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AHEAD OF THE TIMES
Volume 21, Number 11
August, 2001

CHANGES AT THE CLC
In order to better serve our consumers, make the most efficient use of our resources, and increase employment potential, the Computer Learning Center (CLC) is expanding its training opportunities, effective Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

We have created two training paths as well as an overview curriculum designed to let people know what topics we'll be covering in our various courses. Too often people will sign up for a class without any idea of what they'll learn, only to find that they aren't interested or don't have the necessary skills. The overviews will generally not be hands-on but will give examples to guide consumers in making informed training choices.

The overviews will cover such broad topics as Microsoft Office, Computer Graphics/Desktop Publishing, Web Design; and PC Troubleshooting and Repair. Each Overview component will generally last one hour and will meet twice a week for one to two weeks. For example, the Microsoft Office Overview will spend one hour each on Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint and will meet either on a Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday for two weeks.

Classes in the two training paths may be longer and will be hands-on. One path is called "I'd Like to Learn..." for those people interested in learning computer skills for personal use or who would like eventually to use their new skills in the work force but are not yet comfortable with a more structured, intensive program. Similar to classes we've given before but broken into smaller sessions, we hope to let people quickly learn what they want, rather than having to wait until the start of a new semester. Class registration is on a first-come first-served basis.

Among the many classes to be offered in the future are:

• I'd Like to Learn . . . 
• Email
• How to surf the web
• Computer basics
• Word
• About spreadsheets
• How to make a web page
• Computer graphics

The second path is our Vocational Certification Program. This path is for people who are serious about training for employment, are self-motivated, and are ready to make the time and learning commitments necessary to be successful. They must also be serious about entering or returning to the workforce as soon as possible. 

The vocational classes will be limited in size and will move at a fairly rapid pace. Additional one-on-one assistance will be available. However, attendance, prerequisites and assignment requirements will be enforced. Acceptance into the Vocational Certification Program is not first- come first-served but rather is application based. Applications will be available at Independence, Inc. by Monday, August 13.

This fall the two Certification Programs being offered are :

• A+ Certification Training
  One hour, Tuesday - Friday for 10 weeks
  Class size limited to 12.
  You will learn PC maintenance, troubleshooting and repair, basic networking, and take sample A+ tests. At the end of the course you will have attained the competency of an entry-level service technician and be ready to take your official A+ certification test. This test may be taken online or at a certified testing site - there are several in Topeka. Currently the fee for the exam is $128. Please Note: this is not an Independence, Inc. charge.
  
  Prerequisites: PC Troubleshooting and Repair Overview; Introduction to Computer Basics, or permission of instructor.
  
  
• Office Assistant I Certification 
  One hour, Tuesday - Friday for 12 weeks
  Class size limited to 9.
  You will learn Word and Excel to an intermediate/advanced level, Access to a beginning/intermediate level, and beginning PowerPoint as well as beginning/intermediate QuickBooks and the Outlook email system. You will also learn to use various office equipment such as fax, photocopier, and telephone switchboard. Instruction on Type Tutor is also available.
  
  Prerequisites: Microsoft Office Overview; Introduction to Computer Basics, or permission of instructor. 

Classes will be scheduled:
Tuesday - Friday    9 - 10 a.m., 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., and 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Computer Lab "Open Use" Hours Will Change
Due to the new curriculum, the open use hours of the CLC will change effective Tuesday, September 11, 2001. 

Open Use Hours 
The Lab will be open to all consumers
Monday : Closed
Tuesday: 11:30 - 2:30; 3:30 - 5
Wednesday: 11:30 - 2:30; 3:30 - 7:30
Thursday : 11:30 - 2:30; 3:30 - 5
Friday: 11:30 - 2:30; 3:30 - 5
Saturday: Closed 
Sunday: Closed

For more information contact the Center at 841-0333.

COOKING CLUB
Cooking club will meet Monday, August 13 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. Nola Mayhugh will be the guest chef for August. RSVP with Ranita by 5 p.m., Friday August 10 at 841-0333. We would like to thank last month's chef, Colleen Fry, for showing the group how to make delicious pizza pies.

PEER SUPPORT GROUP AND DRUM CIRCLE FIELD TRIP TO KANSAS CITY
Peer Support Group and the Drum Circle members are taking a field trip to Kansas City's Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on Saturday, August 25, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Independence, Inc. will provide transportation to and from Kansas City. The bus will leave from Independence, Inc. at 11:00 a.m. sharp. Independence, Inc. will not pick you up from your home. You are responsible for getting yourself to the Center. There is no admission charge for the museum. For food you may want to bring at least $8 or your own brown bag lunch. RSVP by Friday, August 17. If you have questions call Ranita at 841-0333.

DRUM CIRCLE REMINDER
Since members of the Drum Circle will be attending the Nelson-Atkins Museum, there will not be a jam session this month. The Drum Circle will resume its regular jam sessions next month. If you have any questions, please call Ranita at 841-0333

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.

LOAN BANK NEWS
As always, we are here to serve your Durable Medical Equipment needs! Don't forget that we can lend items for 30-90 days for you to try before you buy or use for short-term recovery from surgery, etc. If you have items checked out that are past due, please be sure to return them or call us for an extension. 

The Loan Bank is currently well-stocked on consumable items such as adult diapers and disposable bed pads. You may remember that we had to start limiting the number of times in a year that consumable items could be taken from the Loan Bank, however, due to our fortune in receiving donations, we can give more generously when you request consumable items. Please call the AT Staff at 841-0333 if you are in need of consumable items.

We are also in need of volunteers to help us straighten up around the Loan Bank. If you or someone you know is in the mood to clean, stock, and organize, please call us at 841-0333 and we will see about putting you to work!

BORED AND BROKE
Most of the events around Lawrence this month are centered on observing the 138th Anniversary of Quantrill's Raid on August 21, 1863 as well as commemorating the Civil War era. Listed are the events that are of no charge to the community. Call Susan or Elise at Independence, Inc. 841-0333 if you have any questions. The information provided in this article comes courtesy of www.VisitLawrence.com

• Women and Their Civil War Quilts
  This Exhibit consists of panels with illustrations on text exploring the turbulent times in Kansas during the Civil War period, highlighting the injustices of slavery, nursing the sick, and aiding those fleeing on the Underground Railroad. Watkins Museum, 11th and Massachusetts. August 1 - October 31. Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sundays 1:30 - 4 p.m. Call 841-4109 for details.
• Lawrence: Free State Fortress
  This 25-minute docudrama showcases Lawrence's history from settlement through Quantrill's Raid. The film is shown daily at the Lawrence Visitors Information Center, 402 North 2nd, August 11 - 22, Monday - Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call 865-4499 for details.
• Civil War Valor in Stone and Bronze
  After the Civil War, Union veterans migrated to Kansas by the thousands. Dozens of statues, cannons, and monuments were raised to honor their courage and sacrifice. Randall M. Theis, archeologist, will give a slide/lecture presentation at the Lawrence Public Library, 7th & Vermont, August 14, 7 p.m. Call 843-3833 for details.
• Bullets or Beans? Civil War Medicine
  Dr. Herschel Stroud and Jacqueline Stroud return with their popular and educational "Bullets or Beans; which is best? Civil War Medicine; cursed or blest?" Their fully-costumed reenactment is accompanied by their collection of authentic surgical tools. The presentation/performance will take place at the Lawrence Public Library, 7th & Vermont, August 16, at 7:00p.m. There is no charge. Call 843-3833 for details.
• Ride with the Devil
  View this Ang Lee film of three friends who are avid supporters of the Confederate cause, pledge their allegiance to the South by killing unsuspecting Union soldiers. Rated "R" for graphic war violence. You can view this film at the Lawrence Visitor Information Center, 402 North 2nd. August 17 - 19, Friday - Saturday 9 a.m., Noon, and 3 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. Call 865-4499 for details. 
• Spinning and Weaving Demonstration
  Fiber artist, Regina Shaver, will demonstrate spinning and weaving, activities that were in wide use during the Civil War Period at the Watkins Museum, 11th and Massachusetts, August 17, 2 - 4 p.m. Call 841-4109 for details.
• Untold Stories of Quantrill's Raid
  Events relating to Quantrill's Raid will be told through photos and narratives by local citizens in the rural Wakarusa Valley at the Watkins Museum, 11th and Massachusetts, August 19, 2 p.m. Call 785-748-9836 for details. 

Other events around town you can enjoy are:

• Foco Loco-Pelathe Youth Photography Exhibit
  Under the leadership of Gary Mark Smith, his workshop students have their second exhibit at the Lawrence Public Library, 7th and Vermont, August 1 - 31. You may view the exhibit during regular Library hours. Call 843-3833 for details.
• Art Walk-Baldwin City
  Come and see this gallery and sidewalk art show, celebrating art and artists in the area. The event will take place in Downtown Baldwin City, near 8th & High Streets, August 17, 7 - 9 p.m. 
• Beausoleil-Free Outdoor Concert
  This six-member, Grammy Award-winning ensemble blends Caribbean rhythm, New Orleans jazz, Old World ballads, blues, and a hint of surf music, bayou-style, into a spicy mix embracing joys and sorrows found in centuries-old musical tradition. August 24, 7 p.m. at the Lied Center, 15th and Crestline. Call 864-ARTS for details. 
• Kansas State Fiddling & Picking Championships
  Open competition in fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, and miscellaneous acoustic instruments and ensemble folk singing. Free concerts by area bands, children's activities, shape note singing, and food booths will all be part of this great event at South Park, 11th and Massachusetts, August 26, noon - 5:30 p.m. Call 841-7817 for details.
• Art & Design Exhibition
  University of Kansas Basic Studies Scholarship Exhibition by honorees from last spring's freshman class displaying their winning entries at the KU Art & Design Building, 15th & Naismith. August 26 - September 7, Monday -Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Call 864-9742 for details. 

STUDY OF CIVIC LEADERSHIP BY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Staff of RTC: Rural at The University of Montana are starting a study of Civic Leadership by people with disabilities. They are asking for help in identifying leaders across the country with a disability who have either been elected or appointed to a political position on a city, county or state level. These leaders could be city or county councilors, appointed members of a county weed board, a state legislator, a judge, etc. The disability may be related to physical or sensory impairments. Interviews of these leaders will be by phone. If you would like to provide a name or would like more information, contact: Karen Rimel at 888/268-2743, e-mail krimel@selway.umt.edu or Jayde Prysgoda the same phone number, email jspry@selway.umt.edu, RTC: Rural, 52 Corbin, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812.

NEW KANSAS SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCACY GROUP
Kansans for IDEA Compliance is an organization committed to assisting Kansas families in resolving their problems regarding receiving appropriate services for their children with disabilities in school. Kansas Schools are not complying with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and children with disabilities are currently being denied appropriate services guaranteed to them by law. Unfortunately in spite of the law having been on the books for many years, most Kansas schools are out of compliance. It is our goal to see this change.

Kansans for IDEA Compliance also serves as an umbrella coalition Kansans for IDEA Compliance Association (KIC Ass.) comprised of organizations, attorneys, and individual advocates devoted to this cause. Under this umbrella we will act in concert to affect real change in Kansas Schools. Through education, legislative efforts, and enforcement we are committed to seeing that all Kansas children with disabilities are provided with the free and appropriate public education guaranteed them under the law. 

You can contact us, sign up for membership and receive the quarterly newsletter by visiting the website at www.ideacompliance.org or by contacting one of the individuals below:

Statewide Contact 
Helle Vander Yacht-Director 
607 E Republic 
Salina, KS 67401 
785/823-7797 
helle@kscable.com

Lawrence contact: 
Jennifer Schwartz 
2001 Haskell Ave 
Lawrence, KS 66046 
Home 785/832-8353 
Office 785/841-0333 
jennifer@independenceinc.org

Wichita Contact: 
Kimberly Dykhuizen 
kimdyqzn@yahoo.com 
Phone: 316/945-7165 

Salina Contact:
Kellee McDaneld-Director
908 Hemlock Dr.
Salina, KS 67401
785/827-7883
kmcdaneld6@hotmail.com

Kansas City Contact:
Kathy Moore
1111 Durham Dr.
Paola, KS 66071
913/557-9870

Southeast Kansas Contact:
Kim Strunk
612 Hill St.
Independence, KS 67301
Home 620/331-7131
Office 620/331-8604

KANSANS FOR IDEA COMPLIANCE
Former Assistant Secretary of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, U.S. Department of Education, Judith E. Heumann, will be the featured speaker for Kansans for IDEA Compliance Association conference Saturday, August 28, starting at 9 a.m. in the College Center conference room at Kansas State University in Salina. The meeting is followed by workshops on IEP Development, Special Education Law, and Legislative Training by Families Together, Topeka Independent Living Resource Center, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns. Parents of special needs children, professionals, advocates, adults with disabilities, and concerned citizens are all invited and encouraged to attend. 

Cost is $30 for parents and $40 for professionals. A limited number of parent scholarships which cover registration only are available through Families Together, Inc. Parents should call 785/233-4777 or 1-800-264-6343 to request a scholarship. To register call 785/823-7797 or visit www.ideacompliance.org to obtain a registration form. Registration deadline is August 10.

FOR SALE: Like new110 air conditioner. Has freon. Asking $50.00 Call 865-0961 to leave message.

FOR SALE: 1990 Dodge Caravan with Braun lift. Lift will fit a small wheelchair (small adult, preferably child wheelchair). Asking $3,500. Best time to inquire is at noon at 843-5206 ask for Brad.

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.

HANDY-MAN SERVICES: Small tasks. I have minimal tools to work with. Exceptions can be made to conserve costs. Call 865-0961 to leave message.