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MARCH 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.
New OSCIL E-Mail: Please note our new e-mail address: info@oscil.org.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Gaining Independence through Assistive Technology
New OSCIL Staff
Financial Assistance Program
Technology Workshops
New Health Care Program
RIde Program News
FYI
Hearing Aid Program
Kent House Update
Day One
Resources for Daily Living
Vet Center Counseling Services
Looking Ahead
Gaining
Independence through Assistive Technology
Have you ever wondered what the term assistive technology (AT) is all about? How does it relate to independent living? Have you wanted to learn more about how assistive technology might help you, but you are not sure where to turn?
An assistive technology (AT) device means any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capability of someone with a disability. AT enables people of all ages who may have disabilities or limitations to function more independently. An assistive device can be as simple as a reacher or grab bar or as complex as a sophisticated environmental control unit.
One of OSCIL’s main initiatives is to provide information, education, and assistance to individuals with disabilities to meet independent living goals by acquiring AT. OSCIL is one of the partners in the Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP), which is a statewide project funded under the federal Assistive Technology Act of 1998. Our agency provides elders and individuals with sensory impairments with information about how low and high tech assistive devices may enhance their independence.
Over the past twelve years, OSCIL’s Home Access and Adaptive Equipment Program has worked with hundreds of Rhode Islanders to obtain all types of AT to maximize their independence and remove barriers in the home environment. In addition, OSCIL administers a Shake-Awake Smoke Detector Program that provides eligible persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing with adaptive shake-awake smoke detectors.
An assistive technology service refers to any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology item. OSCIL provides assessment services for individuals, vendors, and referring agencies to give recommendations for assistive technology that will allow the consumer to attain goals for increased independence.
OSCIL is so excited about assistive technology that we have added a new page on our Website at www.oscil.org that gives in-depth information about assistive technology, including resources to fund some types of AT services or equipment. Also included are descriptions of other ATAP partners and contact information. For more information about assistive technology, please call the OSCIL office or e-mail info@oscil.org.
We are pleased to announce that Sovath Nhar is OSCIL’s new Independent Living/Community Living Specialist. Sovath graduated from Johnson & Wales University and has worked in human services with children and adults for the last ten years. She is fluent in the Cambodian language.
The Rhode Island Chapter of the National MS Society has a financial assistance program of up to $750 per year that may help clients purchase items or services that relate to the disability of multiple sclerosis. Examples of past items covered include walkers, wheelchair repairs and co-payments, air conditioners, cooling vests, and grab bars.
This program is a needs-based program that will approve all who apply whose income is 250% or less of the federal poverty guidelines. Requested items or services must be approved on a case-by-case basis. (Prescriptions, medical bills, incontinence supplies are not covered.) Consideration will be given to clients who are over income based on the difference between income and expenditures. To learn more, call Nicole at 738-8383.
TechACCESS of Rhode Island offers free workshops to the public on technology for persons with sensory and physical impairments. Pre-registration is required. For times and dates, call 463-0202 or (800) 916-8324 or e-mail: techaccess@rechaccess-ri.org. TechACCESS is located at 110 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick.
Technology for Persons with Hearing Loss looks at technology that can improve access at home, work, and in social settings. Examples of equipment demonstrated include amplified telephone equipment, signaling devices, telephone ringers, doorbells, baby monitors, and personal amplification devices.
Blind Access and Low Vision Access Demonstrations cover technology that provides access to print material. Various types of equipment demonstrated include screen readers, speech synthesizers, video magnifiers, personal note-taking systems, and more. Low tech daily living devices are shown as well.
The Computer Access Demonstration is for persons who cannot use a standard keyboard or mouse.
The RI Department of Human Services has announced the start of a new health care program for certain adults 21 years of age or older who have RI Medical Assistance and live in the community (at home, assisted living, or a group home). The program is called Rhody Health Partners.
Beginning April 1, some Medical Assistance recipients will have the option to enroll in a health plan to receive covered benefits. The two participating plans are United Healthcare of New England and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. If you have Medicare, RIte Care, or other insurance, you are not eligible for Rhody Health Partners.
Enrollment is voluntary. Adults who decide to enroll in Rhode Health Partners will have access to a large network of doctors, specialty providers, and mental health providers in the health plan network as well as care coordination and help getting information on community services and supports.
Adults who do not want to enroll in a health plan can opt for Connect Care Choice or Medical Assistance fee-for-service. If you change your mind, you can switch plans. If you receive home and community based services through a waiver program, enrolling in Rhody Health Partners will not affect these services.
For more information on enrolling in Rhody Health Partners, call the Enrollment Help Line at 784-8877.
In order to keep pace with increasing demand for service, maximize efficiency, and improve service to customers, the RIde program is upgrading to the latest available technology this spring. Below is an overview of these upgrades:
· A new state-of-the-art computerized scheduling, routing and dispatching system will allow better utilization of the RIde fleet and improved customer service
· An automated phone system known as Interactive Voice Response will be integrated with the new computerized scheduling and dispatching system. While customers will continue to be able to speak to RIde staff during regular business hours, the automated system will provide them with the convenience of confirming and canceling their own trips using a touch-tone phone as well as checking the trip pickup times 24 hours a day. It will also allow RIde to remind passengers of trips scheduled for the following day.
· Computers equipped with global positioning systems (GPS) and automatic vehicle locators will be installed on all Paratransit vans. This will improve communications between van operators and dispatchers and maximize coordination of all RIde vans on the road.
Aside from the improvements described above, there will be no changes in RIde services and policies. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the RIde program at 461-9760.
Housing Help: Are you worried about losing your home, or do you need help finding an affordable rent or mortgage? The Rhode Island Housing HelpCenter is an independent HUD-approved counseling agency that will help you understand your options. Call 457-1130 to speak with a counselor.
Talking Books: RI Talking Books Plus has a new phone number: 574-9310.
Agency Relocation: The Rhode Island Disability Law Center has relocated to 275 Westminster St, Suite 401, in Providence. The telephone numbers remain the same: 831-3150 Voice and 831-5335 TTY or (800) 733-5332.
ADA Questions: If you have questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you can contact the New England ADA Center for free technical assistance. Call (800) 949-4232.
Warwick Home Repair Program: Westbay Weatherization Dept. works with Warwick homeowners to help with emergency home repairs up to $500. Westbay may help homeowners with handrails for handicapped access, hot water heaters, broken doors, windows, and heating system repairs. Homeowners must live in the home and meet LIHEAP (low-income home energy assistance program) guidelines. Call 732-4660 ext. 101.
Internet Shoe Resource: Mix Match Shoes is an on-line shoe store that sells shoes – one shoe at a time. The company hopes to fill an important niche selling shoes to persons with different size feet and amputees who may need just one shoe. Visit www.mixmatchshoes.com or telephone (888) 726-9420.
AUDIENT is a nationwide program that was created to help people on modest incomes get new digital hearing aids at a reduced cost. For example, the cost range for one hearing aid and related care is between $760 to $1,400 or in the range of $1,290 to $2,400 for two hearing aids and related care (ear molds, fitting, and three follow-up visits).
In order to qualify, you must complete an application and be approved for the program. For one person, the income limit is $24,500; for two persons in the family unit, the limit is $33,000. Once you are income qualified, you will be contacted by AUDIENT program services for an official referral to a hearing care provider working with the program in your area.
AUDIENT is a program of the Northwest Hearing Care, an affiliate of the Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight & Hearing, a non-profit organization. To learn more, please contact AUDIENT program services toll-free at
(877) 283-4368 or send e-mail to info@audientalliance.org. The Web site address is www.audientalliance.org.
(Please note: This program is not related to OSCIL’s Gift of Hearing Program.)
Kent House is a comprehensive behavioral health treatment center that specializes in chemical dependence, family violence, and problem gambling.
Both residential and outpatient services are offered.
Members of the Deaf community sometimes have experienced difficulties accessing counseling services in the general community because of language barriers, unavailability of sign language interpreters, or provider unwillingness or inability to pay for interpreters.
Kent House is able to offer many services to the Deaf community. This agency now has a nationally certified, state-licensed addictions counselor, Debra Raiche, on staff who is Deaf. Consumers can receive counseling and other recovery services one-on-one without the need for a sign language interpreter.
Examples of Kent House services for persons who are Deaf include: alcohol and drug programs, narcotics anonymous, alcoholics anonymous and gamblers anonymous meetings, domestic violence and anger management services, a support group for persons in recovery, and individualized services. Additionally, Kent House offers an 8-week series of sign language classes at Spring Green Memorial Church in Warwick.
Kent House, Inc. is located on a bus line at 2020 Elmwood Avenue in Warwick. For further information, call 781-2700 Voice or 467-5733 TTY.
Perhaps you may not recognize the name, but Day One is an agency that has been in existence in Rhode Island for decades. Founded in 1973 as the RI Rape Crisis Center, the organization grew into the Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center, changing its name to reflect the growing number of programs and services provided by the agency. In 2006, the organization took on a new name and a new identity, fostering a positive outlook for survivors of sexual abuse: Day One.
Day One’s mission is to reduce the prevalence of sexual abuse and violence and to support and advocate for those affected by it. Services include:
· The 24-hour Victims of Crime Helpline: 1-800-494-8100 Helpline advocates are available 24 hours a day to provide support, information, and accompaniment to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and hate crimes in emergency rooms, police stations, and court.
· Crisis intervention
· Individual and group counseling for children and adults
· Advocacy services
· Educational and professional training
· Foster Healthy Families – treating children in recovery from trauma in the community
· Consultations and assessments
Day One is located at 100 Medway Street in Providence. Visit www.dayoneri.org or call 421-4100 for additional information.
Below is a list of some of OSCIL’s favorite catalogs and Web sites for assistive technology products (daily living aids, medical and adaptive equipment, and useful gadgets) that promote independence:
Maxi-Aids
www.maxiaids.com
1-800-522-6294MOMS (Mail Order Medical Supply)
www.momscatalog.com
1-800-232-7443Sammons Preston
www.sammonspreston.com
1-800-323-5547FirstStreet
www.firststreetonline.com
1-800-958-8324Aids for Arthritis
www.aidsforarthritis.com
1-800-654-0707Active & Able
www.activeandable.com
1-877-229-9993Active Forever
www.activeforever.com
1-800-377-8033LS&S (Learning, Sight &Sound)
www.lssproducts.com
1-800-468-4789 Voice
1-866-317-8533 TTYExpress Medical Supply
www.exmed.net
1-800-633-2139Smart Home Automation
www.smarthome.com
1-800-762-7846Dynamic Living
www.dynamic-living.com
1-888-940-0605Functional Solutions
www.beabletodo.com
1-800-235-7054Access to Recreation
www.accesstr.com
1-800-634-4351Dr Leonard’s
www.drleonards.com
1-8800-785-0880Sport Aid
www.sportaid.com
1-800-743-7203Harris Communications
www.harriscomm.com
1-800-825-6758 Voice
1-800-825-9187 TTYHartling Communications
www.hartling.com
1-800-475-3183 Voice
1-800-672-9455 TTYHear-More
www.hearmore.com
1-800-881-4327 Voice
1-800-281-3555 TTYSoundbytes
www.soundbytes.com
1-888-816-8191 Voice
1-515-937-3546 TTY
Vet Center Counseling Services
The Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center program operates a system of community-based counseling centers around the country. Readjustment counseling and outreach services are offered to all veterans who served in any combat zone. Services are also available to family members for military-related issues. Readjustment counseling covers a wide range of services in the effort to make a satisfying transition from military to civilian life. Services include individual and group counseling, marital and family counseling, bereavement counseling, referral to VA medical facilities, assistance in applying for VA benefits, employment counseling, substance abuse counseling, sexual trauma counseling (available to veterans from all periods of service) community education, outreach to new veterans, and information and referral to community resources.
Vet Centers are staffed by small multi-disciplinary teams of dedicated providers, many of whom are combat veterans themselves. The staff adheres to strict confidentiality standards. Veterans have earned these counseling benefits and all are provided at no cost to the veteran or family. In Rhode Island, the Vet Center is located at 2038 Warwick Avenue in Warwick. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and evening appointments may be arranged. The telephone number is 739-0167. Visit the Web site: www.vetcenterva.gov.
OSCIL’S 20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
June 26, 2008
6 to 9 p.m.
West Valley Inn
West WarwickThe evening celebration, Reaching New Heights, will feature Dr. Timothy Warren, chiropractor and renowned mountain climber who climbed Mt. Everest. (Visit www.drtimwarren.com.) Dr. Warren’s presentation will inspire each of us to conquer our own Everest. Festivities will include dinner, music, a silent auction and the announcement of the winner of OSCIL’s art contest. The fee is $50. Everyone on OSCIL’s mailing list will receive an invitation to this event. A limited number of scholarships are available.
OSCIL’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY ART CONTEST DEADLINE IS APRIL 15
OSCIL is soliciting submissions of original artwork that reflect our anniversary celebration’s theme, Reaching New Heights. Mediums eligible for consideration include oils, acrylics, felt tip pen, tempera paint, watercolor, collage, pastels, airbrush, charcoal, quilts, weaving, mixed medium and sculpture. (Printed copies, including computer-generated prints, are not considered original.) Two dimensional art can range in size from 3 x 5 to 18 x 24 inches. Three-dimensional art should not exceed 18 x 18 x 18. The winning artist will receive an award of $300, and an image of the winning artwork will be reproduced on the program booklet. All contest participants must agree to allow OSCIL to reproduce images of their artwork in a variety of formats to raise funds for OSCIL. For additional details and contest requirements, call Susan Shapiro at 263-7876.
OSCIL 2008 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IS UNDERWAY
The OSCIL membership year begins May 1, 2008. Please consider renewing your membership or becoming a new member. All members receive our newsletter, an invitation to our annual meeting, and occasional mailings about upcoming events. The suggested tax-deductible donations are as follows: $5 for persons who are unemployed or retired and $25 for others. A business or organizational membership is $100. Membership is not necessary to participate in OSCIL’s services. If you are not a member and would like to receive a membership form, please call Carol at the OSCIL office.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM 2008
August 9 - 12High school juniors and seniors with disabilities who have demonstrated leadership capabilities in their communities and schools are invited to apply for the 2008 Youth Leadership Forum. The forum includes activities to help participants develop leadership potential and identify future goals. Overnight lodging, food, needed accommodations, and transportation during the forum will be provided. There is no cost to students or their families. This four-day forum will be held at Camp Canonicus in Exeter.To request an application packet, contact Carol McKenna at OSCIL or visit www.oscil.org.
