Life and Independence for Today.
A Lift in the Right Direction.
Winter 2002 Issue.
Letter from the Editor
By: Cathy Lenze, Executive Assistant
Although we may all be tired of the snow falling, and falling, and falling, just remember that it is already February and springtime is right around the corner. Spring is when we all start to come alive; the plants, birds, animals, and us! We finally crawl out of our houses just itching for things to do.
Well the LIFT staff has been very busy starting to coordinate the upcoming events for 2003. There seems to be no end to the challenges we take on throughout the year! All for you, our consumers, advocates, service providers, etc. Our reason for being here is to help you out any way we can.
So far we are planning the following:
If you are interested in any of these topics, please don't fret! I will be publishing a special mailing to all of you in the very near future detailing all of the events listed above, along with the dates, locations, times, etc. (However, two events are noted in this newsletter.) By far, this is not a complete listing. There are still more that we are in the first stages of coordinating. So keep an eye open for this mailing! If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to call the LIFT office at (800) 341-LIFT or 781-3050. NEW! MS Support Group
By: Merri Burkhouse, Independent Living Coordinator
We had a great turnout for our first Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group meeting. After much discussion, we decided that we would meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. There will be special events that will take place on other days, but we will have these events in the newspaper. If you are on our MS group mailing list, you will receive notification. We will continue, for now, meeting at the LIFT office in St. Marys. Once the group is more established, we may decide to move it around to different locations in Elk and Cameron Counties. We would really like to get more people from Cameron County involved.
If we do get enough interest in Cameron County, there is a possibility of having a separate meeting on a monthly basis in Emporium. If you are interested and cannot make it to St. Marys please contact me and let me know. Our guest speaker at the February 18th meeting was Charlene Snelick, a nutritionist with the St. Marys Community Nurses. The guest speaker for the March 19th meeting will be Janet O'Brian from the National MS Society of Pittsburgh. Also on March 12th, the MS Support Group will be hosting a teleconference on "Overcoming obstacles and erasing the myths of MS". This teleconference will be at 8 p.m. at the LIFT office. Mark these dates on your calendar and we encourage not only people with MS, but also families and friends to join us. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me.
COLLECTIVE ADVOCACY WORKSHOPS
FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS, AND MEMBERS OF DISABILITY ORGANIZATIONS
Workshop Location:
Community Education Council in the Marienstadt Center 4 Erie Avenue, St. Marys, PA 15857
| Workshop # and Title | Date | Time |
| 1 Putting a Plan Together | May 19, 2003 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
| 2 Deciding Which Advocacy Actions to Take | May 19, 2003 | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. |
| 3 Advocacy with State Agencies | Sept. 8, 2003 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
| 4 The Legislative and Budget Process | Sept. 8, 2003 | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. |
| 5 Getting & Keeping Your Group Organized | Nov. 3, 2003 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
| 6 Timing & Targeting Advocacy Efforts | Nov. 3, 2003 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. |
**Future workshops that will be offered in 2004 include Effective Leadership, Networking, Advocacy with Local Government, Advocacy with School Districts, Media & Advocacy, and Grant Writing & Foundations.
ENROLL NOW TO ATTEND WORKSHOPS 1 and 2 !!!
*How To Enroll - Call Kelly Valdez toll free at 1-800-341-5438 OR email lift@liftcil.org (Deadline for registration is Monday, May 12, 2003) No charge for Workshops or Materials (There is a $6.00 fee to defray lunch costs). Special Assistance, such as interpreters and attendants, is available upon request with advance notice. Need Transportation? Call Kelly Valdez for more details. All Workshops are funded by The Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.
Put a Little "LIFT" in Your Life
Hi, my name is Judy Harten and I am a resident at the Bradford Manor. I have been with LIFT for 10 years. I also work with the CSP Program through Voice for Independence. I attend many outreach events such as the Walk 'N Rolls. I go to all their picnics. I have attended a lot of trainings and workshops in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia, PA. I have also attended the Independent Living Conferences.
Bob Mecca had me do a speech at one of the conferences; they thought I did wonderful with it. I attend all the Regional Action Team meetings here at the Bradford Manor. We discuss ways to make the community more accessible to people with disabilities. I want to keep on working with people like myself in the Manor and, someday, maybe out in the community. I love to do it.
This year I had the honor of receiving the "Advocate of the Year" award. I was honored when I received the award. I thanked Kelly Valdez and Pat Smith and the rest of the group for the nice award that they gave me on Jan. 8th, 2003. I will never forget it! Thank you also for the roses and the bear.
I attend all activities here at the Manor, such as Coffee and News. We play games, watch movies, do crafts; we have Spelling Bees, play Blackout. We go out shopping and go out to dinner. I have been the "Mail-Lady" for the Manor for about 12 years. I like it very much. In my spare time I am studying for my GED.
I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity that they have given me so that I can live a more independent life.
Regional Action Team's In Review
Bradford RAT I:
This group has been working to get the People with Disabilities (PwD - formerly the Pilot Program) expanded to Cameron, McKean, and Potter counties, and has taken on the new goal of improving access at the new plaza near Wal-Mart. On a personal note for group members, Jody has moved out of the Bradford Manor (you go, girl!) and Judy was named "Advocate of the Year" at the annual LIFT Christmas party!
Bradford RAT II:
This group has been working to improve access around town and increase membership. They have also been educating themselves on the Medical Malpractice Insurance crisis here in PA and working with the Consumer Attendants Benefit's Coalition to improve healthcare options for those who work as Personal Care Attendants.
Brookville RAT:
This group has grown by two members and has taken on the goals of improving snow removal in the borough and making public walkways more accessible to those using mobility devices. On a personal note, Linda McKinstry, longtime group and LIFT board member, was named Goodwill's "Employee of the Year". Way to go, Linda!
Cameron County RAT:
This group has been working on the expansion of the PwD program and increasing membership. If anyone is interested in attending this group, please feel free to contact me toll free at (800) 341-LIFT (5438). We need your help to make a difference!
Clearfield RAT:
This group has been working with the Clearfield County Commissioners and the DuBois RAT to develop and implement a survey regarding employment issues among persons with disabilities in the county, as well as several local accessibility issues. They successfully advocated, with the help of the local Ombudsman and other concerned citizens, for a local nursing home to install power doors.
DuBois RAT:
This group has been working with the Clearfield RAT on the employment survey and to increase membership. They continue to educate themselves on disability issues and to work on their local goal of getting an audible traffic signal installed at the corner of Long and Brady Streets.
Elk County RAT:
This group has been working to improve access in their community with several local businesses. They are also striving to increase membership. This group is proof that just a few members can make a difference, but we need your help also! Call me at the LIFT office to see how you can become part of this group.
Potter County RAT:
This group has been working to improve access to their community and increase membership by changing the time, day, and location of the meetings. They have been advocating for the expansion of the PwD program to their county and across the state.
Consumers and Advocates - Remember to write to your legislators on disability related issues that arise. For more information, please contact Kelly Valdez at LIFT.
CLASSIFIEDS
Life and Independence for Today (LIFT) provides this section of the newsletter as a service to our readers. LIFT takes no responsibility for the condition of items, negotiation of prices, storage of items and pickup or delivery of items for sale. To have an item listed, please write a detailed description and send it to Cathy Lenze, Executive Assistant, LIFT, 503 East Arch Street, St. Marys, PA 15857-1779 or email at lift@liftcil.org. Be sure to include all contact information.
FOR SALE: JAZZY 1120 POWER WHEELCHAIR
Originally $7,500 Asking $4,000 Or Best Offer
What on Earth is the Lending Library?
By: Dawn Park, Information & Referral Specialist
What is Assistive Technology?
An assistive technology device is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. An assistive technology service is any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
What is Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library?
This is a FREE service that will loan assistive technology devices to individuals with disabilities, their families and other service providers. This service is available to individuals of all ages and disability types that live in Pennsylvania. There are many devices including communication devices, computers, computer hardware and software and devices for low vision and hearing disabilities. Opinions expressed in this publication may not be the views of LIFT. There are also devices that could assist individuals with daily living. Educational software and other devices are available to assist children who are in school or individuals who are of college age.
How do I borrow an Assistive Technology Device?
Anyone can make a request for a device - a person with a disability, a family member, friend, advocate or service provider. Here is what you need to do:
1. Select a device.
2. If required, obtain the service of a support person.
3. Obtain and submit a request form.
4. Wait for the equipment to arrive.
5. Request help to use the equipment, if necessary.
6. Return the equipment after the loan period is ended.
LIFT is an Assistive Technology Resource Center. If you or someone you know would like to borrow a device, please feel free to contact me at the LIFT office at (800) 341-5438.
"There's No Place Like Home"
By: Tom Wenner, Accessibility Counselor
Dorothy had it right; however, apart from the head injury, there wasn't much about her situation that identifies Dorothy with the average person with a disability (though then, as now, the lady named Bea was wonderful). Her housing was affordable, accessible, and integrated in the community, and all her supports were in place. Of course, we're not in Kansas anymore.
With modern day rural Pennsylvania in mind, LIFT is planning a seminar, "Not Quite the Yellow Brick Road: Housing Options for Pennsylvanians with Disabilities." This event will be held on Tuesday, May 6th, 2003, and will feature presentations from USDA Rural Development, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), Self-Determination Housing Project of Pennsylvania (SDHP) and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Representatives of these agencies will educate an audience of consumers, advocates, and providers on some of the housing options available to them.
Special emphasis will be placed on homeownership, including new programs using Section 8 vouchers to purchase a home.
After the presentations, there will be a strategy meeting on this topic: How can we improve housing options in this area?
The tentative schedule would be:
* 9:00 a.m. Sessions - HUD and USDA Rural Development
* 11:45 a.m. Video - "A Home for All Seasons"
* Noon to 1:00 p.m. - Lunch During your lunch take some time browsing through the information booths provided by local real estate agencies.
* 1 p.m. Sessions - PHFA and SDHP
* 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Strategy Meeting The seminar will be held at the Johnsonburg Firehall and will cost $10 per person.
Scholarships are available! To register, please contact the LIFT office at (800) 341-LIFT. Service animals are welcome - Toto, too!
You must RSVP by Monday, April 28!
WONDER CUPS are still available!
A wonder cup is an adjustable measuring cup, which has a sleeve to push the ingredients to the desired point on the scale. It measures all scales from teaspoons to pints, converts instantly between U.S. measurements and metrics, eliminates clean-up between ingredients, can be used for wet and dry measures, and is ideal for shortening and peanut butter.
LIFT is still selling wonder cups as a fundraiser. It is important to remember that all proceeds benefit services to people with disabilities. We have one-cup wonder cups for $3.50 each and two-cup wonder cups for $6.00 each.
Get one for yourself and as a gift for a dedicated baker. You'll love it! For purchase or additional information, please contact Cindy Feldbauer at the LIFT office at (800) 341-LIFT or 781-3050.
Oh Boy! What a Difference!
Hello, my name is Janelle Dexter. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you my experience with the Northern Tier Access Grant (NTAG) Program for home modifications.
About a year and a half ago, I read an article in the Bradford Era stating that LIFT was helping low-income, people with disabilities modify their homes to meet the accessibility needs.
George, my husband, has been disabled for eight years. Each year, his legs have gotten weaker and he trips and falls a lot, even with the use of his cane.
We had to park on the street in front of our home and climb quite a few cement steps to our front door. This was dangerous for George as he fell going up and down the steps. Our back door was level with the yard, but was too far for George to walk, especially if he wanted to carry anything. So when I read the article, I knew we didn't need our home modified, but we sure needed a driveway that would give George access to a door without going up steps.
I went to the Senior Center in Bradford and picked up an application for the grant and submitted it to LIFT, asking for a driveway. It wasn't long before Jill Rhoades and Tom Wenner came to our home to check things out.
Yes, a driveway was feasible. We wereboth excited.
During June 2002, we received our driveway, not just a dirt or light gravel driveway, but a good limestone driveway. Since that time, George is able to go in and out of the house without falling and is able to carry groceries in without difficulty.
We are so appreciative to LIFT for making our lives a lot easier and healthier for George. The staff that worked with us was very kind and helpful. This organization has been a great blessing for both of us.
Sincerely, George and Janelle Dexter
Opinions expressed in this publication may not be the views of LIFT.