eNewsletter

March 2008

In This Issue…

Setting a New Goal and Accomplishing It

Meet Lamont Warren, a young individual determined to accomplish a goal that was put in front of him unexpectedly. [more]

CILCP Provides State-of-the-Art Technology to Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Learn about a piece of technology that is for people who communicate through American Sign Language (ASL) and want to make and receive phone calls with friends, business colleagues and family members. [more]

A New Saturday Morning Activity

Take a break from cleaning or running the kids to practice on Saturday mornings, and explore a new activity: Martial Arts.[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!

Setting a New Goal and Accomplishing It

In September 2006, Lamont Warren's life changed. One minute he was playing pick up football with his friends, and the next, he was on his way to the hospital to learn he suffered from a spinal cord injury, causing the loss of mobility from his neck down. The doctors told Lamont he may not walk again.

Lamont listened to the doctors, but he was determined to prove them wrong. Those words weren't going to make him give up; instead, he decided he would fight through it to walk again. "It was another goal for me to accomplish," said Lamont. He wasn't sure who to turn to, but he didn't get depressed; instead, he took action.

It was in the hospital when Lamont first became familiar with The Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) and its services. United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) provided Lamont with a list of different agencies available to provide assistance and resources, and CILCP was one of them. Lamont contacted CILCP, and a CILCP specialist visited him in the hospital to educate him of the organization, its services and how Lamont could be a part of the organization.

Following the meeting at the hospital, Lamont began rehabilitation at Hershey Medical Center and started receiving attendant care services from CILCP. CILCP's attendant care services, now known as the personal assistance services, enable people with disabilities to remain in their home and receive assistance with performing daily living activities and participating in the community. The consumer/employee program provides Lamont with assistance around the house, getting his prescriptions filled, and other daily activities.

CILCP's community integration specialist, Jesse Swoyer also met with Lamont to learn more about his interests and goals. One of Lamont's goals was to become active again in the gym, but it was challenging due to the lack of accessibility with equipment in gyms. No sooner did Lamont express his hopes, and Jesse introduced him to the Living Well With A Disability Fitness Center. Lamont immediately became excited and wanted to be a consumer of the Fitness Center.

Today, Lamont, age 21, is actively working out in the Living Well With A Disability Fitness Center with Jesse, who's certified to instruct and train. Because of Lamont's devotion to the rehabilitation program and working out at the Fitness Center, he regained mobility, and continues to build his strength and balance. "I had to train my brain to move my body again. It was hard, but I kept pushing."

He visits the Fitness Center two times a week in addition to his rehabilitation program at Hershey Medical Center. Each visit he continues to grow stronger and reach his goal to walk again.

"When I got hurt, I looked at it as having another goal to accomplish. Any advice I can give to individuals with disabilities is to keep pushing; keep striving. You can't give up. Just because you have a disability doesn't mean life has to change. You have to work around your injury – life isn't over, " Lamont said.

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CILCP Provides State-of-the-Art Technology to Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Here, at the Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP), we teamed up with the Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in 2007 to add a videophone service for persons who are deaf and/or people who communicate through American Sign Language. Sorenson Video Relay Service (VRS) is the videophone service provider. Sorenson VRS donated the phone, which is located in a quiet, private area of CILCP’s office.

The videophone provided via CILCP’s office enables people who communicate through American Sign Language (ASL) to make and receive phone calls with friends, business colleagues and family members who also communicate through sign language, or with individuals who are able to hear. A qualified interpreter is provided via Sorenson VRS to communicate the information between the two parties. The interpreters continually receive training to provide the best service possible.

At CILCP’s office, the videophone appliance is connected to a television. When the person is ready to make a call, he or she will see an ASL interpreter on the TV screen and then sign to the interpreter. The interpreter then contacts the hearing user through a phone line and communicates back and forth between the two parties.

The videophone can also be used to connect two people who are deaf if both parties have a videophone. For more information on how the videophone works, visit http://www.sorensonvrs.com/what/placing_vrs_call.php.

In comparison to the TelephoneTYpewriter (TTY), the videophone is more personal, clear, and accurate in interpreting American Sign Language. The TTY requires the person to type the conversation to communicate what they would like to say. When a person calls to speak to someone who uses a TTY, the words then appear on the person’s computer screen.

The videophone is free-of-charge and available to use Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the CILCP office, located at 207 House Avenue, Suite 107, Camp Hill, PA 17011. If you’re interested in this service, CILCP accepts walk-ins or you may schedule an appointment by calling the office at (717) 737-1335 (TTY) or 717-731-1900.

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A New Saturday Morning Activity: Martial Arts

The Harrisburg Area YMCA, West Shore Branch, which is located in Camp Hill, has been offering a free martial arts class to persons with physical or mental disabilities since the program began in 1995.

Mark Krushinsky, along with many other key volunteers, has volunteered his time every Saturday morning from 10-11:30 a.m. to instruct the class. Mr. Krushinsky is a high level instructor in Chinese (also known as Seifu).

The class typically ranges from 12-15 participants and is available for both adults and youth, usually ranging from age 6 to 65. The class focuses on the practice of martial arts despite any type of disability an individual may have. Most participants are families, as that is what’s recommended by the instructor, but individuals are more than encouraged to participate as well. The class is accessible, and individuals utilizing a wheelchair have participated in the past. There really are no limitations for the class.

“I have received a lot of feedback from participants and their families regarding the benefit of such a program over the years. Approximately eight years ago, a young boy with autism started in the program, and at the time, he had trouble tying his shoes. Now today at 17 years old, ready to graduate high school and further his education, he is a black belt instructor for the group,” Health & Fitness Director of the YMCA Jason Snyder said.

Mr. Krushinsky has devoted a lot of effort and takes great pride in this program, and its effects on the community. It allows families to be incorporated in an activity together, despite any physical or mental limitations.

The Harrisburg Area YMCA, West Shore Branch is very fortunate to have such great volunteers providing such a beneficial class in this community. Anyone who is interested in the class can visit the YMCA on Saturday mornings without registering; there is no registration required. For more information on the class, you can call the YMCA at 717-737-0511.

We hope you’ll join us!

Jason Snyder
Health & Fitness Director
Harrisburg Area YMCA, West Shore Branch

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Events to Mark on Your Calendar!

American Counseling Association Annual Conference & Exposition

When: March 26-30, 2008
Where: Honolulu, HI
During the conference, attendees will become involved in education sessions, keynote sessions, exhibit hall activities, and more.

Abilities Expo – NY Metro

When: March 28-30, 2008
Where: New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison, NJ
Time: Fri & Sat. 10-5, Sun. 11-4
Features speakers, activities, prizes, and more!

Social Work Health Leadership Foundation 43rd Annual Meeting & Conference: "Crossing Borders, Building Bridges… Expanding Horizons"

When: April 2-5, 2008
Where: Hyatt Regency Montreal, Quebec, Canada

You Are the Expert Conference: "Celebrating Families and Professionals, the Heart of Success"

When: April 4-5, 2008
Where: Lynnwood Convention Center
3711 196th Street SW
Lynnwood, WA 989036

Washington Pave is providing two days of learning and discussion opportunities on advocacy, laws, procedural safeguards, strategies and remedies in education, and more. For more information visit the Web site or call (253) 565-2266 (v/tty) / 1-800-5-PARENT (v/tty).

JAN/USBLN Webcast Series

When: April 8, 2008
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Email: training@jan.wvu.edu
Sponsored by the Job Accommodation Network and the US Business Leadership Network. Session title: “US BLN Best Practices: Part One.” Register at http://www.jan.wvu.edu/webcast/ ; seating is limited.

Disability Law Symposium

When: April 10-11, 2008
Where:The National Federation of the Blind
Jernigan Institute
1800 Johnson St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
Email: lblake@nfb.org
A forum to discuss current disability laws and possible changes to be made.

Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities

When: April 14-15, 2008
Where: Sheraton Waikiki Hotel & Resort, Hawaii
Phone: (808) 256-9364 or (808) 956-7539
Email: prinfo@hawaii.edu
The Pacific Rim Conference is an international educational offering for and from persons with disabilities, family members, researchers, service providers, policymakers, community leaders, advocates, and nationally recognized professionals.

SportsAbility Tallahassee

When: April 17-20, 2008
Where: Tallahassee, FL
The Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA) will host an event that is about enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by promoting active living. SportsAbility provides first hand access to resources and demonstrations of activities designed to encourage participation regardless of age or ability level.

Virtual Job Fair for College Students with Disabilities

When: April 23, 2008
Where: Online (targeting western states- WA, OR, NV, AZ, ID, UT, NM, CO, WY, MT)
Email: disabledpersons@aol.com
A Virtual Online Job Fair for College Students with disabilities and who are making the transition from school to work in the Western United States are invited to attend. The disABLEDperson Inc. is hosting the event.

World of Possibilities Expo Maryland 2008

When: May 2-3, 2008
Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds
Gaithersburg, MD
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The expo is for children and adults with disabilities, family members, caregivers, senior community, baby-boomers, healthcare providers, educators and other service providers. There will be demonstrations, workshops, fun activities and more!

Walk for A Healthy Community

When: May 3, 2008
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
Contact: Chad Hilliard
Phone: 412-544-2130
Email: wfahcpgh@highmark.com

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is presenting a 5K Walk and 1-Mile Fun Walk, which will benefit human service agencies in Western PA.

6th Annual Brain Injuries Conference

When: May 5-7, 2008
Where: Seattle, WA
The sixth annual Brain Injuries conference will feature four pre-conferences to choose from: Neurobehavioral Consequences of Brain Injury, Evidence-Based Interventions for Cognitive Disorders, The Stress of Learning Following TBI, and Spasticity.

YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities Network 29th Annual Conference

When: May 5-9, 2008
Where: Crowne Plaza Manhattan Hotel, New York City, NY
Email: wittenberg@yai.org
Phone: 212-273-6193
Contact for Attending: Abbe Wittenberg
The conference will focus on treatment and practices, new models, and strategies to enhance the lives of persons with developmental and learning disabilities. Those encouraged to attend include: Physicians, direct service professionals, social workers, PT/OTs, speech-language pathologists, administrators, educators, early intervention staff, behavioral health professionals, family members, people with disabilities and anyone working or interested in the field of developmental and learning disabilities.

JAN/USBLN Webcast Series

When: May 6, 2008
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Email: training@jan.wvu.edu
Sponsored by the Job Accommodation Network and the US Business Leadership Network. Session title: “Accommodating Employees with Psychiatric Impairments.” Register at http://www.jan.wvu.edu/webcast/ ; seating is limited.

National ADA Symposium

When: May 12-14, 2008
Where: America's Center
St. Louis, MO
The National ADA Symposium concentrates on the Americans with Disabilities Act and related disability laws. Registration begins January 7, 2008.

Spinal Cord Injuries Contemporary Forums

When: May 15-17, 2008
Where: San Francisco, CA
The 16th Annual Conference on Spinal Cord Injury involves three pre-conferences, exhibits on new technology and equipment, product demonstrations and more.

Abilities Expo - Southern CA

When: May 30- June 1, 2008
Where: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA
Time: Fri. & Sat. 10-5, Sun. 11-5
Features speakers, activities, prizes, and more!

People on the Move: Using All Transportation Options (ADA and Beyond…)

When: June 2-3, 2008
Where: Washington, D.C.
A free training will be provided to increase accessible transportation in local communities. Attendees (human service providers, transportation providers, school personnel, and anyone else interested) will be provided the basic tools needed to expand community transportation options.

Walk for a Healthy Community

When: June 7, 2008
Where: City Island, Harrisburg, PA
Contact: Jodie Ruediger
Phone: 717-302-3853
Email: wfahchbg@highmark.com
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is presenting a 5K Walk and 1-Mile Fun Walk, which will benefit human service agencies in the capital region.

JAN/USBLN Webcast Series

When: June 10, 2008
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Email: training@jan.wvu.edu
Sponsored by the Job Accommodation Network and the US Business Leadership Network. Session title: “US BLN Best Practices: Part Two.” Register at http://www.jan.wvu.edu/webcast/ ; seating is limited.

Walk for A Healthy Community

When: June 14, 2008
Where: Bethlehem, PA
Contact: Jane Stone
Phone: 610-573-5407
Email: wfahclehigh@highmark.com
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is presenting a 5K Walk and 1-Mile Fun Walk, which will benefit human service agencies in the Lehigh Valley.

Walk for A Healthy Community

When: June 14, 2008
Where: Erie, PA (Presque Isle State Park)
Contact: Chad Hilliard
Phone: 412-544-2130
Email: wfahcerie@highmark.com
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is presenting a 5K Walk and 1-Mile Fun Walk, which will benefit human service agencies in Western PA.

United Cerebral Palsy Believable Hope Conference

When:June 18-21, 2008
Where: Hyatt Regency
Washington, D.C.
Opportunities to attend sessions on creating a life without limits for people with disabilities.

34th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)

When: June 19-22, 2008
Where: Loews Coronado Bay Resort - San Diego, California

People on the Move: Using All Transportation Options (ADA and Beyond…)

When: June 25-26, 2008
Where: Bloomington, Ind.
A free training will be provided to increase accessible transportation in local communities. Attendees (human service providers, transportation providers, school personnel, and anyone else interested) will be provided the basic tools needed to expand community transportation options.

JAN/USBLN Webcast Series

When: July 8, 2008
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Email: training@jan.wvu.edu
Sponsored by the Job Accommodation Network and the US Business Leadership Network. Session title: “ADA Update with EEOC and JAN.” Register at http://www.jan.wvu.edu/webcast/ ; seating is limited.

People on the Move: Using All Transportation Options (ADA and Beyond…)

When: July 9-10 2008
Where: New Orleans, Ore.
A free training will be provided to increase accessible transportation in local communities. Attendees (human service providers, transportation providers, school personnel, and anyone else interested) will be provided the basic tools needed to expand community transportation options.

Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) Conference

When: July 14-19, 2008
Where: Reno, Nevada
The Grand Sierra Resort
The annual international AHEAD conference brings together professionals in the fields of higher education and disability for a week of information-sharing, networking and theoretical and practical training.

National Consortium for Physical Education & Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities Summer 2008 Annual Conference

When: July 17-19, 2008
Where: Reston, VA
Email: c-piletic@wiu.edu

International Conference on Diverse Abilities & Innovative Supports

When: August 11-13, 2008
Where: Honolulu, HI
Email: lifelibertyandthepursuitof@craconferences.com

JAN/USBLN Webcast Series

When: August 12, 2008
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Email: training@jan.wvu.edu
Sponsored by the Job Accommodation Network and the US Business Leadership Network. Session title: “Accommodation Process.” Register at http://www.jan.wvu.edu/webcast/ ; seating is limited.

MIUSA'S 4TH International Women's Institute on Leadership and Disability

When: August 12- September 2, 2008
Where: Eugene, OR
Women leaders with disabilities from around the world will gather to enhance leadership skills, build networks of support and create new visions. Women must apply to attend. Application guidelines are found online.

North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity Symposium

When: Sept. 3-6, 2008
Where: Indianapolis, IN
Email: kstanton@iupui.edu

Abilities Expo- Minnesota

When: Sept. 12-14, 2008
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, MN
Time: Fri. & Sat. 10-5, Sun. 11-6
Features speakers, activities, prizes, and more!

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.

54th Annual Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education

When:October 30 - November 2, 2008
Where: Marriott Hotel - Philadelphia, PA
Email: apm@cswe.org

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.

37th National Adapted Physical Education Conference

When: November 20-22, 2008
Where: The Westin Horton Plaza, San Diego, CA
Designed to promote physical activity for all.

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