DD Quarterly Summer 2002

DD Quarterly is produced by AXIS Center for Public Awareness.

See new section! Page 8 News from OLRS

CHOICES Project assists woman to freedom and independence after decades of nursing home living

November 29, 2001 was a watershed event for one Cincinnati woman with a disability. After living in the nursing home system for 47 years, the southern Ohioan moved into a group home, thanks to the DD Council-funded CHOICES Project.

Carter-Black, 63, was born with cerebral palsy, which made it difficult for her to speak and walk. She shares her story by using a communication device that speaks her words - a machine she did not have during all of her nearly half-century in nursing homes.

She uses a laser attached to a headset to activate her communication devise. "I don't need my hands to use it. I just point to the symbols on the screen with the laser light and I can speak."

The inability to communicate with others in those previous decades was a barrier. "It made me feel very frustrated and like my true personality was not known or appreciated," she said.

As a child, she attended a church school in Michigan. "We learned to treat each other as God treats us. I really liked it. I still have a strong faith because of knowing God at such a young age."

One of ten children, her family tried to help her the best it could. Her parents are deceased, and a favorite brother, Cody, lives far away. Because her cerebral palsy affected the use of her hands, as well, life was extremely difficult.

"I had more and more trouble getting people to understand me," she said.

Throughout the years, as her family moved to Ohio, she was shifted from nursing home to nursing home. "Some were good, and some were very bad," she said.

With the help of the CHOICES Project, and Debbie Dase, a CHOICES nursing home team member, Carter-Black shifted toward thoughts of moving out of the nursing home.

The effort to move began about three years earlier, prior to the Olmstead Decision that deemed it a priority to assist people with disabilities toward independence from nursing facilities.

"You thank God for Olmstead," Dase said. She explained that Carter-Black was not afraid to move out. In fact, she seemed more afraid to stay in such a regulated and confining lifestyle, Dase added.

Carter-Black enjoys her new environment. "I have housemates, and my own room," she said. "It's not like living with Mama and Dad, but I like it very much."

Through her contact with Dase and others at United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cincinnati, she also was able to obtain a power wheelchair that she controls with her head.

"The chair lets me go where I want when I want, without waiting for someone to push me," Carter-Black said.

Carter-Black is the first to admit she's not yet a pro at speaking and moving. "It takes a lot of practice to use your head for driving your wheelchair and pointing to your communication device," she said. She continues to learn "the finer points" of both activities.

With the help of an occupational therapist and speech therapist she has confidence for increased success. "Check in on me in a year and I'll wow you for sure," she said.

In the meanwhile, she's enjoying her backyard and the newly-developed respect she receives from others. "I am really proud to be taken seriously by people who just didn't know what to make of me before," she said.

She advises others with disabilities currently living in nursing homes: "Never give up on yourself or your dreams." And, she continues to rely on her faith. "God is with us all no matter how hard the path feels."

Dan Loyer, CHOICES Project nursing home team leader, said CHOICES has helped 34 people with disabilities leave Ohio nursing homes.

"Our action plan is to help people in nursing homes live a self-directed life within a community," he said. "We help support people in moving from a nursing home after they have made that choice.

For more information about the Choices Project, contact: Dan Loyer, Nursing Home Team, (800) 303-3436 Access Code 11; (419) 668-3436; (419) 663-6249 fax; loyerent@accnorwalk.com

Luke Russell, Project Director, The Arc of Ohio, (800) 875-2723; (614) 487-4720; (614) 487-4725 fax; lrussell@rrcol.com

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council - Improving the lives of Ohioans with disabilities

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is a planning and advocacy group of 32 members appointed by the governor. ODDC receives and disseminates federal funds to create visions, influence public policy, pilot new approaches, empower individuals and families, and advocate system change.

8 East Long St., Ste. 1200 Columbus, OH 43215-2931 Toll free (800) 766-7426 Voice (614) 466-5205 TTY (614) 644-5530 Fax (614) 466-0298 www.ohio.gov/ddc

It is the policy of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and the AXIS Center to use personfirst language in stories written by staff. Articles reprinted or quoted exactly as they originally appeared or were presented from sources other than staff may not reflect this policy.

For a free copy of the guide, "Person-First Language," contact AXIS at one of the numbers listed on back cover.

PAS grant seeks to increase consumer control over personal assistance services

The DD Council's Personal Assistance Services Cooperative (PAS) grant is seeking participants for its two demonstration projects that are geared toward giving consumers control of their personal assistance needs.

In addition to providing consumers with more control, the project goals include improving the quality of services to people with disabilities, and decreasing the number of people with disabilities living in nursing homes.

In their second year of the project, the grantees - HAVAR, Inc., of Athens, and Linking Employment, Abilities & Potential (LEAP), of Cleveland - are using two different and interesting approaches.

Lisa Simpson, PAS project director at HAVAR, said her agency is using a microboard to help manage a person's care, while Kathy Foley, Simpson's counterpart at LEAP, is using a "pod" model to create a co-op of consumers who will hire personal assistants.

The goal for the two is the same: to make personal assistance services more user-friendly for its customers - consumers with disabilities.

"Consumer-controlled and directed," Foley said.

Simpson said a microboard is a private, nonprofit board of individuals who come together to help a person with a disability make decisions about daily care.

"It kind of takes the bureaucracy out of it for the individual," she said.

The hope is that funding would go directly to the individual needing the services. Then that person would, with the guidance of his or her microboard, make purchasing decisions on services.

"In our project, you would have committed individuals - your circle of friends or supporters - to make sure things worked well," she said. "It's a person-centered approach."

The microboard would be made of unpaid volunteers who hopefully, would be there longer than a paid staff person.

While Simpson's project takes place in rural, southeastern Ohio, Foley's project takes place in northern Ohio's Cuyahoga County, densely populated urban and suburban areas.

Foley's co-op pod model will identify a handful of people with disabilities needing personal assistance services, and will identify personal assistants in their general location.

She envisions that a pod of five or six consumers will share the services of personal assistants, and coordinate the daily visits of those caregivers between them. Sometimes, she added, consumers may be attending the same events, for example, so coordination of transit might be easier.

Or, if one consumer only needs assistance early in the morning, an assistant will be free to shift to another in the pod who needs services later in the morning, or afternoon.

"The consumers are going to manage their own pod," Foley said. She noted that it may evolve, for instance, that one large pod of several consumers in Downtown Cleveland will become two, smaller pods.

The structure is similar to other co-ops that exist in society, that make use of a group's buying power.

One consumer will act as coordinator of the overall pod schedule so that if someone's needs change, that person will be familiar enough with the schedule to make seamless changes. The coordinator will function primarily to keep communications open among participants, Foley said.

Because consumers work together on a pod's schedule, it also will be easy for emergency changes to be made. For example, if a personal assistant becomes ill, a back-up plan already will be in place, Foley added.

The project will be creating a PAS provider trainer manual, based on the Independent Living philosophy, will be created. Additional information will be provided to project participants in the DD Council publication, "Taking Charge - A Hands-on Guide to Personal Assistance Services," which is being updated.

HAVAR and LEAP meet to discuss regulations that should be included in the booklets pertaining to each part of the project.

Could a microboard model work in Cuyahoga County? "It's possible," Foley said, "but for this project we are meeting different needs and exploring a variety of PAS models. The possibilities are exciting and endless."

The pod system made more sense for the larger county, given the higher population and stronger likelihood that more people with similar needs would live near one another. In designing the approach, the project staff took into consideration the opinions of about 100 people with disabilities and disability professionals.

On the flip side, Simpson said smaller populated, rural areas such as Athens County often have fewer personal assistants and people with disabilities who need services.

Also important to the mix is that smaller counties often have less resources, making volunteer boards an attractive option.

"Athens is a good, caring town, and a lot of people do a lot of volunteering," Simpson said. "Our long-range hope is that we can make a lot of connections and identify personal assistance services, to help people move ahead and have that committed, circle of support. That will make the difference," she said.

Both women agree, families of those with disabilities need supports as well, and the two projects will offer that support to families by giving the consumer the control over the services needed.

That's why HAVAR and LEAP have identical final end goals - that the agencies will provide guidance and support in setting up the systems for the consumers and then bow out so the consumers gain the fullest control possible. "They will hopefully be self-sustaining," Simpson said.

For more information, contact: Kathy Foley, LEAP, 11607 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106; (216) 229-3029 v; (216) 229-9640 fax; e-mail: kfoley@leapinfo.org

Lisa Simpson, HAVAR, Inc., P. O. Box 460, Athens, OH 45701; (740) 594-3533 v; (740) 593-3894 fax; e-mail: lisamobbs@yahoo.com

Medicaid Buy-In update brings challenges, call to action

Photo captions included: Advocates gathered at the Statehouse on May 23 to talk with legislators about the importance of establishing a Medicaid Buy-In program in Ohio. Rep. Steve Driehaus, Cincinnati, talks with Ken Campbell and other participants; Rep. Michael DeBose, 12th district, spoke with Doug Bailey, ODMH, about Medicaid Buy-In issues.

Medicaid Buy-In (MBI) advocates met at the Statehouse Atrium May 23 to promote the proposal that would allow Medicaid recipients with disabilities to work, earn more money, and not lose their Medicaid coverage.

Doug DeVoe, DD Council's MBI project director, said Medicaid Buy-In has a difficult road ahead but not an impossible future.

"Our goal is to have this included in the state's next biennial budget that starts July, 2003," he said. "One of the difficulties is that the state is in a kind of (financial) crunch right now. It looks like it's going to be a tough sell to get this in the next biennium."

DeVoe believes the advocacy efforts he has undertaken throughout Ohio have helped heighten public awareness of MBI's importance, and that's what could bring MBI to fruition in the long run.

"There's a lot of grassroots advocacy for it (MBI)," he said. "Some of this enthusiasm is beginning to build in the General Assembly."

The program, if accepted into the state budget, has the potential to assist 12,500 Ohioans with disabilities to enter the workforce and earn money above current Medicaid restrictions, while allowing them to retain and purchase Medicaid coverage.

"If even a small percentage of people are contacting their representatives about this, it's a move in the right direction," DeVoe said.

MBI programs are currently operating or are approved in 14 states, and 27 other states have pending legislation or significant advocacy support to establish a plan.

DeVoe said he has not come up against any outright opposition to the MBI concept. "None of (the legislators) said this is a bad idea. Their concern is, can we afford it," he said. "If we can convince them that it's affordable, then I think it can happen."

MBI would cost $20 million out of the state's $8 billion Medicaid budget, DeVoe said. "It's not going to be a $20 million state expenditure all at once. It may reach $20 million at some point down the road."

That figure, he explained, also needs to be offset by the money that would be coming into the state through taxes that people with disabilities would pay upon working.

Since last year, DeVoe has given ten MBI presentations to groups around Ohio. "The people we've talked to have all been enthusiastic about MBI," he said.

Still, DeVoe encourages advocates to reach further in their efforts. "I really would like to see people contacting legislative candidates because a number of current office holders aren't going to be back due to term limits," he said. And he urges people also to contact Governor Bob Taft about the issue.

"Write the governor, and tell him how important this is to you," he said. "We want the governor to include MBI in his budget proposal," DeVoe said.

People with disabilities also need to register to vote, and then follow through and exercise their right to cast a ballot on Election Day. "If you don't vote, we lose a lot of impact," said DeVoe

That impact is not lost on several MBI supporters.

Amanda Grieshop, of Lima, attended the May event. "I think everybody should have the opportunity to work without having their benefits taken away," she said. Grieshop related the experiences of many of her friends who have disabilities. "They have worked toward college degrees so they would be able to work," she said. Without MBI, however, they have been dissuaded from working because they'd lose their Medicaid health coverage.

Donna Sherman, of Mt. Gilead, is a consumer advocate from the Morrow County/Delaware County Help Line. "MBI would help a lot of people," she said. "It would make a big difference. If we had Medicaid Buy-In, I would like to go back to work full-time."

David Carmen, Sherman's Help Line co-worker, agreed. "Right now, people are scared to go back to work because they wouldn't have benefits," he said.

Melissa McCarthy, of Cincinnati's CRI, which assists mental health patients to find community employment, said MBI would "open the door" for CRI clients and others to make the decision to move into work. She said more often than not, decisions to work are based on the availability of health coverage, rather than rate of pay.

Doug Bailey, Community Employment manager with the Ohio Department of Mental Health, said MBI would allow people with disabilities to do what many employees do each day - advance in their jobs. "Medicaid Buy-In is really important because it lets people make the next step," he said.

For example, if a person with a disability obtained work and was within current Medicaid income guidelines, that individual would not be able to accept a pay raise without losing their health coverage.

Ohio legislators should know that MBI is for working people, Bailey emphasized. "It's not a give-away program. It's for people who want to go to work and keep their health coverage."

Bailey also said the state can win with MBI because it would be seen as having a ready, willing and able work force. "The more of our citizens that we can make a part of that work force, the better off we are at attracting new industry," he said.

Mark Seifarth, coordinator of Governmental Affairs at the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, said MBI would level the playing field and help employers.

"( Now) employers are losing out on good employees," he said. "People with disabilities want to go to work, they want to contribute, they want to pay income taxes, and they want to pay sales taxes. MBI would allow them to do that," Seifarth said.

For more information, contact: Doug DeVoe, MBI Project Director, 5022 Sinclair Rd., Columbus, OH 43229; (800) 589-2603 v/tty; ddevoe@ohioadvocates.org

Photo captions included: The Status of Medicaid Buy-In around the United States, States with MBI implemented, States with MBI legislation enacted, and in pre-implementation stage; AXIS writer, Shari Veleba interviews Donna Sherman, a self-advocate from Mt. Gilead; and High school student Amanda Grieshop talks with Doug DeVoe about how important MBI will be in helping her establish a career, as her mother, Janet, listens.

Warren County MRDD board leads way to safety with decal program

The program provides a reflective decal placed near front or back doors to inform law and fire officials that a person with special needs lives in the dwelling. The voluntary program also features an information component that maintains key medical and behavioral notes in the county's Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) data-base. This enables officials to assist individuals in a more efficient and effective manner. A smaller sticker for inside the home is placed on the outside of a cupboard so officials will know where to look for a more detailed health information sheet about the individual.

Photo caption included: Participants learned about safety and explored emergency equipment at Fun Day in Warren County.

The program began with 400 each of the large and small decals that continue to be given to families and individuals who request them. Those who choose not to have a decal still can sign up to have updated health information placed in the CAD.

"We found we didn't have a good way to identify people in a home who may have special needs," said Carol Heil, Warren County Board of MRDD community resources director. "The idea behind the program is that we respond appropriately to a person's particular needs."

People with disabilities may not necessarily know how to react during an emergency, and safety personnel may not realize a person simply has a disability, and is not a threat, Heil said.

EMT/Firefighter Tony Mitchell, who also is a service coordinator for the board, spearheaded the effort with Tim Tolliver, a board coworker who also is a paramedic and firefighter.

"This program allows us to ensure that their health and safety will be met more efficiently," said Mitchell.

Mitchell said the program would be very easy for any county board to replicate. But it does take coordination.

The pair first took the idea to a county fire chiefs' meeting, then to the county Fraternal Order of Police organization that includes members of police and sheriff departments.

"Everybody was really open to it," Mitchell said. They also sought an okay from the county's emergency response unit," he added. "We all did this together."

As word spread about the program, corporate funding from Mitsubishi Electric materialized, as did other donations. "It started off so small, and before we knew it got bigger and bigger," Mitchell said. Performance Graphics owner Rick Frazier pitched in by providing the decals at cost, Mitchell noted.

The Warren County Board assists 750 people with MRDD, so the project is ongoing. Each year, the vital information contained in a participant's file will be updated, and a small sticker indicating the new year will be added to the outside decal to alert fire and police officers that the information they obtain is current. It doesn't matter where the individual lives, Mitchell said. Those who live in group or supported living homes or apartments also can participate.

The decals were distributed as part of a June 15 Safety Awareness Fun Day, which also featured bicycle safety and child identification efforts. The Fun Day will become an annual event, and the decal program will be promoted at the Warren County Fair.

At least one other large city in Ohio collects similar information on residents with disabilities, but without decals or information sheets in the home.

In Franklin County, the Columbus Division of Fire uses a "temporary situation file" in its CAD to maintain information on its residents with special needs, said Battalion Chief Bill Vedra.

People with disabilities and family members living in the Columbus area need to write a letter to the division's public information officer stating the particular health information they would like added to the CAD.

"Any information they can provide us can help us give a better level of service," Vedra said. "Ultimately, we can ensure a higher level of safety."

For more information, contact: Carol Heil, Warren County Board of MRDD, Community Resource Services, 575 Columbus Ave., Lebanon, OH 45036; (513) 695-2568; (513) 695-1843 tty; (513) 695-2569 fax; e-mail heilmc@co.warren.oh.us, or visit www.co.warren.oh.us/mrdd

For information about the Columbus Division of Fire program, contact: Kelly McGuire, Public Information Officer, 3675 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43207; (614) 645-7859; (614) 645-5855 fax; kmcguire@firecmhmetro.net

Photo caption included: Firefighter Tony Mitchell, Paramedic Tim Tolliver, County Board Secretary Heidi Melton, Service Coordinator Will Harris, and Family Support Specialist Brenda Alexander worked together to develop an emergency response system for people with special needs in Warren County.

DD Quarterly announces new feature... News from Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS)

The Ohio DD Council, a sister agency, has graciously provided this opportunity. Each state has a DD Network made up of the Protection and Advocacy System (OLRS), DD Council, and the University Affiliate Programs (Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University and the Cincinnati Center for Developmental Disorders). OLRS sees its participation in this newsletter as another effective and efficient collaboration between agencies.

OLRS is an independent state agency and the federally and state designated Protection and Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program for people with disabilities. Its mission is to protect the human, civil, and legal rights of Ohioans with disabilities. Its goal is for all people with disabilities to achieve and maintain self-determination and equality of opportunity.

You may contact OLRS by mail, fax or phone: Ohio Legal Rights Service 8 E. Long St., Suite 500 Columbus, OH 43215-2999 Toll-free: 1-800-282-9181 Local: 1-614-466-7264 TTY toll-free: 1-800-858-3542 TTY local: 1-614-728-2553 Fax: 1-614-644-1888

You also may visit the OLRS web site for information: www.state.oh.us/olrs

What does OLRS do?

The ability of OLRS to meet requests for services depends on the availability of resources.

Who is eligible?

• Have developmental disabilities,
• Are labeled as mentally ill,
• Have a significant physical or mental impairment that interferes with a substantial life activity,
• Receive SSI or SSDI and need help with employment issues or keeping benefits when returning to work, and/or
• Have a complaint about obtaining services from the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

What services does OLRS provide?

• Information and Referral -to help individuals understand their rights and to use self-advocacy to solve disability-related problems.
• Counsel and Professional Assistance -short term assistance that includes reviewing information, counseling people with disabilities on actions they may take, helping to prepare letters or documents, or making telephone calls to resolve the issue.
• Negotiation and Mediation -staff advocates represent individuals or groups to resolve problems by finding negotiated or mediated settlements.
• Legal Remedies -legal representation of individuals or groups of people in order to protect individuals from immediate harm or when all other remedies have been exhausted.
• Policy and Legislative Activities -monitoring the introduction of legislation and draft rules and policies to protect the rights of people with disabilities.
• Education and Training -OLRS advocates and attorneys provide education and training for people with disabilities and family members.

How does OLRS plan?

In addition, OLRS works on priorities- special projects or work with specific populations. Each year OLRS looks at its progress on current priorities and identifies other issues that have arisen. OLRS welcomes ideas and input at any time during the year because disability related issues and problems change and evolve. Hearing from the public enables OLRS to be more responsive to people's needs.

OLRS then proposes new priorities for the coming year and asks for input from people with disabilities, families, and other interested parties.

Questionnaires and public hearings provide opportunity for your input

One way that OLRS requests ideas from its constituents is by holding a public hearing each year. OLRS wants people to be comfortable at the hearing and appreciates the time people take to provide input.

Hearings are held in an accessible place. Interpreter services and other accommodations are provided upon prior request.

OLRS hires a court reporter (a person not connected in any way to OLRS) to record what everyone says so that OLRS has a complete, accurate record of people's comments at the hearing.

People who want to participate can simply speak their opinions, or read from a prepared text.

Public hearings are a time to get input, not a time for discussion. People who come to speak will not be questioned about their opinions. In a similar way, OLRS staff at the hearing will not offer opinions or answer questions. People who have questions for OLRS can contact them at any time.

OLRS wants to hear from people with disabilities, family members and concerned others regarding its draft priorities. People who can't, or don't want to come to the public hearing can comment by mail, e-mail, or telephone. Everybody's opinion will be considered.

Another way to provide input is by filling out a brief questionnaire. It asks people about the issues they believe are the most important ones that OLRS should pursue.

The questionnaire and priorities are available on the OLRS web site or by calling for a print copy.

Notice of OLRS Public Hearing

OLRS will accept written or verbal comments from any person on the day of the hearing. Written comments also may be submitted by mail or fax to Cathy Royster at OLRS on or before September 30, 2002.

If you need interpreter services or other accommodations for the public hearing, please contact Paula Smith at OLRS by September 14, 2002.

OLRS publications

Contact OLRS for copies of materials that may be helpful to you. All materials are provided at no charge.

New Education Resource

• Negotiation Skills for Parents: How to Get the Special Education Your Child with Disabilities Needs helps parents and other individuals responsible for a child's education to be more successful with the Individual Education Program (IEP) team process.

New Housing Resources

The series was developed through a grant from the Ohio Brain Injury Advisory Committee (via the Rehabilitation Services Commission). While developed for people with brain injuries, the series is pertinent across all disabilities.

• The Report on Housing looks at housing issues facing people with disabilities and shows that obtaining housing is especially difficult because of barriers of afford-ability, availability, accessibility, and the lack of advocacy. The report includes recommendations, information on SSI, the current cost of rent in Ohio, housing facts and resources, and a chart of housing programs.
• Advocating for Housing describes how to advocate to make housing more affordable, available and accessible. The advocacy guide provides information on learning about housing issues, developing an advocacy message, and housing rights and contacts.
• Information on Housing describes details on housing programs, names and numbers of agencies that help people who need housing, lists of housing

Highlights of a recent OLRS case...

To benefit passengers with visual impairments, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires operators of city transit authority buses to call out stops- primarily destination stops upon request of a passenger, but also major intersections and along the way to enable riders to maintain orientation of where they are along the route.

Numerous passengers complained repeatedly that drivers for Columbus' Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) weren't getting the job done, frequently leaving riders bewildered and sometimes stranded at the wrong stop.

In an attempt to resolve the problem informally, OLRS staff sought to negotiate a solution with COTA. Those negotiations failed. In November of 2000, OLRS filed a lawsuit against COTA on behalf of plaintiffs National Federation of the Blind of Ohio and two individuals, Irwin Hott and Marilyn Piepho. In March of 2002, further negotiations resulted in a settlement agreement that ended the lawsuit.

The chief components of the settlement are as follows:

• Calling stops -COTA acknowledges that drivers must call stops and are subject to disciplinary action (including termination) for failure to do so. All COTA operators will be trained in this regard, with plaintiffs participating as presenters in the training sessions.
• Monitoring for compliance -For the next two years, COTA will engage an independent monitoring contractor to observe each driver and report on the operator's compliance with stop-calling procedures. Monitors will conduct 800 rides per year. In the third year, monitors will observe each driver whose adherence to the stop-calling procedures was flawed during the first two years.
• Web site accessibility -COTA has agreed to ensure that its web site (including bus schedules) is accessible to people with visual impairments.
• Automatic stop-calling devices -COTA has given assurances that it has secured funding to install automatic stop-calling devices in its coaches within the next three years. Once these devices are installed, further monitoring of drivers need not continue.

  These devices shall not be subject to control by the operator (e.g., the driver will not be able to turn off the device). Drivers must report any malfunction of the device, and must call stops orally whenever the device is not operating properly.

With these measures in place, the plaintiffs and OLRS are hopeful that COTA will achieve and maintain compliance with the mandates of the ADA, and that passengers with visual impairments will benefit substantially in the future.

Business after Hours" event a hit!

Last fall, ATCO, the supported employment division of the Athens County Board of MRDD, treated area business and industry leaders to an award winning "Business After Hours" event.

In collaboration with the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, the creative folks at ATCO spotlighted the quality pool of people with disabilities available for employment, as well as the supportive process used to match people to positions.

The event was also used to announce the new name of the division: Personnel Plus.

As this years' winner of Ohio Public Image's (OPI) Special Event Award, Personnel Plus staff demonstrated that timing, location, and marketing are key to successful employment fairs. As a result, 70 area employers attended "Business After Hours" on Thursday, October 4, from 4-6 p.m. in the Ohio University Inn Grand Ballroom.

Teresa Fulk, Habilitation Specialist, said, "This event was very focused on creating a greater understanding of people with disabilities by reaching out to a segment of the population that may not always be aware of how qualified and reliable individuals with disabilities can enhance their business."

"It was our intention," Fulk added, "to teach business leaders about the qualities of people with disabilities through a fun and interactive series of displays at a well-known and respected hotel- a place where business people often congregate."

Six interactive displays, each designed around the theme of a popular TV game show, supplied information about six services that Personnel Plus provides to employers. In addition, staff and business leaders already employing Personnel Plus clients provided information about how individuals with disabilities can benefit local businesses.

Employers, encouraged by door prizes, stopped at each booth to hear a two minute explanation of the service. Then the fun began, as they became contestants of the game, answering questions about the service.

For example, at the Job Analysis booth, guests played "Jeopardy," giving answers in the form of questions on how jobs are analyzed and trained by job coaches. At the Job Carving booth, the guests played "Let's Make a Deal," learning how certain job tasks are extracted from regular positions to create positions for people skilled at repetitive tasks.

The remaining booths consisted of Candidate Screening ("The Price is Right"), Job Tryout ("Hollywood Squares"), Training Assistance ("Wheel of Fortune"), and Follow Along Services ("Family Feud"). As the visiting employers completed all six booths, they ended their tour at the Wall of Success, looking at photos of people with disabilities on the job.

The fact that 70 business leaders attended the event is a testimony to the excellent marketing plan the staff planned and initiated. Local businesses donated $2,400 worth of ad space in the largest circulating newspaper in Athens to promote not only the event, but also the abilities of people with disabilities.

In addition, the staff developed and distributed flyers and made phone calls to area businesses issuing personal invitations to the event.

Personnel Plus documented success of the event, reporting that two people with disabilities landed jobs at Stirling Technology immediately, and three received in-house contracts. Five businesses expressed direct interest in working with Personnel Plus and five requested additional information.

Teresa Fulk reports that since receiving the OPI award, several more folks have secured jobs. Personnel Plus believes the most profound success of the event is that so many area business leaders had the opportunity to meet folks with disabilities, shattering the myths and stereotypes they may have brought with them.

Our hats go off to Personnel Plus for really knowing their "business!"

For more information, contact: Teresa Fulk, Personnel Plus, 21 S. Campbell St., Athens, OH 45701; (740) 592-6659; perplus@frognet.net.

APPC grant activities take many shapes throughout state

Ken Campbell, chair of DD Council's Public Policy committee, said there is a three-fold importance to having grantees located in several areas.

"The varied geographic locations have contact with different state legislators," he said. "That is significant," he added, "because our system of representative government is designed to respond to constituent needs."

The seven grantees, he said, "have a finger on the pulse of the (local) community and know what the needs are." Lastly, blanketing ongoing projects in Ohio helps Council to remain informed about existing needs as they may evolve or completely change. "That allows for local issues to be advocated for with the support of Council resources," he said.

Council has asked the APPCs to address three overriding issues:

• Waiting Lists
• Medicaid Buy-In
• Family Support Collaborative/Family Support Act, HB 537

In addition to these issues, each site advocates on local projects of their choice. "To advocate for public policy change, people have to understand what the current policy is."

Photo caption includes: Members of the People First chapter of Toledo meet regularly to develop self-advocacy skills and discuss experiences.

HAVAR, Inc., Athens - Voting and accessibility surveys

In fact, Schmieding reports, "We're sort of being courted by some of the elected officials to be part of the planning process" due to those efforts.

HAVAR also has educated the public on voter registration, transportation and education issues, and is working with the Board of Elections to conduct a public demonstration of accessible voting machines.

"What we've seen since we've been an APPC site is that some people with disabilities don't choose to be political. But, those who do need some individual leadership skills on how to present their skills publicly. So we are teaching skills for advocating public policy change. It's exciting," Schmieding said.

The organization is trying to eliminate some of the intimidating factors of voting, and assisting Appalachian families. They'll be holding a self-advocacy Awards Dinner, July 25, as well as several fundraisers to raise scholarship money for consumers to attend the SOLIDARITY '03 conference.

Deb Schmieding, (740) 594-3533, daschmieding@yahoo.com

"... Our system of representative government is designed to respond to constituent needs."

Cerebral Palsy Association of Ohio: Columbus - Meetings with legislators and policymakers

She's helped to set up appointments with legislators and consumers to explain the Family Support Act and its importance to families.

"We hope that these visits will put a personal face on the issue of Family Support and help people understand why the support to families with children with disabilities is so important," she said.

The site has held several informational sessions and is planning more. Larry Macintosh of the Franklin County Board of MRDD came to a site meeting to address the waiting list issue with families and individuals with disabilities.

In September, the group is co-hosting a conference with the AFFTER Coalition (Advocating Families for Fair Treatment, Education and Resources). The presentations will be targeted toward families and will discuss waiver services in homes.

Medicaid Buy-In will be the topic for an event scheduled for November, which will be open to the public.

Bev Johnson, (614) 267-5071, cpo@iwaynet.net

Brain Injury Association of Ohio, Dover - Legislative brunches

Their specialty is Legislative Brunches. The April brunch successfully attracted about 40 people, including legislators. Another breakfast is scheduled for this fall.

The site also has hosted discussion forums on the Family Support Act in New Philadelphia and Steubenville.

"What our consumers enjoy the most, and what prompts them the most, are the open discussions and brunches," she said. "Holding such events help individuals with disabilities learn there are avenues they can take to participate in policy ideas and to realize that other people are actively advocating.

"When they attend, they feel more included and more in the loop," she said. Because Curtiss' area is primarily rural, she recognizes the isolation that exists for people with disabilities.

"When they are pulled together with common interests and concerns, they realize they aren't the only ones with those particular problems - and, that other people are actively advocating. It motivates them into action," she said.

Chris Curtiss, (330) 343-3668, (330) 343-3678 fax

The Arc Hamilton County, Cincinnati - Advocating for transportation issues

"So much of the life of a person with disabilities is based on legislation," Taylor said. "But there also are the local issues. It's important that all the people who are making decisions know that people with disabilities are watching."

She added, "If the people with disabilities don't get out and speak out about these issues, who will?"

The group is advocating for several issues: 1) Requiring any Cincinnati taxi service to designate a portion of its fleet as wheelchair accessible. 2) Adequate funding for existing services to be able to accomplish their missions on behalf of citizens with disabilities. 3) The ability for all people in Hamilton County with and without disabilities to travel around the metropolitan community by public transit. Mass transit in Hamilton County is currently limited to Cincinnati's downtown area.

The Inclusion Network is working with the APPC site to promote a Voting Task Force in conjunction with the Cincinnati League of Women Voters.

"We're trying to get people to vote not only in presidential elections but also to vote in local elections," Taylor said. The Task Force wrote letters supporting a change to a broader definition of the definition of "handicapped" as it appears in the Ohio Revised Code.

Deb Taylor, (513) 821-2113, ext. 102, speakup@queencity.com

Photo captions include: Scott Noyes and Dan Foote, aides to Sen. Mike DeWine and Rep. Marcy Kaptur, respectively, provided an entertaining role play during a advocate workshop at The Ability Center; People with disabilities, parents and professionals participated in a February workshop hosted by the Toledo APPC site. Focus of the workshop was "How to Become a Better Advocate"; Donna Davis of United Rehabilitation Services, Huber Heights, talks with Senator Tom Roberts, D-5th District, at the People First Conference in Dayton. The Advocates did a presentation on "How to be an Effective Advocate"; The APPC directed by The Arc Hamilton County held a successful voter registration drive at Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries last year.

"... Some people with disabilities don't choose to be political, but those who do need some individual leadership skills."

The Ability Center, Toledo - People First activity and video production

About 30 members of the People First chapter of Toledo meet at the Center for Independent Living to develop self-advocacy skills and discuss experiences.

"It's giving people with disabilities the opportunity to not just learn self-advocacy, skills but the opportunity to use them," she said.

Advocacy training is conducted not only with people with disabilities but with their families and professionals, teaching them about the legislative process and how to be effective in that process.

The Center produced a video highlighting the stories of four individuals who had been institutionalized. The group distributes the videos at activities and also presented copies to aides of U.S. Senator Michael DeWine and U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur.

Meetings of residential providers and parents of people with disabilities provide opportunities to discuss waiting lists. The Ability Center also hosted an informational meeting between The Arc of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services to introduce families to the new transitional waiver relating to home care.

An ongoing survey at the Center helps to identify those who want to become advocates. It features questions about key advocacy issues important to people with disabilities. "People become active in the areas they're more interested in," Hetrick said.

Sue Hetrick, (419) 885-5733, shetrick@abilitycenter.org

The Advocates, Dayton - Public awareness events

"To advocate for public policy change, people have to understand what the current policy is," Watkins said.

The workshops - one per month - address topics such as Social Security, Medicaid, and Waivers. About 40 people attend each workshop.

One event last May, held at the Carrillon Historical Park in Dayton, attracted a crowd of 450 people and 20 providers. MRDD board officials attended, as well as a state representative, a county commissioner, and numerous advocates and their families.

One of the important aspects of the event planning, in addition to the issues presented, was entertainment. "The people who attended the event had a really good time, as well as learning about important issues," said Watkins.

Efforts continue to ensure families and people with developmental disabilities have better communications with the county board and its staff.

For example, in June the group toured different types of living arrangements so that people with disabilities and their families could learn about options. "They can begin to learn there are good places available and they will understand them if an emergency arises," Watkins said.

Fran Watkins, (937) 454-5008, franwatkins1@msn.com

The Arc of Summit and Portage Counties, Akron - The power of personal stories

Oftentimes, it becomes emotional." Such events, including an annual Legislative Forum, "bring all the stakeholders together in a room," she said. "Often, it's the first or only time the advocates meet face to face with the person who has the power to make decisions that can affect their lives."

Many times, Maric said, parents bring photos to make it more real," she said. "It's really fun, and it's so important."

The breakfasts have a local slant to them. One recent event focused on education issues for students with disabilities. It was attended by eleven school board members and six school superintendents, as well as many advocates. Portage, Medina, Stark and Summit counties are included in the events, representing 18 school districts.

"We bring together legislators, policy makers and advocates," Maric said.

Advocates new to the process are not forgotten. An annual legislative training session "keeps bringing new people into the project," she said.

Stephanie Maric, (330) 374-1594, smthearc@neo.rr.com

Photo caption: Elsie D. Helsel, Ph.D. receives AAMR's Dybwad Humanitarian Award from Tom Fish of the Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University.

Dr. Helsel receives humanitarian award

The award honored Dr. Helsel for her lifelong humanitarian commitment to full inclusion and equal opportunity for people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. AAMR highly commended Dr. Helsel's longstanding dedication to the field of mental retardation.

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, of which Dr. Helsel was the first chairperson, formally presented the award at a luncheon July 11, 2002 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, Columbus. For more than 50 years, Dr. Helsel has been an instrumental force as an advocate for people with disabilities and their families. She resides in Athens with her husband and their 55-year old son who has mental retardation and cerebral palsy.

Inclusive education is focus of SFAS - Candee Basford

"Inclusive education," she continued, "means all kids being educated in the places they would be if they didn't have disabilities; in their neighborhood schools and in the regular classes."

Tashie, an educator and author from the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire shared successful inclusive practices and experiences with an audience of parents, students, educators, school board members, and others. Her visit was sponsored by Success for All Students (SFAS), a project of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council.

During the April 24 presentation, Tashie explained how she became involved in the movement for inclusive education. "I got jazzed about inclusion being a civil and educational right for students with disabilities. If you look at the national movement for inclusive education, it really came from families. It was and continues to be families who say it is our child's right to be educated in the natural environment."

" The good news is that families were right," Tashie continued.

"Inclusive education is great and really does benefit kids with disabilities. But you know what else? Inclusive education benefits everyone. When we make our schools fully inclusive we are benefiting everyone."

Tashie illustrated her message with images and stories of students, families and staff. She told of a school committed as far back as 1989 to becoming fully inclusive. The folks at Pellam High School wanted all of their students supported in the regular classroom. They didn't want alternative high schools or other ways of segregating students.

Later, in an interview with the Principal of Pellam, he was asked why his building was able to implement so many fantastic school reform initiatives.

His answer, "Inclusion." He went on to explain that when they began to include students with disabilities they learned to deal with the process and the struggles, along with successes, the joys and the challenges.

Because of this experience, they realized something about themselves. If they can do this, they can do anything.

According to Tashie, "A benefit of inclusive education is that it allows us to create schools that really work for all kids. Inclusive education often gives the chance to ask how can we engage kids not just in the product but in the process of learning."

For more information about Success for All Students, visit: www.sfa-students.org

For information about Carol Tashie or how to order publications on inclusive education, contact: University of New Hampshire, Institute on Disability; (603) 862-4320; http://iod.unh.edu

Columbus Zoo plans Deaf Awareness Day

See the baby rhino... visit Habitat Hollow... watch the manatees swim and eat... and enjoy many other exhibits.

The Columbus Zoo and many support organizations for people who are deaf are working together to host their first Deaf Awareness Day.

Following a welcoming ceremony, there will be hourly Keeper Talks and shows throughout the zoo. All shows will be interpreted/signed. Some of the shows will feature manatees, alligators, pachyderms, gorillas, wings of flight, giraffes, barn animals and sea life. All zoo exhibits will be open in addition to the shows.

Discount admission tickets ($ 5 for adult; $2 for child) are available from many organizations in central Ohio.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, contact: T.J. Veppert, Deaf Services Center, (614) 841-9991 v/tty; (614) 841-1118 fax

Ohio AAMR plans fall conference

"Partnerships and Best Practices in Aging and Developmental Disabilities" will be the focus of Ohio's AAMR 2002 Fall Conference.

This two-day event will feature nationally-known speakers: David Braddock, Matt Janicki, and Tamar Heller. Directors of the Ohio Departments of Aging and MRDD will discuss state initiatives and joint ventures.

Breakout sessions will focus on health and nursing related topics, best practices, life planning issues, bereavement, dementia, HB 94, and much more.

For additional information, visit: www.ohioaamr.org, or contact: Carol Farmer, (614) 583-0390, farmerc@goodwill-cols-oh.org

Get out the vote on November 5

We cannot expect elected officials to rally for our needs if we do not care enough to go to the polls and vote. To vote on November 5, 2002, you must register to vote by October 4, 2003.

For more information, visit: www.state.oh.us/sos or www.aapd-dc.org

Ohio hosts The Arc's National Conference

Plenary sessions and workshops will reflect input from Arc chapters on the issues that matter most to its constituents. Practical, useful tools that will help chapters improve community life for all, regardless of the disability.

For additional information, fees, and registration materials, visit: www.thearc.org/convinfo.htm

SAVE THE DATE... SOLIDARITY '03

Ohio's largest conference by and for people with disabilities

Celebrity speakers, Workshops, Displays, Technology exhibits, Hands-on displays, Entertainment, Group activities, and much more!

Registration fee of $140 (before 4/1/03) includes all conference sessions, lunches each day, materials and activities.

For updated information, visit: www.dnos.org or call (800) 390-7396.

RESOURCES

Many Kinds of Children

Dr. Allen Crocker concluded his reflections on fifty years in the developmental disabilities field by saying, "People learn from people!" He shared stories of the lives of three people with developmental disabilities each representing a phase of life prior to young adulthood. High school students who were in the audience of more than 100 people asked many questions of the renowned pediatrician.

The purpose of the event, said originator Karen Marie Metzler, MSSA, was to expose a wide audience to the value of people with developmental disabilities. Program aired live on WCLV radio and was promoted on National Public Radio the morning of the event.

A webcast of Dr. Crocker's presentation can be viewed on: www.cityclub.org

Costs: $20 video and $15 audio cassette includes S& H. City Club of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Ave., The City Club Bldg. 2nd Fl., Cleveland, Ohio 44114. (800) 223-6786.

Meeting the Needs and Challenges of At-risk, Two-generation, Elderly Families

This manual provides information about the needs of families where the parents are caregivers for an aging son or daughter with mental retardation still living at home.

It describes how community coalitions can be developed to reach out to these families to help them obtain the supports and services they need as they age. Community coalitions involving the aging network, the mental retardation/ developmental disabilities system and other community agencies together can offer an array of supports to help these families.

Includes detailed descriptions of the experiences of six chapters of the Arc who participated in The Eldercare Project, funded by the U. S. Administration on Aging. These demonstration sites focused on how to find and assist at-risk families in their communities reviewed gaps in services and developed unique systems of advocacy to assist these families. Through coalition activities such as public awareness and community education, these chapters demonstrate how communities should and could work together to service a wider range of constituents.

The section on future planning covers financial planning, including government benefits, and arrangements for ensuring financial security.

Available from The Arc of the United States: www.thearc.org

Bookmark encourages Person First Language

Order yours today!

Contact AXIS: 1-800-231-2947 v/tty; 1-614-267-4550 fax; axiscenter@aol.com

No cost for quantities of 1-300. Please state the audience you'll be using the bookmarks with or the purpose of your order.

Emergency Preparedness on the Job for People with Disabilities

Use this guide, available at no charge from their website, to begin to help you develop an emergency plan and prepare a disaster kit.

Protecting yourself in your workplace - when disaster strikes - requires planning by both you and your employer. Keep in mind that your employer is required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to include you in the organizational plans and to make "reasonable accommodation" for your disability.

The National Center on Emergency Planning for People with Disabilities (NCEPPD) is focused on helping ensure that all individuals are included in the development of and inclusion in plans for protection from both natural and man-made emergencies.

NCEPPD has a wide variety of resources available to assist local emergency planning organizations (both public and private) in the planning for individuals who need specialized communications, transportation, and medical supports. Technical assistance also is available.

For more information contact: NCEPPD, 1436 Independence Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003; (202) 546-4464; nceppd@inclusioninc.com; www.disabilitypreparedness.org

Self-Determination: Understanding the Core Principles Needed for People with Disabilities to Control Their Own Lives

This guide covers the key elements of self-determination, and the planning principles, tools, and resources available to make it work.

It discusses the benefits of individual planning and budgeting, moving from case management to individual representation, how to offer a competitive market-place of state and provider agencies, developing a new quality assurance, and how it brings about a revolution in employment and emerging best practices.

Concise overview for families, people with disabilities, teachers, and agency staff.

Soft cover 22pp. $8 plus $1 S& H. Training Resource Network, Inc. PO Box 439, St. Augustine, FL 32084; (866) 823-980;. www.trninc.com

Disability Watch: The Status of People with Disabilities in the United States, Volume 2

Comprehensive report on how Americans with disabilities are faring in society today. Features reports on:

• Access to Health Care & Health Insurance
• Learning Disabilities
• Mental Health Disabilities
• Employment & Earnings
• Technology & Disability

Report shows that men, women and children with disabilities still need to make significant advances in health care and affordable insurance, educational attainment, employer attitudes, and affordable technology in order to become truly equal members of American society.

Soft cover 106 pp. $19.95 includes S& H. Disability Rights Advocates, 449 15th St. Suite 303, Oakland, CA 94612-2812; Contact: Patricia Kirkpatrick, DRA, (510) 451-8644; patkirkpat@aol.com

All resources listed in DD Quarterly are available from AXIS library. (800) 231-2947 or axiscenter@aol.com

DD Council announces its Third Annual Conference...
Olmstead: Theory and Reality
Tuesday, October 22, 2002
9am - 4pm
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Columbus

Program will focus on
Olmstead: Its history and the Supreme Court's decision
What Olmstead means to Ohioans with disabilities
Laying the groundwork for individual choice and community integration

Presentations by State and nationally-known speakers
Representatives of independent and community living
Panel of experts
Legislators and directors of state agencies
Leaders creating action plans for Ohio

Banquet luncheon

After August 25, invitations will be mailed and information posted on Council's website: www.ohio.gov/ddc, or call AXIS: (800) 231-2947 v/tty. Reservations required. Cost: $25. Stipends available.

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council Improving the lives of Ohioans with disabilities

DD Quarterly is available in large print and on audiocassette, upon request.

Please pass this copy to others who could benefit from it. If you, or someone you know, would like to be added to the mailing list, please call AXIS.

Toll free in Ohio, v/tty: (800) 231-2947; In central Ohio, v/tty: (614) 262-8124 ; Fax: (614) 267-4550; E-mail: axiscenter@aol.com; Website: http://www.axiscenter.org

AXIS STAFF : Sue Willis, project director; Vince McGuire, photographer; Kelley Femia, designer; Beth Kramer, writer/editor; Shari Veleba, writer; Kim Ryan, audio recording; Joyce Talkowski, assistant; Donna Kinney, assistant

Copyright 2002. Content may be reprinted upon request.

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