Print Friendly VersionJune 2006, Issue 102
ADVOCACY ACTION NEWS
June 2006, Issue 102
FEDERAL/NATIONAL
WISCONSIN
LOCAL
ADA/FAIR HOUSING
RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET
EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
• National Scleroderma Awareness Month
• National Aphasia Awareness Month
• Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month
• June 4 – 11, Dystonia Awareness Week
• June 26 - July 2, Helen Keller Deaf - Blind Awareness Week
• June 5, National Cancer Survivors Day
• June 27, National HIV Testing Day
Monthly News Bulletin Published by IndependenceFirst
More Than 50 Million Americans Report Some Level of Disability
About 18 percent of Americans in 2002 said they had a disability, and 12 percent had a severe disability, according to a report released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Among people with disabilities, more than half of those 21 to 64 years old had a job, more than 4-in-10 of those ages 15 to 64 used a computer at home and a quarter of those age 25 to 64 had a college degree.
Approximately 51.2 million people said they had a disability; for 32.5 million of them, the disability was severe.
About 56 percent of people ages 21 to 64 who had a disability were employed at some point in the one-year period prior to the interview. People with a severe disability status reported the lowest employment rate (42 percent). This compared with the employment rates of people with a nonsevere disability (82
percent) and those with no reported disability (88 percent).
Similarly, 32 percent of people ages 25 to 64 with a nonsevere disability and 22 percent with a severe disability were college graduates. The corresponding rate for those without a disability was 43 percent.
Among other findings, people with a severe disability had an increased likelihood of having Medicare or Medicaid coverage, living below the poverty level, reporting their health status to be "fair or poor," receiving public assistance and having a household income below $20,000. For instance, the poverty rate for people 25 to 64 with no disability was 8 percent, compared with 11 percent for those with a nonsevere disability and 26 percent for people with a severe disability.
The report defines a person as having a disability if they have difficulty performing a specific activity such as seeing, hearing, bathing or doing light housework, or had a specified condition, such as Alzheimer's disease or autism. (See attachment. [PDF]) People are considered to have a severe disability if they are completely unable to perform one or more of these tasks or activities, need personal assistance or have one of the severe conditions described in the report.
Other highlights from the report:
*Four million children ages 6 to 14, or 11 percent, had a disability. The chances of
having a disability rise with age: 72 percent of people age 80 and older had
disabilities.
* Approximately 11 million people ages 6 and older, or 4 percent, needed
personal assistance with an everyday activity.
* Among the population age 15 and older, 2.7 million used a wheelchair and 9.1
million an ambulatory aid such as a cane, crutches or a walker.
* About 7.9 million people age 15 and older had difficulty seeing the words and
letters in ordinary newspaper print, including 1.8 million who were unable to see.
* There were 7.8 million people age 15 and older who had difficulty hearing a
normal conversation, including 1 million unable to hear.
* About 14.3 million people age 15 and older had limitations in cognitive
functioning or a mental or emotional illness that interfered with their daily
activities, such as Alzheimer's disease, depression or mental retardation. This
group comprised 6 percent of the population.
* Among adults ages 16 to 64, 11.8 million or 6 percent reported the presence of a
condition that makes it difficult to remain employed or find a job.
* Median earnings for people with no disability were $25,000, compared with
$22,000 for people with a nonsevere disability and $12,800 for those with a
severe disability.
* Of those ages 15 to 64, 36 percent with a severe disability used a computer and 9
percent used the Internet at home.
These data were collected from June through September 2002 in the Survey of Income and Program Participation. As in all surveys, these data are subject to sampling variability and other sources of error.
(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)
FEDERAL/NATIONAL
National Council on Disability Calls for Tougher Standards for Accessible Airline Kiosk Systems
The National Council on Disability (NCD) released an NCD Position Paper on Access to Airline Self-Service Kiosk Systems http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2006/kiosk.htm), calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to adopt an updated Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) standard for accessible design applicable to these kiosk systems and that DOT then initiate settlement negotiations with covered air carriers and airports to bring their kiosk systems into full compliance.
Kiosk technology is an essential component of the IT-based customer self-service business model that is pervading the air-travel industry. Automated kiosks employed by the industry (frequently called self-service or check-in kiosks) are networked peripheral IT devices whose interfaces give consumers direct access to companies’ centralized customer-service systems. For more information, contact Mark Quigley at 202-272-2004 (V) or 202-272-2074 TTY.
(Source: NCD Listserv)
WISCONSIN
Gov. Doyle Signs Bills
Statewide expansion of a program to move thousands of people from nursing homes to community-based care can proceed under legislation signed by Gov. Doyle.
Family Care is a state Medicaid program operating in five counties, including Milwaukee County. Its expansion statewide would allow a greater number of low-income seniors and people with disabilities to receive long-term care in community-based settings.
In addition, Gov. Doyle signed the following bills:
SB-157. Access to places by people with disabilities accompanied by service dogs.
SB-181. Harassment of or causing injury to a service dog.
SB-312. Expands relocations from nursing homes under a community integration program to include persons who are diverted from imminent entry into nursing homes.
(Source: Maureen Ryan, WI Coalition of Independent Living Centers)
Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities is Seeking Council Members
If you are interested, go to this link: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/section.asp?linkid=275&locid=19 and fill out an application. You need to submit an application, along with a bio or resume. You should be sure to identify your type of disability and your experience with disability issues. The meetings are held in Madison 4-6 times per year.
(Source: Governor’s Office)
LOCAL
More Access to the Stage
It has been said that all the world is a stage. If that’s true, some of the actors have not been able to access the stage to play their parts. Taking that metaphor literally, the Adaptive Community Approach Program, (ACAP) is taking a step to help make the stage more accessible to performers who have disabilities. 
Beginning in the fall of 2005 the new Art Links studio was opened in the arts district of downtown Waukesha. Art Links 333 is a performing arts studio for people who have disabilities. Serving Waukesha County and the metro Milwaukee areas, Art Links 333 will be conducting introductory theater classes and adaptive music composition classes. Theater and music classes will be offered to people of all ages and abilities with the intention of exposing people with disabilities to performing arts opportunities.
Music classes use assistive technology, such as computer-input switches and motion sensors, to create rhythms, manipulate sounds, and compose music. This is equipment developed in the eastern United States and in Europe. Classes teach people how to perform in switch ensembles or by using physical motion to activate music output devices. A workshop for people of any ability will be held in the summer of 2006.Interested persons may call Art Links 333 for more information. A performance of this music expression took place on May 5, 2006 at 7:30 pm at Carroll College during the performance of the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band’s annual spring concert.
The theater program has resulted in workshops, school performances, and seminar presentations around the Milwaukee area. To date over 20 schools and 3000 students have viewed performances given by theater students with disabilities through ACAP’s drama troupe. Original scripts, such as “The Wheelchair of Fortune” and “The Wizard of Oz--- Unplugged” have been created and performed. The theater program desires people of all abilities from around the Metro Milwaukee area to consider enrolling in upcoming classes and joining the drama troupe. In addition, a newly formed partnership with the Waukesha Civic Theatre has created a demand for actors and actresses who have disabilities to help shape this inclusive performance venue.
Interested people may call Patty or Mark at Art Links 333 for information at 262-522-7955 (V/Relay).
(Source: Submitted By Mark Cage)
Local ADAPT Group Stays Busy
SE WI ADAPT is one of several ADAPT groups across the country formed for the purpose of educating members and the general public about civil rights, discrimination, equal transportation and other issues involving people with disabilities.
In January, to recognize Freedom Day, and again in April, several local members of SE WI ADAPT jammed the outer office of the Milwaukee HUD office and requested that “Access Across America” (AAA) papers be faxed to HUD Secretary, Alphonso Jackson in Washington D.C. This action was done in coordination with ADAPT groups across America. AAA is a proposal to HUD for a national program that would help people coming out of nursing homes or at risk of going into nursing homes because they have no access to affordable, safe, and accessible housing.
Furthering the message to Secretary Jackson, was an action over several days that was held in Nashville, Tennessee in March of this year. Adapters from across the country, including seven from SE WI ADAPT made the trip to be part of the event. The message will continue to be sent to Secretary Jackson until he “gets it” and housing vouchers are available to get people out of nursing homes!
Closer to home, SE WI ADAPT members are continually on the lookout for public facilities that need to be reminded that the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Fifteen years after the signing, there is still a lack of commitment to creating a barrier free environment.
Recent visits to local Applebee’s Restaurants, and Perkins Restaurants, as well as several other businesses have brought promises from management to bring the handicapped parking to legal specifications. A top ranking representative from Marcus Corporation has agreed to correct the scarcity of ramps to the sidewalk areas at the Westpoint center in Waukesha.
Also, Jeff Speaker, Mayor of Brookfield has given his assurances to SE WI ADAPT President, Tobie Tyler, that he will evaluate and correct any parking, ramp, signage and access problems in Brookfield parks. Additionally, he will remove the illegal wood chips that surround the playground equipment and replace them with legal material. We do not have a time frame for the completion of these promises, but will keep watch.
Free our People!
For more information, contact Tobie Tyler at TTTobielaw@aol.com
(Source: Submitted by Judy Nichols)
ADA/FAIR HOUSING
Group Sues Subway Restaurants
A Washington-based civil rights group filed a lawsuit against Subway restaurants, alleging that the sandwich stores discriminate against people with disabilities. The Equal Rights Center claims that many of the approximately 60 Subways in Washington violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and the D.C. Human Rights Acts because they contain significant barriers to wheelchair users and others with disabilities.
(Source: Great Lakes ADA & Accessible IT Center)
Locals Advocate for ADA Compliance at Gas Stations
Sinead Raleigh struggles to maneuver alongside the gas pump and reach the buttons necessary to fill her automobile's tank. The situation is an obstacle that Raleigh and other motorists with disabilities face often. So the 33-year-old Waukesha woman is working with IndependenceFirst to promote awareness of a law that requires gas station operators to provide full-service pumping for people with disabilities.
Whenever more than one employee is present, a motorist with a disability should be able to summon help with just a honk of the horn.
It is a provision of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act that advocates believe few gas station operators are aware of - or will acknowledge.
Diana Sullivan, disability rights specialist for IndependenceFirst, said her Milwaukee-based group plans a statewide push for better service at the pumps for Wisconsin's estimated 450,000 motorists with disabilities.
If business owners refuse to cooperate, IndependenceFirst might ask state consumer protection officials to consider assessing $100 fines.
A few years ago, the same group lodged a complaint that resulted in the City of Milwaukee's agreeing to spend $1.5 million improving wheelchair accessibility at the downtown RiverWalk.
Sullivan said her organization decided to take on gas stations after hearing from Raleigh and other wheelchair users in the area.
(Source: Edited article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
ADA Comments Sought
The national network of ADA and IT Technical Assistance Centers, also known as DBTACs, seeks your comments on experiences with ADA. Your feedback on experiences with employment, building access, or access to public services will
help the Centers identify training gaps and issues needing increased technical assistance. Tell them what has worked for you, what barriers you still encounter, and how ADA has made a difference in your life. The form is short and simple. Comment only on topics of interest or concern to you. Comment as often as you like on any of the several categories. There is no identification necessary or requested other than the state in which you live to help ensure we are reaching all parts of the country. Go to www.ADATA.org to fill out this brief survey.
(Source: Justice For All Listserv)
RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET
The US Department of Justice has added additional content to their Video Gallery Section of the WWW.ADA.GOV web site.
This new piece is an 8 part series titled "Police Response to People with Disabilities."
The series is designed for use in roll-call training. It addresses law enforcement situations involving people who have mobility disabilities, mental illnesses, mental retardation, epilepsy or seizure disorders, speech disabilities, deafness or hard of hearing , and blindness or low vision. The eight segments range from 5 ½ to 10 ½ minutes in length.
You can view these segments on-line using either dial-up modem or high speed internet at: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/videogallery.htm#Anchor-Dial-47492
(Source: Great Lakes ADA & Accessible IT Center)
EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
White House Internship Program
The White House Internship Program offers an opportunity to explore public service. In addition to normal office duties, interns attend weekly lectures, tours, and complete an intern service project. Interns may serve a term in the Fall, Spring or Summer. All candidates must be at least 18 years of age, hold United States citizenship, and be enrolled in a college or university. To apply, read and complete the White House Intern Application (available online at: http://www.whitchouse.gov/governmcnt/wh-intern.html)
A strong application includes sound academic credentials, a history of community involvement and leadership, solid verbal/written communication skills, and demonstrated interest in public service.
Completed application materials must be submitted to Karen Race, Deputy Director and Intern Coordinator in the office of White House Personnel, at intern_application@whitehouse.gov prior to the following deadlines:
* Applications due June 16, 2006 for FALL 2006 term - (September 5 to
December 15, 2006)
* Applications due October 13, 2006 for SPRING 2007 term - (January 9 to May
11, 2007)
If you have questions you may contact Karen Race by phone, 202-456-5979 (V/Relay) or by e-mail: intern_application@whitehouse.gov.
Universal Design & Visitability Conference
From Accessibility to Zoning Conference will be held July 13-14, 2006 in Columbus, OH or it will also be available on-line.
The conference has a distinguished set of keynote speakers from around the world, and encompasses a variety of areas (design, public policy, zoning and
advocacy) across different scales and settings (residential, institutional, city/regional), such as: Planning public places, Affordable Housing, Master planning for universal design, Planning for an aging population, Educating planners and designers, Public policy for access & equity, Zoning and Building Codes.
Preliminary program available on-line at http://knowlton.osu.edu/ped/udprogram.htm
If you have any difficulties with the websites or registration, contact Scott Lissner by email at: lissner.2@osu.edu
(Source: Great Lakes ADA & Accessible IT Center)
Mental Illness & Spirituality
One in four families is impacted by mental illness. Spirituality can play an important role for faith communities in supporting individuals and family members dealing with mental illness.
Faith in Recovery provides assistance for developing mental health ministries in faith communities of all religious traditions. These ministries provide education and support in ways that emphasize a mind-body-spirit understanding of mental illness and decrease stigma.
For information on joining a group or starting a Faith in Recovery support group in your congregation, please call us at (414) 329-9100, or visit us at www.faithinrecovery.com.
(Source: Submitted by Bob Driscoll)
Study Participants Needed
Marquette University is seeking people 18-90 years of age that have some level of motor, hearing or visual disability AND who have experience using various monitoring devices in the home for a study on the accessibility and usability of medical monitoring devices. The time commitment is about 2 hours and compensation is available for your time and travel. If interested, contact Megan Conrad, 414-288-7287 (V/Relay), Email at megan.conrad@marquette.edu OR Melissa Lemke 414-2886256 (V/Relay), Email Melissa.lemke@marquette.edu.
Advocacy Action News is published by IndependenceFirst on or about the 1st of each month. Submissions of articles are due by the 15th of each month prior to publication. For consideration, send your articles or announcements to the Editor, Karen Avery, via e-mail to kavery@independencefirst.org.
Advocacy Action News is available by request in alternative formats such as Braille, large print, on disk or audiotape. It is also made available via our website.
You may also receive Advocacy Action News via email instead of print copy. Contact Karen at 414-291-7520 (V/TTY) or kavery@independencefirst.org.
If you do not have access to the internet, and would like assistance in obtaining any of the internet-based items described in this news bulletin, please contact:
Karen at 414-291-7520 (V/TTY)
IndependenceFirst
The Resource for People with Disabilities…
600 W. Virginia Street, 4th Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53204
414-291-7520 (V/TTY)
414-291-7525 (FAX)
www.independencefirst.org