|
|
|
|
December 2006
Click here 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- OSCIL Newsletter Sponsors
- PersonalChoice – A Consumer Directed Waiver Program
- OSCIL Updates
- Independent Living Awards
- Holiday Closing Schedule
- American Indian VR Program
- Senior Wish Program
- Furniture Donation Program
- MS Assistance Program
- Diabetes Publication
- Scam Alert
- Operation Stand Down
- Captioned Telephone Service
- Internet Resources
- FYI
- IN-SIGHT Focuses on Building Independence
- Looking Ahead
Signs of Independence is made possible by the generosity of our advertisers. OSCIL wishes to thank the following organizations and companies for supporting our newsletter in 2006:
- Phoenix Property Management, Inc.
- RI Statewide Independent Living Council
- Freedom Lifts, LLC
- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society,
- Rhode Island Chapter
- Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Lift & Care Systems, Inc.
If you wish to advertise your agency or services in the OSCIL newsletter, please contact Susan Eleoff or Lorna Ricci at 738-1013.
PersonalChoice – A Consumer Directed Waiver
Program
PersonalChoice, a Medicaid 1915c Waiver, is a new participant
directed personal care program in Rhode Island. This program
replaces the PARI waiver and has approximately 450 slots that will
be filled over a three-year period. Enrollment in PersonalChoice
began in March 2006. Adult Medicaid recipients who wish to direct or have a designated
representative direct their services are eligible to apply for
PersonalChoice. Participants must require an institutional level of
care (the level of services provided in a hospital or nursing home)
to qualify for PersonalChoice. PersonalChoice is unique in a number of ways. Consumers on this
waiver are given a monthly budget amount of Medicaid dollars based
on their need for hands-on assistance. Consumers use this funding to
purchase personal care assistance from the person or persons of
their choice as well as purchasing goods and services that are not
normally covered by Medicaid that will allow them to become more
independent.
Some examples of goods and services consumers can purchase include,
but are not limited to, assistive devices, a microwave oven, a
laundry or cleaning service, adaptive clothing, orthopedic shoes,
personal care and hygiene products, service animal maintenance, and
transportation services not available under other program resources. A service advisor from an advisement agency (currently PARI or
Tri-Town Community Action) will conduct an assessment that will be
used by the Dept. of Human Services to determine a consumer’s
budget. Each consumer develops an individual service and spending
plan. Service advisors provide training, guidance, and ongoing
monitoring and assistance as needed.
Participants have the option to set caregiver wages. Live-in family
members can be hired, except for spouses or other legally
responsible persons.
A fiscal intermediary service facilitates employment of personal
care assistants, withholds taxes and fees, including workers
compensation, conducts criminal background checks, processes
timesheets, pays invoices for goods and services and provides
monthly expenditure reports to all participants. For further information about PersonalChoice, contact Rosemarie
Coffey, Project Coordinator, at 462-6318. To apply for the PersonalChoice waiver, contact one of the following
advisement agencies: PARI Independent Living Center at 725-1966 or
Tri-Town Community Action at 351-2750 ext. 1163. OSCIL’s former Benefits Specialist, Jeanne Fay, is now employed by
the Office of Rehabilitation Services at 40 Fountain Street in
Providence. She can be reached at 421-7005 ext. 405.
OSCIL’s Harvest Breakfast Fundraiser was a great success. We extend
a special thank you to Committee Chair Stephanie Booth, the
committee members, and to everyone who sold tickets.
Congratulations to the following individuals who received awards at
the September Independent Living Conference:
-
William Inlow, Specialized Transportation Services Manager at RIPTA, received the Steven A. Hook Memorial Award. This is awarded to the person whose professional contributions exemplify Steve Hook’s dedication to individuals with disabilities.
-
Martin Almonte received the Independent Living Award, awarded to a consumer who has demonstrated the greatest gain in personal independence.
-
Stephanie Booth, Ms Wheelchair Rhode Island, is the recipient of a Special Appreciation Award, awarded to an agency or individual who has helped advance the independence of all individuals with disabilities
The OSCIL office will be closed from Monday December 25 through Tuesday, January 1. The office will reopen Tuesday, January 2, 2007.
-
Are you an enrolled member of a state or federally recognized American Indian Tribe residing in Connecticut or Rhode Island?
-
Do you have a physical disability, anxiety, depression, other mental health issues, substance or alcohol abuse, learning disabilities, trouble with hearing, vision, or emotional or behavioral disabilities?
-
Does disability affect your ability to attain or maintain employment?
If you answered yes to all of the above questions, you may be eligible for services from the tribal rehabilitation program. All services are free and confidential.
The goal of the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation program is to assist tribal individuals with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep good jobs.
Culturally sensitive vocational services may include counseling, assistance in completing educational or training programs, assessment, job search and placement, small business assistance, and other individualized services. Unique to this program is the ability to provide cultural and traditional services as well as employment opportunities unique to tribal communities such as handicrafts.
To arrange for an appointment or for additional information, please call toll-free (866) 399-1121. The main office is housed on the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation; however, there are satellite offices in Rhode Island. Visit the web site at www.tribalvr.org.
Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island sponsors a Senior Wish program. The focus of this program is to brighten a senior’s life by granting a wish. Recipients must be 50 years of age or older and Rhode Island residents. Some examples of wishes are the following: a birthday party for a senior turning one hundred years old, a big button phone, a small television, new bedding, a can opener, and Christmas gifts for someone with no family.
Call Meals on Wheels at 351-6700 to apply for this program or to make a referral. The applicant will be notified in writing of the approval or denial of the requested wish. Visit www.rimeals.org and click on the link for Special Programs. If you wish to grant a wish or make a donation to support the Senior Wish program, contact Lori Incerpi at the above number.
Christ Church in East Greenwich operates a free furniture donation program. Donations of used furniture and household items in good condition are welcome. Clients are not able to browse and select items. Instead, a caseworker or the individual in need speaks to a church volunteer. Volunteers match needs with available items. There may be a waiting list. For details, contact David Reid at 884-8632, ext. 151. Pick-ups and deliveries are on Saturdays from 8 to noon by appointment only.
The Rhode Island Chapter of National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society has expanded and revised its financial assistance program. This is a needs-based reimbursement program. Chapter members who have an income of 250% of the federal poverty level or less are eligible to apply for up to $700 per fiscal year. (250% of the federal poverty level is $24,500 income per year for one person.)
Examples of covered items include: durable medical equipment and repair of equipment, assistive devices, air conditioners, modifications to home or auto, homemaker services, short-term respite care, short-term counseling, transportation to chapter programs or medical appointment if no other transportation is available, and a one time payment for personal emergency equipment. Prescriptions, medical bills, home and vehicle repairs, food, clothing, shelter, and incontinence supplies are not covered. For more information, call 738-8383.
Voice of the Diabetic is a free quarterly publication of the Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind. The focus is on diabetes and blindness. Articles include medical updates, profiles of persons successfully managing diabetes, and information on resources for healthy living. Subscriptions are available in print, 4-track tape and email. Call (573) 875-8911 or visit www.nfb.org and link to publications.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a federal agency that oversees Medicare, has issued a series of scam alerts to warn beneficiaries about callers who promise a new Medicare card or prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D) and ask for bank account information. Scammers can use this information to electronically withdraw money from bank accounts.
It is against Medicare’s rules to call a Medicare recipient and ask for bank account or other personal information or cash payment over the phone. A legitimate Medicare Prescription Drug Plan will not request payment over the phone or Internet. A bill must be sent to the beneficiary for the monthly premium.
No Medicare recipient should ever provide this type of information to callers. If this happens, the beneficiary should hang up and call this toll-free number to report fraud, waste and abuse regarding Medicare Part D: 1-877-772-3379.
Operation Stand Down Rhode Island is a non-profit organization that helps homeless veterans find the necessary services to help them overcome problems.
This organization currently operates two homes with on-site support staff. Services include counseling, Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous relapse prevention groups, employment training, and transportation. For details, please call (800) 861-VETS. The office is located at 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston.
In October, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) awarded Hamilton Telecommunications the contract to provide telecommunications relay service to Rhode Island. The PUC approved an important upgrade to the relay service, resulting in Hamilton offering a new statewide service for individuals with hearing loss. This service is called CapTel, a captioned telephone service similar to the closed captioning provided on most television programs.
CapTel™ is a new technology developed by Ultratec that allows individuals with hearing loss to view word-for-word captions of their telephone conversations. This works well for individuals who have good speech but who do not hear well over the phone.
A CapTel
™ amplified phone allows hard of hearing callers to talk and listen to individuals using a traditional phone. The CapTel™ phone also allows the user to read word for word captions of the other party’s conversation on a built-in screen while listening to the voice of the other party. Captions appear almost simultaneously with the spoken word, allowing users to understand everything that is said – either by hearing it or by reading it.The phone features adjustable levels of amplification that work in conjunction with a hearing aid’s telecoil. The phone can also be connected to a computer via a USB port, which may be helpful for people with low-vision concerns. CapTel
™ is not a TTY; rather it is a telephone designed to allow the user to have natural back and forth conversations with the support of captions.The CapTel
™ phone has been added to the ATEL program. ATEL provides equipment to qualified individuals who have hearing, speech, or neuromuscular impairments. Individuals interested in receiving a CapTel™ phone are strongly encouraged to immediately sign up. Effective January 1, 2007, qualification to receive ATEL equipment will be based on income. Contact Denise Corson, ATEL Program Coordinator at 276-0875 Voice or 861-6677 TTY.
www.craigslist.org
Craig’s List is a free Internet classified ad service covering local communities throughout the United States. Rhode Island has a link on this site. Many rental properties and homes for sale, including some with photos, are listed on Craig’s List.www.deafdigest.com
A weekly on-line newsletter offers a wealth of information on a variety of topics relevant to persons who are Deaf.www.jobsinri.com
This is a resource for local full-time and temporary jobs. The site also gives job-hunting tips and relevant information.
Area Health Center: The Wilcox Family Health Center at 226 Buttonwoods Avenue in Warwick is open. Services include primary care, prenatal care, an on-site laboratory, family planning services, free anonymous HIV testing, a women’s cancer screening program, and assistance in applying for Rite Care. A sliding fee scale is offered for those without insurance. Call 732-9090.
Medical Equipment: Kent Home Medical Equipment has relocated to 11 Knight Street, Building D-15 in Warwick. The showroom is open weekdays and Saturday mornings. Telephone 732-0022.
Low Income Tax Clinic: Rhode Island Legal Services operates a Low Income Tax Clinic that gives taxpayers free legal assistance on federal tax matters. This clinic is independent from the IRS; all conversations are confidential. If you have a federal tax problem or question and are low income, please contact RI Legal Services at 274-2652 or visit the web site at www.rils.org.
Applicants Wanted: Ms. Wheelchair RI Competition is searching for women to participate in the 2nd annual competition. Contestants must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 60 who utilize a wheelchair for 100% of daily community mobility. Marital status is not a consideration. Contestants are judged on personal interviews, platform speech presentations, and on stage interviews. There are entry fees. Contact Kristen Connors, State Coordinator, at 580-5221.
OSCIL’S TOLL-FREE NUMBER:
1-866-857-1161
IN-SIGHT Focuses on
Building Independence Through a variety of comprehensive services and programs,
In-Sight, a nonprofit agency in Warwick, builds confidence,
teaches skills, and empowers persons who are blind and visually
impaired to live independently in their communities. Vision rehabilitation is a key part of In-Sight’s mission.
In-Sight professionals work with clients to identify goals in
order to establish a plan that may include a low vision
assessment, skills training, and technology and computer
classes. Utilizing a model apartment, consumers learn daily
living and home management skills. Classes cover basic Braille,
electronic reading systems, assistive technology, budgeting,
cooking, cleaning, and basic orientation and mobility skills.
Low vision experts sometimes match clients with magnifiers,
specialized lighting and other optical aids. In-Sight
Enterprises provides employment for some clients. In-Sight Radio is a closed-circuit radio reading service that
keeps listeners who are print-disabled informed and entertained.
Volunteers read newspapers, magazines and items of interest.
This service is available via special radio receivers provided
by In-Sight. Fifteen support groups meeting around Rhode Island
feature interesting guest speakers and peer support. There are
no fees for most of In-Sight’s services. In addition, there are
volunteer opportunities for radio readers, drivers, or friendly
visitors. For further information, call 941-3322 or visit the
web site
www.in-sight.org. CATHERINE T. MURRAY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM 2007 VSA ARTS OF RHODE ISLAND FUNDRAISER: MARDI GRAS BALL 6TH ANNUAL STATEWIDE BRAIN INJURY CONFERENCE RI HEARING ASSESSMENT PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR For registration information, contact Mary Catherine Hess at
mhess@wihri.org or call
453-7745 Voice or 277-3701 TTY. SUPPORT OSCIL’S PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
In April 2007, OSCIL will award two $1,000 educational
scholarships. Applicants must be Rhode Island residents with
significant disabilities currently enrolled or planning to
enroll in a post-secondary education program. This may include
an academic, trade, or vocational program. Preference will be
given to merit, economic need, and career goals. Scholarship
applications will be mailed out in February. Call Carol McKenna
at the OSCIL office. The scholarship application will also be on
the OSCIL web site, www.oscil.org.
High school juniors and seniors with disabilities who have
demonstrated leadership capabilities in their communities and
schools are invited to apply for the 2007 Youth Leadership
Forum. This four-day forum will be held at Camp Canonicus in
Exeter in August. To request an application packet, contact
Carol McKenna at the OSCIL office.
Saturday, February 17 6 p.m. to midnight Rhodes-on-the Pawtuxet
The 15th Annual Cajun & Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball features
Louisiana bands and a costume contest. Cash bar and Cajun food
for purchase. Tickets: $30 in advance; $35 at the door. Tables
of ten can be reserved for $325. Contact Lagniappe Productions
at 783-3926 or visit the web site
www.mardigrasri.com.
Save The Date: Wednesday, March 7 Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick
The Changing World of Brain Injury Call 461-6599 for
registration information.
Save The Date: Monday, March 12 RI Convention Center
Creating Positive Environments: Foundations for Success for
Children with Hearing Loss
With the end of 2006 just a few weeks away, please consider
making a tax-deductible donation to OSCIL in preparation for
filing your 2006 tax return. Donations made before December 31,
2006, may be deducted on you 2006 return. These donations enable
OSCIL to continue providing quality services to consumers
throughout Rhode Island.
