2008: The Year You Make a Difference

WHY SHOULD I CARE?
It’s your civic duty to be informed and get out and VOTE! People with disabilities have substantial issues that are often ignored or marginalized by elected officials. Many people with disabilities do not vote, and this allows many elected officials to not face any real reason to push for and support reform that positively impacts people with disabilities. You have the RIGHT! Now take some RESPONSIBILITY!

I’LL VOTE IF I HAVE A RIDE – AND IF I REMEMBER…
In the previous editions of Empowerment, we discussed how you can register to vote by mail or in person. Registering to vote is flexible, as is voting itself. Do you know about absentee ballots? An absentee ballot allows you to complete you ballot from home and submit before or on Election Day. It is a good alternative for people who are unsure as to how they will get to a polling place or if the voting hours do not work for them. (Information provided by the WI Government Accountability Board – Elections Division)

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT
If you are not already registered, you will need to register to vote before an absentee ballot can be sent to you. Request by Mail: You can go online to http://elections.state.wi.us and download the Application For Absentee Ballot (EB-121). Complete the form and mail it to your municipal clerk's office. Or you can call your local clerk and request the application be mailed. The application must be received by the clerk no later than 5:00 PM on the Thursday before the election in order for an absentee ballot to be mailed to you. In-Person at your Municipal Clerk's Office: This can be done up until 5:00 PM on the day before the election. If you apply for an absentee ballot in your municipal clerk's office, you must vote immediately, seal your ballot in the proper envelope, and return it to a member of the clerk's staff. No ballots may be taken from the clerk's office. Deadline for Returning Ballot: The completed ballot must be received by the municipal clerk no later than the day of the election so that it can be delivered to the polling location by 8:00 PM. If you need help completing the application for an absentee ballot, contact the office where you are applying, or call Independent Living Resources at 1-888-474-5745.

WHAT IF I NEED ACCOMMODATIONS?
Every polling site (where you vote) in Wisconsin should be accessible. If you are unsure, take the responsibility to call your local clerk and ask them about any accommodations you may need. Double-check that the location is accessible – from the parking lot to the voting machine. If you run into difficulty determining accessibility, or getting an answer from your clerk, feel free to call Independent Living Resources at 1-888-474-5745.

Candidate Forum
Hear what the candidates have to say about issues that affect people with disabilities ILR will be hosting a candidate forums again this fall.

If you are interested in being at an event where the candidates will talk about issues that matter to you, please keep an eye out for the next edition of Empowerment. Details will be made available then. This is an opportunity to eliminate the excuse that one doesn’t know anything about the candidates on the ballot!

Personal Care Services
Employees of the Month

Employees are chosen for this honor based on attendance, consumer compliments, willingness to help out with fill-ins and dedication to our consumers and agency. Independent Living Resources would like to thank the following staff for their efforts!

• January: Jim McGillivary
• February: Amy Atchison
• March: Bobi Hermann
• April: Sarah Larkin
• May: Carla Lanning

Richland Center Senior Expo More than 300 area residents participated in the Richland Center Senior Expo on Wednesday, May 14th.
The popular event, organized by the Shopping News and held at the White House, was the first of its kind to be held in Richland Center.

Visitors were able to ask questions and meet providers of various services. Jason Beloungy and Ricki Bishop demonstrated assistive technology devices that make life a little easier. Popular items include the giant deck of playing cards and telephones with auto dialing, amplification and lighted ringers.
Attendees had their bone density and blood pressure checked along with eyeglass adjustments and hearing tests. They visited with representatives from area agencies, were invited to square dance and enjoyed reminiscing to the music of the Jim Gorman Band.

Independent Living Resources makes available Assistive Technology devices such as phones and other tools for demonstration or loaning. Please call either our LaCrosse or Richland Center offices for more information.

NEED A RIDE? New Freedom Voucher Program may be able to help. Eligible participants must live in Monroe, Vernon, Crawford, Juneau and La Crosse Counties. Vouchers are used to provide flexible transportation of choice. Call for more details: (608) 787-1111.

Southwest Family Care Alliance Update

Family Care and the Self Directed Supports waiver are closer to reality in several counties in southwest WI. Formally referred to as the Southwest WI Care Management Coalition, The Southwest Family Care Alliance (SFCA) will be forming into a long-term care district that will provide Family Care to the counties of Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Juneau, Lafayette, Richland and Sauk. In addition to the SFCA, there is the formation of Aging and Disability Resource Center of Southwest WI – North and South. The northern ADRC region includes the counties of Crawford, Juneau, Richland and Sauk. The southern ADRC region includes Grant, Green, Iowa and Lafayette counties. The Administrative offices will be Richland and Green counties, but there will be local offices in all eight counties, providing services and enrolling people into Family Care or the Self Directed Supports (SDS) Waiver. The timeline of implementation of the ADRC and Family Care programs is as follows:

• June 2008 – ADRC of SW WI – North and South become operational.
  Richland County and Green County satellite offices open.
• July 2008 – Sauk County ADRC satellite office opens.
• September 2008 – Sauk County begins the Family Care and Partnership Program.
• October 2008 – Lafayette County and Juneau County ADRC satellite offices open.
• January 2009 – Green County begins the Family Care Program.
  Iowa County and Crawford County ADRC satellite offices open.
• March 2009 – Grant County ADRC satellite office opens
• July 2009 – Crawford County, Juneau County and Lafayette County all begin to offer the Family Care program.
• March 2010 – Grant County and Iowa County begin to offer the Family Care program.

West Central Consortium Update

The West Central Consortium for Long-Term Support and Health Care Reform (WCC)is a public-private partnership planning for the expansion of Family Care in west central Wisconsin. In transitioning from the planning to the implementation phase of Family Care regionalization, the consortium continues to value the feedback of impacted stakeholders. A website is available to provide timely and accurate information to long-term care consumers and their families, service providers, government officials and other concerned citizens. This information can be found at by clicking on this link Western Wisconsin Cares.
Implementation Timeline

Accessing the Outdoors
A Quarterly Recreational Resource for Persons with Disabilities
Summer 2008 - By ILR staff, Steve Johnson and Jason Beloungy

Who are we? The North American Squirrel Association, or what is better known regionally as NASA, is a 501(c3) non-profit organization that was established in the fall of 2003. The purpose was to create new, and enhance existing opportunities for persons with disabilities to access the outdoors. NASA is a 100% volunteer organization with no administrative costs, so it’s the passion for making the outdoors accessible that gets people involved.
What do we do? Although originally established as a hunting and fishing organization, NASA has grown to diversify their programs and services providing accessible hunting, fishing, downhill skiing, hand-cycling, and golfing programs at no cost to the participant. NASA also has newly created and expanded opportunities to hunt upland game and shoot clays.
Where is NASA located? Currently, NASA has a strong presence in La Crosse, Trempealeau, Monroe, and Vernon counties and has a growing presence in Jackson, Buffalo, and Crawford counties in western Wisconsin. NASA also is hoping to expand through adoption of its structure, philosophy and mission, but not necessarily the name in other parts of Wisconsin and the U.S. NASA does not have a physical structure in which it is based , but it does have a post office box and works with local businesses that host its meetings.
Why was NASA developed? NASA was developed to fill the void in organized outdoor services and programs for persons with physical disabilities, youth with disabilities, elders, and veterans with disabilities, which were only available on a limited basis, on a particular day of the year, or only once in a while.
How do I get involved or access these services? NASA programs and services can be seen on the internet at NASA Squirrel. If you are interesting in becoming involved with the organization, or would like to adopt the ideology into your region, send an e-mail to the contact person on the website. NASA is always looking for participants, volunteers and donors. The primary funding comes through community donations, the majority being raised through the annual banquet held each spring, and through other smaller fund-raising events throughout the year.
For more information on the North American Squirrel Association, please contact ILR professional staff, or NASA President, Steve Johnson.

PEDIATRIC TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP
Sponsored by Independent Living Resources>br> January 4, 2008 is the day my 3 year old daughter Adeline was involved in a sledding accident. Adeline hit the front of our car and suffered a fractured skull and had to be med-flighted to St. Mary’s - Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

When Adeline arrived at St. Mary’s, she had exposed brain tissue and no movement on the left side of her body. Adeline never lost consciousness after the accident, which Mellonie (her mother) and I learned later was an excellent sign of what was to come.

Adeline spent the next 16 days at St. Mary’s. She was up and walking one week after the accident. Fourteen days after the accident the neurosurgeon reattached the bone flap to finally close her skull and released her to come home two days later.

On January 20, 2008, I remember walking from bedroom to bedroom looking at my sleeping family and feeling relief that my family was all sleeping under one roof. It was hard to believe that Adeline, Moxley (her brother), Mellonie and I were all back together again. The doctors had told us to be prepared for a hospital stay of four to five months and here I was at home with my family safe and asleep in bed, relieved that the nightmare was over.

Then January 21, 2008 dawns and Mel and I are faced with helping Adeline to adjust to the injury and start all the OT she will be faced with for years to come. Now comes probably the hardest time for Mel and me. During the accident and hospital stay we were running on adrenaline. You learn to push through the pain, the exhaustion, the feeling of being totally lost. Then you go home and life should return to normal, but it doesn’t. Adeline, Moxley, Mel and I are all faced with a new life, one we never planned on.

Sometimes, I feel that the kids have adjusted far better than we have. We have questions about tons of things, concerns about many things and guilt. The endless questions of what we could have done differently, what if ... and so on. It would be so much easier if we had the support and the insight of others who are experiencing the same things we are.

Mel and I are in the beginning phase of starting a Pediatric TBI Support Group. We have the backing of Independent Living Resources and the help of Janet Papenfuss of Franciscan Skemp. I am asking any parents out there who are raising children who have suffered a TBI and feel that a support group might be a good thing to contact me at (608)787-1111 or Janet at (608)785-0940, ext. 22857.

Our hope is that we can put this group together and have our first meeting in September as school begins. I am in the beginning process of trying to put together all the pieces of the puzzle that it will take to make this TBI Support Group a reality. So, please, give me a call if you are interested, or pass this information on to a parent that you know might be interested. The best way to support our children is to support each other. So, please, give me a call.

To all you parents out there, give your child an extra hug and kiss tonight. Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.
Mark Roesler-Begalke

ACT NOW "It’s more than what happens on Election Day… …It’s about how to make change no matter who wins or loses."

We have taken many opportunities in previous issues of Empowerment to tell you about Act Now. Simply reading about Act Now is not how you can be involved and make change that benefits all people with disabilities.
WHAT IS ACT NOW?
It’s simply a way to get information about issues and legislation that impacts ALL people with disabilities.
WHO CAN JOIN?
ANYONE!!! This is not a network just for people with disabilities to be a part of. It takes many voices to make the message loud and clear.
WHAT WOULD I BE DOING AS A PART OF THE NETWORK?
That’s up to you. The idea is for all of us to have a way to know what’s going on in Madison or Washington D.C. You can simply receive the information and Action Alerts in your mailbox or by e-mail and be a part of the disability movement through your calls, letters or e-mails. OR, you can be more involved by helping share information with others in your area.
HOW CAN I JOIN?
To receive more information on Act Now, provide your contact information to Independent Living Resources.

Thanks for your interest in Act Now!

RAVE - Recovery Avenue
Have you seen our new look? A great big THANK YOU goes to our landlord Richard Brown for the new storefront at Rave. The whole block received a face lift with new windows and doors and a brand new awning. It looks great! Stop in, check it out and visit awhile. RAVE is open Monday through Friday from 9am—5pm.

Wisconsin Telework Loan Program
What is Telework?
The Wisconsin Telework Program is a statewide, alternative loan program that allows Wisconsin residents with disabilitiesto purchase computers and other equipment needed to work from home or from other remote sites away from the office, such as work on the road or at a telework center.
What can I purchase with a Telework Loan?
Loan funds can be used to purchase equipment, training to use equipment, extended warranties, and cost of maintenance and repairs. This may include, but is not limited to:

The program is made possible through a grant from Rehabilitative Services Administration and authorized by section 303(b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended and implemented by subsequent program regulation 34 CFR Part 373. The Department of Workforce Development – Division of Rehabilitation received the grant and provides programmatic and fiscal oversight. Independence First, a community based and consumer controlled Independent Living Center based in Milwaukee, administers the program in partnership with M & I Marshall & Ilsley Bank and seven Independent Living Centers.

Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP)
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Universal Service Fund (USF)
You can get special Telephone equipment for $100 through the Universal Service Fund!
What is the Telephone Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP)?
The Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP) is a program set up to assist individuals with disabilities in the purchase of telecommunications equipment necessary for affordable access to essential, basic telephone services. The 1993 Wisconsin Telecommunications Bill (Act 496) requires the provision of a comprehensive Universal Service Program to assure that all Wisconsin residents can make use of telecommunications services affordably and equally.
How do I apply?
To get a TEPP application form, or if you have more questions, call or write:
Wisconsin Public Service Commission
PO Box 7854
Madison, WI 53707-7854
(608) 267-1479 TTY
(608) 231-3305 Voice
(608) 266-3957 Fax
Email—Pscrecs@mail.state.wi.us
You can also contact the state offices such as the Wisconsin Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WDHH) or the Office for Persons with Physical Disabilities (OPPD), Independent Living Centers, your local telephone company, or vendors of specialized equipment for a TEPP voucher Application.

LEADERSHIP WANTED!
We are currently seeking to fill vacancies on our Board of Directors. We have a need for representatives on the Board from the following counties: Buffalo, Crawford, Iowa, Jackson, Juneau, Lafayette, Monroe, Sauk, and Vernon. If you are interested in applying for Board Membership please call our office toll free at 888-474-5745 and we will mail you an application. The Board of Directors Membership Committee will review your application and will set up an interview with you. The following information reviews Board Membership and expectations.

Membership

WISLOAN
WHAT IS WISLOAN?-WisLoan is a statewide, low interest loan program that allows a Wisconsin resident with a disability to purchase assistive technology or make home modifications so that he or she can live more independently or productively. Loans range from $1,000 to $35,000.
WHAT IF MY CREDIT RECORD IS POOR OR I DON'T HAVE A JOB?-Your application is reviewed on the basis of your ability to make the monthly payments to pay back the loan. Your Social Security, disability or retirement benefits are taken into consideration. Some applicants will be denied, but WisLoan's criteria are more flexible than most bank loans.
WHAT CAN I BUY WITH THE LOANS?-"Assistive technology" is equipment that helps a person with a disability to live more independently and productively. Examples of assistive technology and home modifications include: wheelchairs & motorized scooters, vehicles with lifts or hand controls, hearing aids, kitchen redesign,magnifiers and other visual aids, roll-in showers or other bathroom modifications, computers with modifications, control/switches for lights, doors, and appliances, widening doorways, ramps and home accessibility modifications.
HOW DO I APPLY OR GET MORE INFORMATION?- Contact Independent Living Resources at: 608-787-1111 (voice) 608-787-1148 (TTY)

Wheelchair Recycling Program
Offers low cost, refurbished mobility and medical equipment to those who lack resources for new equipment. Visit www.wrp.org or call 608-243-1785 for more information on inventory and how to purchase equipment or make donations.

2008 Self Advocate of the Year
LeRoy Reiss
On May 22, 2008, LeRoy Reiss of Richland Center was honored at a luncheon held at the Concourse Hotel in Madison.

LeRoy is the Recipient of the 2008 Self Advocate of the Year award presented by the Wisconsin Developmental Disabilities Board. The award honors an individual who has been instrumental in creating, leading or implementing disability advocacy activities in their community or on the state or federal level. The recipient lends their experience and takes the risks necessary to improve the community for people with disabilities and their families.

LeRoy’s guests at the luncheon included his wife Julie, John Dietzman, Katie Eggleston, David Johnson, Bobbi Jo Gillingham, Joe Simon, Ricki Bishop and Diane Burgette.
Congratulations LeRoy!!