DAWN AWAKENINGS Awaken to DAWN AWAKENINGS Summer 2007
Inside
this issue:
- Election to Board of Directors
Announcement for October 2007
- Personal Assistance Services Program
- From the Executive Director’s Desk
- Recreation Survey Results and Responses to
your Suggestions
- Christine Crawn Schnorr Advocacy Award
- “Brain Injury: Misunderstood?”
- Freebie 411
- S.A.I.L. Program (Self-Advocacy Institute
for Leadership)
- Adjustment to Vision Loss
- Legislation Introduced to Improve Medical
Access
- Interested in Becoming a Yoga and
Meditation Teacher?
- 2007 Governor’s Conference of Employment
for People with Disabilities
- Community Health Law Project Announces Fee
for Service Program
- State Supreme Court Overturns DDD
Regulation
- Up-coming DAWN Events
- Recycled Equipment
- Computer / Website Info
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Election
to Board of Directors Announcement for October 2007
We again enter the annual cycle for selection of members for
I look forward to hearing from you.
Bob Panzer,
Board Chairperson
Rpanzer @dawncil.org
Office Phone: 973.625.1940
Personal Assistance Services Program
- Division of Disability
Services
The Personal Assistance Services
Program (PASP) gives adults with physical disabilities opportunities to work,
attend school or vocational training and live independently in the community.
The New Jersey Department of
Human Services, Division of Disability Services, administers the program
through provider agencies in each
Personal assistants help
individuals with tasks such as light housekeeping, bathing, dressing, meal
preparation, shopping, correspondence, mobility, driving and / or use of public
transportation.
Although you may be receiving
services from other government programs or have insurance coverage, you may
still qualify for the PASP.
You may be eligible for the
Personal Assistance Services Program if you are:
·
A
·
Physically disabled
·
Between the ages of 18 and 65—will go up to age 70 in
2008
·
Living in private home, apartment, boarding or group home
·
Capable of directing and supervising your own services
·
Are employed, preparing for employment or attending an
educational or training program and / or participating in community based
activities such as volunteer service or parenting
·
May receive up to
40 hours of services per week, depending on need.
Depending on family income, some
individuals pay no fee. Others pay a
portion of the cost of the service on a sliding fee scale, based on their
family income. The remaining cost is
covered by the Dept. of Human Services.
From the Executive Director’s Desk
-
Carmela Slivinski
It was a hot and humid week in
Washington D.C. when DAWN staff and many other advocates from around the United
States and other countries came together
to advance the Independent Living movement for persons with disabilities. The
week was jam-packed with training sessions and networking opportunities and
most importantly to advocate for programs and services that are vital to the
lives of persons with disabilities to ensure their right to live independent
and productive lives in the communities of their choice. After all, Independent Living is about choice!
It is a philosophy which states
that
people with disabilities should have the
same civil rights, choices and control as do
people
without disabilities. It means
different
things to different people.
Independent living is not about doing it
yourself, it is about consumer control.
Consumer control implies that individuals
with disabilities should have control over their own services
based on their choices, preferences, and dreams. One of my favorite quotes from one of the
founding fathers of the independent living movement, Judith Heumann,
is: “Nothing about us with us!
And so, this year was my 6th trip
to Washington D.C to join my fellow advocates around the world at NCIL’s
(National Council on Independent Living) annual conference to celebrate our
accomplishments and to continue to advocate for enhanced supports and services
for persons with disabilities. What is
so unique about this conference and the Independent Living movement is that it
brings together individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their
disability. It is the only movement that
takes into consideration the needs of all persons with all types of
disabilities. It is about the rights of
all persons with disabilities regardless of the nature of the disability, it is
about having a common voice to raise awareness.
On Tuesday, July 12th,
hundreds of people (many from
and every one of us has the right to live our
lives as we choose; the right to participate in
activities as we choose; and to understand that
with those rights come responsibilities.
For too long, persons with
disabilities have
been kept in a state of dependence. Our society needs to change it views on this
issue and it is our responsibility as individuals,
as parents, caregivers, anyone interested to
share this common voice.
As the end of the rally
approached, a
torrential downpour came upon us and we all
made a mad rush to the congressional and
senatorial buildings to keep our appointments.
We were completely drenched but that did not stop us. Fortunately, we had
about an hour to regain our composure and dry off. We met with our respective legislators and
brought our issues to them. I wish I could report that we were successful in
getting their support on the pieces of legislation we need them sponsor but I
do believe each and every time we spread the word, we are heard by at least one
person and so we will continue to chip away at the physical, social, and
attitudinal barriers that exist and some day, we will live in a society that
does value all, and that does encourage equal access to all. I for one will not stop until that occurs.
Recreation Survey Results & Responses to
your Suggestions
- Marc Moldé,
Information & Referral
I would very much like to thank those who
took time out to return their completed Recreation & Socialization Surveys,
sent out in June. It truly helps us when
applying for grants to keep the recreation program going strong.
The majority of consumers who responded
were satisfied with the overall Recreation & Socialization Program. Of the consumers surveyed, a remarkable 91%
were at least somewhat satisfied. Only
6% were somewhat dissatisfied, and 3% were neither satisfied nor
dissatisfied.
In addition, an outstanding 90% were at
least somewhat satisfied with the calendar of events, 7% were dissatisfied, and
3% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.
Among those consumers who were dissatisfied an average of 75.5% of
consumers said they had an opportunity to suggest activities planned, 24.5% had
not.
As for transportation arrangements (where
applicable), 76% of consumers were satisfied, 14% were dissatisfied, 10% were
neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. A
few consumers also noted their disapproval with the transportation arrangements
in writing. DAWNcil contracts out with
various transportation agencies. I know
many consumers; especially those using wheelchairs have issues with the rides
being bumpy, and sometimes dangerous. I
truly understand! Being in a wheelchair
myself, I can relate. I’ve ridden on
these busses myself, and yes some are worse than others. I’ve spoken with the various bus agencies
about what can be done. Unfortunately,
this is due to the structure of the busses and not within our control. If I may make a suggestion, if you use a
wheelchair and need to ride the bus; you can do two things that may make your
trip a bit more enjoyable.
·
Politely, ask the bus driver to drive cautiously. Explain that it is severely bumpy in the back
of the bus, and that one can easily be injured.
·
If you’re able to transfer, please do so, for your own
safety.
DAWNcil understands the difficulties with
transportation, and if you do not feel safe using the current transportation,
you have every right to say something to the transportation agency themselves,
or help us identify other means of transportation and perhaps help raise funds
to utilize them. That’s why it is so
important that everyone pay their dues, and perhaps make a donation on top of
dues.
Furthermore, with the number of staff and
volunteers on hand at an event, 91% were satisfied, 6% were dissatisfied, and
3% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.
Either way, DAWNcil understands this is sometimes an issue. We are working on making assistance more
readily available to all. Hopefully, by
next year our satisfaction rating in this category will be 100%.
Also, I’m happy that 92% of those surveyed
were satisfied with the accommodations made on their behalf, 4% were
dissatisfied, and 4% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. At every event DAWNcil holds, consumers
always have the right to ask for an accommodation. Whether it be an
assistant, an interpreter, transportation, or any other service to help
you. We are not able to keep track of
everyone’s needs.
Lastly, many consumers wrote that they wished
we had monthly activities again. Once
again, another reason to pay your dues!
Or, make a donation to be used only for DAWNcil recreation.
Again, I want to thank everyone who sent
back their completed survey. If you have
any other comments, or questions please call Marc, I&R Specialist at
973-625-1940 or e-mail me at info@dawncil.org.
Christine Crawn Schnorr Advocacy Award
Background: Christine Crawn
Schnorr was a founding member of
A
graduate of
The Award: In June 2006, Christine was taken
from us. To recognize her dedication and
commitment working to advance empowerment of those with disabilities,
Award Program
Administration
Eligibility: Dues paid members of DAWNcil are
eligible for recognition as nominees for the Christine Crawn
Schnorr Advocacy Award. Eligibility among DAWN's membership is not
restricted to those members with a disability.
Nominees must demonstrate the intense drive and dedication shown by
Christine as she went about her advocacy among the schools, the medical
providers, the social service agencies, and political entities. Nominees for the Christine Crawn Schnorr Advocacy Award
exemplify the advocacy reflected from Christine's efforts.
Nomination mechanics: Nominations may be
submitted at anytime during the year. It
is recommended that the nomination be submitted utilizing a form available from
DAWNcil's admin office.
Program Administration and Publicity: DAWNcil will publicize
the Christine Crawn Schnorr
Advocacy Award at least four times per year utilizing print and electronic
media (Awakenings newsletter and www.DAWNcil.org
) directed to reach members of
Christine Crawn Schnorr Advocacy Award, when presented, will be presented
at the
“Brain
Injury: Misunderstood?”
-
Richard DePol
I have to start off with the idea that most
of the public is misinformed about Brain Injury. The brain is one of the largest organs in
the body. When the brain does get
injured, it can have detrimental effects.
Some of the effects may be physical, emotional, and the thinking styles
may be altered, to name a few.
I have seen, and I would think others have
viewed the same coverage, that in the Bob Woodruff special, and the book he has
written, “In an Instant”, about the mishap that Bob had with an IED that
exploded, and that caused him to acquire a brain injury during the
Almost 12 percent of the veterans are
coming home with non-death injuries from the present war, and a large
percentage, are being discharged from the war with Brain Injury.
A doctor once told me that, “imagine that
your brain is like a shoebox, with Jell-O in it. The shoebox is thrown against a wall. Now, the box stops, (your skull), but the
Jell-O (your brain), keeps going until it stops.” This is called Shearing, which is the tearing
of the brain tissue. This is what happens in an MVA or Motor Vehicle Accidents.
The signature injury in the war is Brain
Injury. My wish is to have the public
more informed of the Brain Injury epidemic and with the returning soldiers from
the war, or Brain Injury in general, and some of the misfortunes that may arise
from the change in the brains structure.
Freebie
411
The days of
free directory assistance may be back—as long as you’re willing to listen to
ads. For local and national listings,
there’s 1-800-FREE-411 (1-800-373-3411) and 1-800-411-SAVE (1-800-411-7283). The tradeoff is that you hear an ad for about
15 seconds before you get the number.
And is you're seeking, say, a particular pizza place, you may be hit
with an ad for a rival pizzeria. The 800
numbers are in response to increasing 411 fees, which vary nationwide, partly
due to state regulations, and which can be as high as $3.49 per call. If you prefer using the Internet, try
www.anywho.com and www.411.com
Polio Network of
Newsletter Summer
2007 / Vol 16 No 4 Pg 2
S.A.I.L.
Program
(Self-Advocacy
Institute for Leadership)
This
transition and self-advocacy program is sponsored by a grant from the
SAIL provides an opportunity for students
with any disability (ages 13-21) to pursue additional education and personal
development concurrent with middle school or high school studies.
Students will be provided with the tools
to become empowered to enable them to live more independent lives with the main
intent being that of facilitating an optimal transition to adult life. For more information contact Sean Hardy at
DAWN 973 625-1940.
Adjustment
to Vision Loss
The updated 2007
Adjustment to Vision Loss Peer Support Directory is now available. The AVL network continues to grow, and as a
result they now have over fifty groups in AVL’s 14 county catchment areas.
Because of the diverse interests of AVL
peer support groups, it is important to contact Susan Vanino
directly (at 201-996-9100 ext. 26 phone, 201-996-9422 fax or e-mail her at svanino.ber@hipcil.org.
) so that
folks can be referred to peer support groups that will best fit their needs.
Excerpts from letter:
July 2007
Susan Vanino, AVL Peer Spt. Coord.
Bill Introduced to Improve Medical Access
Senator Tom
Harkins (D-IA) has introduced legislation to establish accessibility standards
for medical diagnostic equipment and create wellness grants to fund health
programs that focus on the unique challenges faced by individuals with
disabilities.
Harkin’s “Promoting Wellness for
Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2006” also creates a National Advisory
Committee on Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities.
The legislation requires medical and
dental schools, along with their residency programs, to increase training to
improve competency and clinical skills in providing care to patients with
disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities.
The wellness grant program established in
the legislation would help fund programs for smoking cessation, weight control,
nutrition and fitness that focus on the unique challenges faced by individuals
with disabilities; preventative health screening programs; and athletic or
sports programs that provide individuals with disabilities and opportunity to
increase their physical activity.
Send stories of problems you have faced,
such as attempting to access an examination table or mammogram machine, to:
Senator
Tom Harkin
731
Hart Senate Office Building
Polio Network of
Newsletter Spring 2007 /
Vol. 16 No 3, Page 3
Signs of Success
Kimberly Mooney of Strength for
Change Counseling and
Signs of
Success is a private practice Catering to All of your additional
educational needs. We serve children and
adults with learning difficulties as well as social-emotional issues. Signs of Success specializes in working with deaf and hard
of hearing individuals. Our staff are all skilled in the use of alternative/augmentative
modes of communication used by individuals with a hearing impairment, which
includes ASL, Signed English, and Oral Communication. Signs of Success Agency
offers the following services:
1. Evaluations: Comprehensive learning evaluations that
include academic & cognitive tests.
Speech & Language testing & Psychological testing are also
available
2. Consultations: School observations and consultations with
school staff enable us to gather information about the student’s functioning in
the classroom
3. Advocacy: Attending meetings at school with parents
enable us to explain the test results and their implications for the student’s
program.
4. Counseling: provides treatment to clients with emotional,
behavioral, relationship and/or substance abuse difficulties…please see our
affiliate strengthforchange.com
5. Tutoring: Staff are all
certified teachers of the deaf
Signs of
Success Agency LLC has offices in
Fairfield (NJ) and Mt. Arlington (NJ), however, we do travel to other locations
at your convenience. Please visit our
website for more detailed information: signsofsuccessagency.com.
Signs of Success 973-882-1725 (V&TTY)
E-mail: Drksmooney71@yahoo.com
Agency Highlight
A new
feature to our newsletter will be a section where we can highlight
accomplishments, new ventures, or address an issue of importance. I am pleased to pilot this section with a
success story from one of our consumers.
As you read Scotts story many of you may be able to identify with the
many obstacles and changes in his life which he had to learn to cope with and
to overcome. We congratulate Scott on
his accomplishments and wish him much success in the future. Scott and his wife Jennifer wrote a very impressive
thank you to our own Eileen Johnson for her help. Eileen works very closely with individuals
who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and Scott’s story is one which
she can be very proud to have played a part in.
Kudos to Eileen! Job Well Done!
Coach Scott’s Story
On September 23, I will be
celebrating an anniversary. Some people
would assume that my celebration would be a wedding anniversary, but it is not
the reason for my joy. Rather this date
is the day that my life was altered following a ruptured brain aneurysm. Four years ago while working, I suffered the
events of a bleed in my brain. While I
remember little from the days that followed, I believe that my disability has
made me stronger and left me with a desire to help others in their recovery
process.
I have not always been willing to
celebrate this day. Over time I have had
to rethink, relearn and deal with many emotions of living a functional life
following the onset of a disability. I
was often discouraged. Prior to the
event of my aneurysm, I was a successful business man who enjoyed going to work
each day. More than anything I wanted
to be a provider to my family. Since
that day, I have had to rebuild my life.
Letting go of what was familiar and finding my new role in life has been
a challenge. My wife, family, friends,
mentors and church family have rallied around me providing me with support,
love, friendship and never ending encouragement. These incredible people continue to believe
in me daily.
I had reservations about
writing a blurb about my disability. I
am certain that if you are reading this, you have your own story to share. Let’s face it; each of us has a story. What compelled me to write about my
experience is knowing that my story could make a difference
in the lives of others.
Today I am in a better place both mentally and emotionally. This past summer I signed up to be a
volunteer assistant coach for the pee wee football team in town. I had been a coach previously prior to my
illness and was excited to start working in kids lives again. I cannot begin to tell you what this
experience has done for me. The kids
that I coach have
given
me more than I can express in words.
They
don’t see me as a coach with a
disability, but rather someone that they can
relate
to on the field. Their readiness to
listen
to advice given both on and off the
field
has given me purpose. From what I
have
been told, this team last year was not
successful. This year we have started to
be
a
dominant team. The expectations for
these
young men are endless. Parents
often
thank me for taking the time to coach
their children. In return, I want to thank
them
for sharing their children with me.
I hope to write an update at
the end of the season letting you know how the team does. Even if we were to lose all games, the gift
of winning has already been given to me.
I encourage each of you that you can make a difference in the lives of
others. Always remember to have faith, a
positive attitude and the belief that you are capable of great things. I am living proof that these things combined
will aid you in the recovery process.
Wishing
you all the best today and always,
Coach
Scott
- - - - - - - - - -
Dear Eileen,
Thank you for
all your help and assistance in helping Scott receive services. It is because of you that Scott has been able
to find his “passion” and return to his love of being a football coach, You have been
Scott’s mentor, inspiration and voice of reason. You are indispensable in our lives and we
will always be eternally grateful for the programs and services that you
continue to seek on his behalf.
With Sincere
Thanks,
Jennifer
& Scott
Notary
Public Services
Bobbie Humphreys, a DAWN member of long standing, is offering her services
as a Notary to our members. If you are
unable to leave your house she is willing to go to you. You can contact Bobbie directly at (973)
335-8002.
Interested
in Becoming a Yoga and
Meditation Teacher ?
Here’s Your Chance! The Jewish Service for the Developmentally
Disabled WAE (Wellness, Arts and Enrichment) Center is has recently received a
generous grant from the Kessler Foundation to train individuals with mobility
disabilities to become yoga and meditation teachers. This is a free training
that will begin in late September and will run for six months. For more
information or to apply please contact WAE Center Program Coordinator, Elaine Schenkel or Program Director, Marilynn Schneider at (973)
325 - 1494 or email ebschenkel@comcast.net
or ma.schneider@comcast.net
2007 Governor’s Conference of
Employment for People with Disabilities
“DiscoverAbility”
the 2007 Governor’s Conference of Employment for People with Disabilities will
be held on October 11 & 12, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency in
October 11th 8:30
a.m. -
Workshops ▪ Resources ▪ Networking Opportunities
The goal of this conference is to promote
the employability of individuals with disabilities and establish a
collaborative setting for the advancement of employment opportunities.
You should attend if you are: an individual with a disability; parents of
an adolescent with a disability; disability services provider and educator; are
business owners and entrepreneurs; a Human Resource Manager; are diversity
trainers and counselors or are an equal employment opportunity / affirmative
action officers.
October 12th 8:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.