Please visit the New Horizons Un-Limited website for more valuable information!

http://www.new-horizons.org

We would like to hear from you! We need your advice to inform others and to address common concerns.

Contact New Horizons Un-Limited Inc. by e-mail at: horizons@new-horizons.org

We Want to Know

Are you interested in participating in New Horizons Un-Limited's Computer Recycling and Training Project?

New Horizons Un-Limited wants to know if you would be interested in participating in our Computer Recycling and Training project for individuals with disabilities.

We are currently developing a project in which we are seeking partnerships with non-profit organizations throughout Southeastern Wisconsin to bring computer and Internet training programs to the disabled community.

Would your organization be interested in developing and facilitating a training program? We are also interested in hearing from potential students so that we may better develop this project.

If you are either an individual with a disability or a non-profit organization interested in learning more about this project, please call us at (414) 299-0124. You may also send an e-mail to horizons@new-horizons.org.

National News

Social Security offers a PASS (Plan For Achieving Self-Support) to success

The Social Security Administration is now offering PASS (Plan for Achieving Self - Support) to individuals with disabilities who currently receive or are eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income and who are interested in pursuing a career. PASS will allow an individual to set aside money they earn and/or property they own to help them reach a goal of either sustained employment or a higher education that will lead to employment, while still maintaining their current SSI eligibility.

To apply, an individual must submit a plan that highlights their end goal which "will produce sufficient earnings to reduce their dependency on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments." For more information about eligibility criteria, call (800) 772-1213.

Office of Disability Employment Policy implements EARN

The Employment Assistance Referral Network (EARN) is a free, nationwide employer service to increase the number of people with disabilities that are employed. EARN is a referral service for employers seeking to hire workers with disabilities. Employers can contact EARN with the position requirements. EARN staff will then search a database of local employment providers to locate a qualified individual with a disability, and send that information back to the employer. EARN also offers technical assistance in relation to hiring an individual with a disability. For more information, call (888) 695-8289 or visit the EARN website at http://www.earnworks.com.

President Bush making strides for Americans with disabilities

On Tuesday June 19, 2001 President Bush announced the implementation of new regulations that require federal agencies to make assistive technology available to federal employees with disabilities. The regulations, which were required under a 1998 law passed by Congress, will provide employees with a variety of disabilities the opportunity to work more efficiently. The President also signed an order on Monday June 18, 2001 directing federal agencies to ensure that states are providing community-based programs as an alternative to institutionalization for all Americans with disabilities. This order expands a 1999 Supreme Court decision, which found that states should place individuals with mental disabilities in community settings versus institutional facilities. Each of these orders has stemmed from Bush's $8.6 billion plan, the New Freedom Initiative, announced earlier this year.

News for the Health of it!

Obtaining prescription medication is made easier through the Pharmaceutical and Manufacturers Association

The Pharmaceutical and Manufacturers Association has a directory of Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs. It lists company programs that provide drugs to physicians whose patients could not otherwise afford them. Entries for each program include information about how to make a request for assistance, what prescription medicines are covered, and basic eligibility criteria. For more information, call (202) 835.3400 or visit the association's website at: http://www.phrma.org.

Wisconsin News

Computer classes for individuals with disabilities to be offered in August

The United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay located at 819 E. Silver Spring Drive, will be offering an "Introduction to Computers" class on Wednesday evenings from 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. August 1 through September 5, 2001. There is a one-time tuition of $30 for the six-week session. Classes are intended to provide educational development, social stimulation and personal growth experiences.

Potential students will have an opportunity to meet with the instructor prior to enrollment to discuss their individuals needs. However, due to the limitations of the volunteer staff, individuals with a degree of profound or severe developmental disability are not eligible at this time. Students must also have the ability to engage in communication.

For more information about this opportunity, please call (414) 964-2424.

The Denis Sullivan Schooner has come home to Milwaukee

In celebration of the Denis Sullivan's return to the shores of Milwaukee, New Horizons Un-Limited will cosponsor a sail along Lake Michigan for individuals with disabilities on Schooner Discovery Day, Sunday July 22, 2001.

Individuals aboard the Denis Sullivan will enjoy the views of Lake Michigan and the company of people with varying abilities and personalities. On shore, there will also be an opportunity for individuals to experiment with a number of assistive devices, including devices to assist in the use of computer and Internet technologies.

If you would like to learn more about Schooner Discovery Day, please call (414) 299-0124 or e-mail horizons@new-horizons.org.