TARTA Bus (image courtesy of Toledo Free Press)

Below are the upcoming dates for the community to learn about potential changes in the local public transportation system in Toledo and outlying communities. Please plan to attend one of these important meetings.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Maumee Public Library 501 River Road, Maumee, OH 43537

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Way Library 101 East Indiana Avenue, Perrysburg, OH 43551

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 1:30 to 3:00 PM
Sylvania Senior Center 7140 Sylvania Avenue, Sylvania, OH 43560

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 6:30 to 8:00 PM
The Ability Center 5605 Monroe Street Sylvania, OH 43560

Thursday, February 9, 2012 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Rossford Community Center 400 Dixie Highway, Rossford, OH 43460

Thursday, February 9, 2012 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Way Library 101 East Indiana Avenue, Perrysburg, OH 43551

• Meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible.
• Light refreshments will be served.

Meeting Purpose:

Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) recognizes that coordinating transportation services is essential for older adults, individuals with disabilities, individuals and families living below the poverty level, and the general public to access employment, education, health services, and community programs.

Come and provide your input and insights to discuss unmet transportation needs, gaps in transportation services, and recommended strategies to improve transportation and mobility options in and around Toledo.

Applicants for Section 5316 (Job Access/Reverse Commute) and 5317 (New Freedom Initiative) must participate in the planning effort.

Community Based Long-term Care Supports and Services
Community Based Employment
Accessible, Affordable Housing
Better Transportation

Imagine…if politicians voted in ways that reflected the concerns of Ohio’s disability community

Imagine…if Ohioans with disabilities had as much power and political clout as the senior population!

A recent television ad for AARP addressed threatened cuts to Medicare and Social Security.
The ad’s speaker pointed out that there are over 50 million seniors in the U.S. and said to Congressmen and Senators:
“You’ll be hearing from us today AND on election day!”

Seniors have power and use it! Politicians know it and listen!

You can help Ohioans with disabilities to become such a powerful voting bloc!

Join Ohio Disability Vote 2012

Build the bloc by distributing the ODVC Voter Registration Campaign 2012 Form (pdf)

Help us reach 2,012 voters in 2012

Return forms to:
The Ohio Disability Vote Coalition
670 Morrison Road, Suite 200
Gahanna, Ohio 43230

Or

Fax to: (614) 861-0392

The mission of the Ohio Disability Vote Coalition is to maximize the political power of Ohioans with disabilities through nonpartisan voter education, registration and participation of all people with disabilities at all levels of the election process. For more information call (866) 575-8055 (toll free).

By Tammy Hubbard, Advocacy Intern, The Ability Center of Greater Toledo

Booker Brown

“I am a 51-year-old African-American male. My home was originally in Cleveland, Ohio. However, I relocated to northwest Ohio due to the medical treatment that was available in this area. I was successfully transitioned into my own apartment at the end of June 2010.

“My diagnoses were obesity, hypertension, diabetes and lymphedema. This combination of conditions is why I was admitted into a nursing home. While I was regaining my health, I learned that my home in Cleveland was being foreclosed. Not wanting to become a burden to my friends and family, I decided to stay in the Gibsonburg area, which is where I was introduced to the HOME Choice program. I was thrilled to hear of this program because I knew that in the end it would mean I could move out of the nursing home facility.

“I looked at several rental options before signing the lease where I am. I signed the first lease that was available and probably should have waited a bit longer. Living on a fixed income with rising utility costs is a rough task to handle.

“The funds that I was provided through the HOME Choice program were very helpful. I used these funds for my deposit and first month’s rent. They also helped me get the furniture I needed as well as the movers to get the furniture to me. I just love the blankets, towels and various kitchen utensils I was able to buy with HOME Choice funds. I also loved the experience of shopping for them. Without the HOME Choice program I would have been in this apartment without anything. In fact, I probably would not even have this apartment!

“I am happy with the HOME Choice program. Tiffany Tierney the Community Support Coach from The Ability Center of Greater Toledo calls me each month to check on me. I think that is such a selfless and caring act for her to do. What a great program I was a part of!”

Peggy Cly – Living Independently for the First time Ever (In Her Own Words)

By Tammy Hubbard, Advocacy Intern, The Ability Center of Greater Toledo

Peggy Cly

“I am a 52-year-old female living in Gibsonburg, Ohio. Living on my own is something that I had never done until September 10, 2010. Thank you HOME Choice program, for allowing me to have this awesome experience! It is such a great feeling to know that I am doing this on my own. For the 14 months prior to September 2010 I had lived in a nursing facility.

“Coming into the nursing home I was not physically able to properly care for myself. I was cared for and given guidance to get to where I could, and I wanted out of the nursing home. When I first heard of the HOME Choice program, I was wowed to the fact that there was money available for me. I just was amazed that because I was in a nursing home, I got assistance. The thought of getting out was great. I was ready to leave all the rumors that went with living with other patients.

“The process seemed to roll along pretty smoothly for me. I did get discouraged at points when I was trying to get transportation to do what needed to get done. But just as easily as I got frustrated, solutions were found and I got where I needed to be. The HOME Choice program seemed to know how to work with me to make it happen.

“The funding that was available through the HOME Choice program was so helpful. When I first started thinking about going out on my own, I kept thinking, ‘I cannot do that, I don’t have monies for all the start ups.’ Then HOME Choice went to bat. It was able to help me with my first month’s rent and deposit for the apartment and also utility deposits. What a relief it was having those taken care of.

“Then I got the opportunity to go shopping and purchase the things I needed for my apartment. I remember going to the store and getting to pick out my groceries. I loved picking out my food, which I later was able to prepare the way I wanted. I am again thankful that the HOME Choice program was there to help me with that.

“My biggest accomplishment since getting into my own apartment is [to get] my cat. I recently was able to go to the Humane Society and adopt Jackilyn. She is a beautiful black-and-gray, short-haired tabby cat. I had fun naming my cat, and I ended up naming her after both of my parents. She brings joy to me every day. I also enjoy playing cards and watching television.

“I am so thankful for all of the help that I was given from the HOME Choice program. Being able to get in the community and staying close to friends and family is important to me, and I received Community Support Coach training that helped me to get things done that I would have otherwise procrastinated. I would get in a mood and it seemed like those were the days my Community Support Coach would be scheduled to come out. Tiffany Tierney was able to encourage me to accomplish a new challenge and that alone would bring me back up and positive again.

“I cannot say enough how beneficial the HOME Choice program was for me. I am so glad I was given that opportunity.”

Stories originally published in HOME Choice Newsletter (Summer 2011) (pdf)

Media Alert
Contact: Valerie Holford (301) 926-1298
American Association of People with Disabilities
United Cerebral Palsy

Sue Hetrick (866) 575-8055
Director of Public Policy
The Ability Center of Greater Toledo

On Tuesday, July 12, Americans with disabilities and their family members will meet White House officials and members of Congress to discuss the way that Medicaid has strengthened their families and provided them with opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. These everyday Americans will meet with the most powerful people in government to share their stories and provide a human face to the debt ceiling negotiations. The Administration has signaled their strong support for Medicaid and other programs critical to people with disabilities. It is vital that this support continues and that members of Congress work with the Administration to prevent devastating cuts.

Medicaid is a lifeline for 8 million children and adults with disabilities, among others including millions of seniors and families.

“It is critical that President Obama continue his support for Medicaid and that members of Congress stand up for the most vulnerable people in America. Leaders in Washington must not balance the budget on the backs of people with disabilities, children, the elderly, and the poor,” said Mark Perriello, President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).

“Tackling our nation’s budget woes cannot be combined with an attack on people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “Medicaid is a fundamental lynchpin for people with disabilities to live and work independently in communities across our nation. To eliminate this vital support is short-sighted and wrong.”

People meeting with White House officials and Capitol Hill offices include:

Linda and Javi Guzman (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)

Linda is a single mom whose 17-year old son, Javi, has both autism and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Medicaid provides him health care, daytime assistance, and training in life skills that will help him achieve an independent life. Linda explained, “Without the services from Medicaid, I would have to quit my job and go on public assistance, or even worse I would have to possibly place Javi in an institution that costs a lot more than Medicaid services.”

Anna Liebenow (Providence, Rhode Island)

Anna has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair. She lives alone and is unable to get in and out of bed without assistance. Because of Medicaid, she has an aide who helps her with getting out of bed and other basic activities. Because Medicaid provides this service, Anna is able to work and volunteer in her community.

Sue and Micah Hetrick (Columbus, Ohio)

Sue’s son Micah has Down Syndrome. Through Medicaid he gets assistance from an aide during the day, enabling his mother to work. Without this aide, his mother would likely need to be on public assistance herself.

In addition to providing aides to assist people with disabilities, Medicaid also provides access to wheelchairs and prosthetic devices for people with spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Medicaid pays for prescription drugs for persons with mental illnesses, epilepsy and other medical conditions. Medicaid enables people with intellectual disabilities to live and work in the community by providing skill-building and support programs, and through Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis & Treatment programs Medicaid helps identify children’s disabilities early and gets them the care they need.

###

For additional information or to arrange an interview, please contact Valerie Holford at (301) 926-1298.

Invites you and your group to a Free Seminar about

Social Security Facts vs Fiction

Virginia Reno, Vice President for Income Security at the National Academy of Social Insurance and Barbara  Easterling, President of the Alliance for Retired Americans and Ohioans Benefiting from Social Security

Lunch Included!

Date: Thursday June 16, 2011
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Location: WPOS Center
7112 Angola Road, Holland, Ohio
(Off 1-475 Exit 8 (Ohio Route 2) Airport Hwy and South McCord Road)

Please RSVP by Wednesday, June 10, 2011
By calling (419) 536-2536 or emailing Alliance for Informed Citizens.

For additional information regarding the subject of this event, please contact Norman Wernet, Ohio Alliance Education Fund Organizer, at (614) 271-4975.

Teens, College Students, Young Adults

Will Social Security be there for you?
Will you have the same kind of retirement your grandparents have?
How disability or death benefits apply to me?
Social Security is 76 years old.
Can it continue for another 76 years?

These are questions you need to ask our legislators in Washington, D.C.

People with Disabilities and Middle Aged Tax Payers

What are my disability benefits?
What are the death benefits for my family?

Seniors

Why is Social Security part of the deficit discussion when it is paid for from contributions?
Would scrapping the cap on earnings finance Social Security for our children and grandchildren?
Would spending caps hurt current recipients of Social Security?
What can we do to help to make Social Security secure for ourselves, our children and grandchildren?
It seems the fund is always under attack.
It has over 2 Trillion dollars in assets to pay benefits.
How can we keep that from disappearing into the national debt?

The government has big economic problems, but Social Security is not one of them right now.
The future can be secured, but how?

To Register, contact:
Rod Farnsworth
Alliance of Informed Citizens
7570 Caple Blvd
Nortlnvood, Ohio 43619
(419) 536-2536

Or register by email before June 10,2011.

Tim Harrington Addresses Audience

ALVA BUNKER, INSPIRATION FOR THE ABILITY CENTER, MEMORIALIZED

It was a cool, blustery day and the sun did not shine but there was a certain warmth enfolding the crowd gathered to honor one man’s life and contribution. It would have been his 110^th birthday and though he died in 1979, it wasn’t until this day that his grave would finally have the marker it deserved.

Barbara Floyd Shares Alva's Story

On April 7^th, about 60 people, representing University of Toledo, Rotary Club of Toledo, the Ability Center and the man’s family, came together to celebrate the difference made by Alva Bunker 90 years prior. Along with the marker on his grave, a memorial was dedicated to his efforts. Those in attendance, including family members, many who, until this moment, had no knowledge of the extent of their relative’s influence or bravery, were moved to tears.

Clint Mauk, historian for the Rotary, honored Mr. Bunker by sharing how he helped to mold and inspire the direction of Rotary’s focus that continues today on an International level.

Bunker Memorial Stone

Barbara Floyd, Director of the Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections, followed. She, as the person who painstakingly uncovered the truth and extent of Alva’s life and contribution, is the true champion for his cause and this ceremony. She shared an emotional walk through his years, touching on his early life, his bravery and difficult journey, and the millions of children with better lives because of the trail he blazed.

Mr. Bunker’s niece, who, as a child, lived with him in her home, shared a heartfelt thank you on the family’s behalf. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the memorial.

The stone inscribed with Alva’s story will be prominently displayed on a triangle just off the main drive, in view of every car that enters, a fitting tribute to a quiet, unassuming man who lived an extraordinary life. It was also a worthy event with which to conclude The Ability Center’s 90^th Anniversary year, honoring the man who, just by being who he was, made the Center possible.

To learn about the platforms of Ohio’s key candidates, ODVC sent a questionnaire to each candidate for Governor, U.S. Senate and Secretary of State. We received the following responses. As we receive additional responses, we will post them to the ODVC website.

Governor Candidate

Responses from Governor Ted Strickland, Democrat

1. Will you include people with disabilities as part of your political team and as advisors on relevant issues?

Yes.

2. Do you believe that people with disabilities should be the primary decision makers in their own lives?

Yes.

3. Would you support Visitability legislation (single-family, new construction with one no-step entrance, accessible bathroom on first floor level, 32″ doorways and aisles maneuverable by a person in a wheelchair)?

I would support working with the General Assembly, the Residential Construction Advisory Committee, and the Board of Building Standards to move toward increased visitability.

Fact: People with disabilities often face barriers to polling places and to voting equipment as well as attitudinal barriers to the election process. While absentee voting is an option, every citizen has the right to go to their polling location to cast their vote with privacy.

4. What would you do to ensure equal access to the voting process by people with disabilities?

I will work with the Secretary of State to make sure that physical barriers are eliminated and poll worker training addresses attitudinal barriers.

Fact: Approximately twenty-seven percent of non-institutionalized people with disabilities aged 18 to 64 live in families with incomes below the poverty line, compared to 8.8% of men and women without disabilities. The median income for this disabled population is $27,200 as opposed to an average of $57,800 of citizens who do not have a disability. Housing that is affordable and accessible is not readily available.

5. What would your policies do to increase the availability of affordable, accessible and safe housing for Ohioans with disabilities?

I would like to build on the success of the following initiatives from my first term:

Creation of the Homestead Exemption for permanently disabled Ohioans to exempt $25,000 of home value from property taxation. This resulted in an average savings to homeowners of $400 year.

Launching of a rental housing database to assist seniors and people with disabilities. Ohio Housing Locator now provides over 1,600 rental unit listings, serving over 21,000 site visitors to date.

Fact: According to 2008 statistics from the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services, Ohio ranked in the bottom ten states with regard to long term care living arrangements (institutional placements versus community based placements with supports and services). In 1999 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that confinement in an institution is a violation of civil rights, when life in an integrated, community setting with supports and services is possible.

6. What policies do you support to facilitate Ohioans with disabilities to live in their own homes and communities versus in institutions, nursing homes, developmental centers, and ICF/MRs?

I believe that Ohioans with disabilities should be able to chose the setting in which they live. To this end, during my first term I have:

Established a unified long-term care budget and enrolled more than 5,500 Ohioans in home and community based services.

Implemented the Money Follows the Person Program, which enables Ohioans to return home, invests in long-term services, and supports system change.

As of March 19, 2010, the transition program assisted 494 Ohioans transition home with targeted outreach to Ohioans with mental illness and children in residential treatment facilities.

Provided over 1,252 residents of nursing facilities immediate access to PASSPORT, Assisted Living, PACE, and the Residential State Supplement Program through the Home First provision in Ohio law.

Eliminated the 1,800 participant limit for the Assisted Living Waiver in Ohio law.

Established the Aging and Disability Resource Center.

Fact: Medicaid waivers allow people to live in their communities and “waive” institutional placement driven by Medicaid rules. Waivers exist for people with developmental disabilities under the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and for individuals with physical disabilities under the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Currently in Ohio there are waiting lists for most of these waivers.

7. What would you do to eliminate waiting lists for waivers?

I believe that we should do our best to support older Ohioans and people with disabilities who prefer to live independently in their homes. Therefore, during my first term I have:

Eliminated the waiting list for the PASSPORT program for FY 2010, as well as the Assisted Living and PACE programs at the Ohio Department of Aging, as of the end of March 2010. As of February 2010, 592 people who need and are eligible for home and community-based services are on a waiting list for these three services.

Increased the budget for developmental disabilities waivers. There has been a steady increase in the percentage of total dollars committed to Medicaid

Waivers: a 10.72% increase from 2007-2008, a 12.28% increase from 2008-2009, and despite a reduction of 8.85% in state GRF for FY 2010, waiver expenditures increased by 18.51%.

Increased the number of Individual Options waivers by 3,418 participants or 29.4% and Level One waivers by 3,033 or 90.7%.

Fact: It is estimated that 75% of people with disabilities are unemployed or underemployed-far below the rate of people without disabilities.

8. What steps would you take to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Ohio?

I believe that people with disabilities have talents and skills to contribute as members of Ohio’s workforce. For this reason we have taken the following steps during my first term:

Established a Medicaid Buy-in program for people with disabilities to gain access to health care, even when they work outside the home. Since its inception in April 2008, the program has proven highly successful, serving nearly 4,600 working Ohioans with disabilities.

Established a work group in early 2008 to explore opportunities to improve employment services for people with disabilities. This work group has focused on the following specific employment-related issues for individuals with disabilities:

Improvements in the Transition Plan process (focused on transition from school to work);

Improvements in the understanding of Medicaid buy-in;

Improvements in the process of serving people with disabilities through One Stops;

Improvements in the integration of Vocational Rehabilitation counselors in Mental Health facilities;

Increased access to the Rehabilitation Services Commission’s services for people with chronic disabilities, particularly people with developmental disabilities.

The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission awarded $7.3 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus projects in September and will soon invest another $7.5 million to create jobs and increase independence for Ohioans with disabilities. These projects give Ohioans with severe disabilities opportunities to re-enter the workforce or maintain their employment. The projects provide more intensive services, valuable work experiences, and opportunities for self-employment to help Ohioans get better jobs faster.

Fact: Federal and state law requires that students with disabilities are educated in the least restrictive environment (in buildings and classrooms alongside their peers who do not have disabilities), and that appropriate supports and accommodations are provided in those settings to ensure success. Further, these laws expect that students with disabilities are educated within the regular education curriculum.

9. How will you ensure that these laws are enforced in Ohio and that students with disabilities are educated in the regular education environment with the regular education curriculum?

During my time as Governor, I have focused on the importance of education and have implemented education reform. The foundation of this reform has been my strong belief that we must offer student-centered educational opportunities focusing on the whole child and meeting individual students’ needs. In fact, we have changed the operating standards for Ohio’s schools to require this student-centered education for all children.

Additionally, we implemented the Medicaid in the Schools program. Over 500 school districts and community schools have enrolled. Almost 300 schools are submitting and receiving Medicaid reimbursement for services delivered to over 26,000 children.

Fact: Many Ohioans with disabilities rely on public transportation to go to work, to medical appointments, to shop, and to do simple daily activities. Ohio’s transportation systems are often cumbersome, and in many areas of the state, non-existent. Without it people with disabilities must rely on family or be confined to their homes.

10. What would you do to expand access to affordable transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?

While there is still progress to make in this area, I am pleased that we were able to direct federal stimulus dollars for rural transit to enable 18 counties and local governments to purchase ADA-accessible mini-vans and full-size vans.

Governor Candidate
Responses from John Kasich, Republican

In lieu of survey we are sending the statement below on behalf of the Kasich Taylor Campaign:

Ohioans who have disabilities and their families are a vital part of the fabric of our state. The respect and support we show them is a reflection of who we are. As governor, one of my priorities will be to ensure that we provide the best services possible to those in need. Across a wide variety of issues we will come together to marshall our resources and ideas to create common sense solutions. Fundamentally, I believe these solutions are about expanding choices and opportunities. Currently, Ohio’s system to help those with disabilities is inefficient and fragmented. We will scour the country for examples of the best ways to provide these services in a comprehensive and integrated fashion.
–Michael Hartley, Deputy Campaign Manager, Kasich/Taylor for Ohio

Governor Candidate
Responses from Dennis Spisak, Green Party

1. Will you include people with disabilities as part of your political team and as advisors on relevant issues?

Yes

2. Do you believe that people with disabilities should be the primary decision makers in their own lives?

Yes

3. Would you support Visitability legislation (single-family, new construction with one no-step entrance, accessible bathroom on first floor level, 32″ doorways and aisles maneuverable by a person in a wheelchair)?

Yes

Fact: People with disabilities often face barriers to polling places and to voting equipment as well as attitudinal barriers to the election process. While absentee voting is an option, every citizen has the right to go to their polling location to cast their vote with privacy.

4. What would you do to ensure equal access to the voting process by people with disabilities?

I would work with the Secretary of State to see that all polling places be accessible to all persons with disabilities.

Fact: Approximately twenty-seven percent of non-institutionalized people with disabilities aged 18 to 64 live in families with incomes below the poverty line, compared to 8.8% of men and women without disabilities. The median income for this disabled population is $27,200 as opposed to an average of $57,800 of citizens who do not have a disability. Housing that is affordable and accessible is not readily available.

5. What would your policies do to increase the availability of affordable, accessible and safe housing for Ohioans with disabilities?

I believe in bringing in jobs to Ohio that pay a “living wage”, so that all people can have affordable, accessible, and safe housing.

Fact: According to 2008 statistics from the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services, Ohio ranked in the bottom ten states with regard to long term care living arrangements (institutional placements versus community based placements with supports and services). In 1999 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that confinement in an institution is a violation of civil rights, when life in an integrated, community setting with supports and services is possible.

6. What policies do you support to facilitate Ohioans with disabilities to live in their own homes and communities versus in institutions, nursing homes, developmental centers, and ICF/MRs?

Support a Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act to create a voluntary, budget-neutral national insurance program to help adults who have or develop functional disabilities to remain independent and in their communities. Employees would have the option of enrolling through monthly $30 payroll deductions. Individuals over 18 who had contributed premiums for five or more years would then be eligible for benefits if they are unable to perform two or more activities of daily living (e.g., eating, bathing, dressing). Those benefits could be used for housing modifications, assistive technologies, personal assistance services, transportation or other supports to increase the ability of those with disabilities to find and keep jobs, and remain in their homes and communities.

Fact: Medicaid waivers allow people to live in their communities and “waive” institutional placement driven by Medicaid rules. Waivers exist for people with developmental disabilities under the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and for individuals with physical disabilities under the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Currently in Ohio there are waiting lists for most of these waivers.

7. What would you do to eliminate waiting lists for waivers?

Be committed to streamlining the current application and appeals procedures to reduce the confusion that surrounds these important programs. Hire more staff and to invest in technology to expedite final decisions.

Fact: It is estimated that 75% of people with disabilities are unemployed or underemployed-far below the rate of people without disabilities.

8. What steps would you take to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Ohio?

I believe the state government must recruit, hire, retain and advance workers with disabilities.

I believe in providing private-sector employers with resources to employ workers with disabilities and encourage private sector employers to use existing tax benefits to hire more workers with disabilities.

Fact: Federal and state law requires that students with disabilities are educated in the least restrictive environment (in buildings and classrooms alongside their peers who do not have disabilities), and that appropriate supports and accommodations are provided in those settings to ensure success. Further, these laws expect that students with disabilities are educated within the regular education curriculum.

9. How will you ensure that these laws are enforced in Ohio and that students with disabilities are educated in the regular education environment with the regular education curriculum?

Work with the Ohio Department of Education to see that Ohio follows all Federal and State Laws that pertain to students with disabilities. As the father of two sons with autism, this already a main focus and goal of mine.

Fact: Many Ohioans with disabilities rely on public transportation to go to work, to medical appointments, to shop, and to do simple daily activities. Ohio’s transportation systems are often cumbersome, and in many areas of the state, non-existent. Without it people with disabilities must rely on family or be confined to their homes.

10. What would you do to expand access to affordable transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?

Some options that can increase transit options for people with disabilities include flexroutes, which allow for fixed transit routes to add on additional stops as needed, and voucher programs, which allow riders to decide who drives them, where and when.

By combining transportation services to different special populations as well as the general public, people can be served by routes that are close to where they live rather than routes funded by the agency that serves them. Communities may want to explore the use of vehicles, such as school buses, that are only used part time to provide services for people with disabilities. Strategies that partner transit providers with volunteer or paid individual drivers to provide needed transit are another option to consider.

Secretary Of State Candidate
Responses from Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, Democrat

1. Will you include people with disabilities as part of your political team and as advisors on relevant issues?

Yes. I just recently advocated for a blind friend to become a part of my city’s transportation and pedestrian advisory body. Access to polling places is a relevant and pressing issue for Ohio’s disabled. I received many calls in previous years as a Columbus City Council member fro people who have had difficulty with access to polling places. I advocated to the Board of Elections to work to eliminate the problems.

2. Do you believe that people with disabilities should be the primary decision makers in their own lives?

Yes.

Fact: People with disabilities often face barriers to polling places and to voting equipment as well as attitudinal barriers to the election process. While absentee voting is an option, every citizen has the right to go to their polling location to cast their vote with privacy.

3. What would you do to ensure equal access to the voting process by people with disabilities?

I will work with all 88 County Boards of Election to make every polling place accessible for all. As Chief Elections Officer, my staff must provide information and assistance to the Boards in complying with federal law. I would consider employing a disabled access expert to advise Boards on how to comply with the law without overly impacting their already stressed budgets.

U.S. Senate Candidate
Responses from Eric Deaton, Constitution Party of Ohio

1. Will you include people with disabilities as part of your political team and as advisors on relevant issues?

I will choose the best people available to me each time I pick somebody. There will be no discrimination since I’m looking for the best fit to make my team successful. I know that there are many well qualified individuals that have some sort of disability and they will be given equal chances based on the criteria for each position.

2. Do you believe that people with disabilities should be the primary decision makers in their own lives?

Yes-when the disabilities are of a physical nature only, but those with mental disabilities do require the guidance of family, POA or another responsible party.

3. Would you support Visitability legislation (single-family, new construction with one no-step entrance, accessible bathroom on first floor level, 32″ doorways and aisles maneuverable by a person in a wheelchair)?

Homes are built for the people buying them and can be built anyway they want within reasonable building codes meant to ensure public safety. Our society shouldn’t force private owners to build items into their homes that they don’t want or require. Public access laws already apply to public places.

Fact: People with disabilities often face barriers to polling places and to voting equipment as well as attitudinal barriers to the election process. While absentee voting is an option, every citizen has the right to go to their polling location to cast their vote with privacy.

4. What would you do to ensure equal access to the voting process by people with disabilities?

Polling places should be selected that provide for this access up front. There should be no need for special construction if this is put into the planning process from the beginning. For exceptions there should be provisions made for the disabled voters to vote at the site in an adjacent location that is accessible.

Fact: Approximately twenty-seven percent of non-institutionalized people with disabilities aged 18 to 64 live in families with incomes below the poverty line, compared to 8.8% of men and women without disabilities. The median income for this disabled population is $27,200 as opposed to an average of $57,800 of citizens who do not have a disability. Housing that is affordable and accessible is not readily available.

5. What would your policies do to increase the availability of affordable, accessible and safe housing for Ohioans with disabilities?

I am running for Federal office and do not find this to be a Federal issue. This is a state issue and at that level I do support some basic systems to help those born with physical handicaps. Handicaps in themselves do not mean that the individuals require public help. Public help is not something that should be guaranteed and should be based on needs. Those that can work should be helped to get jobs in fields that they can contribute to society in a meaningful way.

Fact: According to 2008 statistics from the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services, Ohio ranked in the bottom ten states with regard to long term care living arrangements (institutional placements versus community based placements with supports and services). In 1999 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that confinement in an institution is a violation of civil rights, when life in an integrated, community setting with supports and services is possible.

6. What policies do you support to facilitate Ohioans with disabilities to live in their own homes and communities versus in institutions, nursing homes, developmental centers, and ICF/MRs?

When public funding is used to help those with disabilities it needs to be efficient and well spent. Facilities with staff on site and built to accommodate these individuals makes a lot of sense. Where the cost is no different to help one live in a private home, then that should be a personal choice. When the cost is much better to be in a special facility, then that should be the public offering. These public facilities should offer some means of providing for interaction with the public at large.

Fact: Medicaid waivers allow people to live in their communities and “waive” institutional placement driven by Medicaid rules. Waivers exist for people with developmental disabilities under the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and for individuals with physical disabilities under the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Currently in Ohio there are waiting lists for most of these waivers.

7. What would you do to eliminate waiting lists for waivers?

Those already receiving this assistance should be periodically checked for compliance and there continued needs for it. Waivers in themselves are special conditions and there is limited funding available for them. With increased debts at all levels of government this will probably not improve much. Those who are financially able to provide for themselves should be doing so on their own.

Fact: It is estimated that 75% of people with disabilities are unemployed or underemployed-far below the rate of people without disabilities.

8. What steps would you take to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Ohio?

Training and a service to match their skills to jobs they can perform would be a great start. The cost of these programs would be more than off set by getting these citizens working and contributing to society instead of being entirely dependent on it.

Fact: Federal and state law requires that students with disabilities are educated in the least restrictive environment (in buildings and classrooms alongside their peers who do not have disabilities), and that appropriate supports and accommodations are provided in those settings to ensure success. Further, these laws expect that students with disabilities are educated within the regular education curriculum.

9. How will you ensure that these laws are enforced in Ohio and that students with disabilities are educated in the regular education environment with the regular education curriculum?

This is once again a state issue and not a federal one. Some disabilities will not interfere with learning in a regular classroom environment, but some do. When there is a negative effect on the normal student population at large, then special facilities and rooms will continue to be required. We can’t afford to negatively affect the majority of the student’s education for the minority of special student’s benefits. We can offer the same educational level opportunities, but in a specialized manner that caters to the specific circumstances.

Fact: Many Ohioans with disabilities rely on public transportation to go to work, to medical appointments, to shop, and to do simple daily activities. Ohio’s transportation systems are often cumbersome, and in many areas of the state, non-existent. Without it people with disabilities must rely on family or be confined to their homes.

10. What would you do to expand access to affordable transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?

These are really state and local issues and hat is who typically provides regional transit authorities. These systems, when available, do cater to those with disabilities. Overall, lower tax burdens for the people of our nation would help with increasing charitably to organizations that provide services such as this.

Those with disabilities will never find life fair and neither will their families. Extra effort and hard work in day to day life will always be required of these families, but remember that our rewards for a just and faithful life are in heaven and not on Earth.

Goon Squad and Act Staff at ACT

Amazing what can happen when you bring together a bunch of young people with good hearts, strong backs and some summer free-time with a few old guys who really know what they’re doing. Throw in a project or two that will literally change the lives of others for the better and you have another Ability Center Ramp Build.

Just “another day at the office” for ACT’s Home Accessibility Manager, Charlie Martin, and his crew, can mean so many things but it usually means something good for someone in our service area. And it can be almost anywhere and with almost anyone.

Working Together:

This time, (our 4^th year working together) it was with the self-proclaimed “Goon Squad”, a group of 11 young folks from the Catholic Heart Work Camp, a national organization that gathers kids from all over the country to do work projects needing to be done by area non-profits. The campers, totaling around 300, called Cardinal Stritch High School home for four days. Our group, from as far away as Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Pennsylvania & Cleveland, OH, were very ambitious and came ready to work.

and Getting It Done!

“These kids were industrious. They came in and, over the span of four days, helped us build and install two ramps and construct a third.” Charlie recalls, “They then helped us tear down a few old sheds that were ready to go, do some home repairs and painting, and some weeding in our wildflower garden.  They waterproofed our picnic tables and still had energy to do a bit of landscaping. We now have a beautiful mulch heart around a copse of trees in our picnic area. Very cool.”

And on to Ramp Two

Also very cool: one of the ramp recipients came with his wife to the CHWC closing night festivities to tell the kids how thankful they were for the ramp they could never have afforded. This family had also provided lunch for the crew as their ramp was being built.

Using grant dollars from various agencies and public programs, the Ability Center completes, on average, around 60 ramp and home modifications a year. Including those we outsource to our building partners it is closer to 100. “We can certainly build and install these ramps by ourselves,” says Charlie, “but we can stretch our ramping dollars so much farther with help from volunteers like these compassionate and energetic young people. And while it makes the work a lot more interesting and fun for us, it is empowering, educational and rewarding for those who pitch in. It’s a powerful and meaningful opportunity for all involved.”

Making a Difference! Always Fun

The Ability Center does its very best work when it works together with its many Community Partners. If you or your organization would like to become a Partner; to be a part of our Volunteer efforts, please call Amy Kerchevall, our Adaptive Equipment and Events Coordinator at the number above or by email: akerchevall@abilitycenter.org

Kids Create A Heart at ACT

This year’s theme for the Catholic Heart Work Camp was “Cadence: Life With A New Rhythm.”

All we here at The Ability Center can say is, “Thank you, CHWC, for your energy, laughter, love and support. It was music for our soul.” Please visit CHWC’s website to find out more about their mission and efforts: www.heartworkcamp.com

ACT's New Heart and the Kids who gave it to us

HRC Director, Ash Lemons, explains ramp program

Unprecedented. At least, in the memories of those of us long a part of the Center. Never has a Director of the Rehabilitation Services Commission visited the Ability Center, especially not with the same intent as that of Michael Rench, current Director. As part of his goal to personally visit and dialogue with every Independent Living Center and Deaf Services Center in the state, Director Rench spent a few hours, Monday, with the staff of ACT.

After an orientation of the Center’s philosophy, goals and successes with Center Executive Director, Tim Harrington, he toured the building and grounds, including the Housing Resource Center, where HRC Director, Ash Lemons, explained the workings of it’s Ramp and Nursing Home Transition programs. He then enjoyed observing the first day of Camp Cricket with Director of Youth and Transition, Dawn Petersen, and Camp Director, Shannon Twiggs.

Camp Director, Shannon Twiggs, and Director of Youth/Transition, Dawn Petersen share Camp stories

He ended his morning with a long, open and honest dialogue with staff, ultimately asking two questions: what can RSC do differently to better meet the needs of the Center and its consumers and, what has the Center to offer RSC to help it better accomplish its goal of making lives better for people living with significant disabilities in Ohio?

“It was a pleasant experience listening to Ash talk about the Center, the good people that work here and the phenomenal work being done.” recalled Mr. Rench to the staff, “What I was hearing reflected the passion and soul of the organization. It’s what I listen for; what gets and keeps me going.”

He went on to lament the many agencies he’s experienced over the course of his professional career that have lost touch with their ‘soul’. He then pointed to the noise coming from the dozens of young campers and counselors in the gym. “There lies the real heart and soul of this agency: the people you serve, the people you help to ‘get a life.’”

Director Rench talks philosophy with ACT staff

Michael Rench has a vision. And, it is a vision very much like ours. He knows the importance of seeing the whole person, in the context of their whole lives … not just where they work, but where and how they play, who and how many people they know and interact with, where they live and how they get around. After all, it’s hard to stay employed, to keep enthusiastic about a job, if your world is full of obstacles and out of balance.

He finds many of the answers in creating viable partnerships. Working together, he feels, Centers for Independent Living, RSC and other human service agencies can work to create rich, fulfilling lives and bright futures for people living with disabilities. “It won’t happen overnight,” he is quick to remind us, “It will take time … but it can happen.”

We believe you, Director Rench, and we’re beside you. Now, where do we begin?

Director Rench has a few truly innovative initiatives underway. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted as they unfold.

Think elections aren’t worth your time and effort? Think again.

According to an article in the Columbus Dispatch on Saturday, January 30, 2010 both Republicans and Democrats raised record campaign gifts in 2009.

Representative Jay Goyal, D-Mansfield, the Democrat’s caucus campaign chairman, said that the amount they have raised “represents the outpouring of support for our caucus’ accomplishments and priorities in fighting for middle-class Ohioans”.

House Minority Leader William G. Batchelder, R-Medina, commenting on the record contributions raised by House Republicans, said that “Ohioans are fed up with the quagmire of the current leadership and are looking for representation in Columbus from people who share their values and truly understand the districts”.

The article states that Armond Budish, Speaker of the House and fundraising leader for the Democratic Caucus, accepted contributions of $10,000 or more from nine unions, FirstEnergy, the Acedemy of Nursing Homes and the Dental Association. His biggest individual donors include the family of Cincinnati nursing home operator Barry Bortz (($22,500), Parma nursing-home operator Bruce Daskal ($10,000) and the family of Lyndhust real-estate developer Mitchell Schneider ($24,500).

In the Senate Democrats are in a deep 21-12 minority and continue to struggle to build financial support. Senate Republicans have more than $2.7 million in the bank, nine times as much as democrats.

Senate President Bill M. Harris, a term-limited Ashland Republican and his No.2, Senator Tom Neihaus, R-New Richmond, have accepted $10,000 or more from a variety of sources, including Akron-based charter school operator David Brennan ($24,150), the Wholesale Beer and Wine Association ($12,000), legal/lobbying firm Calfee Halter ($15,000), and American Electric Power ($13,895).

Follow the money…Elected officials are alligned with those who get and keep them elected, and legislative agendas and priorities are influenced accordingly.

Jim Dickson, Vice-President of the American Association Of People With Disabilities, states that only two factors have power in elections…organized people and organized money. We obviously don’t have money but we could have organized people if only it were a priority.

Can we really afford NOT to make voting a priority?