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Ahead of the Times
Volume 22, Number 7
April, 2002

CALL FOR CONTINUING LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY 
Much of this article was based on information from the Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas, Inc., Shannon Jones; and KACIL CEO, Gina McDonald, who we thank for their leadership in these ongoing efforts.

The big issue is still the state's budget deficit that started out to be around 500 million and now appears to be $698 million. As Gina McDonald, Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living CEO stated, "The only good part to all this is it will be almost impossible [for Kansas Legislators] to find that much money in current spending, so revenue enhancements are more likely to be considered. That does not mean however that they won't cut programs." 

It's clear we must continue to advocate for revenue enhancements to ensure the health and safety of Kansans who rely on services from Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) and the Department of Aging. Throughout April the State Legislature will continue to struggle with the budget shortfall. Major funding decisions will probably be made in late April.

Please continue to contact your State Representative and Senator during the month of April. 

• Tell them how deep cuts in the SRS and Department of Aging budget will affect your life. That you are willing to pay additional tax dollars in order to protect the State's most vulnerable citizens from unfair budget cuts. 
• Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper to help the general public understand the enormity of the problem. This will help legislators that support revenue enhancements, and it will educate those that do not.
• Some issues to address:

1. The Home and Community Based Services programs most in jeopardy are the Physical Disabilities (PD) Waiver and Frail Elderly (FE) Waivers. Both provide personal assistance to people with disabilities, enabling them to continue living in their own homes in the community. $2.5 million is needed to fund the PD Waiver waiting list. As people wait for services their conditions deteriorate. By not funding the waiting list many people will either die at home or go to the most costly form of long term care, a nursing facility. 
   
   
2. Implement the Medicaid Buy-in or working Healthy Program by July 1. The Working Healthy, Medicaid Buy-In Program would allow Kansans with disabilities to work and still maintain their health care coverage. Without this program, people are destined for a life of poverty and dependency. This program is a solid long term investment to enable people to leave entitlement programs and go to work.
   
   SRS is proposing using funds from the PD Waiver to fund the Working Healthy program. This is unacceptable! This would put more pressure on HCBS services and cause waiting lists to grow.
   
   
3. Oppose any increase in co-pay for pharmaceuticals. Many people live on fixed incomes of $500 a month and simply do not have the money to pay more for prescriptions. If pharmacists are expected to cover this proposed increase, it is highly likely these providers will no longer serve Medicaid customers. 
   
   
4. Support SB 319. This bill would ensure that any person eligible for admission to a nursing facility or any other publicly funded institution would be given the choice to receive appropriate services in their homes, in the most integrated setting in the community appropriate for the needs of such person. The purpose of the bill is to codify in state law the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements defined by the U.S. Supreme Court in their landmark Olmstead decision.
   
   
5. On January 2, 2002 attendant (personal assistant) wages in the PD Waiver were reduced by nearly $1 per hour ($1.8 million). Any further reductions to the PD Waiver will seriously limit people's ability to hire and retain qualified attendant services. Ask that the $1.8 million in cuts be reinstated for fiscal year 2003. 
   
   
6. Ask Senators to Support HB 2020 without any amendments. This bill would require five basic accessibility or "visit-ability" features in newly constructed single family, duplex and triplex housing units that are built using public financial assistance. HB 2020 would begin to counteract the isolation many people with disabilities face when we are unable to visit family and friends who live in inaccessible houses. It would also expand our housing choices.
   
   The five basic features required by HB 2020 are: an accessible entrance; wide doorways throughout the interior; an accessible route throughout the main floor; reinforcement of bathroom walls for future installation of grab bars; and accessible locations for light switches, electrical outlets and other environmental controls.

Hearings were held in the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs on February 20. We urge the committee to act favorably on this bill, so it can be voted on by the entire Senate. HB 2020 passed in the House last year, so this year it only needs to pass in the Senate.

Thanks for your continuing efforts that will make a difference. If you have questions or would like more information contact Bob Mikesic or Jennifer Schwartz, 841-0333; 1-888-824-7277.

Kansas Legislators - 

Douglas County

Rep. Barbara Ballard (District 44)
State Capitol, Room 272-W
Topeka, KS 66612 Phone: 785/296-7650 
ballard@house.state.ks.us

Rep. Tom Sloan (District 45) 
State Capitol, Room 446-N
Topeka, KS 66612 Phone: 785/296-7677 
sloan@house.state.ks.us

Rep. Troy Findley (District 46)
State Capitol, Room 302-S
Topeka, KS 66612 Phone: 785/296-7686 
findley@house.state.ks.us 

Rep. Ralph Tanner (District 10)
Capitol Office:
State Capitol, Room 426-S
Topeka, KS 66612 Phone: 785/296-7654 
tanner@house.state.ks.us

Sen. Sandy Praeger (District 2)
State Capitol, Room 255-E
Topeka, KS 66612 Phone: 785/296-7364 
praeger@senate.state.ks.us 

Sen. Anthony Hensley (District 19)
State Capitol, Room 347-N
Topeka, KS 66612 Phone: 785/296-3245 
hensley@senate.state.ks.us 

Jefferson County

Rep. Gerald Henry (District 48)
State Capitol, Room 284-W
Topeka, KS 66612 Phone: 785/296-7688 
henry@house.state.ks.us 

Senator Bob Lyon (District 3)
State Capitol, Room 143-N
Topeka, KS 66612 Phone: 785/296-7372 
lyon@senate.state.ks.us 

Rep. Lee Tafanelli (District 47)
State Capitol, Room 175-W
Topeka, KS 66612 Phone: 785/296-7698 
tafanelli@house.state.ks.us 

Franklin County

Rep. Bill Feuerborn (District 5)
State Capitol, Room 273-W
Topeka, KS 66612 Phone: 785/296-7697 
feureborn@house.state.ks.us 

Rep. Ralph Tanner (District 10)
State Capitol, Room 426-S
Topeka, KS 66612 Phone: 785/296-7654 
tanner@house.state.ks.us 

Senator Robert Tyson (District 12)
State Capitol, Room 128-S
Topeka, KS 66612 Phone: 785/296-7380 
tyson@senate.state.ks.us

COOKING CLUB CELEBRATES TRADITIONAL JEWISH COOKING
Come experience the history and tradition of a Jewish Seder meal on Monday, April 8, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. A representative from KU's Hillel House will teach members of the Cooking Club how to prepare two recipes associated with the Seder meal. This is a great opportunity to learn about another culture and experience wonderful food at the same time. RSVP with Ranita at 841-0333 by Noon, April 8 and feel free to bring a friend. A warm thank you to Carol Boggs, our guest chef last month.

PEER SUPPORT GROUP IS GOING TO THE PARADE
It was so much fun the last time we have to do it again! Get out your spray paint and glitter the Peer Support Group is participating in the Art Car Parade in May. The Art Car Parade is an annual event that consists of anything on wheels (wheelchairs included) that has been "creatively" decorated. This year our wonderful Mr. Jeff (AT department) has volunteered his pickup to be decorated by our talented little hands. If you are interested in creating decorations for the parade and decorating Jeff's truck, then join us on Monday, April 29, noon - 3 p.m. at the Center for a decorating party. We will have refreshments to inspire your creativity. If you have any materials that you would like to donate, please do. Art Car Parade 2002 will take place on Saturday, May 3 [Note: As of press time, organizers had not yet determined if there will be a parade this year]. For more information, contact Ranita at 841-0333. For the Art Car Parade in 2000, the Peer Support Group took home two wonderful trophies let's have another repeat!!

QUILTING/ARTS AND CRAFTS GROUP
The Quilting/Arts & Crafts group will meet April 1 and April 15 from 1-3 p.m. in the large conference room. Ms. Wanda will teach the group how to make bandana necklaces, colorful spring flowers and jewelry made out of various odds-n-ends. Refreshments will be served. Questions? Call Ranita at 841-0333.

SAUDI CULTURE AND "THE VEIL"
Please join us on Monday, April 22, 11 a.m. in the Independence, Inc. conference room, when Jehan Faisal will speak about women in Saudi culture and "the veil" that Muslim women wear. 

For further information about the presentation or to request an accommodation, contact Susan Mikesic at 841-0333, toll-free at 1-888-824-7277. 

Please remember that Independence, Inc. is a scent-free zone and refrain from wearing perfumes and other scented products when visiting our center. 

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: Omega 1000 Juicer, like new, used only 5 times, works great, ten year warranty. $100 or best offer. E-mail: spragues@kcnet.com 

MAGNET - MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP
Friday, April 26, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. For more information contact Tim at 841-0333.

BORED AND BROKE
Check out these free and fun events around Lawrence this month! 

LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
7th and Vermont, 843-3833

• Betty's Children
  April 1 - 30: Elizabeth Milliken, with her daughter Nancy Hubble's assistance, will exhibit her small sculptures and artwork. 
• Art By Douglas County Preschoolers
  April 1 - 30: Sponsored by Douglas County Child Development Association, this exhibit features artwork by the very young.
• Steinbeck Film Series (All begin at 7 p.m.)
  Films based on novels by John Steinbeck
  April 5: "Of Mice and Men" (1939) 
  April 12: "The Grapes of Wrath" (1940) 
  April 19: "Tortilla Flat" (1942) 
  April 26: "East of Eden" (1955)
• Rick Bruner in Concert
  April 21, 2:30 p.m. Rick Bruner, vocalist and instrumentalist, returns for a second performance of Celtic and contemporary music. 
• Poetry Reading
  April 30, 7:30 p.m. Serena Alison Hearn and Gary Lechliter will read from their newly published poetry collections. Book signing to follow. 

EVENTS AT SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART 
     University of Kansas, 864-4710

• Tour du Jour (All begin at 12:15 p.m.)
  April 4, "Western Art in Contemporary Ceramics East and West." 
  April 11, "Goltzius and the Third Dimension." 
  April 18, "Amish Quilts 1880 to 1940 from Collection of Faith and Stephen Brown." 
  April 25, "Contemporary Women Artists: Lesley Dill, Elizabeth Murray, Renee Stout." 
• Amish Quilt Exhibition
  April 13 - June 30, "Amish Quilts 1880 to 1940 from the Collection of Faith & Stephen Brown" Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Thurs. until 9 p.m.; Sun. Noon - 5 p.m.

LAWRENCE ARTS CENTER DEDICATION 
Visit the new Lawrence Arts Center this for a public open house and dedication. Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m., 940 New Hampshire

BONES TO FLESH: RECONSTRUCTION US AND THEM
Lecture series in conjunction with the exhibit "Early us (and Them) in Africa." John Gurche, internationally acclaimed artist of prehistoric reconstructions, will discuss his method and theory in recreating prehistoric hominids. Anthropology Museum, Spooner Hall, KU Campus, April 17, 7 p.m.

LECTURE BY HENRY SHUE
Henry Shue, professor of ethics and public life at Cornell University, will present "Climate Change, Sustainable Development and International Justice." April 10, 7:30 p.m., Alderson Auditorium, Kansas Union. 864-4798.

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MUSEUM DAY
You are invited to a very special event to celebrate the annual campus-wide Museum Day on April 21. Everyone will have fun and enjoy special activities and displays at the Anthropology, Art, and Natural History Museums Call 785-864-4245 for times. www.ukans.edu/~kuma

THE PERILS OF BEING BIPEDAL
Lecture series in conjunction with the exhibit "Early us (and Them) in Africa." Bruce Latimer, of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, will review evidence for bipedalism from bones to footprints. Anthropology Museum, Spooner Hall, KU Campus, April 24, 7 p.m., 864-4245.

GALILEO'S RECONCILIATION: 
SCIENCE AND FAITH
Dava Sobel, author of "Longitude" and "Galileo's Daughter." Ballroom, Kansas Union, KU Campus. April 25, 7:30 p.m. 864-4798.

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THE MORE THE MERRIER!
The Computer Learning Center's new method of scheduling computer training classes has been very successful. Instead of teaching computer basics over an entire semester, which meant that if you didn't start at the beginning you had to wait months to get in, we've been teaching monthly series. 

For example, Introduction to Computers is a four week course that is taught every month. Graduates can then, if they want, move right into an Introduction to Word class that utilizes the skills they just learned and applies them to word processing, one of the most common and desirable computer skills for people hoping for office-type employment or just wanting to email their friends or create a family genealogy. Interested students can also take Excel and Access.

We also teach smaller two to four day classes for people just interested in something a little special. For example, this semester we've taught Tweaking Your Photos and Windows Maintenance and Troubleshooting for the "non-expert." A class on PowerPoint is coming up on April 24. 

If you are interested in learning more about our classes or would like to sign up, please give us a call, at 841-0333, drop us a line, send us an email, or register online at http://independenceinc.org/forms.html

CHANGE ON ANNUAL SOCIAL SECURITY STATEMENTS
Identity theft has become one of the most frequent crimes in this country and a thief's main tools are having your social security number and date of birth. Armed with those two items of information, an identity thief can obtain credit cards, open bank accounts, and otherwise damage your personal affairs. The damage can run into enormous amounts of money and could take you years to get your identity restored. 

As you are probably already aware of, each year the Social Security Administration sends you a statement listing your earnings record and estimates your future benefits. On your next statement, you will find something missing. To do its part in protecting your identity, the SSA will drop the first five digits of your social security number on your annual statement. 

This statement is a valuable tool to help you plan for your financial future, so be sure to read your statement carefully and check to make sure that you earnings and date of birth are accurate. Keep these statements on file with your social security card in a secure location.

If you feel you have been the possible victim of identity theft and/or credit fraud, alert the three major credit bureaus of your concern as well as the SSA. Contact information is below.

• Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
• Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
• Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
• Social Security (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

HOUSING NEWS
Are you tired of throwing away your money on rent every month? Are you ready to move on to homeownership? The Independence, Inc. Home Of Your Own (HOYO) program can help. 

HOYO collaborates with Tenants to Home-owners, Inc. and Consumer Credit Counseling to make first-time homeownership accessible to people with disabilities. Tenants to Homeowners offers a first-time homebuyers education class on the second Saturday of every odd numbered month and Consumer Credit Counseling offers a free budget counseling session to potential home-buyers. Participating in both of these services fulfills requirements for first time homebuyer education required by the Home Owners Out of Tenants loan (HOOT). 

The HOOT loan is designed for low to moderate income first-time homebuyers, and it includes subsidy for rehabilitation and down payment. People with disabilities who qualify for the HOOT loan are also eligible for the Independence, Inc. HOYO Grant. This grant can provide up to $15,000 per household for people with disabilities who need the funds for additional rehabilitation, accessibility modifications, and down payment. Also Federal Home Loan Bank lenders may be able to access an additional $4000 for people with disabilities using the HOOT loan. It's a great time to purchase your first home with these resources. 

For more information about the HOYO Grant please contact Kelly Nightengale at 841-0333. For information about Tenants to Homeowners, Inc. or to set up a pre-purchase counseling appointment, call 842-5494. For an appointment with Consumer Credit Counseling call 749-4224. 

NATIONAL VIDEO CONFERENCE 
Independence, Inc. and the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning, Division of Adult Studies, invite you to participate in a live national video conference for faculty, administrators, professional staff, service personnel, and students, entitled "Improving the Quality of Education for Students with Disabilities: A Shared Responsibility," sponsored by the Ohio State University Partnership Grant and affiliates. The conference will be held Thursday, April 25, 2 - 4 p.m. in the Frontier Room of the Burge Union, located on the University of Kansas campus. 

This video conference will show how effective collaboration among administrators, faculty, and staff addresses diversity and disability issues in a cost-effective and meaningful way that improves learning for all students. Useful strategies and examples of how to foster collaboration at your own campus with minimal cost and maximum benefit will be provided, addressing such critical issues as institutional commitment to diversity and disability awareness, the accommodations process, the teaching-learning climate, and the growing role of technology in accessible education. 

The Ohio State University Partnership Grant is a federally funded initiative that creates and maintains active partnerships among The Ohio State University departments, two-year community colleges, and collaborators at national, regional, and local levels. The primary objective of these partnerships is to enhance the post-secondary experience for students with disabilities, working for greater educational access and understanding of the accommodations process through knowledge and practice. This teleconference is a culmination of best practices and knowledge obtained since the Grant's inception.

Registration/Cost: 
Please register by contacting Noelle Kurth, Project Coordinator, University of Kansas, CRL, Division of Adult Studies by Friday, April 19 at 785/ 864-7085 or email pixie@ku.edu There is no cost for attending. Refreshments will be provided. 

Accommodations:
The satellite broadcast will be open-captioned and the associated web pages provide material in an accessible format. To request a sign language interpreter, material in an alternate format, or other accommodation for a disability please contact Bob Mikesic at 785/841-0333 (V&TTY), bobm@independenceinc.org

Early requests are encouraged, a week will generally allow us to provide seamless access.

Speakers Include:

• William "Brit" Kirwan, President, Ohio State University 
• Ed Ray, Provost, Office of Academic Affairs 
• Martha Garland, Vice Provost, Office for Undergraduates Studies, Office of Academic Affairs
• Ann Yurcisin, Director of the Office for Disability Services & Co-Project Director of Ohio State University Partnership Grant
• L. Scott Lissner, University ADA Coordinator, ADA Coordinator's Office
• Margo Izzo, Co-Project Director of Ohio State University Partnership Grant
• Steve Acker, Director, Technology Enhanced Learning & Research
• Brenda Brueggemann, Associate Professor, Dept. of English
• John Parson, Professor & Vice Chair, Dept. of Chemistry 
• Linda Schoen, Coordinator Academic Advisor, Dept. of Psychology
• Alan Kalish, Director, Faculty & TA Development 
• Jan Macian, Program Specialist, Dept. of Spanish & Portuguese
• Lois Burke, Counselor, Office for Disability Services
• Students with Disabilities

Sponsors: 

• The OSU Partnership Grant
• Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD) 
• HEATH Resource Center at George Washington University 
• The National Center for the Study of Post-secondary Educational Supports, University of Hawaii 
• Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education (POD)

TAX HELP AVAILABLE
The VITA Program is a volunteer program to help people who are on a low or limited income, people who are elderly, or have a disability with their Income Tax, Food Sales Tax, and Homestead applications. This program is free of charge and ends April 15. Assistance is available at the following sites:

• Ballard Center Thursdays
  708 Elm 3 - 5 p.m.
  842-0729
• Penn House Tuesdays
  1035 Pennsylvania 9 - 11 a.m.
  842-0440 1 - 3 p.m.
• Resident Services Thursdays
  1600 Haskell, #169 5 - 7 p.m.
  842-1533
• Salvation Army Wednesdays
  946 New Hampshire 3 - 5 p.m.
  843-4188
• University of Kansas Mondays
  Green Hall Law School 2:30 - 5 p.m.
• Court Room Saturdays
  9 a.m. - Noon

COMPLETE A SURVEY AND GET SOMETHING BACK
Cast your vote! Do you participate in your community? Do barriers keep you from participating as much as you'd like? We want to hear from you! Please go to the website listed below to complete a survey regarding community participation of people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. We'll send you a free copy of our award-winning advocacy tool if you respond promptly.
http://www.rtcfpil.org/survey.htm

For more info, or to obtain a paper copy of the survey, call 1-800-255-3555 and ask about the R-One survey.

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
• Sodium Chloride Irrigation and Inhalation Solution
• Suction catheters and kits
• Urostomy pouches (please call for sizes)
• Bed pads (chux)
• Adult and children's diapers (all sizes now)
• Feminine Bladder Control Pads
• Blood pressure monitoring kits
• Latex gloves
  
  We can also always use donations of supplies and durable medical equipment. Keep us in mind if you are cleaning out your garage or basement and have equipment to dispose. If you know a group or organization that would like to help obtain 'give away' items, contact our office.
  
  We continue to stock in the Loan Bank a variety of walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, commodes, risers, benches, and other durable medical equipment which can be checked out on loan for a 30 day period. If you have any questions about the Loan Bank or Assistive Technology, please call Jeff, Karen or Jim at Independence, Inc. Assistive Technology, 785/841-0333.

COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER CLASSES
Enroll now for classes in the Independence, Inc. Computer Learning Center. For more information contact us at 785/841-0333, 1-888-824-7277, e-mail webmaster@independenceinc.org or visit our website at http://independenceinc.org