From the Director …..(continued)
other issues. Simply click on "Advocacy" in the left column on FREED's page.
Joining a group of people who share your concerns can be a powerful way of getting your message out. In May and June, FREED coordinated groups of persons with disabilities and friends to participate in forums and rallies at the State Capital. Capital Action Day on May 20th drew over 2,000 people and the FREED service area was well-represented. Patrick Thomas wrote the poem below especially for the day.
On the local scene, I'm pleased to announce that FREED's Board of Directors has adopted this statement:
FREED's vision is that people with disabilities live in a barrier-free community where they enjoy the same opportunities afforded every citizen. To help realize this vision, FREED is establishing the "Accessible Community Award". This award will acknowledge individuals, businesses and organizations whose actions, policies and facilities best meet the needs of their consumers with disabilities.
This idea is at work in many communities nationally and internationally. Places as
diverse as Phoenix, Arizona and St. Albans in the United Kingdom have their own versions of
(continued next column)
a community accessibility award to recognize innovative design or places that are especially welcoming. Look for upcoming information about how to make a nomination for this important and prestigious award.
-- Ann Guerra
Executive Director
FREED will be sponsoring a number of workshops over the next year. Some of them are regular monthly workshops and others will be one time, or possibly one subject divided into two workshops. Here are some of our planned workshops:
How to Communicate Effectively with your Legislator: TBA. The workshop provides information and examples on how to get your points across to your legislators.
A Series of Wellness Workshops: TBA. These workshops will focus on a variety of issues related to staying well and taking charge of your well being.
How to Hire and Interact with your Personal Assistant: TBA. This workshop will review methods for hiring and clarifying expectations with your personal assistant.
Seeking Affordable Housing: TBA. This workshop will help develop skills needed in finding and applying for housing. It will address income and credit issues and discuss your rights as a person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Social Security Work Incentives: Every third Thursday of the Month from 1:30 to 3:00.
This workshop addresses work-incentives allowed by Social Security (SSA) and what happens to your SSA benefits when you start earning income.
And more……..
For information on our workshops call Gary Peterson or Peggy Cone at FREED, 272-1732.
CONSUMER CORNER:
We want to live everyday for a quality of life,
Don't cut it off, reduce it and redesign it
until you look at our eyes,
See and hear what we have to really say to you,
This is our precious life, do what you can do.
The programs and services are very important
to us,
For all people with disabilities, I do mean
everyone,
Our life, our livelihood is seriously at stake.
Please think about us when you decide our fate.
--Patrick Thomas
© copyright 2004
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