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MARCH 2009
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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 Compliance
OSCIL’s Top Ten List
OSCIL Updates
Donations Wanted
Youth Leadership Forum
Income Tax Information
Social Security Initiative
Staying Home Safely
Discount Heating Oil
Disability Statistics
Fellowship Opportunities
Affordable Housing Updates
FYI
LOOKING AHEAD
Medical Cost Savings for AAA Members
One of the goals of the RI Governor’s Commission on Disabilities is to ensure that people with disabilities are able to fully participate in all aspects of life in the community. To accomplish this goal, Assistant State ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Coordinator Christopher DeGrave focuses on the following:
· Approves all state and state-funded construction and renovation design plans for compliance with state and federal accessibility codes
· Provides technical assistance at no cost to agencies, businesses, and citizens in complying with federal and state laws protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities
· Resolves disability discrimination complaints relating to physical barriers in government, public accommodations and commercial facilities through technical assistance to encourage voluntary compliance and when necessary, by hearing and correction action orders
· Ensures access for all to participate in state and local government public bodies (i.e. open meetings) by inspecting meeting locations and granting waivers to the ban on members of public bodies using telephone or telecommunications devices as reasonable accommodations
· Provides election assistance to people with disabilities by inspecting polling places, training election officials, and educating adults with disabilities on the voting process
· Ensures all state agencies comply with state and federal disability rights laws
If you wish to make a complaint about accessibility or inquire about whether you have a valid complaint, you can initiate the process by a telephone call to our Assistant State ADA Coordinator Christopher DeGrave at 462-0108.
De Grave requests that the complaint be made by the person with the disability in order for him to investigate. (However, he will provide information about the ADA to the general public.) You may also put your complaint in writing and send it to him at the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities at 41 Cherry Dale Court in Cranston, RI 02920.
DeGrave emphasizes that over 90% of complaints can be resolved informally through compromise, mediation, and giving technical information needed to comply with the laws. He looks for readily achievable solutions, noting it is rare that a complaint goes to court. Sometimes all that is needed is education about the laws and accessibility codes.
OSCIL receives many requests for information or funding for assistive devices. Here are the top ten most commonly requested pieces of assistive technology at OSCIL:
Shower chairs
Tub transfer benches
Amplified phones
Grab bars
Commodes
Hand-held showers with attachment
Raised toilet seats
Door alert/signalers
Toilet safety frames
Rollators (walkers with seats and brakes)
This equipment is available in different styles with a variety of features. It is important to select equipment with the features that will work best and safely for you. If you have questions about an assistive device, are looking for funding or donated equipment, or wish to have OSCIL’s AT Specialist visit your community group, please call our office at 738-1013 ext. 13. In-depth assistive technology information is on our Web site’s AT page at oscil.org.
OSCIL recently received a grant for $2,000 from Ocean State Charities Trust for the purchase of assistive devices to increase independence. We are most appreciative of this generous award.
OSCIL’S Community Living and Housing programs assist individuals transitioning from nursing facilities and relatives’ homes into their own apartments. Often consumers are on fixed incomes and do not have resources to purchase basic necessities and commodities to set up a household. Gift cards to area grocery stores or to Wal-Mart or Target would be greatly appreciated. If you wish to give a donation, please contact Lezlee Shaffer at the OSCIL office at 738-1013 ext. 28.
High school juniors and seniors with disabilities who have demonstrated leadership capabilities are eligible to apply.
August 9-12, 2009
Camp Canonicus in Exeter
Application Deadline: March 28
Details at www.oscil.org Call OSCIL at 738-1013 ext. 10
New Tax Deduction: The Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 allows homeowners to claim an additional standard deduction for property tax if the taxpayer did not itemize. The additional amount is limited to $500 or $1000 if married filing jointly. The deduction is valid for 2008 tax year only.
Volunteer Tax Preparation: To locate a volunteer tax preparation site in your area, call the United Way hotline at 2-1-1.
Free Income Tax Filing Services: Families with incomes less than $42,000 may be eligible for free income tax filing. All tax preparers are certified by the IRS. For information about times and locations, call the United Way hotline at 2-1-1. Ask if you are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
RI Property Tax Relief: If your household income was $30,000 or less last year and you owned your own home and are current on your property taxes, or you rented a dwelling that was subject to property tax in 2008, you may be eligible to receive up to $300 through this state program. Please note that if you do not ordinarily file a RI income-tax return, you may still apply for this rebate by completing Form RI-1040H, Rhode Island Property Tax Relief Claim. This form may be downloaded at www.tax.ri.gov or call the tax agency’s forms line at 574-8970.
IRS Problems: RI Legal Services operates a Low Income Tax Clinic that gives free legal assistance on federal tax matters. Call 274-2652 ext. 135.
In October 2008, Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue announced the agency’s Compassionate Allowances initiative, a way to expedite the processing of disability claims for applicants whose medical conditions are so severe that their conditions meet Social Security’s standards for SSI or SSDI.
This initiative presently covers 50 conditions (rare diseases such as ALS and certain cancers) that are eligible for an expedited approval process that allows decisions to be made in a matter of days, rather than months or years. It is anticipated that more diseases will be added to the list over time.
For more information about this initiative or a complete list of covered conditions, visit Social Security’s Web site at www.socialsecurity/compassionateallowances/ or call(800) 772-1213.
People’s Power & Light is a nonprofit membership organization that operates like a buyers’ club or co-op. Since 1982, the discount heating oil service has been a program for any household, regardless of income, who wants to save on heating costs (approximately 15 to 30 cents per gallon). Members are assigned to one of the organization’s participating local, full service oil dealers. There are various payment, service and delivery options. To learn more, visit www.ripower.org or phone 861-6111. People’s Power & Light is located at 17 Gordon Avenue, Suite 201A in Providence.
An AARP survey reveals that 90% of us want to continue living at home as we age.
Changes may have to be made to make our homes more accessible to meet our needs.
A Certified Aging-in Place Specialist (CAPS) specializes in customized solutions to help people continue to live independently in their homes. In order to achieve a barrier-free living environment, an Aging-in-Place Specialist may suggest products, design changes, or renovations that promote safety and independence.
OSCIL is aware of two area companies that have licensed contractors who are also CAPS professionals.
Care Taken Homes, established in 2005 by Richard Catrambone and Nelson daCosta, works with clients to develop a plan to make the home safe and accessible. In addition to permanent or temporary home modifications, this company also does maintenance, upkeep, and seasonal caretaking. Check out the Web site www.caretaken.com, call 575-3470 or email info@caretaken.com.
For those who want to stay in their homes or are returning from the hospital, Safely Home can assist with alterations such as grab bars, hand rails, or ramps to more complex modifications. Also, Safely Home provides a comprehensive home safety consultation. President Gerry Plante, a former professional firefighter/EMT, is a contractor and handy man with 22 years experience. Call 658-4700 or (888) 658-4774, email gerry@safelyhome.com or visit www.safelyhome.com.
The Census Bureau released its most recent data about disability in America. Here are some highlights:
· There are 41.3 million people with some level of disability. They represent 15% of the population five years old and older.
· 10.7 million people with a disability require personal assistance with one or more activities of daily living (such as taking a shower) or instrumental activities of daily living (such as using the telephone).
· About 2.7 million use a wheelchair, and another 9.1 million use an ambulatory aid such as cane, walker, or crutches.
· 33% of people 25 to 64 who had a nonsevere disability are college graduates. This compares with 43% with no disability and 22% with a severe disability.
· 44% of people with nonsevere disability work full time. This compares with 53% without a disability and 13% with a severe disability.
· 36% of people 15 to 64 with a severe disability use a computer and 29% the Internet at home. The respective figures for those without a disability are 61% and 51%.
The above information is from Pushin’On, a publication of the University of Alabama at Birmingham that provides information on spinal cord injury. Visit www.spinalcord.uab.edu.
The Governor’s Commission on Disabilities (GCD) Fellowships provide semester long part-time fellowships with the Commission in Cranston. Fellows work on disability policy and research and gain valuable experience working on disability issues at the local, state, and federal levels.
· The Mary Brennan Fellow (public policy focus) assists the Commission in conducting a series of public forums addressing the concerns of people with disabilities and their families and subsequently reviewing and analyzing the testimony.
· The Edward J. Schroeder Fellow (spring semester) focuses on tracking legislation that impacts people with disabilities, developing impact statements, and editing a weekly newsletter that summarizes the status of various bills.
· The G. Frank Hanaway Fellow assists the Commission in civil rights enforcement, discrimination complaints related to architectural barriers, and technical assistance pertaining to disability laws.
Candidates must have completed at least 3 semesters of college-level study, be enrolled as a full or part-time student in an accredited RI college or university, have leadership ability, college approval to receive credit for the fellowship, and the ability to participate in the semester-long program for at least 240 hours. Fellowships have a living expense stipend of $3,450 during the semester and authorized travel reimbursement.
Selection preference is given to RI residents who are college students with disabilities and to students who are enrolled in a course of study in education or human services for persons with disabilities.
The Governor’s Commission on Disabilities is an independent state agency responsible for reviewing all state laws, programs, and policies concerning children and adults with disabilities and for making policy recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly. For further details and application deadlines, call 462-0102 or send email to bcooper@gcd.ri.gov.
OSCIL Housing Advocate Hal Fayerweather notes that many waiting lists for subsidized apartments are very long – some estimated at two to five years. If you are considering moving to a subsidized apartment, advance planning is essential. If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, please call the OSCIL office.
Two apartment sites with relatively short waiting lists are currently accepting applications. Canonchet Cliffs I and Canonchet Cliffs II on Main Street in Hope Valley are taking applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments. These units are for elderly and disabled persons who meet income eligibility criteria. The buildings are located behind Wood River Health Services and are near the Richmond Senior Center. To request an application for Canonchet Cliffs I, call 539-7490 and for Canonchet Cliffs II, call 539-2223. This is an Equal Housing Opportunity.
OSCIL Email List: If you wish to add your email address to OSCIL’s new FYI email list for upcoming events and timely information, please send an email to email.list@oscil.org. Please include your first and last name and email address.
Deaf Seniors Group: Persons age 50 or older who are Deaf are welcome to join Rhode Island Deaf Senior Citizens, a group that meets every Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Silver Lake Community Center at 529 Plainfield Street in Providence. Dues are $12 for one year. The group plays bingo, celebrates various holidays and events, and socializes. An interpreter is provided to assist seniors with phone calls.
Eldercare Locator: Are you looking for services for a family member out of state? The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, will help find resources for older adults in any community throughout the country. Call (800) 677-1116 or visit www.eldercare.gov.
Emergency Help: For information on emergency shelters and services, call Crossroads RI at 521-2255, 24 hours a day. For emergency needs such as food, clothing, medical or mental-health assistance and more, dial 2-1-1, a United Way statewide referral program. For help with eviction notices, call RI Legal Services at 274-2652. Homeowners in financial trouble or at risk for foreclosure may contact RI Housing Help Center at 457-1130.
Reporting Medicare Fraud: Medicare fraud usually involves billing for services that are not provided or inflating costs. If you suspect Medicare fraud, contact the RI Senior Medicare Patrol at 462-4444.
Video Magnifiers: INSIGHT has a video magnifier rental program (based on availability) for persons with visual impairments. These used magnifiers are ideal for someone considering the purchase of a new video magnifier but who would like to first evaluate its effectiveness or for someone who needs one for a short term project. For details, call INSIGHT at 941-3322 or email randrade@in-sight.org.
Air Travel Hotline: The Department of Transportation has a toll-free hotline for air travelers who experience disability-related air-travel problems. Call (800) 778-4838 Voice or (800) 455-9880 TTY.
Bus Card Fees: All persons age 65 and over are eligible for the RIPTA bus card for seniors. Some persons with qualifying disabilities are eligible as well. The card allows for a reduced fare in off-peak hours. Effective February 1, 2009, the bus card fee is $10, and will increase $3.75 each calendar year until January 2013. At this time and thereafter the fee will remain $25. Cards are valid for 5 years from the original issue or renewal date. For further info on RIPTA’s bus pass program for seniors and people with disabilities, call 784-9500 ext. 604 or visit www.ripta.com.
OSCIL’S 21ST ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
OSCIL members are invited to attend OSCIL’s annual business meeting on Tuesday, April 28, at 4 p.m. at the Coastway Credit Union conference room on 2089 Warwick Avenue in Warwick. This will be a brief business meeting, and seating is limited. Please RSVP to Carol McKenna at 738-1013 ext. 10 by April 17 if you plan to attend.
OSCIL 2009 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IS UNDERWAY
The OSCIL membership year begins May 1, 2009. Please consider renewing your membership or becoming a new member. All members receive our newsletter, an invitation to our annual business meeting, and occasional mailings about upcoming events. The suggested tax-deductible donations are as follows: $5 for persons who are unemployed 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 wish to receive a membership form, please email Carol at the OSCIL office at cmckenna@oscil.org or call 738-1013 ext. 10.
SUMMIT ASSOCIATION OFFERS SPRING AND SUMMER OUTINGS
The Summit Association of RI for the Handicapped is sponsoring a trip to Atlantic City April 14 to 16 for $159. Bus transportation, a show, and a breakfast and dinner buffet are included. A summer trip to the Beacon Resort in New Hampshire is scheduled from July 19-20 for $164, which includes bus transportation, lodging, all meals, and a boat ride on Lake Winnipesaukee. Bus wheelchair seating is limited. Persons in need of personal assistance must bring an escort. The Summit Association is unable to provide supervision of any travelers. One does not need to be a member of the Summit Association to participate in the trips. For further information, email Linda Hughes at socialwkr123@hotmail.com or call 739-4345.
OSCIL’S COMMUNITY LIVING OPTION PROGRAM
Since 1996, OSCIL has transitioned over one hundred individuals with severe disabilities who once resided in nursing home facilities to the homes of their choice in the community. If you have a family member or friend who no longer requires the care and services of a nursing home and who is capable of living a more independent life in the community, but who may need accessible or affordable housing, assistive technology or community support services, please call the OSCIL office at 738-1013 ext. 13 for additional information on transitioning into the community. Candidates for this program must be medically stable and motivated to participate in the transition process.
SUPPORT OSCIL’S NEWSLETTER
Contributions to help defray the printing costs of OSCIL’s newsletter would be most welcome. Send your check to OSCIL and indicate it is for newsletter support. Thank you.
Medical Cost Savings for AAA Members
If you are a member of AAA (pronounced triple-A) and formerly known as the Automobile Association of America), you are eligible for more than roadside assistance and travel planning. Members can save on prescriptions and eyewear as well as participate in an affordable dental plan.
The AAA Prescription Savings program is free with an AAA membership. It is not an insurance plan and cannot be used with Medicare. However, if your insurance does not cover a prescription or if you do not have insurance, your AAA Prescription Savings card will enable you to receive a discount (averaging 20% or more) at a participating pharmacy. Over 59,000 pharmacies nationwide are in this program. Any family member in a member’s household is covered under one card for this program. Even your pet’s prescriptions are covered if they are filled by a participating pharmacy. To obtain a free AAA Prescription Savings card, call 1-866-222-7283 or visit www.AAA.com/prescriptions.
Individual AAA cardholders are eligible to receive discounts on eyewear and exams at LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears, and Target Optical. Additionally, AAA Southern New England members living in Rhode Island are eligible to purchase a basic dental plan from Delta Dental of Rhode Island. Enrollment is on a quarterly basis. Log on to www.deltadentalri.com, or call 1-800-843-3582 for details.
