999" opens April 12 and runs through June 3 at Spencer Museum of Art on the K.U. campus. This exhibit celebrates the Czech innovations and avant-garde stage designs of the earlier part of the century and their exciting manifestations in contemporary set designs. Hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thursday until 9 p.m., and Sunday noon - 5 p.m. Call 864-4710 for details.

21st Annual Museum Day
There will be special activities and displays at the University of Kansas' 21st Annual Museum Day. Visit the Art, Natural History, and Anthropology Museums on Sunday, April 15, 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Call 865-4450 if you have questions.

Choral Concert
Two K.U. choral ensembles, Melimelomane and the Women's Chorale, will perform a joint concert Monday, April 16, 7:30 p.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont. Call 864-3436 for details.

University of Kansas Choral Concert
Doctoral Student Mitos Cox will conduct the Collegium Musicum, Men's Glee Club, and University Singers on Tuesday, April 17, 7:30 p.m. at St. John's Catholic Church, 1234 Kentucky. Call 864-3436 with questions.

North America Indian Beadwork
This exhibit will present some of the extraordinary examples of North American Indian beadwork from the collections of the Museum of Anthropology. This exhibit can be viewed April 21 through August 5 at the Anthropology Museum, Spooner Hall, on the K.U. campus 9 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday - Saturday, and Sunday 1 - 5 p.m. 

Mixed Bag Celtic and Jazz
Russ Kapp will play a return concert, accompanying himself on guitar, accordian, and other musical instruments. This concert will take place at the Lawrence Public Library Auditorium on Sunday, April 22 at 2:30 p.m. Call 843-3833.

10th Annual Baker Wetlands Field Day
The public is invited to an old-fashioned field trip to explore the wonders of the Wetlands. Participants may drive, bike, or walk through the area and view educational displays and exhibits. The wetlands are located on 31st Street between Louisiana and Haskell. You may visit 2 - 4 p.m. on April 29. Call 594-3172 with any questions. 

Enjoy these events. As always, please let us know if you attend any of them, and what you thought!

WORKFORCE CENTER ON THE MOVE
An assistive technology workstation will be a new feature of the Lawrence Workforce Center when it moves to its new location in early April. The old Job Service at 833 Ohio will move its office, along with other Workforce partners, to 2540 Iowa, Suite R. The new workforce site is at the south end of the Tower Plaza at 26th and Iowa. The new facility will have multimedia resource stations available with expanded training space to better serve both jobseekers and employers of the community.
Featured in the assistive tech area will be an Intel PIII processor with a 21-inch screen for Internet access and other programs including resume writing software. It will have a close circuit camera with a Hewlett Packard scanner, and two screen readers, Openbook 5.0 and Zoom Text level 2.
The one-stop goal of the Workforce Center is to provide all the information, technology and services businesses need to thrive and job seekers need to achieve successful careers. In addition to the Kansas Department of Human Resources, other partners include Heartland Works, Kansas Legal Services, Goodwill Industries, the Older Kansans Employment Program, and Social and Rehabilitation Services.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call 840-9675.

COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER NEWS
by Bernard Droste
Beginning May 1, in addition to normal, one- on-one tutorial work, the Computer Learning Center will be offering two computer classes that will last for eight weeks. Introduction to Computers will be taught Tuesday through Friday at 9:30 a.m. and Internet Here and Now will be taught Tuesday through Friday at 2:30 p.m. Students who are interested in the Internet class should know how to manage files and data or have completed the Introduction class. Students may sign up on April 18-20. Call 785/841-0333 to enroll, but please remember class size is limited. If more than ten people sign up for a class, a drawing will be held to determine who will be able to attend the class. So if you wish to expand your technical horizons, or if you have questions, please call.
Consumers should also be aware that on Thursday, May 3, the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce will be conducting its annual Employment Expo at the Lawrence Holiday Inn/Holidome from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. On this day, the Lawrence Transit System could drop you at the door, you can have your resume critiqued, and you visit with various employment professionals. Even if you are not currently seeking employment, this would be an excellent opportunity to begin your employment and networking activities. In short, this is an opportunity for potential employees to meet employers. The Lawrence business community is concerned about workforce availability. Here is a chance to present yourself and learn about the employment market. Don't miss this opportunity.

FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER AND POVERTY
The Pelathe Community Resource Center, located at 15th and Haskell is offering a subsidized food program for the elderly and the homebound (subject to income verification). Other services offered are utility and social work referrals, counseling, fresh bread every day, and fresh vegetables from the garden. Center hours are Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Bread distribution is Monday - Friday, 9:30 - 4 p.m. Food pantry available Monday - Thursday and Saturday. 
The Center is also looking for caring and hard working volunteers. If you are interested contact Dave Cade at 841-7202.

LEARNING DISABILITIES GROUP
A support group for people with learning disabilities will be held Wednesday, April 11, May 9 and 23, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc.

FOR SALE: Four-wheel walker with seat. $75. For details call the Assistive Technology Department at 841-0333 or 1-800-KAN-DO-IT and ask for Elise.