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DECEMBER 2008
Click here
to view previous months of the Signs of Independence Newsletter
Mention of any product, service, or event in this newsletter does
not
constitute any endorsement or recommendation by OSCIL.
If you wish to advertise in the OSCIL newsletter, please contact Susan Eleoff at 738-1013 ext. 13.
New OSCIL E-Mail: Please note our new e-mail address: info@oscil.org.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ADA Amendments Act
Mental Health Parity
Holiday Closing Schedule
Chair Caning Program
CyberVision
OSCIL News
Donations Wanted
The Community Living Option
RIPTA No Fare Bus Passes
New Self Help Groups
Noteworthy DVD
Adaptive Arts Program
Affordable Medical Equipment
Health Plans for Dual Eligibles
Resources for MDA Clients
Reduce Telemarketing Calls
FYI
Ramp Rentals
Health
Access RI Offers Affordable Primary Care
Looking Ahead
On September 25, President Bush signed the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 into law. This legislation restores the original intent and protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
In recent years, several Supreme Court decisions narrowed the definition of disability. For example, Sutton v United Air Lines ruled that workers with disabilities who can mitigate their disabilities or impairments with medication or devices such as hearing aids or prosthetics should be exempt from the anti-discrimination protections of the ADA. This was not the original intent of the law, which was designed as a civil rights law giving broad coverage to people with disabilities.
The ADA Amendments Act retains the ADA’s basic definition of disability as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment.
The Act requires that determination of disability be made without regard to the mitigating measures that an individual may use. The Act also allows persons who are discriminated against on the basis of a perceived disability to pursue a claim under the ADA regardless of whether the perceived impairment limits a major life activity. Additionally, the new Act clarifies that an impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active.
The economic bailout bill President Bush signed into law in October included legislation requiring employers’ health insurance plans provide the same level of coverage for mental and physical illnesses. The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 prohibits insurance plans from setting higher co-payments, deductibles, or limits on visits and hospitalizations for mental health and addiction disorders than for physical illnesses.
The law does not require insurance plans cover all mental and substance-use disorders. Companies can choose what to include in their plans, but it does require them to provide the same level of coverage for the covered mental diagnoses as they provide for physical illnesses. This law applies to companies with more than 50 employees and takes effect January 1, 2010.
The OSCIL office will close at noon on December 24th and reopen on Monday, January 5, 2009.
Considered by many to be a lost art, chair caning is the process of replacing a seat or back on a chair by weaving cane or rush strands. INSIGHT’s chair caning program, which started in 1925, has relocated to the agency’s headquarters on Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick.
This program provides employment for several people who are blind and visually impaired while filling a unique need in the community. To get an estimate of the cost of caning a chair or to donate an unwanted chair, call 941-3322.
TechACCESS is offering a monthly informal program, CyberVision, for youth with visual impairments to connect with peers, mentors and technology experts in order to explore a variety of technologies. Meetings are on Saturdays from 10 to 2 at TechACCESS at 110 Jefferson Blvd. in Warwick. There is no cost to attend; however, you must be registered in advance to participate. Lunch is provided. Please contact Gloria Stuart at TechACCESS at 463-0202 or email glorias@techaccess-ri.org.
At the 22nd Annual Rhode Island Independent Living Conference in September, OSCIL volunteer Ruth Clark received the Volunteer of the Year Award for her dedication to independent living. OSCIL board member Kristen Connors received the Special Recognition Award for her professional contributions to advance the independence of individuals with disabilities. Congratulations to both!
OSCIL’s Community Living and Housing Programs assist individuals transitioning from nursing facilities and relatives’ homes into their own apartments. Often our consumers are on fixed incomes and do not have resources to furnish a household.
We are in need of clean twin sheet sets and blankets, everyday dishes that are microwave-safe, pots, pans, cooking and eating utensils, coffee-makers, tea kettles, small lamps and end tables. If you have items to donate that are in good to excellent condition, please call Lezlee Shaffer at the OSCIL office.
Since 1997, OSCIL’s Community Living Option Program has transitioned over 70 people with severe disabilities from nursing facilities back into their own apartments and homes in the community.
Deborah Carroll, OSCIL’s new Community Living Specialist, is looking to identify persons with disabilities, especially younger individuals, who are capable of living more independently and are motivated to live in a less restricted environment. Sometimes nursing home residents no longer require the supervision and care of a nursing facility but are unaware of the community resources available to them, or they may lack affordable or accessible housing.
The Community Living Option enables each consumer to realize his or her goals for independence. OSCIL staff work with program participants to identify specific needs, define goals, secure appropriate housing, establish community support services and connections, and obtain assistive technology – all necessary for a safe and sustainable transition. There is no cost to participate in this program.
OSCIL continues to outreach to area nursing homes to educate staff about our mission and independent living philosophy, but we have not reached everyone who may need our help. Interested persons or organizations can contact OSCIL to obtain additional information about The Community Living Option.
In an agreement with RIPTA, the RI Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA) verifies income for individuals (seniors, adults with disabilities and Medicaid recipients) who are applying for a No Fare bus pass. If an individual is determined to be income eligible for this pass, DEA will issue documentation. This documentation must be presented to RIPTA in order to obtain the No Fare bus pass.
Current annual income guidelines are $19,785 for a single person and $24,735 for a married couple. Persons who are Medicaid recipients need only show a valid Medicaid card. Others must show proof of income, such as a current Social Security Award letter and an ID. If you have questions, call DEA at 462-3000.
DEA is located at 74 West Road in Cranston on the second floor in the Pastore Center. Hours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
RIPTA is located in Kennedy Plaza in Providence. RIPTA issues No Fare bus passes Monday through Thursday from
9 a.m. until noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. The office is closed on Fridays. Visit www.ripta.com or call 784-9500.
Please Note: The main number for DEA customer information has been changed to 462-3000. You may also contact the Point at 462-4444 for additional information on transportation services.
Would you like to socialize with other young people whose lives are affected by MS (multiple sclerosis) while enjoying coffee and dessert? Positive Perspectives offers support and networking opportunities with a social flair. This group meets at Gregg’s Restaurant in the back room at 1359 Post Road in Warwick from 7 to 9 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of each month. This group welcomes young people with MS, those newly diagnosed, and their family and friends. To learn more, contact Sharon at 738-3423.
City Side is a group exclusively for men with MS. Meet others with whom you can relate. This group meets in the Windsor Gallery Room at Highland Court on 101 Highland Avenue in Providence from 7 to 9 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. For details, call Jim at 725-5962.
For more details on these self-help groups or other groups throughout Rhode Island, call the local MS Chapter at 738-8383.
The Music Within is a true story of Richard Pimental, who returns from Vietnam severely hearing impaired and unemployable. His experiences with discrimination and his new friendships lead him to become a disability rights activist and a force behind the passage of the ADA. The use of period music makes this heartwarming film even more enjoyable. Experience a movie which will have you believe that anyone can changethe world.
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Rhode Island offers an adaptive arts program for persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities that enables persons with disabilities to explore their creativity.
Morning and evening weekly art classes are held at the UCP office at 200 Main Street in Pawtucket. Classes run for two hours and all materials are provided. Classes in drawing, painting, jewelry making and more are based on the skills and interests of participants, who do not have to be clients of UCP. Fees are on a sliding scale, based on ability to pay. To learn more, contact Bob Winters at 728-1800 or email rwinters@ucpri.org.
The PARI Independent Living Center in Pawtucket administers an affordable assistive technology program that maintains an inventory of medical and adaptive equipment for people with disabilities. Items are sold at greatly reduced, affordable rates.
Individuals and businesses donate equipment which is inspected, cleaned and refurbished to be utilized once again. Examples of equipment that might be available include: wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, lap boards, slide boards, tub transfer benches, geriatric chairs, bedside tables, commode frames, shower chairs, bathroom safety equipment, lift chairs, and scooters. For further information, contact the Equipment Coordinator at 725-1966, ext. 28.
Health Plans for Dual Eligibles
BlueChip for Medicare Optima and United Health Evercare are two Medicare Advantage plans offered in Rhode Island that are for persons who have Medicare Part A & B and Medicaid. Both plans offer enhanced benefits that add to what Medicare and Medicaid offer separately.
Optima has an extensive provider network and a Partners for Health program to assist with appointments, transportation, community resources, and disease management programs. In addition, Optima offers some dental coverage. Case management services for Optima clients are handled locally by Neighborhood Health Partners. The service area of Optima includes Bristol, Kent, Newport, Providence, and Washington Counties.
Evercare also has an extensive provider network and is offered to eligible individuals in Bristol, Kent, Providence, and Washington counties.
Both plans have continuous enrollment and no monthly premiums. Plan members must only use doctors who are part of the network. If you see a doctor outside of the network, you must pay for those services yourself. The enhanced benefits are different in each plan.
To learn more or meet with a representative, please contact
Optima Representative Maria Tateosian at 459-5600 or Evercare Representative Barbara Hanley-Mulholland at 732-7467.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has services to enhance mobility and independent living through MDA’s network of chapters and field offices. These services are available to anyone, regardless of age or employment status, who is registered with MDA.
When medically prescribed by the local MDA clinic physician, MDA assists with the purchase of wheelchairs, leg braces and communication devices (up to $2,000 every five years). The Association also covers up to $500 annually toward the cost of repairs or modifications to wheelchairs, leg braces, and communication devices. Additionally, there is an equipment loan program.
There are many diseases covered by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, including ALS. These are listed on the Web site, www.mda.org or you may call the Rhode Island MDA Chapter at 732-1910 for further information or to register. There is no cost to register.
The Federal Trade Commission has a Federal Do Not Call Registry that you can sign up for by dialing (888) 382-1222. When registering by phone, you must call from the number you wish to have registered. You can also register online at www.donotcall.gov. You must have a valid email address to use this service
Basketball Players Wanted: New players are invited to join the New England Paralyzed Veterans of America Celtics wheelchair basketball team. Practices are held at the Brockton VA Medical Center. Players must have an irreversible lower extremity disability such as paralysis or amputation. Contact Thomas Dodd at 508-660-1181 or email THOMASD10@aol.com.
Housing Update: The Providence Housing Authority has a short waiting list (under one year) for one and two-bedroom handicapped accessible apartments. Call 751-6400 ext. 1321.
DMV Schedule Changes: The Dept. of Motor Vehicles has changed days of service for several DMV branch offices. The Woonsocket office is closed on Mondays. The Warren office is closed on Wednesdays, and the West Warwick office is closed on Fridays.
Vendor Information: Hudson Home Health Care has opened an office in Warwick. Hudson does powered mobility devices assessments and evaluations as well as wheelchair and scooter repairs in the home. Call Lori at 562-0039.
CCRI Dental Clinic: Cleanings, exams, x-rays and sealants are available at CCRI in Lincoln for a fee of $10. Services are by appointment on weekdays from September to May and are provided by dental hygiene students under professional supervision. Appointments are two hours. Call 333-7250 to schedule.
In some instances, ramps are needed for a limited period of time. Portable or modular ramp systems are available for rent from a number of area companies listed below. Prices vary depending on the size of ramp and time frame.
Independence Home Health Wares
Portable ramp sizes from threshold ramps to ten feet in length
273-8888
Custom Specialty Products
Customized wood or aluminum
ramps available for rental.
942-1773
Custom Adaptive Systems
Limited ramp rental program
821-2099
Safely Home
www.safelyhome.com
658-4700 or (888) 658-4774
Lift & Care Systems, Inc.
(888) 927-6279
American Ramp Systems
Company allows consumers to convert to the purchase option and apply 75% of rental fees toward purchase price.
(888) 715-7599
Hudson Home Health Care
(866) 321-4442
Health Access RI Offers Affordable Primary Care
Individuals without health insurance, those who have high-deductible plans, or immigrants without documents have an option to access affordable primary care by becoming members of Health Access RI. This innovative program, launched in January 2008, was founded by Dr. Michael Fine of Hillside Family and Community Medicine in Pawtucket. Health Access RI is a collection of independent doctors and medical practices throughout Rhode Island that charge a monthly membership fee (usually $25 to $30 a month). There is also a one-time enrollment fee to join. Members receive complete office-based primary care services for a low cost for each visit, usually $5 to $10. Each practice operates its own program and sets its fees.
Complete primary care includes physical exams, well child care, sick visits, routine women’s care, immunizations, management of chronic conditions, and 24/7 access to an on-call physician for emergencies after hours. Other services such as prescription drugs, labs, x-rays, imaging, and physical therapy are not included; however, Health Access RI patients receive significant discounts for the above services from participating medical service providers. Hospitalization, emergency room and specialist fees are not covered. Currently, there are about ten practices in various locations in our state that are part of
OSCIL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE IN FEBRUARY
In April 2009, OSCIL will award two $1,000 educational scholarships. Applicants must be Rhode Island residents with significant disabilities currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a post-secondary education program. This may include an academic, trade, or vocational program. Preference will be given to merit, economic need, and career goals. Scholarship applications will be mailed out in February and will be on the OSCIL web site, www.oscil.org. For more information, call Carol McKenna at the OSCIL office.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM 2009
High school juniors and seniors with disabilities who have demonstrated leadership capabilities in their communities and schools are invited to apply for the 2009 Youth Leadership Forum that will be held for four days this summer. Detailed information about the forum will be on our Web site in February. If you wish to be added to the mailing list, e-mail Carol McKenna at cmckenna@oscil.org or call the OSCIL office.
VSA ARTS OF RHODE ISLAND FUNDRAISER: MARDI GRAS BALL
Saturday, February 21
6:00 p.m. to midnight
Rhodes on the PawtuxetThe 17th Annual Cajun & Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball features Louisiana bands, cash bar, food for purchase, prizes and dancing. Costumes are optional. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. For further info, call 783-3926 or visit www.mardigrasri.com.
SAVE THE DATE:
BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
Thursday, March 5
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Hotel in WarwickCall 461-6599 for registration information or visit www.biaofri.org.
RIPIN CONFERENCE: PARTNERSHIPS - JOURNEY TO INDEPENDENCE
March 12
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Providence MarriottThis one-day conference will focus on the journey to independence for children and youth with special health care needs and their families. Visit www.ripin.org or call 727-4144.
REMINDER: RI SPECIAL NEEDS EMERGENCY REGISTRY
Are you prepared for emergencies? People with disabilities, chronic conditions, and special healthcare needs have the option to register with the RI Dept. of Health and Emergency Management Agency to share information that may help emergency responders meet your needs during an emergency. To be included in the registry, you may register online at www.health.ri.gov/emregistry, pick up a form at the OSCIL office, or call 946-9996.
