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Ahead of the Times
Volume 20, Number 8
May, 2000

COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
by Rob Tabor
With any luck "Community Transportation Update" will become a regular feature of Ahead of The Times. The aim of this series of articles is to keep you and all interested members of the Lawrence area informed as to the latest developments in the emerging new fixed-route and complimentary public transit system soon coming . . . coming . . . coming to Lawrence. Okay, so things are getting off to a slower than expected start, but there may be a hidden blessing in it, especially if potential public transit consumers can develop a strong, united voice in creating the kind of service we want. A second, equally important goal is to encourage interested citizens to participate in the process of making all of our voices heard through a variety of convenient forums.
The Public Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC) was created to advise Lawrence city officials on such diverse issues as budget development, policy setting, and helping to create the operational structure of the newly emerging fixed-route bus and complementary public paratransit system which is slowly but surely coming into fruition as a result of many years of tireless and persistent grass roots advocacy. On March 21 PTAC chose its slate of officers, all of whom will serve through December 31, 2000 until new full two year terms begin on January 1, 2001. Rob Tabor, Independence, Inc., was elected as interim chairman, Anita Arkeketa, Haskell Indian Health Center, was elected as Vice Chair, and Karen Rexroad, Lawrence City Public Transit Administrator, will provide support staffing to the committee. All members of the committee are appointed by the mayor of Lawrence for two year terms.
What Are the Current Activities and Issues? Some activities such as the PTAC bylaws, are nearing completion and will soon be ready to present to the Lawrence City Commission for final approval. Other activities in progress include review by two ad hoc subcommittees of incoming bid proposals for purchasing a fleet of buses and for contract management services, approval of a marketing plan to publicize the availability of the system and to encourage its frequent use, developing ridership and operational policies for the system, and developing eligibility criteria and procedures that will determine who can use the paratransit system as well as an appeal procedure to enable those determined ineligible for paratransit services to argue their case. 
This list of activities and issues is not necessarily all-inclusive. I have probably left a couple of things out, but as you have probably already figured out, there is plenty of work ahead for all of us who are currently involved as well as for those who would like to become involved in helping to create a full service, consumer-friendly public transit system.
How Can I Help? We encourage you to take your views and concerns on any and all issues that interest you relative to the fixed-route and paratransit services. There are several ways to make your voice heard. First, members of the general public will have opportunity to comment at each regular meeting of PTAC. Meetings are usually scheduled for the third Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 16, 11:30 a.m. the City Commission Chamber on first floor at Lawrence City Hall, 6 East Sixth Street. Both PTAC and city staff welcome everyone's input. We only ask that in the interest of keeping meeting times to approximately one hour and to provide opportunity for as many to speak as possible, we ask all speakers to make their points as concise as possible. You can also present your comments and questions by contacting:
Rob Tabor
785/841-1094 (fax)
785/841-0333 (voice)
785/841-1046 (TDD)
E-mail: robt@independenceinc.org
or
Karen Rexroad
Phone: 785/832-3465
Mail: P.O. Box 708, Lawrence, KS 66044

If you need transportation to a PTAC meeting call Independence, Inc. at 841-0333 or Douglas County Area Transportation at 749-2287 at least one week before the meeting.

The Center will be Closed Monday, May 29 - No Transportation Available

SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENT LIVING 
If you are interested in participating in the "Spirit of Independent Living" photo contest, cameras are available at Independence, Inc. for a $5 donation. For more information contact Richard Gutierrez at 841-0333.

PEER SUPPORT GROUP 
This month members of the Peer Support Group will attend the Fourth Annual Art Tougeau Art Car Parade on Saturday, May 6, noon - 2 p.m. Group members will meet at the South Park gazebo to watch the parade. Please remember to bring bottled water if the weather is extremely hot. We encourage you to arrange your own transportation, however if you have problems arranging a ride, please call Ranita at 841-0333 before May 4.

COOKING CLUB WELCOMES A PROFESSIONAL CHEF
Cooking Club members dust off your notebooks! We guarantee you don't want to miss this month's Cooking Club. Come learn the great culinary skills of chopping, slicing and frying from a professional chef. Join us Monday, May 22, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. Please notify Angie or Ranita at 841-0333 if you plan to attend. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation. Cooking Club members would like to say a huge thank you to Jody Anderson for donating money to the group for purchasing a stock pot. The group greatly appreciates all donations.

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

TASK FORCE TO HOST TALK ON WOMEN & TRADE UNIONS
On Tuesday, May 16, 11 a.m. - noon, join us as Kelly Nightengale, our Housing Specialist, speaks about her trip to Cuba and what she learned there about international women involved in labor unions. The talk with take place at Independence, Inc., 2001 Haskell.
Kelly will travel to Cuba April 27 - May 3 to attend a conference on the topic of "Women and Trade Unionism." The conference will focus on the challenges facing the Labor Movement, women's legal status within the labor world, and the economic, political and social rights of women throughout the world. 
Please join us to hear Kelly speak on this important topic. Everyone is welcome. For more information or to request an accommodation, contact Susan Mikesic at 841-0333.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TIP OF THE MONTH
Do you need to raise the height of a table to provide wheelchair access?
Cut PVC pipe used for plumbing to the desired length and place over the legs of the table. Be sure to measure the widest part the leg and purchase a pipe with a large enough inside diameter. Pipe is available in white or black but can be painted to match the table or you can use it as an opportunity to let your artistic side go wild!

HOYO NEWS
The next meeting of the Home Of Your Own (HOYO) Advisory Council will be Tuesday, June 20, 1:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. With this meeting we will begin meeting quarterly instead of monthly. 

The next meeting of the First Time Home-buyers group will be Wednesday, May 17, 3:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc.

Tenants to Homeowners, Inc. still has an opportunity available to purchase a two bedroom renovated older home with some accessibility features at 218 Alabama. The buyer would need to finance approximately $75,000 of the home. A person can use resources like the Home Owners Out of Tenants loan (HOOT) and the HOYO Grant. If you are interested in this house, or want more information about HOOT or HOYO, call Alan at Tenants to Homeowners 842-5494 or Kelly at 841-0333.

As a reminder, here are steps that can be taken by a first time homebuyer toward using the HOOT loan to purchase their first home:
1. Attend the First Time Homebuyer Workshop presented by Tenants to Homeowners. The class will discuss how the HOOT loan works, the difference between a buyer's and seller's realtor, how credit affects your ability to get a loan, and what to look for in a solid home. The class is every other month on the second Saturday. The next class is Saturday, May 13, 9:45 a.m. at the United Way Building, 2518 Ridge Ct. Call Alan at 842-5494 for more information.
2. Visit with Alan Bowes for an individual pre-purchase counseling appointment. He can pull your credit report, and help you analyze your income and debt to determine an estimate of how much you could qualify for if you apply for a home loan. Call 842-5494.
3. Set an appointment for pre-purchase budget counseling with Consumer Credit Counseling. Robert Baker will help you look at how to save for a down payment and how your budget fits a mortgage payment. This is a valuable way to look at your income and budgeting possibilities. Call 749-4224 for an appointment. 
4. If you experience an income limitation because of a disability, you could qualify for the HOYO Grant. The HOYO Grant can assist with down payment, rehabilitation, or accessibility modifications. You must first qualify for the HOOT loan to be eligible for the HOYO Grant. For more information, call Kelly at 841-0333 or come to a first time homebuyer's group meeting at Independence, Inc.
5. HOOT loans are administered through Capital Federal Bank, Douglas County Bank, First Savings, and University National. If you qualify, they will give you a letter of commitment that states the amount of your loan. You can use this while looking at homes to negotiate a contract to purchase. It is a good idea to look at homes throughout the process of qualifying. This gives you an idea of what homes cost and what is generally available in Lawrence. Good luck!

AN HMO YOU'LL REALLY LIKE
by Rob Tabor
For the last several months Lawrence residents have been discovering a new alternative to help them get needed medical care. Thanks to Dr. Dennis Sale, a family practice physician who has recently moved to Lawrence from California, a free walk-in clinic is now available to those without health insurance coverage including the homeless. The clinic, known as Heartland Medical Outreach, is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Heartland Community Church, 619 Vermont. No appointment is necessary, but anyone wishing to discuss any medical concern may call Dr. Sale at the church office at 832-1845. A free dental clinic will soon be coming to Lawrence, again thanks to the passion and vision of Dr. Sale. Look for a future article in Ahead Of The Times announcing the start-up date. Now you see why many Lawrencians call the Heartland Medical Outreach clinic an HMO they really like.

Family looking for a place to set up camp and garden. If you have a yard or property that is sanitary that you would allow use as a camping space, please call Jeremiah at 841-8888.

FOR SALE: 1996 Chevrolet conversion van with raised roof, dual air, Ricon lift. 135,000 highway miles. Looks and drives like new. $15,000. Call 913/351-2504.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS 
Ending the Silence: Recognition, The First Step, will be a collection of personal essays written by and about people with disabilities who have be victims of crime. Contributors are asked to submit their own experiences for publication as part of a series of three anthologies. Recognition, The First Step will represent stories, poems and songs about sexual assault and domestic violence. Because of the sensitive nature of the book, articles can be submitted anonymously or you can request that your name not be included in the publication. The second book will be a collection of stories of violence and abuse in institutions, and the third will be on all types of violence against people with disabilities.
Submissions for any of the above are welcomed. Send manuscripts to: D.J. Stemmler, 124 Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15229 E-mail: Deejay3953@aol.com. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.

LOCAL CHAPTER OF SELF HELP FOR HARD OF HEARING REORGANIZING
The local chapter of Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc. (SHHH) is reorganizing and has scheduled its first session for Tuesday, May 23, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. in the Conference Room at Babcock Place, 1700 Massachusetts. SHHH is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to the well-being of people of all ages who do not hear well. 
The primary purpose of SHHH is to educate the public about hearing loss. SHHH also encourages and participates in research to improve technology and supports and helps to implement legislation benefitting people with hearing loss. For more information contact Gayle Sigurdson at 832-1692.

NCD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
National Council on Disability (NCD) is seeking applicants for its National Disability Policy Fellowship program. In an effort to identify and develop new leaders with disabilities and to enhance NCD's policy capacity, they have established this program in Washington, D.C. to provide experience, training, and contacts to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Selected fellows will receive benefits, a stipend to cover living expenses, and relocation expenses. For more information go to http://www.ncd.gov An application form can be obtained by contacting Stacey Brown at 202/272-2004, 202/272-2074 (TTY), 202/272-2022 (fax).

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 items contact Jennifer Schwartz or Sharon Magee-Minor, at 1-800-526-3648 (if you are calling from outside Lawrence) or 785/841-0333.

KU DISABILITY ISSUES LISTSERV 
A listserve to be used by students/staff who have a disability at the University of Kansas has been set up. This will allow timely and important messages regarding disability issues to be shared with subscribers. For example, when an elevator breaks down the listserv can be used to immediately notify others of the barrier, or when students encounter difficulties receiving classroom accommodations, the listserv can be used as a problem solving forum.The most recent statistics show that less than 500 students are registered with the Services for Students with Disabilities office (SSD). This is less than 2% of students, a very small number when it is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans has a disability (20%). 
You can subscribe to the listserv, kudisabilityinfo@scrtec.org by sending an e-mail to majordomo@scrtec.org with the line "subscribe kudisabilityinfo" as the first and only line in the body of the message. Typing "unsubscribe kudisabilityinfo" will remove you from this listserv. Make sure you use your own email address to subscribe and unsubscribe.
When you want to post, after joining, you need to address your email to, kudisabilityinfo@scrtec.org If you have questions, contact Sean JC Lancaster, Project Coordinator, Center for Research on Learning, University of Kansas, 785/331-3496.

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 

PHONE CALL SCAM ALERT
Never dial an 809 area code unless you are trying to reach the Bahamas. Scam artists are calling people and leaving messages about sick family members, prizes won, etc. and asking the householder to call a number in the 809 area code. These calls aren't covered by U.S. regulations and calls cost as much as $25 per minute. Upon calling the number the victim encounters a long recording or a person speaking broken English who prolongs the conversation by pretending to not understand. 
Another variation involves e-mail messages which typically have a subject line of "ALERT" or "Unpaid Account" and a message demanding that you call an 809 area code number and "settle your account" immediately or face dire legal consequences. If you do incur these phone charges there is no recourse. It's a foreign company and no U.S. laws against consumer phone fraud apply.