Montana Independent Living Project Inc. (MILP)

Independence

with a Disability

              The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently issued major proposed revisions to its regulations implementing Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

· Title II of the ADA is divided into two subtitles. 

° The first, Subtitle A, is intended to protect qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination (on the basis of disability) in the services, programs, or activities of all State and local governments. 

° Subtitle B is intended to clarify the requirements of section 504 for public transportation entities that receive Federal financial assistance.  It also extends coverage to all public entities that provide public transportation, whether or not they receive Federal financial assistance.

· Title III of the ADA covers           1) Places of public accommodation; 2) Commercial facilities; and 3) Examinations and courses related to applications, licensing, certification, or credentialing for secondary or postsecondary education, professional, or trade purposes.  (Partial Definitions provided by the US Dept. of Justice ADA Website www.ada.gov) 

Some of the DOJ’s proposed changes are excellent and are urgently needed.  These changes include:

· Adoption of the new 2004 ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG),

· Stronger hotel reservation and ticketing provisions,

· Recognition of psychiatric service animals,

· Additional companion seating in theatres and stadiums, and

· Stronger provisions for effective communication for people with hearing, visual, and speech disabilities. 

Unfortunately, some of the DOJ’s proposed changes are not so good and would drastically reduce the rights of people with disabilities.  For example:

· A significant weakening of the readily achievable barrier        removal requirement for public   accommodations,

· A significant reduction of elements required to be accessible in state and local government facilities, and

· An exemption for all existing facilities from the new recreation and playground rules,

Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) recently circulated an alert regarding this information requesting comments to be sent to the Department of Justice on behalf of the disability community.  MILP staff along with many other disability related organizations participated in this. 

We hope that our efforts help to encourage a strong, comprehensive ADA.

              The 2008 Olympic Games began in Beijing,

as of 08-08-2008.  We at MILP thought this was an opportune time to share with our readers a little bit of Olympic history.  We have selected to highlight three of many athletes with disabilities who have been included in the Olympics. 

              Neroli Fairhall was a gold medalist in archery at the 1982 Commonwealth Games and the first wheelchair athlete to compete at an Olympics.  She won a gold medal for New Zealand at the Brisbane Commonwealth Games and placed 35^th when she broke ground for competitors with disabilities at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. 

She was also a gold medalist at the Paralympics and a national champion and record-holder throughout her career. 

Fairhall’s appearance at the Olympics was questioned when some

rivals suggested she had an advantage in shooting from a sitting position.  When asked if that were so, she replied “I don’t know.  I’ve never shot standing up.”

Marla Runyan, a

professional distance runner and motivational speaker, is a two time Olympian (2000 and 2004) in the 1500m and 5000m run.  She gained

international recognition in 2000 as the first-ever legally blind track athlete to compete in the Olympic Games. 

At age 9, Runyan was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease, a juvenile form of macular degeneration.  Her vision deteriorated to 20/400 in both eyes, making her legally blind.  She competed in gymnastics and soccer as a child until her vision prevented her from playing.  She then took up track and field where she excelled in high-jump in high-school and picked up the heptathlon in college.  Twice, she ranked nationally in the heptathlon and placed 10^th at the 1996 Olympic Trials where she also broke the heptathlon 800m record and began training for the mid-distances.  Afterward, she underwent foot and knee surgery and then reemerged in 1999 winning the Pan American Games 1500m.  She then went on to compete in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic games, placing 8^th in the 1500m in 2000.  She has placed in several marathons and recently won the Twin Cities Marathon in 2006, just 13 months after giving birth to her daughter Anna Lee. 

www.marlarunyan.com

Jim Abbott, having been born with one hand, was the 15^th player to ever make a professional debut in the Major Leagues.

Abbot won 12 games with 3.92 ERA in his rookie

season.  He was also a Gold Medal Olympian for the American baseball team. 

Abbott was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays shortly after high-school graduation; however, he went to the University of Michigan on a baseball scholarship where he had a career record of 26 wins and 8 losses.  Abbott went on to become a member of Team USA in 1987 and became the first American pitcher in 25 years to beat a Cuban team on Cuban soil.  He then participated in the 1988 Summer Olympic Games, leading the US to the gold medal in a 5-3 victory over Japan.  This was the United States first ever gold medal in Olympic Baseball

competition. 

After the Olympics, Abbott joined the CA Angels without ever playing in the minor leagues.  He threw a no-hitter for the NY Yankees at Yankee Stadium in 1993. 

In addition to his many awards and accomplishments as a star baseball player, Abbott has won such awards as the March of Dimes Athlete of the Year (twice), the Academy Awards of Sports-Courage Award, the 1991 Victory Award at the Kennedy Center Washington D.C., and the Freedom

Forum’s Free Spirit Award. 

www.jimabbott.info

Independent Living (IL) Tech-Butte

              My name is Krystal Barnett; I was hired July 7, 2008 as the part- time IL Tech in MILP’s Butte office. I came to Montana Independent Living Project after graduating this May from Montana Tech with an associate’s degree in medical office. I worked as a C.N.A prior to college, which gave me experience working with people with disabilities. I enjoy helping to make a difference in peoples lives and, therefore, MILP seemed to be a great fit for me. Working for MILP is a great opportunity to help the community in which I live. My first project here involves

accessibility of mammography sites and I am thrilled to be involved in this project.

I hope to learn more about MILP and our services and to be able to offer more to individuals with disabilities within the community. 

IL Specialist/SDPAS Program Manager-Bozeman

My name is Rae Swenson.  I am a Bozeman resident and I love the outdoors and mountains.  I enjoy road biking, running and hiking.  I am also an avid reader and am beginning to consider Margaret Atwood among my favorite authors of all time.  My greatest joys are spending time with my partner, Ben, my friends, and my three cats.

I finished my

Masters’ in counseling at MSU in May 2008, and I love working with people in all kinds of capacities.  I have worked with children with autism and cerebral palsy through volunteering and while teaching preschool in China.  I interned at a non-profit counseling clinic last year where I learned a great deal about working with a    variety of people. 

It is my goal at MILP to build  and expand the Bozeman branch to better serve our consumers.  I plan to network within the

community and increase communication between agencies in Bozeman and other communities. 

I am currently learning as much as I can about disability, disability issues, and the various services we can provide at MILP. 

I am very excited to be working with MILP and can’t wait to get to know all of the consumers in the area as well as my co-workers.  I feel privileged to work with this organization and, while I have a lot to learn, I feel very excited to get started. 

MILP, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation, has begun developing a new consumer-designed and driven transportation plan for individuals with disabilities. The Transportation Voucher Project will demonstrate the creative and innovative nature of those who value choice and the development of acceptable  options.  This adaptable model may involve recruiting a cadre of volunteer drivers who are available at differing times of the day to drive for people with disabilities.  Here is the view of one consumer who has worked with and followed the progress of the Transportation Voucher     Project:

               “I am a person with a disability living in Bozeman.  I recently moved here from Helena and I have relied on the public transportation systems in both cities since 2001. 

                In recent years, I have seen a lot of improvement in the availability and convenience of public transportation in this area.  I am impressed with the efforts made to

accommodate people with disabilities in public transportation, but the current system is not without its limitations.

                The Transportation Voucher Project would give people with disabilities the option to travel long-distances or attend evening and weekend events.  I am very excited to learn of the new Transportation Voucher Program activities and the progress being made.  I would definitely utilize this option if it became available to me.”

Elections Questions?

Call The Disability Rights Montana Hotline – 1 (866) 790-VOTE!

Do you have concerns about voting this year? The General Presidential Election is Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Are you ready? Would you like training?

Disability Rights Montana is there to help you vote. Call their free Elections Hotline (866) 790-VOTE (8683), if you have any questions, would like to schedule a training presentation, or if you need to arrange for a ride to your polling place on election day.

We would also like to encourage those of you who can help, to call Disability Rights Montana if you can provide transportation

in your area.

Your vote is your voice! All voters have the right to equal access

to the elections process. Be sure you are registered. If you need help, you have the right to ask for assistance or to designate a Voting Agent for help in any part of the voting process. Montana allows you to register until polls close, but to avoid the lines, we encourage you to sign up now and vote early.

Also helpful is the Montana Secretary of State’s Voter Hotline:

1-888-884-VOTE (8683).

For a full listing of your rights as a voter with disabilities, contact the free Elections Hotline (866) 790-VOTE (8683). Feel the power of voting independently!

To schedule voting rights training in your area, please call our Elections Hotline (866) 790-VOTE (8683).

              Summer has come and gone here in Montana and now we’re gearing up for the longest season of the year: Winter. 

              Winter in Montana can be hard and the cost of heating is on the rise.  With the season fast

approaching, now’s the time to get prepared. 

              Here are some helpful tips to beat the cold this winter:

· Tips for keeping warm air in and cold air out:

° Make sure doors and windows close tightly and/or add weather striping or calk to seal out air leaks.

· Hints to help keep the high cost of electricity down:

° Remember to turn off the electrical appliances in rooms not in use,

° Only run the heat in the rooms you use,

° Use energy-saver, long-lasting light bulbs, and

° Make sure the furnace filters are kept clean.

· 15% of the heating expenses go towards heating water; help reduce this cost by:

° Keeping the hot water tank set to 120 degrees,

° Washing your clothes in cold  water can help you save up to $60 per year.

While weatherizing, remember to keep safety in mind.  Many homes in Montana contain a wood, pellet, and/or wood chip burning stove/fireplace or natural gas appliances and utilities.  These not only increase your risk of having a fire, but can produce harmful fumes  and gasses.  Here are some very important tips to help keep you   and your family safe:

° Place smoke detectors throughout your home (some fire-safety officials recommend a smoke detector in every room),

° Having a carbon monoxide alarm is always a good idea (especially for those who burn and/or use natural gas appliances), and

° Make sure all gas ranges are kept clean and work properly before use.

For assistance with your efficiency and safety needs this year, contact the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Office:

° Butte area- (406) 496-4975 or 800-382-1325.

° Helena area- (406) 447-1625 or 800-356-6544.

° Bozeman area- (406) 587-4486 or 800-289-0896.

                  In essence of Providing Independence for People with Disabilities, MILP is a participant in Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services, which focuses on consumer control.  This provides the consumer with the ability to find, hire, train, and dismiss Personal Care Assistants (PCA’s) independently.  Unlike many organizations, MILP also leaves it to the discretion of consumers whether or not to conduct background checks when hiring PCA’s.  MILP is always here to educate and assist in the background check process; however, the consumer will be responsible for any associated costs (approx $10.00 or $11.00 online)  The following are some helpful tips for finding and hiring good PCA’s.

· Contact friends and/or family that you trust,

· Talk with other people you know that have PCA’s,

· Contact your local Job Service for assistance with advertising,

· Place an ad in the Newspaper,

· Contact local colleges and universities to place an ad in their campus news bulletins, and

· Obtain a copy of MILP’s PCA Pool List.

The United States Department of Educations’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) serves student populations, promotes equal educational opportunities, and resolves complaints of discrimination under federal civil rights laws.

You can contact the U.S. Department of Educations’ OCR at:

Office for Civil Rights, Seattle Office

U.S. Department of Education

915 Second Avenue, Room 3310

Seattle, WA 98174-1099

Telephone: (206) 220-7900

FAX: (206) 220-7887

TDD: (206) 220-7907

E-Mail: OCR.Seattle@ed.gov

              My name is Ken and I am currently employed at MILP as an Independent Living Specialist. When I was young, I worked at many labor related jobs.  In 1963,     I was injured in an industrial accident while working as a derrick hand on an oil rig in eastern Montana.   I lost my left hand at the wrist and my right arm in that accident.  As a result of the accident, I was unable to continue working in that industry. 

During the next ten years, while attending college classes, I worked part-time at any job that I could get, like pumping gas or farm work, all labor intensive and for minimum wage.  None of these jobs held any kind of future for me, nor did they pay enough to support my family. 

After completing a Bachelor’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis in sociology and a    minor in special education, as well as completing the academics for a Masters’ degree in Vocational      Rehabilitation (VR), I was able to obtain permanent employment with sufficient pay for supporting myself and my family.  I worked as a VR Counselor and    Supervisor  for the State of Montana.  After 25 years, I retired from the State and am now semi-retired and employed at MILP.

If it were not for my education, I would never have made much more than minimum wage and I would not be able to have the lifestyle that I now   enjoy.  Though there were many bumps in the road,   I am now very satisfied with my life.  I encourage  everyone with or without disabilities to get the best education available to them and to succeed in their own walks of life.  No matter your physical/mental limitations, success is always within reach.

Six Myths of Bottled Water

Bottled water-- a more than $10 billion industry--is the fastest-growing beverage category in the U.S. But is it really good for you? Here's the truth behind the top six bottled water myths:

1. Bottle Water is Better than Tap Water

Not necessarily. Labels often read “fresh from the Alps” or “Natural Spring Water”; however, between 25 and 40 percent of bottled water comes from U.S. municipal water supplies. Bottling companies often buy the water and filter it, and some add minerals for flavor. This doesn’t imply that the water is unhealthy, actually the EPA closely monitors municipal water supplies and the FDA strictly regulates bottled water facilities.  So, bottled or tap, you’re often getting the same water.

2. Purified Water Tastes Better

The "purest" water — distilled PH 7 water with no minerals or salts — tastes flat.  It’s sodium, calcium, magnesium, and chlorides that give water its flavor.  The “off” taste that you may notice in tap water is chlorine, used to preserve cleanliness when transporting the    water through a city water system.

3. Bottled Water with added Vitamins, Minerals, or Proteins is Healthier than Regular Water

Vitamins, color, herbs, protein, and any additions to water are a marketing ploy.  Plus, the additives are usually a scant serving of the vitamins you really need in a day  and enhanced waters usually contain sugars and artificial flavorings to sweeten the deal and can pack more calories than diet soda. And, when it comes to providing fluoride, tap water usually wins, though that element is increasingly being added to bottled waters.

4. You Need Eight 8-Ounce Glasses of Water a Day

It’s true, the Institute of Medicine recommends about 91 ounces (a little more than 11 8-ounce glasses) of fluid daily for women. But here's the catch: It expects 80 percent of that to come from water, juice, coffee, tea, or other beverages and the remaining 20 percent from food. That means if you drink a 12-ounce cup of coffee and a 12-ounce can of soda, you only need 48 more ounces for the day.

5. After an Intense Workout, Bottled Water is Best

The key to exercising is staying hydrated. For less intense workouts, regular water is fine.  If your workout is particularly intense or you exercise for more than an hour, you need to      replace the water and    electrolytes that you've lost by drinking an electrolyte solution (sports drinks).

6. Water Bottles are Easy on the Environment        Because They Can Be     Recycled

Wouldn’t it be nice?  Sad fact is: it's not just the     bottles. Eco-costs include manufacturing, trucking, shelving, and marketing.  Meeting the annual U.S. demand for plastic bottles requires enough oil to keep 100,000 cars on the road for a year.  Sure, the 70 million empty water bottles the U.S. produces per day can be recycled, but sadly, about 86% of them end up in the trash.