“OUR GREATEST NEED AS HUMAN BEINGS IS THE FREEDOM TO PURSUE OUR DREAMS”

INDEPENDENT TIMES FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR VOLUME XIII ISSUE 3 SUMMER 2004

Happy Summer of 2004!

ILCNCSA has been at our State House multiple times this Spring visiting with our state legislators. On April 30 we were able to host our 17th Annual Legislative Breakfast, in the midst of next years budget debates. All of our state legislators aggressivelly supported protection of the PCA and CommonHealth programs as well as funding for independent living. We are very blessed to have such state legislators. See story on pages 11 and 12.

I was able to go to Washington, DC in early June to represent the Statewide Independent Living Council as well as ILCNSCA at the annual National Council of Independent Living Conference. Sadly this coincided with the funeral of President Ronald Reagan and the planned rally on Capitol Hill was cancelled. I was able to meet with Rep. John Tierney’s staff and discuss the issue of Section 8 devastation that HUD and the Administration are putting into effect as we speak. Please read the information on pages 7, 8 and 9 on this critical issue.

I also was able to get a glimpse of the game being played in Congress which may have long term hurtful impact on all of us. See article on page 10.

In the midst of change ILCNSCA has been the recipient of additional funding from the North Shore Self Help Group. The North Shore Self Help Group is comprised of the founders of ILCNSCA. Their advocacy for independent living and accessibility has led not only to the ILCNSCA being incorporated, carved out of territory formerly of BCIL and NILP, and started, but also for a voice for people with disabilities on the North Shore and Cape Ann before ADA. They have increased a fund to the Center which has for the past two years provided assistance to folks who have a mobility disability starting employment and vocational training endeavors. Now they have increased the fund amount, allowing ILCNSCA to serve more folks under this fund and approved an expansion for assistance for setting up homes for those with mobility disabilities coming out of institutions. Thank you Joan Neilson and Gil Adrien for you support of disabled brothers and sisters and ILCNSCA.

ILCNSCA received a Certificate of Award on May 27, 2004 from the Community Health Networks of the North Shore and Greater Beverly/Gloucester Area. This Certificate was in recognition of outstanding service and commitment to community health improvement. We are very honored to have been nominated and awarded this certificate. Please reserve August 12 from Noon to 2:00 to join with ILCNSCA staff and Board at our BBQ at Winter Island. See description of this event on page 13 and listing on page 14. Renew your memberbership for participation in this wonderful event. Good food, pleasant oceanside location, and wonderful folks. Space is limited, so make your reservation quickly.

Enjoy the summer,

Mary Margaret

ILCNSCA INDIVIDUAL SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Information and Referral (I&R) – Accurate and relevant information regarding procedures, agencies, providers, community activities and events that will assist persons with disabilities to live as independently in the community as the consumer chooses.

Independent Living Skills Training (skill development) – Information, including referrals and resources, and training on various life activities to facilitate their development of skills to enable them to achieve and/or maintain their independent living goal (s). Skills training focuses on the acquisition of specific knowledge and ability in goal areas defined by the consumer in his/her Independent Living Service Plan (ILSP). Skills training can occur in group or in individual sessions; the consumer determines the end, when he/she achieves the desired goal or chooses to re-evaluate and redefine the ILSP with the staff. Some examples of goals in skills training include: acquiring personal care attendant services; learning how to obtain and use public transportation services; and career and vocational assistance.

Individual Advocacy - Individual advocacy has the consumer as the focal point of all communication and information sharing, and is always done in the consumer’s presence. This process emphasizes consumer control and self-reliance, utilizing an array of approaches aimed at assisting individuals with disabilities to take charge of their life choices, act on their own behalf, and overcome situations that reduce their potential for independence.

Peer Counseling – Sharing of experiences between two people with disabilities, an I L Peer Guide and a customer of ILCNSCA, where the I L Peer Guide listens non-judgmentally, offers validation of feelings, support for reframing, and encouragement for planning and action by consumer. This is the method by which all IL Skills Training and Individual Advocacy as well as Information and Referral are given by staff to customers. Peer Counseling is also offered in a group format as part of ILCNSCA Peer Support Group.

MAMMOGRAPHY ACCESS PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION

The Mammography Access Project has been working to improve mammography screening rates for women with mobility disabilities. The project utilizes a number of strategies to achieve this goal. These include assessing each mammography facility in the state for accessibility and providing the facility with technical assistance on removing barriers to access; disseminating information on the accessibility of facilities to consumers and providers; training radiologic technologists to work with women with mobility disabilities; and provide longer appointment slots for women with disabilities.

Lisa Maisels, Project Coordinator, said that a document in print and on the web will be ready soon that lets consumers know what is the accessibility of each facility covered in their project. There are currently 166 mammography screening facilities across the state. Since it’s inception in 2002, the project has provided basic technical assistance to facilities that have been surveyed and has conducted four trainings for radiologic technologists on working with women with mobility impairments. The project is a program of the Department of Public Health’s Office on Health and Disability. For more information email http://www.state.ma.us/dph/fch/ohd/index.htm or call Lisa at (617)624-5960.

Reprinted with permission from “Access New England”, Spring 2004: Vol.8, No.2 AVIATION TOLLFREE HOTLINE CARDS AVAILABLE

The Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings (Enforcement Office) established a toll free telephone number that consumers who experience disability- related air travel problems may use to obtain information and assistance. The hotline is staffed from 7 am to 11 pm local time in Washington, D.C., seven days a week. The Department has produced business cards with the toll-free hotline number, which can be easily carried by air travelers. If you are interested in receiving copies of the hotline business card to distribute to your friends and colleagues, please contact the hotline at 1-800-778-4838 or TTY 1-800-455-9880. NEW WEB RESOURCE FOR CAREERS IN DESIGN

Adaptive Environments has created Web Resources written by and for people with disabilities about the fields of design and careers in design (www.careersindesign.org). Their goal is to get more people with disabilities working in fields of design regardless of their disability. Everyone is invited to explore these resources. This resource is for career seekers, vocational counselors, service providers, potential employers, and family members to discover if design is a good career fit: find resources for launching a quality career in design; see accommodations for studio educa-tion and professional practice; explore design schools and professional organizations: learn why universal design is good design.

Please spread the word! The project Building Careers in Design is funded by a contract with the RSA National Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center and developed by Adaptive Environments, a nonprofit center for Human-Centered Design. ‘Building Careers in Design’ is also a new college level online course for vocational counselors. This 6-week 30 CRC credit course begins June 21 and is offered through the Interwork Institute of San Diego State University, in cooperation with Adaptive Environments, Boston, MA. Daniel Hunter, ASLA, is the course instructor and Jacklyn Butcher, CRP, is course facilitator. The course fee is $175. A printable flyer is available online at: www.careersindesign.org/flyer. More info,contact Kristin Schneider at 617-695-1225 X. 35.

RESOURCES THAT MAKE CENTS

Freecycle.org is Free Stuff available to anyone who has access to a computer.

The Free cycle network is a project of Rise, Inc. a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission includes reducing waste, generating employment training and fostering cooperation between other non-profit organizations and the public. The network originally began in May 2003 in Tucson, Arizona to promote waste reduction and to help save the desert landscapes from becoming landfills. The network now serves several hundred cities across the United States and also has sites internationally.

The way freecycle works is all items posted must be for free. Anyone can respond to a posting and agree on a pick up time and place with whoever is giving the item away. There are several Northshore sites, including Salem, listed on the freecycle web page.

Go to www.freecycle.org. and start sharing!

RASP UPDATE

ILCNSCA continues to coordinate volunteer surveyors to conduct surveys of restaurants in the ILCNSCA service area. This is accomplished through the Restaurant Accessibility Survey Project (RASP) funded by the North Shore Self-Help Group. ILCNSCA is in the process of developing a booklet for print and for posting on our web page, www.ilcnsca.org , with all RASP reviews conducted to date. Keep your eye out for this publicaiton in the very near future. Shawn McDuff assisted by RASP member Tom Muxie are working on this compilation of reviews along with assistance from Steve Cohodas. The North Shore Self-Help Group has funded the printing costs for this as well.

You too can rate accessibility of eating establishments on the North Shore and Cape Ann. ILCNSCA will train you in how to conduct a survey, you will become a volunteer of the Center, have your meal and a guest paid for by the Center, and have your results published in this newsletter, a booklet and posted on the WEB. Wow! Hope to see you at a RASP meeting.

If you would like to participate as a RASP surveyor, contact Shawn McDuff, Director of Access and Advocacy or Steve Cohodas, Access Advocacy Assistant at 978-741-0077 voice or 978-745-1735 TTY or come to the monthly RASP meeting on the second wednesday of each month at the Center at 2:00 PM.

HARDCOVER
15A Newbury St. Route 1 North, Danvers, MA 01923

Parking: There was accessible parking near the entrance. There is no HP “van accessible” space available.
Entrance: The doorway is wide and easy to open. No ramp is needed.
Seating: A person in a wheelchair would have no problem in this restaurant.
Restrooms: The grab bars are fine but the toilet seats are too low and the soap and paper towels are not within reach.
Communication: The restaurant has no menus with Braille, large print or on cassette. No ASL interpreters are available.
Service: Restaurant personnel were courteous and respectful.
Comments: The restaurant is beautiful with a wonderful salad bar. The portions are big and the menu is varied.
Rating: 4 (given for parking, entrance/ramps, seating and service.)

SIAM GRILL
242 South Main St. Middleton, MA 01949

Parking: This restaurant is located in a strip mall with no accessible spaces near restaurant and no HP “van accessible” spaces.
Entrance: The doorway is wide and easy to open.
Seating: There is an adequate amount of wheelchair accessible seating with easy movement between tables.
Restrooms: The placement of grab bars are fine, soap and paper towels are within reach, handles on faucets are easy to use and there is an accessible unisex bathroom.
Communication: The restaurant has no menu in Braille, large print or on cassette and no ASL interpreters are available.
Service: Staff does communicate directly with you and are respectful.
Comments:
Service is prompt and friendly. Large portions of Thai food.
Rating: 4 (given for entrance, seating, restrooms, and service).

ON THE ADVOCACY FRONT
WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF A SERIOUS HOUSING CRISIS

Researched by Ian Milgram
A crisis involving and users of the Section 8 Rental Subsidy Program, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Congress is occurring. HUD has crippled Section 8 funding. Persons with disabilities comprise the largest stakeholder in Section 8 housing, accounting for 1/3 of all Section 8 Vouchers.

What’s at stake here? In Massachusetts there are 8,617 current Section 8 Housing Choice voucher holders who are slated to lose their housing assistance on July 1, 2004 (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities). On April 26, 2004 HUD’s renewal policy, PIH 2004-7, almost forced Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development/ DHCD to send notices to between 500 to 600 landlords canceling their Section 8 contracts. The Hingham, MA Housing Authority delayed sending out May 2004 rent checks to landlords because of this crisis. Gloucester Housing Authority is facing a close to $300,000 deficit as of July1.

Who utilizes the Section 8 Program? The average annual household income of those served by Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers is $9,600. Section 8’s are generally mobile community- based vouchers, and not usually project-based. The vouchers are valid for apartment rentals. A person who uses a Section 8 Voucher pays 30% of their monthly income towards the rent and the voucher itself pays remaining percentage of the rent. Section 8 is a 30 years old highly successful Federal Government program initiated during the Nixon Administration.

HUD today refuses to spend money that Congress has already generously set aside in large amounts to fund existing Section 8 Vouchers. HUD is interpreting the 2004 appropriations language so that not all of the allocated $2.4 Billion in increased voucher renewal funding will be made available to public housing authorities and agencies. Although Congress struggled to find the $2.4 Billion to ensure that public housing agencies/ authorities could serve all of the families currently in the Section 8 Program and to prevent the vouchers from being under funded, HUD is trying to prevent this very adequate money from being used.

On April 22, 2004 HUD issued regulation PIH 2004-7 announcing that instead of reimbursing the housing providers for the actual expense of the vouchers, HUD would only pay for what the vouchers cost in August 2003 plus an “adjustment for inflation”. This new interpretive policy and its formula comes up short. The formula does not equal the current price of housing in Eastern Massachusetts as well as in many parts of the USA, does not take into consideration factors such as Section 8 Voucher users’ incomes decreasing, a common occurrence in these economic times, and does not take into consideration that rents have generally gone up for most people, including Section 8 holders.

Why is this happening? HUD claims it is necessary because of the 2004 appropriations legislation. HUD claims that Congress enacted legislation to supposedly control the increasing cost of vouchers and thus this new policy. With the cost of the vouchers increasing a significant 27% in the last two years due to still rising market rent costs, HUD claims that Congress agreed to stop the increase in the Section 8 program and they are just following Congressional direction. The housing cost increase is a national systemic question for people with disabilities and for the general public as well. Lack of affordable housing is a top issue across the country, as well as increases in housing costs.

The entire Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, as well as many other legislators from both parties and advocacy groups nation- wide have voiced strong opposition against HUD’s destructive policy PIH 2004-7, both in written letters, Congressional bills, as well as public statements. Governor Romney sent a letter to Secretary Jackson asking for immediate intervention. Congressman John Tierney has been an avid spokesperson for having the funds replenished.

The language that HUD insists it abide by actually came from HUD. Representative Barney Frank (D-MA) has stated that the funding language that HUD cites as direction for these changes was inserted at HUD’s insistence by the Congressional conference committee, albeit without hearings or open discussions on the impact of such a proposal. “Now HUD says, ‘Oh, poor us, we have to abide by that language, and, of course, HUD wrote the language, slipped it in the conference…” Representative Barney Frank has sponsored Bill HR 4263 to reverse the policy of HUD’s harmful PIH 2004-7 and this Bill has well over 101 co-signatures of other members of Congress. The support and signatures for Bill HR 4263 has been from primarily Democrats and from a few Republicans.

Policy PIH 2004-7 is widely believed to be a way for HUD to achieve their strategic goals and thus this is no mere accident. Did you know that HUD proposed a 2005 Budget that could lead to the elimination of 250,000 Section 8 vouchers nationally? Tied to HUD’s proposal was an initiative that would have housing authorities require tenants to pay a higher share of their rent, impose time limits on Section 8 occupancy, remove the targeting of lower income persons for admission and/or to remain covered by Section 8. This supposedly is all in order to decrease the amount the federal government would pay for this program. HUD‘s proposal would allow Public Housing Authorities to raise rents and keep the difference. This would encourage PHA’s to favor higher income families on public housing waiting lists, or to evict lower income families for minor lease violations.

HUD is also proposing a “Block Grant” which is simply a code word for further cuts in funding and more restrictions on HUD’s housing programs. HUD hopes to replace the Section 8 program with a “Flexible Voucher Program” meaning fewer vouchers, with less money for the vouchers. HUD’s actions and comments point to the Bush Administration’s efforts to dismantle the Section 8 Program as it currently exists, housing authority by housing authority. Representative Barney Frank points out that the Administration has consistently proposed cuts to the program, and that its plan to turn the Section 8 Program into a block grant in Fiscal Year 2005 is a way to hide these cuts.

Recently Congress, spurred on by phone calls, letters, and emails from the public, has worked with HUD to try to find more dollars to help Section 8. However these temporary funds are less than 150 million (note: 10% of the 150 million will go to administrative costs). The 150 million dollars are a mere drop in the bucket. New York City’s shortfall alone is approximately $83 million. So this will not come close to solving Section 8’s problems, not until HUD decides to fully fund existing Section 8 Vouchers at their real current cost, from money that already exists in HUD’s funds.

The Administration proposed FY ‘05 budget, which under funds the Section 8 Program, and plans to impose the Flexible Voucher Program, will be a hot topic in Congress. If HUD’s block grant plans for FY ‘05 get passed then Massachusetts alone will be under funded by $84,553,821.00 (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities). Mind you this is all being directed by HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson who said on May 20, 2004 that he doesn’t talk about housing the poor because he says “being poor is a state of mind, not a condition.”

Local public housing authorities now must abide by HUD’s PIH 2004-7. According to long time employee and Housing Specialist Darlene Garrett of the Rockport, MA Housing Authority who said their accountant has told them “absolutely no rent raises, not even $25.00” are possible. The average price of the voucher in Rockport is now $823. As we go to press Gloucester Housing Authority is facing close a $300,000 shortfall for July 1.

What can be done about this bad situation that has the definite potential to become worse? If you or someone you know receives a letter from your local housing authority requesting you have a reassessment of your Section 8 Eligibility, please call us at ILCNSCA. We will help you to respond to the letter. Another course of action is that you can express your support for the Section 8 Program by contacting your federal legislators. Let your Congressman and Senators know that the Section 8 Program is worthwhile, necessary and useful. You could tell your US elected official that Section 8 should be fully funded, that you would like to see increased funding, more vouchers, and not the elimination of the program. You can tell your electedl egislators and President Bush that Section 8 should not be turned into a block grant program which would mean less money for Section 8. Please contact your friends in other states to do the same type of contact. Let our voice be heard that Section 8 must be preserved and kept strong and viable. Tell your neighbors that you support Congressional Bill HR 4263 and have them contact Washington to reverse HUD’s hurtful policy PIH 2004-7 which under funds the Section 8 Program and attempts to end Section 8. ILCNSCA can help you write a letter or email. You can also contact HUD directly and even send messages to HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson about your position on the Section 8 Program. Below is contact information for our federal elected officials and for HUD.

Congressman John Tierney ,
District Office, 17 Peabody Square Peabody, MA 01960
Phone 978-531-1669:Fax 978-531-1996 Lynn, MA Office Phone 781-595-7375
www.house.gov/tierney

Senator Edward Kennedy
2400 JFK Building, Boston, MA 02203
Phone 617-565-3170
www.kennedy.senate.gov

Senator John Kerry
One Bowdoin Square, Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone 617-565-8519
Fax (617) 248-3870
www.kerry.senate.gov

Secretary Alphonso Jackson
HUD, 451 7th Street S.W. Washington, DC 20410
Phone 202-708-0417
Email Alphonso_R._Jackson@hud.gov

President George W. Bush The White House ,
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
NW Washington, DC 20500
202-456-1111
Email: president@whitehouse.gov

Please register to vote and vote. Together our voice will be heard! To be independent we all need to have shelter and homes. Contact Ian Milgram, IL Peer Guide, at 978-741-0077 x. 16 for more information.

FEDERAL UPDATE — HOUSE CHANGING RULES AGAIN TO DEVASTATE PEOPLE SUPPORTS

The House is expected to consider major budget process legislation in June. The legislation that will come to the House floor (H.R. 3973), which the House Budget Committee reported in March, would reinstitute pay-as-you- go rules for entitlement programs but exempt tax cuts from those rules. The legislation also would establish five-year caps on discretionary programs. These caps would likely force substantial reductions in domestic discretionary programs in the years ahead.

Entitlement programs include Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare, Unemployment Assistance, Trade Adjustment Assistance, Aid to Families with Dependent Children and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Child Care, Title XX Social Services Block Grant Program.

The House Budget Committee bill would reimpose the pay-as- you- go discipline, first enacted in 1990 with the support of the first President Bush on entitlement and tax cuts, on entitlement expansions only. Now tax cuts would not have to be paid for. In addition, only cutting other entitlements could pay for entitlement improvements. Measures to close abusive tax shelters or other tax avoidance schemes and use the savings to finance improvements in an entitlement benefit, such as a veteran’s benefit or a program to shrink the ranks of the uninsured or reduce poverty, would not be allowed. Savings on the tax side of the ledger would be off limits for pay-as-you- go purposes.

With heavy support from the Republican party elected Representatives, who are in the majority, this measure can have devastating effects on poor, disabled, working class, and seniors. ILCNSCA urges you to contact your federal representative, Congressman John Tierney, 17 Peabody Square, Peabody, MA 01960 on this issue. As a Democrat, Congressman Tierney has spoken out consistently against these rule changes and like his sister and brother Democratic Representatives has had to be shut out of the dialogue and decision-making on a vast amount of legislation that is hurtful to disabled people and poor people.

ILCNSCA urges you to register to vote, listen to all candidates positions, tell candidates what you need and want, and then to vote. If you do not know if your polling site is accessible, call us at ILCNSCA and we will help you get that information. If you have problems registering to vote, call us at ILCNSCA and we wil assist you in completing the voter registration form. Remember that voting is the most powerful expression of our freedom as a democratic country.

ABOVE INFORMATION FROM CENTER ON BUDGET AND POLICY PRIORITES ARTICLE ON PROPOSED CHANGES IN BUDGET RULES AT WWW. CBPP.ORG

PLAN FOR ACHIEVING SELF-SUPPORT (PASS)

Do you have a job goal in mind? If you d and need financial assitance to reach your job goal, the Social Security Administration may be able to Help. If you currently revieve SSDI, SSI, or a combination of both, please call your local Social Security office or to find it call the main number 1-800-772-1213 and ask how a PASS might help you. ILCNSCA staff have just received a training on PASS from Ira and Gail Ann of the PASS Cadre. ILCNSCA Peer Guides will also assist you in exploring a Plan for Achieving Self-Support.

ILCNSCA LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST 2004

The Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann, Inc. (ILCNSCA), held its Seventeenth Annual Legislative Breakfast on Friday, April 30, 2004 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square West in Salem. The theme this year was “Will Persons with Disabilities in Massachusetts be able to access necessary Independent Living services and supports in FY ‘05?”

ILCNSCA was honored to have State Senator Thomas McGee (Lynn) and State Representative Theodore Speliotis (Danvers) Co-host this disability rights advocacy caucus for the North Shore and Cape Ann. Other legislators who attended included State Senator Bruce Tarr (Gloucester); State Representatives Mary Grant (Beverly) and J. Michael Ruane (Salem).

The program opened with remarks from ILCNSCA Executive Director Mary Margaret Moore and ILCNSCA Board President Greg Murray. Representative Theodore Speliotis discussed the amendment that he sponsored and that had just successfully passed in the House the previous evening, to protect the MassHealth PCA program from any sudden changes by the Division Of Medical Assistance. Any changes in the PCA program would first need to be reviewed by a study commission that would include representatives from the Governor’s Commission on People with Disabilities, the Massachusetts Office on Disability, and the Statewide Independent Living Council. Rep. Speliotis discussed his commitment to dignity, that all should be able to live with dignity and shared that was his philosophy as an elected Representative. Co-hosts Senator Thomas McGee discussed his commitment to support programs and services for people with disabilities in light of the budget crisis including the Home Modification Loan Program Bond bill that was approved by the Senate unanimously the day before. State Senator Bruce Tarr spoke about the importance of constituents contacting legislators to voice their opinions on issues, adding that legislators do pay attention to input from constituents and vote on legislation accordingly. ILCNSCA Executive Director Mary Margaret Moore read messages from State Senator Fred Berry, US Senator John Kerry and US Congressman John Tierney to the audience, all strongly voicing their commitment to work for full access to the necessary supports for persons with disabilities to live independently and with quality of life.

Bill Henning, Executive Director of the Boston Center for Independent Living, touted the passage of the Housing Bond Bill that will provide funding for the Massachusetts Home Modification for the Disabled and Elderly Loan Program as well as for the development of more accessible, affordable and available housing for people with disabilities. Charlie Carr, Executive Director of the Northeast Independent Living Program, discussed the value of people with disabilities getting involved in advocacy as well as legislation aimed at protecting the MassHealth and CommonHealth programs from enrollment caps and asset tests. Joe Bellil, Coordinator of the Statewide Independent Living Council, talked about the great work done by the 11 Independent Living Centers in Massachusetts and the push for a $610,000 increase in funding for Independent Living Centers. ILCNSCA Executive Director Mary Margaret Moore discussed the ongoing support and collaboration between persons with disabilities, ILCNSCA, other providers, state agencies and federal as well as state legislators to insure independent living options. Board President Gregg Murray presented the 2004 Leavitt Award for Lifetime Achievement to State Representative J. Michael Ruane of Salem. The Leavitt Award is given to a person with a disability on the North Shore or Cape Ann who, by his or her lifetime actions and accomplishments, has done the most to promote the ideals of the Independent Living Philosophy. This award is in memory of Bernice Leavitt, one of the Center’s founders. During his many years in Local and State Government, Representative Ruane has always been a strong leader and supporter of services and programs aimed at maximizing the independence of people with disabilities.

Commissioner Elmer Bartels gave the ILCNSCA 2004 Distinguished Employer of the Year Award to Pep Boys in Salem from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. This award is given annually to an employer who has done the most to promote independent living ideals through the recruitment and employment of individuals with all types of disabilities. Pep Boys successfully hired two individuals with disabilities during the past year. Representive Theodore Speliotis, D-Danvers Co-Host, Senator Thomas McGee D-Lynn Co-Host, Senator Bruce Tarr R-Gloucester, Speaker Dennis Mentus, Pep Boys receiving award from Commissioner Elmer Bartels, MRC Rep. J. Michael Ruane receiving Leavitte Lifetime Achievement Award from Mary Margaret Moore, Executive Director, ILCNSCA

COMMUNITY ACCESS ADVOCACY TEAM SPECIAL ADA TRAINING

ILCNSCA will be offering an ADA training for the September 7, 2004 monthly meeting of the Community Access Advocacy Team (CAAT) from 2-3:30 PM at our main office on 27 Congress St., Suite 107 in Salem. This training will be given by ADA Specialist, Andy Washburn, from the New England ADA & Accessible IT Center, one of ten regional disability and business technical assistance centers funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). The Center is a project of Adaptive Environments, Inc., a nonprofit organization.
At this training you will be able to:
-Discuss and get answers to your ADA questions.
-Learn how to use the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)
-Find out how the ADA relates to state accessibility codes.
This training is open to anyone interested. If you are planning to attend please RSVP by September 2 to Shawn McDuff at (978) 741-0077 Ext. 14, 978-745-1735 TTY or by email at smcduff@ilcnsca.org. Refreshments will be offered. If you need any communication accommodations, please make your request to Shawn McDuff by August 24, 2004. ILCNSCA is a scent free environment. Please refrain from wearing any scented products.

ILCNSCA ANNUAL MEMBERS BBQ

ILCNSCA Annual Members BBQ at Winter Island Function Hall 50 Winter Island Road, Salem, August 12, 2004 from noon to 2:00 p.m. Membership in ILCNSCA is renewable annually and brings with it the opportunity to attend our Annual BBQ, receive our newsletter and mailings and most importantly, attend our Annual meeting where Board members are elected. Anyone may become a member of ILCNSCA. To be a voting member, you must self-identify as a person with a disability on the membership form. Membership annual donations are suggested at $10.00, more if you can, less if you cannot. Call the Center if you need a membership form. Our Annual BBQ is a time for ILCNSCA members to share a luncheon together by the ocean on a summer afternoon. Suggested donations are $5.00 for persons with a disability, $5.00 for personal care attendant, all others $10.00. Please contact Kathy O’Brien by August 2, 2004 to RSVPat (978) 741-0077 ext. 11, 978-745- 1735 TTY or Kobrien@ilcnsca.org .

ADA ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) and the ILC’s are having a free celebration of the 14th Avviversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). It will be held at Dunn Pond State Park on July 23, rain or shine, rom 11AM to 3:30PM, in Gardner, MA. There will be a luncheon, access to swimming, boating, hiking and a band playing. ILCNSCA will accept reservations for a limited number of folks to come with us on a van from ILCNSCA main office, 27 Congress Street, Suite 107, Salem at 9:00 AM. For reservations call Ian at 978-741-0077 x.16 or 978-745-1735 TTY by July 16.

NEXT TIME I’M BRINGING A PONY
By Ann Millman Jones, June 2003

Service dogs come in many shapes and sizes
For those of us who do not see, or hear,
Or walk as well as you and others do.
Or who are subject to seizures
At times, they can not predict.
Some choose to employ canine
And other animal mates
Who we miserly compensate
With a pat, or bone and various treats
Such, usually, dogs are far from mere pets
They work like highly prized
Well tuned instruments
No degrees are required
for services dogs status
Though most deserve doctorates
For these crafts I;ve admired
Seeing eyes dogs
Skills are well known
for the myriad of tasks
accomplished by those unusual hounds
Other highly trained animals
Serve many otherly abled as well
as those dogs, there are monkeys
and diminutive horses so
skilled They help many a Crip, such as I, to thrive
Walks across streets
without Encountering cars, and to
Navigate curbs and survive
Without copious cuts leaving permanent scars.
With my minuscule mutt ,I avoid
Frequent assaults I formerly incurred
From vaults over barriers
I, alone, neglected to observe.
Partial paralysis forces me
To tread precariously perched
On near feelingless feet
But this tiny pup has the might
She's the nerves I'm without
She serves me.
She helps me
She keeps me upright
Hearing helper dogs too excel
At alerting those acoustically free
from the cacophony of sounds played
To people who hear pretty well
Such as a siren, whistle, or bell
Those free from such noise may cherish quiet
But they till require the tales
Such distress calls can tell
But, access to places with features
That draw you to their doors
Is often denied to those such as I
Who rely on such creatures
The laws are well stated,
Comprehensive and clear
Regarding my right to full access
To public places, everywhere
But unfortunately gatekeepers
Rarely comprehend what is clear
This is regrettably true,
all too often,I fear.
Not even the cops
Who,I've called in a huff
Can convince many bouncers
I have more then enough
Right to be here
Along with my Bitch
And my list of,
Whatever, impairs
In case you are wondering, why
I came to be here today
I'm suing the next X%X%X%X%X
Who turns me away
Unfortunately, my problems with access
Are about to grow worse
My next service beast is in training
She's a miniature horse
I'll reward her with hay!

INDEPENDENT TIMES VOLUME XIII ISSUE 3, SUMMER 2004 PUBLISHER: Mary Margaret Moore CONTRIBUTORS: Shawn McDuff, Ian Milgram, Kathy O’Brien, Marj Nagle, Steve Cohodas, Kelly Anderson, Ann Millman Jones. The INDEPENDENT TIMES is a newsletter of the Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann, Inc. (ILCNSCA), main office located at 27 Congress Street, Suite 107, Salem, MA 01970. Telephone: (978) 741-0077 V, (978) 745-1735 TTY, Toll Free Telephone: (888) 751-0077 V, Fax: (978) 741-1133. EMAIL: Information@ilcnsca.org. Cape Ann branch office located at Addision-Gilbert Hospital, Room 4, 298 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930. Telephone: (978)283-4000, ext. 366 V/TTY. INDEPENDENT TIMES welcomes the submission of articles, press releases, personal success stories that relate to independent living. Advertisements are also welcome. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit or reject material submitted to accommodate space or other concerns. Unsolicited material not accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope will not be returned. ILCNSCA’s philosophy is based upon the belief that people with disabilities can lead more independent lives when given the opportunity. We also believe that such an opportunity is a human right. ILCNSCA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. ILCNSCA serves any person of any age with any type of disability and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origen, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, family status or disability. ILCNSCA receives federal and state funds, private grants, donations, and memberships. ILCNSCA is funded in part by the City of Salem Department of Planning & Community Development, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. ILCNSCA has 501 (C) (3) federal and state tax exempt status as a charitable non-profit corporation. ILCNSCA meets the federal standards and assurances of independent living centers. This newsletter is partially funded by a grant from the New England ADA & Accessible IT Technical Assistance Center. This publication is also available at our BOBBY approved web site: www.ilcnsca.org. Por mas informacion calle 978-741-0077. ILCNSCA INDIVIDUAL SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Information and Referral (I&R) – Accurate and relevant information regarding procedures, agencies, providers, community activities and events that will assist persons with disabilities to live as independently in the community as the consumer chooses. Independent Living Skills Training (skill development) – Information, including referrals and resources, and training on various life activities to facilitate their development of skills to enable them to achieve and/or maintain their independent living goal (s). Skills training focuses on the acquisition of specific knowledge and ability in goal areas defined by the consumer in his/her Independent Living Service Plan (ILSP). Skills training can occur in group or in individual sessions; the consumer determines the end, when he/she achieves the desired goal or chooses to re-evalu-ate and redefine the ILSP with the staff. Some examples of goals in skills training include: acquiring personal care attendant services; learning how to obtain and use public transportation services; and career and vocational assistance. Individual Advocacy - Individual advocacy has the consumer as the focal point of all communication and information sharing, and is always done in the consumer’s presence. This process emphasizes consumer control and selfreliance, utilizing an array of approaches aimed at assisting individuals with disabilities to take charge of their life choices, act on their own behalf, and overcome situations that reduce their potential for independence. Peer Counseling – Sharing of experiences between two people with disabilities, an I L Peer Guide and a customer of ILCNSCA, where the I L Peer Guide listens nonjudgmentally, offers validation of feelings, support for reframing, and encouragement for planning and action by consumer. This is the method by which all IL Skills Training and Individual Advocacy as well as Information and Referral are given by staff to customers. Peer Counseling is also offered in a group format as part of ILCNSCA Peer Support Group.