Home | Search | Services | Resources | Advocacy |  Consumers |  Employment 
  Newsletter | Computers | Famous | About Us | Contribute | Contact Info

Ahead of the Times
Volume 22, Number 6
March, 2002

WHAT DO DOCTORS & CLC STAFF HAVE IN COMMON? 
NO MORE HOUSE CALLS
Not that long ago, only a small percentage of Independence Inc. consumers.and staff.had computers. Office computers here were shared. Only two of the computers in the Computer Learning Center (CLC) had Internet access, while the computers themselves ranged in quality from OK to "avoid at all costs." Two computer classes were taught daily, but advertising was fundamentally limited to the newsletter and word of mouth during intake.

Most PCs were 386s and 486s. The operating systems were Windows 3.1 or Windows 95 with the Office 97 software suite. Because of the small numbers involved, the CLC staff, as a courtesy, could provide individual in-home assistance to those few consumers who were having technical problems with their computers, or could help a recipient in our Computer Giveaway Program with setting up their new computer.

Times have changed.

The CLC has ten new student computers plus a teaching computer, all with Internet access. The number of staff has increased significantly and most staff now have a computer on their desk. We're running our own IBM Linux server, and many, many, many consumers have their own computer as well.

PC operating systems here now include Windows 95, 98, and 2000, Windows ME, and Windows XP. The Office Suite can be Office 97, 2000, or XP. And we have laptops as well. 

As a result, instead of a few staff needing computer assistance on one operating system or software suite, CLC staff have many staff needing computer assistance with a variety of systems and suites. 
The same increase in computers and operating systems and suites apply to consumers as well. Instead of an occasional "Help!" call from a consumer, we get them daily. Instead of a "Could you please come to my house and help me out" once or twice a month, we get them daily. 

However, our computer staff hasn't increased and we are teaching twice as many daily classes as in the past, having added two vocational components in addition to the regular classes. 
What is the downside of this? 

The decision has been made to stop going to people's homes to help with computer repair or setup. It was a hard decision but, in the end, our only choice because we simply don't have the time or the staff anymore to help with all the requests we're getting. 

Does this mean we won't help people having computer problems? 
Of course not. What it means is that CLC staff cannot make house calls any more. However, a lot of problems can be solved right over the phone, so give us a call if you're having computer problems and see if we can help. If we can't, we can provide you with a list of area computer repair specialists who do make home visits. 

But, from now on, if you're hoping CLC staff will come to your home to fix your computer, the answer has to be "sorry, no."

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

COOKING CLUB MAKES DELICIOUS HEALTHY DESSERTS
Monday, March 11, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc., cooking instructor Carole Boggs will show members of the Cooking Club how to prepare rich and delicious sugar-free, gluten-free, low fat, really healthy desserts. Boggs is a graduate of Anne-Marie Colben's Natural Gourmet Cooking School in New York. She is also a macrobiotic practitioner. If you have questions contact Ranita Wilks at 841-0333.
A special thank you to Chef Modupe of Bobo's Buka for last month's presentation on Nigerian cooking.

PEER SUPPORT GROUP BOWLING EVENT
Join Members of the Peer Support Group for a bowling event at Royal Crest Lanes, 9th and Iowa on Friday, March 22, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Consumers and staff who attend can bowl for a discount of $1.60 per game with free shoes rental included courtesy of Royal Crest Lanes management. Please join us for the opportunity to bowl or to just socialize and have fun. We will meet at the bowling alley. You are encouraged to arrange your own transportation. However, if you have trouble getting a ride, or if you have questions, call Ranita at 841-0333.

A huge thank you to Todd at Godfather's pizza for donating four pizzas to the consumer group's pizza party.

QUILTING / ARTS AND CRAFTS GROUP
Are you interested in quilting, cross-stitch, needlepoint, or crochet? If you are, the Quilting/Arts and Crafts Group would like to invite you to our next meetings. The group has decided to meet the first and third Monday of each month. This month we will meet March 4 and 18, 1 - 3 p.m. in the large conference room at Independence, Inc. Refreshments will be served. For questions, call Ranita at 841-0333. Thank you to the Social Service League for donating supplies to the group.

MUSIC APPRECIATION GROUP
The Music Appreciation Group will meet Friday, March 29, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. If you have questions, contact Tim Cross at 841-0333.

CAST YOUR VOTE!
Do you participate in your community? Do barriers keep you from participating as much as you'd like? 
If so, go to www.rtcfpil.org/survey.htm to complete a survey regarding community participation of people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. The survey is being conducted by the Research and Training Center on Full Participation in Independent Living. If you respond promptly, they will send you a free copy of their award-winning advocacy tool. For more information, or to obtain a paper copy of the survey, call 1-800-255-3555 and ask about the R-One survey.

BORED AND BROKE
Check out some of the free events going on around Lawrence this month. Information courtesy of VisitLawrence.com

• HUGHES INSPIRED PHOTO EXHIBIT
  The Lawrence Photo Alliance will exhibit photographs inspired and based on the poetry and writings of Langston Hughes. The exhibit will include photos in both black and white and color by local amateur and professional photographers. Lawrence Public Library, 7th and Vermont, February 24 - March 31, during regular library hours, 843-3833.
• PAINTING EXHIBIT
  Artist Susie Munn will exhibit her paintings March 1 - March 31 at the Lawrence Public Library during regular library hours.
• PHOTO ALLIANCE HUGHES EXHIBIT
  Photographer Hobart Jackson has created this photo exhibit inspired by Hughes poetry and writings. Lawrence Public Library, March 1 - 31 during regular library hours.
• TOUR DU JOUR
  Tour du Jour: "What is Difficult Art?" by Pat Villeneuve, museum curator of education. Spencer Art Museum, KU Campus, March 7, 
  12:15 p.m., 864-4710.
• BLEEDING KANSAS LECTURE
  "The Free Sons of the North" vs. "The Myrmidons of Border Ruffianism: What Makes a Man in Bleeding Kansas?" by Kristen Tegtmeier, Ph.D., assistant professor of history, Millsaps College. March 10, 2 p.m. at Constitution Hall, Lecompton, ten miles west of Lawrence. 785/887-6520.
• TOUR DU JOUR
  Tour du Jour of Asian Art by Kyungwon Choe, intern in Asian art. March 14, 12:15 p.m. at Spencer Art Museum, KU Campus, 864-4710.
• INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER FREE FAMILY FUN FRIDAY
  Everyone gets in Free! Bring the whole family for a fantastic night. Enjoy the warm waters of the family pool, complete with a giant waterslide, spray fountains, water basketball hoops, lillipads, and the famous dolphin slide.
  March 15, 5 - 8:45 p.m. at Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Dr., 832-7946.
• ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
  This annual parade features floats and a St. Patrick's Day Queen. March 17, 2 p.m., Mass. Street in downtown Lawrence, 749-6677.
• THE O'HEGARTY COLLECTION: EXHIBIT AND TALK
  Usually housed at KU's Spencer Research Library, library patrons will have a hands-on chance to enjoy this unique Irish collection. Talks will be given explaining the artifacts. March 17, at Lawrence Public Library, during regular hours of service, 843-3833, http://www.lawrence.lib.ks.us
• BLEEDING KANSAS LECTURE
  "Clarina Nichols: Frontier Freedom Fighter" by Diane Eickhoff, editor, author and historian. March 24, 2 p.m. Constitution Hall, Lecompton, ten miles west of Lawrence,785/887-6520
• BRIAN BARRY: REFLECTIONS ON MULTICULTURALISM
  Justice, Human Rights and the International Order public lectures presents Brian Barry. Barry, A. A. Saltzman Professor of Political Science and of Philosophy at Columbia, will present, "Reflections on Multiculturalism." March 26, 7:30 p.m. in Alderson Auditorium, Kansas Union, 864-4798 http://www.hallcenter.ku.edu
• TOUR DU JOUR
  Tour du Jour of "Contemporary Ceramics East and West" by Curator of European & American Art, Susan Earle. March 28, 12:15 p.m. at Spencer Art Museum, KU Campus, 864-4710.

KACIL POSITION ON FUNDING FOR SRS
Condensed testimony to State Senate Ways and Means Sub Committee on SRS. Presented February 11 by Gina McDonald, Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living (KACIL).

Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today regarding the SRS budget. KACIL is aware that you have a difficult job. We recognize that there are no easy choices. All the people who will come before you today have priorities and we know you cannot meet them all.

KACIL asks that as you make decisions on this budget; take into account that real people are affected by cuts in services. KACIL supports the Governor's revenue enhancement package as described in his State of the State address. We recognize that reinstating revenue enhancements are not an easy task for legislators, but without increases, the Secretary and her staff identified the terrible options that will occur.
KACIL has been working with the Disability, Elderly and Workers Coalition (DEW) since last November to attempt to educate the public on the need for revenue enhancements to adequately fund social services, aging and education. We have worked with SRS for many years and do not see the ability for them to make more major cuts in their budget without cutting services to the neediest populations.

SRS HCBS - PD WAIVER Budget 
KACIL believes that all Kansans should have the option to live and receive services where they choose. The Home and Community Services Waiver offers that option for many individuals. However, there are too many people on a waiting list for services. As of December 2001 there were 412 people on the waiting list and they wait an average of 15 weeks.

Community-based services are less expensive. You will be paying at least $2,310 per month for each individual who has to enter a facility. You will not save, but will spend more money in a facility.
By not funding this waiting list, your only hope is that people will die at home rather than go to a facility. That is the only way to save money. What are the priorities for long-term care? What are the priorities for citizens of this state? Is it to hope they will die, or to ask people to pay a penny more for gasoline?
We support the Governor's enhancements that would simply reduce the amount of time people are waiting to receive needed services such as getting out of bed, personal hygiene and eating.

As people wait longer periods to get services, the potential for secondary conditions increase and their medical costs increase. It costs the state approximately $11.00 per hour to have an attendant go and move someone in bed or in their wheelchair. Without that service, people develop decubitus ulcers. They require acute care stays and ongoing treatment. The last time I checked, a very small tube of ointment to help heal an ulcer costs over $200.00.

Recommendation
Add $2.5 million to the PD Waiver waiting list. This will keep the list at about 400 people. With that funding they will wait for services for approximately 15 weeks.

SRS has already reduced the payments for attendant wages by more than 90 cents per hour. The immediate result is many of the CILs report that they have had to fire staff who provide supports to consumers and attendants on the waiver. This can have an impact on the quality of the services. 
We are very proud of the quality we have provided on the HCBS Waiver. We have had fewer turnovers than other waivers with regard to attendants. The long-term results of this reduction will be that attendants will be paid lower wages and ultimately it will be very difficult to find people to perform tasks that allow individuals to remain at home. Turnover will be higher and the quality will be diminished.

Recommendation
Reinstate the cuts made January 1. This will cost an additional $1.6 million for FY 2003. If you do not reinstate that funding, you will save money in the short run and it will cost more money later. Other recommendations KACIL would make to you today include the following:

1. Direct SRS ands Department on Aging to develop a community checklist format that would be adapted for each community. It would require the Case Manager or Independent Living Specialist who is developing the Plan of Care to demonstrate that they attempted to use community services before writing a plan of care. They would have to demonstrate why that individual could not use the services available in the community. The checklists would be reviewed to ensure that they were properly reporting success and failures. Accumulation of unmet needs could be a catalyst for identifying community deficits that should be addressed by the CILs.

2. Review funding sources for people with developmental disabilities. There is a strong disincentive for people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities to become independent. The majority of all funding is tied up in matching the waiver using Title XIX funds. The regulations written around that funding source give very little options for community providers to be reimbursed for teaching people to become independent. Rules and regulations encourage and support dependency models.
KACIL recommends a review of programs that were implemented by community providers prior to the development of the current funding systems. There were programs out there that fostered independence. Direct SRS to provide funding for model programs that are effective at promoting independence.
They work, but they must be funded. KACIL believes that current funding can be used. It will require a change in regulations and in thinking.

We must also look at the invasive and sometimes discriminatory regulations used as part of the DD Reform Act that prevent Community Based Agencies from being reimbursed for providing real integrated services for people with developmental disabilities.

Finally, KACIL recommends that you set a goal to close at least one more institution for people with developmental disabilities and use money to provide community based services.

3. KACIL requests that this committee add the same language that the Subcommittee on Aging added to ensure that consumers on the PD waiver have the option to remain on that waiver when they turn 65. We request that whatever budget amendment needs to be made gets accomplished so this option is available beginning July 1st, 2002.

This is a cost neutral request. The DOA did a study last year and determined that there is no significant difference in the cost of providing services on the FE or PD Waiver.

It is a simple book keeping change that will significantly impact the lives of people with physical disabilities. Please do not make 80 more people have to change their lives because of a bookkeeping change.

Thank you for the opportunity to address you today.

STATE BUDGET ADVOCACY CONTINUES
We encourage all readers of Ahead of the Times to send a personal note to their State Senator and Representative with a message requesting they address the state's budget shortfall by reinstating revenue enhancements. A modest tax increase is needed to adequately fund crucial services provided through Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services and the Dept. of Aging. Otherwise, real people will be affected by cuts in needed services such as community based attendant services (PD, MR/DD, and Frail Elderly Waiver programs), meals on wheels, medical assistance programs.

Governor Graves and Representative Bill Reardon have both proposed revenue enhancement through a modest tax increase. These proposals will not be acted upon unless our legislators know there is widespread public support for such action.

In your own personalized way, communicate that: I am (or my family is) willing to pay additional tax dollars in order to protect the State's most vunerable citizens from unfair budget cuts to the SRS and Department on Aging budget. Ask for their support of revenue enhancement / a tax increase.

Thank you in advance for your advocacy efforts. It can and will make a difference. For more information contact Bob Mikesic & Jennifer Schwartz, 841-0333 or toll free 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
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

HUMAN DIVERSITY EVENTS FOCUS ON WOMEN
Since March is National Women's History Month, the Independence, Inc. Human Diversity Task Force has planned the following events. All take place 11 a.m. until around noon at Independence, Inc. and are open to the public.

• Jewish Women 
  Monday, March 11 join us as members from the Hillel House speak about Jewish Passover celebrations, Jewish culture, and the history of Jewish women. 
  Also, put on your calendar for April: The Hillel House will join the Cooking Club April 8, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to teach how to prepare a traditional Jewish meal for Passover.
• Violence against Women
  Monday, March 18, Angie Reinking, former ILS trainer at Independence, Inc., and current advocate for the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence will give us an overview of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and will discuss the dynamics of violence and sexual assault and tips on supporting someone who may be in an abusive relationship.
• February Sisters
  A very special event! Monday, March 25, the February Sisters will talk about their experiences protesting for better pay and childcare at KU in the late 60s and early 70s. The February Sisters recently celebrated their 30th anniversary of launching a successful campaign advocating for the rights of women at KU, which lead to the creation of Hilltop Daycare Center, among other positive results. Come and hear their story.
• Saudi Culture and "The Veil"
  Put this on your calendar: Monday, April 22, Jehan Faisal will speak about women in Saudi culture and "the veil" that Muslim women wear. 
  For information or to request an accommodation, call Susan Mikesic at 841-0333 or toll-free at 888-824-7277. 

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 disabilitylow income 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

CONSUMER SEMINAR FOR SENIORS
Savvy Consumer Seminar for Seniors will be held Wednesday, March 13, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. in the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Auditorium. Topics to be covered are:

• "How to Recognize a Crime"
  Ruth Ritthaler, Douglas Co. Asst. District Attorney
• "Buyer Beware: Avoiding Scams & Fraud"
  Stacy Jeffress, Asst. Attorney General
• "Investment Wisdom"
  Gail Bright, Kansas Securities Commission
• "Smart Credit"
  Deborah Johnston, Capitol Federal Savings
• "Protecting Your Finances"
  Danette Umholtz
  
  This free seminar is open to the public for anyone 50 or older but registration is required. For more information contact Patty Dover at 832-3769 or Christina Jordan at 843-0291.

FOR SALE: Two year old accessible ranch-style house 2,100 square foot, 4-5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 car garage, on 1 acre corner lot. $115,000. Located at 601 West 2nd, Scranton, KS. For more information call 785/267-6243 x243, or 785/793-2136.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE OPTIONS
The Kansas Department of Human Resources has several options for people with disabilities who need to file an unemployment insurance (UI) claim. One option is to file your initial claim on the Internet at www.kansasjoblink.com

However, if any of the following situations have applied to you within the last 18 months, then you must file your UI application through a call center:

• Worked outside the state of Kansas
• Worked for the federal government
• Performed any active military service of 90 days or more, other than training with a National Guard or reserve unit
• Have filed a claim for benefits against any state other than Kansas
• The telephone numbers are Kansas City - 903/596-3500; Topeka - 785/575-1460; Wichita - 316/383-9947. For those living outside these areas, call toll-free (800)292-6333. TTY service is available at 877/457-5432, in the Kansas City area at 913/287-6488, or through the Kansas Relay Center (800)766-3777.

Once your claim is established, currently you must file your weekly claim by telephone rather than online. The following telephone numbers are available: Kansas City - 913/287-6913; Topeka - 785/296-4337; Wichita - 316/269-0633. The weekly claims system is not available for those requiring TTY service. If you require TTY assistance you must ask that a continued claim form be mailed to you.