A
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE DISABILITY
COMMUNITY
In this Issue:
- DisabilityInfo.gov Up and Running
- Share your Story to Help Others
- Accessible Camping in Wisconsin
- A Model Employment Program
- WisLoan - AT Funding
- Community Computer Workshops
- Intro Internet and E-mail Classes
|
The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but to reveal to him his own."
~ Benjamin Disraeli ~ |
| Winter 2003 |
CommunicAbility |
Vol. 3, Ed. 1 |
New Horizons Un-Limited Inc. (NHU) is a non-profit organization based in Milwaukee with a mission to provide people with life-long disabilities, their families and caregivers increased access to information, communication and opportunity. To learn more about our mission and activities, please visit the New Horizons Un-Limited website at: horizons@new-horizons.org.
2003 Raffle for Opportunity and Silent Auction
New Horizons Un-Limited will be holding our Raffle for Opportunity and Silent Auction on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 in the US Bank Center Galleria in downtown Milwaukee. The raffle and silent auction will feature a number of items and gift certificates from Milwaukee area businesses. There will be something for everyone. Please see the insert within this newsletter for more detail!
Donations are still being sought for our raffle. If you wish to donate an item or if you would like to assist us in soliciting raffle prizes and silent auction items, please contact us by phone at (414) 299-0124 or by e-mail at horizons@new-horizons.org. Thank you for participating!
CommunicAbility is intended to bring timely and relevant information into the lives of people who have been affected by disability. It is our hope that this information may affect change within their lives and the lives of others.
Just a little reminder…
Remember, if you shop at Pick 'n Save, you can earn $$ for NHU and your disability community!
Simply add NHU's charity number - #542100 to your Advantage Plus Savers Club Card and use your card every time you shop your local Pick 'n Save. It takes just minutes! You'll save on your groceries and earn valuable dollars for NHU and your disability community.
It's simple and costs you nothing! For more information, call us at (414) 299-0124 or stop by your local Pick 'n Save Service Desk for an application or change form.
We do not receive government funding and do not charge for services provided. We rely on the generosity of our neighbors to ensure that we continue to serve our disability community. Please help in any way that you can. Thank you.
For more information on this and other ways in which you can help NHU, call (414) 299-0124 or e-mail horizons@new-horizons.org.
National News
Personal stories sought from adults with disabilities
Half the Planet Foundation President and CEO Stan Klein and John D. Kemp, are in the process of co-editing a new book. For this book, adults who have grown up with disabilities and/or long-term health care needs are invited to write short essays that will be of benefit to parents of children with disabilities and/or long-term health care needs. In their essays, authors are asked to write what they wish their own parents had read or been told while they were growing up.
Authors of essays chosen to appear in the book will receive $125 in compensation. All essays must be received by February 15, 2003. Please use the following guidelines in writing and submitting your essay:
1) Essay should be 1500 words or less, and include a biography of 150 words or less including your mailing address, telephone number and e-mail address.
2) Please e-mail your essay as a Microsoft Word attachment or paste into the body of your email to stan@disabilitiesbooks.com. Or send by mail on a disk to Stanley D. Klein, Ph.D., DisABILITIESBOOKS, Inc., P.O. Box 470715, Brookline, MA 02447.
New Federal "web portal" provides information to families affected by disability
As promised in President Bush's August 2002 Executive Memorandum as part of his New Freedom Initiative, the Federal Government has launched a one-stop interagency web portal for people with disabilities, their families, employers, service providers, and other community members.
The web portal, aptly named DisabilityInfo.gov, is a comprehensive online resource specifically designed to provide people with disabilities and their families with the information they need to know quickly. The portal provides access to disability-related information and programs available from a variety of government agencies.
The website offers direct links to information on such issues as civil rights, education, employment, housing, health, income support, technology, transportation, and community life. Under each topic, is the latest in program developments that can benefit people with disabilities. Visit Disability Info today at http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/ to learn how the Federal government is working to improve the lives of all those affected by lifelong disability.
Wisconsin News
State Park System now accepting applications for accessible cabins
How would you like to enjoy the great outdoors in the comfort of a fully accessible cabin in the state parks of Wisconsin? If this is something that sounds appealing to you and your family, now is the time to submit your application.
Beginning January 10, 2003, the Wisconsin (WI) State Park System, via the WI Department of Natural Resources will accept applications for the four fully accessible cabins and the two wheelchair accessible "rustic" cabins. The four fully accessible cabins feature an accessible bathroom, complete with roll-in shower, as well as an accessible kitchen, bedroom and living room. The two "rustic" cabins are one-room 13' x 13' units and can accommodate up to four. Cabins fill up quickly, so get your applications in as soon as possible!
Applications can be received by calling the state park you wish to visit. The four fully accessible cabins are located in the following state parks:
Buckhorn State Park - (608) 565-2789
Kettle Moraine State Forest - (262) 594-6200
Mirror Lake State Park - (608) 254-2333
Potawatomi State Park - (920) 746-2890
The "rustic" cabins are located in the following state parks:
Blue Mound State Park - (608) 427-5711
Copper Falls State Park - (715) 274-5123
Call to reserve your cabin today!
Ranch Community Services honors community employment program participants
This past October, The Ranch Community Services held an award ceremony honoring the many participants of their community employment program. With this program, The Ranch has placed many developmentally disabled adults as employees at area companies. The program takes a very person-centered approach, asking the disabled adult, "What would you like to do?" "What are your hobbies?" and taking this concept one step further by asking the ultimate, "What is your dream job?" Only after the potential employee shares their interests and dreams does The Ranch take special care to match them with a perfect employment opportunity. As a complement to this program, The Ranch offers skills training for specific jobs. The result is a great program for all participants. Employers include The Gap, Jewel Osco and Pizza Hut to name only a few.
Employers, if are looking to diversify your workforce with employees that give 100%, every shift, look no further than The Ranch's Community Employment Program. They are still working to place several highly motivated individuals into rewarding positions and may have the perfect candidate for you.
For additional information on this great employment program, contact City Center at (414) 645-1877 or call the main location of The Ranch at (262) 251-8670.
Funding resource for assistive technology available to Wisconsin residents with disabilities
IndependenceFirst in partnership with Marshall and Ilsley Bank, has developed WisLoan, an "alternative loan program for Wisconsin citizens with disabilities who desire to purchase assistive devices / services or make accessible modifications to their homes."
According to the WisLoan Fact Sheet, Assistive Technology is "any item, piece of equipment or device that enables an individual with a disability to improve his or her independence and quality of life."
Participating banks offer low-interest loans up to $30,000. However, each qualifying individual will be offered a lending plan that fits their unique circumstances. While credit history need not be perfect, every borrower must have the ability to repay the loan. Eligible applicants will be a Wisconsin resident over 18 years of age and have a disability or a family member with a disability. For additional information, contact Patti Kraemer at (414) 225-2910 or call IndependenceFirst at (414) 291-7520.
Learn computer basics during workshops in Newburg, Wisconsin
Are you interested in learning basic computer skills in a relaxed, community setting? If so, we have an opportunity for you. NHU is planning to offer informal computer workshops for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers at Welcome H.O.M.E., the accessible Bed and Breakfast and demonstration home in Newburg, Wisconsin.
The workshops will cover the basics of computer equipment and software and will also touch on e-mail and Internet basics for a nominal fee of $5.00 per hour.
If at all interested, please contact us by phone at (414) 299-0124 or by e-mail at horizons@new-horizons.org. Also, please return the following questionnaire so that we may plan for future workshops and determine interest and needed accommodations. Due to the limitations of volunteer staff, no assistance is provided and eligibility is limited to individuals capable of meeting their personal needs.
Questionnaire
Would you consider attending a computer workshop at Welcome H.O.M.E. for a nominal fee?
____ Yes ____ No
The best time for me to attend a computer workshop would be:
____ Weekday Mornings
____ Weekday Evenings
____ Weekday Afternoons
____ Saturday Afternoons
Which Workshop area(s) interest you most?
____ Microsoft Windows Basics
____ Word Processing Basics
____ Internet Access Basics
____ E-mail Basics
____ Other, please explain:
What type of adaptive equipment would you require to access a computer?
Will you have difficulty attending the workshop? If so, why?
____ I cannot afford the fee.
____ I do not have access to transportation.
____ Other, please explain:
Introductory computer classes available at UMC of Whitefish Bay
The United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay will be offering introductory computer classes to adults with disabilities or their caregivers. The classes will focus on Internet and E-mail basics.
The church and computer lab are wheelchair accessible. At this time however, students must be able to use a keyboard or mouse and read a computer screen, as there are few assistive devices available.
Due to the limitations of volunteer staff, no assistance is provided and eligibility is limited to individuals capable of meeting their personal needs. The church reserves the right to request references from all applicants and will interview applicants prior to class placement.
Beginning January 22, 2003 classes will meet in the evenings once a week for six weeks for a nominal fee of $30.00. If you are interested in participating in this training, please call New Horizons Un-Limited at (414) 299-0124 or e-mail us at horizons@new-horizons.org.
NHU encourages redistribution of this newsletter.
Please share this information with all that may benefit.
If you have questions or ideas, information and solutions that you would
like to share with us, we can be reached by e-mail at: horizons@new-horizons.org
or to use our NHU E-Mail Form or NHU Community Discussion Board, click on the links below.
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