Newsletter
December 2009
THE SCIL ADVOCATE
Table of Contents
Annual Meeting
Disabilities & the Flu
Responsible Budget
Disaboom.com
Prescription Coverage Check Up
Ramp Construction
ITAC Amplified Phones
24th Annual Meeting Highlights
The Springfield Center for Independent Living 24th Annual Meeting was held on Wednesday, October 7, 2009. The event took place at the the Wedeberg Conference Center at Memorial Medical Center from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The program included an awards ceremony, a light hors d’oeuvre buffet, and the announcement of the winner of the 50/50 Raffle.
Each year, SCIL honors individuals who have made valuable contributions to SCIL and people with disabilities in the community. Awards presented this year included: The Beth Langen Leadership Award presented to Marion B. Dramin; The Jack Genskow Personal Assistant of the Year Award presented to Tammie Bowersock; and a recognition of service award to retiring Board President, Kathie Corrigan. Ingeborgh Lundh, retiring member of the board was not present, but will receive a recognition award at a later time.
A presentation of the “There’s No Place Like Home” plaque was made with the reading of the names of the eight individuals who have chosen to leave nursing homes to live independently in their own homes during this past year. The appointment of SCIL’s incoming Board President, Jeff Schumacher, was made and he introduced the newly elected 2009-2010 board members Arthur Kitts, Bruce Steiner and Robert Wilson.
Pete Roberts, Executive Director, read the names of former SCIL Board Members and volunteers who passed away this year. He honored the late JoAnn Bayer, Kathy Conour, Darrow Hozian and Carol Kemp with a remembrance of their years of dedicated service and advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities.
The evening ended with the announcement of the winner of the SCIL 50/50 Raffle Fundraiser.
Kathie Corrigan receives a recognition of service award as the retiring Board President. Jeff Schumacher, 2009-2010 Board President presents the award.
Tammie Bowersock receives the Jack Genskow Personal Assistant of the Year Award. Presenting the award is Bradley Kinney, Personal Assistant Specialist.
Marion B. Dramin receives the Beth Langen Leadership Award. Presenting the award is Dave Munroe, Employment Resource Coordinator.
Disabilities and the Flu
Having a disability alone may not place someone at higher risk for complications from the H1N1 virus, but other factors may put a person with disabilities at higher risk. You may be at risk if you are a:
Young child
Pregnant woman
Person with arthritis
Person with asthma
Person with cancer
Person with diabetes
Person with heart disease
Person with HIV/AIDS
Additionally, among people with disabilities, the following groups are at higher risk of acquiring the H1N1 infection:
People who have difficultly breathing – (ventilator users and individuals with asthma and other respiratory conditions – this could include individuals with a range of disabilities such as intellectual and developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, seizure disorders, metabolic conditions, and other neuromuscular disorders).
People who have difficulty fighting infections or who are immunocompromised – (individuals with HIV, cancer, and other types of immune suppression, or individuals using immunosuppressive medications).
People of any age who have chronic health conditions (heart disease, metabolic [i.e., diabetes], renal, hepatic, hematological [i.e. sickle cell anemia], pulmonary, neurological, or neuromuscular disorders).
People who have pharmacological dependency.
People younger than 18 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy due to their risk of developing Reye’s Syndrome.
Children prone to dehydration from poor nutri-
tional and fluid intake caused by prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, or underlying metabolic conditions.
Reduce Your Risk of Flu Infection
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs
spread this way.
Try to minimize contact with other persons who might be ill with 2009 H1N1 flu.
Follow local public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures based on illness in specific communities.
Maintain your health and if prescribed, continue to take antiretroviral or antimicrobial prophylaxis against opportunistic infection.
Vaccination
If you are in a high priority group for the H1N1 flu vaccine, you should be vaccinated for the H1N1 flu as soon as possible.
If not in a high priority group, you should get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available to you.
You should get vaccinated against the seasonal flu now.
For information on H1N1 or seasonal flu vaccinations go to:
http://www.scdph.org for Sangamon County information, or call: (217)535-3100
For Illinois Department of Public Health go to: http://www.idph.state.il.us/ or call (217)782-4977
Antiviral Drugs
Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that can be used to treat H1N1 (Swine) flu, or to prevent infection with H1N1 flu viruses. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.
If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious influenza complications. The sooner a sick person is treated with an antiviral, the greater effect it will have on the patient’s recovery.
Influenza antiviral drugs also can be used to pre-
vent influenza when they are given to a person who is not ill, but who has been or may be near a person with influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective.
This information produced by:
American Association on Health and Disability
110 N. Washington Street, Suite 328J
Rockville, MD 20850
rcarlin@aahd.us
www.aahd.us
301 545-6140
301-545-6144 (fax)
Responsible Budget Coalition
by Pete Roberts
Recently the SCIL Board of Directors approved our membership to the Responsible Budget Coalition (RBC), a diverse group of more than 150 individuals and organizations. Organizations range from human service providers, civic leaders, faith groups, and public policy advocates.
The goal of the RBC is to pass a responsible budget in Illinois with adequate and fair revenues as soon as possible. RBC also supports HB174, a bill already approved by the Illinois State Senate and supported by the Governor. HB174 will raise between $5 & $6 billion in revenue. This bill will also provide meaningful tax relief for families and preserve important state priorities for children, families, and communities.
We support RBC’s position that the state of Illinois cannot rectify the budget by cutting programs and services. The focus must be on increasing revenues to prevent the loss of critical services to vulnerable citizens. If our legislators fail to find avenues to raise adequate revenue for the next fiscal year 2011, the budget shortfall may be as much as $12 billion.
SCIL has already experienced budget cuts in fiscal year 2010 and has had to eliminate staff positions as well as require all staff to take unpaid furlough days. These cuts have a direct effect on services to people with disabilities.
If you would like more information about the Responsible Budget Coalition contact Pete Roberts 217-523-2587 v/tty or via e-mail at: scil@scil.org
Website: DISABOOM.COM
by Kathy Paul
A great site for people with disabilities is disaboom.com. DISABOOM covers adaptive sports and recreation; assistive technology; accessible travel; education; veterans with disabilities; disability rights and advocacy; and more.
DISABOOM is interesting and fun, and offers a selection of videos that are worth viewing. Those who like animals will be especially excited to see how a dolphin named Winter, who lost his tail fin, can now swim again with a prosthetic tail.
The founder of Disaboom.com is Dr. J. Glen House, a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, who is also a quadriplegic.
“Disaboom.com’s mission: to create the first comprehensive, evolving source of information, insight, and personal engagement for the disability community.”
PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE CHECKUP
By Dave Munroe
For those who hunt wild game, it may be “Open Season.” For those with Medicare coverage, it is the “Annual Election Period” for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs). From November 15, 2009 through December 31, 2009. Those who currently have a Medicare PDP, should review their current plan to ensure that all their current medications are covered and their pharmacy is in the plan’s network.
Medicare, Social Security, and plan providers have been mailing out notices about changes to existing plans. If you have Medicare coverage or will be eligible for Medicare in the near future and you would like help deciphering letters you have received or you wish to get assistance reviewing plan options, please call Dave Munroe at 523-2587 to schedule an appointment prior to Wednesday, December 23, after which our office will be closed for the holidays.
SCIL Receives Grant for Ramp Construction, Home Modifications
SCIL has been awarded a new grant funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 for ramp construction and home modifications in the five county service area. The funding is limited and, according to Starla Norris, SCIL Access Coordinator, a number of requests for ramps or home modifications have already been received. A waiting list for these services has been developed and individuals will receive assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Star at SCIL: (217) 523-2587 v/tty, or toll free at: (800) 447-4221.
Table of Contents
Annual Meeting
Disabilities & the Flu
Responsible Budget
Disaboom.com
Prescription Coverage Check Up
Ramp Construction
ITAC Amplified Phones
24th Annual Meeting Highlights
The Springfield Center for Independent Living 24th Annual Meeting was held on Wednesday, October 7, 2009. The event took place at the the Wedeberg Conference Center at Memorial Medical Center from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The program included an awards ceremony, a light hors d’oeuvre buffet, and the announcement of the winner of the 50/50 Raffle.
Each year, SCIL honors individuals who have made valuable contributions to SCIL and people with disabilities in the community. Awards presented this year included: The Beth Langen Leadership Award presented to Marion B. Dramin; The Jack Genskow Personal Assistant of the Year Award presented to Tammie Bowersock; and a recognition of service award to retiring Board President, Kathie Corrigan. Ingeborgh Lundh, retiring member of the board was not present, but will receive a recognition award at a later time.
A presentation of the “There’s No Place Like Home” plaque was made with the reading of the names of the eight individuals who have chosen to leave nursing homes to live independently in their own homes during this past year. The appointment of SCIL’s incoming Board President, Jeff Schumacher, was made and he introduced the newly elected 2009-2010 board members Arthur Kitts, Bruce Steiner and Robert Wilson.
Pete Roberts, Executive Director, read the names of former SCIL Board Members and volunteers who passed away this year. He honored the late JoAnn Bayer, Kathy Conour, Darrow Hozian and Carol Kemp with a remembrance of their years of dedicated service and advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities.
The evening ended with the announcement of the winner of the SCIL 50/50 Raffle Fundraiser.
Kathie Corrigan receives a recognition of service award as the retiring Board President. Jeff Schumacher, 2009-2010 Board President presents the award.
Tammie Bowersock receives the Jack Genskow Personal Assistant of the Year Award. Presenting the award is Bradley Kinney, Personal Assistant Specialist.
Marion B. Dramin receives the Beth Langen Leadership Award. Presenting the award is Dave Munroe, Employment Resource Coordinator.
Disabilities and the Flu
Having a disability alone may not place someone at higher risk for complications from the H1N1 virus, but other factors may put a person with disabilities at higher risk. You may be at risk if you are a:
Young child
Pregnant woman
Person with arthritis
Person with asthma
Person with cancer
Person with diabetes
Person with heart disease
Person with HIV/AIDS
Additionally, among people with disabilities, the following groups are at higher risk of acquiring the H1N1 infection:
People who have difficultly breathing – (ventilator users and individuals with asthma and other respiratory conditions – this could include individuals with a range of disabilities such as intellectual and developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, seizure disorders, metabolic conditions, and other neuromuscular disorders).
People who have difficulty fighting infections or who are immunocompromised – (individuals with HIV, cancer, and other types of immune suppression, or individuals using immunosuppressive medications).
People of any age who have chronic health conditions (heart disease, metabolic [i.e., diabetes], renal, hepatic, hematological [i.e. sickle cell anemia], pulmonary, neurological, or neuromuscular disorders).
People who have pharmacological dependency.
People younger than 18 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy due to their risk of developing Reye’s Syndrome. Children prone to dehydration from poor nutri- tional and fluid intake caused by prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, or underlying metabolic conditions.
Reduce Your Risk of Flu Infection
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to minimize contact with other persons who might be ill with 2009 H1N1 flu.
Follow local public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures based on illness in specific communities.
Maintain your health and if prescribed, continue to take antiretroviral or antimicrobial prophylaxis against opportunistic infection.Vaccination
If you are in a high priority group for the H1N1 flu vaccine, you should be vaccinated for the H1N1 flu as soon as possible.
If not in a high priority group, you should get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available to you.
You should get vaccinated against the seasonal flu now.
For information on H1N1 or seasonal flu vaccinations go to:
http://www.scdph.org for Sangamon County information, or call: (217)535-3100 For Illinois Department of Public Health go to: http://www.idph.state.il.us/ or call (217)782-4977
Antiviral Drugs
Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that can be used to treat H1N1 (Swine) flu, or to prevent infection with H1N1 flu viruses. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.
If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious influenza complications. The sooner a sick person is treated with an antiviral, the greater effect it will have on the patient’s recovery.
Influenza antiviral drugs also can be used to pre- vent influenza when they are given to a person who is not ill, but who has been or may be near a person with influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective.
This information produced by:
American Association on Health and Disability
110 N. Washington Street, Suite 328J
Rockville, MD 20850
rcarlin@aahd.us
www.aahd.us
301 545-6140
301-545-6144 (fax)
Responsible Budget Coalition
by Pete Roberts
Recently the SCIL Board of Directors approved our membership to the Responsible Budget Coalition (RBC), a diverse group of more than 150 individuals and organizations. Organizations range from human service providers, civic leaders, faith groups, and public policy advocates.
The goal of the RBC is to pass a responsible budget in Illinois with adequate and fair revenues as soon as possible. RBC also supports HB174, a bill already approved by the Illinois State Senate and supported by the Governor. HB174 will raise between $5 & $6 billion in revenue. This bill will also provide meaningful tax relief for families and preserve important state priorities for children, families, and communities.
We support RBC’s position that the state of Illinois cannot rectify the budget by cutting programs and services. The focus must be on increasing revenues to prevent the loss of critical services to vulnerable citizens. If our legislators fail to find avenues to raise adequate revenue for the next fiscal year 2011, the budget shortfall may be as much as $12 billion.
SCIL has already experienced budget cuts in fiscal year 2010 and has had to eliminate staff positions as well as require all staff to take unpaid furlough days. These cuts have a direct effect on services to people with disabilities.
If you would like more information about the Responsible Budget Coalition contact Pete Roberts 217-523-2587 v/tty or via e-mail at: scil@scil.org
Website: DISABOOM.COM
by Kathy Paul
A great site for people with disabilities is disaboom.com. DISABOOM covers adaptive sports and recreation; assistive technology; accessible travel; education; veterans with disabilities; disability rights and advocacy; and more.
DISABOOM is interesting and fun, and offers a selection of videos that are worth viewing. Those who like animals will be especially excited to see how a dolphin named Winter, who lost his tail fin, can now swim again with a prosthetic tail.
The founder of Disaboom.com is Dr. J. Glen House, a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, who is also a quadriplegic.
“Disaboom.com’s mission: to create the first comprehensive, evolving source of information, insight, and personal engagement for the disability community.”
PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE CHECKUP
By Dave Munroe
For those who hunt wild game, it may be “Open Season.” For those with Medicare coverage, it is the “Annual Election Period” for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs). From November 15, 2009 through December 31, 2009. Those who currently have a Medicare PDP, should review their current plan to ensure that all their current medications are covered and their pharmacy is in the plan’s network.
Medicare, Social Security, and plan providers have been mailing out notices about changes to existing plans. If you have Medicare coverage or will be eligible for Medicare in the near future and you would like help deciphering letters you have received or you wish to get assistance reviewing plan options, please call Dave Munroe at 523-2587 to schedule an appointment prior to Wednesday, December 23, after which our office will be closed for the holidays.
SCIL Receives Grant for Ramp Construction, Home Modifications
SCIL has been awarded a new grant funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 for ramp construction and home modifications in the five county service area. The funding is limited and, according to Starla Norris, SCIL Access Coordinator, a number of requests for ramps or home modifications have already been received. A waiting list for these services has been developed and individuals will receive assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Star at SCIL: (217) 523-2587 v/tty, or toll free at: (800) 447-4221.