JACIL Connections for April 2012
Article 1:
Welcome to
our Super-Connections! by Becky McGinnis
You have
noticed that this issue is fatter. More
postage. How come?
As we noted in the March issue of Connections, JACIL is
developing our work plan, looking at our service area, our consumers, people
with disabilities living in the service area, the needs of various individuals
and groups.
After the information-gathering, we will be sitting down to
decide what we should focus on in the next three years. What are our strengths
and our weaknesses. What needs do we address now, what services might we need
to develop, where is our advocacy needed, etc.
What opportunities should we be snatching and what things
might threaten JACIL in the future. Several of you participated in listening
sessions to provide your input.
Since we are looking at everything we do - our services, our
support groups, our funding sources and more --it seemed like a good
opportunity to share that information with you.
What we found out as we worked on this issue is that there is a lot to
tell!
Staff will be spending April 11 in retreat. We will all be out of the office all day
(someone will be here to answer the phone), putting our heads together to come
up with our thoughts about what JACIL should be doing in the next three years.
Our recommended work plan will be presented to the JACIL Board who will
responsible for reviewing it, modifying it, and approving the final plan.
So, we hope you enjoy this issue, and find out something new
about us!
Article 2:
What is a CIL? by Becky McGinnis, Executive Director
The
Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living (JACIL – we pronounce it Jay-sil)
is one of 23 centers throughout the state, and one of hundreds around the
nation. Our roots are from Berkeley, California, where Ed Roberts
gathered with several other individuals with significant disabilities, and
created the first CIL. There are federal standards that set the
guidelines for Centers for Independent Living, but we each operate
independently.
CILs are unique because we are consumer-controlled; the
federal standards require that at least 51% of our Board, 51% of our staff and
51% of our management staff must be people who have disabilities. We are
cross-disability (include all disabilities), community-based, not-for-profit
corporations which are not residential – nobody lives in a CIL! In
general, CILs are committed to the inclusion of diverse cultural and ethnic
populations
CILS are required to offer the four core services of
information and referral, systems and individual advocacy, peer support and
independent living skills training. Many consider community
reintegration, helping people move from a nursing home back into their own
residence in the community, to be a fifth core service.
JACIL was founded in 1996 when it first received state
funding, and serves Morgan, Scott, Cass and Mason counties.
Article 3:
So--How are we funded?
In FY97
JACIL received our first grant funding through the Independent Living Unit of
the Division of Rehabilitation Services. At this time we receive three
state grants: the original grant, one to provide training for consumers in
managing their personal assistants and to maintain a referral list of personal
assistants, and a third grant for individuals aged 55 and older who have vision
disabilities.
We receive two federal independent living grants, one being
time-limited through federal ARRA funding(includes our ASL classes, and home
modifications, especially ramps, for individuals who qualify).
Prairieland United Way and the Mason County Community Chest
grants support disability awareness in our service area. We also have a
grant to provide legislative advocacy training. We sometimes receive memorials
and some private contributions. For several years we have received the
contributions of one individual and her employer through an employee giving program.
In addition to smaller fund raisers, in the past five or six
years we have developed two major annual events, a Wheelathon held in June, and
a winter Festa Jaciliana.
Our most recent Festa earned over $6,600 in discretionary
income (income that isn’t restricted the way the grants are), and we are into
our heavy-duty planning for our 2012 Wheelathon to be held June 9.
We also have non-monetary “revenue” in the form of volunteers
who do things for us we would need to pay someone to do. JACIL has been
blessed over the years to have several students doing internships or work-study
programs, as well as many individuals who step up to meet a need – disability
awareness presentations, parades, getting out mailings, helping with support
groups, teaching computer skills, etc.
It takes a number of sources of revenue to support JACIL’s
work!
Article 4:
Profoundly
Ordinary - the Independent Living Philosophy
"We are profoundly ordinary people
sharing the same need to feel included, recognized and loved." Dr. Adolf
Ratzka
The Independent Living (IL) philosophy doesn't mean doing
everything by yourself, and it doesn't mean living by yourself. Independent living has to do with choices. It
stems from the idea that people with disabilities are the best experts on their
own needs. It means having the same
choices in every-day life that non-disabled siblings, neighbors and friends
have learned to take for granted, and it means the right to make decisions for
yourself.
What do non-disabled people do? They grow up in their families, ride to
neighborhood schools with others from the neighborhood, work in jobs that are
in line with their interests and education, raise families. They go to church, buy groceries, go to the
movies or the ball game; they attend their kid's school programs, they walk
around the block. They choose what to
eat for supper and when to go to bed.
They vote, run for public office, and pay taxes. They decide what is
best for them. They do ordinary things.
IL Philosophy is about self-determination, self respect and
equal opportunities, and about people with disabilities living ordinary lives.
Article 5:
Our Core
Services:
JACIL is
mandated by the state of Illinois to provide four core services: Information
and Referral (I & R), Individual and Systems Advocacy, Independent Living
Skills Training and Peer Mentoring.
Information
and Referral Services
I & R is available to both people with disabilities and
the general public. Information and
referrals must also be documented and reported to the state on quarterly
reports.
When JACIL receives a call requesting services the call is
usually routed to Larry Whewell. He
tries to solve the issue over the phone or if it takes more time he refers the
potential consumer to an appropriate staff person.
Whatever the issue or question may be , the JACIL staff tries
to resolve the issue. Many times it is
giving out information or referring the individual(s) to another agency who has
more expertise on the topic than we do.
There is no such thing as a dumb question and all requests
are taken seriously. If it is a complex
issue then the staff person will make an appointment with the person and work
with that individual on a one on one basis.
The staff person and caller will determine if JACIL’s
consumer service record should be filled out and goals established. We provide the consumer with the proper tools
and assist in accomplishing whatever goal the consumer sets.
Our philosophy is independence: therefore, the consumer will
need to work on whatever the issue may be with assistance from JACIL
staff. We pride ourselves on providing
information and if needed to refer you to another agency to address your
issue.
Article 6:
Individual
& Systems Advocacy
Speaking up for yourself to get the services you need as an
individual is an important skill. JACIL
strives to make every interaction with a person with a disability a teaching
moment on self advocacy. In addition to
individual advocacy, JACIL is responsible for "systems"
advocacy. Systems advocacy is advocacy
to make changes in our communities, things like public parking and laws which
have an impact on the lives of people with disabilities. These are things which affect groups of
people, rather than just one individual.
Our advocacy activities include accessibility audits and
legislative/voter advocacy, as well as helping parents learn to advocate for
their child at an IEP, and helping individuals to learn to advocate for
themselves in a variety of situations.
Article 7:
Independent
Living Skills Training
Budgeting and learning to manage money to get the bills paid
are things that often adults DON'T do well. Knowing how to make good purchases,
how to get the most out of your shopping dollar, and avoid debt are important
skills we need to learn.
Other independent living skills include things like cooking,
housekeeping, doing laundry and getting around town.
Not all of us come equipped with the skills we need to be
independent and to manage the daily activities of our lives. Others of us have
learned skills, but aren't able to do them the way we learned after we become
disabled.
JACIL has several ways of assisting people with disabilities
to learn independent living skills. We
sometimes offer classes to provide training to several people at a time.
Often we work individually with a person to help them develop
the specific skills that will enable them to maintain their living
situation. Our staff can make a home
visit to mark appliances for someone with vision loss, or we can provide
coaching in check writing.
A little focused training can sometimes mean a lot of
independence!
Article 8:
Peer Mentoring
One of our core services, peer mentoring refers to the
development of peer relationships and peer role models. People who have experienced disability can
share those experiences and be good support for someone else.
Some peer mentoring occurs when staff who have disabilities
work with consumers with disabilities.
JACIL offers a number of opportunities for peer relationships through
various groups, also.
Article 9:
Vision
support groups
We have four support groups to encourage persons who have a
vision disability to help themselves as much as possible.
Each month we hold a series of meetings. The first Thursday of every month is our
20/20 Support Group meeting held at Knollwood Retirement Center in
Jacksonville.
Every second Thursday each month is our VisAbility group
which meets in our Jacksonville office.
The third Thursday of the month we hold a Visions Support
Group at the JACIL office at 220 West Main Street in Havana.
The third Wednesday of every month the Laborers for Greater
Vision Support Group is held at 1335 S. Diamond in Jacksonville.
Most of the people who attend the vision-based support groups
are 55 or older but everyone is welcome who is experiencing vision
difficluties. At each we talk about a
topic of interest to group members. We
may explore what sort of technology may be available to help people with
disabilities live independently. We find
out how vision loss has affected others and what they are doing to cope with
the issue.
Now you know the schedule of all our support group
meetings. Larry Whewell, and Ron Price
hope to see you in the near future.
Article 10:
Autism and
Parent Support Group by Susan Nolls
The
identification of Autism among children has increased significantly, leading to
a need to become knowledgeable about resources for families.
Last spring we had a panel of Parents of Children with Autism
who touched on the need for parents to find a place for information and
support. This led to the development of the Parents of Children with Autism
(PCA) support group. We have been meeting for almost a year. We meet once a
month on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:00 -7:30 at JACIL.
So far we have had a speaker present on the iPad and its
application for school work. A clinician from The Autism Project talked about
behaviors of children with autism and some ways to address managing them. A
teacher of children with autism will speak to us about sensory issues for a
child.
Another planned presentation is a sibling panel to talk about
autism and its impact on tr/e family.
There are other topics we will address as we can find the
speakers.
Article 11:
Deaf Silent Club
The Deaf Silent Club meets monthly on the third Thursday of
the month.
Members of the group are highly visual deaf people. The
group gathers primarily for social activities. They watch movies and have
popcorn. The goup enjoys a special
combined Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner and once in a great while conduct a
cookout.
New members and visitors attend this group by invitation
only, so if you are interested in joining the group, please contact Paul Pyers
at the Jacksonville office.
Article 12:
Action/Aktion
Clubs by Cyndy Benton
JACIL
currently sponsors two Action Clubs. The
action clubs are civic-minded groups that meet monthly to discuss disability
related issues, plan civil and advocacy actions and decide what civic events
they want to volunteer at. Members also
attend state-wide advocacy and disability rights training events.
Each club uses parliamentary procedures (Roberts Rules of
Order) when conducting meetings and deciding on community events to
volunteer/participate in.
Most importantly, club members demonstrate through their
ACTIONS that people with disabilities are contributing members of their
communities.
The People First Aktion Club is located in Jacksonville and
is co-sponsored by the local and international Kiwanis Clubs. People First Aktion Club meets the third
Friday of each month and has been in existence since 2003. It has approximately 25 members.
The Friends Helping Friends Action Club is located in
Beardstown and began meeting the third Thursday of each month in late
2010. It has approximately 15
members.
Anyone interested in joining Jacksonville’s People First or
Beardstown’s Friends Helping Friends Action Clubs, contact Cyndy at JACIL. She may be reached by calling 245-8371 or
toll free at 888-317-3287. Both numbers
are V/TTY.
Article 13:
JACIL’s Deaf Services by Paul Pyers, Independent
Living Advocate
There are
about 500 deaf/hard of hearing people living around Morgan county, Jacksonville
in particular. JACIL has a deaf Independent Living Advocate, Paul Pyers, who is
able to focus on those who communicate using sign language. There are a number of ways in which JACIL
provides independent living services to the deaf population:
A lot of people come here for cell phone (pager) information,
mostly how to contact the service and how to use them. Many of them come here for help signing up
with ATT's TextAccessibility Plans (TAP).
Several people have made use of our public access videophone,
computer and TTY, as well as asking to fax things from the JACIL office.
Some individuals have had problems with Social Security and
getting benefits. Others have had issues
resolving hospital bills or other creditors, and we encourage them to contact
the proper people through the video phone in our office.
We don't find jobs for anyone, but we do assist people with
their resume and application, and can provide mock interviews; we also
encourage contact with the Rehab Counselor for the Deaf at the local DRS
office, and with the Job Center.
There are several other things we can help with. We help find funding for affordable housing
and making application; we helped one individual get information to help him
plan a funeral; we often help individuals secure information about interpreters
through the IDHHC website.
We have services available for deaf blind individuals, but
this is a growing area of need in our world, and JACIL is involved in advocacy
efforts to improve the availability of services. If needed, Paul has acted as a
communication assistant for specific settings. He has also worked with our
JACIL BBS staff to find devices that meet the needs of a consumer.
Article 14:
The IEP
& Schools by Susan Nolls, Independent Living Advocate
As a Youth
Advocate I do get involved with schools and students with disabilities. Often parents will call and sometimes school
staff may call to help students get the services they need at school.
In order to be effective as an advocate it is important to
understand the parents’ perspective and understanding of their child’s
educational needs as well as what the school has recommended.
If there has never been an IEP made, then parents need to
understand the process and follow the time line for requesting an IEP
(Individualized Education Plan) which is regulated by law. Together we discuss how to go about making
this request. Because of prior
experience with school IEPs and how to write them, I can make suggestions for
goals.
I also rely on other programs for their expertise in
identifying some of the details for an IEP as well as to create a larger team
to support the student and the family.
·Article 15:
Announcing JACIL’s 2012 WHEELATHON
June 9 at the Community Park
Wheelathon Kickoff:
Monday, April 2, at the JACIL Board Meeting
50/50 Raffle tickets & Sponsor packets will be available
on April 2.
Call JACIL for more information.
Introducing our 2012 Wheelathon “Spokes” Person: MARK ARNOLD!
Article 16:
Legislative & Voter Advocacy by Cyndy Benton,
Legislative/Voter Advocate
In March
2003 JACIL added a Legislative/Voter Advocate position and for the last nine
years I have filled that role. As
JACIL's Legislative/Voter Advocate, I have had the pleasure of watching JACIL's
power in the policy arena grow.
During that time, four JACIL staff became statewide Deputy
Registrars who have helped over 150 people with voter registration issues. We have held three "get out the
disability vote" campaigns that have reached over 500 people. The Illinois Disability Vote (I'D Vote)
project is a statewide, non-partisan, disability vote initiative held during
General Elections that encourages people with disabilities to vote.
During the nine years JACIL has has made over a thousand
contacts to local, state and federal policymakers encouraging them to support
policy that champions the needs of people with disabilities. Over the years, JACIL has also provided
several advocacy development and disability rights learning opportunities for
people with disabilities and has watched individuals grow and use these skills
for systemic (policy & government) and self-advocacy (own needs).
JACIL is in the process of developing a grassroots advocacy
base of people living in Cass, Mason, Morgan and Scott Counties who are
interested in taking action on policy that impacts the lives of people with
disabilities. Individuals who are
interested in being added to JACIL's grassroots advocacy list should contact Cyndy. She will ask for your name and contact
information, including your e-mail address, so she can send you "policy
action alerts" as she receives them.
It will be your personal choice whether you take action or not on
policy/issues that are directed your way.
Cyndy may be reached at 245-8371 or toll free at 888-317-3287. Both numbers are V/TTY.
Article 17:
The ADA
& Accessibility by Derrick Walker, Associate Director
Title III
of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees people with
disabilities the “full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities,
privileges, advantages or accommodations of any place of public accommodation”.
Do you comply to the ADA, that is the question? What does
that mean to you the owner of a business? If I utilize a wheelchair would
I be able to enter that door, is it wide enough. Wait a minute--what about the
bathroom? Are there urinals? What about hand rails to hold on to while I
transfer myself? Are the sinks the right height for me to wash my hands? What
about the water fountains and the clearance of the doors when they open?
These are just a few of the areas that a person with
disabilities needs to think about when they go out into the public. Just to get
down the street from my home are the curbs cut so I can travel without fear of
falling off the curb.
JACIL can assist you with finding out what you need to do to
bring your business into compliance with the ADA. Contact us to set up an
appointment
Article 18:
JACIL’s BBS Program by Ron Price, Independent Living
Advocate
JACIL
receives a grant from the Illinois Bureau of Blind Services to assist people
who are 55 years or older and have a visual disability.
JACIL offers
individualized training to those that qualify: 55 years or older, live in
JACIL's service area and have a vision issue, for example, if you have
difficulty reading the newspaper print.
Vision Disabilities can cover a wide range of areas: macular
degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma are a few of the
major eye diseases that cause vision loss.Training can cover technology of all
kinds from support canes, talking watches, magnifiers, kitchen tools, to
computer based technologies. JACIL
wants to help individuals remain independent at home.
As people with a disabilities we sometimes find ourselves
wondering why our life has taken the path we are now embarking on. We need to
accept the help offered to us and take advantage of the opportunities
that are available.
For more information about the BBS program, contact Ron or
Larry at (217)245-8371 vtty.
Article 19:
Personal
Assistant Referral Process
Barb
Whewell & Lori Neill, Independent Living Advocates
In JACIL’s
Personal Assistant (PA) services we hold an orientation once a month in Morgan, Scott, Cass, or Mason
County.
Persons wanting to become a PA come to a four-hour session
and learn the basics on working with people with disabilities. The orientation
includes Independent Living Philosophy, individual service to a consumer,
universal precautions, transfer techniques, the consumer’s service plan,
disability etiquette and reviews and a sample PA packet from DRS with the
paperwork. At the end of the training they will receive a certificate.
This training makes individuals eligible to be put on JACIL’s
PA referral list. From that point the
PA”s name goes into a database on the computer; when a consumer calls and needs
a PA we match the consumer’s needs with information in the database.
Four or five names are selected and sent to the consumer and
they can interview the names they choose. If they choose not to hire any of
these people they can call JACIL back and we will send them out another list of
people. It is totally up to the consumer who they interview and who they hire.
The consumer has control of interviewing, checking references, hiring and, if
needed, firing. If they need assistance interviewing PA’s we are available to
sit in on the interviews or give them some tips on interviewing.
JACIL is only a referral program and the PAs are not
employees of JACIL. They are supervised by the consumer and are paid from the
DRS Office.
If you have any questions feel free to call Barb at the
Jacksonville office at 217-245-8371 (v/tty) or toll free 888-317-3287 or email
barb@jacil.org. Lori at the Havana
office is 309-543-6680 (v/tty), toll-free 877-759-2187 or lori@jacil.org.
Article 20:
Community
Reintegration
A quick word about community reintegration (CR): JACIL has
voluntarily returned this grant to the State.
Statistics show that our four-county area is one of the two
lowest in the state in number of people under age 60 with disabilities who live
in nursing homes. Although we remain committed to the philosophy of CR,
we believe that the state’s funds can be better utilized if our grant is
redistributed to other CILs who have more qualifying individuals living in their
areas.
JACIL pledges to refer to other CILs, and to collaborate with
them so people in our area can move to their own place in the community.
We have already made three referrals!
Article 21:
Home
Modification Program by Janelle Romero, Intern
JACIL's
Home Modification grant has been steadily growing over the past couple years.
Some of you may have seen ramps being built or pictures in past newsletters.
This grant is often referred to as the "ramp
program". It is worth mentioning that this grant can be used for other
small modifications to a person's home, such as having grab bars made for the
bathroom. To make our funds stretch further, the individual is asked to
contribute to the cost of the ramp, if possible.
So what is the process for applying and obtaining a ramp or
other small modifications?
1. Call and ask to speak with Janelle Romero about getting a
modification.
2. Next there is a short and simple intake form Janelle will
fill out. Often times this can be filled out within a few minutes, in person or
over the phone.
3. In addition to things like name, birth date and address,
we ask for a brief explanation of the condition or disability that makes the
modification necessary.
4. Other information includes the financial resources of the
family: employment and Social Security or other benefits. If the home is rented
we need the name and number of the landlord so we can talk to them about the
modification.
5. We then schedule a time to come out and take measurements
and pictures of the area where the modification is expected to go.
6. We submit the paperwork and information collected and it
is reviewed.
7. We secure a builder such as volunteer Ambucs or an
interested contractor and one is selected from the bids they submit.
8. We notify the consumer about who will be building the ramp
and the time frame estimate.
9. After the work is completed, we take an "after” photo
of the modification for our records.
This process usually takes several weeks, depending on the
parties involved.
If you have any questions please call JACIL and ask for
Janelle Romero at 217 - 245-8371
Article 22:
Disability
Awareness by Larry Whewell
JACIL prides itself on conducting disability awareness
activities and events. We provide
disability awareness to individuals, groups, schools, colleges, adults, and
basically anyone that requests our service.
We travel throughout our four county service area. Activities can be designed for a short
15-minute presentation to an all-day event.
For, example, each year, JACIL staff and many volunteers conduct an all
day event at Turner Junior High School.
Also annually we provide disability awareness to Our Saviour Grade
School and several other schools and colleges.
To request JACIL to come to you or host a disability
awareness event in our office all we need is a request that you or your
organization, agency or school would like for JACIL to provide this
service.
JACIL’s philosophy is that the earlier children learn about
people with disabilities and understand that people with disabilities are just
like everyone else the easier it is to change attitudes.
The major issue that people with disabilities face is
additudinal barriers. People with
disabilities want to live a productive life just like anyone else. We may have to do things a little differently
but in most cases anyone can be independent or at least as independent as much
as possible. The Americans with
Disability Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990, based on the fact that
people with disabilities want the same and equal rights as anyone else.
If you or anyone you know would like JACIL to conduct some
disability awareness activities, just contact Larry at (217)245-8371 v/tty and
I am sure we could work something out to educate you on people with
disabilities.
Article 23:
Knowledge Is Power by Larry Whewell
JACIL hosts monthly workshops we call Knowledge Is Power
(KIP). They are usually scheduled for
the fourth Tuesday of each month. These workshops are designed to promote
disability related topics and educate our consumers, staff, and the general
public about current issues or programs.
There is always a sign language interpreter available,
materials can be made in alternate formats and refreshments are provided as
well. Where can you go and learn
something about a new or current program with communication available for each
individual’s need, and enjoy a snack and something to drink?
I am using this article to formally invite anyone who is
interested to contact JACIL for more information. Also, If anyone has a topic they would like
for us to promote, please contact us.
The date and information is always in JACIL Connections, public media,
and normally we mail a card to our consumers to remind them of the workshop.
Hope to see you at our upcoming Knowledge Is Power
workshops.
Article 24:
American Sign Language Classes by Susan Nolls
We have
been teaching American Sign Language (ASL) classes at JACIL since August of
2010. We use the Signing Naturally
curriculum and have had nearly 100 students register for classes. We have provided both ASL I and II classes at
JACIL as well as a class in the office of a local dentist. The basic class is eight weeks long and meets
once a week.
We have served different age groups - adults, youth and
children.
The class covers basic signs on common topics such as
introductions, personal information, talking about where you live and the local
surroundings as well as your family and various activities.
Recently we began working with employers and agencies to
create class schedules customized to fit the workplace needs. We can also tailor class content to the
individual needs of your group. Call us
to find out how we can help meet your needs.
Article 25:
Byts &
Bytes by Larry Whewell
A monthly workshop is
scheduled on the fourth Thursday of each month and is facilitated by Dan
Thompson. Mr. Thompson is a retired
Assistive Technology Instructor from the Illinois School for the Visually
Impaired (ISVI).
Each month a different topic and related assistive devices
are presented. Mr. Thompson is quite
knowledgeable about both traditional and the newer assistive devices that are
on the market for most all disabilities.
He will take requests and plan a workshop for any subject or instruction
on any device.
Mr. Thompson also provides computer training at JACIL on
Monday and Thursdays. This training is
done on an individual basis or in a group setting. There is no charge for this training.
Mr. Thompson specializes in screen readers, but has various
skills on the average working of any computer.
If you are interested in learning more about computers and
would like training to beef up your technology skills contact Larry at JACIL,
(217)245-8371 v/tty.
This Month at Byts & Bytes
At the April Byts
& Bytes meeting we will provide training with several GPS systems available
for people who are blind or have low vision.
Trekker Breeze is an easy, all-in-one handheld talking GPS
from Humanware. Imagine doing your neighborhood chores freely without having to
always depend on other people, without having to count your steps or always
worrying about getting lost.
Byts & Bytes will meet in the conference room at JACIL’s Jacksonville office, 15 Permac
Road, on Thursday, April 26, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Article 26:
Citizens
Advocating for Real Equality (CARE) by Cyndy Benton
This
winter JACIL held a multi-week training session that was developed to help
citizens better understand how government works on local, state and federal
levels--and how they can become more effective self- advocates.
Information about how government operates, how ideas become
bills, how bills become law and voter rights and responsibilities were important
aspects of the training. Participants
also learned about the roles and responsibilities of the various levels of
government and its elected officials.
Effective communication skills, advocacy skill development and the
components of successful grassroots advocacy were also emphasized. Participants attended eight class sessions,
completed independent and class assignments and observed local or state
government in action.
The final session of the CARE training is scheduled for April
17th. At that time, participants will
go to the Illinois Capitol to advocate for a law or issue that is near and dear
to them. During the last two training
sessions, participants identified a state-level issue or law that they would
like to advocate for or against and received instruction on how to develop a
position statement and subsequent one page document to give to legislators on
April 17th as a "Leave Behind. A
"Leave Behind'" is a one page, informational document about an
issue/law. A "Leave Behind"
must be written in a clear and concise manner that states a position in a
significant and powerful way and includes rationale for the position, with any
previous information or laws in support of the position taken.
An additional CARE training series--geared more for the
working professional--is being planned for later this year. Anyone interested in attending a future CARE
training, please contact Cyndy at JACIL.
She may be reached by calling 245-8371 or toll free at
888-317-3287. Both numbers are V/TTY.
Article 27:
Publications
by Roger Deem, Administrative Assistant
JACIL
occasionally issues publications for the purpose of sharing information,
publicizing events and in general keeping the public up to date in regards to
disability advocacy, both in our four-county service area and nationally.
Chief among these efforts is our JACIL Connections newsletter
which has been published monthly since July 1997. It typically includes articles about upcoming
activites, reports on completed events, educational stories and a schedule of
JACIL’s plans for the coming month.
We often produce special publications such as our Sign
Language for Business booklet or our Legislative Update newsletter series.
All our publications are made in alternative formats
including electronic, Braille and large print where possible. We adhere to what we call our S.T.A.T.E.
Policy - Same Time Availability To Everyone in that we do not distribute
materials in any form until all formats are completed.
Are there any additional publications you would like to
see? Give JACIL a call.
Article 28:
Consumer
Communications Room by Kathy Price, Custodian
JACIL has
designated one of our offices as a consumer communications room. Let’s take a
tour, starting at the first door from the front of the reception area.
As you come in, to your left there are three desks.
The first is the VP or video phone, used by the deaf
consumers to communicate with agencies, or other deaf people that have a VP
themselves.
The second desk has a TTY, telephone, and braille writer. The
TTY is used with the telephone, so deaf persons can communicate with agencies
and other persons that may not have a VP phone.
The phone can be used by consumers for such things as calls
related to their goals or to their disability needs. The braille writer is for
office staff or blind consumers use.
The third desk has a computer with printer, and has JAWS
screen reader on it for those who can not read the screen, those with low
vision or who are blind.
This room is all free for our consumers use
Article 29:
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:
We have an overabundance of ice at our house. We can only use so much in our soda
glasses. Is there any way I use extra
cubes for anything besides sprained ankles and aching joints?
Kathy says: YES!
You can water your plants by placing three or four ice cubes in your
planter. You can also numb a childs
mouth for taking medication and using them for skimming fat out the top of
soups.
Article 30:
The American Dream by
Larry Whewell, Associate Director
I think
for most people with disabilities the American Dream is sometimes forgotten and
or seems out of reach. The American
Dream can become reality with some assistance from the Home Ownership Coalition
and hard work on the part of both parties.
The Home Ownership Coalition for People with Disabilities
office is located in Springfield, Il.
The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) offers assistance for
people with disabilities to purchase a home.
There are specific guidelines, but it is designed for low
income individuals and the main rule is that someone in the household must have
a disability.
Prior to last September, the Coalition served six counties in
west central Illinois and they acquired Morgan and Cass counties to make their
total up to eight. There are grants
available to help with closing cost and down payments. If your credit is not the best, they will
help with credit counseling and help get your credit score improved.
Sometimes the process is lengthy, but anything an individual
wants badly enough takes time.
Robin Benson and Katie Reeves work on behalf of this program
out of the IATP office in Springfield.
JACIL is a contact for people with disabilities who live in
Morgan and Cass counties. We can provide
you information along with an application to get you started. Interested individuals can contact Larry at
JACIL (217)245-8371 or Robin or Katie at (217) 522-7985. A dream can become a reality with
perseverance and hard work.
Article 31:
JACIL has a
loan closet by Barb Whewell
Are you
aware that JACIL has a loan closet containing devices available to help people
with disabilities?
From of the kindness of many of our supporters we have often
received donations of perfectly good materials and devices that we are then
able to loan out to other people who might have need of them.
The items include wheelchairs (adult and children’s) and
occasionally electric wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, bed riser legs,
commodes, toilet stool risers and miscellaneous items.
The availability of the various items we have in stock
changes from time to time. If you are in need of an item please call our office
and we will check our closet to see if we have what you are looking for. Also,
if you have items to donate please call, your generosity is appreciated.
Due to our limited storage space, we CANNOT take large items
such as hospital beds or electric recliners.
If you have large items we can post them in our monthly
newsletter. You can contact Barb at JACIL 217-245-8371.
Article 32:
Department on Aging’s Circuit Breaker Program
by Mary
Shafer, Support Services
The
Illinois Department on Aging’s Circuit Breaker program provides grants to
senior citizens and persons with disabilities to help them reduce the impact of
taxes and prescription medications on their lives.
When the costs of property taxes and prescription medicines
begin to “overload” our seniors and persons with disabilities, this program
steps in to help, just as a circuit breaker prevents overloads in an electrical
system.
For those who qualify, Circuit Breaker provides:
1. Tax Grants – If you pay property taxes or mobile home
taxes on your home, or if you rent or live in a nursing, retirement, or shelter
care home that was subject to property taxes, you may be able to receive a
grant.
2. License Plate Discount – A $75 discount on your license
plate fee.
3. Prescription Drug Assistance
JACIL can help you file your 2011 circuit breaker on
line. You will need your total income,
SS number, birth date, property tax or rental information (name, address, phone
number of your landlord and the monthly amount needed in rent).
Call JACIL at 217-245-8371 (Jacksonville) or 309-543-6680
(Havana) for an appointment.
Article 33:
Federal Lifeline Program by Mary Shafer
Low-income
households have been eligible for discounted telephone service for more than a
decade through the federal “Lifeline”
program funded by telecom companies.
Traditionally, services were only available as a discount on
a consumer’s landline telephone bill. Through SafeLink, this program is now
available for wireless phones.
TracFone provides the wireless handset at the company’s
expense, and users receive a specific amount of free minutes each month for one
year. The cell phone offers several features: voicemail, text, three-way
calling, call waiting, caller ID and access to 911.
In general individuals qualify if they participate in a
public assistance program such as food stamps, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, LIHEAP, and
others or they may also qualify based on total household gross monthly income.
There are 3 different plans for the State of Illinois. On the 68 monthly minutes plan you are
eligible for all local and national long distance calls, voice mail, texting,
roaming at no additional cost, free 911, 411 directory assistance, carry-over
minutes from month to month and 100+ international long distance
destinations.
On the 125 minute plan you get everything on the 68 minutes
plan except for the international long distance. On the 250 minutes plan, there are no
carry-over minutes or any International long distance.
JACIL will be happy to help you fill out an application or to help you apply on line.
Article 34:
Our Community Food Center by Mary Shafer
The Jacksonville Food Center was established in 1982 by some
of the local churches for people in the Morgan County area who are in need of
food. The Jacksonville Food Center is
open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and is located at 316 East
State Street in Jacksonville.
Anyone in need of food who meets the income guidelines may
receive food vouchers every 60 days or bakery and produce once a week (no
voucher required) as available. JACIL is
one of several agencies that have vouchers.
Come to JACIL and a staff member will fill out the voucher
(you must show proof of income, date of birth, and the last six digits of the
social security numbers for each member of the family); a referral voucher from
an agency is required. Pick up your food
at the Food Center.
Article 35:
April 2012
KIP:
Independent
Living Family Tree
JACIL is preparing to host the April edition of our Knowledge
Is Power session on the subject The Independent Living Family Tree. Becky
McGinnis, our executive director, will present the program.
Knowing about our ancestors and where we came from can be important
to all of us. We like to know our own
histories, and who went before us. Where
did our family come from? What was their
life like? Was anybody famous?
People with disabilities have a disability family tree,
too. Come learn a little about the history
of independent living - who went before us, what was their life like? And, yes - there were some important things
that happened, and some people who are famous in the history of people with
disabilities.
The program will take place at the JACIL offices, 15 Permac
Road in Jacksonville on Tuesday, April 24, 2:00 -4:00 p.m. There will be an ASL interpreter and
refreshments will be served.
Article 36:
JACIL’s Board of Directors by Roger
Deem
JACIL is
very blessed to be supported by an outstanding board of directors who oversee
our agency’s operation.
A CIL board is mandated by the state to be composed of a
majority of persons who have some type of disability. Two thirds of our board has a disability.
JACIL’s Directors are particularly effective in support of
our two main fundraisers - the Wheelathon in June and the Festa Jaciliana in
January. Members contribute a great deal
of effort in both planning and development of these activities as well as physical
support at each of the events.
Members of the board also provide oversight for JACIL’s
programs as well as the financial health of the organization.
A hallmark of our JACIL board members is their dedication to people with disabilities
and the community overall. JACIL is a
strong and stable agency in large part due to the support of this outstanding
group of men and women.
Article 37:
Friday, April 6 - Good Friday
JACIL will close at Noon
Happy Easter!
Article 38:
JACIL seeking applications for Board of Directors by
Becky McGinnis
The JACIL Board is composed of 11-15 individuals, who are
usually elected for three-year terms. A
few current terms expire June 30. As the
Nominating Committee prepares to meet,
we are asking consumers and other
interested persons to help us identify people who might make good Board
members.
A good board member
understands the responsibility to act on behalf of the entire center, and
agrees to view situations from a cross-disability standpoint, but is also able
to discuss policies and actions based on their own experience, or perhaps their
own disability.
Our board needs to be cross-disability, representing not only
a variety of disabilities but ages, ethnicities and genders. We would like to have representation from all
four of our service counties, (Morgan, Scott, Cass and Mason).
Board packets are typically available several days ahead of
the meeting, so Board members have a chance to prepare for the meeting. One of
the Board's responsibilities is to see that JACIL has sufficient funds, so
Board members are expected to participate in fund-raising activities.
Our Board meets on the first Monday of every month at 7
p.m. There are several standing
committees, and Board members are each assigned to one or two committees as
well.
If you have a suggestion to make, or if you are interested in
being considered, please send an e-mail to becky@jacil.org or call her at
245-8371 (v/t) or toll-free 888-317-3287
Article 39:
Shingles
Shots
The Jacksonville Walgreen’s at Main and Morton will be
offering a Shingles Shot Clinic Day on Tuesday, April 10, from 2:00 to 6:00
p.m.
Transportation is available at no charge upon request. Call Walgreen’s at (217) 243-7818 for pricing
and to schedule an appointment.
Article 40:
Volunteering
at JACIL
JACIL is very fortunate to have some wonderful sources of
volunteers as well as some wonderful volunteers, many of whom have volunteered
for us a long time. Ann Lawton addresses
and stamps our newsletter for us every month and has been doing it for YEARS! Stephany Dirksmeyer has been here nearly
every Thursday morning for two years.
For many years we have had work study students from ISVI who
have done everything from cleaning to putting together furniture to the
telephone to writing articles for the newsletter.
Students from an Illinois College (IC) class with service
learning requirements and MacMurray, IC and University of Illinois at
Springfield have done semester-long internships, all getting course credit for
their volunteer work.
We have had community members volunteer to answer the phone,
make presentations for our Knowledge is Power (KIP) sessions, build ramps
(THANK YOU, AMBUCS!), teach computer technology and participate in disability
awareness activities. Action club
members have marched in many a parade carrying JACIL's banner.
Members of staff families have coordinated our 50/50 raffles,
fixed desk drawers, answered the phone, marched in parades and helped at our
fund raisers. Our board members are
volunteers and in addition to attending meetings and functions, they rope their
families into helping, too. Retired Board member Liliana Costa chaired our
Festa Jaciliana this year.
We may have miised a few volunteer sources and some terrific
volunteers - but we cannot forget that they help us tick. THANKS to all of you!
Article 41:
“My Name is
Jessica Motley”
I am a full time
student at the Illinois school for the Visually Impaired. I am visually impaired, and have been all my
life due to Retinitis Pigmen-tosa, which causes the cells of the retina to die.
The retina connects the eye to the optic nerve, carrying
images to the brain . The amount of cells dying controls the amount of vision
lost and what kind of vision loss occurs. The amount varies from person to
person.
In my case the vision most lost was the field of vision, the
peripheral vision, which is the vision on the sides and the top and bottom. I
can now only see out of a hole as wide around as your pinky finger.
I grew up constantly losing my vision, relearning how to do
many things over and over again. My parents didn’t know how to teach me things like household
chores. My school district had a
low budget and only one blind kid
and didn’t think they could teach me certain
things in my classes, and were
not able to adapt materials for changing vision.
For these reasons I started attending the Illinois school for
the visually impaired in the fall of 2010, and taking college prep classes and
work experience in the jobs the school had on campus: which included working in
the dining hall and cleaning in the dorms.
This year I came to school excited for the fact that I could
get an off campus job, and I talked to Mr. Drake at my school and told him that
I wanted an office job.
I get to help people with disabilities in the community get
the services they need. I answer phone calls , and relay the calls to the right
person to help them. I put together mailings and brochures to get information
out about services .
When there is a meeting I help people get in to the
appropriate room or office. I really enjoy my time here at JACIL and helping
people, knowing my job is important.
Article 42:
Morgan County
Mobile Pantry
Monday,
April 9, 2012
5:00
p.m. (Rain or Shine)
Spirit of
Faith Ministries
105 E.
Dunlap, Jacksonville
This Mobile Pantry made possible by the Central Illinois
Foodbank in conjunction with the Global Outreach Center.
Families and individuals in need of food assistance are
encouraged to attend this mobile food pantry. Please bring an empty box or
laundry basket to fill.
April Calendar of Events
5 Knollwood 20/20 Support Group
- 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
6 Good Friday - JACIL closes at
noon
12 VisAbility
Support Group - 10:30 a.m. to Noon
13 Knollwood
Senior Awareness Fair - 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
19 Visions
Support Group in Havana - 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
19 Deaf
Silent Club - 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
20 Take
Charge Workshop offerred by the Illinois Comptroller
Co-sponsored
by JACIL and JCCD
6:00
to 8:00 p.m., Jacksonville Community Center for the Deaf
24 Knowledge
is Power - 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Topic:
The Independent Living Family Tree
Speaker:
Becky McGinnis
25 Personal
Assistant Training in Jacksonville - 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Pre-registration
required
25 Laborer’s
for Greater Vision Support Group - 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Laborer’s
Home Development (in the meeting/craft room).
25 SEIU
Independent Living Philosophy Training for PAs
JACIL
Conference Room - 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Registration: 866-933-7348, press 3
26 Byts
& Bytes - 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Trekker
Breeze, other GPS systems for the blind & low vision
26 Parents
of Children with Autism Support Group - 6:00 p.m.
27 Aktion
Clubs Bowling outing - 1:30 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 and a proud member of the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Jacksonville Area Center for
Independent Living
15 Permac Road, Jacksonville, IL 62650
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
217-245-8371 Voice/TTY l
217-245-1872 Fax l 888-317-3287 Toll Free
866-790-5311 Deaf Advocate’s Toll Free
Videophone Line
E-mail: info@jacil.org l
Website: www.jacil.org
JACIL - Mason County Office
220 West Main Street, Havana, IL 62644
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to noon
309-543-6680 Voice/TTY, 309-543-6711
Fax, 877-759-2187 Toll Free
E-mail:
jacil@casscomm.com