JACIL Connections for May 2008

Mayors attend Wheelathon Kickoff
JACIL’s second annual Wheelathon got off to a fantastic start as we staged a kickoff celebration at the Jacksonville Community Park, which will again be the site for our fundraiser on June 14.

JACIL Treasurer & Wheelathon Publicity Chair Lori Pahde conducted the ceremonies with special guest appearances by Jacksonville Mayor Ron Tendick and South Jacksonville Village President Gordon Jumper.

Lori said our goal for this year’s event is to raise $10,000.00 over expenses. She presented the first 2008 information packet to JACIL Board Vice president Michele Daniels and also one each to Mayor Tendick and President Jumper.

Wheelathon packets available
Calling all Wheelers! Our packets with information about this year’s Wheelathon and sponsor sign-up sheets are now available at the JACIL offices in Jacksonville and Havana.

The packet includes notes for participants, teams and captains as well as team challenge information and this year’s prize structure.
We would also be happy to mail a packet to you. Please contact Roger at (217) 245-8371 (voice/tty) to request a packet by mail.

Wheelathon “Wheelers” can earn 2008 T-Shirt!
Everyone passing by will certainly see our volunteer Wheelers this year at JACIL’s 2008 Wheelathon.

This year’s commemorative T-shirt will be a bright yellow and will be given to every Wheeler who recruits at least five sponsors for the event.

The Wheelathon returns to the Jacksonville Community Park on Saturday, June 14. Participants will encircle the park by traveling along the park road and sidewalks using wheelchairs. Team members are encouraged to wheel for a time and then change places with another member.

Along with the experience of using a wheelchair for mobility, Wheelers will have the opportunity to experience some of the obstacles people with disabilities encounter every day, including cracked and separated pavement, potholes and varying degrees of incline.

Wheelers are asked to obtain a packet with sponsor sheets from JACIL. This can be accomplished by stopping by our office at 60 E. Central Park Plaza in Jacksonville. If you prefer, you may call us at (217) 245-8371 (voice/tty) or e-mail us at info@jacil.org and we will be happy to send a packet to you via the postal service.

For the first time this year, the packet is also available through electronic mail as Portable Document Format (PDF) files which are readable and printable on just about any computer.

Participants are asked to seek contributions for JACIL from sponsors willing to support their participation in the Wheelathon.

All donations must be made in cash or by check payable to JACIL. No pledges will be accepted and no after-event billing will be done.
We hope YOU will be a Wheelathon Wheeler for us this year--your bright yellow 2008 T-shirt is waiting for you!

JACIL brings disability awareness to Illinois College’s Education Department
On April 11, JACIL staff and volunteers conducted a Disability Awareness Seminar for students in Illinois College’s Education Department.

The program was coordinated by JACIL’s Director of Administrative and Outreach Services Larry Whewell and Illinois College instructor Todd Sweatman.

Medicare Fraud Alert!
Medicare fraud attempts recently reported in Alaska have been passed on to us by the Senior Information Center in Anchorage. The same kind of operation could easily be used against Medicare recipients here in central Illinois.

People have reported receiving phone calls from individuals posing as persons able to issue a new card to go along with a Medicare card.
A woman phoned in to say she has been called repeatedly by different gentlemen with thick accents. They claim to be with the United Health Medical Department and tried to convince her that Medicare seniors now need a new discount card to take to their doctor along with their Medicare card.

They claim that with the new card they will get the government will pay 90% of the doctor bill instead of 30%.

The callers knew into what bank her Social Security check is deposited and urged her to disclose to them the account number so they could “send her the new card she will need to get Medicare services at the 90% discount rate.” She correctly chose not to reveal that private information over the telephone.

This is a reminder not to give personal or financial information over the phone to anyone posing as someone that can help you. It is always better to be safe than sorry. If you have a bad feeling about them, ask for a telephone number so that you can call them back.

Individuals should report any suspected Medicare-related fraud or forward your Medicare-related questions to the JACIL office at (217) 245-8371 (voice/tty).

ISVI honors JACIL president
The recent Illinois School for the Visually Impaired Awards Luncheon was highlighted by the presentation of a special recognition.
JACIL’s Board President Daryl Darnell was honored for his work over the years with the on-campus employment program that ISVI has for its students.

The vocal response of the students upon hearing the announcement indicated he is a favorite of theirs.

He is a favorite of ours too! Congratulations, Daryl!

INCIL Director Ann Ford receives Governor’s PATH Award
In recognition of Women’s History Month, the state of Illinois recognized the efforts of women in Illinois who have made a positive impact on their communities.

INCIL Executive Director Ann Ford received the People Are Today’s Heroes (PATH) Award, a very distinguished recognition from Governor Rod Blagojevich’s office. She was nominated for this honor by Grace Hou, an Assistant Secretary with the Illinois Department of Human Services.

The award recognizes groups or individuals who, through their hard work and commitment, have improved the lives of those in their community and have helped Illinois move forward in the areas of health care, public safety, education and economic development.
The PATH award ceremony took place Friday, March 28, at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago. Following are excerpts from the presentation:
“Ford has dedicated her life to empowering persons with disabilities to become full participants in society. As Executive Director of the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL), Ford is perhaps one the most significant advocates for Illinoisans with disabilities. Health care policy is a critical advocacy issue for Ford and is personally and professionally vital to her. After contracting polio at age five, she overcame countless challenges as she moved through the world.

“Since its enactment in 2003, Ford has served as the Co-Chair of the Disabilities Services Committee--which enhances the state’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the implementation of the Olmstead v. L.C decision. In this capacity, Ford has shown a unique ability to bring stakeholders from a wide variety of backgrounds together to make substantial policy changes for people with disabilities.”

Congratulations Ann! We are very proud of your accomplishment!

Recognition party honors JACILs volunteers
At our April 18 Volunteer Recognition Party, JACIL put on the dog--figuratively and literally--in honoring those who have been such a vital part of our success in the past year.

A nice lunch was served to a very nice crowd ant it featured Italian beef a la Lori Shipley,

Two presentations were presented by Administrative Assistant Roger Deem. With the help of guest stars Goofus (Becky McGinnis) and Gallant (Lori Shipley), disability terms were discussed, featuring old, outdated terminology and the more up-to-date language.

The second feature was entitled “The Perfect Volunteer and starred our very own Suki the Wonder Dog, faithful sidekick to Custodian Kathy Price. Suki gave us, with a little help from Roger, her top ten ways to be a perfect volunteer.

Becky reported we accumulated over 1,900 volunteer hours in the past 12 months which saved JACIL more than $16,000.00.
We truly appreciate our wonderful volunteers and we thank them for their efforts.

Thumbs Up!
We salute people who make a difference!

Kitty Aubry

One of our most trusted and prolific American Sign Language interpreters, Kitty also works under the radar every month on behalf of JACIL Connections.

Kitty is the person who condenses all of our primary articles into the Quick Facts which we present following the main text.
We have heard many appreciative comments for this feature and we thank Kitty for her efforts in making it possible.

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: I am stuck out here in our cabin in the boondocks. I have no regular medication yet I am suffering with a cold AND a headache. Can you help?

Kathy says: For your headache get out some Rosemary seasoning and make a cup of tea. If you like you can mix it with Oregano, Thyme or Basil. You need to use one of metal tea balls with a chain and hook on the side of the pot. If you are using Rosemary by itself, measure out one teaspoon. If it will be mixed with one of other seasonings, use a half teaspoon of each.

To ease your cold symptoms, use an ecanasia, licorice root and eucalyptus mixture and make a tea. Rosemary is also good calming your nerves.

May is National Arthritis Month!
Did you know that 46 million Americans have doctor-diagnosed arthritis? Did you know that arthritis affects 294,000 children?
Arthritis can limit everyday activities, but increasing physical activity and maintaining an ideal weight can help prevent or reduce joint pain later.

Understanding your type of arthritis will help you select the appropriate exercise and management program for you. Consult your physician to determine what program best fits your needs.

For more information contact the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org. Type in your zip code and you can find contact information for the Arthritis Foundation chapter closest to you.

May Calendar of Events

1 - Knollwood Support Group - 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
8 - VisAbility Support Group 10:30 a.m. to Noon
13 - Personal Assistant Training in Jacksonville - 9:00 to Noon
13 - PAC Support Group in Havana - 6:30 p.m.
14 - Personal Assistant Training in Havana - 9:00 to Noon
14 - Cross Disability Support Group - 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
15 - Visions Support Group in Havana - 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
15 - People First - 3:45 p.m.
15 - Deaf Silent Club - 6:00 p.m.
26 - Memorial Day - JACIL offces closed

NOTE: There will be no KIP presentation or Book Club this month.

Coming in June 2008:

Our 2nd Annual Wheelathon Fundraiser
Saturday, June 14 - Community Park

“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
60 E. Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville, IL 62650-2090
217-245-8371 V/TTY
217-245-1872 Fax
888-317-3287 Toll Free
E-mail: info@jacil.org
Website: www.jacil.org

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