Current News

Participants have options to attend any single day or the entire conference. Full descriptions of all the sessions offered and a link to registration materials are available at the conference website: www.illinoistransitionconference.org. Participants can register online or print the registration form to mail in. Individuals without access to the internet can call Family Matters, toll free at 866-436-7842 to have a registration packet mailed to them.

Here is a sampling of what parents and professionals had to say about the 2009 Transition Conference:

• “I gained a deeper understanding of what transition is or should be and the various formats that it could potentially take.”
• “I got ideas to implement in my district and enjoyed networking with others.”
  “I learned practical information about how to implement a more successful transition program.”
• “I got specific tools and resources for transition planning.”
• “I learned about transition from the young adult and parent viewpoints.”
• “I will remember to have kids involved in their transition plan and not have education staff create the plan.”
• “I now know that transition goals should drive the IEP.”
• “I found out about Care Notebooks and a self-determination curriculum.”

Some scholarships and financial assistance to attend the conference are available for parents of students with disabilities or students with disabilities from the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois on a first come, first served basis. To apply, contact Tara Dunning at 217-744-7777. The Arc of Illinois administers the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Consumer Involvement Program which also provides stipends to enable people with developmental disabilities and their family members to attend conferences. Call 815-464-1832 to learn more about that assistance.

Professionals can earn continuing education or professional development credits for attending the conference and can check the conference website, www.illinoistransitionconference.org to find information about the credits that are offered.

Early bird discounts are available to those who register through September 30, 2010. Registration will close on October 8, 2010. On-site registration will be accepted at a higher rate, depending on capacity. Register early for the best rates and to assure your choice of sessions.

RTA

By Pam Heavens

At 54, I remain continually amazed at life’s ongoing ironies. Most are accidental and we deal with them as best we can. Others leave one shaking one’s head in pure bewilderment. Twenty years after the Americans with Disabilities Act became law, the barriers that remain for people with disabilities truly stun me.

I have been appointed to the RTA’s ADA Advisory Committee. The RTA serves as the umbrella organization for the CTA, Pace, and Metra. At its June 24 meeting, the RTA Board planned to issue a proclamation to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Briefly, the law states that it is illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in the areas of employment, public accommodations, state and federal government, communication, and transportation.

Riding an accessible fixed-route bus then boarding an accessible commuter train are activities that allow me to enjoy true integration. Using these modes of transportation, I am simply another commuter traveling from point A to point B.  As mundane as it may be to a daily public transportation user, this access means real freedom to me and to other people with disabilities.

I caught a fixed-route bus that took me to Joliet’s Union Station. I entered the station and proceeded to the elevator. There was a small, hand-written note taped to the door that read “Out of Service.” I went to the café located in the station and asked the woman behind the counter if there was another elevator.  She called someone and informed me that there was no other means for me to get to the train tracks. My plans to attend an important meeting celebrating equal access was abruptly canceled.

Upon returning to work, I sent an email to the RTA explaining why I was unable to attend the meeting, with a copy to JD Ross who serves as the excellent Will County representative on the RTA Board. I then sent an email to Joliet city officials explaining the inoperable elevator. After exchanging several emails, I was told that Metra is responsible for the maintenance of the elevator.  JD Ross conducted a thorough investigation into the matter. On July 1, he sent me an email saying that the elevator has been repaired.

There is enough blame to go around. Certainly someone must have noticed the broken elevator including police officers, other passengers, Metra personnel, etc. This begs the question: why did no one mention the elevator’s condition? Secondly, if the situation was made known, why weren’t repair measures taken?

The irony of this experience speaks volumes. A disability advocate who uses a power wheelchair is unable to attend a commemoration of the federal law guaranteeing equal access to citizens with disabilities because the elevator in the train station is broken.

Let this incident serve as a clarion call to all citizens, and transit officials, to pay more attention to the fundamental freedoms we all cherish and must work continually to preserve.

Without funds, where will disabled go?

Herald News
June 6, 2010

The budget passed by the Illinois General Assembly puts thousands of families in immediate jeopardy without resolving the state's larger financial crisis. If our state grants were eliminated, our potential loss is a minimum of $320,000 and we do not have the ability to sustain that reduction. This budget forces the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living and other human service providers to operate with contracts and funding levels that can be changed or cut at any moment, but it does nothing to resolve the state's greater fiscal crisis.

Putting in jeopardy the services that help people live independently and pay taxes won't resolve the state's budget crisis. We need a comprehensive long-term solution to our state's financial crisis. Meanwhile, this budget is likely to force us to eliminate services that save the state costs in the long run.

Last year 30 percent of our state funding was cut. As we prepare our own budget to begin July 1, we are working with uncertainties. Will our grants be eliminated? Will they be reduced, and, if so, how much? It is extremely frustrating that the General Assembly has put human service organizations in this most precarious situation. The big question remains: who will serve the 2200 people with disabilities that our center serves each year if our grants are reduced or eliminated?

We, along with other nonprofit providers, won't know if or when they will receive a contract, or how much that contract will be for several weeks, perhaps after they are due to start on July 1.

This act makes funding even more uncertain by giving the governor unprecedented power to make additional cuts at will. It may also force agencies to put some of their allocation into reserves, further reducing operating funds.

It also mandates that prior bills must be paid first, but allows delays until December. This makes it likely that no new contracts beginning July 1 will be paid until after December, and that there will be further delays for many organizations with existing contracts because of the backlog of late payments.

Many of our payments are already delayed. To force us to wait to be paid until December is unfathomable."

Human services are a cost-effective way for dealing with many social problems that, if not provided proactively, end up costing taxpayers more in emergency health services and institutional solutions, such as nursing homes.

There are no for-profit alternatives to these services. When they are gone, they are gone, and Illinois will pay more, not less.

Rhonda Price, a consumer of the center, said, "The center has helped me change my life for the better. Without it, I am not sure where I would be today. I attended a rally in Springfield where we asked legislators to pass a budget that did not harm human service. It is sad that our voices were not heard."

Human service programs have been under-funded for several years in Illinois.

Between 2003 and 2010, The Center on Budget and Tax Accountability estimates that human services were underfunded by $4.4 billion after both inflation and growth in demand are taken into account.

Pam Heavens is executive director for the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living.

ILLINOIS IMAGINES WANTS YOUR IDEAS!

Who: Women with disabilities

What: Attend a discussion group about sexual violence against women with disabilities

Why: We need your help with two things:

1. Tell us your ideas about how to help women with disabilities who experience sexual violence AND

2. Pick someone at the meeting to serve on the local team. The local team will meet monthly in your community for 7 to 9 months.

When: June 30, 2010 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Location: _Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living, 2415-A W. Jefferson Street (at Barney Drive) Joliet

NOTE: This is a one-hour discussion group. This is NOT counseling, therapy, or a place for survivors to seek help.

Vision of Illinois Imagines: All women with disabilities will be guaranteed an environment free from sexual violence, where they are empowered to speak and act for themselves. Survivors of sexual violence will be assured a proactive, individualized, compassionate response to their experience. Sign language interpreter will be present.

Need help getting around?
Free Mobility Training Offered for Disabled Individuals

April 23, 2010, Joliet, IL -- Disabled adults who are interested in learning how to utilize regional public and private transportation providers can participate in a free workshop series being presented by the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living. The Center's Mobility Training Program is a resourceful and popular 4-session program that begins Wednesday, May 5, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., and runs weekly on Wednesdays until May 26. Mobility Training is held at the Center, located at 2415 West Jefferson Street (at Barney Drive) in Joliet.

Individuals over the age of 18 with any type of disability are welcomed to attend Mobility Training. The workshops offer useful guidance on public transportation options, offers tips on reading a schedule and planning trips on busses, trains or with private providers. Detailed instructions are offered on securing necessary paperwork for disabled riders seeking reduced fares.

The program is open to disabled adults of all ages, including seniors and veterans with disabilities. According to Independent Living Advocate Mary Tisdale from the Center, "The need for this information has grown as the population grows, and we are pleased to offer this useful series to help disabled consumers get around their communities." She adds that Mobility Training is increasingly popular for many, such as: those persons with disabilities who live independently, but do not drive, and are not familiar with their options; those no longer able to drive but who continue to need transportation on a regular basis; disabled adults or veterans going to work or attending local universities; and any disabled individual seeking to save money by using public transportation.

The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living is a United Way agency which operates solely on grants and contributions to provide programs and services to persons with disabilities of all ages and all types. The Center's staff is currently working with the Will County Executive's Advisory Committee on an RTA Paratransit Study to idenitify and expand availability of public transportation to disabled individuals and seniors, and seeks to continually promote good access throughout its service region.

For information or to register for the Mobility Training on Wednesdays in May, from 9:30-11:30, contact Mary Tisdale at the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living by calling 815/729-0162 (Voice) or 815/729-2085 (TTY).

Disability Law Series Coming in July

The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living is once again offering its annual Disability Law Series this summer.  The free 8-week program, entitled "The Three R's -- Rights, Responsibilities and Realities of Disability Law" begins Wednesday, July 7 and will continue every Wednesdays through August 25 -- from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Center, located at 2415 West Jefferson Street.  The Series presents legal professionals and human rights advocates offering expertise and current updates on a wide range of issues relevant to persons with disabilities of all types and all ages, ranging from housing, employment, accessibility, human rights, education and other key topics.  Parents of disabled youth, adults, seniors and veterans with disabilities, as well as social service agency personnel, business and civic leaders are invited to participate in this educational outreach Series.

For additional information, or a schedule of presenters, contact Mary Tisdale at the Center by calling (815) 729-0162/V or (815) 729-2085/TTY.  

Real change needed this year

Herald News
February 1, 2010

How time flies. Although we reveled in our 20th anniversary, 2009 was most challenging for the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living, as it was for all human service agencies. As the new year moves along, it is most appropriate for us to commit to advocating for real change. Thus, I offer the following hopes for 2010:

• The Illinois General Assembly takes action to increase revenue so human service organizations don't experience the budget reductions that we did in 2009. Human service agencies provide valuable programs to children, teens, those recovering from addiction, domestic violence victims, our homeless population, the unemployed and underemployed, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Reducing grants to these vital programs only exacerbated the problem. Our Center and fellow human agencies need to have funding restored.

• Disabled adults of all ages and types will participate in the 2010 Legislative Internship currently operating at the Center (Jefferson Street and Barney Drive in Joliet). This free 12-week program serves as a civics refresher course, helping participants become better advocates by teaching how government works and inviting officials from city, state and federal offices to offer insight.

• Everyone ages 18 and over votes in Tuesday's primary. Voting is the one advocacy tool in which everyone can participate. The voting process is easier than ever. There is no excuse not to vote.

• People with hearing loss will contact the Center for Independent Living in order to secure a free amplified telephone.

• Families who have a child or an adult with a disability will apply for our Home Ownership Program for People with Disabilities. Qualified applicants may receive assistance with down payment and closing costs.

• People with vision disabilities will examine the more than 200 devices that the Center offers to try before you buy, which help maintain or increase one's independence.

• Children, teens and young adults with disabilities will contact the Center as they progress through school. Our Center offers a wide range of services that assist young people, and their parents, as they transition through the many phases of life.

• More adults with disabilities will use the many services offered by the Center. Whether dealing with a lifelong, short-term or new disability, adults, seniors and veterans can benefit from the wide range of resources our staff offers, for example transportation training, independent living skills enhancement, peer counseling and financial education. These services empower people with disabilities to assume control over their lives.

• Businesses of all kinds will continue to make improvements in both physical access and communication access. By opening doors to more customers, businesses realize more profit, and consumers enjoy more choices. Removing physical and attitudinal barriers for disabled consumers requires commitment and action.

Pam Heavens is executive director of the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living.

Local non-profit has high hopes for 2010

By Pam Heavens - Executive Director, Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living

How time flies. Although we reveled in our 20th anniversary, 2009 was most challenging for the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living, as it has for all human service agencies. As the New Year moves along, it is most appropriate for us to commit to advocating for real change. Thus, I offer the following hope for 2010.

I hope Illinois’ General Assembly takes action to increase revenue so human service organizations don’t experience the budget reductions that we did in 2009. Human service agencies provide valuable programs to children, teens, those recovering from addiction, domestic violence victims, our homeless population, the unemployed and underemployed, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and more.
Reducing grants to these vital programs only exacerbated the problem. Our Center and fellow human agencies need to have funding restored.

I hope disabled adults of all ages and types will participate in the 2010 Legislative Internship currently operating at the Center (Jefferson Street and Barney Drive in Joliet).  This free 12-week program serves as a civics refresher course, helping participants become better advocates by teaching how government works, and inviting officials from city, state and federal offices to offer insight.

I hope everyone aged 18 and over votes in the February 2 primary election. Voting is the one advocacy tool in which everyone can participate. The voting process is easier than ever. There is no excuse not to vote.

I hope people with hearing loss contact the Center for Independent Living in order to secure a free amplified telephone.

I hope families who have a child or an adult with a disability apply for our Home Ownership Program for People with Disabilities. Qualified applicants may receive assistance with down payment and closing costs.

I hope people with vision disabilities examine the 200 plus devices that the Center offers to “try before you buy” which help maintain or increase one’s independence.

I hope children, teens and young adults with disabilities contact the Center as they progress through school. Our Center offers a wide range of services that assist young people, and their parents, as they transition through the many phases of life.

I hope more adults with disabilities use the many services offered by the Center.  Whether dealing with a lifelong, short-term or new disability, adults, seniors and veterans can benefit from the wide range of resources our staff offers (i.e. transportation training, independent living skills enhancement, peer counseling, financial education, etc.).

These services empower people with disabilities to assume control over their lives.

I hope businesses of all kinds continue to make improvements in both physical access and communication access. By opening doors to more customers, businesses realize more profit and consumers enjoy more choices. Removing physical and attitudinal barriers for disabled consumers requires commitment and action.

Lastly, I hope that elected officials, municipalities, other service agencies, businesses, school personnel, and the community at large continues to support and contact the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living – your local resource for independence.

Center for Independent Living

The Herald News
December 13, 2009

While the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living is celebrating 20 years of service to the community, the annual fundraising gala -- Summer Serenade -- marked its 15th year. A tremendous turnout was seen at the annual dinner dance held at Harrah's Casino Joliet. The event was co-chaired by board members Bob Smith and Jim Albritton. Proceeds support the programs and services the center provides annually to approximately 4,000 consumers with disabilities of all types and all ages. The center's staff and its Executive Director Pam Heavens , who has been with the center for 20 years, welcomed more than 150 guests for an evening of camaraderie and fun. Also on hand were the board of directors, led by President Denise Winfrey. In addition to the meal, guests enjoyed the always outstanding Teddy Lee Orchestra, featuring Marvin Minarich. Making time to join in the serenade were Will County Executive Larry Walsh and his wife, Jenn Cain from the Will County State's Attorney's Office, and Debbie Hennigan from the office of state representative Careen Gordon. Major sponsors from the Grundy County region, Jim and Sharon Hearns , joined friend and new board member Don Cordano and his wife, Sue , among others. Don serves as treasurer in place of Alan Trantina of Harrah's, who made a surprise appearance at the event he helped coordinate. He returned to Joliet for the event after relocating to Arizona. Gracing the dance floor were ballroom dancers extraordinaire Margaret and Bob Briski , Ann and Basil Crutchfield, Jack and Bettie Brucher, as well as Leonard Heinz. The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living strives for equality and empowerment of people with disabilities in Will and Grundy counties. For more information, contact the center at 815-729-0162 or 815-729-2085 or stop in the offices at 2415 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet.

 

Thank Heavens

Morris Daily Herald (IL)
November 19, 2009
Section: News Local

JOLIET – Pam Heavens was just a small-town girl with big dreams when she moved from Coal City, where she grew up, to Joliet in 1983. Heavens, who has a disability which causes the use of a wheelchair, never let the disability stop her.

“I owe it to my dad, who never said ‘no,’” she said at the Will Grundy Center for Independent Living’s annual awards dinner Wednesday night.

When Heavens first moved to Joliet, she worked at Easter Seals, which she credits with the start of what has become WGCIL.

“Easter Seals was instrumental in the charter board when we got finalized to open our center,” she said.

After three years of planning, WGCIL opened its doors in 1989.

For the 20 years since it’s inception, Heavens has been the only executive director at the center.

She was honored at the awards banquet for her 20 years of service and received a congressional record from Debbie Halvorson, which was presented by Nick Allen and Greg Bales; resolutions from Illinois Senator A.J. Wilhelmi and State Rep. Jack McGuire; a plaque from State Rep. Tom Cross; and resolutions from Will County Executive Director Larry Walsh and Joliet Township.

Heavens said what she is most proud of is serving around 25,000 disabled residents of Will and Grundy counties.

“The center has become much more well known to Grundy County,” she said. “But we have much more work to do."

For the next 20 years, she said, she hopes to be able to serve even more people in both counties.

“We want to completely serve both counties,” she said. “We want more people with disabilities to use our unique services.”

In addition to being honored for 20 years of service, Heavens was also presented with one of the center’s own awards, the Accessibility Achievement Award, which came as a surprise to her.

Heavens is a well-known advocate in not only Will and Grundy counties, but also Springfield, where she goes with consumers of the center to advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities throughout the state.

The core services provided by WGCIL are individual advocacy, systems advocacy, information and referral, peer support, and independent living skills.

“This is the second time I’ve attended this event and it’s one of my favorite because you can see the results of the agency right here in the room,” Kelli Walker, executive director of United Way of Grundy County, said. “Pam Heavens is a legend. She is a Coal City girl who has been responsible for changing laws.”

WGCIL is a partner agency of both United Way of Grundy County and United Way of Will County.

Copyright 2009, Morris Daily Herald (IL). All Rights Reserved.

 

 

Wepsiec’s life story a testimony to WGCIL

By Heidi Terry-Litchfield - hlitchfield@morrisdailyherald.com
From the Morris Daily Herald

JOLIET – Richard Wepsiec suffers from schizophrenia.

Several years ago, this military veteran suffered a relapse when the medication he was on wasn’t working properly.

He soon found himself living at Hillcrest Healthcare Center.

“I had a relapse and was put into a nursing home,” Wepsiec told those gathered at the Will Grundy Center for Independent Living annual award dinner. “They were able to find the right medication this time, and I soon heard talk of a place that would help a person transition from the nursing home to independent living.”

He said he became more and more interested in what the Will Grundy Center for Independent Living had to offer and he went for help to become independent once again.

“Instead of giving up, I became my own advocate,” he said. “I wrote a letter showing how much money I could save the government if I were on my own.”

WGCIL staff said he wrote an eloquent letter about wanting to move out. The letter made it to the hands of many, including those in Springfield.

He said he needed help with collecting the appropriate paperwork needed to get into the Joliet Housing Authority apartment he was seeking.

Wepsiec said the WGCIL staff helped him collect letters from Social Security and copies of his honorable discharge papers.

“On Sept. 14, I was released,” he said. “I broke down and cried.”

He was given a personal assistant to help him live in his own apartment.

“I thank God for the organization and the wonderful people who run it,” he said.

After giving his testimonial, Wepsiec was surprised to hear his name called as this year’s winner of the Ed Roberts Excellence in Independent Living Award.

He was honored not only for his letter and fight to find his own independence, but also for his letter-writing campaign to state officials when he heard budget cuts would include the money for personal assistants for disabled persons, a cut that was later reversed.

“Miracles do happen,” he told the guests. “Where there was little hope, I am now happy with myself.”

Disabled residents of Grundy and Will counties who would like to hear more about the programs offered through Will Grundy Center for Independent Living are encouraged to call (815) 729-0162, or TTY (815) 729-2085.

Copyright 2009, Morris Daily Herald (IL). All Rights Reserved.

Serenade highlights WGCIL's local stylings

Morris Daily Herald
By Heidi Terry-Litchfield

JOLIET – As summer winds down, Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living was winding up Saturday Night with its 15th annual Summer Serenade.

The center, over the last few years, has stepped up its commitment in Grundy County, as residents find out about the programs it has to offer.

This past spring, Mary Tisdale, independent living advocate with the center, coordinated a legislative internship program for adults at Narvick House in Morris.

Chris Book reported the internship was a free, eight-week, program where participants got a "civics refresher course," and were taught by guest instructors, including Illinois State Rep. Careen Gordon and Grundy County Clerk Lana Phillips.

The residents were taught how a bill becomes a law, as well as the best methods for communicating with elected officials.

The center has also had regular visits with residents of the Grundy County Housing Authority's Saratoga Tower.

"Our staff has regular visits to Saratoga Tower to provide information and resources to residents," Book said. "Medicare Part D, reintegration information, transportation training, financial education training and a wide range of other services are brought to residents who have shown a growing interest in getting involved with the Center."

She said many other partnership opportunities abound with the GCHA.

"As the Center hopes to expand its presence in the region, it plans to bring programs and services to residents in the way of independent living skills training, ongoing workshops, assistance with Medicare Part B, LIHEAP, and other offerings," Book said.

Denise Winfrey, WGCIL board president, said the organization has felt the pinch of the economy this year.

"When DHS grants are cut, we are cut as well," she said. "We're trying to keep all of our programs going and, with the sound fiscal management of our director, Pam Heavens, we are doing well, but we need the support from our fundraiser and other sources."

Another Grundy County addition came in the way of new board member, Brent Newman, CEO of the GCHA.

"I've been watching the Center take a more and more active role to help people in Grundy County who have disabilities," Newman said. "They're doing good things, and I want to be a part of that.

"My great hope is that we're able to work to make the Center the very first place people with disabilities will consider when they need help, and that we'll be able to help them meet those needs."

As they celebrated 20 years of service to individuals with disabilities, Summer Serenade guests danced to the musical stylings of the Teddy Lee Orchestra.

Agency of the year

JOLIET -- The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living earned the Agency of the Year award from the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corp. The center is a distributor of ITAC's free amplified telephones and achieved the highest number of phones distributed in the state -- 344 -- in 2008.

The award was presented to center staff members Mary Tisdale and Debbie Tarrant during ITAC's annual conference in Springfield.

"We are pleased and proud to be able to offer these free amplified telephones to individuals experiencing hearing loss, and receive positive feedback on their improved quality of life," said Pam Heavens, executive director of the center.

For information on the free amplified telephones, or other programs and services available through the center, call 815-729-0162 or 815-729-2085 (TTY).

Wanted: Qualified, dedicated problem solvers with a demonstrated ability to adapt to different situations and circumstances

State Employment Opportunities for Applicants with Disabilities

State employment is a real possibility for job seekers with disabilities. Come to WGCIL on June 29 at 2:00 p.m. for a presentation about state employment and the process of achieving it.

Dan Dickerson, Manager, Department of Human Services Disability Hiring Initiative, will be on hand to lead the presentation and answer questions.  Contact Dan with questions at dan.dickerson@illinois.gov (email)   217-782-9842 (phone)  866-211-4895 (TTY)

Please call 815.729.0162 (v/vp/vrs) or 815.729.2085 TTY by June 15 if you need a sign language interpreter.

CIL a resource for disabled individuals

EDITOR'S NOTE - This is one in an occasion series of stories written by, and detailing the work of, agencies that benefit from donations to the United Way of Grundy County.


For the thousands of adults, seniors and veterans with disabilities in Grundy County, it is often a daunting challenge to even seek, let alone find, resources that will help enrich their lives and help them become an active part of the community in which they live and work.

In an effort to encourage everyone to "Live United," this feature on the Will-Grundy Center for In-dependent Living, a proud United Way of Grundy County partner agen-cy, summarizes key programs and services for disabled individuals of all types and any age.

Their range of resources and programs are valuable and enlightening throughout the year, especially during the winter months.

It is useful to understand the powerful personal impact these programs have on real people in our communities. One such example follows this summary of program highlights.

If you are a disabled adult fighting "cabin fever," and considering expanding your horizons in 2009, one place worth venturing into, or contacting by phone or website, is the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living.

If you are the parent of a disabled school-aged student, you'll want to learn more about the upcoming Special Education Confer-ence for Parents being planned for the spring. Meanwhile, CIL staff may be able to help work with families and students as a liaison with teachers and administrators in creating Individualized Educa-tion Plans (IEPs).

There are many ways that the Center is working with Grundy County's adult and senior residents with disabilities. Through a valuable working relationship with the Grundy County Housing Authority, staff members from CIL regularly visit Saratoga Tower residents. Whether offering help with intake procedures for Medicare Part D, signing individuals up for the Circuit Breaker Program, or sharing independent living skills, there is always a great information exchange.

At Narvick House, also in Morris, beginning at the end of February and running through mid-April, the CIL will host its free, eight-week 2009 Legislative In-ternship Series. The staff at the Center for Independent Living - a majority comprised of disabled, qualified professional adults, by the way - will once again team up with local legislators and experts to bring in special guests during this educational program.

This allows the participant to learn directly from those who are currently and actively involved in government to educate, guide, interact with and exchange ideas with those disabled adults for whom advocacy and policy is critical. State Rep. Careen Gordon, Grundy County Clerk Lana Phillips, and Morris Mayor Richard Kopczick will each take a turn serving as "instructors."

The Will-Grundy CIL is also offering a separate 2009 Legislative Internship at its Joliet offices for disabled adults, veterans and seniors. Grundy County residents are encouraged to register for that session, which begins Feb. 26, and will run from 10:30 a.m. to noon weekly through April 16.

The program is free, but registration is required, and can be arranged by calling Mary at (815) 729-0162 (voice) or (815) 729-2085 (TTY).

One individual from the Morris area who will be taking part is someone who has come to know and appreciate the Center for its Community Reintegration Program. This valuable program helps disabled adults who are in nursing homes to regain their independence and live on their own.

Whether it's upon renting an apartment, purchasing a home with the new Home Ownership Program, or moving into any of the Housing Authority's residential options, funding the first month's rent, utilities and food, as well as furniture and support, has proven to be a life-changing experience for hundreds of adults throughout Illinois.

Each has partnered with Centers for Independent Living to reclaim their independence. One such person is Tom, a middle-aged disabled adult who is now renting an apartment in Morris. He was so pleased with his new-found independence and the opportunities it has brought that he shared his sentiments.

Of his experience, and the pride he feels in Grundy County, Tom wrote:

"Grundy County is a great place to call home. The advocacy and support provided by the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living helped me establish a home here. The Center linked available Grundy County resources, which included healthcare, education and civic is-sues. Knowing these re-sources are available, and how to work with them, gives me peace of mind that translates into a sense of belonging to Grundy County. I've found the county to be clean, safe, with friendly residents and a comfortable pace. The goal of independent living and establishing a home has been achieved for me here. High praise and appreciation is due to the both county and the Center."

“Tom is an exemplary model of independent living," according to Debbie Tarrant, an independent living advocate who worked with Tom during his transition.

Mary Tisdale, another CIL staffer, added, "He really was a good advocate who knew what he wanted, took the ball and ran with it, and is thriving in his new setting. He is a very consistent and conscientious person who is always positive and supportive, and I know his participation in the Legislative Internship is going to be a win-win."

Positive case studies like these are a perfect example of how United Way of Grundy County helps people "Live United." For more information about the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living and its wide range of programs for disabled persons of all types and ages, call, e-mail or visit them at (815) 729-0162 (voice), (815) 729-2085 (TTY); at 2415 West Jefferson Street in Joliet; or on the Web at www.will-grundycil.org.

Lots of wishes for all in 2009

The end of another year and the beginning of a new one is upon us. This is a time of reflection, anticipation and wishes for the New Year. As we enter 2009, it is my hope that some of the following wishes will come true. I hope for the following:

• Public accommodations that are presently inaccessible to people with disabilities will be made accessible. By literally opening your doors to more customers, the expanse of your customer base is widened. Customers with disabilities are also afforded more options when shopping, recreating and socializing.

• TV shows and movies will portray people with disabilities for who they are and avoid negative stereotypes. Everyone enjoys a good-natured joke. However, when the attempt at humor relies on characteristics beyond one's control, the humor is lost.

• Every person with a disability age 18 or over registers to vote and votes in every election. We just experienced a monumental election in November with a record turnout of voters. Elected officials listen to citizens who vote. Thus, it is our duty to become active in our democratic process.

• After voting, all citizens make their elected officials accountable. These individuals work for and represent us, all of us. As such, we have a responsibility to ensure that campaign promises are kept.

• People will use the new Pace bus routes. We have tried for years to have extended hours on some routes. Now that we have the extra time, let's make sure we use the buses. Riders should take advantage of the West Joliet Call-n-Ride program. This is an excellent service offered by Pace.

• People with disabilities will learn about the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act passed in the summer. Rules and regulations are being developed. Make sure to educate yourself on this important new law.

• The Illinois General Assembly and the administration will realize that adequate funding of human service organizations is a priority. For too long, these agencies have been promised funding increases, only to have them cut at the last minute. Properly funding these organizations helps people with disabilities, children, the homeless, people with addictions and others secure the assistance they need, as well as providing services that may help them avoid developing additional problems.

• Congress and President Barack Obama will make domestic issues a priority. We all want a strong defense; however, basic human needs of Americans must be addressed.

• People with hearing loss will come to the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living and get a free amplified telephone. Also, people with vision disabilities will test out more than 200 devices that can help them remain independent. Hopefully, people with disabilities of all ages and types will use the unique services of the center.

Lastly, I hope that we all experience a peaceful, healthy New Year!

Pam Heavens is executive director for the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living.

Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living celebrates 20 years of advocacy, giving aid

JOLIET - When Dan Dennehy was living in a nursing home in Wilmington a year ago, he just wanted to get back to the real world and live within a community.

Dennehy, a Morris resident, spoke at the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living Awards Dinner in Joliet Wednesday night about how WGCIL helped his dream come true.

“I can't say enough about the services of WGCIL,” he said. “For a year, I lived in a nursing home and, on Jan. 1, I'll have been back in the community for one year.”

He said he met with staff of WGCIL while living at the nursing home and they helped to get the ball rolling so he could be back out on his own.

Since they helped to find him housing in Morris, he has continued to use their services.

“I've been coming back for money management groups at the center,” he told the crowd gathered to celebrate. “I wouldn't be where I am without them.”

In the past year, the center served 4,139 people in the Will and Grundy counties area either with referrals or services.

Val Rand told the guests the center has been involved in 18 people leaving nursing homes and entering the community.

“Everyone is born free and must be allowed to live free,” Rand said.

WGCIL has been working over the past 20 years to give any person with any type of disability of any age the opportunity to live life the way they wish to live it.

The staff helps by informing people with disabilities of their rights, as well as educating them about their responsibilities. They provide support services, promote advocacy and raise community awareness about disability issues.

“It is our 20th year,” said Pam Heavens, executive director of WGCIL. “It has been 20 years of accomplishment. We are the only advocacy service organization in the two-county area. We've had a great history and we have a great future.”

Denise Winfrey, board president, said they have recently added 1,700 square feet to their center with money they obtained through State Reps. Tom Cross and Brent Hassert.

“Our people are a hard working and caring staff who want people to be free,” Winfrey said.

One of the goals of the center is to integrate people from nursing homes or institutions back into the community, where they can live free, happy and healthy lives.

As part of the evening's events, awards were given for Volunteer of the Year, Accessibility Achievement, and the Ed Roberts Award given in honor of the late Ed Roberts, a leader of the disability rights movement.

Mike Lord was honored as volunteer of the year and presented with a plaque.

“There may be funding cuts,” Lord said. “But the heart of WGCIL never is cut.”

Bill Bogdan was honored with the Accessibility Achievement Award for his long list of jobs within the community.

One of the many items listed from his resume is his relentless fight with those who park illegally in handicapped stalls throughout Joliet.

“Working with WGCIL for a long time, I've watched as they grow and add programs,” Bogdan said. “This award will inspire me to continue to work harder and harder.”

The Ed Roberts Award is awarded each year to someone in the community who most emulates the late Ed Roberts. This year's award went to Vincent Foster Sr. for his dedication not only to WGCIL, but also to his community.

As they presented the award, they listed a long list of his accomplishments, including starting a parent student group at Joliet Junior College, running a food pantry from his home, and his recent addition to the WGCIL board of directors.

“It pleases me to be part of this organization,” he said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

For information on how WGCIL can help you, visit their Web site at www.will-grundycil.org or call them at (815) 729-0162.

Forum advocates ADA amendments

JOLIET

JOLIET -- Federal law protecting people with disabilities could be tightened up in coming months, an advocate said at a local Disability Forum on Wednesday.

The forum was held to mark the 18th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which will occur Saturday.

"People still report lack of access to their favorite restaurants and main street stores," said Robin Jones, director of the Great Lakes ADA Center. "You cannot legislate a change in attitudes."

But Congress is working on legislation that could clarify the rights of people with disabilities, Jones said at the forum sponsored by the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living and its Accessible Cities Alliance.

The ADA Amendments Act was passed by the House this month but now faces review in the Senate, Jones said.

The act attempts to clarify the definition of disabilities, which becomes important in discrimination lawsuits, she said.

The federal government is also considering separate ADA revisions that would serve as guidelines in how the law is applied, Jones said. Those guidelines range from ensuring equal access to jails to providing for the use of golf carts and other motorized devices in public places.

She said people can comment on the proposed guidelines through Aug. 18 on the government Web site www.regulations.gov.

Jones said one of the major issues facing people with disabilities is employment.

"Thirty-eight percent of people with disabilities who want to work can't find work compared to 5 percent in the general public," she said.

On the positive side, she said, a Harris Poll has shown nine out of 10 business executives support ADA. But, "We're still seeing a disconnect," she said. "Where are the jobs?"

Other speakers during the forum at Republic Hall included Will County Executive Larry Walsh, Will County Clerk Nancy Schultz Voots and Will County Emergency Management Agency Director Harold Damron.

Damron told the audience that the Emergency Management Agency is developing a "Special Needs Registry" for emergency situations. People can register on the agency's Web site, www.willcountyema.org.

Insight into currency ruling

Puffing up the presidents' picture on paper money helped Jerry Kewley, who can see some things, but is legally blind.

"Ben Franklin is my favorite," Kewley said.

Franklin's figure is on the $100 bill.

Last month, more dramatic changes to paper currency seemed to be in the offing, as a District of Columbia appeals court ruled that paper money discriminates against blind people.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld a 2006 district court ruling that could force the U.S. to redesign its money so blind people can tell a $10 bill from a $20 bill. The Treasury may have to make bills different sizes, raise markings or add foil printing that can be felt by fingertips.

"It would make life a lot easier for people who are visually impaired to feel more in control of the situation when they're making money transactions," said Kewley, who is a consultant for people with limited vision at the Will-Grundy Center for Independent living.

Judge Judith Rogers, in a ruling on a suit by the American Council of the Blind, wrote that the Treasury Department's failure to design and issue paper currency that is readily distinguishable to the visually impaired violates the Rehabilitation Act's guarantee of "meaningful access" to disabled people.

Kewley teaches people to fold different denominations in different ways before slipping it into their wallets in order to tell which bill is which. But that requires a sighted person to assist.

Coins are easy to manage, even if a person doesn't see well. Besides being different sizes, pennies and nickels have smooth edges and dimes and quarters are smooth.

But paper bills are trickier, Kewley said.

A $1 bill has more green than others and feels a little rough when it's new.

Kewley doesn't like to make his clients think everybody is out to get them.

"But, people can get short-changed relatively easy," he said. "It's only a small percentage of people that will take advantage of a visually impaired person, but it does happen."

Kewley advises people with poor sight to try to use the bill closest to the purchase price and not to use $20 bills at all, he said.

More than 100 other countries vary the size of their bills and many others include at least some elements to help the blind. But Kewley doesn't think most Americans are ready for a radical currency redesign.

"People don't like change. They like their money to be green and they like to be the same size," he said. "There may be another way to do it that doesn't traumatize people who do see well."

Keeping up the fight for ADA rights

July 16, 2008

A few days ago, amidst heavy downpours, I arrived to work literally all wet. While I live close to work and often use my power wheelchair to get to and from, I decided to take the fixed-route bus to work to reduce the amount of time in the rain.

Waiting for the bus, I and my wheelchair became soaked. This experience reminded me of the fact that waiting in the rain for a bus put me on par with every other commuter on that morning. I have fought for this opportunity, this chance to be soaked, just like every other commuter. I was an equal.

Four days before, I took the bus to Joliet's Union Station. I boarded an accessible commuter train to Chicago, caught an accessible cab, and attend a business meeting. Simply being a commuter, in the rain or in the sun, is an experience that I would not trade for anything.

In 1989, I attended an independent living conference in Washington, DC. Participants talked about our frustration that the bill called the Americans with Disabilities Act, seemed hopelessly stalled in Congress.

Disability rights leaders decided that a march on the White House to urge the then-President George H.W. Bush to use his influence to move the bill along. On one very rainy night in May, hundreds of us placed plastic garbage bags over ourselves, and our mobility devices, and marched many long blocks to the White House. Candles were lit. We chanted "Where is George?" again and again.

Within an hour, an aide to the president came to the gate and met with one of our representatives. A meeting was set for the following morning. After that meeting, the bill moved more swiftly through Congress and was signed into law on July 26, 1990.

As we approach the 18th anniversary of the ADA, I consider the many barriers that have been removed so Americans who have disabilities can simply participate as equal members of society.

My initiation to the world of independent living was where I learned the values of this important movement. We did not want segregated schools, employment, or transportation. We did not want special treatment, simply equal treatment. We didn't want to be viewed as sick and needing care. And we certainly did not want to be relegated to life in a nursing home.

These values have remained with me all of these years. They are the guiding forces by which the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living is operated.

The center is hosting a significant event, the 2008 Disability Forum from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 23 at Republic Hall in Joliet. Leading authorities on county, state and federal disability initiatives will present valuable news and resources to adults, seniors and veterans with disabilities.

We encourage disabled consumers to learn more and register by contacting our center or visiting www.will-grundycil.org

I know only too well that we have many more barriers to eliminate. One need only travel on any street to find inaccessible public accommodations. That is why partnering with community entities is so vital as we continue to eliminate physical and communication barriers.

My hope is that more businesses and consumers with disabilities will join with our center to help create truly barrier-free communities.

Pam Heavens is executive director of the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living.

People can give vision gadgets a test run

July 9, 2008

By Robyn Monaghan Special to the Herald News

Try it before you buy it.

That's the concept behind the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living's (CIL) Low Vision Loan program, which is stocked with more than 200 items
designed to help people overcome sight problems. People can borrow gadgets ranging form talking microwaves and measuring cups to pots that whistle when they're hot.

"It saves people with visual impairments from having to buy things only to get them home and find out that doesn't work for them" said Jerry Kewley, who manages the program.

Kewley, who is legally blind and holds a master's degree in rehabilitation, has helped about 40 customers since his two-room lending shop opened a
little more than a year ago. Kewley consults with clients to understand their needs and suggests devices that might help them.

Devices: Low- and high-tech

"When people start to lose their sight, they don't know where to start, what to do first. They think they can't do anything," said Kewley, a Joliet native who now lives in Seneca.

"After a little training, life gets a lot simpler," he said.

Kewley's stash of gadgets runs the gamut from something a simple as a $3 needle-threader to devices as technologically advanced as a scanner-reader, which scans documents, reads them back and saves them on a computer disk for people who can't see well enough to read. The Low Vision Loan program also has talking clocks; watches; the "shake-awake," an alarm clock that works by vibrating the bed; and a full range of magnifiers, large-print and Braille items.

For many of his clients, Braille is not the answer, Kewley said. Most of the people he works with have lost sight with age and may not be up to the challenge of learning Braille.

"By the time a person is 60 or 70, their finger tips are not as sensitive as they really need to be to learn Braille," he said.

If a product is a good fit, Kewley helps them find the best suppliers and the lowest costs and helps process orders for the goods as well.

Many of those who come to the Low Vision Loan Center have more than one disability. Kewley hooks clients up with other CIL services and helps them find ways to keep their homes and lifestyles safe. Sometimes, Kewley can help people find a charity organization to help pay for expensive adaptive devices.

Sometimes it's an easy fix

Lowell Dill, 83, of Joliet, had vision difficulties all his life and thought he was too old to learn to use a computer. But, after working with Kewley on a Zoom Tech, a computer software program that magnifies and reads to users, he's breaking new ground.

"'At my age?' I said at first, but now I'm getting it slowly," Dill said.

For many problems, there's a fix as simple as floating a ping-pong ball while pouring a cup of coffee to tell when it's full.

The popularity of the loan program, supported by state grants and private contributions, is steadily growing, CIL organizers say, but they are looking for new customers. Word- of- mouth referrals, marketing outreach and networking with ophthalmologists and health care specialists are all part of the expanded effort to share news of this new program.

For more information on the Low Vision loan Program, contact the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living at (815) 729-0162.

Reemergence of independence

JOLIET -- A year ago, Mike Lord was in a Joliet nursing home because a long battle with bipolar disorder had robbed him of his confidence to run his own life.

"I just didn't have the self-confidence to go out and try to live on my own," said the 52-year-old Joliet man.

After only a year working with the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living, he lives in his own apartment and works as administrative assistant at the same agency that helped him recapture his self-determination. In May, Lord went to Springfield as a legislative internship graduate.

In 2007, he was named the Center for Independent's Living's Volunteer of the Year.

"I came here to get my life straightened out and the people here at the center were there to do whatever it took to help me do that," he said.

"They gave me the courage to try living on my own and made sure I had al the support I needed to succeed."

More than half of the employees and board at the center are people with disabilities, said Chris Book, communications director for the center.

"The beauty in this story is that the center has always been unique in that it is operated by and for persons with disabilities," she said.

"That brings great benefits to new consumers, for example those with adult onset disabilities, who are relieved to be working with people who have been there and done that in dealing with disability-related issues.

The Center for Independent Living -- which served a record-breaking 4,100 people in 2007 -- is expanding programs and services despite mounting demands on its staff and budget. The center operates solely on grants and contributions and recently got word of $7,200 in federal grant cuts -- the third year in a row funding was trimmed.

The independent living programs help people with disabilities keep control over their own lives by teaching people to make informed choices.

For Lord, it meant helping him learn to take the bus, to manage his own medications, to shop and pay bills. Most importantly, he said, the staff advocated for his rights and encouraged him to advocate for himself and others in similar situations.

"As I got to know more people, it was just natural I came here to work," he said. "To the people who work here, it's not just a 9-to-5 job."

Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living is in Joliet, but it serves people in both Will and Grundy counties. Last year, it serviced 4,113 people with a staff of only 13, including Executive Director Pam Heavens.

The center opened in 1989, and serves any individual of any age with any disability. Among the programs the center offers are Accessibility, Community Reintegration and Nursing Home Outreach, Deaf Services, Government Affairs, Seniors, Systems Advocacy, and Youth Advocacy.

The center offers specialized support service in community reintegration, accessibility, special education liaison, financial education courses, sign language courses, Hispanic translation, fair housing, and support groups.

Goetschel finds help at WGCIL

Agency works to help those with disabilities live independently

By Heidi Terry-Litchfield
Herald Writer

Friday, April 25, 2008 2:53 PM CDT
JOLIET - Angela Goetschel of Minooka never thought while growing up that she would one day find herself disabled, divorced, and fighting for her rights.

She came out of a 27-day coma in 2002, after having seven major surgeries and suffering from three muscular disorders, including Mus-cle Atrophy.

She has three spinal injuries, two of which are major and hamper her ability to turn her head freely if she hasn't stretched.

She has an ACL tear in one knee and has suffered with pain for the last six years before recently finding a shot that helped relieve it.

She said that, while she was going through the difficulty of diagnosis and surgery after surgery, her husband left - leaving her to face the disability alone.

“I don't look disabled and many people, including my own family, didn't believe me at first,” said Goetschel.

Goetschel said she originally went to agencies in DuPage County, where she lived, but didn't find much in the way of help for her disability. After that, she wasn't sure where to turn.

“I remembered my grandmother had lived in Shady Oaks when I was a child and I thought I could look into that for myself. I couldn't afford to live in Downers Grove any longer,” she said.

She bought a two-bedroom mobile home and lives alone with the assistance of a personal assistant who helps her with day-to-day needs she can't do on her own.

“I wouldn't change anything that has happened to me,” she said. “I have learned a lot and am a much stronger person today because of those things.”

After moving to Minooka, she contacted Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living to see if she could get assistance with a few things. It was then that she found out about their Legislative Internship Classes and signed up.

“I lost some of my memory from the coma, but I have a gift for retaining the law I read, so I thought why not use it,” said Goetschel.

“The checks and balances of the law haven't always worked in my life. Every part of my life the law has failed me. I want to change that; justice has to be seen at a public level.

“I think about other people, people worse off than me. I worry about those people and I want to make a difference.”

She received a certificate from the Legislative Internship Classes, where she was one of 12 adults in the program.

She will be heading to Springfield for the 24th annual Disability Rights/Independent Living Conference next week. Participants will march to the Capitol and hold a legislative rally day, as well as go to workshops and meet others in the state with the same goals.

Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living is located in Joliet, but it services people in both Will and Grundy counties.

In fiscal year 2006-2007, it serviced 4,113 people with a staff of only 13, including Executive Director Pam Heavens.

The center opened in 1989, and services any individual regardless of age with any disability.

Among the programs offered are Accessibility, Community Reintegration and Nursing Home Outreach, Deaf Services, Government Affairs, Seniors, Systems Advocacy, and Youth Advocacy.

Its core services are independent living skills training and enhancements, advocacy, and information and referral.

WGCIL offers specialized support service in community reintegration, special education liaison, financial education courses, sign language courses, Hispanic translation, fair housing, and support groups.

It recently expanded a Low-Vision Loan Program by offering a try-before-you-buy program for those residents who have experienced vision problems. The program was unveiled in July 2007, and is aimed at helping people save money and frustration while increasing their independence.

The center also can provide free amplified phones for qualified Illinois residents who are hard of hearing.

To contact WGCIL to see if it can assist you, call (815) 729-0162 (voice) or (815)729-2085 (TTY), or e-mail the center at wgcil@sbcglobal.net.

To get more information on services WGCIL provides, you may visit its Web site at Will-GrundyCIL.org.

Locals take home awards

November 18, 2007
By Robyn Monaghan Special to the Herald News

JOLIET -- Charles Fuqua, a 63-year-old man deprived of his voting rights while in a nursing home, won the annual award for excellence in independent living.

"I'd like to thank everyone who told me I could do it," said Fuqua, who was featured in a recent Herald News story about a statewide campaign against institutionalizing people with disabilities.

Fuqua overcame his battle with polio to live independently and become an advocate for disabled rights with the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living and the facilitator of a weekly men's support group.

Fuqua was among those honored Wednesday at the center's annual awards presentation. This year, the center filled a record 100,000 requests for information and services, helped four people leave nursing homes for independent living, and arranged to have a telephone system for deaf citizens, said Denise Winfrey, outgoing board president.

She is succeeded by local business owner Val Rand.

"Joliet has always been a hotbed of advocacy,' said keynote speaker Rob Kilbury, director of the Illinois Department of Human Services Department of Rehabilitation.

Will County Recorder of Deeds Laurie McPhillips took the annual accessibility achievement award for her efforts to get computer software to make county records available to people with disabilities.

"We can't move forward just talking about it," McPhillips said.

Volunteer of the Year award went to Mike Lord, 52, Joliet, who answers phones and does clerical work at the center.

Group: Disabled 'locked away'

October 5, 2007
By Robyn Monaghan Special to the Herald News

After living on his own for decades despite being disabled by polio when he was 12, Charles Fuqua at 59 came out of a hospital stay with two options.

"They gave me two choices," the Joliet man said. "I could go into this nursing home or I could go into that one."

The three months he spent in a nursing home were the worst three months of life, Fuqua said. He was not allowed out of his wheelchair. He was denied his vote in the presidential election of 2004, he said, though the polling site was next door. He usually didn't have access to a telephone and when he did, he said he didn't have the opportunity to talk privately.

"I saw things in there I wish I never had," he said. "When people think of nursing homes, they think of the place senior citizens go to spend the rest of their lives. I saw young people with drug problems in their 20s, young people with disabilities -- people who didn't seem to belong there."

Joliet rally

The Campaign for Real Choice in Illinois staged Liberty Launch, an event in Joliet on Thursday, to bring public attention to what they say is Illinois' "unnecessary and wasteful" practice of institutionalizing thousands of people with disabilities. The Joliet rally is one of a series of rallies across Illinois to promote supports to help people with disabilities get the same personal and physical liberties all Americans enjoy.
"Imagine living in a place where you have no control over what happens to you. Imagine you can't leave," said Lester Pritchard, co-founder of the Campaign for Real Choice in Illinois. "Imagine having strangers control who shares your room, when you sleep, if and when you bathe, what you eat, what you wear, where you can go and when you can go there."

"How would that make you feel?" Pritchard asked. "Probably like you were in prison."

Illinois ranks nearly last among states in claiming federal funds for home- and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities and near the top of the list of those that use most of their money to keep disabled people in institutions.

Studies conducted over 20 years show people with disabilities are "better off in most ways when they leave large congregate care settings for community living in small, family-scale homes," according to the landmark Sobsey and Mansell study.

On the flip side, crime rates against people with disabilities are higher in institutions than in communities. Sobsey and Mansell concluded that the risk of being sexually abused is two to four times higher in an institutional setting than in community settings.

Community-based living is just the humane thing to do, said Pam Heavens, director of the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living.

"Disabled people deserve the right to work, to have recreation, to volunteer, to be an active part of society, to give of their talents," Heavens said. "When we're locked away, society loses all these gifts we have to offer."

Institutions are not just bad medicine, Center for Independence advocates say. It's also bad business.

Institutional care costs nearly twice as much as home-based or community care. Yet Illinois' Medicaid expenditures are heavily slanted toward nursing home and institutional care. Last year, Illinois spent about $165,000 a year for each of its 2,707 state institution residents. Community care with round-the-clock support costs about $54,000 annually.

'False imprisonment'

Segregation makes those kept out of the public eye feel inferior, Pritchard said.
Fuqua, who studied engineering in college and worked as a security specialist for years while he could walk, is a smart and resourceful guy.

"I caused a disruption," he said of his time in the nursing home.

He bought a cell phone and he called a lawyer.

"I learned the phrase 'false imprisonment,'" he said.

He called the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living and pulled a Will County Senior Services ombudsman onto his team. With their help, he proved he could bathe, cook and shop on his own. A cousin drove him to look at apartments.

Now 63, Fuqua lost his family home during his nursing home stay. But he has lived in his own apartment for three years. He is an advocate for disabled rights with the Center for Independent Living and facilitates a weekly men's group. They brainstorm solutions for keeping their liberty and independence.

"When you're in a bad situation, you panic. You can't think straight," Fuqua said. "When you're not in the situation, you can think of all types of solutions."

Making good food fast, accessible

September 10, 2007
By Robyn Monaghan Special to the Herald News

Millions of hungry burger buyers who cannot hear have no choice but to drive by the drive-through.

But for area fast food diners with a hearing impairment, the drive-though lane at Culver's in Romeoville no longer is a tempting road to nowhere.

Every day, one out of four Americans eats fast food, and more people get it from the drive-through window than from the counter. While almost everyone has pulled away without their complete order at least once, it's even more vexing for the 28 million Americans with a hearing impairment.

When only the drive-through lane of an eatery is open, that restaurant is effectively closed to a hard-of-hearing customer. For people who have difficulty getting around, simply entering a restaurant can be too tough a task to handle.

"As a deaf person, I have had problems ordering through the drive-in window at some fast-food restaurants," said Festus Fabilola, coordinator of deaf services for the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living.

"A few times in the past, I have walked to the window of a nearby restaurant to order there because the main lobby was yet to open," he said.

At its restaurant at 485 N. Weber Road in Romeoville, Culver's has added two new features designed to give hearing-impaired and disabled people the same chance to indulge in butter burgers and frozen delicacies as everyone else.

OrderAssist allows deaf or hard-of-hearing customers to enter the drive-through, pull up to the order speaker, and touch the well-marked OrderAssist bell mounted there. The signal alerts workers that the driver would like to place an order with a printed menu at the pickup window. The OrderAssist program also is available inside the restaurant at the counter.

"Access for people who are deaf and/or visually impaired is equally important as access for folks with mobility disabilities," said Pam Heavens, director of the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living. "Every improvement is a big help."

A BigBell button, an oversized button near the entrance marked with a wheelchair logo, calls workers to help a disabled person get through the door.

"We are determined to make the dining experience a happy one for everyone who visits," said Culver's owner Ron Dalrymple. "It's awesome to see the appreciation on the customer's face."

OrderAssist and BigBell are the brainchild of Chicago-based Inclusion Solutions, a company that designs and sells accessibility systems for millions of customers who can't navigate a heavy door, a raised threshold, a flight of steps, or an order system. It also markets accessibility tools for retail establishments, public buildings, election polling places and gas stations.

"Survey after survey indicates that a store that provides good service, including accessibility, gains incredible shopping loyalty from the customers who know that the store will do the simple things that make a shopping experience dignified and easy. It's a very sizable market," said Patrick Hughes Jr., president of Inclusion Solutions.

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