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Independence
Ocean
State Center for Independent Living
" People Helping
People Achieve Independence "
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Signs of Independence
MARCH 2008
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.
New
OSCIL E-Mail:
Please note our new e-mail address:
info@oscil.org.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Gaining Independence through Assistive Technology
New OSCIL Staff
Financial Assistance
Program
Technology Workshops
New Health Care Program
RIde Program News
FYI
Hearing Aid Program
Kent House Update
Day One
Resources for Daily
Living
Vet
Center Counseling Services
Looking Ahead
Gaining
Independence through Assistive Technology
Have you ever wondered what the term assistive technology (AT)
is all about? How does it relate to independent living? Have you
wanted to learn more about how assistive technology might help
you, but you are not sure where to turn?
An assistive technology (AT) device means any item, piece of
equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially,
modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or
improve the functional capability of someone with a disability.
AT enables people of all ages who may have disabilities or
limitations to function more independently. An assistive device
can be as simple as a reacher or grab bar or as complex as a
sophisticated environmental control unit.
One of OSCIL’s main initiatives is to provide information,
education, and assistance to individuals with disabilities to
meet independent living goals by acquiring AT. OSCIL is one of
the partners in the Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access
Partnership (ATAP), which is a statewide project funded under
the federal Assistive Technology Act of 1998. Our agency
provides elders and individuals with sensory impairments with
information about how low and high tech assistive devices may
enhance their independence.
Over the past twelve years, OSCIL’s Home Access and Adaptive
Equipment Program has worked with hundreds of Rhode Islanders to
obtain all types of AT to maximize their independence and remove
barriers in the home environment. In addition, OSCIL administers
a Shake-Awake Smoke Detector Program that provides eligible
persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing with adaptive
shake-awake smoke detectors.
An assistive technology service refers to any service that
directly assists an individual with a disability in the
selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology item.
OSCIL provides assessment services for individuals, vendors, and
referring agencies to give recommendations for assistive
technology that will allow the consumer to attain goals for
increased independence.
OSCIL is so excited about assistive technology that we have
added a new page on our Website at
www.oscil.org that
gives in-depth information about assistive technology, including
resources to fund some types of AT services or equipment. Also
included are descriptions of other ATAP partners and contact
information. For more information about assistive technology,
please call the OSCIL office or e-mail
info@oscil.org.
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New OSCIL Staff
We are pleased to announce that Sovath Nhar is OSCIL’s new
Independent Living/Community Living Specialist. Sovath graduated
from Johnson & Wales University and has worked in human services
with children and adults for the last ten years. She is fluent
in the Cambodian language.
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Financial Assistance Program
The Rhode Island Chapter of the National MS Society has a
financial assistance program of up to $750 per year that may
help clients purchase items or services that relate to the
disability of multiple sclerosis. Examples of past items covered
include walkers, wheelchair repairs and co-payments, air
conditioners, cooling vests, and grab bars.
This program is a needs-based program that will approve all who
apply whose income is 250% or less of the federal poverty
guidelines. Requested items or services must be approved on a
case-by-case basis. (Prescriptions, medical bills, incontinence
supplies are not covered.) Consideration will be given to
clients who are over income based on the difference between
income and expenditures. To learn more, call Nicole at 738-8383.
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Technology Workshops
TechACCESS of Rhode Island offers free workshops to the public
on technology for persons with sensory and physical impairments.
Pre-registration is required. For times and dates, call 463-0202
or (800) 916-8324 or e-mail:
techaccess@rechaccess-ri.org.
TechACCESS is located at 110 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick.
Technology
for Persons with Hearing Loss
looks at technology that can improve access at home, work, and
in social settings. Examples of equipment demonstrated include
amplified telephone equipment, signaling devices, telephone
ringers, doorbells, baby monitors, and personal amplification
devices.
Blind
Access and Low Vision Access Demonstrations
cover technology that provides access to print material. Various
types of equipment demonstrated include screen readers, speech
synthesizers, video magnifiers, personal note-taking systems,
and more. Low tech daily living devices are shown as well.
The
Computer Access Demonstration
is for persons who cannot use a standard keyboard or mouse.
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New Health Care Program
The RI Department of Human Services has announced the start of
a new health care program for certain adults 21 years of age or
older who have RI Medical Assistance and live in the community
(at home, assisted living, or a group home). The program is
called Rhody Health Partners.
Beginning April 1, some Medical Assistance
recipients will have the option to enroll in a health plan to
receive covered benefits. The two participating plans are United
Healthcare of New England and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode
Island. If you have Medicare, RIte Care, or other insurance, you
are not eligible for Rhody Health Partners.
Enrollment is voluntary. Adults who decide to enroll in Rhode
Health Partners will have access to a large network of doctors,
specialty providers, and mental health providers in the health
plan network as well as care coordination and help getting
information on community services and supports.
Adults who do not want to enroll in a health plan can opt for
Connect Care Choice or Medical Assistance fee-for-service. If
you change your mind, you can switch plans. If you receive home
and community based services through a waiver program, enrolling
in Rhody Health Partners will not affect these services.
For more information on enrolling in Rhody Health Partners,
call the Enrollment Help Line at 784-8877.
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RIde Program News
In order to keep pace with increasing demand for service,
maximize efficiency, and improve service to customers, the RIde
program is upgrading to the latest available technology this
spring. Below is an overview of these upgrades:
·
A new state-of-the-art computerized scheduling, routing and
dispatching system will allow better utilization of the RIde
fleet and improved customer service
·
An automated phone system known as Interactive Voice Response
will be integrated with the new computerized scheduling and
dispatching system. While customers will continue to be able to
speak to RIde staff during regular business hours, the automated
system will provide them with the convenience of confirming and
canceling their own trips using a touch-tone phone as well as
checking the trip pickup times 24 hours a day. It will also
allow RIde to remind passengers of trips scheduled for the
following day.
·
Computers equipped with global positioning systems (GPS) and
automatic vehicle locators will be installed on all Paratransit
vans. This will improve communications between van operators and
dispatchers and maximize coordination of all RIde vans on the
road.
Aside from the improvements described above, there will be no
changes in RIde services and policies. If you have any questions
or concerns, please call the RIde program at 461-9760.
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FYI
Housing Help:
Are you worried about losing your home, or do you need help
finding an affordable rent or mortgage? The Rhode Island Housing
HelpCenter is an independent HUD-approved counseling
agency that will help you understand your options. Call 457-1130
to speak with a counselor.
Talking
Books:
RI Talking Books Plus has a new phone number: 574-9310.
Agency
Relocation:
The Rhode Island Disability Law Center has relocated to 275
Westminster St, Suite 401, in Providence. The telephone numbers
remain the same: 831-3150 Voice and 831-5335 TTY or (800)
733-5332.
ADA
Questions:
If you have questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), you can contact the New England ADA Center for free
technical assistance. Call (800) 949-4232.
Warwick
Home Repair Program:
Westbay Weatherization Dept. works with Warwick homeowners to
help with emergency home repairs up to $500. Westbay may help
homeowners with handrails for handicapped access, hot water
heaters, broken doors, windows, and heating system repairs.
Homeowners must live in the home and meet LIHEAP (low-income
home energy assistance program) guidelines. Call 732-4660 ext.
101.
Internet Shoe Resource:
Mix Match Shoes is an on-line shoe store that sells shoes – one
shoe at a time. The company hopes to fill an important niche
selling shoes to persons with different size feet and amputees
who may need just one shoe. Visit
www.mixmatchshoes.com
or telephone (888) 726-9420.
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Hearing Aid Program
AUDIENT is a nationwide program that was created to help people
on modest incomes get new digital hearing aids at a reduced
cost. For example, the cost range for one hearing aid and
related care is between $760 to $1,400 or in the range of $1,290
to $2,400 for two hearing aids and related care (ear molds,
fitting, and three follow-up visits).
In order to qualify, you must complete an application and be
approved for the program. For one person, the income limit is
$24,500; for two persons in the family unit, the limit is
$33,000. Once you are income qualified, you will be contacted by
AUDIENT program services for an official referral to a hearing
care provider working with the program in your area.
AUDIENT is a program of the Northwest Hearing Care, an
affiliate of the Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight & Hearing,
a non-profit organization. To learn more, please contact AUDIENT
program services toll-free at
(877) 283-4368 or send e-mail to
info@audientalliance.org.
The Web site address is
www.audientalliance.org.
(Please note: This program is not related to OSCIL’s Gift of
Hearing Program.)
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Kent House Update
Kent House is a comprehensive behavioral health treatment
center that specializes in chemical dependence, family violence,
and problem gambling.
Both residential and outpatient services are offered.
Members of the Deaf community sometimes have experienced
difficulties accessing counseling services in the general
community because of language barriers, unavailability of sign
language interpreters, or provider unwillingness or inability to
pay for interpreters.
Kent House is able to offer many services to the Deaf
community. This agency now has a nationally certified,
state-licensed addictions counselor, Debra Raiche, on staff who
is Deaf. Consumers can receive counseling and other recovery
services one-on-one without the need for a sign language
interpreter.
Examples of Kent House services for persons who are Deaf
include: alcohol and drug programs, narcotics anonymous,
alcoholics anonymous and gamblers anonymous meetings, domestic
violence and anger management services, a support group for
persons in recovery, and individualized services. Additionally,
Kent House offers an 8-week series of sign language classes at
Spring Green Memorial Church in Warwick.
Kent House, Inc. is located on a bus line at 2020 Elmwood
Avenue in Warwick. For further information, call 781-2700 Voice
or 467-5733 TTY.
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Day One
Perhaps you may not recognize the name, but Day One is an
agency that has been in existence in Rhode Island for decades.
Founded in 1973 as the RI Rape Crisis Center, the organization
grew into the Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center, changing
its name to reflect the growing number of programs and services
provided by the agency. In 2006, the organization took on a new
name and a new identity, fostering a positive outlook for
survivors of sexual abuse: Day One.
Day One’s mission is to reduce the prevalence of sexual abuse
and violence and to support and advocate for those affected by
it. Services include:
·
The 24-hour Victims of Crime Helpline: 1-800-494-8100 Helpline
advocates are available 24 hours a day to provide support,
information, and accompaniment to victims of sexual assault,
domestic violence, and hate crimes in emergency rooms, police
stations, and court.
·
Crisis intervention
·
Individual and group counseling for children and adults
·
Advocacy services
·
Educational and professional training
·
Foster Healthy Families – treating children in recovery from
trauma in the community
·
Consultations and assessments
Day One is located at 100 Medway Street in Providence. Visit
www.dayoneri.org or
call 421-4100 for additional information.
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Resources for Daily Living
Below is a list of some of OSCIL’s favorite catalogs and Web
sites for assistive technology products (daily living aids,
medical and adaptive equipment, and useful gadgets) that promote
independence:
Maxi-Aids
www.maxiaids.com
1-800-522-6294
MOMS (Mail Order Medical Supply)
www.momscatalog.com
1-800-232-7443
Sammons Preston
www.sammonspreston.com
1-800-323-5547
FirstStreet
www.firststreetonline.com
1-800-958-8324
Aids for Arthritis
www.aidsforarthritis.com
1-800-654-0707
Active & Able
www.activeandable.com
1-877-229-9993
Active Forever
www.activeforever.com
1-800-377-8033
LS&S (Learning, Sight &Sound)
www.lssproducts.com
1-800-468-4789 Voice
1-866-317-8533 TTY
Express Medical Supply
www.exmed.net
1-800-633-2139
Smart Home Automation
www.smarthome.com
1-800-762-7846
Dynamic Living
www.dynamic-living.com
1-888-940-0605
Functional Solutions
www.beabletodo.com
1-800-235-7054
Access to Recreation
www.accesstr.com
1-800-634-4351
Dr Leonard’s
www.drleonards.com
1-8800-785-0880
Sport Aid
www.sportaid.com
1-800-743-7203
Harris Communications
www.harriscomm.com
1-800-825-6758 Voice
1-800-825-9187 TTY
Hartling Communications
www.hartling.com
1-800-475-3183 Voice
1-800-672-9455 TTY
Hear-More
www.hearmore.com
1-800-881-4327 Voice
1-800-281-3555 TTY
Soundbytes
www.soundbytes.com
1-888-816-8191 Voice
1-515-937-3546 TTY
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Vet Center Counseling
Services
The Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center program operates a
system of community-based counseling centers around the country.
Readjustment counseling and outreach services are offered to all
veterans who served in any combat zone. Services are also
available to family members for military-related issues.
Readjustment counseling covers a wide range of services in the
effort to make a satisfying transition from military to civilian
life. Services include individual and group counseling, marital
and family counseling, bereavement counseling, referral to VA
medical facilities, assistance in applying for VA benefits,
employment counseling, substance abuse counseling, sexual trauma
counseling (available to veterans from all periods of service)
community education, outreach to new veterans, and information
and referral to community resources.
Vet Centers are staffed by small multi-disciplinary teams of
dedicated providers, many of whom are combat veterans
themselves. The staff adheres to strict confidentiality
standards. Veterans have earned these counseling benefits and
all are provided at no cost to the veteran or family. In Rhode
Island, the Vet Center is located at 2038 Warwick Avenue in
Warwick. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
and evening appointments may be arranged. The telephone number
is 739-0167. Visit the Web site:
www.vetcenterva.gov.
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LOOKING AHEAD
OSCIL’S 20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
June 26, 2008
6 to 9 p.m.
West Valley Inn
West Warwick
The evening celebration, Reaching New Heights, will
feature Dr. Timothy Warren, chiropractor and renowned mountain
climber who climbed Mt. Everest. (Visit
www.drtimwarren.com.) Dr. Warren’s presentation will inspire
each of us to conquer our own Everest. Festivities will include
dinner, music, a silent auction and the announcement of the
winner of OSCIL’s art contest. The fee is $50. Everyone on
OSCIL’s mailing list will receive an invitation to this event. A
limited number of scholarships are available.
OSCIL’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY ART CONTEST DEADLINE IS
APRIL 15
OSCIL is soliciting submissions of original artwork that reflect
our anniversary celebration’s theme, Reaching New Heights.
Mediums eligible for consideration include oils, acrylics, felt
tip pen, tempera paint, watercolor, collage, pastels, airbrush,
charcoal, quilts, weaving, mixed medium and sculpture. (Printed
copies, including computer-generated prints, are not considered
original.) Two dimensional art can range in size from 3 x 5 to
18 x 24 inches. Three-dimensional art should not exceed 18 x 18
x 18. The winning artist will receive an award of $300, and an
image of the winning artwork will be reproduced on the program
booklet. All contest participants must agree to allow OSCIL to
reproduce images of their artwork in a variety of formats to
raise funds for OSCIL. For additional details and contest
requirements, call Susan Shapiro at 263-7876.
OSCIL
2008 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IS UNDERWAY
The OSCIL membership year begins May 1, 2008. Please consider
renewing your membership or becoming a new member. All members
receive our newsletter, an invitation to our annual meeting, and
occasional mailings about upcoming events. The suggested
tax-deductible donations are as follows: $5 for persons who are
unemployed or retired and $25 for others. A business or
organizational membership is $100. Membership is not necessary
to participate in OSCIL’s services. If you are not a member and
would like to receive a membership form, please call Carol at
the OSCIL office.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM 2008
August 9 - 12
High school juniors and seniors with disabilities who have
demonstrated leadership capabilities in their communities and
schools are invited to apply for the 2008 Youth Leadership
Forum. The forum includes activities to help participants
develop leadership potential and identify future goals.
Overnight lodging, food, needed accommodations, and
transportation during the forum will be provided. There is no
cost to students or their families. This four-day forum will be
held at Camp Canonicus in Exeter.To request an application
packet, contact Carol McKenna at OSCIL or visit
www.oscil.org.
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