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The Declaration! is the newsletter of the Memphis Center for Independent Living. We have listed on our website all the newsletters since the summer of 1996. The popular section, "On the Network," which lists things to buy or sell that are of interest to people with disabilities, is kept up to date on the internet. The Declaration! is printed quarterly and is available in alternate format, either tape or disk, with all the news of MCIL events and issues of the various grass-roots organizations in contact with the center.
Summer
1996
Vol 3
#1
Summer
1996
Vol 3
#1
The Memphis Center for Independent Living held its first major fund raising event on May 18, 1996 at the Holiday Inn I-240 East.
The evening's festivities began with a reception with a cash bar from 6:30 P.M. Around 7:30 the fashion show featuring local Memphis personalities, media personnel, and persons in the community, including those with disabilities, showed the exquisite ladies fashions of Trousseau, Inc. and the formal attire for men from The Formal Shop.
The All Digital Party System provided the music as models represented various countries honored by Memphis In May through its' twenty year history. Froggy 94.1 F.M. morning personalities Jumping Jack Jumper and Polly Wogg kept everyone entertained as they served as the master of ceremonies and introduced the models as they appeared on the stage made accessible by the Holiday Inn.
As the models appeared on stage, a hat, from Mr. Lincoln's costume shop, modeled by Ross Myers, gave comedic clues as to which country was being honored as the models appeared on stage. Ross' fun gestures and stances added humor to his hat modeling which helped everyone to realize this was an evening of fun and relaxation in addition to some serious fashion viewing.
Greg Khuel's excellent lighting, with assistance in setting up from Scott Yaworski, put everyone's best foot forward in the spotlight, and the hair styling and make-up services provided by Looks Salon provided the finishing touches for all of our models who all looked ravishing and dashing in their respective fashions.
The fashion show was followed by a meal catered by the Holiday Inn hotel. During the meal the guests who remained to dine were treated to beautifully tranquil harp solos performed by Mr. Bill Butner. McLemore Florists provided the table centerpieces which included flags of the various countries honored.
Models participating in the fashion show included: W. Fred Axley; D'Army Bailey; Cheryl Bader; Cora Ann Bell; Joe Birch; Jeanne Bleu; Janis Broach; Alice Casey; Kym Clark; Brian Collier; Mary Beth Conley; Elizabeth Cude; Deborah Cunningham; Jim Futtrell; Denise Hakimi; Sarah Hall; Carolyn Head; Vicki Hedrick; Susan Kime; Shelia Lipsey; John "Bad Dog" McCormack; Dorothy McGowan; Sarah McVoy; Lisa Miller; Kathleen Mitchell; Lisa Montgomery; Tess Pruitt; Chris Salinas; Tim Sampson; Susan Sanford; Jane Segal; Jack Schaff; Tom Smith; Jack Steele; Linda Strong; Suzanne Stringfellow; Sherry Tatum; Shellie Thompson; Jerimah Tucker; Ben Watson; Patti Williams; Rhonda Woodfork; Jodie Vance; Scott Yaworski; Sheena Yaworski; Stephanie Zander. -mjs
MCIL wants to know exactly what you can REAP from computers. REAP, Recycling Equipment for Access to People, is a program by MCIL to involve people in all aspects of computers.
We plan to teach hardware repair and computer use with donated or low-cost, faulty computers. Once the machines are repaired, students may then learn to make use of the computer in everyday life. Examples are:
We can only take 12 consumers in the upcoming class to be offered quarterly. Please contact MCIL if you are interested or have any questions. This program is pending award of a grant from The United Way Venture Fund.
It is very important that MCIL know if you are planning to attend. Please call us anytime before August 6th. so we can have all necessary materials organized.
This program is part of the technology testing series and helps vendors provide better and more useful products. If you have not attended, look into participating in this, and future Focus Groups. -tw
Since coming to the Center, Dawn attended an ADAPT action in Houston as part of her training, and says she is now a "committed ADAPT member for the rest of her life." Dawn says that prior to being employed with MCIL she was not aware of agencies practicing the IL philosophy. Dawn's awareness has grown since she's been with the center and her horizons continue to rise with her continued employment.
Our other new staff member is Tim Wheat. Tim's position combines the media coordinator position previously held by Terry Summerlin, and a new position of Resource Specialist. Tim is a native of Alabama and a graduate of The University of Alabama where he studied History and Philosophy. -mjs
Most often consumer satisfaction is determined by the market system. Demand for good services makes them more available, however, supply and demand can also be fickle. If you think some operation here at MCIL is truly valuable, This is your chance to let us know! Obviously, if there is something lacking or we have overlooked a good idea, this survey is a way to add to and improve Independent Living here in Memphis. -tw
All Tuesday and Thursday groups are invited to attend on Thursday June 27, and July 11. The Tuesday night parents are welcome to ride with their youth in the church van.
More about The PALs programs I, II, III,
Fall
1996
Vol 3
#2
Alana Shepherd of Shepherd Center, a founding sponsor of the Paralympics, is asking
people with disabilities and friends to boycott the "sinful six." MCIL supports Mainstream and
we
urge you to respect the boycott. You can get the addresses of the corporations from MCIL, the
October Mainstream, or our web site. Please make a commitment not to do business with:
Mr. Steve Burgay
Public Affairs Manager
John Hancock Mutual Life
PO Box111
Boston, MA 02117
Mr. Jim Sprick
Marketing Manager of Georgia Anheuser-Busch
1000 AbernathyRoad, Ste. 1500
Atlanta, GA 30328
Ms. Cheryl Kirk
Dir. of the Olympics McDonald's Corporation
1 McDonaldPlaza
Oak Brook, IL 60521
Mr. David Archer
Bausch and Lomb, Inc.
1 Bausch and Lomb Place
Rochester, NY 14604
Mr. Michael Lynch
VP Event Mktg. Visa International
PO Box 8999
SanFrancisco, CA 94128-8999
What Mainstream is asking from these corporations seems very reasonable. Here are the demands formulated bythe disability community in Atlanta:
The idea was to involve the children in an enjoyable activity while parents and care-givers surveyed the great variety of service organizations in a relaxed atmosphere. The Sunday afternoon weather was great providing a beautiful sunny day that everyone truly enjoyed. After touring the zoo and working up an appetite, a delicious barbecue lunch with all the trimmings was provided by the Pig 'N' Whistle Restaurant.
Of the five hundred people who were invited to participate in ZOO FUN DAY, nearly four hundred came. A "Family Resource Directory," was made available, that outlines participating organizations and the services they offer. Special thanks to the generous support of the sponsors of the event: The Developmental Disabilities Council, Community Foundation, RFS Partnership, United Way - Youth Funds, Snell's Limbs and Braces, Tennessee Voices for Children, and United Cerebral Palsy, along with the many volunteers that turned out to help make the ZOO FUN DAY a perfect day. -ba/tw
The Research and Training Center on Families of Adults with Disabilities, is conducting the first national survey focusing on parents. If you are a parent with a disability, and are willing to complete a survey, please call: 1 (800) 897-0272. The survey is available in alternative accessible formats. All your answers are confidential.
The other survey examines how couples divide household and child care tasks. If you or your
partner or spouse have a disability and you both are willing to complete a survey, please
call:
1 (800) 644-2666. - tw
We hope you saw our newest ramp on WREG News Channel 3, October 19. The
Maximum
Ramp Project, going on through October, was visited by Carrie Padgett, Ms. wheelchair
Tennessee, who praised the efforts of those working for equal access in Memphis.
Kevin Lofton, from the Memphis Center for Independent Living works with advocates, social workers and consumers to get ramps for people that are in need. The Community Independent Living grant often pays for the necessary materials, but not the skill and labor. Clister Birgs, of Project Max/MLGW, steps in to provide volunteers and needed skill at no cost.
Project Max has built eight ramps throughout the month of October. MCIL sends special thanks to the volunteers that worked to build such a valuable and beautiful ramp, and those that worked so hard on last August's Ramp Raisin'.
The ramps are a significant symbol of equal access, as well as an actual physical method of overcoming barriers. Although actual physical barriers need to be overcome today, the real barrier is the community's outlook. MCIL is working to build ramps to surmount attitudes that exclude Memphians. If you want to help build either kind of ramp, contact the center today. - tw
The peer lending group is now writing by-laws that will govern their loan process. After completing the by-laws, the group will be eligible to apply to TNCED for loans to assist them in their business needs. These loans start at $250.00 and can go up to $3000.00. After the by-laws have been adopted, new members may be brought into the group.
The peer lending group decides if a member will receive a loan after evaluating the loan application. Neither TNCED nor MCIL makes the lending or loan repayment decisions. It's all up to the peer lending group members.
MCIL has sponsored some of the peer lending group members as they have traveled to regional and state meetings on peer lending and business practices. These meetings have energized and motivated group members to strive to have the most successful business venture they can.
If you are interested in the peer lending group, or want more information on the group,
contact Michael Thomas here at the center.
-mt
Remember the last Declaration had that bulky consumer Satisfaction survey in it? Well,
the
results are in and being tabulated and we can announce the outcome of the drawing for
prizewinners from those who responded. We are thrilled to tell you the winners are:
Contact Mary Jane at 726-6404.
the internetThe service has resulted in a low-cost way to communicate with other Centers for Independent Living, and receive informational and educational resources. Since the original connection, MCIL has used the most basic software to learn and develop a web site. The web site features descriptions of MCIL and the staff, The Declaration, Language and Etiquette aids and links to other sites of interest worldwide.
At the MCIL web site is an Advocacy page that brings internet surfers up to date on issues concerning people with disabilities in Memphis. You will also find letters to the editor, Christopher Reeves speech to the Democratic National Convention, the colorful Barrier Free Memphis page and an ADAPT of Memphis page. -tw
ATLANTA Nov 2-7. ADAPT is in Atlanta Georgia for the American Health Care
Association
Convention. AHCA lobbies to keep unrealistic and disproportionate amounts of money
flowing into
institutional rather than individual or community based long-term care. Obviously, an
individual is
the best source of how money is spent for their benefit. Many people with disabilities,
however, are
left out or limited in the decision making process that is biases toward institutions.
Some MCIL staff and Memphis ADAPT will be able to attend the action. People involved in the action feel that making public aware of the divisive policies of the AHCA lobby is a priority for people with disabilities. ADAPT was central to the advances in public transportation. -tw
Winter
1997
Vol 3
#3
Six Memphians, members of Not Dead Yet, traveled to Washington D.C. to make a point to the Supreme Court and the nation that people with disabilities are not objects of pity, in need of a painless end. Although the Court should not return a verdict until this summer, most of the analysts agree that physician-assisted suicide will not be legally tolerated in the United States.
Not Dead Yet made a significant impact on the national scene. In addition to the legal arguments going on in the court, speakers rallied people with disabilities outside. Respected physician and former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop promised to fight against doctor-assisted suicide "with every fiber" of his being.
Nationally, Not Dead Yet gained significant media attention. In the future, good reporters will recognize the impact on people with disabilities when they research this issue.
Memphis did make an impact nationally. Satellite feed nationwide had the chance to hear Dawn Russell. Stations had the option to broadcast her comments that reflected the concerns of the Court. Cleada Liggon wrote a poem especially for the rally that expresses the frustration and indignation of people with disabilities. Everyone at the rally had an opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings with others that opposed doctor-assisted suicide for a variety of reasons.
Physician-assisted suicide impacts all Americans, however, the individuals from Memphis all have a significant personal relationship with this issue. Brenda Brezan has been close to death herself and worries about the physicians care when someone is near death. Josie Sanders does not worry about her disability as much as she fears for the life of her 89 year old mother. Cleada Liggon highlights that this country had an active euthanasia program that was directed toward people with hereditary disease. "Quality of life," as an admission price to life is a concern of Tony Jordan. A national news service captured Dawn Russell of Memphis expressing fear that people who want to live will be ignored. -tw
It is true that many people with disabilities do not agree with American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today's (ADAPT's) methods of peaceful, non-violent civil disobedience. But there is no denying that ADAPT gets results.
During the Action in Atlanta (Nov. 2-7) ADAPT was able to secure a promise from House Speaker Newt Gingrich that the 105th Congress will hear the Community Attendant Services Act (CASA) legislation. This will give Americans choice in long- term care.
On election eve ADAPT turned to the Democratic Party to get the same support for CASA. The President himself, on Air Force One, agreed to start developing CASA from the executive branch.
Finally ADAPT worked to make an impact locally as well as nationally. Hundreds of activists handcuffed themselves together and blocked the busy avenue in front of the Georgia Nursing Home Association Headquarters. More than a hundred ADAPT activists were arrested later that evening at the luxury hotel where the Nursing Home lobby was meeting.
The activists message was simple and clear: "I'd rather go to jail, than to die in a nursing home." Clearly, choice in long-term care is overdue. If you cannot support ADAPT's tactics, you should join to support the quality legislation that they fight so passionately and aggressively for.
Find out more about ADAPT by calling MCIL 726-6404
If you have already sent in letters do not be surprised if they reply with a feeble excuse. MAINSTREAM has been very clear on what these companies need to do to make up for their error.
MCIL encourages you to write the "Sinful Six" and tell them that you support the boycott. A Boycott is a powerful tool at creating social change, but they do take time. Please continue the boycott. For more information talk with Tim Wheat 726- 6404.
Let these companies know what you think of their shameful treatment of the Paralympics.
Mr. Jeff Bliss President & CEO Sara Lee Corporation 3 First Nat'l Plaza Chicago, IL 60602-4260
Mr. Steve Burgay Public Affairs Manager John Hancock Mutual Life PO Box111 Boston, MA 02117
Mr. Jim Sprick Marketing Manager of Georgia Anheuser-Busch 1000 Abernathy Road Ste. 1500 Atlanta, GA 30328
Ms. Cheryl Kirk Dir. of the Olympics McDonald's Corporation 1 McDonaldPlaza Oak Brook, IL 60521
Mr. David Archer Bausch and Lomb, Inc. 1 Bausch and Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604
Mr. Michael Lynch VP Event Mktg. Visa International PO Box 8999 San Francisco, CA 94128-8999
Spring
1997
Vol 3
#4
Service
The memorial opened May 2, on the tidal basin in Washington D.C. However, "...there is still, after decades of planning - and advocacy by us - no statue of FDR in his wheelchair." said Justin Dart, the Father of the ADA. "This stark reality symbolizes the deeply rooted stereotypes and prejudice that still condemn millions of Americans with disabilities to unemployment, poverty, welfare, segregated education and incarceration in nursing homes, institutions and back rooms."
If you would like a loan or assistance getting your small business started, call Kevin Lofton (726-6404) and ask about getting involved with GOALS. The group meets at 3:00 on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Memphis Center for Independent Living.
PALs II and PALs III are planning for a GREAT
Summer!
For more details about the PALs program for youth
and young adults with disabilities, call Pat Jessup at
726-6404.
(MEMPHIS, May 8) The King's Daughters and Sons Home, a
local nursing home, was so terrified by the message of American
Disabled for Attendant Programs Today (ADAPT), they took
the grassroots organization to court. ADAPT is working
nationally for a Community Attendant
Services Act (CASA), which will provide Americans with the option to live in their
own home. Often people with disabilities are forced to live in
nursing homes, and Tennessee ranks last, among the 50 states,
in long-term community- and home-based care. ADAPT brings
a simple message: Choice.Why the message of ADAPT so threatening to King's Daughters and Sons Home? Because it is more cost effective, humane, and will end the monopoly administrators have over the lives of Americans. ADAPT is asking for NO new funds. The MiCASSA legislation, to be introduced to the 105th Congress later this term, simply requests that 25% of the money wasted by nursing homes be redirected to give Americans a choice.
Chancellor of the Chancery Court, Neal Small, denied a petition for injunctive relief brought by The King's Daughters and Sons Home and Jon Wells. The chancellor, stating the court's impression that the need for injunctive relief is not necessary, granted a plea for continuance made by the Defendants. The Plaintiffs sought to prevent ADAPT and The Memphis Center for Independent Living (MCIL) from visiting King's Daughters and Sons Home, holding meetings without complying with "the rules," and talking with a current resident.
Ironically the Plaintiff's won their bid to quash the subpoena of the resident that had invited ADAPT to the nursing home. The Home worked diligently not to allow the principal individual in court. The Defendants had served the resident and the nursing home staff, so that the resident would be in court, however, the conservator overruled the subpoena. The resident's life, loves, business, and future were discussed in open court in his absence.
Susan Mackenzie, attorney for the Defendants, argued to the court that the original documentation of conservatorship did not transfer complete authority over another individual's life to the conservator. This is a significant issue for individuals who need assistance in some areas of their lives. A disability does not nullify personal integrity.
The Plaintiff's were unable, however, to show that an injunction was needed. Likewise, the Plaintiffs failed to show the danger of free expression. In an effort to display the Plaintiffs as besieged by the Defendants message: "Free our people," the Plaintiff's attorney, George "Buck" Lewis, held up a sign: "What are you hiding commandant Arrison?"
U.S. News and World Report lists The Nursing Home Lobby, American Health Care Association Political Action Committee (AHCA-PAC), as one of the 50 most exorbitant spenders for political favors (Source). "Most people think of nursing homes as simple non-profit establishments," said Dawn Russell, who was arrested protesting at the AHCA conference last November in Atlanta; "but they have a sinister Political agenda." Although 63% nursing homes funds nationwide come from Medicaid, the Federal Election Commission reports ACHA as one of the 50 PACs with the largest increase in funds from 1994 to 1996 (Source).
MiCASSA, legislation to be introduced to the 105th Congress later this year, will equip people with disabilities with what they need. Mark O'Brien, poet, author, and subject of Jessica Yu's Oscar winning documentary "Breathing Lessons," is such an example. Living in his own apartment, Mark O'Brien is not stagnated by institutional control. Although he often needs the help of attendants 24 hours a day, it would cost the state over twice as much to provide his care in a nursing home.
The real need for MiCASSA is how it purposes to involve the individual. The effectiveness of subsidized institutions is no longer the most practical method of caring for people with disabilities as it was in the nineteenth century. Although each individual has different needs, we still allow people with disabilities to be herded into nursing homes. CASA will give Americans a choice in how services are to be delivered.
If you would like to help with ADAPT's historic pursuit of
reasonable long-term care for people with disabilities, call
MCIL at 726-6404. Visit the ADAPT of Tennessee website at:
Tennessee A D A P T !
You can visit the ADAPT web site A D A P T !
Or the National ADAPT web site at:
http://www.adapt.org/
For two weeks riders of MATAplus responded to daily
questions about the paratransit system's service. Although
Memphis spends millions of dollars on the system, the
management of MATAplus did not feel that anyone wanted to
know if they did their job. The Memphis Center for
Independent Living completed a survey last month with some
surprising results.The Memphis paratransit system has never been in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit Plan for Memphis. Their are no criminal statutes included in the ADA to force the necessary compliance, it is only through civil rights violations that the ADA's enforcement can require change.
MCIL strongly feels that upholding the commitments of the ADA Paratransit Plan for Memphis is the first step in providing quality service for our community. The Barrier Free Memphis Society (BFMS) Survey found that about 1 in 5 individuals with a reservation failed to reach their destination on time.
BFMS meets on the first Monday of each month. Everyone who is interested in accessibility for all Americans is welcome to attend. For more information or a complete copy of the survey call or write Tim Wheat at MCIL. You can access the survey results on our website BFMS 1997 MATAplus Survey
The Memphis Center for Independent Living
1633 Madison Avenue,
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 726-6404 v/tty (901) 726-6521 fax
mcil@mcil.org
MCIL is a United Way of the Mid-South member Agency
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