DD Quarterly Spring 2001

DD Quarterly is produced by AXIS Center for Public Awareness.

Welcome

As always, we encourage you to let us know what you would like to see in future issues.

An estimated 2,000 people with mental illnesses, families, providers, administrators and advocates gathered at the Statehouse to advocate for more funding for public mental health services in Ohio. Ohio is only 29th in the nation in per capita funding.

The Governor's budget proposal for the next two years calls for a small increase in the first year of the budget and a decrease the second year. After covering pay raises for employees mandated by collective bargaining agreements, funding for community mental health programs will be lower than it currently is.

The Coalition for Health Communities has submitted a budget proposal to the Governor and members of the Ohio General Assembly calling for $98 million in new funds for the Ohio Department of Mental Health:

• To protect the "safety net" of basic services;
• To improve treatment, particularly related to the newer generation of medications that have been more effective;
• To improve services to children;
• To increase employment opportunities for people with severe mental illnesses;
• To increase available, affordable housing; and
• To provide better services to people with mental illnesses in jails and prisons.

Twenty-two legislators asked to address the rally and 57 senators and representatives wanted to lunch with constituents in the State House Atrium to discuss funding needs for people with mental illnesses.

The rally was sponsored by the Coalition for Health Communities, and the Healthy Lives/ Healthy Communities committee that has been working on a citizens proactive budget for the past 18 months. The Coalition represents 25 state organizations that have an interest in improving the funding and quality of care for people with mental illnesses in Ohio.

To announce the rally, Coalition members delivered a pizza to every member of the Ohio General Assembly. Each pizza had one piece missing, and information sent with the pizzas explained that advocates believed that the state budget was like the pizza - and it wouldn't be complete until the missing piece, represented by funding for mental health, was included.

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

DD Council welcomes new appointees

Virginia Britton, Marietta

Britton's daughter has vision and hearing disabilities as well as significant developmental delays.

As a member of Council, Britton wants to ensure that change comes to outlying or rural areas of Ohio. She believes that supporting and leading a cultural change requires consistent leadership and planning from a group with a clear vision for the future.

"I firmly believe that inclusion of people with disabilities in Ohio's communities will result in increased productivity and quality of life for these individuals. It will improve our sense of community and encourage respect for individual differences of all types," explains Britton.

She is active in the National Family Association for the Deaf Blind and the National Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired.

Britton will serve on Council's Children's Issues, Health, and Leadership Development Committees.

Virginia Mitchell, Medina

Mitchell feels her strongest role on Council will be to promote activities and initiatives that will encourage people with disabilities to self advocate and assume leadership roles. "I will work to expand programs, services, and supports that enable people with disabilities to improve their quality of life through self-determination," she says.

Mitchell will serve on Council's Leadership Development and Community Living Committees.

Patricia Nobili, Medina

Nobili, who has epilepsy, feels that as a member of Council, she will have the opportunity to use her blend of personal and professional experience for the benefit of Ohioans with disabilities. "I am deeply dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with disabilities, while also knowing that we must be ever vigilant in how resources are utilized for the maximum benefit."

She serves her community as Vice President of the United Way Council of Agency Executives in Cuyahoga County and is active in the Cleveland Rotary where she is Chair of the Youth Services Committee. Crain's Cleveland Business Magazine recently named Nobili as one of the women to watch, and a woman of influence in the Greater Cleveland Community.

Nobili will serve on Council's Children's Issues and Health Committees.

Glenda A. Pope, Warrensville Heights

She also holds a Masters of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University, and a B. A. in Business Management from Notre Dame College in Cleveland.

Pope is past chair of the Cuyahoga Special Education Service Center's Family Council and is the parent representative for the Warrensville Heights School District. She is also a volunteer chaplain and counselor for the Greater Cleveland Young Marines and an HIV/ AIDS Trainer for The American Red Cross.

Pope, who contracted polio at age two, believes that serving on DD Council gives her an opportunity to continue being a trailblazer, breaking down barriers for people with developmental disabilities and their families. "My life purpose is to be a trailblazer and a people builder," she says. As a member of Council she will continue to advocate for the rights and fair treatment of people with developmental disabilities.

She will be serving on Council's Employment and Community Living Committees.

Donna Saunders, Liberty Center

A member of the Henry County Association of Retarded Citizens, Saunders is also active in the School Mentor Program of Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, and is a Junior Achievement Business Consultant for DeVeaux Junior High.

Her youngest child has developmental disabilities. "As the parent of a young child with special needs, I am acutely aware of the daily struggles of people and caregivers of those with developmental disabilities. I would urge Council to be innovative and forward thinking in their initiatives to change systems and processes," Saunders explains.

She will be serving on Council's Children's Issues and Community Living Committees.

Jan Sennett, Pikerington

Sennett holds an M. S. in Administration from Central Michigan University and a B. A. in Social Welfare from Pennsylvania State. She enjoys antiques, gardening, and has been a youth soccer coach and referee. She is married and has two daughters attending college.

"My most important role on Council is to be a liaison between the state level policymakers and people with disabilities. I hope to be able to communicate the hopes and needs of people with disabilities in order to cause positive change in the Medicaid system," explains Sennett.

She will serve on Council's Health, Employment, and Public Policy Committees.

William T. Darling, Worthington

He has a Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Southern Illinois University and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Darling is a member of the National Rehabilitation Association and is a former president of the Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Rehabilitation Professionals in the Private Sector.

Darling feels that one of DD Council's most important roles is expanding economic and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. He will serve on the Employment and Public Policy Committees.

New Council staff support efforts

Shipp worked for the State of Ohio in the Department of Administrative Services for ten years before joining the Ohio Department of MRDD. She attended Columbus State Community College, majoring in accounting.

Kay Treanor is serving as Council's Children's Issues Policy Analyst. As the mother of a child with a developmental disability, Treanor brings both personal and professional insight and knowledge to her job. She feels very strongly about the need for family support. "For years I have been providing advocacy for my child. Now I look forward to assisting Council advocate for many children," says Treanor.

She has a B. S. in psychology and is a certified chemical dependency counselor. She has worked for Franklin County Social Services in child/adult protective services; as Program Coordinator/Recovery Services at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections; and as Program Consultant in the Ohio Department of Health and Human Services.

Taft announces IO Waiver expansion

"The expansion of the Individual Options Waiver will provide additional support to every county in Ohio," Taft said. "This is a major step toward my goal of improving services and expanding choices for people with disabilities."

Taft said the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) has approved an additional 500 slots for IO Waivers. More than 5,200 people are currently receiving help through the Ohio Department of MRDD's two waiver programs. All 88 county boards of MRDD in Ohio will receive a minimum of two slots. Counties with greatest need will receive more slots.

"The approval from HCFA addresses one of the department's most serious issues: the waiting list," said Kenneth W. Ritchey, director of the Ohio Department of MRDD. "This is vital to the welfare of these citizens."

Council's 2000 Annual Program Performance Report

DD council recruits applicants

• Individuals with developmental disabilities
• Parents or guardians of children with developmental disabilities
• Immediate relatives or guardians of adults with mentally impairing developmental disabilities who cannot advocate for themselves.

All candidates should have: experience serving on committees, boards, agencies or organizations concerned with people with developmental disabilities; firsthand knowledge in the developmental disabilities field; and time to attend monthly meetings including time to work on at least two committees.

Serving as a member of Council provides the opportunity to get involved and work alongside state policy makers, local providers, and consumers to plan and conduct activities that will increase and support the independence, productivity, and community integration of people with developmental disabilities.

Governor Taft will appoint members for three-year terms to begin October 2001. Applications must be received by June 1, 2001.

To request an application or further information, contact: DD Council, 8 E. Long Street, Suite 1200, Columbus OH 43215; (800) 766-7426; (614) 466-5205; (614) 644-5530 tty; (614) 466-0298 fax; http://www.ohio.gov/ddc

Ohio celebrates MRDD Awareness Month

"The participation by so many in our community reinforces this year's theme, "People with Disabilities are People with Possibilities," said London Mitchell, president of Ohio Public Images and the event's emcee.

Greg Moody, the governor's executive assistant for health and human services, presented a resolution marking March as MRDD Awareness Month in Ohio.

In his keynote remarks, ODMRDD Director Kenneth W. Ritchey stated, "MRDD Awareness Month is our opportunity to highlight our past and our vision for the future. The Vision Paper that was released last fall best describes where we have been and where we want to go."

The Vision Paper reflects the consensus of many voices and many concerns. It is our roadmap for the future. It describes one of the greatest initiatives under way: Self-Determination. People with disabilities are deciding how they want to live, work and participate in their communities. Many of them are demanding home and community based services.

Ritchey continued, "We are working to redesign the Medicaid program that would cut the numbers of people on waiting lists and bring more services into the community. We also want to increase the amount of Medicaid dollars by relying on other sources to provide matching funds."

Director Ritchey reminded the audience that MRDD Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to spotlight the achievements of many people who have been instrumental in bringing about change.

In closing, Director Ritchey said, "Everyone is important to our future success. I salute the dedication and pioneering spirit that allows everyone here today to see a future of possibilities. Working together we will succeed."

The kickoff celebration featured exhibits from many parts of Ohio's MRDD system. Ms. Wheelchair Ohio, Kara Vargo relayed her personal story of triumph through her perseverance. Students from the Ohio School for the Blind, Genene Blackwell, Samuel Shepard, and Todd Fortson, entertained the audience by playing "Dance of the Elves."

PUCO asks people to refrain from the "silent treatment"

ORS calls begin with the caller saying, "This is the Ohio Relay Service calling. Are you familiar with our service?"

Many times businesses confuse this message with a telemarketing call and hang up. PUCO is asking you to stay on the line. PUCO is one of many Ohio businesses using ORS to communicate by telephone. This service is free to both caller and recipient. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Anyone may call a TTY user toll-free by using the ORS number, 1 (800) 750-0750.

For more information and brochures about how to use this service, call: 1 (800) 325-2223 v/tty.

Harris Poll shows awareness of brain injury very low

Yet the results of a recently conducted Harris Poll show that public awareness of brain injury, and the frequency with which it occurs, is very low.

The poll surveyed a sample of 1,012 adults. It found that one in three Americans say that they are not familiar with the term brain injury.

There has been the belief that sustaining a brain injury doomed you to a life in a persistent vegetative state or coma. The results of the Harris Poll prove the belief is false, since the majority of those surveyed believe individuals sustaining brain injury are capable of living normal and productive lives. Hopefully, this will end some of the stigma surrounding brain injury.

One surprising result of the poll was that more than half of adults (56%) believe that when a person sustains a concussion, he or she sustains a brain injury. Concussions are the most common form of brain injury, with an estimated one million people sustaining a concussion annually.

The Brain Injury Association (BIA) conducted the Harris Poll as part of a five-year, cooperative agreement with the Health Resources and Services Administration. Public awareness campaigns will be launched during this five-year period. They will emphasize:

• How frequently brain injuries occur,
• How easily they can be prevented, and
• The rich potential for life following brain injury.

"Brain injury occurs more frequently than breast cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury," says Allan Bergman, president of the Brain Injury Association.

Brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability among America's youth. Almost all brain injuries - most often caused by motor vehicle crashes, falls, sporting accidents and violence - can be prevented. BIA is committed to increasing public awareness of this silent epidemic, as well as emphasizing that those who sustain brain injuries are capable of living out their dreams.

Founded in 1980, the mission of the Brain Injury Association is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, research, education and advocacy.

For a copy of the full Harris Survey, visit http://www.biausa.org .For more information about the Ohio Brain Injury Association, contact: OBIA, 1335 Dublin Rd., Ste. 217D, Columbus Oh 43215-1000, (800) 686-9563, (614) 481-7103 fax

FREE - Open to the public - Sports & Recreation Fair

Presentations by national experts, displays of specialized equipment & more!

This event is part of Solidarity '01 Conference, a project of Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

Air Force program fuels jobs

As the Air Force plans to hire 7,000 people with disabilities in the next five years, Ohio's Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, is becoming the place to go for the special equipment and technology the new employees will need.

The Computer Accommodations Program (CAP) will set up the new employees with such things as one-handed keyboards, head mounted radio signals, or other ergonomic equipment. CAP finds these assistive devices, buys them, puts them in work stations, and teaches people how to use them.

"We're matching people with the technology that enables them to work," says Danielle Kuehnle, one of seven contractors who work with CAP.

Since the program started in 1998, Kuehnle says, "Our customer numbers have skyrocketed." CAP currently helps 509 Wright-Pat employees.

President Bush's New Freedom Initiative earmarked $880 million over five years to expand employment opportunities for the 1 in 5 Americans with disabilities, including nearly 1 in 10 with severe limitations. The plan includes investing in the development of assistive technology, helping businesses and individuals buy devices, increasing access to education, and enabling people with disabilities to take jobs without losing health insurance.

Bush's proposed law closely follows former President Clinton's commitment last year for the federal government to hire 100,000 people with disabilities by the end of 2005; this included the Air Force's 7,000. And starting this summer, any electronic and informational technology bought by the federal government must be adaptable to people with disabilities.

"Once the people get hired, that's only half the game," Kuehnle says. "The other half is getting people their accommodations, and we'll be the catalysts in doing that. People at the Air Force have told us that they want all their points of contact to be aware of us."

So if the Air Force hires someone like Rich Lamb, a 28-year old Wright-Pat employee, who is blind, he or she can come to CAP for a Braille printer, software that converts computer text to voice, and a scanner that feeds printed text to the voice software.

"It's unbelievable, the stuff they've helped me obtain," says Lamb. CAP also put him in a program that enables him to work at his Lebanon home about 80% of the time, and it gives him tutorial tapes for new software.

"We count on the people coming back to us every two to four years because the technology has changed," explains Kuehnle.

Seventy percent of Americans with disabilities are unemployed, the Bush plan says, costing government agencies more than $20 billion a year. Once the federal government dives into assistive technology, Kuehnle says the result no doubt will be more options at lower prices.

"We have so many people with disabilities who are still illiterate and unemployed," says Pat Cashdollar, founder of the Technology Resource Center, which hooks up people with disabilities with assistive devices in the civilian world. "They depend on these technologies. It can make the difference between productive working and being on government assistance."

Excerpted with permission of writer.

Telephone service now available for people with speech disabilities

STS offers specially trained communication agents who help facilitate phone calls. Agents repeat the words of the person who has a speech disability or speech synthesizer to another party.

Commonly, people who have a speech disability have trouble or cannot communicate by telephone because the public, friends, or even family members cannot readily understand their speech. This is sometimes the case for people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, stuttering, or speech limitations due to strokes or brain injury.

Service is available for anyone in Ohio calling anywhere, and to those calling an Ohio number from anywhere in the U. S.

STS is the brainchild of Dr. Bob Segalman, who has cerebral palsy and wanted to be able to use the telephone independently. "Next to getting married and earning a Ph. D., developing Speech-to-Speech is the most exciting thing I've ever done. Can you imagine the joy of helping others overcome what has been your own worst personal frustration?" he says.

For more information, contact: Sprint Customer Service, (800) 325-9764 v/tty, or visit http://www.stsnews.com/index. html

Ohio Access Report is vision for future

• Increase community capacity
• Prioritize resources
• Assure quality and accountability

Taft instructed members of his cabinet to conduct a broad review of the state's existing system of services for people with disabilities, obtain feed back from the public, and make recommendations for improving these services over the next six years.

The departments of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, Health, Job and Family Services, Aging, and Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services participated in this initiative.

Ohio Access honors the commitment of families who provide care and supports them in their efforts. Eighty percent of all long term care is provided by an informal network including family, friends and neighbors.

Government programs should respect and integrate with the family's historic and primary role in care giving. The vision emphasizes consumer choice, control, and autonomy.

Some of the recommendations in the report include:

1. Match capacity with demand

• Address the imbalance in increased demand for community-based services vs. declining demand for institutional care.
• Work with providers to find new models of community-based care.
• Start a pilot program that lets people living in nursing homes move into the community if they want.

2. Generate and sustain the resources to expand community services

• Redesign current home and community-based waiver programs consistent with consumer choice, control, and quality.
• Explore consumer demand for alternatives, such as assisted living.
• End fragmentation by linking programs that provide community services.
• Define roles, responsibilities, and increase accountability for agencies.
• Increase consumer and family participation in measuring quality and effectiveness of services.

3. Overcome federal policy constraints

• Advocate with HCFA for flexibility in long-term care.
• Continue compliance with the ADA and responsiveness to HCFA to allow consumers to choose most integrated settings.
• Seek new ways to address housing needs of low-income people with disabilities.

4. Address the health care workforce shortage

• Create public-private work groups to address the shortage.
• Conduct labor market analysis for each group of professionals.
• Study wage and rate issues to improve consistency.
• Work more closely with jobs programs, including technical and vocational preparation programs.

5. Overcome policy constraints on self-sufficiency and personal responsibility

• Provide better information. Make sure people get consistent, accurate, and timely information no matter where they enter the system.
• Explore possibilities of people with disabilities working while still receiving health care coverage.
• Develop policy that lets people with resources contribute to their services without jeopardizing their eligibility for services.

The agencies recognize that the new vision cannot be achieved quickly; Ohio's current system of long-term care has evolved over many years. However, Ohio Access marks a beginning, and with the concerted efforts of all affected Ohioans, a vision based on self-determination and person-centered planning will be realized.

A complete copy of the Ohio Access Final Report is available at http://www.state.oh.us/obm/mediareports/ohioaccessrpt.asp

Health issues included in Ohio Access Report

Short-term recommendations include:

• Improve access to information regarding services. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is developing a web site (OHIO Helps) to include information on the variety of long-term community services available. Site will contain links to other state agencies as well as phone numbers and other descriptive information.
• Expand current home and community-based waiver programs. Though there has been a dramatic 242% increase (to 38,000) in the last decade, the number of waiver slots available to serve target populations is still too low. The Access Report recommends:
  -PASSPORT services (for people over 60 who are unable to function independently and would otherwise need nursing home services) expansion of 1300 additional slots in 2002 and 1600 more in 2003. The waiver currently includes 24,000 slots.
  -Home Care waiver (serving people under 60 requiring nursing or daily living services because of a physical disability or disease) expansion of 500 slots in each fiscal year. The waiver now serves 8200.
  -Individual Option waiver (serving people with mental retardation who would otherwise require institutionalization in an intermediate care facility) expansion of 500 slots each year. The IO waiver currently serves 3300.
• Redesign the MRDD Medicaid delivery system. A plan under development calls for increased residential capacity, increased consumer choice and improved accountability.
• Create opportunities for independent living. The recommendation is for a pilot deinstitutionalization program for individuals now living in nursing homes. The "Ohio Access Success" pilot would accommodate 75 individuals the first year and 125 the second.
• Develop cost management tools that promote choice and personal responsibility. Delivery changes should enhance services and comply with Medicaid standards such as consumer choice, health, safety and quality.
• Correct inefficiencies in long-term care facilities reimbursement. With a current bias toward institutional funding colliding with consumer demand (and the Olmstead decision) for community options, the state reimbursement system must reflect more flexibility and accountability.

The Ohio Access Report was developed with input from consumers, their families, providers and government partners for state policy makers to use in developing changes and expansions to existing programs.

This report was summarized by Diane Lardie, Executive Director, Universal Health Care Action Network (UHCAN), 2800 Euclid Aves., Ste. 520, Cleveland OH 44115-2418, (800) 634-4442, (216) 241-8423 fax.

"Innovations in Training Technologies"

Tremendous opportunity to access information about training materials, educational methods, and systems change strategies that can be replicated in your organization to improve community supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Faculty and staff of Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research & Service from 16 states will provide practical information to enhance your educational capacity.

• Learn about existing training materials
• Be exposed to alternative formats, including written, video, audio, and CD
• Explore alternative training methods, including distance learning, self-instruction, collaboration with community colleges, self-advocate/parent instructors, and peer-to-peer mentoring.

Early registration fee: $90. For conference information and registration, contact: University Affiliated Cincinnati Center for Developmental Disorders, (513) 636-4639, or fryb0c@ chmcc. org

DD Council advocates for three key issues

Reduce Waiting Lists

DD Council, along with ten other organizations in Ohio's Waiting List Coalition, are asking the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate to support the Governor's Budget Request for the Ohio Department of MRDD as introduced in House Bill 95. This will provide the essential foundation to allow the system to use existing funds to begin to address the waiting list in a creative manner.

Citizens should contact their legislators before June 1 and explain that the small, proposed increases for the Department of MRDD budget, will make a major difference in the lives of thousands of people in Ohio. Relate your personal story and why these funds are important to you and those you love.

For a brochure describing the MRDD Budget Proposal, contact: DD Council, (800) 766-7426, www.ohio.gov/ddc

Adopt Medicaid Buy-in

People with disabilities are often discouraged from working because increasing their earnings makes them ineligible for Medicaid and the coverage they need for acute and long-term support services. If Ohio adopts Medicaid Buy-in, people who are eligible may "buy in" to Medicaid coverage by paying premiums or other cost-sharing charges based on a sliding fee scale.

For Ohio to offer Medicaid Buy-in, Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services must include the option in Ohio's Medicaid State Plan and develop regulations for implementing the program.

Talk with policymakers about the benefits of a buy-in program. Let people know about the employment potential of people with disabilities and how lack of health insurance often prohibits people from going to work.

Restructuring Family Supports

• Reinvent the system so families determine and control their supports and services,
• Reform policy and law to guarantee families have meaningful choices of supports
• Establish a single point of entry for families to learn about and apply for supports, and
• Develop an "Information Technology Plan" that will make sure families are receiving and benefitting from supports.

Key to the success of implementing the plan is completion of a survey by as many as possible of Ohio's family members who have children birth to age 21 with disabilities.

If you are among this group, call Ohio Legal Rights Service, (800) 282-9181, for a printed copy of the survey, or download a copy from: www.state.oh.us/olrs/fsc/asp/TellUsYourNeeds.asp

Surveys will be tallied and the results used to advocate for family-determined supports.

Advocating for Public Policy Change

One of Council's major roles is to educate and influence policy makers. People with disabilities and other advocates are in the best position to cause this education and influence to happen.

• Supporting grassroots advocacy activities,
• Expanding public awareness and educating public policymakers about state level issues, and
• Promoting the activity of Council's standing committees and public policy agenda.

The local sites are designing and conducting a variety of activities including: advocate training, information sharing, contribution to public policy debate, matching of advocates with federal, state and local policymakers, and holding a legislative event.

To learn more about the local sites or become involved in one, contact the director in the site nearest where you live.

APPC Sites

Cincinnati, The Arc of Hamilton County, Deborah Taylor, (513) 821-2113

Dover, Brain Injury Association of Ohio, Chris Curtiss, (330) 343-3668

Columbus, Cerebral Palsy Association of Ohio, Beverly Johnson, (614) 267-5071

Athens, HAVAR, Inc., Debbie Schmieding, (740) 592-4269

Akron, The Arc of Portage and Summit Counties, Stephanie Maric, (330) 374-1594

DD Council and Ohioans with disabilities thank the General Assembly's Ticket-to-Work Program Evaluation Committee for holding hearings about the important issues in Ticket-to-Work, listening to testimony from dozens of citizens who will be affected by this law, and issuing a report and recommendations to the leadership of the House and Senate.

Committee members included: Senators Bill M. Harris, Robert Gardner and Eric Fingerhut; Representatives James M. Hoops, Peter Lawson Jones and Ann Womer-Benjamin; William Casto, RSC; Jeff Davis, ODMRDD; Bill Hayes, ODJFS; Mike Hogan, ODMH; Tracy Williams, OBM.

ODMH begins employment initiative

As a part of its strategic planning effort, the Ohio Department of Mental Health recently set up a group of individuals representing mental health entities, consumers and business representatives.

This group of approximately 75 people developed a strategic approach to the employment of people with mental illness, and adopted this vision: "A five-fold increase in five years in employment of people with mental illness."

The group defined five strategic areas and formed teams to begin planning steps for each:

• Advocacy & legislative action
• Education & training
• Mental health intra-agency system reform
• State Department inter-agency collaboration
• Research & evaluation

For more information, contact: Doug DeVoe, Ohio Advocates for Mental Health, (800) 589-2603. To join one of the teams, contact: Doug Bailey, (614) 466-9989, or Roy Pierson, (614) 466-7347.

OPI announces media awards

In celebrating the fact that "People with Disabilities are People with Possibilities," Lon Mitchell, OPI president, announced winners in the categories of Print Journalism, Photographs, Television, Documentaries, Special Events, Public Service Announcements, Audio-Visual Production, Annual Reports, Special Publications and Overall Awareness.

The AXIS Newsletter received an Award of Merit for Publications. Staff, are Kelley Femia, Beth Kramer, Sue Willis, Joyce Talkowski, and Donna Kinney.

For more information about the award winners or about Ohio Public Images, visit: www. publicimages network. org

Council project helps people with disabilities become entrepreneurs

- by Robert Morgan, Superintendent, Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities

As part of Ohio's goal of self-determination, individuals with disabilities can start their own businesses and create personal wealth. Would you like to start your own business? If yes, then you have some planning and hard work ahead of you. DD Council's Employment Outcome* grant will provide you with some assistance.

Contact your county board and ask them if they will sponsor your application to start a business. If they agree, they will assign members to your team and help you develop your plan. Then you can complete and file an application.

Funding

If you and your team complete a business plan and your county board agrees to fund the plan, the county may receive $500 from the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Deadline for this money is June 30, 2001.

In addition, your approved business plan may be eligible for up to $1,500 from the Employment Outcome grant and $3,000 of local funds. If you live in a designated poverty county, you may be eligible to receive more.

Your business plan must describe where any additional funds are coming from and how they will be used for your business. It also must describe how your business will be supported during and after the first year.

Identifying the team

The other members of the team should be people who can help the owner start the business. These may include:

• Personal supporters - family and friends who are committed to assist with the business and share in the risk. Identify their personal and professional assets and skills and to what extent these may be provided at no cost, at a discount, or from profits of the business.
• Professional supporters - service coordinators and personal agents who work with the owner and who have the desire, commitment, and flexibility to change the current support resources from a social service model into an enterprise opportunity.
• Funders and administrators - a funding and policy decisionmaker who has the authority to change staff assignments and funding practices. This person must be willing to support change needed to enable enterprise opportunities to work.

Team training

• Personal testimony from Ohio enterprise teams
• Opportunities and barriers for small business ownership
• Understanding steps in building and implementing a business plan
• Using individual budgets and public resources as part of a business plan
• Role of direct care staff and family as supports for the business
• Developing an initial business plan

Before registering, teams must complete an application and have commitments from the key members of the team. Registration deadline is May 17, 2001.

The sponsoring county board must pay the $500 registration fee for the team, which is limited to four people including the owner. Additional team members may register for $150 per person.

For application forms, contact: Employment Outcome Project, 191 Somerset Rd., Delaware, OH 43015, (740) 369-4911, e-mail: Morgan@mrdd.net

*Employment Outcome challenge Grant is a project of Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

Micro Enterprise Workshop

Lancaster resident starts own business with help of Employment Outcomes project

Kirwin started her small business with the help of her enterprise team, a grant from Employment Outcomes, and a grant from Fairfield Industries. She was the first to apply and be accepted for this unique opportunity.

"The Fairfield County Board of MRDD is proud to be a sponsor of Deanna Kirwin as she establishes her business," says John Pekar, Superintendent, Fairfield County Board of MRDD. "Fairfield MRDD last year developed a strategic plan for its future that has as its foundation the principle of self-determination. This means that our focus will be on investing in outcomes for individuals, supporting the choices they and their families make to achieve the satisfying and productive lives they envision."

In addition to being "the right thing to do," this approach is a more cost-effective way to deliver services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. Investment in outcomes, rather than processes, targets the support to a specific goal rather than an ongoing program. In the long run, this not only promises to reduce the cost of supports but also results in giving back to the community in the form of taxes paid by the individual.

Self-determination is making Kirwin's dreams come true and putting her on the road to independence. A resident of Fairfield County, she graduated from Liberty Union High School in 1982 and stayed home until 1996 when her parents became aware that she was eligible for county board services.

In the last year, she has discovered many of the benefits of self-determination. She was elected President and Treasurer of the newly formed "People First of Fairfield County," a self-advocacy group for people with developmental disabilities. She attended the Self-Determination Regional Conference in December - the first time she stayed anywhere overnight except at her home. While there, she heard a presentation on Employment Outcomes and Micro-Enterprises.

In February, Kirwin had another first. She went to Nashville, TN, where she visited a market featuring designers and vendors in the field of cross-stitching. She and her team attended classes on marketing, small business development, and how to teach classes.

Kirwin's future plans include teaching cross-stitch to children and moving into her own home.

"I hope what I am learning will help make it easier for others to start their own businesses and make their dreams come true," says Kirwin.

For more information, contact: Kyla Eversman, Fairfield County Board of MRDD, 219 N. Columbus St., Lancaster, OH 43130, (740) 687-7230.

Remembering a vital advocate

The following is a tribute to Doris composed by her staff and reprinted with their permission in hopes it will encourage others to become advocates.

Perhaps you recall a popular book by Robert Fulgham titled, "All I Ever Wanted to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten." In it the author elaborated on those early lessons and how they would serve him well throughout his lifetime. The lessons learned from Doris Brennan, also will last a lifetime.

An ADVOCATE is...

Dedicated - Doris' steadfast pursuit of equality for people with disabilities led to change on a national level. She was passionate about each and every cause.

Virtuous - Whatever Doris did, she did with integrity and goodness; moral and ethical. Her word was true.

Optimistic - Do not look at obstacles, except to remove them. Be the ultimate optimist.

Compassionate - Neither accept or give pity. Lighten burdens with your friendship, thoughtful words, and joyful spirit.

Appreciative - Appreciate your friends, family and things others take for granted. Value those you serve and rejoice in their successes.

Teacher - Teach by example; gently guide others. Be kind and gentle. Teachers pass on wisdom not for their own gain, but to inspire others.

Example - An advocate is an example to others, such as those who come into our lives and profoundly affect our future.

RADAR tracks developmental disability news

RADAR personnel will monitor the general news media and specific publications in order to collect national and international information on key issues. Upcoming issues that may be tracked include abuse, aging, employment, housing, and transportation.

Information gathered from more than 150 sources will be summarized into bi-weekly RADAR reports. These will be stored in the online Data Warehouse, which the general public can access via the internet: www. aamr. org Click on the RADAR icon.

Save the date!

"Partners in Justice"

For more information, call Debra Buccilla, ODMRDD, (614) 272-0509.

This event is a project of Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

HUD issues regulation for using Section 8 vouchers to buy a home

However, people with disabilities must push local public housing agencies to include the disability community in the home-ownership Section 8 voucher program.

Here are some important points about the program:
1. Local public housing agencies (PHAs) are not required to participate. PHAs must tell HUD that they want to participate, and this may be up to you. People with disabilities must make sure their local PHA is on board and agrees to use vouchers for home-ownership.
2. PHAs can restrict the families that can participate in home ownership. If you want people with disabilities to be part of the program, you must ask your PHA to include them.
3. Either new or existing vouchers can be used. Therefore, when an existing voucher that is being used for rental assistance is returned, it then can be used for home ownership.
4. To be eligible, people must meet the general requirements for admission to the Section 8 program.
5. People with disabilities have an income requirement that is modified; their "employment history" is inapplicable.
6. Vouchers can be used for either new or existing homes.
7. The person buying the home enters a contract of sale with the seller and must put together financing to buy the home. Section 8 housing assistance will provide help with monthly payments.
8. Homes may be purchased by a "cooperative unit" with one or more family members sharing in the cooperative. Therefore, two folks on SSI could combine their income to purchase a home.
9. People with disabilities can purchase a duplex and rent the upper floor. This could make the purchase much more financially doable.

Orientation Training in MRDD An Internet-Based Course

An exciting new method of training is now available in the field of MRDD. Major corporations, such as IBM, P&G, GM and others, have discovered the convenience, effectiveness and cost savings of webbased learning. Some of the advantages include:

• Learn at your own pace
• Learn at home or work
• Comprehensive
• Standardized
• Expert instruction
• Cost effective

This webbased class teaches everything you need to learn in an orientation program on MRDD. You will learn about people with different types of developmental disabilities, and you will learn about the laws on civil rights, abuse and neglect. Course also covers historical events and gives you important information about today's standards.

Program covers all twelve topics required by law for an orientation program.

Orientation Training is designed as a two-week course. It is equivalent to a 30-hour classroom course. It costs $125 per person.

Course is very interactive. There are two scheduled office hour chats, as well as bulletin boards and an e-mail link to the author. Answers are provided quickly.

There are two on-line tests that are easy to use and offer immediate feedback.

Training is offered monthly, which is especially convenient since law says you need to provide orientation within 90 days of hiring.

This program is endorsed by the Ohio Association of County Boards of MRDD.

For additional information and registration, visit: http://courses.telr.ohio-state.edu/public/nisongerorientation

RESOURCES

Aging with Developmental Disabilities: Women's Health Issues

Some issues covered in this publication include:

• Normal aging
• Menopause and hormone replacement therapy
• Risk for: osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, thyroid disease
• Preventive health care services
• Health-related supports and accommodations

Contains a resource list for information and assistance on disability and women's health issues.

$2 each. RRTC on Aging with Mental Retardation, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1640 West Roosevelt Rd., Chicago IL 60608-6904; (800) 996-8845; (800) 526-0844 Relay: www.uic.edu/orgs/rrtcamr/index.html

Vocational Services and Independent Living: Programs and Services Available in Ohio through the Rehabilitation Act

You have a right to live independently and to work in meaningful jobs for which you are qualified. The Rehabilitation Act exists to help you and other people with disabilities do that.

This booklet explains rehabilitation, advocacy, and independent living services that are funded by the Rehabilitation Act and that are available to Ohioans who have disabilities. It explains who is eligible for these services, how to find the agency that provides the services, and where to seek services if there is a dispute.

Easy to understand question and answer format. Includes:

• Accessibility
• Confidentiality
• Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
• Client Assistant Program
• Centers for Independent Living
• Tips to Help You Get the Best Service
• Making the System Work for You.

Soft cover, 20 pp. Free. Contact: Ohio Legal Rights Service, 8 E. Long St., Ste. 500, Columbus, OH 43215-2999, (800) 282-9181 v/ tty, (614) 644-1888 fax. Document is also available at http://www.state.oh.us/olrs/

Everybody's Different: Understanding and Changing Our Reactions to Disabilities

This is a time of dramatic change in our understanding of how disabilities are a part of everyone's life. All of us are more likely than ever to have a disability and to live or work with someone who has a disability. Stigmatizing attitudes toward people with disabilities are still prevalent in our society. We need to reexamine how we think about and interact with people who have disabilities, not only for our own comfort but also for the quality of community life.

Miller and Sammons explore how our reactions to and beliefs about disabilities influence progress toward an inclusive society. Sensitive and practical, they openly discuss mental and emotional obstacles to effective communication between people with and without disabilities.

Includes activities and tips that build a new awareness of disability differences, create a better understanding of internal emotional reactions to disability differences, and increase skills for interacting with people who have disability differences.

Soft cover, 360 pp. $21.95 plus $5 S&H. Brookes Publishing Co., PO Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624, (800) 638-3775; www. brookespublishing. com

Residential Remodeling and Universal Design: Making Homes More Comfortable and Accessible

Universal features in homes make sense. This guide shows how universally designed products, building features and spatial techniques can be added to a home during remodeling at little or no extra cost. Addition of these features will improve the home for its residents now and in the future, as well as increase its marketability.

It suggests products and designs to create comfortable, functional environments for everyone regardless of age or ability. It also provides technical guidance on selecting and installing universal features during typical remodeling or rehabilitation projects.

Easy to understand graphics show common barriers and how these barriers can be replaced by universal design elements.

Although compliance with accessibility standards is usually not required in private homes, sources for the standards, as well as other publications that provide valuable guidance for creating totally accessible homes, are listed in the appendices.

Soft cover, 115 pp. $25 plus $5 S&H. NAHB Research Center, 400 Prince George's Blvd., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774-8731, (301) 430-6234; www.nahbrc.org

No More Job Interviews! Self-Employment Strategies for People with Disabilities

This book is for anyone with a disability who wants to be an entrepreneur, and for the professionals, agencies, family members, and friends with the power to help them get there.

Chapters focus on the role of entrepreneurs with disabilities, the resources and training that can make them more effective, and the accommodations that can help to make the business competitive and successful.

It offers tips on the emerging role of the Internet, both as a way of doing business and as a source of business startup information. The book also explores recent shifts in business training that merge business ownership training with business planning.

Soft cover, 184 pp. $29.95 plus $4 S&H. Training Resource Network, Inc. PO Box 439, St. Augustine, FL 32085-0439. (800) 280-7010; www.trninc.com

Angels on My Shoulders

Bias has always been based on a simple-minded response to appearances. Nobody knows better than the Reverend Harold Wilke, 85, that it may take generations to change attitudes that are molded upon first false impressions.

Born without arms, Wilke learned from his parents the importance of independence. He received degrees in philosophy and literature from the University of Columbia and a doctorate in theology from the University of Chicago.

In a career spanning sixty years, he has lectured and preached in over 50 countries, developing an enviable grasp of global events. During World War II he was a chaplain who spent much of his time with returning soldiers with disabilities.

The disability community will never forget the dramatic moment when George Bush handed Wilke one of the pens used in the signing of the ADA on the South Lawn of the White House in 1990.

"Let us as a nation, lead the world... Everyone of us needs to be an apostle of peace and justice, and disability will become obsolete," says Wilke.

Available on loan from AXIS Library, (800) 231-2947

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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