JACIL Connections for September 2010

Article 1:

JACIL honors the ADA’s 20th anniversary

JACIL celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in late July.

Director of Programs Lori Shipley shared information about the ADA and its positive impact on people with disabilities over the past two decades.
JACIL honored two local agencies for their efforts on behalf of the ADA and citizens with disabilities.

Paula Ferguson, Rehabilitation Services Supervisor with the local office of the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation and Rodger Fox, President of the Jacksonville Ambucs were presented recognitions by JACIL.
A new American flag received from Congressman Aaron Schock was raised over our building.

New garden landscaping in front of our building was also dedicated.

Article 2:

ADA Olympia concludes 20th Anniversary celebration week

Our ADA 20th Anniversary Week concluded with our ADA Olympia. Over 100 area young people, including large groups from the Y.M.C.A. and Boys & Girls Club programs, attended the event and took part in the activities.

The games and events were designed to help participants understand the importance of accommodations to the lives of people with different disabilities including low vision, blindness, deafness, loss of mobility and diminished sense of touch.

The event was put together by JACIL’s Cyndy Benton, Leigh-Ann Baker and Chris Samaras.

Article 3:

JACIL benefits from two summer college interns

JACIL’s mission has gotten a huge boost this past summer thanks to the efforts of two delightful college interns who have served on our staff.

Leigh-Ann Baker came to us from Lincoln Land Community College where she is working towards a degree in either elementary education or social work. She plans to transfer to MacMurray College after the coming school year.

Leigh-Ann is a local native and a 2006 graduate of Jacksonville High School. When not at school or on the job, Leigh-Ann loves to listen to rap or country music and watch movies.

She has served JACIL in many capacities and was key to the success of the disability awareness activities at the Wheelathon and the ADA Olympia. Leigh-Ann returned to school in mid-August.

Christopher Samaras is also a student at LLCC. He is majoring in graphic arts and is looking to transfer to a four-year college after graduation.
Chris turned 21 this summer and is a resident of Waverly, graduating from its high school in 2008.

He also enjoys music, particularly rock and new age, and was always found in our break room during his lunch hour plugged into his MP3 player and reading a book..

While at JACIL Chris has been deeply involved in graphic arts and presentations, doing much of the design and production work for our ADA celebration. After college he plans to work in the field of graphic arts.

Chris’ summer stint has been completed but he hopes to return to JACIL over the holiday break at the end of this year.

JACIL has greatly benefited from the efforts given by these two terrific young people and we wish them all the best in the years to come.

Article 4:

Notice: Changes in JACIL’s hours

Effective September, 1, 2010, JACIL’s office hours at our two facilities will be as follows:

Jacksonville Office:

Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Havana Office:

Monday: 8:00 a.m. to Noon
Tuesday By chance or by appointment:
Wednesday: 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Thursday: 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Friday: 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Article 5:

September KIP

Lunch & Learn: Legal Issues for the Caregiver

The September 2010 Knowledge Is Power (KIP) program will focus on legal issues and the differences between guardianship and power of attorney.

JACIL and the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland are co-sponsoring a lunch and learn session. Benjamin Brown, attorney with the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, will provide information on Legal Issues for the Care-giver.

Lunch will be provided but pre-registration is required by Friday, September 24. A sign language interpreter will be present. The session will take place on Wednesday, September 29, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., and will be held at JACIL’s Jacksonville office at 15 Permac Road.

To register for this event, contact the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland at 217-787-9234 or toll-free at 800-252-9218.

We look forward to seeing you on September 29.

Article 6:

P.A. Corner by Ron Price

P.A. wages increase

The wages for Illinois personal assistants have been increased as of July 1, 2010. The current rate is now $11.20 per hour.

This increase is a good thing for those working as personal assistants. For people who are not currently in their field, there is time to join the ranks.
For more information on how to become a P.A., please call JACIL at 217-245-8371 (voice/tty) and ask for Ron Price.

I will add your name to the next P.A. training list. The date for the next training sessions has not been set. There will be PA training events held in both Jacksonville and Havana.

Article 7:

Ask Kathy by Kathy Price

Each issue Kathy will answer your questions about anything--from household hints to the price of tea in China.

Please e-mail your question to her at kathy@jacil.org.
This Month’s Question: My skin is really getting irritated when I am pulling weeds. What can I do to get a little relief from all that itchy rash?

Kathy says: Rub a little Heinz White Vinegar on the irritated surfaces of your skin. That will take some of the sting out of those itches. But you may need to double up on your application of cologne or perfume!

Semptember Schedule

2 Knollwood 20/20 Support Group - 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

6 Labor Day - JACIL offices CLOSED.

7 American Sign Language Level I Class - 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

9 VisAbility Support Group - 10:30 a.m. to Noon

14 American Sign Language Level I Class - 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

16 Visions Support Group in Havana - 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

16 Friends Helping Friends Action Club - 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

16 Deaf Silent Club - 6:00 p.m.

17 People First Aktion Club - 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.

21 Disability Legislative Forum - 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

21 American Sign Language Level I Class - 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

23 Laborer’s for Greater Vision Support Group - 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Laborer’s Home Development (in the library).

28 American Sign Language Level I Class - 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

29 Knowledge Is Power: Lunch & Learn Session: Legal Issues for the Caregiver, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Usual Stuff:

“JACIL Connections” is published by the Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living. JACIL is organized to serve people with disabilities in Morgan, Scott, Cass and Mason Counties. JACIL is committed to serving persons with disabilities to gain control and direction of their lives in the home, workplace and community. JACIL’s goal is to stimulate and promote a growing sense of personal dignity through individualized services designed to provide the tools necessary for maximum independence and community participation. We invite your comments and suggestions.

JACIL is a Prairieland United Way Agency

Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living, 15 Permac Road, 217-245-8371 V/TTY l 217-245-1872 Fax, 888-317-3287 Toll Free, E-mail: info@jacil.org l Website: www.jacil.org

JACIL - Mason County Office, 220 West Main Street, Havana, IL 62644, 309-543-6680 Voice/TTY l 309-543-6711 Fax, 877-759-2187 Toll Free, E-mail: jacil@casscomm.com