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AHEAD OF THE TIMES
Volume 22, Number 10
July, 2002 

JEFFERSON COUNTY ABILITY AWARENESS SERIES 
Please join us for a series of Ability Awareness presentations to take place this summer in Jefferson County. The title of the series is "Living with a Disability in a Rural Community," and would be of interest to anyone living in a small town or in the country. The program will consist of a panel of individuals with disabilities from rural settings who will speak about their experiences, plus services providers from Independence, Inc. and other social service agencies that serve Jefferson County. The schedule of presentations is as follows:

• Saturday, July 13
  Jefferson County North Middle School
  100 Charger Lane, Nortonville
• Saturday, July 27
  Oskaloosa Public Library
  316 Jefferson Street, Oskaloosa
• Saturday, August 10
  Perry-Lecompton High School
  Highway 24, Perry

All events will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon and refreshments will be provided. For more information or to request an accommodation please call Susan Mikesic at 785/841-0333 or toll-free at 1-888-824-7277, or by email at susanm@ independenceinc.org 

Independence, Inc. will be closed Thursday, July 4 for Independence Day. 
No transportation available.

SRS TO HOST COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) will hold a public meeting in July to review current and upcoming social service policy and program changes resulting from decisions made by the Kansas Legislature. It will be explained how those changes will affect SRS and people who receive services from SRS. The meetings will also address how community partners can work together to meet the social service needs in their communities, and to gather information needed to plan for the future as SRS prepares its FY 2004 budget.

The Local Stakeholders Meeting #2, Planning for the Future, FY 04 Budget Planning, will take place on July 11, 10 a.m. - noon at the Lawrence SRS office at 1901 Delaware. The local SRS contact for the meeting is Arthurine Criswell 785/832-3768.

COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER CLASSES
Free classes in Computer Basics and Microsoft Word will be offered all summer in the Computer Learning Center at Independence, Inc. Applications are available now. In addition, the Fall schedule and applications will be available July 1. 

A+ Certification and Office Assistant I vocational classes will again be taught, as will Computer Basics, Word, and Excel. New Fall classes will include Intro to Genealogy, Landscape Painting on the Computer, Selling and Buying on eBay, and Stained Glass Making.

For more information, contact us at 785/841-0333, toll-free at 1-888-824-7277, by email webmaster@independenceinc.org or visit our website at http://independenceinc.org 

BACKYARD COOKOUT AND POTLUCK FOR CONSUMER GROUPS
Members of the Cooking Club and Peer Support Group are joining forces for a summertime backyard cookout and potluck on Monday, July 8, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. We're making fun, icy-cold non-alcoholic drinks and ice cream floats! Please feel free to bring something to throw on the grill - anything from hot dogs to veggies; or bring your favorite potato salad dish. Also, bring any games that you might have, let's make this a fun-filled event! If you have any questions, call Ranita at 841-0333.

QUILTING/ARTS AND CRAFTS GROUP
The Quilting/Arts & Crafts Group will meet Mondays, July 1 and 15, 1 - 3 p.m. in the large conference room. Come share creative pieces you've made yourself or come learn how to make fun creative items from others. We have tons of donated craft materials so let your imagination run wild. The Quilting/Arts & Crafts group is a great way to meet new people while having fun. Our craft instructor, Ms. Wanda will show you how to make everything from decorative pots to bandanna necklaces. If you have any questions, please call Ranita at 841-0333.

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS WORKSHOP
The next Tenants to Homeowners, Inc. First Time Homebuyers Workshop will be Saturday July 13, 9:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the United Way Building, 2518 Ridge Court, Lawrence. For more information call 842-5494.

ACCESS TASK FORCE 
The next meeting of the Access Task Force will be Friday, July 12, 1:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. For more information call 841-0333.

MAGNET / MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP
On Wednesday, July 17, 4:30 - 6 p.m., Kelly Nightengale will present a Songwriter's Workshop in the large conference room at Independence, Inc. Most of us around here know Kelly as the masterful guru of housing, but she is also a talented musician. She played banjo in the now defunct but soon-to-be-legendary local band, The Roundups, and recently facilitated a songwriter's workshop at a local convention. So, bring your instrument, and your ideas, and join Kelly for an evening of words, music, and creativity.

FOR SALE: Adapted Weight Machine. Gives a great workout. Can be used by people with limited dexterity and range of motion. Exercises include: chest press, shoulder press and rowing machine. $100, call 785-832-0527.

FOR SALE: Everest-Jennings adult power wheelchair with charger, asking $1,500 or best offer, contact Scott at 785/266-7299.

FOR SALE: Invacare Ranger II 9000 SL Series adult power wheelchair with battery charger. New in 1998 and never used. Asking $3,500 ($5,000 when purchased) For more information call 785/979-3448 after 6 p.m. or leave a message.

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: Five piece portable, collapsible, aluminum wheelchair/scooter ramp. Extends 8 - 10 feet. Easy to assemble and tear down. Can be used with vehicles or in the home. Asking $200 (originally $1,000). Also, 1998 red Pride Celebrity three-wheel scooter, with cane holder and basket. Asking $400 (originally $1500). For more information contact Beth at 785/843-3598 and leave a message. Call will be returned within 24 hours.

FOR SALE: 1991 Grand Caravan with wheelchair tiedowns, no lift. Needs work, asking $1,200.
Also small adult power chair, lovingly used, in good condition. For more information call 785/749-1316.

NEAT NEWS
The Northeast Assistive Technology (NEAT) access site at Independence, Inc. is pleased to announce that Meredith Funkhouser has joined our staff as an Assistive Technology Specialist. Meredith was an Assistive Technologist with the Shawnee Mission School District prior to joining NEAT. Welcome!

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY LOAN BANK
We need disposable latex gloves, transfer bench(es), shower chairs and benches. It's yard sale time and if you find any items besides these that you think we might use in the Loan Bank, call Jim McCrary Monday - Friday, 1 - 4 p.m., at Independence, Inc., 841-0333.

BORED AND BROKE
Here are some of the free events going on around Lawrence in July and throughout the summer!

• INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
  Picnic and Fireworks Extravaganza, July 4 at dusk, Burcham Park, 2nd and Indiana, 785/749-1504
• LAWRENCE FARMERS' MARKET
  One of the oldest Farmers Market in Kansas, offering fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, flowers, herbs, and crafts. 1000 block of Vermont. Tuesdays and Thursdays 4 - 6:30 p.m., Saturdays 6:30 - 10:30 a.m., 785/842-3883.
• FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK
  Participating galleries, museums and arts centers will be open to the public, featuring special exhibitions, demonstrations and other festivities. Pick up a guide map at the Lawrence Arts Center. July 5, 6 - 9 p.m. city wide, 785/843-2787.
• LAUREL AND HARDY: FAVORITE SOUND SHORTS AND FEATURES
  • "Men O'War" (short, 1929) and "Sons of the Desert" (feature-length, 1933) will be the two films shown to inaugurate this classic comedy film series at the Lawrence Public Library Auditorium, July 5, 7 p.m., 785/843-3833.
  • "Perfect Day" (short, 1929) and "Way Out West" (feature-length, 1937) will be the films shown July 12, 7 p.m.
  • "Our Wife" (short, 1931) and "Block-Heads" (feature-length, 1938) will be shown in the third evening of this comedy series, July 19, 7 p.m.
  • Four short films will complete the series: "Hog Wild" (1930), "Helpmates" (1932), "The Music Box" (1932), and "Towed in a Hole" (1932). July 26, 7 p.m. http://www.lawrencepubliclibrary.org
• GOLDILOCKS AND OTHER FAIRYTALES
  Summer Youth Theatre's K-3rd grade performance. July 13, 10:30 a.m. at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire, 785/843-2787. http://www.lawrenceartscenter.com 
• "FISH, FLOWERS AND FLYING THINGS"
  Works reflecting the natural world of plants and animals, drawn from the Spencer Museum permanent collection, are shown. The works are in many media, from several centuries and countries, and in styles from realistic to fanciful. July 20 - September 1 at Spencer Museum of Art, 1301 Mississippi Street on the KU campus. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sunday noon - 5 p.m., 785/864-4710, www.ku.edu/~sma 
• DOUGLAS COUNTY FREE FAIR
  Extensive 4-H exhibits, music, carnival activities, demolition derby and a variety of races and contests. July 27 - August 4, Douglas County Fairgrounds, 21st & Harper, 785/843-7058.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
by Rob Tabor, Benefits Advocate

The focus of our August FAQ column entails the complex and at times seemingly indecipherable world of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income, (SSI). Here are a few Q&A's I hope you find to be informative and useful.

Q: How long does it take to process a claim for Social Security Disability benefits?
A: Depending on a variety of factors the waiting time ranges from about three months to two years on the first application. Some of those factors include how far you need to go in the administrative appeal process, time involved for a Social Security disability claims examiner to get your medical records, and current case loads.

Q: Why does Social Security deny my claim when my medical condition seems so obviously serious?
A: This may surprise you, but you are definitely not alone in the stream of citizens who get denial letters from Social Security. In fact, about one in three applicants get denial notices at the first and second levels of claims processing. 

When you file your claim it is then referred to a state agency called Kansas Disability Determination Services (DDS). A claims examiner at DDS does many things including gathering your doctor and hospital reports and gets detailed written information from you, former employers, family, and close friends about how your medical conditions effect your daily life. Remember, however, that the first two stages of Social Security disability claims processing involves a big paper shuffle, and words on paper can't always communicate the impact of your medical conditions on a daily basis. At the third stage, you will have a chance to tell your story in person to an administrative law judge who specializes in deciding Social Security claims. The secret is persistence and patience in exercising your appeal rights. Statistically, your persistence may pay off because your odds increase to 50% at an oral hearing.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to help me with my claim?
A: Depends on how complex the specific issues are in your claim. The decision as to whether you get assistance, and from whom you get it, are yours to make but you have three options. You may try it without assistance, you can hire a lawyer, or you can ask a friend or nonlawyer advocate to help you. In any event, I recommend you to seek assistance at the oral hearing level if not earlier. Even at the first and second levels of claim decision-making there are advantages to having a claimant's representative. Most importantly an attorney or lay advocate can make sure your appeals are filed within the 60 day time frames required by Social Security laws. Having an advocate can also be helpful in keeping medical records up to date at the oral hearing level, and making sure you get a fair hearing that allows you to tell your story fully.

Q: Why does my claim keep getting denied when someone I know has similar medical conditions to mine and was approved on the first try?
A: Social Security laws and regulations require the person who decides your claim to conduct a five step medical evaluation process to determine whether you are disabled. The bottom line question that must be answered is whether you have a medically recognized impairment that limits your physical or mental capacity enough to prevent you from doing substantial work at a full time or near full time level. Aspects of your claim which must be considered are your age, formal education, work history, and how much physical and mental capacity you still have at the time the decision is made. 

The intent of both the U.S. Congress and the Social Security Administration (SSA) is to do its best to ensure that any two applicants anywhere in the country whose situation matches these four factors receives the same outcome, either a "disabled" or "not disabled" decision. However, conducting an objective medical and vocational evaluation of such claims is easier said than done. Interpreting and applying regulations and medical standards is often subjective and varies from one claims examiner to another. It is also important to note that some impairments, such as learning disabilities and mental illness are hidden and may combine with other impairments to prevent you or another applicant from doing substantial work. For these and other reasons no two claims are exactly alike although they may appear without detailed investigation to be similar or identical.

Q: Can I start the application for Disability insurance or SSI while I am still working?
A: In general, no, but the answer depends largely on your monthly gross income. For calendar year 2002 if you have one or more impairments other than blindness and make at least $780 per month Social Security will determine that you are not disabled regardless of your medically diagnosed conditions. For potential applicants who are legally blind (as opposed to illegally blind) that amount is $1300. This amount is referred to as "substantial gainful work activity," or SGA. If you are earning the applicable SGA monthly income when you apply it is highly unlikely that the medical evaluation would continue. This is because the five step evaluation process is sequential. This means that if the question of disability (inability to do SGA level work) can be decided either way, no further evaluation need take place. There are some exceptions, but these are somewhat complex. If you have questions we encourage you to call Rob Tabor at 785/841-0333 or toll-free at 1-888/824-7277.

Q: Can I work while my application is in progress?
A: Not if you can possibly avoid it. The first step in the five step claims evaluation process is to determine whether you worked for pay or profit after the date you said you stopped working due to your illness, injuries, or health conditions. Even an earnings period under SGA level which survives first step scrutiny calls into question your capacity to work. However, Social Security does not penalize honest but unsuccessful attempts to work, but unsuccessful work attempts are defined by regulations containing specific criteria. Therefore, my advice fundamentally does not change. You should only work if you honestly feel your health will permit working and your primary desire is to return to work instead of receiving disability insurance benefits or SSI.

Q: Why doesn't Social Security believe my doctor who says I am medically unable to work?
A: Social Security attempts to evaluate your ability to work based on the best available information pertaining to your loss of physical or mental function. Even if your doctor says in a narrative report that you are unable to work, which may not be what was said when reports are obtained, mere broad brush statements that you are disabled does not give Social Security enough information about work-related functioning, such as lifting and carrying, long periods of standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, bending, crouching, reaching, or climbing stairs, steps or ladders. These are but a few examples.

These questions and answers only graze the tip of the Social Security Q&A iceberg. Watch for future issues of "Ahead of The Times" for more Q&A articles on other aspects of Social Security programs for Disabled citizens. Inquiries in regard to Social Security can be made by calling Rob Tabor at 841-0333 or toll-free at 1-888/824-7277. You may also call the Lawrence Social Security Office at 843-2254, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.