Life and Independence for Today.
A Lift in the Right Direction.
Spring 2003 Issue.
By: Kelly Valdez, Advocacy Specialist
Governor Ed Rendell designated May, 2003 as PA Barrier Awareness Month (PABAM!). Every year, PABAM! promotes a better understanding of the architectural and attitudinal barriers hindering people with disabilities from full and independent lives. There are many things that can be done in our communities to remove these barriers. One of the easiest is a simple shift in the way we think and speak with regard to disabilities.
We all know that language is a powerful tool, reflecting, reinforcing, and shaping our perception of one another and ourselves. People First Language was first introduced on a national level in the early 1970's by a group of persons with cognitive disabilities to let the world know that they wanted to be treated and referred to with respect. They no longer wanted to be referred to as "handicapped", a word derived from the only occupation available to people with disabilities in the 1800's: begging for money in the streets with "cap in hand".
These pioneers in the Independent Living Movement wanted to be recognized as people first. It is from this desire for respect that People First Language grew and developed, giving a new sense of self-worth for all people with all disabilities.
Here are a few simple suggestions to help us all improve our language usage:
> DO NOT refer to a person's disability unless necessary.
> DO NOT use phrases like "victim of", "afflicted with", etc. - instead, say "person with multiple sclerosis" or "a person who had polio".
> DO NOT use phrases like "wheelchair bound" or "confined to a wheelchair" - instead, use person in control phrases like "wheelchair user".
>AVOID using phrases such as "special" or "challenged" because it points out the disability rather than the person and their abilities.
> AVOID portraying people with disabilities who lead successful lives as "brave" or "courageous" - this implies that it is rare or unusual for people with disabilities to succeed in life.
> AVOID using patronizing tones or language; do not talk to a person with a disability like a baby.
> DO NOT pat or kiss a person with a disability on the head! Treat the person with the same respect you would show everyone else.
> DO NOT direct your comments to companions, relatives, or employees who may be accompanying a person with a disability - directly address the person with a disability.
> ALLOW your children to (respectfully) ask questions when they encounter a person with a disability - it can promote greater understanding and eliminates unfounded fears.
Most of this is just good judgment and common sense; some is just becoming aware of the appropriate and current terminology and using it. It may not roll off the tongue quite as easily as The "H" Word does, but it is worth the effort for each of us to treat everyone with respect and dignity. For more information on People First Language or the Independent Living Movement, please contact LIFT at (800) 341-LIFT (5438).
A Lift in the Right Direction is published quarterly by: Life and Independence for Today 503 East Arch Street St. Marys, PA 15857-1779 Cathy Lenze, Editor & Executive Assistant Robert Mecca, Executive Director Questions or comments should be addressed to the Executive Director at the above address.
LIFT is co-sponsoring a series of collective advocacy workshops funded by the Developmental Disabilities Council. "Collective advocacy" means advocacy that will benefit a group of people rather than an individual. The first set of workshops, "Putting a Plan Together" and "Deciding Which Advocacy Actions to Take" took place on Monday, May 19th in St. Marys. Over 30 consumers, advocates and agency representatives attended. There was no charge for the workshops or the training materials provided.
Mr. George Taylor of Public Policy Advocates presented the morning session, entitled "Putting a Plan Together". Mr. Taylor gave an overview of how small groups of people can change the world. He emphasized that good planning, a clear mission, and doing the homework are essential to successful advocacy.
LIFT staff member Tom Wenner lead the afternoon workshop and explained some of the various methods used in collective advocacy. He listed advantages and disadvantages to each one, and gave several suggestions for a group to consider before choosing which method to use.
The sessions were full of useful information and afforded opportunity for questions and other feedback. Those who commented said that they enjoyed the workshops and many are already registered for the next two sessions.
The rest of the series includes:
9-8-03 Workshop: Advocacy with State Agencies and The Legislative & Budget Process
11-3-03 Workshop: Getting and Keeping Your Group Organized and Advocacy with School Districts
4-5-04 Workshop: Effective Leadership and Networking
5-24-04 Workshop: Advocacy with Local Government and Timing & Targeting Advocacy Efforts
9-13-04 Workshop: Media & Advocacy and Grant Writing & Foundations
For more information on these workshops or to register, please contact LIFT at (800) 341-LIFT (5438).
A few years ago, I shocked my family and friends by getting a haircut, the first in about seven years. I had sworn off haircuts because of a very bad one, but someone told me about Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that made hairpieces for financially needy children with a medical hair loss. The Locks of Love requirements are quite simple: hair should be 10" long, tied in a ponytail, and kept from touching the floor during the haircut.
In May, 2000 for PABAM!, I donated a 36" braid to Locks of Love. I don't know how many hairpieces were made from that original donation or whom they went to, but it made me feel good to know that I made someone a little happier.
Over the last three years, I decided that I would make another hair donation to Locks of Love in May, 2003. My personal goal was a donation of at least 24", so my lifetime donation would exceed my body height. I knew that I would have to go real short to achieve this, and wasn't about to entrust this job to just anyone. My search for a hair stylist was a short one, as my colleague Jill Rhoades approached Joe Sexton of Gemmae Styling Salon requesting his involvement. Mr. Sexton graciously agreed to cut my hair free of charge, as he thought this was a worthy cause, so long as he could chose the style.
I have to admit, I was a little nervous about that - I had a "no fuss", one-length style in mind, one that could easily be grown in for another donation. Jill made the appointment for me, and went along for moral support (and to ensure I didn't chicken out, I think!).
Joey put me at ease with a couple of jokes as Jill took some before pictures. Joey then got to work braiding my hair, making it easier to cut for the donation. When he measured it, there was only 21" to cut. I was devastated and considered waiting for another 3" of growth, but decided it really didn't matter. Once the braid was cut, the real fun began. I told Joey that I had two words for him: low maintenance! He laughed and kept cutting. He's a whiz with the scissors and a master at putting his customers at ease. From start to finish, the process took about forty minutes, and when he was done, I had a great haircut and a 21" braid to donate.
Since then, I've received at least a hundred positive comments about my new do, and I really love how easy to care for this cut is. I haven't yet decided if I'll let it grow for one more donation, but anyone out there thinking about donating their hair can check out: www.locksoflove.org, as well as find out some interesting background information on this great organization.
On May 16th, 2003 members of the Allegheny Mountain Rollin' Thunder wheelchair basketball team, along with staff and board members from LIFT went to the Maple View Elementary School in Punxsutawney. We provided an awareness program for the children and teachers.
Jack Neale and Louis Bennetti, both members of the team and employees of other centers for independent living, gave brief presentations on independent living and fielded several questions for the students. I then gave a brief explanation on PA Barrier Awareness Month and explained what we do at LIFT.
The kids let us know that it was time to play ball! We competed against the faculty of the school. We all had a lot of fun! The Rollin' Thunder won that day, but the final score was close: 42 to 34. The team that the faculty put together was outstanding! They scored more points against us than any other exhibition team ever. We all learned some awareness that day. The lesson I learned was not to take anything for granted!
On May 23rd LIFT was invited to attend the 2003 Senior Citizens Expo sponsored by Joe Scarnati, State Senator of the 25th District. This event was held in the gymnasium of the Penn State DuBois Campus from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This year the response was overwhelming and there were over 1,000 people that were in attendance at this event. The number of people in attendance doubled from last year's record.
LIFT distributed literature on services that we provide and answered questions about our programs. There were also devices from the Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library that were demonstrated such as the Liberty Color, Pocket Talker, Writing Aid and other Personal Care Aids. Seniors were given the opportunity to try these devices and some decided to borrow assistive technology from the Lending Library. If you did not have a chance to attend this expo and would like more information on how to acquire assistive technology, just give me a call.
On May 29th, it was a wonderful Thursday afternoon, with no rain, if you can imagine that! One hundred and forty-four persons had the same idea in mind - "Let's Play Some Golf!" LIFT held its 4th Annual Charity Golf Classic, which was sponsored this year by St. Marys Pharmacy and Home Health Care. This was a full tournament, with 36 teams present, and was held at the beautiful Bavarian Hills Golf Course in St. Marys.
To ensure that PABAM! was included in this event, we decided to intertwine our disability awareness simulations with the golf tournament as we did last year. To start, we had a blind golf simulation on the putting greens during registration. Several players received an awareness that persons who are blind or have a visual disability can and do golf. Signs were posted on just exactly how this is achieved.
At 1:00 p.m. players jumped in their golf carts and dispersed to their starting holes. The golfers who lucked out started off on holes #10 and #1; we had some fun in store for them. When players approached the tee off on hole #10, we had a wheelchair ready for them and a sign that read: "Two of your four-person scramble must tee off using the wheelchair provided. Must be the opposite two players who teed off at the one-handed golf simulation on hole #1". Throughout the afternoon, to much surprise, several of the players did very well teeing off, while others were exceptionally glad that the camera crew from St. Marys Cable Television had moved along to the other simulation. They had enough embarrassment from their other teammates and several event staff looking on! The sign gave more details on how persons who use wheelchairs for mobility can and do golf. We explained that some get customized clubs, use bigger tires, and modified golf carts. Lots of smiles and laughter were happening on this hole!
On hole #1, we had yet another disability awareness simulation - a one-handed golf simulation. Two of the players, which were the opposite two players who used the wheelchair, had to tee off using only one arm to simulate disabilities such as amputations, stroke, etc.
There were tons of comments made by the golfers on how much they learned by doing these simulations and what an eye-opening experience it was.
The community is what makes this annual fundrasier such a huge success! We hope that this makes people more aware that people with disabilities can and do participate in recreational sports!
Thank you to ALL for your help!
| Abbott Furnace | St. Marys Chevrolet | A & G Landscaping |
| Ace Auto Rental | American Legion - Dagus Mines | ARC Metals |
| Area Transportation Authority | Burf's Sales & Service | Burkes ACE Hardware |
| Butera's Hardware | C & A Seamless Gutters | Carbone of America |
| Cenni's Distributor | The New City Line | Coldwell Banker 1st St. Marys Real Estate |
| Coppolo & Coppolo | CSB Bank in St. Marys | Cunningham Trucking |
| Custom Improvements Building & Remodeling | D & K Computer Services | Daghir Construction |
| Dan Zimmett of Edward Jones Investments | Dave Rossi - Nature's 10 Jewelers | Eagle Express/St. Marys Equipment Company |
| East Branch River Restaurant | Eastern Sintered Alloys | Ed Mazary - State Farm Insurance |
| Edwards Office Systems | Express Lube & The Bubble Bath | Fenice Garage |
| Fezell's Elk County Shop N' Save | First Commonwealth Banking | Geci & Associates, P.C. |
| Green Lite Restaurant | Groll's Disposal | Help Yourself Designs |
| Hoffman Sports & Turf | Hoys Radio Service | Huber Engineered Materials |
| Hunt Oil Products, Inc. | Inches Away Diet Center | Ingram Repair Service/Auto & Truck Repair Service |
| Jodi's Beauty Salon | Johnsonburg Physical Therapy & Fitness Center | KTH Architects |
| Kwik Fill Red Apple in Johnsonburg | L & M Lumber | Lesser & Lesser Jewelers |
| Mamie Joe's | Mark Ingram School Bus Contracting | Mark S. Jacob - Attorney at Law |
| Mecca's Bar & Grill | Metaldyne Sintered Components in Ridgway | National City - St. Marys |
| Pennsylvania Body and Frame | Premier Graphics | Quala-Die |
| Rebco, Inc | Regional Ambulatory Surgery Center | Ricochet Xpress |
| Roy B. Constables Stores | Russ Hanes Tire Sales & Service | S & T Bank in Brockway |
| Sheetz 151 - Emporium | Sherwin Williams | Simpson Communications |
| South St. Botanical | St. Marys Auto Body | St. Marys Home & Hardware |
| St. Marys Television | Steve Newell Plumbing & Heating | Stoltz of St. Marys |
| Suburban Building Center | W & H Machine Shop | McBride Realtors |
| Allegheny Power | Allegheny Taxidermy | American Refinery Group | Arby's |
| Betty Price - LIFT Board Member | B94 WKBI | Bilo - St. Marys | Burkhouse Contracting |
| Calari's | Canoe Place Inn | Chittester's Auto Repair | Cliffe's |
| Clyde's Quality | Comes Greenhouse | Curves | Cynthia -N- Company |
| Dairy Queen | Detail Shop | Don's Pizza | Elk Regional Health Center |
| Erways Feeds | Finny's Family Restaurant | Four Lane Fuels | Fox's Pizza |
| Go With The Flo | Great Escapes Café | Hershey's Farm Market | Herzing Greenhouse |
| Holiday Hair | Hoss's Steak & Sea House | House of Style | Ivan's Men's Shop & Women's Apparel |
| Jack's Steak & Sea | Joey's Bakery | Kane Feed & Seed | Key's Equipment |
| Kinzua Beverage | Kopper Kettle Restaurant | L & B Surplus | Lookout Enterprises |
| Marlo's Place | Matthews Hallmark | McDonalds - St. Marys | McFarland House |
| Meats & Catering | Movie Time | N&N Cinnamon Company | NAPA - Ridgway |
| NAPA - St. Marys | Nationwide Insurance - St. Marys | Northwest Savings Bank - St. Marys | Olga's Gift & Art Studio |
| Perkins | Peterson Studio | Pfaff's Market | Pizza Hut - St. Marys |
| Pizza Palace Plus | Port Allegany Pharmacy | Primetime Video | Rick's Dough Boys |
| Ruby Tuesday's | Salon Beyond Basics | Sheetz of Coudersport | Sheetz of Ridgway |
| Smith's Ace Hardware | South Street Bagels | St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce | St. Marys Auto Parts |
| St. Marys Beverage | St. Marys Boot Shop | St. Marys Health & Recreation | St. Marys Insurance Agency |
| State Farm Insurance | State Representative Dan Surra | Straub's Brewery | Subway |
| Suzy's | Taco Bell / KFC | Take Two Video - Ridgway | Take Two Video - St. Marys |
| The Hound | The Mill Race Shoppe | The Valley Rainbow | The Winery at Wilcox |
| Uni-Mart/Burger King | Video Outlet | Wal*Mart | Whistles |
| Wildwood Creation | Wishy-Washy Auto Wash |
The BIG TROUTWeedville814-787-5005 |
Golf balls were donated by Kopy Katz in Emporium.
Congratuations to The BIG TROUT who sold 533 golf balls!
Other top winners included Mecca's Bar & Grill with a close second place of 500 golf balls.
Third place winner was Chubby's Pizza selling 100 and fourth was Jose's selling 82 golf balls.
Other participating bussinesses included:
| LIFT Staff, Family and Friends | Weedville Hotel | Jim's Inn |
| Mecca's Bar and Grill | Hour Glass | Dino's Place |
| Four Lane Fuels | Fox's Pizza Den - Ridgway | Keystone Hardware |
| Johnney's Original Italian Pizza | House of Style | Aiello's Cafe |
| Fox's Pizza Den - Johnsonburg | Shooters | Mountain View Bowling |
| Sizerville Inn | Midtown Sports Bar & Grill | Classic Bar and Grill |
| Raymond's Coffee's at Rosie's Bookstore | Lewie's Lounge | City Line Inn |
| Jose | Chubby's Pizza | Golden Eagle |
| The Legion |
Incentive Program Winner is
She won the following items for getting the most hole sponsors and golf balls sold for this year's tournament. Great Job, Cindy!
Jacuzzi Suite for 2 |
Dinner for 2 Donated by: Luigi's Ristorante in DuBois & Clymer |
Movie Tickets for 2 Donated by: DIAMOND THEATER of St. Marys |
* More details will follow in the next newsletter issue. If you would like to know more about any of these upcoming events, just give us a call.
LIFT PICNIC
& Celebration of the 13th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
When: Saturday, July 26th, 2003
Where: Sandy Beach in Ridgway
Time: Noon to Whenever - You decide how long you want to stay!!
This event promises to be full of Fun, Food, Games, and Entertainment! Join us in the celebration!
Kanefest 03'
When: Sunday, July 20th, 2003
Where: Chestnut Street in Kane
Time: 11:00 a.m. to ?
See the Allegheny Mountain Rollin' Thunder wheelchair basketball team compete against local Members of the
community!
Disability Awareness Program
When: Thursday, August 28th, 2003
Where: Cameron County Probation Department
Time: Not yet determined.
This event will give teenagers in Emporium the chance to experience a disability for a couple of hours. They will complete simulations such as using a wheelchair, visual, and hearing disabilites.
Housing Training
When: Tuesday, Sept. 23rd, 2003
Where: Johnsonburg Firehall
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Learn more about adequate housing and the alternate options, programs that are available to help you improve your housing, and where to begin looking.
Call Today and Join Us in Any or All of Our Summer Events
Free accessible computer games - http://www.levelgames.net
To send Braille features - http://www.hotbraille.com
Know your rights, for student with disabilities -http://www.ed.gov/ocr/transition.html
Guidelines for making software and websites accessible - http://ncam.wgbh.org/cdrom/guideline/
Opinions expressed in this publication may not be the views of LIFT.