DPN Volume 2, Issue 5

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Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief to communities through churches and community organizations in over32 states.

Angel Food’s groceries are sold in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $25 per unit. Each month’s menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $50.

Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single individual for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one would purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads, and no produce that is almost too ripe.
There is no limit to the number of units an individual can purchase, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Anyone is eligible. Angel Food Ministries, like most all other retail grocery stores, also participates in the US Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system.
For more information about Angel Food Ministries and to find a location near you, visit www.angelfoodministries.org or call 1-888-819-3745.

The ABILITY House program, (a partner of Habitat for Humanity and ABILITY Magazine) is “building homes and awareness thru volunteers with disabilities”. Volunteers with disabilities help build accessible homes for low-income families worldwide.
To learn more about ABILITY House visit www.abilityhouse.com or call 949-548-1986.

Kennywood opens May 6th! Riders with disabilities can visit the Rider Safety Center (located at the front entrance) to receive a personal assessment. Assessments are completed on an individual basis. Riders can also pick up a free access guide which offers information about each ride’s intensity. For more information, please call Kennywood at 412-461-0500.

April 24th
D.A.R.E. Meeting
Disability Advocates for Rights & Equality
1:00 to 3:00 pm
TRCIL, 900 Rebecca Ave.

April 28th
Legislative Breakfast
Take this opportunity to get to know your local legislators. Help them put a face to our issues. Please RSVP by April 18th.
8:00 to 11:00 am
TRCIL, 900 Rebecca Ave.

The Job Accommodation Network’s (JAN) Accommodation and Compliance Audio/Web Training Series unites national experts on job accommodation and disability employment law to provide one-hour training opportunities through audio conferences and webcasts. The Series provides an opportunity for human resource managers, compliance officers, disability and diversity managers, and others to discover ways to improve their ability to accommodate and employ people with disabilities. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for the trainings. The following is a list of upcoming topics:

The $25 per session registration fee (per phone line) includes accessible training materials. All sessions will have real-time captioning available. Registration is for a site--any number of people may participate at the site. Dates are subject to change. For more information contact 800-526-7234 (V/TTY) or training@jan.wvu.edu.

www.EmpTech.info provides information resources on assistive technologies that are designed to help those with specific difficulties or disabilities work and study more effectively. The database includes product descriptions, links to manufacturers, suppliers with addresses as well as other related resources including advice and training guides where available. News items linked to the use of assistive technologies are regularly posted and updates occur on a weekly basis. EmpTech is an independent resource with a team that has worked for many years in the field of disability, assistive technology and computer science. The site has been set up to work as quickly and efficiently as possible with a growing number of products and links.

Would a hearing aid allow you to converse more easily in a crowded room, or hear the television better? Maybe a grab-bar in the bathroom would help you feel safer getting in and out of the shower. As we grow older, most of us need a bit of support to complete everyday activities. Whether it’s a ramp to replace steps, a seat-lift chair to ease the transition from sitting to standing, a stair glide to help you travel up and down stairs – it’s “assistive technology” you’re looking for. “Assistive technology” includes those devices and services that help you better manage many everyday obstacles we experience as we age.

The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) has been helping people purchase assistive devices and services since 1998. This statewide program now offers two loan programs to serve people who have disabilities and older adults. Insurance does not cover many assistive technology devices and services. So, PATF has become a vital resource for people who otherwise would have done without the assistive technology they need. Adaptive vehicles, home modifications and stairglides can cost thousands of dollars. Wheelchair cushions or batteries, computers, low-vision aids, portable ramps, and some types of hearing aids cost hundreds of dollars. PATF helps make them affordable.

With lower interest rates than traditional banks and extended repayment terms, PATF serves people of all income levels by providing low-interest loans for assistive technology costing more than $1,000. The current interest rate is 4%. PATF routinely extends loans to people who receive social security income, or rely upon another fixed income source. And PATF has the ability to extend loans to some people who do not qualify for a loan through a traditional bank. PATF looks at a person’s ability and willingness to repay a loan, not just their credit score.

There are many assistive devices that cost more than $100, but less than $1,000. That can be too much money to pay out-of-pocket, but too little for a traditional bank loan. PATF has a new Mini-loan with 0% interest for assistive technology costing between $100 and $1,000. For people who meet specific low-income guidelines, PATF can also provide a partial grant in conjunction with the loan.

Both programs offer free consumer credit counseling and an opportunity to rebuild credit. PATF can also assist with identifying additional potential funding sources. For more information about PATF call toll-free 1-800-744-1938. Or visit the PATF website at www.patf.us. If you live in Southwestern PA you can also contact Kevin Huwe at the Three Rivers Center for Independent Living at 1-800 633-4588, extension 111 or khuwe@trcil.org.

EveryOne An Artist is a gallery and studio exclusively for local artists with disabilities located at 4128 Butler Street in Lawrenceville. The art therapy program (Allegheny East) describes itself this way: “Art therapy makes use of the fact that creativity can itself be rewarding. In doing creative work, we externalize our thoughts and emotions, making them more clear to ourselves and others. Creativity produces feelings of accomplishment, enhancing self-esteem, and independence. The creative process is more important that the works of art produced.” The goals of this program “are to help people develop self-expression, self-esteem, problem solving skills, interpersonal relationships, and the ability to take charge of their lives responsibly.” The program is open to all individuals over 18. If you would like more information about EveryOne An Artist, contact Ellen Filar at 412-681-2404 or efilar@aemhmr.org.

Interested in becoming a consultant to do peer counseling? There will be a Peer Support training for interested individuals on May 10th, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at TRCIL (900 Rebecca Ave., Pittsburgh, 15221). Please RSVP to Rob Robertson. He can be contacted at 412-371-7700, extension 123 or rrobertson@trcil.org.

VSA arts of Pennsylvania Meets with Pittsburgh’s Arts and Disability Community

VSA arts of Pennsylvania recently gathered together members of Pittsburgh’s arts community to discuss the needs and opportunities for people with disabilities in the arts. Graciously hosted by the EveryOne An Artist Gallery in Lawrenceville, VSA arts of Pennsylvania led a discussion with Pittsburgh Area arts educators, leaders from Pittsburgh’s top arts organizations, and local artists with disabilities. Aided by this research, VSA arts of Pennsylvania will draft a three-year strategic plan aimed at providing opportunities in the arts for people with disabilities living throughout the commonwealth. VSA arts, an international non-profit organization and an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is dedicated to creating a society where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. To learn more about VSA arts of Pennsylvania, visit their website at www.vsapa.org.

TRCIL would like to thank the following people for their generous contributions…

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” –Aesop, The Lion & the Mouse

To make a donation, please visit our website at www.trcil.org/donations.htm.

We are currently recruiting VOLUNTEERS to assist TRCIL in many areas. If interested, please contact us at 412-371-7700 to request more information regarding volunteer opportunities both inside and outside of the building. If you are interested but don’t think you’ll “fit in,” please call us FIRST! Dates and times are flexible and reasonable accommodations can be met. We need assistance in all areas, so CALL TODAY!

Mission Statement
To empower people with disabilities to enjoy self-directed, personally meaningful lives by providing outstanding consumer controlled services and by advocating for effective community change.

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