DD Quarterly Fall 2001

DD Quarterly is produced by AXIS Center for Public Awareness.

Medicaid Buy-In Campaign featured at DD Council annual conference

Attendees learned why the ability to earn more income while holding onto and purchasing Medicaid benefits makes good economic sense for the state, nation and for those who depend on important medical benefits for good health and the ability to function.

The session also served as a strategic rallying point to educate citizens about what they could do to help MBI become a reality in Ohio.

Allen Jensen, director of the Work Incentives Project at George Washington University in Washington, D. C., offered a national perspective, while Ohio State Senators Bill Harris (R-19), and Eric Fingerhut (D-25) both expressed why they support MBI and how individuals can help the cause by advocating for it in an informed and steadfast manner.

"Everything we do is prompted by contact from constituents," Fingerhut said. Both legislators said that such contact should be made with a full understanding of the issue.

Jensen compared United States social supports with those of underdeveloped nations. "They [poor nations] do not have the kind of social infrastructure and social assurance programs that we have," he said, noting that Social Security is the bedrock social program in the United States.

In every decade since the 1950s, major support programs affecting people with disabilities were established. "Policies are statements of our values," he said. But when the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 didn't include authorization for some infrastructure grants many expected, the movement toward MBI began.

The first states to approve MBI were Vermont, Minnesota and Oregon. Currently, 14 states have an MBI plan or approved, pending legislation, and 27 additional states have pending legislation or significant advocacy support to establish a plan.

"The continuation of Medicaid is essential, but not totally sufficient," Jensen said. "You need a comprehensive approach." Jensen proposed addressing the MBI issue the way several other states had: "As a comprehensive, person-centered employment issue."

MBI can strengthen the economic and social fabric of the United States by allowing people with disabilities to work and earn more income than current Medicaid rules permit, and retain and purchase Medicaid coverage on a sliding fee scale according to income.

As workers, citizens with disabilities would support local, state and federal tax bases and subsequently own more discretionary income, which they could use in many ways, such as in building savings accounts, purchasing clothing and other items, or by supporting businesses such as restaurants and entertainment venues.

"It's a win for the nation. It's a win for the economy," Fingerhut said.

Employers throughout the state also win with MBI by instantly gaining access to a larger pool of employees previously made unavailable to them. Harris and Fingerhut have been educating their colleagues about MBI. "Every bit that we do now is that much more that would put us ahead," Harris said. "We will keep the pressure on to keep this moving forward."

While MBI is a federal initiative, it is up to each state to endorse the ways in which its Medicaid program is operated. Strategically, the time is now to begin advocating for the program so legislators can add an MBI plan into the next state budget, which takes effect in two years.

Fingerhut, a former U. S. Congressman, and former associate director of Cleveland Works, a nationally recognized welfare to work program, said every person's abilities can make a positive and large-scale impact. "There isn't anybody who can't contribute to the dynamism of our society," he said. "We can't afford to lose a single individual who can contribute to the American economy."

Fingerhut likened MBI's promise to Ohio's past success with welfare reform. "We turned a policy that kept people out of the workforce and turned it into a policy that put them in the workforce." Without MBI, the state is maintaining a counterproductive policy. "We are literally forcing people to stay home and have their hand out," Fingerhut said.

Harris, who recently chaired the Ticket to Work Program Evaluation Committee, said total implementation of MBI would cost the state $20.5 million, a small fraction of the state's $45 billion budget. He said 12,000 individuals would qualify for the plan.

Cris Fulford, executive director of ATTAIN, Inc. of Indianapolis, Ind., explained some advocacy strategies she used to secure MBI in her state. "You've got to do this in such a way that you are united in what you are saying," she said. "What really sells this piece is your credibility."

Jack Hillyard, executive director of the Employment Policy Group at the University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development, provided a business perspective and suggested that MBI advocates link with and educate those in the business community who are studying the topic, such as chambers of commerce and trade associations. "We presented people with disabilities not as users of the system but as solutions to problems," Hillyard said.

Sukey Barnum, chief of the Bureau of Consumer and Program Support of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, said the department supports MBI, but with one caveat. "We don't want any old program, we want one that is well-administered," she said. Barnum said the department pursued and received infrastructure grants to study the feasibility of MBI. Such grants provide data the department can offer to the administration and to legislative bodies during the budgeting process, she added.

A panel of four Ohioans interested in the passage of MBI also spoke at the conference and shared their personal perspectives of why MBI is needed in Ohio.

Doug DeVoe, director of Ohio Advocates for Mental Health, and the project director for DD Council's MBI Advocacy Grant, presented many suggestions on what conferees and others can do in Ohio to strengthen the grassroots advocacy efforts for MBI. "People need to hear how this impacts our lives and the lives of those people around us," he said. "The more personal stories we have the more impact our message is going to have."

He suggested people and organizations meet in all areas of the state to educate people with disabilities and advocates and to keep them informed about MBI. "Collaborate with groups in your area to promote MBI," he urged.

DeVoe also called upon conference attendees to invite state legislators, legislative candidates, and members of the media to local activities. "They need to meet people with disabilities. They need to know us," he said. Coordinating candidate's nights, meeting with local newspaper editorial boards, networking with businesses, and joining local public policy groups are also good ways to spread the word about MBI, DeVoe suggested.

Photo captions included:
Stuart Warshauer, outgoing chairman of ODDC, opened the conference by saying, "Medicaid Buy-In will be addressed today: making the federally authorized program available to all eligible Ohioans. It won't be easy. It will require the support of many advocates but the vision is clear. We've developed the facts and figures; we need to influence public policy. We will persist. We will succeed."

Speaking to the large audience, Senator Fingerhut explained, "We (legislators) have to be actively engaged with our constituents; that's our responsibility, but that also means that our constituents have to be actively engaged with us - and that's your responsibility... We need you to be active, aggressive, and in touch with your legislators."

In his closing remarks, Senator Harris emphasized, "I know I'm committed (to MBI), I know Senator Fingerhut is committed, and I know the other members of the committee are committed... If we do this together, we're going to make progress. And I think, based on all the reading I've done and the education I've been able to get from people, that we have a program that would be second to none in our nation - once we get it implemented."

Staff of DD Council's Public Awareness Project, the AXIS Center, produced and managed the Medicaid Buy-In Conference at the Hyatt Regency, Columbus. Council's MBI Advocacy Project, directed by Doug DeVoe (below), and Council's seven APPC sites, will direct MBI advocacy efforts across the state.

Allen Jensen, Director of Work Incentives Project at George Washington University, said, "What you see in this room, what was talked about here, and urged upon you by your state senators, was the result of creativity and joint efforts in states - by consumers, advocates, and policymakers in designing an MBI program."

Indiana's Cris Fulford and Iowa's Jack Hillyard presented valuable strategies for implementing MBI. Each discussed the actions they took to successfully get a Medicaid program adopted in their state.

Directors of Ohio's agencies addressed the luncheon crowd about their individual and their organization's commitment to establishing a Medicaid Buy-In program. At podium - Jeff Davis, Director of Constituent Services of the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Seated at the table: Administrator John Connelly, Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission; Director Tom Hayes, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services; Director Mike Hogan, Ohio Department of Mental Health; and Emcee Ken Campbell.

Sukey Barnum informed the participants that the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services had been awarded a federal Ticket to Work Medicaid Infrastructure grant. "We propose to do two primary things with the grant dollars. The first is to look at some of the administrative issues with regard to MBI. The second is to do a study of personal care services in Ohio."

Tom Fogarty, Disability Network of Ohio - Solidarity, Inc., said, "The current system is insane, and it has to be changed. It keeps us down. It keeps us from having a productive life and that's not healthy. Hopefully, we can get something done and hopefully the system can be changed to allow people with disabilities to work and earn more than what we can right now."

Panelist Diane Lardie, National Coordinator of the Universal Health Care Action Network, said," People with disabilities want what other human beings want. Work is part of how we define ourselves as human beings in a productive society. Work is a means of self-expression, an avenue to growth, a way to socialize. Medicaid Buy-In - allowing people to buy Medicaid coverage on a sliding scale - is a logical, economical, humane, and I submit overdue, step for Ohio to take."

RSC Commissioner Denise Weisenborn is responsible for pulling together the initial group of agencies and organizations that began to discuss MBI in the state. She described her circumstances, "I did go to law school; I've been a lawyer for 20 years. But I can't bill for all the hours that I work because if I did, I'd go over my Medicaid limit. I was told by no less than three agencies that what I needed to do was just quit working, just live off the system and work without pay."

Panelist Karla Lortz, Executive Secretary of Ohio's Governor's Council on People with Disabilities, explained, "One of the constant disincentives that we all hear is that of obtaining adequate and appropriate healthcare coverage. The risk of losing Medicare or Medicaid coverage is a far greater disincentive than a potential loss of income. It's absolutely impossible to expect Ticket to Work and the Workforce Incentives Improvement Act to have any impact on the employment of people with disabilities without Medicaid Buy-In. I hope that we can use today's momentum to educate legislators who up until now may not have known very much about Medicaid Buy-In, that we can carry it forward into the 2003-2004 budget, and that we will have the money to implement Medicaid Buy-In in Ohio."

How can you make Medicaid Buy-In happen in Ohio?

Join the Medicaid Buy-In campaign today!

Contact the director of DD Council's MBI project. Express your interest in joining advocates from all across the state - with and without disabilities - in working toward passage of an MBI program. Request a free planning guide that will give you some simple suggestions and tips about things you can do, individually or in groups.

Keep project staff informed of your efforts. Let them know when you'd like assistance organizing a meeting, training or other event. We'll send someone to help you and provide information about MBI.

Advocacy activities may begin with phone calls, writing letters, mailing fact sheets, or offering trainings to businesses. Activities may be as organized or as informal as you want to make them.

One of the most effective efforts is gathering and sharing personal stories that explain how MBI can improve people's lives.

However you decide to get involved, do it today!

Doug DeVoe MBI Project Director, 5022 Sinclair Rd. Columbus, OH 43229 (800) 589-2603 v/tty oamhddevoe@aol.com

Support Medicaid Buy-In

Order yours today and ask for several pins to give to people who share your dedication.

Free. Compliments of: Disability Policy Coalition (800) 429-8885 cpo@iwaynet.net

DD Council awards grant for Informal Caregiving

Informal caregiving is unpaid care provided voluntarily by family or friends to a person with a disability.

The five-year, $20,000 per year project is administered by Elder Care of the Ohio Valley, which also will develop the care plans.

The Safe Harbor Project, as it is now called, uses best practices from other areas that have studied the "double jeopardy" issue said Tim Dransfield, president of Elder Care of the Ohio Valley. In this context, double jeopardy refers to two sets of interests - those of an aging parent and those of an adult child with disabilities who both are at risk without a plan. "Some families have made a plan, but they're not sure it will stand the test of time," he said. "A long-term care plan draws a circle around all an individual's needs."

The project stresses the need for an emergency care plan to act as a safety net in case an elderly parent becomes ill or dies before creating the more extensive long-term plan.

Elder Care of the Ohio Valley is looking for families to participate in the Safe Harbor Project. The first year's goal is to identify and create care plans for 20 Southeast Ohio families. Currently, there are two families in the program.

The people with disabilities will take active roles in defining the emergency and long-term plans. In these early days of the program, Dransfield said he has noticed hesitancy by elderly caregiving parents to confront the fact that a long-term care plan is needed. He believes the reluctance may stem from difficulties people have about discussing death.

Many parents who have supported their children for years also are leery of government programs that are created to help. Dransfield said developing a shorter-term, emergency plan is "more real" to aged, informal caregivers. Parents can more readily understand that their children will need care should the parent have to visit the hospital, for instance. After planning for short-term emergency care, the long-term plan is easier to accept.

The informal caregiving topic was brought to the forefront by DD Council member Elsie Helsel, of Athens, who at age 86 cares for her adult son who has multiple disabilities. "I'm concerned for what is going to happen to others who need care," Helsel said. She added that between 60 and 70 percent of all people with disabilities in Ohio still live at home and are cared for by their parents at their parents' expense.

Fatica Ayers, policy analyst for DD Council's Community Living Committee, said that informal caregiving translates to $169 billion nationwide. Within Ohio, informal caregiving reflects approximately $88 million that is paid by families and not the state budget. Without long-term care plans, much of that amount would be shifted to state programs with a devastating consequence. "The impact would be great. The problem is bigger than what we really think," Ayers said.

Long-term care plans also document the extent of care each person with a disability needs, and will allow state agencies to better prepare budgets. DD Council will be able to provide the state legislature with sophisticated information, so lawmakers can then take proactive measures for the future influx of caregiving demands.

According to Leah Holden, administrative assistant in the Ohio Department of MRDD Community Services division, there are currently 13,000 Ohioans with disabilities aged 22 and older who live with families. Of that, 4,794 are age 40 and older. Many in both of those groups live with elderly parents who support them. A book will be prepared using the data and instructions gathered to teach all Ohio counties how to prepare long-term care plans for families and friends who provide informal care-giving to adults with disabilities.

Planned Lifetime Assistance Network (PLAN) of Southeast Ohio is the program's fiscal agent.

For more information about the Safe Harbor Project, call: Tim Dransfield, Elder Care of the Ohio Valley, 28 Euclid Ave., Athens OH 45701, (740) 594-7526, (888) 515-7526, timdrans@frognet.net

Elsie D. Helsel, Ph. D. honored for lifetime of advocacy

During his announcement of this award - named in Dr. Helsel's honor - ODDC Chairman Stuart Warshauer related just a few of Helsel's many accomplishments. As first chairman of DD Council when it was established in 1971, Elsie was, and continues to be, a driving force in promoting community inclusion and productivity for individuals with developmental disabilities.

She became known as one of the "mothers" of the DD Act after her pioneering work with Elizabeth Boggs in creating the Developmental Disabilities Act.

Elsie credits the birth of her son Robin, who was born with cerebral palsy, with giving her the purpose and passion for what became her life's work. She established and opened the first United Cerebral Palsy office in Washington, DC and served on its Board of Directors. Dr. Helsel has chaired the President's Committee on Mental Retardation and the Ohio Governor's Special Education Advisory Council. She holds a PhD. in genetics and a Masters Degree in Special Education.

She is a former director of the Center for Human Development at Ohio University, and a professor emeritus of Ohio University's College of Education. She currently is serving as Member Emeritus of ODDC.

Photo captions include:
DD Council chairman Stuart Warshauer presents Council's first Advocacy Award to Elsie D. Helsel as Ken Campbell, David Zwyer and Beverly Johnson look on.

Dr. Helsel, who has a son with developmental disabilities, and Mr. Warshauer, who has a daughter with developmental disabilities, have worked for many years to improve the quality of life and provide opportunities for people of all ages with disabilities.

Elsie Helsel formed, and for many years served as president, of Cerebral Palsy Association of Ohio. To show appreciation of her many years of devoted service, Beverly Johnson, executive director of CPO, presented flowers and best wishes.

Computer program becomes a tool for independence

Abi Pittenger, 30, of Delaware, who has a developmental disability, has used the voice and photo touch screen-prompt system since July to get ready for work, go shopping, clean house, prepare meals, and do numerous everyday activities.

"I love it," Abi, a stock clerk at the Goodwill in Delaware, said.

Her mother, Debbie Pittenger, has noticed the difference the system has made for her daughter. "Abi doesn't have a sense of timing. This gives her that sense, and what she needs to be doing to get herself ready to be somewhere at the proper time," she said.

The Visions System was created by former Columbus area residents Nancy and Bill Baesman, now of Littleton, Colorado. The Baesmans were encouraged to develop the product for wider use after friends noticed how independent the couple's daughter, Stacie, had become by using a homemade voice and picture prompt system her mother developed for her.

Stacie, who has a developmental disability, now lives in her own townhome and has a roommate who does not have a disability and who is not a caregiver for her.

There is no typical or ideal candidate for the Visions System, because each person has a different level of potential the product can reach, Nancy Baesman said, but those who have just left institutions might find the system useful in their goal of greater independence. The system is also marketed to parents who have disabilities, as well as senior citizens who need reminders to begin and complete tasks. About 50 people nationwide use the system.

"The system provides a routine and consistency," Nancy said. "The self-esteem that grows with a system like this is phenomenal."

Prior to obtaining the Visions System, Abi Pittenger lived in an assisted living center that functioned more like a group home. That lifestyle became one of being cared for rather than one in which she took control, said Debbie Pittenger. Today, Abi lives in her own apartment and has a roommate who does not have a disability and is not an attendant.

"The difference its made is with Abi's independence and with her self-confidence," Debbie said. "With the Visions System, she pretty much determines what her life is."

That pleases Bob Morgan, superintendent of the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DCBDD). "I think we've got to start looking at this. It provides so much independence," he said. "Having a staff does not breed independence, it just promotes dependence."

Cheryl Archer, director of Individual Supports at DCBDD, has seen a new Abi emerge." I see Abi taking a lot more initiative. She isn't waiting for something to happen, or waiting for somebody to tell her what to do next. She's setting that. It's been kind of nice to see that," she said.

Archer said the DCBDD approved purchasing the equipment with portable monies when it realized it would reduce the dollars spent on other supports. Currently, Abi has an assistant visit for three hours a day to help with socialization skills and to teach her to use the computer system even more.

The goal is to reduce those support hours as she becomes more adept with the system.

Supported living dollars can be applied to purchasing the Visions System, Archer added.

While the cost of the system varies depending on whether both voice and photo prompts are needed, Debbie Pittenger helped to cut the cost to the board by 50 percent by doing much of the customization herself. That effort amounted to some 200 hours of taking photos of people, places, and items familiar to her daughter, and scanning the photos into the system.

Baesman said Medicaid has expressed an interest in providing financial assistance for purchasing the system, but there is no firm information about that possibility in Ohio. Medicaid policies vary in each state, she said.

The Visions System also helps Abi Pittenger cook meals, providing step-by-step photo and voice guidance for a wide selection of meals. The system user chooses preferences by touching the appropriate photo.

For example, a cooking segment offers a screen with two photos - one place setting or two place settings - to signify meals for one or two. It's up to the user to touch the photo that matches his or her choice. The steps to complete the meal follow in a very basic sequence.

Photo captions include:
Abi Pittenger, Delaware, uses a software program with a touch screen to help her fix meals.

Pittenger takes photo books with her to do her grocery shopping. She makes her shopping list by learning the ingredients it takes to make a meal from her computer.

For more information, contact: Nancy Baesman, The Visions System, PO Box 2525, Littleton CO 80161, (888) 755-5484, or visit: www.thevisionssystem.com

Members of disability organizations welcome Tom Hayes, new director of ODJFS

Members of all ages and disabilities, and other people from the community, welcomed Mr. Hayes to our city. In his new position as director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Service, Hayes will be working with many of these people and this informal gathering provided an opportunity to get to know us.

This collaborative effort also provided a chance for people of different organizations to get together to discuss interests and issues - and for many, a chance to catch up with friends.

New DD Council staff have varied interests, but one focus: improving lives of people with developmental disabilities

Experienced staff handle fiscal responsibilities

She is responsible for all Council fiscal matters, including administering the grants program, developing grant application procedures and guidelines, conducting public meetings to announce grant funding, and providing information and technical assistance to grantees, preparing the annual budget, and much more.

"Because of the nature of my job duties, there is not much direct contact with people with disabilities, however I feel that the fruits of my labor indirectly affect people with disabilities," she said.

Jones said her strength lies in being able to daily manage fiscal operations, while collecting and recording the information that permits the program to function efficiently and in compliance with regulations and requirements.

Her education includes secretarial science studies at the Washington School for Secretaries, and Accounting/Computer Science at Columbus State Community College.

Jones has lived in Columbus for 11 years and has a two-year old son, the joy of her life. She also enjoys reading, and listening to gospel music.

Robin Shipp, of Columbus, is now a Grants Coordinator with Council. She previously worked for the Ohio Department of Administrative Services.

Her responsibilities include the Empowerment Fund grant, used to assist persons with developmental disabilities and/or family members who are not able to provide upfront monies to attend conferences or committee/board meetings that strengthen advocacy skills.

She also will coordinate, monitor and evaluate MRDD participation in subgrantee programs, serve as a fiscal liaison on grant review panels, and approve subgrantee budget-related concerns.

Her key role will be to "assist those with developmental disabilities become more effective advocates," she said.

Shipp's hobbies include attending church, reading, taking spontaneous trips and walking. She has a five-year-old daughter.

She has attended Columbus State Community College with a major in accounting, and plans to receive her degree winter quarter.

Reid becomes Administrative Assistant

She is assisting with internal and external communication, meetings, reports and updating a variety of forms used for Council business. Reid cited her task flexibility as a key strength that has helped her to temporarily fill gaps as Council staff members have retired or moved on.

A Pickerington resident who enjoys volunteering as a docent at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Reid has a passion for pachyderms (elephants and rhinos). Last summer she spent time touring seven parks in Tanzania and Kenya.

Reid earned a liberal arts degree from Bowling Green State University.

She knows it takes teamwork to fulfill Council's mission. "It's all about what is best for people with disabilities and their families, and everyone is an important piece in that puzzle," she said.

Council welcomes Columbus resident Ken Latham as a Policy Analyst

Latham's work on Council is two-fold: Public policy and public awareness. He will maintain contact with the seven legislative sites in Ohio and will monitor ongoing legislation for its relevancy to Council's Public Policy committee.

He will increase public awareness of the DD Council through community outreach - disseminating materials and press releases to keep the media aware of disability issues.

A team player, Latham said he enjoys reaching common goals that eliminate issues that hinder people's means to do for themselves.

Latham earned an associates degree in business management from Columbus State Community College. A Vietnam veteran, Latham said he loves all types of music. He and wife Pat are choir members at church.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: Ohio Public Images Poster Contest

Contest theme is "That's What Friends Are For," and entries are being sought to present the positive similarities between children with and without disabilities in Ohio's communities.

Any student in grades 1-6 who is enrolled in a public, parochial, or private elementary school in Ohio may enter. Home-schooled Ohio students ages 5-11 also are invited to enter. Children with and without disabilities may take part.

London Mitchell, president of OPI, said the contest is an important project helping students toward "increasing the awareness, understanding and acceptance of their classmates with disabilities that will hopefully lead to friendships."

Completed posters must be 12" x 18" vertical or horizontal formats on poster board or similar weight paper of any color. Posters should address the acceptance and inclusion of children with and without disabilities in society, and convey some aspect of a person with a disability. Creativity is encouraged.

Prizes will be awarded in two groups, Grades 1-3, and Grades 4-6. First Prize: a $200 U.S. Savings Bond; Second Prize: a $100 U.S. Savings Bond; Third Prize: a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. Honorable Mention certificates and ribbons also will be awarded.

Winning entries will be displayed at the Ohio Statehouse March 1, 2002 as part of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Each school with a winning entry will receive $100 for art supplies.

Entry deadline is Dec. 31, 2001, and all entries must be mailed with an entry form to: That's What Friends Are For Art Contest, c/o CES of Wood Lane, 705 West Newton Rd., Bowling Green OH 43402. Do not fold entries.

Winners will be notified by mail on or before Feb. 15, 2002, and are non-returnable. All entries become the property of Ohio Public Images, Inc.

Ohio Public Images, Inc., a not-for-prof-it corporation established in 1983, promotes positive perceptions of people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.

For more detailed contest rules, visit: www.publicimagesnetwork.org or contact: London Mitchell, OPI, 2001 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo OH 43620, (419) 254-4069, (419) 244-9567 fax, info@publicimagesnetwork.org

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, Improving the lives of Ohioans with disabilities

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is a planning and advocacy group of 28 members appointed by the governor. ODDC receives and disseminates federal funds to create visions, influence public policy, pilot new approaches, empower individuals and families, and advocate system change.

8 East Long St., Ste. 1200 Columbus, OH 43215-2931 Toll free (800) 766-7426 Voice (614) 466-5205 TTY (614) 644-5530 Fax (614) 466-0298 www.ohio.gov/ddc

National Wheelchair Softball Tournament a hit in Columbus

Attracting the tournament to the state capital took about two years, said John Wall, tournament co-chair and an outfielder for the Columbus Pioneers wheelchair softball team. "You have to have a desire to do this, because it's a commitment," he said.

That meant ensuring accessibility for all athletes, and coordinating transportation for them from the airport to the hotels and the ball fields. Fourteen teams played in the double elimination tournament at Rhodes Park and the unobstructed parking lot at Cooper Stadium.

Wall said the campaign to bring the tournament to Ohio began with local team members showing photos of the Pioneers' wheelchair multi-sport field, built in 1999, to various league officials. "At the time it was built, (the field) was only the second of its kind in the nation," he said. Wall estimates five such fields with tennis court-like surfaces, exist today.

Ken Campbell, pitcher for the Pioneers, and a member of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, said volunteerism, and the field were key.

"Without a quality facility like this, it's difficult to bring a tournament in," he said.

Campbell added volunteers such as employees from Brecht's Paving, which provided equipment loading, and the Franklin County Board of MRDD, which transported the athletes, were important to the tournament's success. The Paralyzed Veterans of America organization also helped sponsor the event.

Wall was pleased with the community's support. "We received 100 percent cooperation from the Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau, as well as the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department," he said. "Everything you want done, it gets done. I can't say enough about them."

The Pioneers captured second place, while the St. Paul, MN, Rolling Thunder won the tournament.

Mary Beth Moore, therapeutic recreation manager with Columbus Recreation and Parks, was involved with the event from the start, as a member of its planning committee. She said that as Columbus officials prepare the city's master plan for park improvements, an additional wheelchair softball field has entered the discussion phase, possibly to be located just south of the Rhodes Park field. "We're working towards that," she said.

Athletes who traveled to Columbus for the event included Tim Thode, a right center fielder for the St. Paul, MN Rolling Thunder. "Coming to a national tournament like this, I get to see some of the guys I raced against and played basketball against," he said.

As for the fast-paced, action-packed sport, he said it helps maintain each athlete's circulation and muscle tone.

Players used sport wheelchairs, which are lower to the ground and provide a lower center of gravity and better balance. Highly inflated tires as well as the strength of the athletes helped produce high speeds to the bases, and many close plays. Cambered wheels ensured quick and accurate turns.

Softball fan Marilyn Ott, whose brother pitched for the Rolling Thunder team, said, "It gives you a whole new perspective on what's important in life, and it's not walking," she said. "Sometimes, they crash and fall out of their chairs, but they're not intimidated."

While a majority of athletes are men, some women, like Deb Quick, of Littleton, CO, played in the tournament. Quick played first base for the Colorado Rockies wheelchair softball team. That team, like several across the nation, are sponsored by Major League Baseball teams and carry their names and logos.

"I'd love to have enough women players so we could have our own league," Quick said.

For more information about the Columbus Pioneers Wheelchair Softball team, the Ohio Wheelchair Sports Association, or about forming a team in your community, contact: John Wall, 979 Elcliff Dr., Westerville OH 43081, (614) 899-9641, (614) 899-0827 fax

OSU shows commitment to accessibility

Geiger is 2002 President of the Board of Trustees of Easter Seals. AXIS director Sue Willis and DD Council member Ken Campbell also serve on the board.

Photo captions included:
Rows of accessible seating surround the stadium at several levels. Removable chairs allow for wheelchairs, scooters and companion seating.

The Huntington Club was a gathering place for people with disabilities who were touring Ohio Stadium.

High school students share skills, interests and laughs at Youth Leadership Forum

Delegates listened to a variety of speakers and participated in lively discussions about independence, leadership, assistive technology, education, careers, and much more.

Returning for his third year, Ted Kennedy, Jr. greeted many of his "old friends" and welcomed newcomers. Opening his presentation, he discussed his disability and how it led to his career as a disability law attorney. He said, "A Harris Poll found that 75% of people with disabilities feel a connection to other people with disabilities. It's something we intuitively understand."

"My family believes that everyone can make a difference, " he explained. "Becoming effective advocates does not necessarily mean we all have to be people who can speak in public. It's not necessarily what we say. It's just by being there that we can make a difference."

Kennedy strongly urged the audience to register and vote. "Only 62% of people with disabilities are registered to vote. And that compares to 78% of all adults," he said. He stressed that politicians know we don't vote, so why should they spend time fighting for our issues? "Over 90% of seniors vote," he explained. "That's why legislators work on so many of their issues."

He encouraged these upcoming leaders to get involved. "Run for student government, get on transportation boards, have parents run for school boards. Get involved at every level of government... and get at the table," he exclaimed.

Kennedy showed his commitment to this conference and its youth by offering to meet and speak with each delegate following his presentation. And the students took him up on this gesture by lining up for autographs, handshakes and photos.

Swim coach Bill Wadley of The Ohio State University was somewhat intimidated by having to speak right after such a celebrity as Ted Kennedy. But in no time, he had the delegates motivated and energized - similar to the way he must encourage his team members.

He opened his program by asking, "How many of us have talents and abilities that we don't use?" He continued by stressing that we all need to develop our human potential. He shared his ten positive points to developing the champion in you - a theory he uses to build his teams.

1. Self-esteem: Believe you're important.
2. Pride: Pushes us to compete; encourages excellence.
3. Positive self-thought: Brains think quicker than we can talk; be "in the moment."
4. Work ethic: Choose to do something you love, and do it to the best of your ability.
5. Be responsible: Set goals and take responsibility for yourself.
6. Be coachable/teachable: Be a sponge; be able to ask for help.
7. Believe in your opinions: They are important; they matter.
8. Create realistic dreams: Go for them.
9. Focus: Have a singular, most important thing in your life.
10. Develop an unlimited number of goals: Few of us can develop all our capabilities, so go for many.

Coach Wadley led a lively question and answer session with the participants, many of whom wanted to know how to get involved in sports activities.

On the final day of the forum, delegates visited the Statehouse, heard from various policymakers, and had an opportunity to meet their representatives. At noon all forum participants met with members of the community at a Mentor Luncheon at the Hyatt on Capitol Square.

Governor Bob Taft opened the program by congratulating the student leaders in the room. He got their attention by saying, "There are no limits to what you can achieve! I encourage you to pursue your dreams."

Ohio's 67th Governor said, "I believe you are living in a good state." He spoke about many programs that have recently been implemented to assist people with disabilities. He pointed out, "The Governor's residence is now accessible. It's your responsibility to come through the door."

At the Annual Meeting of Governor's Council, two delegates thanked the YLF organizers and sponsors and expressed their desire that the event "will go on forever."

Brandon Coleman is a senior at Northland High School in Columbus. He described some of his experiences at YLF..." I really learned a lot from those four days. Meeting different people with disabilities was a great experience.

"I was really happy to see Ted Kennedy who came to speak to us. I was really shocked that he made time in his busy schedule to come and speak to us. He really influenced me."

Jonathon Bartholomy, Maumee, thanked the people for selecting him to come to the forum. He then continued..." I really felt that this was an unbelievable experience. It opened my eyes to many, many things. I was able to realize that I am not the only one in my situation. I was very proud and very honored to meet so many different people.

"We had a great experience at the dance, at the talent show, at the statehouse listening to all the speakers, and I'll never forget it. It's an experience of a lifetime. And I hope that I will come back next year and influence others as this has influenced me."

In addition to Governor's Council, sponsors of YLF include: Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission and Ohio Department of Education.

Photo captions included:
Attorney Ted Kennedy, Jr.; Delegate Brandon Coleman; Delegate Jonathon Bartholomy; OSU swim coach Bill Wadley; and GCPD chairman Wayne Cocchi introduces Governor Bob Taft.

Ohio high school students with disabilities - You are invited to apply for the 2002 Youth Leadership Forum July 29 -August 1 Columbus, Ohio. For an application or more information, contact: Governor's Council on People with Disabilities 400 E. Campus View Blvd. Columbus, OH 43235-4604 800-282-4536 ext. 1391 v/tty www.state.oh.us/gcpd Deadline to apply: January 31, 2002

Accessibility a capital concern for citizens visiting State Office Tower

These individuals may be unable to gain entrance into the building because no traditional swinging doors flank the revolving door. According to the Americans with Disability Act, traditional doors must be installed for equal access. Those who use walkers, crutches, manual or power chairs, or service dogs find it difficult if not impossible and dangerous to use revolving doors.

Above ground accessibility into the Rhodes Tower also is compromised by heavy newspaper boxes that line the sidewalk beside handicapped parking spaces. People who have vans that deploy lifts cannot gain entrance to the ground level of the building due to these barriers.

A complaint has been lodged with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission regarding the inaccessibility by people with disabilities to this state office building.

What about accessibility in your community? If you become aware of problems, contact your local ADA coordinator.

For more information, contact: ADA-OHIO, 700 Morse Rd., Ste 101, Columbus OH 43214, (800) 232-6446 v, (800) 232-2321 tty, www.ada-ohio.org

Have a mobility impairment? If fire breaks out when you're home alone, be prepared to act!

Fire Drill

When someone yells "Fire!" people usually listen. And they either panic or act quickly and decisively. What they don't do is grab a back issue of this newsletter to review recommendations! That's why right now is a perfect time to read this and think about what you should do, should fire happen. If you have a mobility impairment, you would be at a distinct disadvantage in a fire. It's worse if you are alone and in bed at the time.

Basic Instructions

• Don't smoke in bed. This is a no-brainer.
• Keep tabs on electrical safety by checking your home regularly. Are outlets overloaded? Do you roll, day after day, over electrical cords buried under carpets?
• Have several smoke alarms throughout your house, and one in your bedroom. Check and replace their batteries regularly. Better yet, have a hard-wired (interconnected) smoke-alarm system. That way if one alarm goes off, they all do, and you'll hear the warning no matter where you are or where the fire is.
• If you have a bedroom fire alarm, sleep with your bedroom door closed.
• Develop a fire evacuation plan. It's crucial that you identify and practice two different routes out of your house.

About that second route: It doesn't have to be perfect. If it's a back or side door, you must be able to open it and get yourself through it, outside, and away from the house. This could mean rolling down a steep ramp; holding onto a handrail, leaning forward and bouncing yourself in your chair backward down several steps; or crawling or dragging yourself down steps. The point: You must have a plan, and you have to practice those things that you can do safely and without injury. In other words, don't risk hurting yourself in practice.

If you don't have a second door, consider a low first-floor window or a window that could be modified so you could open it easily. Could you wheel up next to it and literally pitch yourself out?

• Have your chair at your bedside. Even if you can't transfer, your chair should be there for anyone who arrives to assist you.
• Have a phone or call system within reach at your bedside.
• Call your local fire department now to see if they have or recommend a symbol to keep in your window that signals to them which room is yours. Also ask if they recommend any special alerting devices that connect directly to emergency services.
• Have a flashlight with working batteries in every room.
• If fire occurs, remember that your closed bedroom door will help keep it at bay. Also:
  -If you're able, put a wet towel along the crack at the bottom of your door to keep smoke out.
  -Keep another wet towel with you to wrap around your face and breathe through.
  -You may want to open your bedroom window and hang a towel, jacket, shirt, or some thing else out of it to make it clear you're there. Be calm and wait.
  -Smoke rises, so the floor will be smokeless the longest. If you go onto the floor, do so in an open area in the center of the room where someone entering the room can see you.

Remember that fire is a big risk, but it's also a pretty unlikely one. You know how it goes: the more prepared you are, the less likely it will ever happen!

Kenneth Gerhart works in the Research Department at Craig Hospital, Englewood, CO. Adapted with permission from Paraplegia News, April 2001.

Fire Safety Booklet

The 35-page report, Solutions 2000 - Advocating Shared Responsibilities for Improved Fire Protection, is available from: www.nfpa.org/EducationSolution.pdf

Content is especially appropriate for those who might train individuals in fire safety and for people in both group and home residential environments.

RESOURCES

Congress creates new disability office

The mission of ODEP is to bring a heightened and permanent longterm focus to the goal of increasing employment of people with disabilities. In addition to policy analysis, initiatives will include technical assistance and development of best practices, as well as outreach, education, constituent services, and promotion of its mission among employers.

In announcing the President's budget request for the Department of Labor, Secretary Elaine L. Chao said, "It is not only important to give people with disabilities training and access to assistive technology - but also the ability to become more active citizens in their communities."

ODEP, Department of Labor, 1331 F St., NW, Washington DC 20004-1107, (202) 276-6200 v, (202) 376-6205 tty, www.dol.gov/dol/odep

Win With Ability

This kit can help you conduct educational projects that advance the employment of people with disabilities. Numerous fact sheets can be duplicated:

• Statistics about People with Disabilities and Employment
• Recruitment! Recruitment! Recruitment!
• On the Job: Employers and Employees in their Own Words
• Employing People with Disabilities Q&A
• Supported Employment for People with the Most Significant Disabilities
• Facilitating Return-To-Work for Ill or Injured Employees
• Workforce Investment Act of 1998: Its Application to People with Disabilities

Free. Governor's Council on People with Disabilities, 400 E. Campus View Blvd., Columbus OH 43235, (800) 282-4563 ext. 1391 v/tty, marcella.eblin@rsc.state.oh.us

These fact sheets, as well as others that appeared on the former President's Committee's website, can be accessed at www.dol.gov/dol/odep

Easy Things to Make... to Make Things Easy: Simple Do-It-Yourself Home Modifications for Older People and Others with Physical Limitations

Easy to use guide to low cost equipment and modifications for the home environment. All of the adaptations can be made easily and inexpensively, using common materials. Chapters contain suggestions for the bathroom and washing up, bedroom and getting dressed, kitchen and meal time, living room and leisure activities, housekeeping and getting around, and outdoor activities and home security.

Each section includes:

• Step-by step instructions
• Lists of commercially available products
• Safety and other tips to make areas more usable
• Help for caregivers balancing concerns with a person's wishes to be self-sufficient

109pp. $15.95 plus $5.95 S&H. Brookline Books. 1997. Mouth, PO Box 558, Topeka KS 66601-0558, www.mouthmag.org

The ADA and Public Schools: Access for All

Provides an overview of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

• Relation of ADA to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

ADA's administrative requirements (ADA coordinator, self-evaluation, transition plan, etc.)

• Definition of disability
• General nondiscrimination requirements
• Employment
• Program and facility accessibility
• Effective communication requirements

Illustrates inclusive and integrated school settings with students, teachers, parents and staff from rural, suburban and urban school districts.

$30. ADA National Access for Public Schools Project, Adaptive Environments Center, 374 Congress St., Ste. 301, Boston MA 02210, (800) 893-1225 v/tty, www.adaptenv.org

Accessibility Comes Home

Funding by Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, Ohio Brain Injury Association and Ohio Legal Rights Service

Promotes home accessibility modifications as a cost effective way to provide housing and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Features strong, personal statements by people with disabilities and their families about the advantages and importance of living in an accessible home.

Explains how several different renovations by Creative Housing were planned. Also emphasizes the benefits of investing in private home modifications from both a funding and human point of view.

Great resource for advocates trying to help human service systems become more responsive to accessibility issues.

Free to organizations advocating for accessible housing. Supply is limited.

Contact: Creative Housing Incorporated, 2233 City Gate Dr., Columbus OH 43219, (614) 418-7725

If you are a driver with a disability

Do you have difficulty finding a gas station that will pump gas at self-serve pumps for you?

Or do you know of station employees that provide quality service to people with disabilities?

Governor's Council on People with disabilities, in collaboration with the Ohio Petroleum Marketers Association, Ohio Petroleum Council, Ohio Petroleum Retailers Association, and AXIS are alerting station managers to their responsibilities in providing service to customers with disabilities. We need to be able to cite specific examples, so we'd like to hear from you. Call or e-mail:

1-800-231-2947 v/tty axiscenter@aol.com

For a brochure that describes the rights and responsibilities of drivers with disabilities and/ or station owners, contact: Governor's Council on People with Disabilities, 400 E. Campus View Blvd., Columbus OH 43235, (800) 282-4563 ext. 1391 v/tty, marcella.eblin@rsc.state.oh.us

All resources listed in DD Quarterly are available from AXIS library, (800) 231-2947, axiscenter@aol.com

Promote Medicaid Buy-In

Share them with other advocates and give them to policymakers when you talk with them about adopting the program.

You may request one piece - or dozens. Free to Ohioans who are increasing awareness of Medicaid Buy-In.

"Orange barrel" magnets and buttons available from: Ohio Legal Rights Service (800) 282-9181 (614) 644-1888 fax webmaster@olrs.state.oh.us

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council Improving the lives of Ohioans with disabilities

DD Quarterly is available in large print and on audiocassette, upon request.

Please pass this copy to others who could benefit from it. If you, or someone you know, would like to be added to the mailing list, please call AXIS.

Toll free in Ohio, v/tty: (800) 231-2947; In central Ohio, v/tty: (614) 262-8124 ; Fax: (614) 267-4550; E-mail: axiscenter@aol.com; Website: http://www.axiscenter.org

AXIS STAFF : Sue Willis, project director; Vince McGuire, photographer; Kelley Femia, designer; Beth Kramer, writer/editor; Shari Veleba, writer; Kim Ryan, audio recording; Joyce Talkowski, assistant; Donna Kinney, assistant

Copyright 2001. Content may be reprinted upon request.

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