Frances Bates, Executive DirectorThis last month Dr. Tom Rivera, Board Chairman, and I visited several of our legislative representatives and other community leaders. Such a dialogue is very important in order to educate our leaders and their assistants about what programs and supports are important and necessary for us to live independently in the community and thrive. Our political officials are available to read letters of concern you may have, and are also available by appointment to see you in person at the State Capitol or their home district offices. I encourage all of you to take the time to get to know your various political and community representatives who carry our voice to higher government venues. If they don’t see or hear from you, how can they know how to speak on your behalf? I also just returned from the eighth annual “Coordinated Leadership Conference” in Ontario, California. Many representatives from the California Commission on Aging, Senior legislature, and the Centers for Independent Living were present at this conference in one room. It was gratifying to see us all talking about the same issues that affect both adults and seniors with disabilities. If there was ever a time for strong advocacy from both of these communities it is now! Never in the all the years that I have worked in the IL movement have I seen so many changes that could impact the quality of life of both of these groups of people. We discussed “Social Security Reform” and whether there needs change. The question and answer period left me with more questions because no one could tell me how these reforms would affect adults with disabilities. More of you need to be asking these questions. I did find out that if this reform goes into effect it would leave generations to follow with a two trillion dollar national debt. Yes, I did say trillion. This would certainly have a negative impact on other services people with disabilities are receiving now. We discussed Olmstead and yes, housing and state financial resources were the main barriers to making that happen. There are successful models however, that are transitioning people with disabilities of all ages from skilled nursing facilities back into the community. One successful program is in the State of Texas. As Tony Sauer, one of the speakers on the subject stated, “we as advocates just have to keep trying to make it happen and eventually it will”. Seniors and Adults with disabilities need to be present at every public hearing, county and city council meeting to speak to the issues of more accessible affordable housing. The same thing holds true in regard to transportation issues. We can’t leave federal advocacy out of the mix either because housing and transportation dollars come from a federal funding stream. We discussed the implications of Medi-Cal Redesign and the importance of our input at hearings, focus groups, and letter-writing campaigns in regard to forced managed care. Our quality of health may depend on it. They also discussed the new Medicare Part D Drug benefit and how that will affect those individuals that receive their drugs through Medi- Cal at this time. This only applies to those individuals that receive both Medicare and Medi-Cal each month. Medicare will now be providing the drug benefit program and Medi- Cal will no longer be active for drug prescription benefits for those who are Medi/Medi eligible. Our concern was whether the same drugs that people are taking on the Medi-Cal Drug program would be available when the switch takes place in 2006. We want this new benefit, Medicare Part D program to be seamless for those who must change from one program to the other without disruption to their health and well-being. I would suggest that if this applies to you that you should become informed on this issue by contacting your local Social Security office or its website. Discussion was hot in regard to the proposed state changes in personal assistant provider wages possibly being cut back to minimum wage levels in 2005/2006 state budget. Become proactive and empower yourselves with the knowledge to advocate for what you want and need to live a quality life. We have advocacy education available to teach you the skills to advocate on your own behalf, just give us a call.
A little over a year ago, I became the “New Kid on the High Desert block", and there were two tasks before me. The first task was to familiarize myself with the area, and to compile a resource list of the various organizations in the area that may be helpful to the consumers of Rolling Start. The second
task was to grow into becoming an “Independent Living Specialist".
In familiarizing myself with the area, I found that Victorville, in particular, has three “hot spots", which are The Route 66 Museum, The San Bernardino Fairgrounds,
and The Chamber of Commerce. The City of Victorville takes pride in its western and route 66 heritage and boasts of being the
gateway to the high desert, home of Roy Rogers and site of the San Bernardino County Fair. The fairgrounds holds a myriad of events, including a recent display of “creepy crawlies” indigenous to the area. The Chamber of Commerce provides a list of organizations in the area that proves useful for referrals to consumers.
As for growing into my job title and the responsibilities that come along with it, I have found my job most rewarding. One achievement, which I am most pleased about, is in the area of housing. For the past year, I have formed a business
relationship with and spoken often to the manager of a new apartment complex in Victorville, which has a number of apartments set aside specifically for low and moderate income persons and families.
That relationship came with the offer of placing the names of the consumers on the waiting list of over 300 persons. That
housing complex will be renting soon and is currently mailing out applications for consideration. In preparation for this
opportunity, the consumers went about cleaning up their credit records so their credit history would not be an impediment.
I confess that the enjoyment of my job is, in large part, because of the satisfaction I derive from the support group I facilitate weekly. Their growth and achievements speak volumes. The group is comprised of approximately 17 or so consumers all of
whom have made tremendous strides in the areas of housing, advocacy, and independent living skills. The group has been totally transformed little by little over a year time. They are quick to share their views, have taken charge of their lives, and are confident in themselves. Not a bad testament, I must say.
Tillie Logan, B.A.
(760) 843-7959 Voice/TDD
Rolling Start is currently working with IMACA to build accessible housing for persons with disabilities and the elderly. We wrote a block grant and now we are just waiting for it to be approved to purchase the land from Department of Water & Power. I met with Cal-Trans and went through Main St. of Bishop to make the sidewalks more accessible and safer, for our community and visiting friends. We
discussed this with the planning department through Cal-Trans. We brought up different areas of concerns and made recommendations.
Cal-trans will work on these issues as funding becomes available.
We are also a member of Inyo- Mono Transit Advisory Board. We
meet twice a year. We are working on getting Dial-A-Ride service for persons with disabilities in our unserved areas. We are also advocating for a special bus to go to Las Vegas, Reno and Loma Linda for medical needs.
Bishop now has a Cross-Disability Support Group. We have had a good turn out. Everybody is enjoying themselves and sharing there different concerns with each other. We are very
excited about our support group.
Come and join us Fridays at 10:00am.
(760) 873-8435 Voice / TDD
Some people volunteer because they want to help other people, some volunteer because they like to share their talents and some people volunteer because they like to give back to the community.
But the overwhelming reason why people volunteer at Rolling Start
seems to be the motivation to be a part of the social activism with in
the disability community.
Volunteers at Rolling Start are community advocates, social activist, community leaders, educators, students,
peer advisors, group facilitators, receptionist, church members, parents and members of state, county and city advisory committees. They not only further the mission of Rolling Start, Inc. but also contribute to the community in which they live.
The benefits of volunteering vary: Personal Growth, Advocating for Disability Rights, Gaining Independence and Confidence, Connecting with Others, Learning new employment
skills. We typically utilize volunteers from the general public who have successfully completed the Peer Advising/Volunteer Training
Program.
Whatever your reason, volunteering is sure to be a rewarding experience.
Olivia Ruvalcaba, and
Since housing is one of the main questions that we receive, let us tell you what is available.
1) Subsidized housing which is a list of apartments for people with disabilities and seniors that are low income. Rental payments are based on 30% of your total household income.
2) Scattered Sites are apartments for anyone that is low income and again
rental payments are based on 30% of your total household income.
3) TBA (Tenant Based Assistance Program) is a Section 8 voucher program
for people with disabilities. Rental payments are based on 30% of your total household income.
If you would like to find out more information regarding housing programs in San Bernardino County, please join us for our housing orientation on the first or third Thursday of each month at 1:30pm.
“The healthier you are, the more you are able to do”
We are excited to present a new workshop entitled “Living Well with a Disability”. This workshop will cover goal setting, problem solving, beating the blues, healthy communication
and staying healthy. You will leave the workshop with new tools to help you achieve the important, meaningful goals in your life. This is an 8 week workshop. Healthy refreshments will be served. We have collaborated with Inland Empire Health
Plan (IEHP) to provide this workshop for free to IEHP Members. Please call for more information or to register for the next workshop.
As the Assistive Technology Coordinator, I have had the pleasure of participating in a very exciting research project known as the CR4AT, which translates as The Community Research for Assistive Technology with the numeral 4 indicating the year of the project.
This five-year research program is being conducted by The California Foundation of Independent Living Centers in collaboration with the California State University at Northridge and is now in its fourth year of collecting research data about Assistive Technology (AT). The long-term goal is to use data gathered from this research to improve the lives of people with disabilities in areas of employment, health, function and independent living.
I look forward to assisting you in reaching your greatest independence
through the vast resources that Assistive Technology is today.
Shannon McCroskeySystems Change Change Advocate
The Advocacy group at Rolling Start, Inc. is working on legislation issues surrounding the AB 654 (assisted suicide bill), In
Home Supportive Services cuts, and budget cuts. The Systems Change Advocate and consumer advocates are preparing to meet with our local and state representatives concerning these issues and more.
Before you join the Systems Change Advocate in a meeting with your representatives you may want to consider the following tips. (www.cfilc.org)
The Basics of Talking to your Local Representatives:
Keep it Simple
The objective needed and the groups passion for the work is better understood when the message is simple. Talk with Staff. Explain why the work is important so the staff person can relate it to the member.
Leave behind Materials
It’s important to keep those materials brief! Representatives and their staff do not have a lot of time to read supporting
documents.
Win the Vote, Not the Argument
Acknowledge differences and treat the person with the respect with which you would like to be treated. Legislation is about issues not people. Argue the merits of the issue, not the soul.
Practice the Presentation and be BRIEF
Public speaking is not easy for everyone. It is worth it to practice your presentation.
Keep the Oral Presentation SHORT
State the problem, identify the solution, say why your target is the key to the solution and indicate why the solution is good for the target.
For additional information please contact your Systems Change Advocate, Shannon McCroskey at 909.884.2129 Ext. 18 or email at Shannon.rs@verizon.net.
Hello and welcome to Casa Colina Outdoor Adventures, a program that focuses on empowering people with disabilities by creating opportunities
for challenging and exciting experiences in the out-of-doors. By focusing on abilities, not disabilities, the program enables its members to experience success both physically and emotionally. This program utilizes the natural world to create unique opportunities where people with disabilities can:
• Enjoy a sense of community working with others toward a common goal
• Gain self confidence by experiencing success through acquiring new skills
• Share new experiences with people of all abilities
Since 1985 the Outdoor Adventure Program of Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation has successfully and safely provided high adventure
experiences to thousands of persons with disabilities. We take
pride in providing a program of wide scope and diversity, addressing the
interests and needs of these people.
The Outdoor Adventures staff looks forward to sharing an adventure with you. For more information, call the Casa Colina Outdoor Adventures program for our catalog and trip information:
909/596-7733.
Lisa Flores, Trainer
The Choices Program Primary Prevention Program is an alcohol and drug abuse prevention
program, designed specifically for Adults and Children with disabilities.
What is the Self-Empowerment Workshop?
This FREE Self-Empowerment Workshop is a 12 hour workshop that meets once
a week for six weeks and contains the following modules:
1. Class # 1 Self-Esteem: What is it and how does it effects your life?
Learn techniques to build selfesteem by taking care of your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.
2. Class # 2 Family Dynamics, and people with Disabilities.
3. Class # 3 Stress Management: Learn new ways of coping with
stress including learning to use relaxation techniques.
4. Class # 4 Assertiveness Skills: Learning the difference between Passive, Aggressive, Indirect and Assertive communication and learning new ways of communication and problem solving.
5. Class #5 Self-Expression through Art: Each student works on a selfempowerment collage focusing on the future and goals they would like to accomplish.
6. Class # 6 Graduation and Receiving Certificates of Completion Some interesting facts:
If you are interested being part of one of our upcoming workshops,
please contact Lisa Flores.
For those of you who just can’t get enough of Mavis Beacon, the fantastic typing teacher software program, here’s the news you’ve been waiting for all year. She has just come out with a program for Word and Excel spreadsheet instruction. Now, besides just those wonderful Mavis Beacon Typing Test days, you will also have Mavis Beacon Word Program Test days and, when you are in the advanced levels — Mavis Beacon Excel Spreadsheet Test days! How lucky can you get?!! For more information, contact Danni-Bayles Yeager.
The center is looking for donations. We have provided a wish list below of things that the center can use to add to the new expanded consumer area of their center.
We gratefully accept individual, corporate, and foundation monetary contributions, as well as year-round in-kind donations and volunteer services. Rolling Starts Inc., operations are highly dependent on community support and individual benefactors.
Rolling Start, Inc. is deeply grateful to The California Endowment which awarded a grant for the augmentation and upgrade of our Helpline Program. Many of our consumers use a Helpline unit which can summon help in emergencies by automatically signaling a 24 hour response center. This service provides added security needed for peace of mind and continued independence.
Rolling Start wishes to express our appreciation to our friends, Randy and Deborah Bernard, Shirley Carter and Sandra A. Wood for their contributions to our center.
Special thanks to the Community Foundation serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties for their Support of Rolling Start's Ramp Project. The goal was to provide 15 people with severe disabilities modular wheelchair ramps.
These ramps would be put in place in order to keep people in their own homes or apartments, rather than a more restrictive institutional type setting. The ramps would also provide a safe access to their homes.
Our goal was to target unserved or underserved populations of people with disabilities in several regions of the County of San Bernardino. Along with the installation of the ramps these people would also receive information and education related to other services within our center and in the communities at large.
We were able to complete the installation of 15 modular aluminum weather resistant wheelchair ramps, by May 15, 2004.
People with all types of mobility impairment’s were served including, M.S., Cerebral Palsy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Quadraplegia, Paraplegia, Muscular Dystrophy, Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury. Ages ranged from 18 years to 76 years of age.
Areas served were San Bernardino, Ontario, Redlands, Rialto, Chino, Fontana, Crestline, Big Bear City, and Blue Jay, California.