April/May 2009

The SCIL Advocate

The Springfield Center for Independent Living

Table of Contents

One-time Economic Recovery Payment

Arthritis Among Persons with Disabilities

Annual IL Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit

One-Time Economic Recovery Payment

Update from the Social Security Administration

On February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This law provides for a one-time economic recovery payment of $250 to people who get certain types of Federal benefits.

Who will receive the one-time $250 economic recovery payment?

The law provides for a one-time payment for certain individuals who receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Railroad Retirement and Veterans benefits. If you were eligible for one of these benefits at any time during the months of November 2008, December 2008 or January 2009, you may be eligible for the one-time payment. To receive the payment, your address of record must be in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands.

If I am eligible for the one-time payment, when will I receive it?

You should receive your one-time payment by the end of May 2009. You don't need to do anything to receive this payment. Social Security does not need to contact you to request information. Please do not contact the Social Security Office about your payment unless you do not receive it by June 4, 2009. The Department of the Treasury will be sending payments throughout the month of May.

How will I receive my one-time payment?

We will deliver your one-time payment the same way we currently deliver your Social Security or SSI benefit. If we deliver your monthly benefit by check, we will deliver your one-time payment by check. If you receive your benefits by direct deposit or Direct Express® debit card, you will receive the one-time payment the same way. We will send your one-time economic recovery payment separately from your Social Security or SSI benefit; it will not be included with your monthly benefit payment. I receive both Social Security and SSI. Does this mean I'll receive two one-time economic recovery payments? No, you can only get one $250 payment, regardless of how many types of benefits you receive. For example, if you receive any combination of Social Security, SSI, Railroad Retirement or Veterans benefits you still can only get one payment.

If my spouse and I both receive Social Security or SSI benefits, will we each get a one-time economic recovery payment?

Yes, if both you and your spouse are receiving benefits from Social Security or SSI, you each will get the one-time payment.

Are children who receive Social Security benefits eligible for the onetime economic recovery payment?

No, children under the age of 18 (19 if still in high school) who receive Social Security benefits are NOT eligible for the one-time payment. However, adult children who receive disability benefits on a parent's record will receive a payment.

Are children who receive SSI benefits eligible for the one-time economic recovery payment?

Yes, children receiving SSI are eligible for the onetime payment.

I have a representative payee. Who will receive my one-time economic recovery payment?

If you have a representative payee, we will send your one-time payment to your representative payee. Your representative payee is required by law to use the payment for your personal benefit.

Will ALL Social Security and SSI beneficiaries receive a one-time economic recovery payment of $250?

No. In most cases, the following individuals will NOT receive the one-time payment:
*Anyone living outside of the United States or its territories;
*Individuals who no longer are lawfully present in the United States;
*Individuals whose benefits have been suspended under the law for giving false or misleading statements;
*Soc. Security beneficiaries who are minor children**;
*SSI beneficiaries who receive benefits at a reduced
rate of $30 because they live in a medical treatment facility (such as a nursing home or hospital) and Medicaid pays over 50% of the cost of their care;
*Individuals only entitled to Medicare and not to Social Security or SSI benefits; and
*Prisoners, fugitive felons, and probation and parole violators. Every situation is different, and there may be exceptions to these rules.
**Note: Disabled adult children receiving Social Security or children receiving SSI payments will receive the one-time payment.

Will I receive the one-time economic recovery payment if I have a delinquent Federal or state debt?

The law requires the Department of the Treasury to deduct delinquent child support and debts owed to state and Federal agencies from the one-time payment. The one-time payment will not be used to collect Social Security or SSI benefit overpayments.

Will the one-time economic recovery payment count as income or resources when determining eligibility for SSI?

The one-time payment will not count as income for SSI. In addition, it will not count as a resource in the month you receive it or the following nine months. For example, if you receive the one-time payment in May 2009, it will not count as a resource from May 2009 through February 2010. If you still have this money in March 2010, it will count as a resource starting that month and may affect your eligibility for SSI.

Will the one-time economic recovery payment count as earnings when determining eligibility for Social Security disability benefits?

No. The one-time economic recovery payment will not count as income or earnings for Social Security disability benefits.

If I don't receive my one-time economic recovery payment by June 4, what should I do?

After June 4, 2009, you can call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office to tell us your payment has not arrived. Please wait until then to ask about your payment because the Department of the Treasury will be sending payments until the end of May.

What should I do if someone calls or E-mails me asking for personal information to process my payment?

Do not provide your personal information to anyone requesting it to process your payment. If you are unsure about the identity of someone claiming to be a Social Security employee, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to verify the call. You may report suspicious activity involving Social Security programs and operations to the Social Security Fraud Hotline at www.socialsecurity.gov/oig/hotline or call 1-800-269- 0271 (TTY 1-866-501-2101).

How can I get more information about the one-time economic recovery payment?

If you are a Social Security or SSI beneficiary, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

If you are not a Social Security or SSI beneficiary and receive only Railroad Retirement or Veterans benefits:

*You can visit the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) at www.rrb.gov or call 1-877-772-5772 (1-877-RRB- 5RRB; TTY 1-312-751-4701) for more information. NOTE: You will receive your one-time payment from RRB. You do not have to do anything in order to receive your payment.

*You can visit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at www.va.gov or contact your local VA facility for more information. NOTE: You will receive your onetime payment from VA. You do not have to do anything in order to receive your payment.

Social Security Administration/SSA Publication No. 05-10519/ICN 470050/Unit of Issue - HD (one hundred) April 2009

Exercise is for EVERY BODY

Submitted by: The Illinois Disability and Health Program

important part of maintaining good health and preventing many types of diseases. The Illinois Disability and Health Program is a state-wide initiative to reduce and prevent secondary and chronic conditions, and promote the health, wellbeing and quality of life of Illinois’ citizens with disabilities. As part of our program activities, we periodically provide health promotion information pertaining to persons with disabilities.

Below please find an excerpt about one of our partner organizations, the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD), which is working to improve physical activity participation among persons with a disability.

The mission of the NCPAD, a federally-funded non-profit organization, is to serve as a national resource center for information on physical activity and disability. The slogan of NCPAD is “Exercise is for EVERY body, and EVERY body needs some activity to get and remain healthy.” The health benefits gained from being more physically active may be even more important if one has a disability. Some of these benefits include:

• Increased cardiac (heart) and pulmonary (lung) function
• Improved ability to perform activities of daily living
• Protection against development of chronic diseases
• Weight control
• Lowered cholesterol and blood pressure
• Decreased anxiety and depression
• Enhanced feeling of well-being
• Improved ability to cope with stress
• Opportunities for social interaction

A report from the U.S. Surgeon General suggests that people with disabilities participate in a significantly lower amount of physical activity than people without disabilities, likely related to a variety of internal (personal) and external (environmental) barriers. NCPAD’s resources help provide the information and tools necessary to reduce and overcome these barriers and find out how and where to participate. These resources include general exercise guidelines before starting an exercise program; searchable databases for locating accessible programs and parks; and fact-sheets on specific disabilities, chronic health conditions, fitness topics, popular activities, games, recreational pursuits, sports, nutrition, and more. Examples of these publications include:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Spinal Cord Injury and Exercise
• Physical Activity and the Deaf Community
• Children with Disabilities and Obesity
• Outdoor Trips
• Sit Volleyball
• Family-oriented Sports and Home Activities
• Fall Injury Prevention
• Exercises to Improve Gait Abnormalities
• Designing for Inclusive Play: Applying the Principles of Universal Design to the Playground
• Can Disability, Chronic Conditions, Health and Wellness Coexist?
• Monthly Newsletter

NCPAD’s goal is to provide the resources and information to help people pursue the activity of their choice. The important thing is not what one does, but that one does something. Indoor or outdoor, recreational or competitive, solo or team, easy or intensive, NCPAD has the resources, contacts and assistance you need. Go to www.ncpad.org or contact ncpad@uic.edu or 800-900-8086 and let us know what we can do to help YOU become more active.

For more information about the Illinois Disability and Health Program, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health Disability and Health Program at 217-782-3300.

SCIL, Disability Community Loses Dedicated Advocate

JoAnn Bayer passed away in December, 2008. Even though it wasn’t a total shock for those of us who knew her, it was a loss that will be felt for quite some time.

JoAnn was involved with SCIL for over 20 years as a member of the Board, and President of the Board of Directors. She was committed to the independent living philosophy and a relentless advocate. She served for over 20 years on the SMTD Disabled Persons Advisory Committee, attended the Springfield Disabilities Commission Meetings for years, was a founding member of the local CCDI Chapter, and also served on the board of directors at several other disability related organizations. Her life was one of service. Now that she is gone, her absence will cause many to look back and realize just exactly how involved she really was in our disability community for many, many years. When Pete Roberts was asked to offer a comment about JoAnn for our newsletter, he offered: “JoAnn believed in educating others about disability issues. No matter where we were, JoAnn almost always found the microphone and would ask questions that all of us knew she knew the answer to. That was her way of making sure that the individuals in the room were offered information that they didn’t know. She used those opportunities to remind others about where the independent living philosophy came from, or to insert a piece of disability awareness. JoAnn relished educating others and I will miss hearing her voice at the microphone at future meetings, community events, and conferences she always attended.”

SCIL has established a JoAnn Bayer Memorial Fund from the many donations received after her passing. Information about this fund will be made available to SCIL Membership and consumers as the Board of Directors plans a direction and permanent way to honor JoAnn.

Senior Safe Program---9-1-1 Program for Seniors and People with Disabilities

The Sangamon County Emergency Telephone System Department (E.T.S.D) offers a special program for Sangamon County residents who are senior citizens and/or people with disabilities. This program is called the Senior Safe Program. This is a completely voluntary program.

The Senior Safe program enables the Sangamon County 9-1-1 Center to have some helpful information about an individual prior to the arrival of medical or police personnel.

Several years ago SCIL mailed out 9-1-1 sign up forms to people with disabilities who reside in Sangamon County. The intent of the 911 sign-up forms was to allow responding police, fire, or ambulance personnel access to important information about people with disabilities prior to their on-scene arrival. This information can be accessed by on-scene responders on a special screen in the 9-1-1 database.

SCIL is currently working with E.T.S.D. to update the database for the Senior Safe Program. If you completed a form in the past and your health information or address has not changed you do not need to fill out the form again. If you are a new resident to Sangamon County and you are a person with a disability, please complete the form and mail it back to the address listed on the form and at the end of this article. Participation in this program is voluntary, but has the potential to save lives.

To download a Senior Safe form go online to: http://sangamoncounty911.org/about_sccds.htm

Call SCIL at: (217)523-2587 v/tty to have a form mailed to you. Please let SCIL know if you need this information in an alternate format.

A complete form can be faxed to the 9-1-1 Center at: (217)753-6372. Or mailed to:
Mike Lopez
Sangamon County E.T.S.D.
2000 Shale
Springfield, IL 62703

For additional information, please contact:
Starla Norris
Access Coordinator
At SCIL: (217)523-2587 v/tty

Are the tough economic times getting you down? Do you need more fun activities to spice up your life? Would you like to try some new recipes or adaptive techniques? How about sitting back and relaxing with a good book or craft project?

Let me introduce two publications from Horizons for the Blind: our catalog and magazine. The catalog contains craft supplies and a wide variety of instructional books featuring crafts, recipes, adaptive techniques, gardening, and general interest.

Our magazine entitled “Seeing It Our Way” is specifically written for people who are blind or Visually Impaired. In each issue, there are new poems, craft patterns, recipes, and much more. Get those creative juices flowing by solving the brain teaser or learning a new word of the month. Keep current on good book reviews and interesting sports information.

A one year magazine subscription is $30 and the catalog is free. Both are offered in either Braille or large print. You can also place catalog orders online at www.horizons-blind.

For more information, please call 815-444-8800 and press 0 at any time to be transferred to the receptionist. At Horizons for the Blind we love hearing from you and appreciate your business.

Did You Know?

SCIL maintains and provides a FREE Used Equipment list. This list is complied of adaptive items, such as wheelchairs, daily living aids and vans. The listed items are for sale or are, sometimes, offered free. There is no charge to advertise items on this list. To list an item, or to request a free Used Equipment list call SCIL, 523-2587 v/tty, and ask for the Used Equipment list information.

Deaf Services Update

By Jennifer Nesmith, Deaf Services Coordinator

ASL Classes

If you are interested in American Sign Language Classes, please call SCIL and ask that your name be added to the list. An ASL class will be ending in May and the next class is being planned for sometime this summer. Please call SCIL at (217)523-2587 v/tty. Or contact Jennifer Nesmith at: (866)393-9803 (video phone) or: (217)523-4032 TTY.

DTV Digital Television Transition Information for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind

Contact Help Center:
Voice: 1-877-dtv-4you (1-877-388-4968)
TTY: 1-877-tty-4csd (1-877-889-4373)
Email: dtvhelp@c-s-d.org
Videophones:
Direct Videophone Numbers
866-351-1950
866-401-3519
Direct Videophone IP Address
dtv03.csd.tv, dtv05.csd.tv, dtv04.csd.tv, dtv06.csd.tv AIM: dtvcsr07, dtvcsr08

SCIL's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council is Looking for New Members.

This advisory council discusses issues pertaining to the deaf and hard of hearing community and decides areas where advocacy and education are needed. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 17th at 12:00 at SCIL. Closed captioning will be the agenda for the June meeting. If you are interested in participating, please call Jennifer Nesmith, Deaf Services Coordinator at (833)393-9803 (videophone)

The Asperger Syndrome Support and Awareness Group of Central Illinois Next Meeting: May 7, 2009—Starts at 7:00 p.m. University of Illinois in Springfield “J” Building, Room 153 Enter at parking lot A, east side of University

Meetings are very casual. Held on the first Thursday of every month. You can ask questions or just sit and listen. Dr. Karen Kirkendall, Ph.D. facilitates the meetings. Dr. Kirkendall specializes in developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and developmental disabilities. She has devoted many years advising and advocating for children and young adults with developmental disabilities. For more info: www.aspergersyndromesupport.com

Arthritis: A Common Secondary Condition Among Persons with Disabilities

Experiencing Joint Pain?

Do you experience pain, swelling or stiffness of joints such as in the knee, elbow, wrist, and neck? Do your joints become red, warm, swollen and painful, and you feel sick all over? Do you experience unexplained fever, fatigue, weight loss and swollen lymph glands in your body such as in the neck, under the chin, in the armpits, and in the groin for more than two weeks? If you do, you may have arthritis, a chronic disease common among people with disabilities.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and loss of movement of the joints. It includes more than 100 diseases and conditions affecting joints, the surrounding tissues and other connective tissues in many areas of the body. There are three common types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, commonly referred as “wear and tear” arthritis, involves destruction of shock absorber on the ends of the bones. Fibromyalgia causes pain and stiffness in the tissue supporting bones and joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation of joint tissue.

Am I at Risk for Arthritis?

Persons with disabilities may have a higher risk of developing arthritis, in addition to their primary impairment, than those without disability. In fact, “chronic pain in muscles and joints” is the most frequently reported (55%) secondary health condition among persons with disabilities1.

Listed below are possible factors that likely increase the risk of arthritis among persons with disability.
Age:
Individuals who are age 45 or above have an increased risk of arthritis.
The majority of persons with disabilities falls in this age group.
Gender:
Arthritis is more common among women than men, which is the same for disability.
Overweight and Obesity:
Excess weight can place too much stress on a joint and lead a person to develop knee osteoarthritis. Persons with disability are more likely to be obese than those without disability (32% vs. 20%). Repetitive use of joint: Repeated overuse of a joint can cause “wear and tear” and increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Persons with mobility limitation can develop osteoarthritis of the upper extremities from repeated overuse of joints in walking with crutches or pushing a wheelchair.

What Should I Do If I Suspect That I Have Arthritis?

Talk to Your Doctor
Doctors now believe that damage to the bones begins within the first two years that a person has arthritis. Thus, obtaining diagnosis and starting treatment at an early stage of the disease can likely decrease symptoms and long-term complications. For more information on finding a rheumatologist, please contact the Arthritis Foundation, Greater Chicago Chapter (312- 372-2080) or Greater Illinois Chapter (309-742-8446) for a copy of the Medical Referral List, updated yearly. For relay service, call 800-526-0857 for voice, or 800- 526-0844 for TTY.

Develop Skills
The Arthritis Foundation offers a six-week self management education course, the Arthritis Foundation Self-Management Program, across Illinois communities. These courses are offered either free or at modest charges at accessible locations. Please visit www.arthritis.org, or contact one of the two Illinois Chapters of the Foundation for more details.

Be Active
Research has shown that physical activity decreases pain and improves joint function. The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program uses low-impact, joint-safe exercises that can be done either in a sitting or standing position. The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program uses gentle resistance in warm water to build muscle strength and joint movement. For both programs, classes are offered at accessible locations. Contact the Arthritis Foundation for class information.

1 Kinne, S. et al. (2004). Prevalence of secondary conditions among people with disabilities. Am J Public Health, 94(3), 443-5.

This information sheet was prepared by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Disability and Health Program, with a goal of promoting health and preventing secondary conditions among Illinois citizens with disabilities. Funding is provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through a cooperative agreement. To learn more about the program and how to become involved, call at 217-782-3300 or TTY 800- 547-0466.

Printed by Authority of the State of Illinois

11th Annual IL Youth with Disabilities Leadership
Summit: Lead On!
July 26 - 29, 2009

Application Deadline: May 29, 2009

About the Summit

The Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit is an innovative and exciting four-day leadership program for young people ages 17 to 24 that have any type of disability. The Summit will be held July 26 through July 29, 2009 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

There is NO COST TO YOU. That is right, if you are selected to attend the Summit all expenses are paid by the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois (SILC). Summit sponsors like the Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities, the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living and the Illinois Assistive Technology Program make is possible for 30 young people from all over Illinois to attend this leadership program. The Summit covers all meals, transportation, lodging and healthcare costs.

What to Expect

Youth participants at the Summit can expect a whole variety of activities designed to help you grow as a leader. Workshops, a keynote address, a dance and lots social activities are combined to make the Summit as educational and fun as possible.

Am I eligible to attend the Summit?

If your answer is YES to all of the following questions, you are eligible to apply:
Are you a young adult between the ages of 17 & 24?
Do you have a disability?
Do you live in the state of Illinois?
Do you have a desire to gain leadership skills?

Why should I apply to attend the Summit?

Here are just a few good reasons to come to this leadership conference:
Meet successful adults with disabilities who will act as mentors, and understand living with a disabilities
Make friends with all different types of people with all different types of disabilities
Learn about how to advocate for yourself and others
Learn about the laws that protect your civil rights

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Beckwith Hall, a fully-accessible residence hall for students with disabilities, will play host to this year's Summit. The University of Illinois is known worldwide for providing equal opportunities to students with all types of disabilities. Participants in this year's Summit will get the opportunity to tour the campus and meet with faculty and staff of the Division of Rehabilitation Education Services which provides students with disabilities all the academic accommodations that they need in order to be successful in their college experience.

Questions?

Call Tara Dunning at (217) 744-7777 (V/TTY)

How do I apply to attend the Summit?

1. Complete the application form.
2. Answer the four essay questions.
3. Collect two letters of recommendation.
4. Mail your completed application with the letters of recommendation and essay to:
SILC of Illinois
510 East Monroe Street - 3rd Floor
Springfield, Illinois 62701

Staff Changes at SCIL

Ceceilia Haasis retired from SCIL in January, 2009. She worked at SCIL for over 19 years and will be missed by both staff and consumers. We wish Ceceilia much happiness in her retirement and all that comes her way!

Dave Munroe, who celebrated his 16th anniversary at SCIL last month, recently became the new Employment Resources Coordinator. Dave shares these comments: "I welcome the change, learning new things, and yes, the challenge. I look even more anxiously toward my replacement as Independent Living Specialist. I look forward to working with any people with disabilities seeking jobs or other employment-related services.”

Dave will supervise the Employment Programs here at SCIL. If you need employment assistance and information, Please contact Dave Munroe at SCIL (217)523-2587 v/tty.

Monthly Support Groups at SCIL

ADHD Support Group
Wednesday, May 13th
6:00—7:30 p.m.
At SCIL
No meetings during summer months

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Cancelled until further notice

Post-Polio Group
Saturday, May 16
10:00 am to noon at SCIL

Heads Up Group
Sunday, May 24
1:00—3:00 p.m. Lincoln
Park group picnic

Stroke Support Group Saturday, May 2
1:00—3:00 pm at SCIL
Contact Shirley Black for more information on social activities for this group.

Youth Transition Parent Group; Becoming Empowered and Successful Teens (BEST)
Thursday, May 18
6:00—8:30 p.m. at SCIL
No meetings during Summer months

Personal Assistant Employers Group
Tuesday, May 26
3:00 —4:30 pm at SCIL

Paralysis Group
Saturday, May 16
10:00 am—2:00 p.m. at Memorial
Medical Center, Wedeberg
Conference Center - Workshop on Aging with a Disability

Peer Counseling Group
Contact: 523-2587 v/tty For information

HAVE KIDS?

Use this website: www.springfieldmoms.org FREE parenting resources, loads of family friendly area events, dynamic deals and money saving coupons! A good section for children who have special needs is included! LOCAL resources for the greater Springfield, Illinois, area.

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Springfield Center For Independent Living

330 S. Grand Ave., West

Springfield, IL 62704

217/523-2587

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