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Ahead of the Times
Volume 21, Number 9
June, 2001

LIVING WITH A HIDDEN DISABILITY 
Join us for an informal discussion about life with a hidden disability, such as a mental health diagnosis, a learning disability, fibromyalgia, or a head injury. We will meet at the Oskaloosa Public Library, 315 Jefferson, Saturday, June 30, 10 a.m. to noon. A panel of individuals who have such disabilities will share information about their lives, their triumphs and their frustrations. Come and learn. Refreshments will be provided. Call Susan or Ranita at 841-0333 or toll free at 888-824-7277 for information or to request an accommodation.

PEER COUNSELOR TRAINING 
Independence, Inc. will be offering a training this fall for anyone interested in becoming a Volunteer Peer Counselor. A Volunteer Peer Counselor is a person with a disability who serves as a source of support and role modeling for another person with a disability.
The four to six hour training will prepare you to serve as a Volunteer Peer Counselor, plus you will meet other people, learn some skills, gain useful knowledge and have some fun. The focus of this training will be on Advocacy. Various staff members will talk about advocacy issues in the area of Housing, Education, Transportation, Public Accommodations and Employment. The training will also include Independent Living History and Philosophy, Disability Sensitivity and Listening Skills.
If you are interested, fill out the application beginning on page 11 and return it to: Susan Mikesic, Independence, Inc., 2001 Haskell Ave., Lawrence, Kansas 66046. Call 841-0333 or toll-free 1-888-824-7277 for more information.

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES CONFERENCE 
The Healthcare Policy Division of Kansas Social and Rehabilitative Services is sponsoring "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Independence: Working together for integration, inclusion and productivity" August 1-3 at the Wichita Hyatt Regency. Keynote speakers will be Scott Boots, Executive Director, The Health Cares Exchange Initiative, Inc.; Michael Wehmeyer, of the Beach Center at K.U.; and Celane McWhorter, Director of Public Policy, Association for Persons in Supported Employment. Some of the topics to be covered are:

• Self-Advocacy
  Rights and Responsibilities Training
  Self-Advocacy Group Presentations
  Self-Advocacy Coalition of Kansas
  Consumer Related Newsletter
  Choices
• Best Practices
  Count Down to Community Inclusion
  Positive Behavioral Supports
  Assistive Technology
  Natural Supports
  Pooled Trusts
  Sexuality

• New Ideas
  Project Mutual Support
  Legislative Advocacy
  Self-Determination
  Entrepreneurship
  Dual Diagnosis

Cost is $15 for Consumers and family members and $30 ($60 after June 30) for non-consumer participants. If you have questions concerning registration, accommodations, or accessibility call 1-888-354-7225.

THE DRUMS ROLL AGAIN
After a two month break, the Beginners Drum Circle is ready to rock-n-roll again! Join us on Friday, June 29, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. The group welcomes new people so don't be shy, bring a friend if you like. The Drum Circle is a great opportunity to learn basic drumming techniques for Latin and African rhythms. We will provide the instruments and talented instructor. For questions, call Ranita at 841-0333. You are responsible for your own transportation.

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.

SUMMERTIME COOKOUT FUN
It's summer and time for another joint Cooking Club and Peer Support Group cookout. Join us Monday, June 25, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. on the patio of Independence, Inc. Feel free to bring a side dish or, if you like, something to throw on the grill. Hot dogs will be provided. Any donated items like buns, chips, charcoal, or a portable grill will be greatly appreciated. We will learn how to make a three-bean salad and non-alcohol sangria. At the cookout we will discuss plans for a fishing trip in July. 
To RSVP for the cookout, or if you have questions, contact Ranita at 841-0333 by Friday, June 22. Thank you to Nancy O'Connor and the Community Mercantile for donating both food and time to the Cooking Club in May.

JUNE TOASTMASTERS MEETINGS
Do you get butterflies in your tummy at the thought of speaking in public? Perhaps participating in Toastmasters could help your butterflies learn to fly in formation! Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization designed to strengthen skills through experience and peer evaluation.
During each hour-long meeting members have the opportunity to practice speaking and developing leadership skills in a friendly environment. Members learn speech formats, how to utilize voice tone and nonverbal communication, and how to stay within an allotted time.
This month, Toastmasters meetings will be noon - 1 p.m. on June 1 and June 15 in the Independence, Inc. conference room. New members are invited to be our guest at any meeting. Subsequent meetings take place the first and third Friday of every month. 
For more information, contact Rob Tabor at 841-0333, toll-free at 888-824-7277, or robt@independenceinc.org.

BACKUP DRIVER NEEDED 
The transportation department at Independence, Inc. is looking for a back-up driver for its lift-equipped vans to work for drivers who are ill or on vacation. A two week paid training is provided. Requires a valid driver's license and no tickets. A Motor Vehicle Record background check will be made. Pays $6.50 per hour. For more information contact Patty Holt at Independence, Inc. 841-0333.

LOAN BANK NEWS
Many of you may already know that as of April 30, we started limiting the amount of consumable items, such as diapers, bed pads, and gloves that can be checked out from the Loan Bank. Consumers are now eligible to check out these items six times in a year. We will try as hard as we can to be generous with the amounts that we give you, but keep in mind that we run entirely on donations and cannot guarantee that we will have your request in stock. We will try our best to accommodate you, but we work on a first come, first serve basis. Thank you very much for your attention to this new policy. It is not our aim to take away services, but we do feel we need to give everyone an equal opportunity to receive supplies.
In other news, we do have plenty of durable medical equipment to lend. Items can be checked out for 30-90 days. If you currently have any items checked out, please let us know if you need to extend your loan. If you have items that have been checked out and are no longer being used, please return them when possible. Thank you.

HOYO NEWS
The Home Of Your Own (HOYO) program at Independence, Inc. has a grant for first time homebuyers with disabilities who use the Home Owners Out of Tenants (HOOT) loan. The grant complements the HOOT loan with additional funds for down payment, accessibility modifications, and rehabilitation, up to $15,000 per household. There are enough funds left in the grant to fund one more household for this fiscal year ending in August. Qualifications for the HOYO Grant include: 

• Household income must be limited because of the buyer's disability.
• The homebuyer must have a disability and complete an intake with Independence, Inc.
• The HOYO Grant can only be used in conjunction with the HOOT loan. The buyer must be approved for a HOOT loan in order to use the HOYO Grant.
• All educational requirements for the HOOT loan apply to the HOYO Grant. This includes completion of the First Time Homebuyer's workshop, budget counseling through Consumer Credit Counseling, and pre-purchase counseling through Tenants to Homeowners.
  
  For more information about HOYO, please contact Kelly at 785/841-0333.

NEW SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR FAMILIES
The Mobile Family Resource Team of the Success by 6 Coalition of Douglas County is available to provide prevention services for families who are overburdened with children four and under. Family Resource Specialists provide intensive, home-based services that include case management, parent education, and family counseling. 
Since Success by 6 received funding through a grant from the Smart Start of the Kansas Children's Cabinet these services are provided at no cost. You are eligible for these services if:

• Your child is age four or under
• Your family would like to have help with parenting and family life
• Your family is not currently involved with the protective services system for any child
• Your family does not qualify for family support services through another program

If you are interested in helping create a healthier happier home for you and your children, the Mobile Family Resource Team will be able to help you and your family succeed in life. If you are interested in receiving services or would like more information please contact Julie Heatwole or Ann Elwell at 785/865-5520 Ext. 329.

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.

WANTED: Live-in caregiver for elderly woman. Friday evening through Sunday evening. 913/334-3253.

BORED AND BROKE
There are so many FREE summer activities happening around Lawrence, you may not have time to do it all! But please try, and let us know how these events are. You can call Susan or Elise at Independence, Inc., 841-0333, for more information.

Reading Roadtrip 
USA-Adult Summer Reading Program June 1-August 31
The popular adult summer reading programs continue, this year using the same theme as the children's program. There is no charge for this program; just four fiction and non-fiction books are needed. Forms with suggested readings are available at the Lawrence Public Library, 7th & Vermont. Call 843-1178 for details, or check out their website at www.lawrence.lib.ks.us.

Oil Paintings by Kathleen Mosher and Sherry Kay 
Kathy Mosher of the Youth Services staff will become the second Lawrence Public Library staff member to have her art exhibited at the library. Mosher will be joined by local artist Sherry Kay. The exhibit will be at the Lawrence Public Library, 7th & Vermont, throughout the month of June. There is no admission charge, call 843-3833 for details.

The Rip Chords Barbershop Quartet Concert
The popular Rip Chords Barbershop Quartet of Topeka will present a 45-minute concert at the Lawrence Public Library on June 3. There is no admission charge, call 843-3833 for details.

Wednesday Night Summer Band Concerts
Once again, the Lawrence City Band will perform live concerts every Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. throughout June and July in South Park, 11th & Massachusetts. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. These concerts are always free! You can call 832-7930 with questions. 
Kansas/KC Camera Photography Exhibition
This is a juried photography exhibition sponsored by the Lawrence Photo Alliance, featuring work by regional artists at the Lawrence Arts Center. June 6 - July 20, Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free and you can call 843-2787 for details. 

An Intro to Zines. What Are They; Can I Write One?
This Young Adult event is for 6th through 12th graders and will take place June 6 in the Lawrence Public Library Auditorium, 7th & Vermont, 3 - 5 p.m. Call 843-3833 for details.

Brown Bag Concerts
Bring your lunch and enjoy a different group each week at noon June 7-August 9 downtown at 9th and Massachusetts. Rain site is Watkins Museum, 11th and Mass. Call 832-7940 for details.

Lawrence Street Rod Association Car Show
This year's car show will include a Wizard Run and Cruise Night at Sonic. Shuttle bus every 30 minutes to Downtown Lawrence from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. The event takes place at the Douglas County Fair Grounds, 21st & Harper, June 9 and 10, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call 913/677-3592 for details.

YA Game Night
The popular Young Adult Game Nights return, featuring music, board games, and pizza at the Lawrence Public Library Auditorium, June 13, 3 - 6 p.m. Call 843-3833 for details.

"Charles Marshall, Artist on Site" 
June 16-September 9
An exhibition of the sketchbooks and watercolors of this former Kansas state architect who was also a tireless recorder of the Kansas landscape. Spencer Museum of Art, KU, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, Thursdays until 9 p.m., 12 - 5 p.m. on Sundays. Closed Mondays. Call 864-4710 for details. 

Gallery Talk "Charles Marshall, Artist on Site"
Cori Sherman, curatorial assistant in prints and drawings, will discuss the works in this show, which is described above. The discussion will take place at the Spencer Museum of Art on the KU Campus, June 21, 7 p.m. Call 864-4710 for details.

20th Annual St. John's Mexican Fiesta
Authentic Mexican food, live entertainment, games, and much more. St. John's Church, 1204 Kentucky. June 23, 5 p.m. - midnight. Call 842-5602 for details. 

Flea Market
Monthly outdoor flea market and antique sale. Numerous dealers and a wide array of items to choose from. 1-70 Business Center, 1035 N. 3rd. June 24, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call 842-8773 for details. 

YA Drive-In Movie Night 
A Young Adult event for those in grades 6-12 featuring the movie "Independence Day" on June 27, 4 - 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Public Library Auditorium, 7th Vermont. Call 843-3833 for details.

"How Do Writers Do What They Do?" Workshop
Nationally-known mystery writer Nancy Pickard will offer her workshop to wannabe writers and mystery lovers. She may also discuss her newest mystery. The Raven Bookstore will be present. This event takes place June 30 at the Lawrence Public Library, 7th and Vermont, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Call 843-3833 for details.

"Sum of the Parts: Recent Works on Paper"
Twenty-five works from the collection showcase prints and drawings from the last few decades by contemporary American and European artists, including Kiki Smith, Robert Rauschen-berg, and Enrique Chagoya. All are smaller units in combination to produce a whole. The exhibit will be at the Spencer Museum of Art on the KU Campus, June 30-September 2. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Call 864-4710 for details.

SELF-ADVOCATES OF LAWRENCE
Self-Advocates of Lawrence (SAL) is a civic organization for adults with developmental disabilities. The purpose of SAL is to provide leadership experience, community involvement opportunities, and to support the inclustion of people with developmental disabilities in the community. The next meeting will be Thursday, June 7, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the United Way Building, 25218 Ridge Court. New Members are always welcome. If you plan to eat at the meeting, bring $3 for pizza.

SEVENTH KANSAS DISABILITY CAUCUS
The Seventh Kansas Disability Caucus will be held August 8,9, and 10 in Topeka. People with all types of disabilities, of any age, representing every county in the state are invited to attend. The purpose of the Caucus is to develop new disability leadership in Kansas, to educate Kansans with disabilities about the mechanics of the policy making process and encourage their participation in it, to determine major issues facing Kansans with disabilities and to elicit solutions for issues identified.

This year's theme, "Oh, The Places We'll Go!" is meant to focus on removal of employment barriers now faced by many Kansans with disabilities. Independent Living cannot truly be realized as long as outdated policies keep persons with disabilities in unemployment and poverty. The 2001 Disability Caucus will focus on consumer efforts to make disability programs more 'employment friendly.' Nationally recognized speakers will present information throughout the entire Caucus regarding new work incentives.

Employer booths will also be available for those ready to enter the workforce for the first time and for anyone ready to return to work. These booths will be available throughout the Caucus to provide employment applications and information. 

Registration deadline is July 1. For more information contact the Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas office at 800/217-4525 or 785/234-6990 V/TTY.

APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTEER PEER COUNSELOR

This written interview will be used to help us get to know you and to make the best possible match of peer counselor with consumers or projects.

Contact 
Susan Mikesic 785-841-0333
Independence, Inc.
2001 Haskell Ave.
Lawrence, Kansas 66046