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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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OSCIL Annual Meeting Marks 20 Years of Service
Election of Board of Directors
OSCIL Volunteers Recognized
Prescription Assistance
OSCIL Scholarship Winners
Voting Participation
Economic Stimulus Rebate
Identification Cards
Senior Apartments
New OSCIL E-mail List
Live Well RI
Access Guides
Assistive Technology Fund
FYI
Job Training Program
The Rhode Island Free Clinic
Looking Ahead

OSCIL Annual Meeting Marks 20 Years of Service 

OSCIL’s 20th annual meeting was held on April 28th at the Coastway Credit Union in Warwick. Board President Henry Tarlian welcomed everyone, noting that OSCIL’s twenty years of service to the community will be celebrated on June 26th at our anniversary event – Reaching New Heights. Mr. Tarlian reported on key accomplishments of OSCIL’S past fiscal year, from October 1, 2006, through September 30, 2007.

OSCIL was fortunate to secure funding as a result of the generosity of the Christopher Reeves Foundation, Coastway Credit Union, and Ocean State Charities Trust to support the purchase of adaptive devices and low-cost home modifications. Additional funding through the Dept. of Elderly Affairs Aging & Disability Resource Center enabled OSCIL to operate a store-front for The Point, providing one-to-one information and referral services for seniors and persons with disabilities. An October fundraising breakfast brought together 180 people and raised $3,000 for our agency.

OSCIL provided assistance to over 6,000 individuals through direct service, outreach and information and referral.

Of the 392 persons who received direct (one to one) services, 35% were new intakes to our Center. In addition, there were over 144,000 hits to our Web site.

A total of 82 consumers worked with OSCIL’s Housing Advocate to address goals to secure affordable, accessible housing while 21 consumers worked on transitioning out of nursing homes. OSCIL continued to promote the Community Living Option making 117 homes more accessible through the acquisition of assistive technology and home modifications.

This past year OSCIL received a record number of requests for independent living assessments and assessments for home modifications and adaptive equipment.

Other accomplishments included:

• A series of collaborative meetings with members of the State Plan Planning Committee for Independent Living to establish RI’s new three-year State Plan
• Continued involvement with the RI Disability Vote Project including training on the new AutoMark voting machine
• Hosting one of the Governor’s Commission on Disability’s public forums which enabled persons with disabilities to submit testimony
• Sponsoring an informational seminar on improving home access

Lastly, OSCIL ended this fiscal year with great excitement and enthusiasm by bringing together advocates at the RI State House to welcome the ADA Road to Freedom National Bus Tour to support the passage of the ADA Restoration Act.

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Election of Board of Directors

Henry Tarlian, James Bateman, Stephanie Booth, Kristen Connors, Richard DeGregorio, Mary Leeman, Jose Lobaton, Pat McCrone, Anne McDonald, Dr. Raymond Mis, John Nakowicz, Rep. Eileen Naughton, Marie Perna, and Susan Shapiro were elected to OSCIL Board of Directors at our annual meeting.

OSCIL Volunteers Recognized

On behalf of the entire staff, Carol McKenna thanked the following volunteers for their valuable service to OSCIL: Arnis Abols, Ruth Clark, Stan Davies, Scott Fayerweather, Lillian Freeman, Ashley McCrone, Pat McCrone, Wayne McKenna, Alisa Ricci, Tony Ricci, Martin Szuch, Tina Silvestro, Dylan Turner, Reda and Kazi Paludnevicius.

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Prescription Assistance

RxforRI.org is a program that connects qualified low-income people with free or discounted prescription drugs direct from pharmaceutical manufacturers. The service is free and confidential. By answering several short questions to determine eligibility, you will be able to learn of all the programs and discounts for which you qualify. Visit the Web site at www.rxforri.org or call toll-free 1-877-743-6779.

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OSCIL Scholarship Winners

As in years past, the OSCIL scholarship committee had a difficult challenge selecting the recipients of three $1,000 Catherine T. Murray Memorial Scholarship awards. OSCIL wishes to thank these committee members for their efforts: John Howell, Pat McCrone, Lorna Ricci, John Welch, Caldi Shire, Anne McDonald, and Dr. Raymond Mis.

Congratulations to the following students who were selected:

Kimberly Ann Juday is majoring in nursing with a minor in psychology at Rhode Island College. Her goal is to become a registered nurse and work in the field of pediatrics. She participates in a variety of volunteer and leadership activities.

Christina Labriola is enrolled at Plymouth State University and plans to become an elementary special education teacher. Her minor is in child welfare and family studies. She enjoys a wide range of extra curricular and volunteer activities.

Ti-mia Tavares has been accepted at CCRI and plans to pursue an associate’s degree in human service. She hopes to obtain a job helping others who are struggling to achieve their goals.

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Voting Participation

People with disabilities have the right to fully participate in the electoral process, and OSCIL encourages everyone to do so.

The information below is from a fact sheet from the Rhode Island Disability Law Center which explains your basic voting rights:

• You have the right to an accessible polling place: Rhode Island law requires that every polling place be situated in a building that can be entered and exited by persons who are disabled.
• You have a right to assistance: If you require assistance to vote because of blindness, disability, or inability to read or write, you may receive assistance from a bipartisan pair of polling supervisors or the person of your choice. To obtain assistance from the person of your choice, you and the person helping you are required to submit affidavits attesting that the person you have chosen to assist you is not your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your union. A form affidavit will be available to you upon your request at the polls.
• You have the right to use the AutoMark: Every polling place is required to have an AutoMark voting machine. This machine will allow many individuals with disabilities the opportunity to vote independently.
• You have a right to vote without interference: If your eligibility to vote is challenged or the officials cannot find your name on the voter list, you are entitled to cast a provisional ballot. You will be asked to complete a voter registration form and fill out a statement that you are registered and eligible to vote.
• You have a right to file an administrative complaint: If you have problems with accessing the polling place or casting your ballot, you may be entitled to pursue an administrative complaint.
• Standing in line: Whenever a voter appears at a polling place and that voter has: (1) an obvious medical disability which, in the opinion of the warden, would cause the voter to experience severe discomfort by standing in line, or (2) documentation attesting that the voter standing in line inadvisable, then that voter may be allowed a priority position for checking in to vote.

You may contact the RI Disability Law Center at 831-3150 Voice or 831-5335 TTY if you have questions about your voting rights, if you face barriers in accessing polling places or casting a ballot or if you would like to request a more comprehensive training on voting rights and election laws.

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Economic Stimulus Rebate

If you did not file for your economic stimulus payment from the government, there is still time. You have until October 15th to get your payment. If you had over $3,000 or more in income in 2007 from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), veterans disability benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits, or earnings from work, you can qualify for an economic stimulus payment. Even if you usually do not file taxes, you must file the form 1040A. For details, call the IRS at 1-866-234-2942 or visit www.irs.gov.

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Identification Cards

The RI Dept. of Elderly Affairs is no longer processing identification cards for seniors and adults with disabilities. State ID cards are now processed at all branch offices of the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) except at the RI Mall branch and at AAA branches. There is no fee for ID cards for persons 59 and older. For others, the fee is fifteen dollars and it must be paid in cash.

Seniors and adults with disabilities can have either a valid driver’s license or a state ID card. Under RI law, a person cannot have both simultaneously. To obtain an ID card, the following is required:

• An identity document such as an original birth or baptismal certificate, U.S. passport,  or license that has not expired for more than one year
• A signature document such as a license that is not expired for over one year, a valid U.S. passport or other document such as a retired service or reservist military card
• A document that verifies your address such as a valid voter registration card, utility bill, personal check, bank statement or a copy of a valid lease or rental agreement
• Applicants must provide an official Social Security card. Laminated or metal cards are not acceptable. If you do not have a valid Social Security number, you must present documentation to validate the ineligibility for a Social Security number. DMV is required by law to record Social Security numbers for all applicants for a driver’s license and identification card.

 For further information, call DMV at 462-4368 or visit www.dmv.ri.gov.

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Senior Apartments

Housing Opportunities Corporation recently announced the completion of their latest apartment development for persons who are 62 years of age or older.

Wildberry Apartments, located at 95 Archambault Avenue in West Warwick, has 47 units in a three-story building. Amenities include an elevator, community room, laundry facilities on each floor, and five wheelchair accessible apartments. Maximum income for one person is $25,600; for two persons it is $29,250.  

Other properties for persons 62 or older that are owned and managed by Housing Opportunities include the following:

• Adelante Apartments in Providence
• Plaza Esperanza in West Warwick
• Saugatucket Springs in Hopkinton
• LaCasa in South Kingstown
• Allegria Court in Johnston

All of these apartments have waiting lists. For further information or applications, call 941-2900 or visit www.wdchoc.org.

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New OSCIL E-mail List

If you would like to add your e-mail address to OSCIL’s new FYI e-mail list for upcoming events and timely information, please send an e-mail to e-mail.list@oscil.org. Please be sure to include your first and last name.

Live Well RI

Live Well RI is a 10-week program operated out of the PARI Independent Living Center in Pawtucket. The program is designed to promote healthy living as well as sports and recreational activities in order to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

In the morning, participants attend informative seminars on social, emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of health.

During the afternoon, the group will participate in recreational activities such as bowling, fishing, handcycling, strength training, and more. Access2Adventure is offering these recreational programs.

The next program begins this fall and is one day a week from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for ten consecutive weeks with no cost to participants. If you are at least 21 years of age, have a disability and reliable transportation, please contact Angel Maisonet at PARI at 725-1966 ext. 27 or e-mail amaisonet@pari-ilc.org.

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Access Guides

The 6th expanded edition of Accessible Rhode Island is hot off the press with new updates on over 450 cultural sites. This 64-page guide lists restaurants, libraries, art galleries, cultural, and recreational sites that are ADA compliant in one or more areas. Additionally, there are listings for RIPTA bus routes for many of the venues. Paper copies can be obtained at OSCIL, VSA Arts, RIDDC, PARI, and welcome centers throughout the state. This guide is on the Web and is updated on a regular basis. Visit www.accessiblerhodeisland.org.

New England Handicap Access has a new and developing Web site, www.nehandicapaccess.com, about the accessibility of public places in New England. The data included comes from people sharing their personal experiences, and new participants are welcome to share information in this forum. In addition, there are links to regional Web sites relating accessible travel, recreation, and public facilities.

The Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council’s 2008 Recreation Guide is on-line at www.riddc.org. It contains hundreds of leisure programs and activities for children and adults with disabilities.

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Assistive Technology Fund

The Association of Blind Citizens operates the Assistive Technology Fund which may provide funds to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. Products covered by this program must retail for a minimum of $200 with a maximum retail price of $6,000. Applicants must be legally blind and have a family income of less than $50,000 and cash assets of less than $20,000. There are two grant periods per year. Applicants who are selected are required to provide documents to verify income and assets. Requests must be received by e-mail only. Visit www.blindcitizens.org and click on the link for assistive technology fund.

The Association of Blind Citizens, located in Holbrook, MA, offers various cultural and recreational activities. The telephone number is (781) 961-1023 or e-mail president@blindcitizens.org.

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FYI

Support for Parents: If you have children with special health care needs and would like to connect with another parent for support and guidance in navigating child serving systems, call the Rhode Island Parent Information Network Resource Center at 727-4144 or (800) 464-3399.

Disaboom.com is an interactive online community combining disability resources, social networking, medical and product information, and much more. The site was founded by Dr. Glen House, a physician specializing in rehabilitation management and a quadriplegic.

Contacting Social Security: Social Security has a toll-free number that operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Voice line: 1-800-772-1213

TTY line: 1-800-325-0778

DEA Relocation: The RI Dept. of Elderly Affairs has relocated to Pastore Center, Hazard building #74, West Road in Cranston. DEA is located on the second floor. Handicapped parking is in the rear.

Adaptive Sailing Program: Shake-A-Leg offers recreational, instructional, and competitive sailing opportunities throughout the summer at Fort Adams State Park in Newport. All facilities are accessible. The program is open to all individuals and groups for all disabilities. Sailing season is from June 16 to August 29 daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment. Fees are $70 for two hours. Phone 965-2000 or e-mail paul@shakealeg.org.

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 Job Training Program

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank operates a Community Kitchen training program which prepares students for employment in the culinary industry. With over a 70% job placement rate and no cost to accepted applicants, this unique program is a great opportunity for students to acquire the necessary skills and experience through instruction and internships to work in the food service industry.

During the full time, 14-week/400 hour program, students are trained in basic cooking skills, including various aspects of food service operations and kitchen safety in addition to learning job seeking skills. Uniforms, books and materials are included in the program. Students are scheduled to spend one day per week at internship sites for eight weeks.

The next training series starts in November. The program requires attendance from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Applicants must have the physical stamina and dexterity to participate, desire full time employment upon graduation, have adequate transportation and child care, be at least 18 years old, read at the 7th grade level, and be willing to follow all program policies and procedures. Program graduates receive job placement assistance.

To request an application or further information, call Marilyn Zuller at 942-6325 ext. 304 or ext. 239. Visit www.rifoodbank.org. The Food Bank is located at 200 Niantic Avenue in Providence.

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The Rhode Island Free Clinic

The Rhode Island Free Clinic is unique in our state. It is the only non-profit organization offering no cost, high quality medical care and preventive health services exclusively to medically uninsured adults. Since its start as a pilot program in 1999, the RI Free Clinic has grown to include six staff and more than 225 volunteers who provide an expanding array of health services to approximately 1,800 uninsured adult Rhode Island residents in a state-of-the-art facility. In addition to primary care, other programs include a pre-employment clinic that provides free exams and immunizations for those involved in the pre-employment screening process, a walk-in clinic for artists with no insurance, and diabetes, women’s and mental health clinics. Patients may receive free or reduced-cost prescriptions through various programs.

Supported by charitable donations, the Free Clinic is not a community health center or urgent care facility. Patients are seen by appointment. The first Thursday of every month from 4 to 4:30 p.m. is walk-in day when uninsured adults who wish to become patients must come to the clinic and pick up a ticket. At 4:30 p.m. there is a drawing to determine who gets in. Unfortunately, due to the rapidly escalating numbers of uninsured adults in our state and an overwhelming demand for the Free Clinic’s services, not everyone who seeks services is accepted. The Free Clinic is located at 655 Broad Street in Providence. For further information and specific clinic times and dates, call 274-6347 or visit www.rifreeclinic.org.

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LOOKING AHEAD

OSCIL 2008 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

If you have not renewed or started your OSCIL membership, it is never too late. Members receive our newsletter, an invitation to our annual meeting, and mailings about upcoming events. The suggested tax-deductible donations are as follows: $5 for persons who are unemployed or retired and $25 for others. Membership is not necessary to participate in OSCIL’s services. Call Carol at the OSCIL office for a membership form. If you have already renewed your membership, we extend a sincere thank you for supporting our programs and services through membership donations.

PUBLIC FORUMS SCHEDULED THE WEEK OF JULY 21 – 25

The RI Governor’s Commission on Disabilities and many community organizations are sponsoring a series of public forums during the week of July 21-25, leading up to the 18^th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. These forums, held across our state, serve to identify the concerns of people with disabilities and their families. Your voice can make a difference. Testimony from these forums serves to guide legislators and the RI Governor’s Commission on Disabilities in developing new legislation.

OSCIL will be hosting one forum at the Warwick Public Library on Wednesday, July 23^rd from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Rhodes to Independence will host a forum at Independence Square II, Independence Way, Kingston on Tuesday, July 22 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Times and dates of additional forums will be announced in local newspapers, or call the RI Governor’s Commission on Disabilities at 462-0100 or visit www.disabilities.ri.gov.

IN-SIGHT OPEN HOUSE
LEARN ABOUT VISION LOSS AND SERVICES

Wednesday, July 16^th
10 a.m.
43 Jefferson Boulevard

This In-Sight open house offers the opportunity to learn more about programs and services that are available to current and potential clients, family members, and people in social services. Space is limited, so advance reservations are required. Call Rick Andrade at 941-3322 ext. 109 or email randrade@in-sight.org.

22^nd ANNUAL RHODE ISLAND INDEPENDENT LIVING CONFERENCE

Friday, September 5
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Providence Marriott

SUMMIT ASSOCIATION SUMMER PICNIC AND TRIPS

Sunday, August 3 
11 to 3
Shriner’s Picnic Grounds Warwick

This annual pot luck picnic is free to attend. Call Linda for details at 739-4345.

Additional scheduled outings include a Pennsylvania Dutch trip July 22-23 and a November 29-30 trip to Beacon Resort in New Hampshire.