Three Rivers Center for Independent Living
900 Rebecca Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15221-2938
(412) 371-7700
Toll Free (PA Only): 1-800-633-4588
Fax: (412)371-9430
TTY: (412) 371-6230
www.trcil.org

 

Disability Pride Newsletter
Volume 3, Issue 5
May/June 2007

 

In this issue:

TRCIL Housing Festival Featured Fun and Information

Advocacy Calendar

Disability Awareness Day in Pennsylvania

Resource Spotlight

Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration

REEP Recycled Equipment and Exchange Partnership

The Assistive Technology Demo Center at TRCIL

www.goodsearch.com

Your Help is Wanted:

    Wanted: Donated Items for TRCIL's Flea Market
    Wanted: A Person with a Disability who is a Good Listener

    Wanted: Fair Housing Department Volunteer

Fair Housing-Equal Opportunity for All

A Message from TRCIL's New Advocate

Check Out Skip's List

Debate Surrounding Future of Medicare

Thanking Donors

Quotes

Volunteers Needed

Mission Statement

         

TRCIL Housing Festival Featured Fun and Information

By Arnell White, Fair Housing Counselor
 

 

After an entire week of threatening and rainy weather, the sun shined brightly on the first ever, TRCIL Fair Housing Festival. The April 26^th & 27^th event was designed to connect housing and housing service providers with home seekers. It drew-in over three hundred people, with and without disabilities. Visitors joined thirty-seven vendors to celebrate, empower and share information about housing programs, accessibility and services ranging from fair housing, home ownership programs, renters information, legal assistance, for-sale homes, and utilities information, plus much more. Home modification, assistive
technology, adaptive devices, and independent living services were the other corner stones of the two day event.
 

After collecting much needed information, attendees smiles grew even broader over tasty hot-dogs, door prizes, bingo games, kid’s crafts, and moments shared with friendly
informative vendors, fellow consumers, and TRCIL staff.

 

Special thanks to each and every individual who volunteered their time, creativity, muscle, and support. We also extend a note of gratitude to our generous donors and supporters; The U.S. Department. of Housing and Urban Development, Edgewood Town Center Giant Eagle, Eat N Park, and Access Installation who helped make this event possible.
 

The festival was such a success that we plan to do it again, so stay tuned for details about next year’s bigger and better, 2008 TRCIL Fair Housing Festival. We hope to see you there!

 

Advocacy Calendar for June/July 2007
 

June 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
Armstrong Disabilities Investigative
Group
1:00 pm
Armstrong Area on Aging Building

 

June 13th
Letter Writing Session
We will focus on important issues
including the Federal Bill to restore
the funding for Centers for
Independent Living. Light
refreshments provided.
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
TRCIL, 900 Rebecca Ave.

 

June 25th
D.A.R.E. Meeting
Disability Advocates for Rights
& Equality.
1:00 to 3:00 pm
TRCIL, 900 Rebecca Ave.

 

July 26th
Americans with Disabilities Act
Celebration
Gather to protect and celebrate our civil rights.
12:00 to 1:00 pm
Westmoreland County Courthouse
Courtyard

RSVP is requested for all events. Other events may occur after printing. Please contact Victoria Campbell at 1-800-633-4588 x119 or vcampbell@trcil.org for details.

 

 

Disability Awareness Day in Pennsylvania

 

The Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council (PA SILC) applauds the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for unanimously passing House Resolution 191 recognizing Saturday, May 12, 2007 as “Disability Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania. Representative Tina Pickett (R-Bradford, Sullivan, and Susquehanna) is the prime sponsor of the resolution.

 

“People with disabilities are an asset to their communities, an asset to the state, and indeed an asset to our country,” said Pickett. “I am honored to sponsor House
Resolution 191 that establishes May 12th as Disability Awareness Day in 
Pennsylvania.”

 

There are nearly 1.8 million Pennsylvanians with a disability, representing 16 percent of the Commonwealth’s population, according to the 2005 U.S. Census American Communities Survey. 

 

“This day is about more than recognizing the talents, skills, and dedication that people with disabilities provide as a vital part of our workforce and community. It is an
opportunity for governments to evaluate public policies, businesses to examine hiring practices, and individuals to reflect on personal perceptions as each relates to people with disabilities.”

 

 

Resource Spotlight

By Cindy Williams, Information & Referral Specialist

 

Your Help is Wanted:

 

Wanted: Donated Items for TRCIL's Flea Market




Have you begun Spring cleaning and don’t know what to do with unwanted items? Why not donate your household items that you no longer need to TRCIL? We are looking for items such as small appliances, jewelry, toys, baby items, games and sporting goods, just to name a few. If you have items that are in working order that you would like to donate, please contact Patti Thomas at 412-371-7700 extension 132.

 

TRCIL would appreciate anything that you would be willing to drop off at our center at 900 Rebecca Avenue in Wilkinsburg. Your help is greatly appreciated and all earnings from the flea market will benefit our mission to empower people with disabilities.

 

Wanted: A Person with a Disability Who is a Good Listener




You know the experience with disabilities is priceless. There are some things that only life can teach you. Now is your turn to share that wealth with consumers who need you.

 

Wanted: a few good men and women who happened to have disabilities. We're looking for outgoing, motivated, dependable individuals to share practical tips, a listening ear, and one-on-one peer support for other people with disabilities.

 

You must be willing to travel and visit with people. Personal transportation is preferred. Call Rob Robertson at: 412 371-7700 extension 123 or e-mail rrobertson@trcil.org for more information. We’d especially like to hear from people in Butler, Armstrong, and Beaver Falls who have their own transportation. This part-time job opportunity pays $10.50 an hour.
 

Wanted: Fair Housing Department Volunteer

 

Do you have good phone and computer skills, and are reliable? The Fair Housing Department needs a volunteer to enter data and make phone calls to prospective housing providers to determine accessibility of their units and their willingness to modify their units (a script will be provided). If interested please call Arnell White for more information at 412-371-7700.

 

Fair Housing-Equal Opportunity for All
(Part Two of Three)
 

 

Requirements for New Buildings: In buildings that are ready for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, and have an elevator or four or more units:

· Public and common areas must be accessible to persons with disabilities

· Doors and hallways must be wide enough for wheelchairs

· All units must have:
 -An accessible route into and through the unit
 -Accessible light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats and other environmental   
  controls
 -Reinforced bathroom walls to allow later installation of grab bars and
 -Kitchen and bathrooms that can be used by people in wheelchairs

 

If a building with four or more units has no elevator and will be ready for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, these standards apply to ground floor units.

These requirements for new buildings do not replace any more stringent standards in State or local law.

Housing Opportunities for Families
Unless a building or community qualifies as housing for older persons, it may not discriminate based on familial status. That is, it may not discriminate against families in which one or more children under 18 live with a parent, a person who has legal custody of the child or children, or the designee of the parent or legal custodian, with the parent or custodian’s written permission.

 

Familial status protection also applies to pregnant women and anyone securing legal custody of a child under 18.

 

Exemption: Housing for older persons is exempt from the prohibition against familial status discrimination if:

· The HUD Secretary has determined that it is specifically designed for and occupied by elderly persons under a Federal, State or local government program or

· It is occupied solely by persons who are 62 or older or

· It houses at least one person who is 55 or older in at least 80 percent of the
occupied units, and adheres to a policy that demonstrates an intent to house
persons who are 55 or older.

 

A transition period permits residents on or before September 13, 1988 to continue
living in the housing, regardless of their age, without interfering with the exemption

A Message from TRCIL's New Advocate
By: Victoria Campbell, Advocate

 

Former TRCIL advocate, Brenda Dare, has resigned her position at Three Rivers Center for Independent Living. Brenda worked tirelessly at TRCIL for well over 10 years. She motivated others to join her as self-advocates by dedicating her time, efforts, and life to the independent living philosophy. She was the spark that kept the advocacy torch burning ever so brightly here at TRCIL. While we wish her well in her new adventures in Illinois, I believe I can speak for all of us when I say that her fire, wisdom, and experience will be sorely missed.

 

I’d like to introduce myself as TRCIL’s new Statewide Action Team Community Organizer (SWATCO). While I am relatively new to the field of advocacy for people with disabilities, please know I am very passionate about continuing the mission of this organization. However, there is so much work to do, and I can not do it alone. I need your input, help, and most of all your commitment to work with me and become involved! To quote my predecessor, “We are at a critical time when we must rise up and use the power that we have to protect ourselves and our futures.” As Brenda passes the advocacy torch to me, I in turn, share it with each of you.

 

Currently, there are several new initiatives planned statewide which will focus on increasing voter participation as well as ensuring access to healthcare for people with disabilities. I will be able to present more information about specific projects that are planned at local Regional Action Team (RAT) meetings. Remember, your participation is crucial!

 

Please feel free to stop by the center to share your thoughts and ideas (and hopefully your energy), with me at any time. I can be reached at 412-371-7700 extension 119. Thank you, in advance, for your time and anticipated efforts towards our collective mission.

 

Check Out Skip's List.org

 

Skip’s List is your disability community and network. It is like a “Craig’s List” for people with disabilities. You can find accessible housing, sell your spare wheelchair, chat with interesting people, post your resume, volunteer for projects, create a blog, find travel locations and so much more. You can become a member for free by filling out the quick sign-in form.

 

The mission of Skip's List is to provide a world-class, online, user-friendly, apolitical, and free information exchange that serves and is accessible to all people with disabilities (PWD) as well as their families and friends. It is continually designed and revised by PWD for PWD and that is abundant in consumerism but relatively free of commercialism.

 

Debate Surrounding Future of Medicare

 

The' ''75 Percent Rule” is a 24-year-old Medicare provision that established clinical criteria to distinguish between Medicare patients who should undergo rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and those who would benefit from more expensive rehabilitation in hospital-based inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs). To qualify as an IRF, at least 75% of a unit's patients must be receiving treatment for one of ten specifically identified conditions: stroke, spinal cord injury, congenital deformity, amputation, major multiple traumatic hip fractures, brain injury, "poly-arthritis," neurological disorders, and burns.

 

The purpose of the “75 Percent Rule" was to differentiate the truly high acuity patients who needed Intensive rehabilitation services provided in a hospital setting from patients who could effectively be cared for at significantly lower cost In SNFs. Critics who would like to see the rule suspended claim that by 2008 its continued implementation will severely restrict access to critically important healthcare for thousands of patients who need the intensive rehabilitation that only IRFs can provide. Supporters of the status quo claim that the rule routinely saves Medicare as much as $370 million per year in rehabilitation costs. But is this a situation where monetary consideration is a greater priority than quality of care?

 

Bills are currently pending in both the United States House of Representatives  and Senate that support the “Preserving Patient Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals Act of 2007." This act would effectively suspend the "75 Percent Rule." It is certain that both sides of the debate will be heard from before the bills reach their respective floors for a vote.

 

If you would like to participate in a project to stop the roll back of funds please call Gwen Thomas at 412-680-8022 or email her at gwenthomas@comcast.net.

 

Thanking Donors

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.

 

Quotes

 

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
-Hellen Keller

 

“Who's the more foolish: the fool, or the fool who follows him?” -Obi-wan Kenobi

 

Volunteers Needed!
 

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.

 

Email the Editor at DPN@trcil.org

 

The Disability Pride Newsletter is available in alternative formats upon request.