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By Sandi Klink, Program Director
The Memphis Center for Independent Living mailed surveys to approximately 350 consumers along with hosting 2 focus groups of about 20 consumers to assess the MCIL consumer needs. MCIL received over 100 responses through the mail, a response rate of 29%.
There were a couple of surprises in the priorities of our consumers but the number one concern was clearly transportation.
The survey identified the following about the MCIL sample of consumers:
- Over 75% of the respondents indicated using some type of mobility assistance.
- Over 83% indicated that they are registered voters.
- Well over 90% get the majority of their news from television.
- Although MCIL receives many calls for Section 8 housing lists and referrals very few of those responding to our survey either live in Section 8 housing or are on a waiting list for subsidized housing.
- In analyzing the survey results, the surveyor was surprised by the increasing number of MCIL consumers who have or who have access to computers. Approximately 50% reported owning a computer.
- The high rate of computer access validates MCIL's awareness of a need for computer technology training. The Center has applied for a grant to set up a computer lab with adaptive equipment and software that will enable consumers to have greater access to e-mail, the Internet and basic computer knowledge. The primary focus of the grant will be outreach to people with disabilities in institutional settings.
Other topics of concern that were mentioned on the surveys were attitudes and general accessibility (stores, restaurants, curb cuts). These categories were incorporated into our focus group priority lists altering those findings.
The priorities of the survey indicate from most important (top) to least (bottom):
(S) Survey (F) Focus Groups
1. Transportation (S) 2. (F)
The need for better services from the paratransit system and mainline education were two of the consumer concerns. Some saw needs for financial assistance to finance vans, lifts or hand controls for private vehicles.
Transportation continues to be a major focus of MCIL with sponsorship of organizations such as The Barrier Free Memphis Society. BFMS has created the interactive website MATAplus.com to provide riders information about the MATAplus application, the rider's guide, and a complaint form which is faxed directly to MATA.
MCIL is also working with other groups to assist with the coordination of people with disabilities using public transportation. A public hearing was held in direct response to a protest staged by MCIL, ADAPT and BFMS members at a Trolley groundbreaking. MCIL has added a part time staff member whose duty is to train staff and consumers to ride the mainline bus system.
1. (F) Accessibility
Being able to access entrance to a public building such as stores, restaurants, doctors offices, potential employers, public bathrooms, etc.
2. Accessible housing (S) 7(F)
Accessible Housing is a priority for MCIL and its consumers. The Center has a staff member serving on the Fair Housing Alliance of Greater Memphis. This year lawsuits were filed against several apartment complexes, their designers, builders and owners for failure to comply with the Fair housing Act. A shortage of low-income accessible housing has been noted as a problem in Memphis this year.
3. Accessible Parking (S) 10. (F)
A surprise of the survey was the prioritization of Accessible Parking by our consumers. Talk of reactivating the deputies with disabilities for parking lot citations is being discussed.
4. Employment (S) 8. (F)
Many MCIL consumers would like to find a job but worry about losing benefits. The Center has added 2 Social Security Benefits counselors should help answer some of these concerns and allow our consumers to make workable plans. An exciting opportunity has presented itself recently to work more closely with the Memphis Career Center on employment issues. We are also collaborating with the Mid-south ACT center on Technology to discover why people with significant disabilities with training and skills cannot find employment.
5. Education (S) 4. (F)
Because of the budget crunch in Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation has initiated a priority system and is only opening new cases for people with significant disabilities. Previous clients will continue to receive services.
6. Attendant care in homes (S) 5. (F)
MCIL will continue to fight for the implementation of Olmstead and the freedom of choice for all Americans to receive services in the most integrated setting.
7. Voter Registration (S) 16. (F)
MCIL offers the opportunity for voter registration and continues to encourage everyone to vote. People with disabilities must maintain their civil rights and exercising the right to vote will help to make persons with disabilities voices heard.
8. Support Groups (S) 9. (F)
The Polio Support Group is the only active group. MCIL has been researching reactivating a group for people with spinal cord injuries and a recreation or social group. The focus groups encouraged the idea of support groups of like disabilities, such as the Polio group, and encouraged other health issues such as nutrition and diabetes management.
9. Assistive Technology (AT) (S) 3. (F)
There was some confusion over the definition of "assistive technology." Some consumers thought of this as only computer devices and software. The survey defined AT however is anything that will assist a person with a disability to perform a function previously unable to do independently such as a reacher (claw type stick with trigger handle).
Proper fitting wheelchairs, scooters, access to large print, communication devices, computers and associated software were a few of the AT concerns of the sample groups. MCIL and the ACT center are beginning collaboration to assist consumers in obtaining needed technology from proper wheelchairs to communication devices.
10. Home Ownership (S) 13. (F)
MCIL recently held a workshop to inform our consumers that low income does not prohibit anyone from owning a home.
11. Social Interaction (S) 11. (F)
Although not high in priority for the MCIL consumers responding to the survey we do provide some opportunity for participation and social interaction through volunteerism, advocacy groups such as Barrier Free Memphis and ADAPT and some peer group activities. Some thoughts on providing opportunities for movies, potlucks, cookouts or lunch outs were mentioned in the focus groups.
12. Peer Counseling (S) (F)
MCIL provides peer counseling through one on ones with our IL specialists or matched peer volunteers with more knowledge on a specific disability. Focus participants seem to see this as more of a need for new disabilities or injuries as they learn coping and creative skills.
13. Recreation (S) 14. (F)
Participating in sports events, plays, concerts, etc. Transportation is seen as a roadblock to full participation in community recreation. Activities such as The Annual MCIL Open House or spring cookout provide some recreation opportunities for consumers. MCIL also collaborates with the Paralyzed Veteran Association on seating at the Pyramid for sports events and concerts.
14. Curb Cuts 15. (F)
One of the focus groups made curb ramps a priority as a community need. The lack of curb ramps in certain areas of Memphis causes people to dangerously use streets and driveways for access.
15. Communication 17. (F)
Many focus group members saw communication as a community education need. When verbal communication of a consumer is difficult, teaching the public to listen and not hesitate to ask questions for understanding is needed.
- Sandi Klink
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