Illinois State Budget Crisis Take Action - Responsible Budget NOW!

SCIL joined the Responsible Budget Coalition (RBC) in the fall of 2009. RBC represents agencies, (too numerous to list) which represent people with disabilities, children, social services, schools, health care, and public safety. These agencies, in combination, represent millions of Illinois residents.

Every Illinois resident is hurting from the state budget crisis. Schools, libraries, health care, police and transit services are being slashed. Services for children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and the unemployed are all in jeopardy — just when they are needed the most.

RBC supports House Bill 174 — a comprehensive tax-reform package passed by the Illinois Senate and approved by a committee of the Illinois House. Significant new revenue is needed to end the economic downturn and provide a viable solution to this budget crisis.

Governor Quinn proposed a one percent tax increase in Illinois. The RBC’s response: “A one percent tax increase falls far short of the comprehensive tax reform that's needed. Illinois communities are already hurting from the failure of legislators to stop damaging cuts and delayed payments to education, human services, public safety and more. If they fail again to support a responsible budget with adequate revenue, they will not only force schools to cut thousands of teachers, but cities will lay off police and close libraries, and our state will turn its back on the most vulnerable in their time of need.” WHAT CAN WE DO?

When: Wednesday, April 21st, 11:30 a.m.

Where: State Capitol, Springfield

Rally for a responsible budget!

Be seen—Be heard—Be there! (make legislators see your presence and hear your voice)

For more information on RBC go to: www.ABetterIllinois.com

For more information, please contact Pete Roberts at SCIL: (217)523-2587 v/tty/ (800)447-4221

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Illinois Department of Public Health, Disability and Health Project, Facilitates Medical Student Disability Awareness Class at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Jeff Schumacher, SCIL Board President and Carolyn Thorpe, SCIL Transition Specialist Participate on Panel

The Illinois Department of Public Health’s Disability and Health Project, funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recently collaborated with the Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine in Springfield to develop a lecture and panel presentation for second-year medical students about how to communicate effectively with their future patients with disabilities. A goal of the Department’s Disability and Health Project is to reduce chronic and secondary conditions among persons with disabilities and improve their quality of life. The project strives to meet this goal in two ways: 1) by providing health promotion information and opportunities targeting persons with disabilities and 2) by increasing disability awareness among health professionals to improve access to health care.

The Disability and Health Project partnered with the Springfield Center for Independent Living and the Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois to recruit speakers. Five speakers, including a person with visual impairment, a person with hearing impairment, a person with speech impairment, a person with a mobility limitation, and a parent of a child with a developmental disability, provided their personal experiences in accessing healthcare and gave the students tips on how to communicate more effectively with their future patients with disabilities. An overview of disability etiquette and the Americans with Disabilities Act were also provided. The presentation was held December 4, 2009 with 74 second-year medical students in attendance. SIU and the Disability and Health Project plan to continue the collaboration in the coming years. The Illinois Disability and Health Project also partners with the University of Illinois at Chicago and Northwestern University Medical School to increase disability awareness among medical students.

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Census

In March, census forms arrived. Please answer the ten short questions and mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided.

Federal funding helps organizations such as hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, and emergency centers provide more services to YOU.

If you have questions, visit the government website at http://2010.census.gov.

REMINDER: For your safety, if a US Census worker knocks on your door, ask to see their identification. They will not ask for your Social Security number, credit card or bank account information, so do NOT give it.

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Epilepsy Workshops Offered by Epilepsy Resource Center in April

This workshop will be held Saturday, April 17, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at SparCenter, 232 Bruns Lane, Springfield.

RSVP requested. Please call 217 726-1839 or 800 800-6401.

Speakers will cover topics: Treatment of childhood epilepsy; Epilepsy goes to school; and What lies ahead: life after school.

A continental breakfast and lunch will be included.

This workshop will be held Monday, April 19th from 6:30—8:00 p.m. at SparCenter, 232 Bruns Lane, Springfield.

RSVP requested. Please call 217 726-1839 or 800 800-6401.

Learn about the latest treatment option; connect with others living with epilepsy; hear from a patient advocate and ask the neurologist your questions. The speaker will be Claude Fortin, M.D.

Light refreshment will be available.

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Social Security Disability Application

Complete your application online at www.socialsecurity.gov and receive your benefits faster.

When completing your application be sure to be as specific as possible. Social Security will need documentation of your disability. That documentation should spell out specifics of your diagnosis and how that diagnosis impacts you. Think about your everyday routine and how it may compare with routines of other people. For example, if a person is afraid of being out in public they can go grocery shopping at two o’clock in the morning to avoid crowds. For that person that seems relatively “normal” as a way of coping but when compared to most other people it is disabling.

Having your documentation with you when you go to your meeting at the Social Security office will also help the application process go faster. As you are awaiting a decision, Social Security may ask for more supporting documentation from a specialist. They will schedule the appointment for you and let you know where and when to go. You do not have to pay for these appointments.

For conditions that automatically qualify you for

www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.

You can check the status of your application and see if all the supporting documentation has been received by going to www.socialsecurity and clicking on “Check the Status of Your Application” link or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

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Adrie Smith sporting her umbrella holder in front of the IATP Building on Fifth Street!

Ten Dollar Tech: Umbrella Holder for a wheelchair

Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) staffer Theresa Ganci recently attended an assistive technology conference where she took a day-long course in building custom assistive technology from PVC pipe. She immediately thought of her friend Adrie Smith (a volunteer at SCIL) and her request for an umbrella holder for her wheelchair. Upon her return Theresa called up Adrie and the two got to work.

Project Supply list:

Flag Pole Holder $10.98

2 Pack Hose Clamps $1.97

1 ¼ Coupling $.53

¾ PVC Pipe $1.07

1 1/4 Bushing $.63

Optional Supplies:

Epoxy Putty $4.17

Zip Ties $.49.

Instruction: Begin with a plastic, adjustable flag pole holder. Choose a location on the frame of the wheelchair you wish to attach the holder to. All wheelchairs are different so the location will likely vary based not only on the model of chair, but also on the individual’s body and range of motion. Also be sure not to place the holder in a location where it will stick out from the chair and possibly catch on doorframes. Use the steel hose clamps to slide through the openings of the flag pole holder and attach to the wheelchair frame securely. If the holder needs to be removed, the hose clamps should create a secure enough fit. However, if you have no plans to remove the holder, Magnum Steel Epoxy Putty can be used in combination with the clamps for an even more secure fit.

After the flagpole holder is properly adjusted and secured to the frame, use ¾ inch PVC pipe for the height of the umbrella holder. Umbrella handles vary in size and shape, and for this particular project Theresa needed not only to use 1 ¼ inch PVC coupling, but also 3/4 PVC pipe and a 1 1/4 inch bushing to create the correct size. She also had to shave a bit of plastic off of the umbrella handle.

Cut the ¾ inch PVC pipe to desired height, attach the coupling if one is needed, and insert it into the holder on the wheelchair. Add the umbrella and you are ready for the rain! A tip for added stability is to use zip ties along the height of the holder. The zip ties can be attached at various locations to the chair’s frame and help ensure the holder stays in place on windy days.

Thank you to Theresa Ganci and IATP for allowing us to reproduce this valuable article!

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SCIL's Youth Transition Program to Host Showing of Movie: "Diana and Kathy: Body and Soul"

You don’t want to miss this film! “Diana and Kathy: Body and Soul” is a 45-minute film about two local Springfield women with disabilities who have advocated for their rights, and the rights of all people with disabilities, at the Illinois State Capital and throughout the United States.

This film, which was shown locally on PBS and all over the country, captures what two people with disabilities can do to overcome barriers and stigmas in today’s society. The film also shows how change is brought about by advocating for your rights. A discussion will take place after the movie and Diana will be available to answer your questions. Light refreshments will be provided.

The film will be shown at the BEST (Becoming Empowered and Successful Teens) and Parent Transition Support Group Meeting on Wednesday, April 28, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at SCIL. Please reserve a seat by calling Carolyn at 523-2587 v/tty.

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Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit

The Statewide Independent Living Council is gearing up for the Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit, July 25 - 28, 2010 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Young people with disabilities have more opportunities and more challenges than at any other time in our nation's history. This Summit will empower young leaders to learn from each other and from successful adults with disabilities who are recognized leaders and role models.

What is the Summit about?

Learn about independent living philosophy Attend sessions on the legislative process Meet other young people with disabilities Experience life on a college campus Create a plan for your future goals

Enjoy music and dancing at nightly functions "I have never seen so many people with different disabilities come together and have fun. It made me feel normal. The only bad part about it was having to go home."

~Meredith Hill, Oak Park

"The Summit gives you a chance to find friends that may have other issues and it is good to bounce ideas off each other. It was a good experience and I can't wait to come back next year."

~Steven Wang, Rockton

Apply Today!

Youth who wish to apply should have a disability, be between the ages of 17-24, live in Illinois and have a strong desire to learn and grow as a leader. The Summit is free including travel to and from the event, lodging, meals and any personal care attendant services/interpreters that may be needed.

Adult mentor applicants should be individuals who can offer the youth participants guidance throughout the Summit. Mentors are typically adults with disabilities, however non-disabled applicants sometimes attend the Summit as helpers.

Presenters are needed for workshop sessions at the summit. The Summit Planning Committee is particularly interested in presentations that incorporate various forms of learning so that all participants are included. Interactive presentations that are activity based are strongly encouraged.

If you have any questions about the Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit, please contact Tara Dunning at the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois at: 217-744-7777 (V/TTY) or e-mail tara@silcofillinois.

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SCIL Serves Veterans!

Are You a Veteran Who Has a Disability?

Do you know someone who is?

We believe that all persons, regardless of disability have the right and responsibility to control and direct their own lives and fully participate as equal members of society.

We thank our veterans for their service to our country. We encourage veterans to call SCIL at (217)523-2587 v/tty to find out how we can serve them.

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H1N1 Vaccination

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Brain Injury Awareness

Some statistics about brain injury According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2001):

1.5 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury every year.

Each year, 80,000 Americans experience the onset of long-term disability following TBI.

More than 50,000 people die every year as a result of TBI.

Every year, over 1.5 million Americans sustains a traumatic brain injury.

Among those who survive, 80,000 people per year must learn to cope with lifelong losses of function.

(Updated as of 2009), 3.17 Million Americans - 1% of the U.S. population currently live with disabilities resulting from a brain injury.

Motor vehicle accidents cause 44% of brain injuries; falls, 26%; assaults and firearms, 17%; sports and recreation and other, 13%.

An estimated 200,000 children are hospitalized each year with brain trauma and 30,000 sustain permanent disabilities.

Every year in the U.S., 50,000 children sustain bicycle-related brain injuries; of those, over 400 die.

Males are twice as likely to sustain a brain injury than females, and young men between the ages of 15 and 24 have the highest rate of injury.

Every year, 50,000 Americans will die as a result of a traumatic brain injury.

In the time it took you to read these facts, at least two more Americans sustained a traumatic brain injury.  For additional national statistics, go to the CDC website:

Services and new programs for Veterans: In 2008, Illinois became the first state in the nation to launch a Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder program for returning Illinois veterans. The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program offers a 24-hour, toll-free helpline at 1-866-554-IWAP (4927), which is staffed by health professionals to assist Veterans, day or night, with the symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and provides Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) screening to all interested Illinois Veterans. It also makes TBI screenings mandatory for all returning members of the Illinois Army National Guard.

If you are a veteran or service member suffering from symptoms associated with PTSD or TBI, or if you think someone you care about may be experiencing post-deployment stress or other combat-related emotional issues, call the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program confidential 24-hour toll-free helpline, 1-866-554-IWAP (4927) for more information and help. You can also visit www.illinoiswarrior.com   for more information about the program.

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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 Starla at SCIL: (217) 523-2587 v/tty, or toll free at: (800) 447-4221.

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Monthly Support Groups at SCIL

ADHD Support Group: For meeting information or AD/HD resources, contact Karen at SCIL 523-2587 v/tty

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): 1st Wednesday of month 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at SCIL

Post-Polio Group: Meets every other month 3rd Saturday of month 10:00 a.m. to noon at SCIL

Heads Up Group: 3rd Sunday of month 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at SCIL

Stroke Support Group: 1st Saturday of month 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at SCIL

Youth Transition Parent Group; Becoming Empowered and Successful Teens (BEST): For information contact Carolyn at SCIL 523-2587 v/tty

Personal Assistant Employers Group: 4th Tuesday of month 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at SCIL

Paralysis Group: For information contact Dave at SCIL, 523-2587 v/tty

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

Stroke Group Dinner Out: Contact Shirley, 523-2587 v/tty

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Amplified Phones