FREED Press FREED Center for Independent Living Fall 2005 Issue -------------------------------- FREED Center for Independent Living Serving people with disabilities in Nevada, Sierra, Yuba, Sutter, and Colusa Counties -------------------------------- A disability resource center for people of all ages -------------------------------- http://www.freed.org Grass Valley: 272-1732 Marysville: 742-4474 -------------------------------- FREED's Mission is to eliminate barriers to full equality for people with disabilities through programs which promote independent living and effect systems change, while honoring dignity and self determination. -------------------------------- INSIDE Voting Matters Mobile Home Alert AT and Travel Living Well With a Disability Fix-It Program - Nevada County Marysville -- Hearing Loss Support -- US Bank Grant Garden Party Donors Thanks to Donors Donate to FREED -------------------------------- From the Director... Dear Friends, FREED Center for Independent Living is 20 years old! Much has changed over the last 20 years since FREED came into being. Possibly the most far-reaching change for people with disabilities was the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act which calls for removing barriers to employment, transportation, private businesses, and community activities. Disability language has changed too. Terms like "the disabled" and "the blind" have largely been left behind in favor of "people first" language, "person with a disability" instead of "disabled person". FREED's personal assistance services program was called attendant care services in the early days and peer support came in the form of peer counselors. In 2000, FREED's name was changed from A Foundation of Resources for Education and Employment of the Disabled to FREED Center for Independent Living. (Photo circa 1996 with caption: Marilyn Beckwith and Sam Dardick were among FREED's founders.) What hasn't changed are the independent living services provided by FREED. The essential values, beliefs, and goals that brought FREED's founders together to establish one of California's first rural independent living centers remains at the core of all our work. An editorial in The Union in 1985 stated, "It's disabled people taking care of themselves. An ILC (independent living center) can help the disabled learn from each other how to live fulfilling and independent lives." We may say it differently now, but the meaning endures. Some thoughts on Disasters and Disability: For people with disabilities in the gulf coast region, the hurricanes' toll was disproportionate for persons with disabilities. Planning for disasters will make a tremendous difference in ensuring that one has what one needs in the event that leaving home is necessary. The Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco has practical suggestions for disaster planning such as establishing a personal support network. A mutual personal support network is made up of people who will check in with you in an emergency to ensure you are okay and who will give assistance if needed. Members of the personal support network should exchange important keys and copies of relevant emergency documents, evacuation plans, and emergency health information. Emergency health information communicates to rescuers what they need to know about you if they find you unconscious or incoherent or if they need to quickly help evacuate you. Keep copies in emergency supply kits, car, wallet, wheelchair pack, etc. For a sample emergency health card and suggestions on valuable information on what to include, contact an independent living specialist at FREED. ADA Victory for retirement home residents with disabilities: Many retirement homes have had unlawful policies that forbid or restrict the use of manual wheelchairs or motorized mobility aids. In a decision that should have far-reaching impact, the Justice Department this month announced that it has reached an agreement with a continuing-care retirement community for persons 65 and older in Pennsylvania, where residents' use of manual wheelchairs, motorized chairs and scooters was restricted. The lawsuit alleged disability-related housing discrimination. "Persons with disabilities who choose to make their homes in retirement communities do not forfeit the protections of the Fair Housing Act," said Bradley J. Schlozman, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "Wheelchairs and motorized scooters assist individuals to live and move about independently. A person can lose the right to that aid only if he or she operates it in a way that poses a significant risk of harm." -- Ann Guerra, Executive Director. -------------------------------- Feel the Power of the Disability Vote! SPECIAL ELECTION INITIATIVES California is holding a Special Election this November and many of the initiatives on this ballot will affect people with disabilities. If passed, Propositions 75, 76, 77, 78 and 79 will impact the disability community. PROPOSITION 75: Government Employee Union Dues Makes it difficult for Public Employees Unions (like teachers, firefighters and IHSS workers) to affect public policy by requiring an annual vote on whether union dues can be used for political purposes. Currently, members are free to stop their dues from being used for political activities if they choose. IHSS workers may lose their voices at the State level. PROPOSITION 76: State Budget and School Funding - Live Within Our Means Gives the Governor control over the budget when the budget projections are off by only 1.5%. The Governor will then have authority to slash any program. Furthermore, any program that is out will have its base funding reduced. Any surplus funding will be dedicated to transportation, re-payment of loans and a rainy day account. Programs, even important programs, like Medi-Cal and IHSS, would not be able to get any additional funding even if California is in economic recovery. PROPOSITION 78: Discounts on Prescription Drugs Participation is voluntary for drug companies and pharmacies. Consumers are eligible if family income does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. If there is insufficient participation of drug companies or consumers, program can be terminated. PROPOSITION 79: Prescription Drug Discounts and State Negotiated Rebates Proposition 79 has lower drug costs, but if a drug company does not participate in the program, the State can pull the drugs the company provides from the Medi-Cal list, thereby limiting drugs available to those on Medi-Cal, although those drugs would still be available through the TAR (Treatment Authorization Request) process. -- Register to Vote - Deadline Monday, October 24th -- Vote Tuesday, November 8th To learn more about the initiatives that will be in the Special Election - FREED has Easy Voter Guides! Call (530) 272-1732 (Grass Valley), (530) 742-4474 (Marysville) or Come On In! (Graphic reading, "Be sure to vote!" with a picture of a ballot box) Call for Pollworkers: Would you like to learn more about the election process while making some money? Become a pollworker in your county! To be a pollworker you must be a registered voter, be able to follow detailed instructions accurately, be capable of working long days, and be good with people. Pollworkers are needed for the upcoming Special Election and for the 2006 Election year. Call your county election official at the number below: Nevada County Elections Contact: Nancy Turner (530) 470-2740 Sutter County Elections Contact: Teri Driscoll (530) 822-7122 Colusa County Elections Contact: Kathleen Moran (530) 458-0500 Yuba County Elections Contact: Ava Clark (530) 749-7855 (Graphic containing the word, "VOTE") FREED is your source for voter registration and education materials! FREED has: -- Easy Voter Guides -- Analysis of the Special Election Propositions and how they might impact people with disabilities -- Audio Voter Information Guides -- Voter Registration forms Early Voting Sites: Early voting gives you an extended period of time to cast your ballot for the Special Election. Nevada County Residents Location: Nevada County Elections Office 10433 Willow Valley Road Nevada City, CA 95959 Date: October 11-November 8, 2005 Time: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM For more information Call: Nevada County Elections, (530) 265-1298 Sutter County Residents Location: Sutter County Elections Office 1435 Veterans Memorial Circle Yuba City, CA 95993 Date: October 11-November 8, 2005 Time: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM For more information Call: Sutter County Elections, (530) 822-7122 -------------------------------- Mobile Home Owners Alert! Residents of the Grass Valley Mobile Home Village learned that as of the first of October, the park has new ownership and with that transition comes a rent increase in the amount of $100 that will be effective in January 2006. Mobile Home Park residents, even though they own their mobile homes, rent space in a mobile home park, where there is no limit on the amount of the rent or how frequently rents can be raised. Many seniors purchase a mobile home as an affordable housing alternative, but find themselves unprepared to deal with increase after increase in space rent. If they are unable to pay the rent increase, they stand to lose their home because of the high cost of moving mobile homes. Well over 2,000 residents live in mobile home parks in Nevada County; many of them are seniors with incomes of less than $1,000 per month. Perhaps it is time for Nevada County to consider how to help preserve what affordable housing there is as well as how to create more affordable housing. For example, there are ordinances in other counties that stabilize the space rents for mobile home parks. As one mobile home resident said, "We are not asking for subsidy. We are looking for protection so we can stay in our homes." Golden State Manufactured-Home Owners League (GSMOL) is an advocacy group made up of mobile home owners that advocates for rights and legislation to protect mobile home owners. If you are concerned about the escalating cost of living in mobile home parks, and want information on joining GSMOL, call 800-888-1727 or Peggy at FREED, 272-1732. -- Peggy Cone, Program Manager, Grass Valley -------------------------------- "A community that excludes even one of its members is no community at all." -- Dan Wilkins -------------------------------- Assistive Technology and Travel QUESTION: I use a wheelchair and like to travel. Are there any services to help travelers like myself find accessible services and venues (such as taxis, etc.) in the cities that I am visiting? ANSWER: Finding accessible services when you travel can be a challenge even with proper planning. Luckily, resources exist to help you find the services you need. Many organizations provide information to help you find accessible transportation, lodging, and entertainment. Accessible services include: wheelchair and scooter rentals; accessible taxicab listings; adaptive sports programs; accessible camping information on various tourist destinations throughout the world. Below is a sample of organizations that provide accessible travel assistance or planning: Access-Able Travel Source An Internet website that provides free information regarding accessible travel in locations throughout the world. Scootaround Scootaround rents scooters and wheelchairs, serving over 500 locations across North America. Depending on your location, they can arrange for scooter or wheelchair delivery and pick-up right to your door. Scootaround serves most metropolitan areas in California. Scootaround can be reached at 1-800-441-7575. Accessible San Diego Provides specialized travel information for travelers with disabilities coming into San Diego. Accessible San Diego can be reached at 858-279-0704 Nautilus Tours and Cruises Specializes in travel arrangements for people with physical disabilities, including group tours and independent leisure and business trips. Nautilus Tours and Cruises can be reached at 818-591-3159. By accessing the resources like those listed above you will be one step closer to having a successful trip. -- By, Doug Lautzenhiser, Independent Living/Assistive Technology Advocate -------------------------------- Living Well with a Disability Do you have a disability? Are you healthy? You can be both! Having a disability does not automatically mean you are not healthy. You can choose to "live well" with your disability. "Living well" has two different meanings--developing healthy habits and doing things you enjoy. Most people struggle with developing a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, increasing stress-reducing leisure activity and preventing specific health problems. Even when you have an ongoing or chronic health problem, you can still be healthy, and the healthier you are, the more you can do! FREED offers a variety of resources to help you get and stay healthy. We have an extensive library with a wide selection of topics regarding wellness, from Dr. Andrew Weil's "8 Weeks to Optimum Health" to "California Park Access for Visitors with Limited Mobility." We have several exercise videos that are specific to people with disabilities including "Seated Yoga." In addition, you can meet and talk with others who have disabilities, at a support group or with a staff member. We can also work with you and offer referrals to local services that will help you in your pursuit of living well. As you can see, FREED is prepared to help you in achieving your goal to be healthy. "Living well with a disability" means developing healthy living habits so that you can do the things you want to do. It's a matter of self-empowerment. Don't let your body hold you back! -- By, Pam Matteson, Service Teem Coordinator -------------------------------- Northern California Abilities Expo Santa Clara, California November 18-20 Abilities Expo showcases the latest products and services to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Visit the free exhibit hall packed with vendors featuring equipment demonstrations, attend free professional and consumer workshops, participate in special events all under one roof. Please call Doug at 272-1732 if you would like more details or free tickets for this event. -------------------------------- Grass Valley FREED Office, serving Nevada and Sierra Counties Fix-It Program Minor Home Modification and Home Repairs The Fix-It Program provides minor health and safety related home repairs and modifications for people of all ages who have disabilities (including seniors.) Services range from design recommendations to completion of repairs or modifications. Many of the Fix-It projects are installation of grab bars and ramps. Whenever feasible, projects are completed by volunteers. Call 272-1732 and ask for Melissa if you would like to know more about the Fix-It Program. Meet Al Frisch, Fix-It Volunteer The Fix-It Program would like to introduce everyone to our volunteer, Al Frisch. Al has been a resident of Nevada County since 1947. He and his wife raised four children here. He has been "retired" since 1993 but has a long and interesting history of volunteerism and community service. He currently volunteers for FREED, for Nevada County Search and Rescue, and the Nevada County Sheriff's Dept. Al has been an involved community member for many years, serving in Grass Valley city government; as a member of the Planning Commission, on the City Council, and, was elected to a two-year term as mayor of Grass Valley from 1987 to 1989. I asked Al what he liked about volunteering for FREED and he said, "I am gratified to be able to go out and help whoever needs it." He likes helping other seniors and people with disabilities and finds that the FREED program allows him the opportunity to make "their lives safer and easier". About the changes he has seen take place in Nevada County over the years: "This is God's country. Best place I've ever discovered." (Photo of Al Frisch) The Fix-It Program is very pleased to have such great volunteers working for our community. If you would like to join our team, please contact Melissa at 272-1732 -------------------------------- Marysville FREED Office, serving Yuba, Sutter and Colusa Counties The American Academy of Hearing Loss Support Specialists Lisa Nakaishi, Assistive Technology Advocate and Independent Living Specialist and I are enrolled in the American Academy of Hearing Loss Support Specialists. The Academy is administered by Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH), the nation's largest consumer advocacy organization for people with hearing loss. The Academy offers an online, self-paced, distance-learning program and provides oversight for the Certificate in Hearing Loss Support. The learning program curriculum builds core knowledge and understanding for individuals who work with, or wish to work with, people affected by hearing loss. The objective of SHHH through the Academy is that the graduates will be in a position to offer better information and assistance to people affected by hearing loss, and to provide complimentary support to that offered by hearing healthcare professionals. The program consists of four classes which include: introduction to hearing loss; coping with hearing loss; hearing assistive technology and services; and advocacy, resources, and the law. Each class consists of 10-15 lessons. Lisa and I are excited about being enrolled in the Launch Class. We will be afforded the opportunity to offer comments and feedback on each of the four classes and their lessons. The comments will be reviewed by SHHH as part of the review process as they finalize the program for launching to the public on December 5th. We have been hearing impaired since birth. We have worn hearing aids since we were children and have witnessed tremendous changes in technology, education of hearing impaired children, and services and laws for people who are hearing impaired. Some of our experiences have been difficult, frustrating, and embarrassing. Many times we have felt very isolated and depressed. However, both of us feel we have had positive outcomes in our lives and we are always excited to share our experiences with fellow peers dealing with lifelong hearing loss or to those who are late deafened. We hope that with this enhanced training we can offer better access to supportive services at FREED and in the community and help empower people to live with hearing loss successfully. Currently, we have a weekly cross-disability support group that meets every Thursday morning from 11:00 to 12:00. For more information please call (530) 742-4474. -- By, Claudia Hollis, Branch Manager of Marysville Office FREED Receives Grant from U.S. Bank FREED Center for Independent Living is pleased to announce that the U.S. Bank Community Market Grant Committee has approved a grant of $4,500 to FREED. The funds will be used to support the programs and operations of the Marysville FREED office. Claudia Hollis, Branch Manager of the Marysville office said, "We are grateful to the U.S. Bank for its commitment to making the Yuba-Sutter community better for everyone and look forward to continued collaborative efforts." Thank You U.S. Bank! -------------------------------- Heartfelt Gratitude to Garden Party and Silent Auction Donors The annual Garden Party and Silent Auction was a great success thanks in large measure to donations of goods and services by the following generous individuals, businesses and organizations: Aero Acton, Afternoon to Remember, Andy Sulonen, Arch's Automotive, Athena, B and C Hardware, Ben Franklin, Blondie's, Bo Littig, Briarpatch Co-op, Brunswick Vet, California World Fest, Charlie and Kim Cuisnot, Confectionately Yours, Cosmetique, Country Fox Kennels, Country Rose Cafe, Curtis Bok, Cynthia Lester, Daddy's Little Grill, Desmond Gallagher, Dick Hotchkiss, Doug Prine, Dr. Rob Avery, Eric Tomb, Eveline Carsman, Express Video, Flour Garden, Francine Funkhauser, Future Generations, Gary Engelking, Golden Flower Trading Co., Gwen Sims, Harrah's/Harvey's, Heart and Home, Ike and Adrienne Frazee, Janet Bullock, Java John's, Jeff Tritel Studios, John Foster, Judith Berliner, Jukolin, K-Mart, Laura Bond, Laura Keranen, Leia Frazier, Lisa Sims, Lucchesi Winery, Lynne Dover, Marcelle Cecchin, Mary Vonne, Maxine Allman, Maxine Day, Melissa Blackwell, Mike and Barbara Getz, Mimi, Mountain Recreation, Natural Accents, NCCN, Nev. Co. Country Club, Nevada City Picture Framing, Nevada City Winery, New Moon Cafe, Olala Farm, Owl Tavern, Patrick Kenneally, Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, Peacock Inn, People First, Phil Guerra, Prosperity Lanes, Raley's, Raven's Moon Art, Record Connection, Red Cross, Rite-Aid, River Cats, Rob Shotwell, Rock 'N' Horse Ranch, Scraps Dog Bakery, SF Giants, Sharon Bailey-Bok, Shirley Crisci, Sierra Cotton, Sierra Prosthetics, Sierra Star, Sierra Wheelchairs, Spencer McClay, Spirithouse Imports, Subsational, Sweetland Pottery, Tanglewood Forest, TeleCare, Tess' Kitchen Store, The Book Seller, The Herb Shop, The West Wind, Tim O'Brien, Video Library, Walker's, Weekends Casual Wear (Photo of Volunteers Curtis Bok, Sharon Bailey-Bok and Desmond Gallagher) Sincere Thanks to FREED's Individual and Business Donors Throughout 2005: Sustaining Supporters: Melba Brown, Tom Cunningham, Nevada County Contractors Association Individuals: Ana Acton, Allen and Joanne Aherens, Alvin Aherens, Marjorie Album, AW and Sonja Armstrong, Patty Baas, Judy Banks, Serge and Wanda Bartlome, Leo and Betty Bates, Betty Beardsley, Joshua Becker, Kristy Bennett, Sonia Britt, Melba Brown, Melvin and Bertha Brown, Tim Brown, Robert Burtch, Jan Caldwell, Shirley Cartwright, Douglas Carver, Robert and Edith Caudle, Kathleen Coleman, Peggy Cone, Danny Counihan, Brad Croul, Thomas Cunningham, Virginia Gyrion and Cynthia Pelli, Jeannie Darling, Dorothy Darden, Sam and Geeta Dardick, Dee Davis, Joyce Day, David Deane, Sue Digne, Honorable Al and Lynne Dover, Ernest and Sara Epps, Flo Fahrenhert, Kathy Fiske, Linda Forthoffer, Judy Fox, Edith Frietas, Robert and Betty Fritzinger, Anna Gallino, Betsi Gillum, Ann Guerra, Joseph and Lillian Gurecki, Alyce Hammond, Amy Hannan, Lola Hargens, C. Marvin Hartley, Jack Hauser, Susan Hennings, Don and Deanna Hoffman, Rick Honey, Jane Hsuan, Alvira Ingram, Keith and Pam Jackman, Don and Lois Jennings, Marian Jewett, Jim Johnsen, Barbara Johnson, Shawn Jones, Barbara Kelley, Kathy Kelly, Helen and Patrick Kenneally, George and Michaele King, Judi Kirkpatrick, Roger Krill, Gabrielle Lacau, Edward and Patricia Lasch, Doug Lautzenhiser, Marie Lengyel, Kate and Eldon Luce, Lengyel Marie, Carolyn Martini, Ron and Beverly Mathis, Kazuo and Katherine Matsumura, Pam and Mark Matteson, David Meeker, John Meeks, Geraldine Miller, Marion Moffatt, Gabe Moore, Paul and Cheryl Morden, Gary and Mozelle Morgan, Chuck and Doris Moyer, Susie Myers, Amy Nannan, Dorothea Nudelman, Kevin O'Brien, D.M. Patrick, Doris Patrick, Jerry and Janet Pizzagoni, Janet Prior, Will and Marion Quesnell, Robert and Elizabeth Racine, Joyce Regan-Goar, Betty Roy, Keith and Jeanette Royal, Doris Salter, Tony Sauer, Robert and Bette Sauer, Robert and Julie Sawyer, Robert and Joan Schisler, Wally Sepko, Mildred Sims, Diana Snell, Sam Stratton-Brooks, Margaret Strausbauch, Bobbi Swanson, James Swift, Aaron Tonissen, John Trauner, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Tremoureux, Ann Truedson, William and Glee Tuttle, Joe and Agnes Vivo, Jeree Waller, Bruce Waltrip, Irita Warner, Robert and Helen Weber, Veronica Wehofer, Sharon Whiteside, Dorothy Willett Businesses and Organizations: After Hours Flowers, Chris Drake of AG Edwards and Sons, B and C True Value Home Center, Baby Bear Boutique, Board of Realtors, Carolines Coffee, Dann Counihan, Consulting Civil Engineer, Maggie Cammack of Country Copy Print, Economy Pest Control, Arline Reed of Family Affair, Susan Amick of Foothill Mercantile, Gold Country Automotive, Graphic Label Group, John Foster of Grass Valley Police Dept., Anthony Halby of Halby Insurance Agency, C. Peterson of Hedmans Furniture, Jack Brokaw of Import Auto Service, Mary Mahoney of Labor Market Consultants, Mark Davis of Mark Davis Plumbing, Lisa Swarthout of Mill Street Clothing Co., Daniel Davis of Mountain View Landscape, Neva Montigatti-Lake MD, Mike Hughes of Nevada Co. Sheriff's Dept., Keith Royal and Staff of Nev. Co. Sheriff's Dept., Northern Queen Inn, Tiny Nelson of Packard Discount Carpet, Art King of Prosperity Lanes, Retailers Credit Association of Grass Valley, Carol Scofield of Scofield and Associates, Sierra Nevada Gastroenterology, Sierra Starr Vineyard and Winery, Anita of Sole Mates, SRC Rental Center, Subsational, Rosie Doolittle of Swenson's Surplus, Dolores Jones of Sweets Etc., Allison of The Book Seller, Tripp's Auto Body Shop, Trolley Junction, Women of the Moose Chapter 1767, George and Rosemary Duehring of Zaxby's If you would like to make a donation to FREED, please stop by either one of our offices or mail it to us at the addresses provided at the end of this newsletter. Also, please let us know if this donation is in honor of or in memory of a special person and provide us with their name and relationship to you. At your request, we may also notify the person or people of this gift. Did you know...? There are other ways, in addition to cash contributions, to donate to FREED, such as: Donation of stock, real estate or other personal property, bequests by will, and various types of trusts. Contact your accountant, financial planner, or attorney to discuss options. -------------------------------- FREED Bids a Fond Farewell to Volunteer Dorothy Varney Since January 2003, Dorothy Varney has been a weekly volunteer at FREED. For many years prior to that, she had been associated with FREED through her husband Frank's extensive work as a volunteer and board member. Dorothy is a talented writer as well as a wonderful human being. Dorothy, we wish you the best as you move on to a new phase of life with family and friends in Utah! Your calm, capable and friendly presence at the Volunteer Reception Desk will be greatly missed! Our love goes with you! -------------------------------- FREED Center for Independent Living Contact Info: Website: http://www.freed.org Grass Valley Office: 154 Hughes Rd. Suite 1 Grass Valley, CA 95945 Voice: 530-272-1732 TTY: 530-272-1764 Fax: 530-272-7793 Ann Guerra, Executive Director Melissa Blackwell, Fix-It Coordinator Peggy Cone, Program Manager Doug Lautzenhiser, Assistive Technology Advocate/Independent Living Specialist Gary Peterson, Benefits Specialist Pam Matteson, Service Team Coordinator Ana Acton, Systems Change Advocate Jeannie Darling, Operations Manager Judi Kirkpatrick, Reception/Data Entry Irita Warner, Financial Manager Marysville Office: 508 J Street Marysville, CA 95901 Voice and TTY: 530-742-4474 Fax: 530-742-4476 Claudia Hollis, Branch Manager Angie Paras, Administrative Assistant Lisa Nakaishi, Assistive Technology Advocate/Independent Living Specialist Mike McCullough, Homemaker Coordinator Gina Yang, Independent Living Specialist -------------------------------- FREED provides alternate formats and communication assistance upon request to ensure that all services, programs and materials are available to everyone. To receive this newsletter in an alternate format, contact the FREED Office. -------------------------------- FREED Board of Directors Gary Engelking - Chair Bev Tassone - Vice Chair David Robison - Secretary Spencer McClay - Treasurer Sharon Bailey-Bok Christina Billeci Kate Luce Gabriel Moore Jim Perkins Andy Sulonen -------------------------------- The FREED Press is published by FREED Center for Independent Living 154 Hughes Road, Suite 1 Grass Valley, CA 95945 Editing: J. Darling and A. Guerra Layout: Jeannie Darling Braille Transcription: Kate Reichert