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AHEAD OF THE TIMES
Volume 20, Number 6
March, 2000 

HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE THE INDEPENDENT LIVING MESSAGE?
Independence Inc. has been Lawrence's leading advocate for independent living for more than twenty years, but when someone asks what that means, it's often a struggle to explain it. How do you explain independent living to people when asked? Do you know the answer to the questions: What does Independence Inc. do? What makes Independence Inc. different from other disability service providers? How do you qualify for services? - It isn't always easy to explain but it's crucial for getting the word out to people who need our services. It is also important when we need support from the community. 
We're taking steps to raise awareness and educate the public that Independence, Inc. does more than respond to crisis, but we need your help and involvement. To prepare you for the hard questions we are hosting monthly informational breakfast meetings the on the last Thursday of the month, 7:30-9 a.m. at the Center. Evening meetings are possible depending on response. 
Our goal is to raise awareness of our programs and services and to engage the community in a discussion of independent living. Our ongoing community message will also involve a number of activities this year, all designed to raise awareness of what independent living means to people with disabilities and their families. How does Independent Living impact us when we socialize, go shopping, or pursue recreational opportunities in Lawrence? What makes independent living possible at home? In next few few weeks you'll hear or see our challenge to you. Look for details in the next issue of Ahead of the Times. For more information and breakfast reservations, contact Richard Gutierrez at 841-0333. 

LAWRENCE SIDEWALK PROGRAM
Lawrence has announced that the city is starting a program to repair deteriorated areas of sidewalk and fill gaps between existing sidewalks. The city of Lawrence has budgeted $100,000 for this program in the year 2000, assuming the state funding remains available. The goal is to develop a five-year Capital Improvement Plan that will establish city wide priorities.
This is a great opportunity for the Access Task Force to help the city create more accessible and usable sidewalks for people with disabilities and the entire community. If you would like to contribute your ideas and suggestions to the sidewalk proposal, contact: Bob Mikesic, Advocacy/ADA Coordinator; Independence, Inc.; 2001 Haskell Ave.; Lawrence, KS 66046; 841-0333; e-mail: bobm@independenceinc.org Please submit comments by March 15.

LOOKING AHEAD
On March 28, from 1 to 4 p.m., Independence, Inc. will host a workshop on the Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities. Parents, child advocates and educators are encouraged to attend. We also encourage anyone who would like to become a volunteer advocate for school-age children through our Volunteer Peer Counseling program or our upcoming Mentorship program to enroll in the workshop. Those attending will learn about laws that protect the rights of school-aged children to access inclusion and equal services through public schools. For more information or to request an accommodation, call Susan Mikesic or Jennifer Schwartz at 841-0333.

WRITER'S GROUP ORGANIZING
I would like to start a very special writer's group. This group will be open only to those with a primary diagnosis of mental illness. The size of the group will also be limited to six people. We will focus on improving our skills of self-expression. I expect the group to last through June. Call Jim at 749-3428. Leave your name, phone number and a brief message of interest.

MUSIC APPRECIATION GROUP
Join us for a performance by singer/song-writer, Maria Anthony, Monday, March 20, 5 - 5:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. Maria will sing and play the guitar, performing traditional Celtic music and some of her original songs. 
On Friday, March 31, 2 - 4 p.m., join us for a down-home jam. Wear your best country and western attire and plan to sing, play or listen to country and western songs. "Y'all come!" It'll be a real hoot!
Tom Alexios, Special Projects coordinator from Downbeat magazine, has invited the Music Appreciation Group at Independence, Inc. to attend the kickoff of the Percussion Physical program at Therapy Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City on Monday, April 3, 2 - 4 p.m. The program will offer a variety of music therapy options for patients at the hospital, and the kickoff will be particularly fun and interesting for school-age children and youth with disabilities. If you would like to attend the event or for more information, call Susan Mikesic at 841-0333. 
The Lied Center at K.U. has donated tickets for the New York City Opera, Sunday, March 12, at 2 p.m. If you are interested contact Ranita at 841-0333. Tickets are limited and will be given in sets of two on a first-come first-serve basis.

CELEBRATE THE LUCK O' THE IRISH
Come join the Peer Support Group as we watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade. We will meet at Milton's Coffeeshop, 920 Massachusetts, Friday, March 17 at 12:30 p.m. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation. 

DO I SMELL BROWNIES?
The Cooking Club will meet Monday, March 20 for desserts 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Bring your sweet tooth and any sweet dish you would like to share. R.S.V.P. to Ranita or Angie at 841-0333.

FREE MEDICAL SUPPLIES
The Assistive Technology program at Independence, Inc. has a variety of usable medical supplies that are available "as is" to anyone who needs them. If you need any of the following items contact John Rasmussen or Jennifer Schwartz, at 1-800-526-3648 (if you are calling from outside Lawrence) or 785/841-0333.
Lancets for use with blood glucose monitors
60 cc syringes with catheter tip Arm sling
Transparent long-term dressing White TED hose
Sodium chloride inhilation solution Gauze wrap
Tracheostomy cleaning trays Yankam suction tube
Electric hospital beds (2) Hospital gowns 
Ulcer care dressing Alcohol swabs 
Hypodermic needles 3 cc syringes
Blood glucose test kit Silicone catheters
Blood glucose test strip Iodine swab sticks
Depends guards for men 

MUSIC APPRECIATION GROUP ACCEPTING DONATIONS
The Music Appreciation Group at Independence, Inc. is now accepting donations of used instruments for our jam sessions and other music-related activities. We need percussion instruments or acoustic guitars in good repair. Drop off your donations at 2001 Haskell Avenue, or call Susan, Terry or Ranita at 841-0333 for more information. 

MANIC-DEPRESSIVE SUPPORT GROUP
I am interested in starting a manic-depressive support group that I would like to hold on Wednesday evenings. If you are interested contact Rodney Sloan at 841-7715.

DEPARTMENT CLOSED FOR INVENTORY
The Assistive Technology Department at Independence, Inc. will be closed Monday, March 13 to conduct an inventory. Although equipment may be returned that day, we will not be available to check out equipment or receive phone calls. Please check back with us again on Tuesday, March 14. 

FOR SALE: American Access stair lift in great condition. Straight run covers a maximum of 13 stairs but it can be shortened. Adjustable seat. User and remote switches. $500. Call 913/451-2213.

AUTISM SPECIALIST NEEDED to train and oversee teachers for a child with autism in the home in Lawrence. Established program and teachers in place. 15-20 hours per month needed. Contract/fee negotiable. Call 832-8602 or e-mail sonny@idir.net

DRIVER NEEDED: I will be interviewing for different teaching positions across the state of Kansas beginning in February and possibly continuing into the summer. I can reimburse you at $0.19/mile. Call Johnna Godinez at 843-6356 and leave a message.

WANTED: Dolls and stuffed animals of all sizes. Also full skeins of yarn to create outfits for them. The finished toys will be given to families who can't afford to buy them for their children. I love to crochet and make others happy, but cannot afford the materials. Contact Nola at 842-6854 after noon.

HOUSING ISSUES EVENTS SCHEDULED
Three events related to housing issues will take place at Independence, Inc. in March and April:
An ability awareness presentation on housing issues will be held Wednesday, March 8, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Independence, Inc. A panel of people with disabilities will talk about their successes and frustrations in finding accessible and affordable housing. 
In addition to the panel, Kelly Nightengale, Independence, Inc. Housing Specialist, will speak about Fair Housing Laws. Representatives from several social service agencies that provide housing assistance will also be in attendance to speak about their services. Among these agencies are the Lawrence Housing Authority, Project Acceptance, and Housing and Consumer Credit Counseling. Bagels and fruit will be provided and people are invited to bring a sack lunch. 
On Tuesday, March 14 at 11 a.m., the film "Where Do You Hang Your Hat?" will be shown in the Independence, Inc. conference room. The 40-minute video, developed by Scott Blair and Amy Giedraitis for an anthropology class at Kansas University, documents the plight of homeless people in Lawrence. 
A Fair Housing Workshop will be held Tuesday, April 4, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Becca Vaughn from the Topeka Independent Living Resource Center will speak on laws that protect the rights of tenants in obtaining and maintaining rental housing. 
For all of these events, call 843-5576 a week in advance to schedule transportation. For more information or to request an accommodation, call Susan Mikesic or Kelly Nightengale at 841-0333. 

NEUROMUSCULAR SUPPORT GROUP
If you have ALS, MD or any other neuromuscular disease and are interested in starting a support group, contact Richard Gutierrez at 841-0333.

ICAN PROJECT BEGINS
Thanks to a grant from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Interfaith Caring Neighbors (ICAN), a local human service program, is undertaking a survey project to better understand the needs of older residents in the East Lawrence area. The project aims to locate and survey elders to learn their views on services needed to help them remain at home. Another goal of the outreach is to educate seniors about the volunteer services that ICAN provides, including friendly visiting and phoning, grocery shopping, caregiver respite and handyman services. During the project, neighborhood associations and churches will be contacted to join with ICAN in this effort. If you or someone you know would like to participate in the survey, or if you would like information on volunteering, contact Rita Mika or Laura Kaiser at 749-2005. 

HOYO NEWS
The next HOYO Advisory Council meeting is Tuesday, March 21, 1:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. Also the HOYO First Time Homebuyer's Group will meet on Wednesday, March 8, 3:30 p.m. at the Center.
HOYO has a cooperative agreement with Tenants to Homeowners, which has some exciting developments in accessible home buying opportunities. Following is a list of some of their projects.
218 Alabama: Tenants to Homeowners has purchased the two-bedroom older, accessible home to renovate and sell to a low-income buyer. They would like to rent the home to a person who would then purchase it in May or June after the related construction project next door is completed. Most likely the home will cost around $75,000 and resources such as HOOT and HOYO could be used for purchase by a person with a disability. Some additional accessibility modifications may be needed. The HOYO Grant is designed to assist first-time homebuyers with disabilities with modifications, rehabilitation, and down payment.
216 Alabama: The K.U. School of Architecture has begun construction on a two-bedroom universally accessible house. Financial assistance from the Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing along with student labor and some donated materials will bring the cost of this house down to an affordable level for very low income buyers with a five year lease-to-purchase arrangement. The completion is projected for May, 2000, and the buyer should agree to allow the home to be shown as a model for universal design for accessibility. Interested buyers should contact Alan Bowes at 842-5494 to complete an application through Tenants to Homeowners.
1133 Pennsylvania: Life Designs is building a fully accessible three-bedroom home with one bathroom and a garage. This home is also made to be affordable to a low income buyer, and should be completed in April, 2000. Priority will be given to very low income applicants with a physical disability and first-come applications will also determine eligibility. To apply, contact Alan Bowes at 842-5494.
If you have questions about HOYO, contact Kelly Nightengale at 841-0333.

INDEPENDENT LIVING PHOTO CONTEST
Independent living has real meaning and, if asked, conjures up a number of connotations, but the question remains . . . would you recognize it if you saw it? Could an adult or child point it out? This spring Independence, Inc. will be sponsoring a community-wide photo contest to capture the spirit or meaning of independent living as seen in the everyday lives of ordinary citizens in the community. Watch next month's edition of Ahead of the Times.

JOIN US FOR A DAY AT THE CAPITOL 
This year's Legislative Day at the Capitol is scheduled for Thursday, March 16, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the first floor rotunda of the Kansas Statehouse. We encourage participants to make appointments with their legislators and invite them to lunch to share information regarding Independent Living Center services. SILCK will provide lunch on the Second Floor Rotunda. To schedule transportation to Topeka contact Patty at 841-0333 by March 9. If you plan to attend the lunch, contact Tammy at 841-0333 by March 8. 

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS' WORKSHOP
Tenants to Homeowners, Inc. will be conducting a four-part workshop presenting a step-by-step guide to buying a house in Lawrence. This is an opportunity to learn about the process of buying a home, have your questions answered in a relaxed atmosphere, and find out about opportunities available to first-time, low-income buyers. 
The first workshop will be Saturday, March 11, 9:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the United Way Center, Meeting Room A, 2518 Ridge Court. Workshop sessions will be: The Decision of Buying a House, The Mortgage Process, Personal Budgeting, and Home Maintenance.
This is a free workshop sponsored by Tenants to Homeowners, Inc., HAND, and the Lenders Committee. Reservations are helpful, but not required. For more information contact Tenants to Homeowners, Inc. at 842-5494.

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH USE PROJECT
The Research and Training Center at K.U. is seeking individuals with disabilities with a wide range of experiences and educational backgrounds to assist with a project on research use. The purpose of the group is to help them look at the way research information is packaged and presented for use by consumers. The first meeting will be approximately 1 1/2 hours long and you will be paid for your time. If you are interested in participating, leave a message with Pam at 864-4095 or e-mail glen@ukans.edu

LEO BEUROMAN STORY
As part of the Spring 2000 feature film series, the University of Kansas Student Union Activities will show the Academy Award nominated 1969 documentary film, the Leo Beuroman Story. Leo Beuroman is the true story of one Lawrence man's struggle and victory over a disability. He was unable to stand on his own and had a customized tractor made to carry his self-made car into town and lived independently. 
The movie will be shown March 10 and 11, 11:30 p.m. in Woodruff Auditorium at the K.U. Student Union. For ticket information call 864-3477. To see the movie program guide or for further questions contact Ranita at 841-0333.

EXCELLENCE IN ACCESS AWARDS
Nominations are still being accepted for Excellence in Access Awards to recognize businesses, organizations and facilities that exemplify the equal opportunity and inclusion provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mail, call-in or e-mail your nominations for the Awards to any of the sponsoring organizations listed below. In the nomination, list the name of the business, organization, or facility you are nominating; the reason(s) they deserve an award; and your name and phone number.

KLWN / KLZR; c/o Andy Stahmer; 3125 W. 6th St.; Lawrence, KS 66049; 843-1320; award@lazer.com

Cottonwood, Inc.; c/o Keisha Larson; 2801 W. 31 St.;
Lawrence, KS 66047; 842-0550; cwood11@ inc.org

Independence, Inc.; c/o Bob Mikesic; 2001 Haskell; Lawrence, KS 66046; 841-0333 (V/TDD)
bobm@independenceinc.org