eNewsletter

September 2008

In This Issue…

How Alberta’s Experience Helps Others

Meet a woman who’s using her diabetes to inspire others. [more]

Look How Far We’ve Come

Center for Independent Living of Central PA celebrates its 20th anniversary. [more]

Aquatic Exploration: Admiral Handicapped Scuba Adventures

Events to Mark on Your Calendar

Grab your calendar and mark down the upcoming events and conferences related to the disability community, not only in PA, but all over the country! [more]

Pass It On!

Know someone else who may be interested in receiving the Living Well With A Disabiliity e-newsletter? Tell them to visit our Web site, and sign up today!

How Alberta’s Experience Helps Others

“If I can help somebody, it is better than a paycheck,” said Alberta Hamm – a woman who’s using her diabetes to inspire others.

Alberta Hamm has been living with diabetes for many, many years. However, she didn’t let it stop her in the past, and her attitude towards it remains the same today.

Alberta Hamm After retiring from the retail business in 1999, Alberta knew she wasn’t done providing services to others. She wanted to do more. At age 60, she decided that she was going to take classes at the Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) for public speaking. However, her avenue changed, as a woman from HACC recommended that she take some Social Services classes – leading her to graduate with a Social Services and Human Services degree.

A few years ago, Alberta had a stroke, which left her unable to stand and in need of a wheelchair. Although many people would take this as a sign of defeat, Alberta saw it as a blessing and a chance to view life through a different lens. “It has slowed me down, but I was always moving fast. Now I’ve slowed down, enjoy nature and see things I’ve never seen before,” said Alberta.

Following the stroke and rehabilitation period, she was going to be put into a nursing home, but Alberta put her foot down. She wouldn’t allow that to happen. Instead, she was approved to live on her own with some assistance. Alberta connected with the Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP), and began receiving daily living services through its Attendant Care Program.

Alberta Hamm While receiving services from CILCP, she realized she wanted to continue providing services to others; therefore, she started volunteering at CILCP and showing others how to cope with their health conditions. In May 2008, she became a board member of CILCP and loved it! It was her opportunity to help people on a broader level. Sure enough, Alberta didn’t stop there though! Soon after becoming a board member, a job opening as a Living Well Specialist opened up; she immediately applied and received the position.

As a Living Well Specialist, Alberta has personal, one-on-one contact with people with disabilities involved in the Living Well With A Disability program. Through personal communication, Alberta is able to talk and listen to others share their stories, and help them find the resources needed to live well independently.

“As Living Well Specialists, our goal is to assist the person with a disability to live well independently; first, step-by-step and then on their own. I’m very excited to be a part of that,” stated Alberta.

In addition to her emotional connection with individuals who utilize the program, Alberta also feels at home while working at CILCP. “It’s like a big family; everyone is willing to help – even without asking. My condition does not embarrass me either. I know there is an understanding - through experience that other CILCP employees share.”

As Alberta continues living well with a disability, she hopes to one day share her experience and others’ stories through presentations to organizations about what it means to live well with a disability. “I want to work at CILCP for as long as my health allows it,” stated Alberta.

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Look How Far We’ve Come

Center for Independent Living of Central PA celebrates its 20^th anniversary

Twenty years ago, we didn’t have Internet, electric cars, or text messaging. Nor did we have accessible public transportation in Central PA, or have the Americans with Disabilities Act in place. Questions circled the minds of people with disabilities – How do I get to the hospital if I have an emergency and don’t have a car? Why can’t I get a job when I’m just as qualified as him?

Established in 1988, the Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) was motivated to answer these questions, turn barriers into open doors, and create new opportunities for people with disabilities.

Twenty years later, CILCP has not only made a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, but also with family members of people with disabilities, businesses, governmental agencies, and others - from rallying for accessible route buses with lifts, requesting curb cuts in Harrisburg, and placing refurbished computers in the homes of people with disabilities, to assisting in the designing and building of the first completely accessible public playground in Central PA. CILCP has helped make a difference in the community.

Today, as we reflect on the past 20 years, Theotis Braddy, Executive Director of CILCP as well as many of his staff can say they’ve been there since the beginning. “We’ve come a long way, but we’re not stopping here. Our launch of the Living Well With A Disability program in 2007 proves we have another 20 years to go,” states Theotis Braddy.

There are thousands of people living with a disability in Central PA, but CILCP is currently the only accessible gym in the area for people with disabilities – just one of the many services CILCP provides people with disabilities. Therefore, CILCP is celebrating 20 years of accomplishments, but also looking to continue building opportunities.

On October 22, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. the CILCP is hosting a “Celebrating the Journey Benefit Dinner” at the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers located at 1 North Second Street, in Harrisburg, PA. This celebration has been put together to fulfill the organization’s goal of helping the thousands of people with disabilities improve their physical and overall health. A silent auction will be held to benefit the CILCP. All of the money raised will be used to expand CILCP’s fitness program – from purchasing new equipment to educating people with disabilities on how they can improve their fitness.

In addition to the silent auction, you don’t want to miss the award-winning comedian, Mike Beers! Only in his twenties, Mike has been entertaining people around the country for over five years. As quoted by a CILCP employee, “he will have you laughing so hard, he will bring tears to your eyes!”

We invite you to join us in Celebrating the Journey – Turning Barriers into Open Doors. It will be a night filled with laughter and fun! Contact the Center for Independent Living of Central PA at 717-731-1900 for tickets. Tickets are on sale now for $50.00 each.

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Aquatic Exploration: Admiral Handicapped Scuba Adventures

Imagine swimming with bright-colored fish in the warm waters of the Florida Keys. This coral reef experience is a unique opportunity that is offered by the Admiral Handicapped Scuba Adventures. Located in Key Largo, Florida, Admiral Handicapped Scuba Adventures offers Scuba certification and a range of other activities to people with disabilities.

Since its foundation in 1985 as the Admiral Dive Center, the organization has undergone various changes. In 2000, President Bill Gordon was involved in an accident where a scuba tank exploded and severed his left leg. Always a passionate diver however, this incident did not stop Mr. Gordon from getting back into the water. Today, Mr. Gordon continues diving and is the only Professional Association of Diving, Inc. (PADI) Scuba Instructor with one leg in the Florida Keys. He has completed special instructor training to certify divers with disabilities through PADI, International and the Handicapped Scuba Association, International.

If diving is your passion, a dive buddy, certified by the Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA), will guide you through your private and enjoyable scuba experience.

To start off, President Bill Gordon or other diving associates provide scuba training and technique lessons in the classroom and pool. This allows you to get a feel for the diving experience. Once you’re ready, you’ll head out to Molasses Reef on Admiral I, located about five miles out from land, and discover all that the Florida Keys has to offer.

Admiral Handicapped Scuba Adventures provides an ADA-certified boat, equipped with a boat lift. There is no need for swim fins either, as webbed gloves, an electric scooter or a dive buddy will provide you with whatever support you need.

Admiral Handicapped Scuba Adventures also features other aquatic activities including snorkeling, kayaking, diving and fishing. Each excursion is tailored to your specific needs and goals so you get the most out of your Key Largo adventure.

Mr. Gordon’s goal for Admiral Handicapped Scuba Adventures is to demonstrate the opportunities available to people with disabilities. At Admiral Handicapped Scuba Adventures you will have the opportunity to try new things and explore the beautiful coral reefs of the Florida Keys.

To schedule your personal aquatic adventure, please contact President Bill Gordon via phone at (800)346-3483 or via email Bill@AdmiralHSA.org.

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Events to Mark on Your Calendar!

Disability Day Dinner 2008

When: September 18, 2008
Where: Pittsburgh Westin Convention Center Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA
Contact: Terri Adams
Phone: 412-371-7700, ext. 147
Email: tadams@trcil.org

Three Rivers Center for the Independent Living (TRCIL) celebrates the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and thanks those who have provided support to people with disabilities. Sponsorships requested at various levels. Individual tickets are $100.

The Town Tavern

When: September 19, 2008
Where: The Town Tavern, Pittsburgh, PA

Come enjoy a night on the town with United Cerebral Palsy of Pittsburgh. The event offers free appetizers and $2 drinks with a $5 cover charge.

Cancer Caring Center Annual Walk

When: September 20, 2008
Where: North Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Phone: 412-622-1212

The Cancer Caring Center is hosting an annual walk. Donations and pledges are welcome to benefit the Cancer Caring Center in providing support to cancer patients.

Singer Island Resort Bridgebuster Challenge 5K Race to benefit the Able Trust

When: September 20, 2008
Where: The Resort at Singer Island, West Palm Beach, FL
Registration: link

The Singer Island Resort is hosting a 5k race to benefit The Able Trust, a foundation dedicated to helping people with disabilities find vocational training. There will also be a 1K race available for families and people with disabilities. Fruit smoothies, massages, spas and luxury amenities will be available at the resort after the race. Adults: $25, Students: $20, Kids 10-16: $20, Club members: $20 (plus $3.50 online registration fee).

Lupus Loop

When: September 21, 2008
Where: Lehigh Parkway, Allentown

For more information, contact the Pocono/Northeast office at 1-888-995-8787 or Janice Liddic at Janice@lupuspa.org.

Universal Design Summit III

When: September 21-23, 2008
Where: St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
Phone: 314-588-7090
Email: udsummit@starkloff.org

The Universal Design Summit III offers various design features in sustainability, housing, community design, green design and affordability for everyone.

Memory Walk 2008

When: September-November 2008
Where: Communities Nationwide (check listings)

The Alzheimer’s Association sponsors Walks across the country to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Florida DMD Kickoff & Career Fair

When: October 2, 2008
Where: Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando, FL

The Able Trust and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will hold its annual Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) Statewide Kickoff Celebration and Career Fair for students with disabilities.

Florida Disability Mentoring Day Kick Off and Career Fair

When: October 2, 2008
Where: Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando, FL
Contact: The Able Trust
Phone: (888) 838-2253

The Rosen Centre Hotel is teaming up with The Able Trust and the Florida Disability Mentoring Day Statewide Committee to host a career fair for high school and college students with disabilities. Students have an opportunity to network, attend sessions, demonstrations the DMD Kickoff breakfast and Keynote Session. Free for students. Register by September 24, 2008.

Voter Education and Empowerment Workshop

When: October 3, 2008
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Three Rivers Center for Independent Living – 900 Rebecca Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
Phone: 412-371-7700, ext. 119

Take part in the workshop and learn how to become an empowered voter and pledge to vote. Thirty ADA Accessible Voting Machines will be available for hands on demonstrations. Register to vote, find out who your legislators are – let your voices be heard! Refreshments will be provided.

Mental Health America’s Annual Legislative Breakfast

When: October 3, 2008
Where: Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Contact: Sarah Rosso
Phone: 412-391-3820 ext. 25
Email: srosso@mhaac.net

Mental Health America – Allegheny County is hosting their annual breakfast. The organization invites individuals, including people with mental and physical disabilities, to hear about current problems and solutions regarding transportation, overall wellness, healthcare and housing from local, state and national public officials.

Parrotheads in Amish Paradise Golf Outing & 10th Anniversary Party

When: October 4, 2008
Time: 12:30 (Shotgun Start)
Where: Sunset Golf – 2601 Sunset Drive, Middletown, PA 17057
Cost: $45 per golfer (includes cart, fees, prizes, on-course beverages)
Contact: Rick Clapper
Phone: 717-576-5641

The Golf Outing will benefit the Center for Independent Living of Central PA and is open to all members and guests. Hole sponsorships are available at: $25 & $50 includes one round of golf; $100 includes two rounds of golf. All golfers are invited to attend the party in the clubhouse from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., which includes food and a cash bar.

NAMI Southwestern PA Walk

When: October 5, 2008
Where: South Side Works, Pittsburgh, PA
Contact: Darcey Garda
Phone: 412-366-3788
Fax: 412-366-3935
Email: dgarda@namiswpa.org

Join NAMI Southwestern PA in their annual 5k Walk to raise awareness about the recovery system for mental illness and reduce the stigma that remains in regards to mental illness.

Lupus Loop

When: October 5, 2008
Where: Nay Aug Park, Scranton

For more information, contact the Pocono/Northeast office at 1-888-995-8787 or Janice Liddic at Janice@lupuspa.org.

USBLN Annual Conference

When: October 5-8, 2008
Where: Portland Marriot Downtown Waterfront Hotel, Portland, OR
Web: www.usbln.org

The USBLN Annual Conference and Career Fair hosted by the US Business Leader Network provides an opportunity for community leaders, businesses and BLN chapters who wish to hire, network, or retain people with disabilities through the 2008 Conference “Expanding Inclusion: The Business Strategy.”

JAN Annual Conference

When: October 5-8, 2008
Where: Portland, OR

JAN is bringing about change in conference training, and is joining forces with the US Business Leadership Network to offer a JAN SuperTrack at the US BLN’s 2008 conference.

USBLN® ANNUAL CONFERENCE

When: October 5-8, 2008
Where: Marriott Portland – Portland, Oregon
The US Business Leadership Network is a national business organization made up of chapters in 32 states and over 5,000 employers. The conference and career fair will include employers seeking to hire people with disabilities.

Millionth PwD Ride Celebration

When: October 7, 2008
Where: Harrisburg State Capitol, East Wing Plaza
Contact: John Lorence
Phone: 724-223-5115
Email: jlj@tripil.com

Celebrate the Millionth ride with the Pennsylvania Transportation Association at an event featuring lunch, the first and millionth rider, and a rally with advocates from all over the state. It will provide an opportunity to contribute new ideas to the transportation system.

TS Awareness Day at the State Capitol

When: October 7, 2008
Time: 7:30am – 2:30pm
Where: Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA
Phone: (717) 337-1134
Email: Penny@patsinc.org

The Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Association will host an awareness day for Tourette Syndrome. This event will offer the opportunity to meet local legislators and demonstrate your support for TS.

Virtual Online Job Fair

When: October 15, 2008
Where: www.disABLEDperson.com

The second annual Virtual Online Job Fair hosted by disABLEDperson Inc. will provide an opportunity for students to search for jobs in CA. View employer profiles, hyperlinks and chat rooms with employers in the California area. Simply log on to the website on Oct. 15^th.

2008 National Student Conclave

When: October 17, 2008
Where: Fairmont Hotel, San Jose, California
Contact: American Physical Therapy Association
Phone: 800-999-APTA

More than 1,500 students will join together at the National Student Conclave to gain networking and career advice. Sessions available include health and clinical, financial management and physical therapy technique.

Indiana Disability & Amputee Golf Outing

When: October 17-18, 2008
Where: Southern Dunes Golf Course, Indianapolis, IN
Contact: John Stack
Phone: 317-786-2663
Email: johnstackgolfdome@juno.com

An evening banquet and awards presentation will take place after the outing.

Lupus Loop

When: October 19, 2008
Where: Kirby Park, Wilkes Barre

For more information, contact the Pocono/Northeast office at 1-888-995-8787 or Janice Liddic at Janice@lupuspa.org.

Community Heroes Awards Dinner

When: October 22, 2008
Where: Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Contact: Courtney Walker
Phone: 412-683-7100 ext. 2153
Email: communityheroes@ucppittsburgh.org

United Cerebral Palsy of Pittsburgh celebrates their 16^th annual Community Heroes Awards dinner featuring guest speakers Gregory Dell’Omo, President of Robert Morris University and Andrew Stockey of WTAE-TV.

Rita Hayworth NYC Gala

When: October 28, 2008
Where: Waldorf-Astoria, New York City, NY

The Rita Hayworth NYC Gala fundraising event is sponsored to raise awareness about the Alzheimer’s Association.

2008 Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education Program Meeting

When: October 29-November 1, 2008
Where: Marriott
Philadelphia, PA
Email: apm@cswe.org

Ever Widening Circle: WID’S 25^th Anniversary Event

When: November 7, 2008
Where: Oakland Marriot, Oakland, CA
Contact: Rebecca Palmer
Phone: 510-251-4361

The World Institute on Disability (WID) will hold its Ever Widening Circle event featuring the Grammy-winning The Blind Boys of Alabama. Tickets are $75 each one, $70 for Groups of 10 or more.

Institute for Managers with Disabilities

When: November 10-14, 2008
Where: UCLA
Designed to assist managers with disabilities to develop and hone leadership styles and capabilities, increase developmental relationships and networks, and create a personalized plan for applying program learning to aid in career growth.

WCD Expo: World Congress on Disabilities

When: November 21-22, 2008
Time: 10 a.m.-5p.m.
Where: Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, Jacksonville, FL
Phone: (201)722-9233 ext. 110
Email: info@wcdexpo.com

The World Congress of Disabilities will provide latest services and products to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

2008 2nd Annual EPDSC Comedy Night

When: November 2008
Where: TBA

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We welcome information regarding upcoming events, conferences or workshops related to the disability community. Please email your information to .

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information, the Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) make no guarantees. CILCP recommends that if a person with a disability is interested in an activity or event listed on the Web site, to please contact the organization hosting the event/activity to verify whether your individual accommodations can be met.