eNewsletter
January 2009
Click here to download a PDF of this newsletter.
In This Issue…
Tanya Foster’s Reasons for Joining Living Well With A Disability
Tanya Foster shares her experience with having a Mother whom is Deaf, and her reasons for being a part of this program. [more]
Central Pennsylvania Speedway Works to Enhance Accessibility
A CIL Board member works with a Central Pennsylvania speedway to provide opportunity for more people with disabilities to enjoy the sport of racing. [more]
American DanceWheels Foundation Teaches the Art of Dance by Way of Wheel and Foot
So you think you can dance? Well, take dance lessons from the American DanceWheels Foundation, and you'll learn the moves of the cha-cha, foxtrot and more! [more]
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!
Tanya Foster’s Reasons for Joining Living Well With A Disability
One of the first books I remember reading as a child was “Burt and Ernie’s
Fun with Sign Language.” Being the typical four-year old who couldn’t live
without Sesame Street, this book was perfect! Every night before bed, I would
carefully review the colorful pictures while my mom sat beside me helping shape
my tiny fingers into the letters of the alphabet. This book that I cherished
wasn’t just for my enjoyment, but rather it was given to me for a much deeper
purpose. My mom had experienced a sudden bout with vertigo attacks. After going
to a number of specialists she learned she had a rare, inner ear disorder known
as Meniere’s disease. It was then doctors told her that within a decade she
would be Deaf.
It took some time to learn about all the things available to her – TTY machines,
lights that replace sounds of door bells and phones, open caption movies and
alarm clocks that vibrate the bed. Eventually, she came to know organizations
and people who opened her eyes to these new tools and opened her eyes to living
with a disability. Through my mom’s experience, I know how important it is
to have that helping hand. When the phone call came through at my desk a few
months ago, asking if I would be a part of the Center for Independent Living’s
quest to reach out to the thousands of people in Central PA who might need
that helping hand, I felt blessed. It was more than irony, it was fate.
I hold a very close place in my heart for the mission Center for Independent
Living lives by. As a spokesperson for the Center for Independent Living of
Central PA’s (CILCP) Living Well With A Disability program, I am thrilled to
announce that I, along with my news station, CBS 21, are joining forces with
CILCP to create the “Living Well With A Disability” news series. Starting on
February 3, we will highlight one amazing person each month who is doing just
that – living well with a disability. These stories will inspire and encourage
those who think they can’t achieve a goal or perform a task, turn around and
say, “Yes, I can.”
Look for Living Well With A Disability on CBS 21 News at 6:00 p.m. and CBS 21 News at 10 p.m. on the CW 15, the first Tuesday of every month. You can also follow my experience through my personal blog, find videos of people living well with a disability, and more on the CBS 21 Web site (www.cbs21.com) starting February 3.
With one in seven Central Pennsylvanians living with a disability, together we’ll be able to reach a number of people who otherwise may not know the resources available to them. If we can help make it easier for just one person to live a more fulfilling life, then we’ve accomplished an amazing feat!
The best prize life has to offer, is to offer life.
Tanya
American DanceWheels Foundation Teaches the Art of Dance by Way of Wheel and Foot
Nine years ago, American DanceWheels Foundation (ADF) started creating the
first American style syllabus for wheelchair dancing. Five years later, the
organization began training teachers and recruiting students. Today, the Foundation
offers seated and standing partners classes in all styles of ballroom and Latin
dancing. Styles include the foxtrot, waltz, tango, swing, salsa and cha-cha.
Classes are offered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New Jersey; New York; and,
Delaware. ADF also hopes to open a studio in Paoli, Pa. in 2009.
Executive Director Melinda Kremer explained that the only requirements needed to participate are the cognitive ability to follow directions and the ability to operate one’s own manual or power wheelchair. “When I see people who use wheelchairs, I invite them to come to our class. I tell them that we’d love to have them, and often times, they look at me and say, ‘Dance? How can I dance?’” The organization’s motto is “Everyone can dance!”
All of the moves and dance elements are the same whether you have a disability
or not. Some of the dance elements include connection, frame and character.
The only difference is that one person is seated and the other is standing.
Even able bodied people are encouraged to use a wheelchair and attempt the
same moves.
Kremer said that a lot of couples (in which one person has a disability) take the class together; however, many do not come with a partner and find that the classes are an excellent way to socialize and meet new people. Participants can learn to dance socially or competitively.
The American DanceWheels Foundation also hosts a children’s class at the Widener
Memorial School for children with disabilities in Philadelphia. Able-bodied
children from a local school come in to dance with the seated students. The
combination is a way to teach children to accept each other despite their different
abilities.
Classes usually last for ten weeks, though some last fourteen. Sign up information is available on the Web site at http://www.americandancewheels.org/index.html. ADF is seeking individuals with disabilities, able-bodied partners, ballroom dance teachers, and occupational and physical therapists who wish to learn the art of wheelchair ballroom dancing. ADF also offers certification classes to instructors. ADF is looking for more dance instructors interested in being certified. For more information, please contact Melinda Kermer at 215-588-6671 or via e-mail at info@americandancewheels.org.
Events to Mark on Your Calendar!
TRAS Bowling League
When: Tuesdays
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Funfest Entertainment Center- Harmarville, PA
Phone: 412-848-8896
Email: MARK4TRAS@comcast.net
Three Rivers Adaptive Sports (TRAS) provides a non-competitive bowling league that is open to people with disabilities and their friends and family members. Adaptive equipment is available. The cost is $10 per person.
Parent-for-Parent Support Group
When: 1st Wednesday of every month
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Resource Center Staff and Training Center – Jamestown,
NY
Email: trctkerzner@windstream.net
The Resource Center hosts a monthly parent/caregiver support group. The support group provides an opportunity for families to discuss triumphs, challenges, issues, and concerns facing individuals with special needs.
Assistive Technology Industry Association 2009
When: January 28 - 31, 2009
Where: Orlando, Florida
Phone: 1-877-2842 (Toll Free)
Email: info@atia.org
ATIA 2009 Orlando is the 10th Annual conference. The conference features the latest products and services and showcases more than 125 exhibitors. Individuals can meet one-on-one with leading AT suppliers and get hands-on experience with AT technologies. More than 275 educational sessions and hands-on labs are available.
Special Camp Fair Presented by Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc.
When: January 31, 2009
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Church of St. Paul the Apostle- New York City, NY
Phone: (212) 677-4650
Resources for Children with Special Needs is hosting a camp fair that will feature 70 New York City day and overnight camps in the northeast. Attendees will be given information on travel, education and early childhood programs, as well as volunteer and job opportunities.
What’s Out There and How to Get It
When: January – April, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Where: Central Library Grand Army Plaza – Brooklyn, NY
Phone: (212) 677-4650
Email: gshulman@resourcesnyc.org
Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc. presents a free training series
for families and professionals needing programs and services for children with
disabilities. To find out the location of each monthly seminar, visit http://www.resourcesnyc.org
What’s Out There and How to Get It
When: January – June, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Where: Jewish Child Care Association – Bronx, NY
Resources for Children with Special Needs is hosting a camp fair that will feature 70 New York City day and overnight camps in the northeast. Attendees will be given information on travel, education and early childhood programs, as well as volunteer and job opportunities.
What’s Out There and How to Get It
When: January, March, May, June, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Where: Bronx Family Center of the Children’s Aid Society –
Bronx, NY
Phone: (212) 677-4650
Email: gshulman@resourcesnyc.org
Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc. presents a free training series for families and professionals that need programs and services for children with disabilities. To find out the location of each monthly seminar, visit http://www.resourcesnyc.org.
Legal Issues Webinar Series: Employment and the ADA
When: January – September, 2009
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Phone: (877) ADA - 1990 or (877) 232 - 1990
Email: gldbtac@uic.edu
Equip for Equality’s online educational seminar occurs once a month and covers a variety of topics surrounding individuals with disabilities. This program focuses on employment issues and disability discrimination.
Diana Golden Level 1 Race
When: February 1, 2009
Where: Ability Plus at Attitash– Bartlett, NH
Phone: Erik Corbett (603) 374-2688
Email: ecorbett@abilityplus.org
Disabled Sports USA has provided sporting events for individuals with a disability since 1967. To learn more about these events, please visit the website for event details and registration.
Baldwin Village Ribbon Cutting
When: February 4, 2009
Where: Hoy Towers Community Room (501 Mohn St., Steelton,
PA 17113)
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
R.S.V.P: Megan@thesuasionway.com
Baldwin Village is the first fully-accessible housing complex in Central PA for people with disabilities. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held to announce its opening. To attend, please R.S.V.P. by January 30, 2009.
10th Annual Expand Your Horizons! Mid-level camp and race
When: February 2–5, 2009
Where: Telluride Ski Resort - Telluride, CO
Phone: Courtney Stuecheli (970) 728-3524
Email: tasp@tellurideadaptivesports.org
Disabled Sports USA has provided sporting events for individuals with a disability since 1967. To learn more about these events, please visit the website for event details and registration.
American DanceWheels Foundation Teacher Training Seminar
When: Thursday, February 5th - Saturday, February 7th
Where: Crystal Dansport- New Castle, DE
Phone: (215) 588-6671
Email: info@americandancewheels.org
Interested dance instructors and their seated students are encouraged to participate in this fun weekend event.
Ski Bash 2009
When: February 18-20, 2009
Where: Baltimore Adaptive Recreation and Sports - Canaan Valley,
WV
Phone: Pamela Lenhert (443) 491-3227
Email: pam4bars@aol.com
Disabled Sports USA has provided sporting events for individuals with a disability since 1967. To learn more about these events, please visit the website for event details and registration.
EOP's Diversity Recruitment Career Fair
When: February 12, 2009
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center - Los Angeles, CA
Phone: (631) 421-9421 Ext.21
CAREERS & the disABLED Magazine is a recruitment magazine for people with
disabilities. At the career fair, attendees can speak with equal opportunity
employers who offer a wide spectrum of career choices for individuals with
a disability.
SkiAble Adaptive Alpine Experience
When: February 22-24, 2009
Where: Sunrise Ski Park - Greer, AZ
Phone: Susan Rossi (480) 644-5702
Email: susan.rossi@cityofmesa.org
For over 21 years, Disabled Sports USA has taken part in one of the nation’s largest winter sports festivals for people with disabilities. To register, visit the Web site.
Easter Seals Western Pennsylvania's 23rd Annual Cotillion "Puttin' on the Ritz"
When: March 7, 2009
Time: 6:30 p.m.: Champagne Reception, 7:30 p.m.: Dinner
Where: Directions
to the Omni William Penn Hotel Omni William Penn Hotel - Downtown Pittsburgh
Phone: (412) 281-7244 x229
Email: mwahl@weternpa.easterseals.com
This event is being held to raise money and awareness for the Easter Seals organization and services that benefit people with disabilities and their families in western PA .
First Annual International Conference on Culture, Ethnicity, & Brain Injury Rehabilitation
When: March 12 -13, 2009
Where: Arlington, Virginia
Contact: Juan Carlos Arango, Ph.D.
Phone: 804-828-8797
Email: jcarangolasp@vcu.edu
This conference will bring together brain injury rehabilitation experts from all over the world to discuss and share ideas about effective research, rehabilitation practices, and intervention.
Keystone Human Services and Susquehanna Service Dogs Present “PawsAbilities” 2009
When: March 14 -15, 2009
Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center- Harrisburg,
PA
Phone: 717-671-7813
Email: ssd@keystonehumanservices.org
Join Keystone Human Services and Susquehanna Service Dogs for a two-day event that includes: a breeding show, a costume event, door-prizes, and service dog demos.
11th Annual “Journey Through Special Education” Conference
When: March 21, 2009
Where: Holiday Inn West, 5401 Carlisle Pike- Mechanicsburg,
PA
Email: Cindy Adams cadams@cparc.org
This event will include an advanced session on Autism and Asperger’s. The event is open to the public.
Power Through Knowledge: 8th Biennial Statewide Independent Living Conference
When: April 2-4, 2009
Where: Harrisburg Hilton – Harrisburg, PA
Phone: 1-800-796-9163
Email: ptk@goluxor.com
Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council, the conference
will offer an independent living expo, march to the Capitol and rally, informative
workshops, awards ceremony and more.
EOP's Diversity Recruitment Career Fair
When: April 3, 2009
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Boston Marriot Copley Place hotel – Boston, MA
Phone: (631) 421-9421 Ext.21
CAREERS & the disABLED Magazine is a recruitment magazine for people with
disabilities. At the career fair, attendees can speak with equal opportunity
employers who offer a wide spectrum of career choices for individuals with
a disability.
Abilities Expo: New York Metro
When: April 17-19, 2009
Where: New Jersey Convention & Expo Center
Phone: (310) 450-8831 ext. 130
Email: info@abilitiesexpo.com
The Abilities Expo welcomes people with disabilities, their family members and caregivers, health care professionals and sponsors to attend the event. Attendees will learn about technologies, products, services, education curriculum, and career opportunities for people with disabilities. In addition, special events will be held.
EOP's Diversity Recruitment Career Fair
When: April 24, 2009
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: The New Yorker Hotel – New York, NY
Phone: (631)421-9421 Ext.21
CAREERS & the disABLED Magazine is a recruitment magazine for people
with disabilities. At the career fair, attendees can speak with equal opportunity
employers who offer a wide spectrum of career choices for those with a disability.
Tennessee Disability Mega Conference
When: May 28-30, 2009
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Where: Nashville Airport Marriot – Nashville, TN
Phone: 1-800-835-7077
Email: info@thearctn.org
This annual event allows individuals to participate in interactive workshops, educational sessions, disability products and services exhibits, evening events, an award banquet and dance.
Abilities Expo: Anaheim
When: May 29-31, 2009
Where: Anaheim, California
Phone: (310) 450-8831 ext. 130
Email: info@abilitiesexpo.com
The Abilities Expo welcomes people with disabilities, their family members
and caregivers, health care professionals and sponsors to attend the event.
Attendees will learn about technologies, products, services, education curriculum,
and career opportunities for people with disabilities. In addition, special
events will be held.
21st Annual Postsecondary Disability Training Institute
When: June 2-6, 2009
Where: Philadelphia, PA
Contact: Carrol Waite
Phone: (860) 486 – 3321
Email: carrol.waite@uconn.edu
This training program is designed to aid professionals in meeting the unique needs of college students with disabilities.
NCIL Annual Conference 2009
When: June 5-8, 2009
Where: Grand Hyatt Washington
Phone: (202) 207-0334
Email: ncil@ncil.org
The National Council on Independent Living is hosting this training program designed to aid professionals in meeting the unique needs of college students with disabilities.
National Traumatic Brain Injury Caregiver’s Conference
When: June 6, 2009
Where: Williamsburg Hospitality House Hotel & Conference
Center – Williamsburg, Virginia
Contact: Linda Nowsherwan
Phone: (703) 451-8881
This conference was developed to provide information on recovery to caregivers of individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. There will be presentations, workshops, and lectures on topics including rehabilitation, finding and utilizing services, and rebuilding relationships.
2009 National ADA Symposium
When: June 8-10, 2009
Where: Hyatt Regency Crown Center – Kansas City, Missouri
Email: hamburgl@missouri.edu
The conference will provide fifty-six sessions for groups affected by the ADA. National experts will provide information about the ADA and related disability laws.
Building a Better Tomorrow: Best Practices in the Support of People with Disabilities
When: June 9-11, 2009
Where: Sheraton Sports Complex – Kansas City, Missouri
Contact: Sandy Baker Adams
Phone: (785) 296-6090
Email: sba@kni.ks.gov
The Kansas Neurological Institute is sponsoring the conference that will offer sessions on intellectual disabilities and aging, self-advocacy, community inclusion, assistive technology and more.
AAID 133rd Annual Meeting
When: June 9-12, 2009
Where: Ritz Carlton – New Orleans, Lousiana
Contact: Joanna Pierson
The theme of the conference is “Creating Enviable Lives: The Business Plan.” It is designed for people with developmental disabilities, families, advocates and health care professionals.
2009 Mental Health America Centennial Conference & Gala
When: June 10-13, 2009
Where: Hyatt Regency Washington – Capitol Hill, Washington,
D.C.
Phone: (703) 684-7722
The conference will feature inspiring speakers who will speak about how to overcome future mental health challenges.
Hearing Loss Association of America Convention 2009
When: June 18-21, 2009
Where: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center – Nashville,
Tennessee
Phone: (301) 657 - 2248
Email: convention@hearingloss.org
Attendees will obtain information on hearing loss, technology, and hearing assistance.
Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy 25th Anniversary Special Family and Professionals Conference
When: June 18-21, 2009
Where: Hyatt Regency – Cincinnati, Ohio
Phone: (800) 886-1762
Email: info@fsma.org
This conference provides individuals with an opportunity to network with other families, attend workshops, and interact with leading researchers around the world who are working to develop treatments and cures for SMA.
Abilities Expo: Chicago
When: June 25-27, 2009
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Phone: (310) 450-8831 ext. 130
Email: info@abilitiesexpo.com
The Abilities Expo welcomes people with disabilities, their family members
and caregivers, health care professionals and sponsors to attend the event.
Attendees will learn about technologies, products, services, education curriculum,
and career opportunities for people with disabilities. In addition, special
events will be held.
Autism Society of America
When: July 22-25, 2009
Where: Pheasant Run Resort and Spa – St. Charles, Illinois
Contact: Meg Ellacott
Phone: (302) 206-9487
Email: ellacott@autism-society.org
The ASA National Conference is the largest autism conference in the nation welcoming professionals, exhibitors, parents and family members, and individuals on the spectrum to discuss many topics such as legal issues, treatment-guided research and social skills.
National Disability Sports Conference
When: September 10-12, 2009
Where: Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia
Phone: (770) 850-8199
Email: jjones@blazesports.org
This conference will include interactive and hands-on sessions on topics such as program development and coaching. The nation’s best sports professionals, coaches, and Paralympic athletes will be in attendance to discuss training techniques.
Abilities Expo: Atlanta
When: November 5-7, 2009
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
Phone: (310) 450-8831 ext. 130
Email: info@abilitiesexpo.com
The Abilities Expo welcomes people with disabilities, their family members
and caregivers, health care professionals and sponsors to attend the event.
Attendees will learn about technologies, products, services, education curriculum,
and career opportunities for people with disabilities. In addition, special
events will be held.
“Deaf Cruise” Presented by The Tri State Deaf Club
When: November 7, 2009
Where: Bayonne, NJ (Cape Liberty Cruise Port) to Kings Wharf,
Bermuda
Phone: Tammy Williamson (908)782-3712
The Tri State Deaf Club is hosting a 5-night “Deaf Cruise” The cost of a room starts at $599 per person and can be reserved with a deposit of $100 per person.
Arc of the United States National Convention
When: November 11 – 14, 2009
Where: Pittsburgh, PA
Phone: (301) 565 – 3842 or (800) 433-5255
Email: info@thearc.org
The Arc provides information, services, and support for families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The National Foundation for the Blind of Central Pennsylvania State Convention Presented by Pennsylvania Parents of Blind Children (PAPOBC)
When: November 13 – 15, 2009
Where: Harrisburg, PA
Phone: 215-988-0888
Email: nfbofpa@att.net
PAPOBC is an advocacy group that works to provide secure, equal, and independent lifestyles for Pennsylvania’s blind and visually impaired children.
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.
