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Ahead of the Times
Volume 23, Number 7
October/November, 2003

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of Independence, Inc. To celebrate we will be hosting an:

Open House
Wednesday, November 12, 3:30 - 7 p.m.
Independence, Inc.
2001 Haskell Avenue

Our program will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a presentation by Ray Pence from the Beach Center on Disability at K.U. He will speak about Roger Williams who was a pioneering disability rights activist in Lawrence and one of the founders of Independence, Inc. 

Following the presentation we will introduce outgoing and new board members, have volunteer recognition, and present this year's Community Access Awards. A nomination form for Community Access Awards can be found on the last page of this newsletter or at independenceinc.org/awardform.htm 

Join us for refreshments as we look back over the last 25 years and kick off our next quarter century. If you would like more information call 841-0333.

The Center will be CLOSED
November 10 for Veterans' Day and November 27-28 for Thanksgiving.
No transportation available.

COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER CLASSES 
Starting this fall we have two new policies. First, we have opened up our classes to people without disabilities (although people with disabilities will continue to have priority).

Second, we are now charging a small fee for certain classes (Introduction to Computers, Office Assistant I, and A+ Computer Repair).

New Introduction to Computers classes are given every month in the CLC lab. These four-week classes are Tuesdays through Fridays, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. There is a $10 fee for people with disabilities and a $25 fee for people without disabilities, which may be paid on the first day of class.

The Fall 2003 catalog of classes can be obtained at Independence, Inc. or online at http://independenceinc.org/forms.html. Some classes have already filled up while others are filling fast, so get your applications in early!

CONSUMER EVENTS CALENDAR

October

• Oktoberfest Celebration
  Come celebrate Oktoberfest with the Cooking Club on Monday, October 13, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Started in 1810, Oktoberfest is an important part of German culture and history. The first Oktober-fest celebrated the wedding of German Prince Ludwig to the Princess of Bavaria.
  
  We don't anticipate any royal guest at our Oktoberfest, but nonetheless, here's what's on the menu: German sausages, sauerkraut, and potato dumplings. To reserve your seat for the abendbrot (German word for meal), call Ranita at 841-0333 before 5 p.m. on Friday, October 10.
  
• Craft Group Makes Decorations
  Join the Quilting/Arts & Crafts Group on Monday, October 27, 1 - 3 p.m. in the large conference room of Independence, Inc. On the agenda: We will make decorations for the Peer Support Group Halloween Party. Bring your spookiest talents to this fun activity. Questions? Contact Ranita at 841-0333.
  
• Spooky Halloween Party
  Boo! We're gonna' scare the pants off ya' again this year! Join us Friday, October 31, 4:30 -6:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. for Peer Support Group's Spooky Halloween Party. We will have treats, music, dancing, games, goofy prizes, and of course some CREEPY STUFF. It's all in fun! Children, friends, etc. are welcome. Don't forget to come dressed up. Please do not bring any alcoholic beverages, we want this to be a safe and kid-friendly event! Questions? Contact Ranita at 841-0333.

November

• Free Lied Center Tickets
  Attention Consumers! We have free tickets for "The Drummers of Japan," Saturday, on November 1, 7:30 p.m. at The Lied Center on K.U.'s West Campus.
  
  We will give tickets away on a first come- first serve basis until they are gone. Only two (2) tickets per consumer, please! If you need more than two tickets your name will be added to a list and, if there are any leftover tickets the day before the event, you will be notified. A Courtesy Request: If you receive tickets and you cannot use them PLEASE return them so someone else can use them! 
  
  We are currently working on arranging transportation for people needing a ride. As of this printing, transportation has not yet been finalized.
  
  For information about transportation (update), and to request tickets for the event, contact Ranita at 841-0333. Need an accessible accommodation? Please tell Ranita.
  
• Peer Support Group and Music Appreciation Group
  Members of the Peer Support Group and Music Appreciation Group will attend the Drummers of Japan event at the Lied Center on Saturday, November 1 at 7:30 p.m. Group members should contact Ranita at 841-0333 to request tickets. 
  
• Quilting/Arts and Crafts Group
  The Quilting/Arts and Crafts Group will meet Monday, November 17, 1 - 3 p.m. at Independence, Inc. We will make fall decorations for the Fall Celebration Dinner. Questions? Contact Ranita at 841-0333.
  
• Fourth Annual Fall Celebration Dinner
  Cooking Club and The Peer Support Group will sponsor the Fourth Annual Fall Celebration dinner on Monday, November 24, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the large conference room at Independence, Inc. We will learn how to make gravy, stuffing, roasted vegetables, and pumpkin pie. Any donations for the dinner will be most appreciated. Examples of donations: dinner rolls, canned corn, potatoes, plastic spoons/ forks/plates, etc. Preparations for the turkey will begin at 9 a.m. If you want to help with this part of the meal, join us bright and early in the Independence, Inc. kitchen. Please RSVP for the dinner before 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 20. Contact Ranita at 841-0333.

THANKSGIVING MEAL AVAILABLE
If you are unable to get out to a meal site on Thanksgiving and want to have a meal delivered to your home, please contact Susan Mikesic at (785)841-0333 or toll-free 1-888-824-7277 or at susanm@independenceinc.org for information.

A NEW SUPPORT GROUP?
We have a request to start a new support group for kids who have parents with disabilities. We are looking for young people under age 18 to participate. Of course, we would love to have adult volunteers to help with facilitating the group's start up, or with planning activities. If you are interested in forming this new support group, please contact Ranita at 841-0333.

MD SUPPORT GROUP
A new support group is forming for people with Muscular Dystrophy and their families. The first meeting will be Monday, November 3, 7 p.m. at Independence, Inc., 2001 Haskell Avenue. For more information, contact Wylma at 843-1257 or e-mail her at butterfliesover100@yahoo.com 

STUDY FOR YOUR GED IN EUDORA
Do you have the goal of attaining your GED (General Education Development) diploma? Do you live in or near Eudora, Kansas? If so, you will want to know about the newly formed Eudora Community Learning Center. They offer services for students preparing for their GED, including individualized tutoring with a certified teaching staff, computer-based instruction, and a "cap and gown" ceremony for graduates. Call 785/542-4910 or visit www.greenbushcenter.org for more information.

NEAT NOTES
The new Kansas Equipment Exchange (KEE) program is up and running. This program is designed to recycle Durable Medical Equipment (wheelchairs, hospital beds etc.) purchased by Medicaid and no longer needed by the original owner. We already have a long waiting list of people needing equipment - especially beds and scooters.

The KEE program is also looking for community service organizations willing to donate time helping pickup, sanitize and deliver equipment. If you or someone you know belongs to a club or organization that might be interested, call Jim at 785/841-0333 x227.

We continue to travel the globe (well, a small part of it) to help make sure the public knows about our services. Some upcoming dates include:

• Oct 21, AT&T Eldercare Fair, Kansas City
• Nov 17 Babcock Place, Lawrence
• Nov 18 Area Agency on Aging, Seneca

Equipment Loan Bank
We have a pressing need for donations of adult diapers (XL and M) and shower benches ... or cash to buy them. Thanks in advance for your help!

ARO APARTMENTS
Master Plan Management is currently accepting applications for residency at Accessible Residential Options (ARO). These apartments are located at two sites in fourplexes and feature both one and two bedroom units which are fully equipped for accessibility for a tenant who uses a wheelchair for mobility. The units have roll-in showers, accessible light and environmental controls, front loading laundry machines, and knee clearance underneath the kitchen counters and stove. 

ARO is subsidized by HUD so applicants with low income are charged rent according to income and out-of-pocket medical expenses. To apply for housing at ARO contact Master Plan Management at 785/841-4935 or drop by the office at 2619 W. 6th, Suite A, Lawrence, KS 66049. Applications are also available at Independence, Inc., but must be turned in to Master Plan.

HUMAN DIVERSITY TASK FORCE 
TO HOST ANNUAL NOSTALGIC POT LUCK
The Human Diversity Task Force will once again sponsor the very popular annual Nostalgic Objects Pot Luck, on Friday, November 7, noon to 2 p.m. in the Independence, Inc. conference room. Bring food to share and an object, such as a toy from your childhood, or a prized possession or gift, or a souvenir from a trip, or a photo album, or a family heirloom, or any other object that is instilled with meaning for you. After we eat, participants will take turns, in true Show-And-Tell fashion, to tell about their objects. It's a lot of fun and we learn a lot about each other. 

No need to RSVP, just show up! If you want more information, or to request an accommodation, contact Susan Mikesic or Ranita Wilks at 841-0333 or toll-free at 888-824-7277. 

Please remember that Independence, Inc. is a scent-free zone and refrain from wearing scented products such as perfumes or colognes when visiting. Thank you.

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Women's Transitional Care Services (WTCS), Inc. has been working with Independence, Inc. to breakdown barriers that face a person with a disability who is being abused. As part of that collaboration, WTCS was offered space in the Independence Inc. newsletter to bring awareness to domestic violence and WTCS services during October. 

Domestic violence is the misuse of power in a relationship. The relationship could be between spouses, family members, caregiver and the person who has the need for a caregiver. Misuse of power can include physical, emotional, sexual, financial abuse and neglect. Examples of abuse are:

• Physical - inappropriate handling, overuse of restraints, hitting, pushing, over-medicating, keeping the person awake, threaten the use of weapons.
• Sexual - unwanted sexual touching of private parts, unwanted display of pornography, sexual assault, rape.
• Emotional - verbal abuse which targets an impairment, denial of decision making, threats to harm loved ones or pets, insults, isolation.
• Neglect - denial of basic needs, withholding medication or medical equipment, leaving alone without a way to call for help.

The abuse is solely the responsibility of the person misusing their power over another person. The person being abused is never at fault for the abuse. 

Services are available to women and their children who are survivors of domestic violence. WTCS provides a 24-hour crisis line, an emergency shelter, advocacy, community support groups, and community education. 

If you have questions about domestic violence or WTCS services, please call our crisis line at 785-843-3333 or outside of Lawrence, 1-800-770-3030.

TICKET TO WORK/INDEPENDENCE, INC. 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Social Security has a fairly new program called Ticket to Work. The goal of the Ticket program is to help you go (back) to work if you want to, help you earn more money if you are already working, and to help you keep your Medicare or Medicaid coverage while you work.

You are eligible for this program if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments and should have already received your Ticket. If you believe you should have received one but have not, call the Social Security Administration office in Lawrence at 843-9105 and ask about it, or if you live in Franklin County, call Social Security at 785/242-7800.

Independence, Inc. is a Ticket-to-Work Employment Network. That means that we may be able to work with you to achieve your employment or self-employment goals. 

We regularly have people contact us, hoping to assign their ticket to us. This FAQ is to briefly explain some of the benefits to you of the Ticket program, the role of Independence, Inc., and why we don't accept some tickets. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Rob Tabor or Kendall Simmons at 841-0333.

1. Some of the Benefits to Ticket Holders

   Depending on your earnings, your Social Security or SSI cash benefits may continue while you work. 

   If you are working and have substantial earnings, your cash benefits may be stopped. Your benefits can be started again quickly if your income drops or you stop work.

   Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) are those expenses incurred as a result of working with a physical or mental impairment. Those costs do not count towards your earnings. However, this benefit may be available to you even if you are not on the Ticket.
   

2. Your Medicare may continue for a period of 57 to 80 months after you start working (if you are still disabled).
   
3. You may also be able to purchase Medicaid coverage through the State of Kansas' Working Healthy program. More information is available at http://das.kucrl.org/medicaid.html or by calling a Benefits Specialist at 1-800-449-1439.
   
4. Your disability will not be reviewed as long as you are making progress in the Ticket program. (If a review was in progress, it will be completed.)

Making Progress

• For the first two years you participate in the Ticket program, progress toward your employment goal will be assumed.
• In the third year, you must work and have a minimum level of earnings in three out of 12 months.
• In the fourth year, you must work and have a minimum level of earnings in six out of 12 months.
• Starting in the fifth year, you have to work six months out of 12 and earn enough to stop your Social Security disability and SSI benefits.

Independence, Inc's Role

For Independence, Inc. (or any Employment Network) to be reimbursed for their efforts, we must track and report on a variety of things related to a Ticket holder's efforts over a five year period.

1. We must sit down with the Ticket holder and develop an employment plan. This Individual Work Plan (IWP) describes the specific employment services, vocational rehabilitation services or other support services that will be provided in assisting the beneficiary to obtain an employment goal.
   
2. We provide assistance to the Ticket holder when s/he is working with a benefits analyst to determine what is in the Ticket holder's best financial interest.
   
3. We must track the Ticket holder's progress towards their employment goal and make regular reports to Maximus (the oversite program) over a period of five years.
   
4. We must track the Ticket holder's earnings over a five year period. We must submit requests for payment and provide evidence of earnings, without or without payment requests.

Why We Don't Accept All Tickets

To accept a Ticket, there must be specific things that we can do to help a Ticket holder achieve their employment goals. These specific things must be stated in the employment plan and must be reported on a regular basis. 

Here are some examples of why we would not accept a Ticket:

1. We must feel that the Ticket holder is in need of our services to help them achieve their employment goals. 
   
   Example: If you already have a job and could earn SGA (Substantial Gainful Employment) simply by accepting a raise you had been offered, there is no service we can provide that would justify a Ticket assignment.
   
2. We must feel that the Ticket holder is in need of services we provide.
   
   Example: You are going to college to become a dentist, are successfully halfway through the program, and don't need any help from us to continue. Because you don't need any of our services, there would currently be no role for us as an Employment Network. 
   
3. We must feel that it is appropriate for a Ticket holder to assign their Ticket. 
   
   Example: If you want to assign your Ticket simply because you want to avoid a disability review, we can't accept your Ticket. 
   

If you have any questions about the Ticket to Work Program, please feel free to contact Rob Tabor or Kendall Simmons at 841-0333.

WORKFORCE CENTER FOCUS GROUP 
FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES 
A Focus Group is being held to receive input from adults with disabilities on the use, or lack of use, of Workforce Centers. The Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns in partnership with Heartland Works and the Division of Adult Studies, Center for Research on Learning, K.U. are sponsoring this group. 

Please plan to attend and provide your ideas and opinions on Wednesday, October 15, 1:30 p.m. at Independence, Inc. Refreshments will be served.

If you have questions or would like more information contact Richard Johnson at 785/864-7080 or Pat Eakes at 1-800-295-5232. You can also check out the new Workforce Center website at kansasjoblink.com and choose "Disability Resources" on the left.

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER'S WORKSHOP
The next First Time Homebuyer's Workshops by Tenants to Homeowners are: Saturday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Jan. 10, 9:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. at the United Way Building, 2518 Ridge Court, Lawrence. For more information call 785/842-5797.

PREPARE FOR FLU SEASON
Flu vaccine is the single most effective means of preventing infection with the flu virus and the complications associated with flu. An average of 36,000 flu-related deaths occur each year, mostly among people over age 65. In addition, flu infection also puts about 114,000 people in the hospital every year, especially children younger than two years and people over 65 years. 

A yearly flu shot is necessary because the flu viruses change each year. The flu shot uses an inactivated or killed vaccine so it cannot give you the flu. However, you may experience a reaction that is usually mild, such as redness, soreness and swelling at the injection site. Some people may experience fever and muscle aches for a day or two.

Flu viruses spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Flu infection can cause a runny nose, dry cough, extreme fatigue, fever up to 104ø, and muscle and joint pain lasting two weeks or longer. Flu infection can also lead to pneumonia. People 65 years and older should receive a one-time pneumonia shot. Both flu and pneumonia shots will be available at special Health Department clinics in October and November. Flu and pneumonia shots are also covered by Medicare. Watch for announcements of clinic dates, times and locations. 

Contact your physician or the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department at 785/843-0721 for information.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FUNDRAISER
It's time to start getting geared up for this year's "Mardi Gras on the Kaw" fundraiser. Last year was a fantastic success but we want to make this year's event even better. Since we have been through it once we know what we did right (and wrong). We have planned to have the event on Friday, February 20 but need some assistance with pulling it all together.

We'll need volunteers for a variety of tasks: contacting vintners, mailing invitations, soliciting door prizes, setting up, tearing down, and a myriad of other tasks. If you are interested in helping, contact Independence, Inc. at 841-0333.

BIG TENT COALITION
Why should you care about Medicaid? 
Because:

• The waiting lists for Medicaid services still include hundreds of individuals. Some of these have been waiting for more than a year.
• When people do not get necessary health care and support services, the lose control over the basic aspects of their lives, their health conditions deteriorate, and their families face an uncertain future.
• Medicaid programs for families, the elderly, and people with disabilities face on-going cuts in services and eligibility, due to our state's budget problems.
• Someone in your life will someday need help It may be a friend, a neighbor, a family member, or even yourself. It only takes one accident, one illness, one turn of fate.
• You are needed and you can make a difference.
  

Come join us! Meet with the Big Ten Coalition, lean about the issues, and find out what you can do to help change someone's life for the better.

For more information contact 
Linda Lubensky, 785/841-8611, khca@kshomecare.org  
or 
Bob Mikesic, 785/841-0333, bobm@independenceinc.org 

NEW BOARD MEMBERS PROFILES
Shirley Brown, retired community member, returns to the Board of Independence, Inc. Her other community involvement has included the board of the Social Service League and work with Douglas County Senior Services. 

David Morrissey, Director of the Roger Hill Volunteer Center, previously worked for the Douglas County AIDS Project, has served on K.U's Center for Community Outreach advisory board and volunteered at local hospitals.

Kathy Rose-Mockry, Associate Director for the Center for Campus Life at K.U., has served on the boards of Hilltop Child Development Center, Rape Victim/Survivor Services Community Coalition, Women's Transitional Care Services Domestic Violence Community Coalition, and many K.U. committees.

Jean Peterson, Associate Professor in the Department of Social Welfare at K.U., has served on the boards of the Douglas County AIDS Project (DCAP) and Kansas Women's Mental Health Foundation. She has also been involved with fundraisers for DCAP, Womens Transitional Care Services, and Rape Victim/Survivor Services.

Matt Sherman, community advocate, has served with the City of Lawrence Housing Advisory Council and on the board of the Big Tent Coalition. He previously has been involved with AmeriCorp and currently serves on the Independence, Inc. Access Task Force.

Charlotte Sanford is new to the Lawrence community. She has previously served in Coffeyville on the Hospice, Inc. Board of Directors, and worked as a Volunteer Project Coordinator for the Salvation Army. She has also served on the Board of the Prairie Independent Living Resource Center in Hutchinson and was Mayor of Turon, KS for two years.

Andy Stahmer, Community Service Coordinator at KLWN/KLZR radio, has served on the boards of CHIP special committee on tobacco, City of Lawrence Public Transit Advisory Committee, and as and Kansas representative to the Medicare Rights Center Consumer Advisory Board. He has also been involved as a peer counselor for Independence, Inc. and the National Kidney Foundation of Kansas and Western Missouri. 

AHEAD OF THE TIMES GOES BIMONTHLY
Beginning with this edition of "Ahead of the Times," we will be producing a newsletter every two months. The publication schedule for the next year is as follows: 

• Edition Deadline for Submissions

December/January Nov. 17, 2003
February/March Jan. 15, 2004
April/May March 15
June/July May 17
August/September July 15
October/November Sept. 15

• If you are receiving more than one copy, if you no longer wish to receive your regular print, large print, braille, or cassette version, or if you wish to change the format in which you receive it, please contact Independence, Inc. at 785/841-0333, toll-free at 1-888-824-7277, or by e-mail: tonyp@independenceinc.org. 
  
• If you wish to submit information for the newsletter you may drop it by the Center, mail it to:
  
  Tony Peterson, Ahead of the Times
  Independence, Inc., 2001 Haskell Avenue
  Lawrence, KS 66046
  or e-mail it to tonyp@independenceinc.org 

2003 Independence, Inc. Community Access Awards 
Independence, Inc. is seeking nominees for this year's Community Access Award and the Roger Williams Community Access Award. The awards publicly recognizes people whose actions clearly promote independent living for people with disabilities in integrated and accessible communities. Nominations are requested from people in Douglas, Franklin, or Jefferson counties.

Community Access Award 
Recognizes an individual, business, organization, or group whose on-going efforts or activities have advanced opportunities for people with disabilities to live active, contributing lives in their community. 

Roger Williams Community Access Award
Named in honor of pioneering disability advocate Roger Williams, this award recognizes an individual with a disability whose advocacy efforts make a positive impact on their community.

Name of Nominee: ____________________________________________________

Title/Organization (if applicable): _________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

Telephone: ________________________________

Category: _____ Community Access Award / _____ Roger Williams Community Access Award

Please indicate below or attach a statement explaining why you feel the nominee should be considered for an Award.












Your Name: _________________________________________________________

Title/Organization (if applicable): _________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

Telephone: _________________________________

This form may be copied if you wish to make more than one nomination. Send completed forms by 5 p.m., November 6, 2003 to: Independence, Inc., 2001 Haskell Ave., Lawrence, KS 66046.