(July 26, 2004) When President George H.W. Bush signed the ADA into law in 1990, he said this landmark law would enable everyone with a disability to “pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence, and freedom.”
People with disabilities – and all Americans – have made major strides under the ADA. Sidewalk curbcuts now permit freer access not only for wheelchairs but for strollers and bicycles. Train and subway platforms contain textured surfaces to make them safer for people whose vision is impaired – and those who may just be distracted. Audible street signals remind all of us when to safely cross.
These and other ADA-related changes have begun to welcome all citizens into the public square. Yet 14 years after its passage, hostile attitudes and persistent myths about the law—and those it protects—threaten to undermine further progress. Those of us working to save and even restore the ADA have long ago discovered that these misconceptions are fueled not just by individual ignorance and prejudice but by well-financed political campaigns to eliminate the ADA and other labor, civil and human rights protections.
Even though the former president called the ADA a “basic civil rights” law, his own political party in his home state wants to dismantle the law. The Texas Republican Party recently adopted a platform that “supports (an) amendment of the Americans with Disabilities Act to exclude” many people from its legal safeguards, including people with learning disabilities, HIV, “behavioral disorders” or “mental stress.”
This disturbing political attack on legal protections for children and adults with disabilities is worse when viewed in the context of recent news reports regarding human rights violations in the United States. The Associated Press reported that thousands of children with mental disabilities – some as young as seven years old – are being unnecessarily locked in juvenile detention centers to await mental health treatment. Long waiting lists for community services result in these children actually serving more time (in often abusive centers) than those actually charged with crimes.
Children and adults with mental illness are among the most disenfranchised citizens in our country, yet mental illness always seems to be the first target for those looking to weaken the ADA.
While people with disabilities have been talking in terms of empowerment and shedding the victim mentality, ongoing campaigns by right wing think tanks and some trade associations would have us believe that businesses and corporations are the real victims in this debate. While fighting against labor standards and access regulations, finely crafted talking points encourage ADA opponents to talk about “family-owned” business and “mom and pop” stores victimized by “sleazy” and “greedy” lawyers. Missing are the human faces of those seeking jobs or access to the market place and the use of patriotic words that this nation was founded upon: Freedom, Justice, Liberty and Equal Opportunity.
Indeed, ignoring the impact of multinational corporations, outsourcing of jobs overseas, foreign child labor and all the other reasons why we are witnessing the Wal-Martization of America, California hotelier Bert Meyer recently blamed the ADA for the decline of small business. The “Record Searchlight” (which eliminated any mention of the fact that there is no data supporting the ADA closing any business) reported him as saying, “Its putting small business out of business and putting all retail into big boxes. If you’re not Wal-Mart and you don’t have the deep pockets, how are you going to play this game?”
One might answer: By following the law and taking advantage of the tax credits and other assistance that makes running an accessible business very manageable.
But myths persist, including the false assumption that 14 years of the ADA have removed all of the physical barriers that individuals with disabilities once faced. In fact, many stores, restaurants and workplaces remain inaccessible to those who use wheelchairs or have other physical limitations. Ten years after the ADA was enacted, a survey in Missouri found that barely one out of four state court buildings complied with the law’s standards for accessibility.
Last month, a commission of the American Bar Association reported that employers won nearly 98 percent of the 304 ADA employment-related cases decided by federal courts last year. The Bar commission’s conclusion? Federal courts are interpreting the ADA in ways that “still create obstacles for plaintiffs to overcome.” Misunderstanding about the purpose and impact of the ADA sometimes stems from ignorance about people with disabilities. Even the most educated and powerful are not above this ignorance.
Earlier this year, for example, former Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill made front-page headlines when he described President Bush as too disengaged from policy-making. Bush, complained O’Neill, acted in Cabinet meetings “like a blind man in a roomful of deaf people.”
Reporters and political pundits viewed O’Neill’s remarks as a legitimate, even clever, form of criticism. Sadly, syndicated columnist Michael Kinsley was virtually alone in recognizing the bigotry underlying O’Neill’s statement. “I’m sorry,” wrote Kinsley, “but how is being uninterested in policy like being a blind man in a roomful of deaf people? Are blind people uninterested in policy?”
This spring, the U.S. Supreme Court offered additional proof that the ADA is still a work in progress. George Lane, a Tennessee resident and paraplegic who was forced to crawl up two flights of stairs to appear in court, had to take his legal case all the way to the high court to force state officials to bring court buildings into compliance with the ADA. The case was the latest in a string of Supreme Court ADA cases mostly revolving around Federalism issues and resulting in split-decisions that weakened federal protections for people with disabilities.
In Lane, the Supreme Court, again by a close 5-4 margin, upheld Title II of the ADA only as it applied to “cases implicating the accessibility of judicial services.” The narrow scope of this decision means that our opponents will continue to target the ADA for attacks.
In fact, they already are. In Tennessee, the Attorney General quickly moved to deny class-action status for the six plaintiffs in Lane and to deny damage claims under the ADA for discrimination by the State. The battle for access continues.
Attacks from political parties, trade associations, right wing and libertarian think tanks, legal assaults from the states, and more all continue in a well-orchestrated fashion. And these opponents often illustrate their arguments by pointing to the empty accessible seat in a movie theater, the extra spaces in a parking lot, or the unused lift in a motel.
Rather than evidence of unneeded expenditures, these seats and spaces and lifts
are waiting for the person who is still locked away in a nursing home or institution
because, shamefully, our government will pay for institutional care but not
for needed community services. In fact, more than 2 million Americans are locked
away in these facilities and as Stephanie Thomas of ADAPT says, “What good is
the right to a ramp or an equal opportunity to work if you are stuck away in
a nursing home?”
People with disabilities—as well as their families and fellow citizens who believe
in dignity and fairness for all—cannot afford to take the ADA for granted.
Although attitudes about people with disabilities are generally improving, myths and ignorance linger. Hostile attitudes, like physical barriers, can block the doors of progress from being opened wide. All too frequently these same attitudes are held by the judges, policymakers, employers and others who impact our lives.
Fourteen years ago, we changed the law. Now, we must continue to change
hearts and minds. ____________________________________________________
Jim Ward is president of ADA Watch and the National Coalition for Disability
Rights, based in Washington, D.C. ?
CASCIL offers equipment on loan to its consumers. Inventory and demand will
dictate what is available at any given time. Examples of such mobility/adaptive
aids include wheelchairs, canes, walkers, etc.
Inventory depends on what people or organizations donate to CASCIL. More sophisticated
equipment such as scooters, electric wheelchairs, scooter lifts/wheel chairs
lifts are given to consumers who are on our durable equipment need list. Consumers
on this list also benefit from the same CASCIL funds that pay for home modifications.
Specialized equipment for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing is available
free of charge per the same county fund that pays for home modifications. Visual
alarm systems, light emitting door knockers, vibrating alarms have been accessed
by CASCIL consumers.
For Equipment Loan Closet Contact Rick.
Florida offers an astounding array of accessible fun for its 2 million annual
visitors and many more residents who use canes, walkers or wheelchairs. But
how do you find out about it all? Even Florida’s residents with mobility impairments
aren’t aware of the unique opportunities around them.
Florida has special wheelchairs to enjoy its sugar sand beaches, accessible
sailing and dolphin swims, adaptive golf carts, bicycles you pedal by arm, horseback
riding, even hang gliding and water skiing for folks with disabilities.
Now, for the first time, there’s a comprehensive source so both visitors and
residents can learn about accessible fun both on and off the beaten path. Wheelchairs
on the Go: Accessible Fun in Florida (www.WheelchairsOnTheGo.com) is a 424-page
travel guide jam-packed with descriptions of access to beaches, theme parks,
tourist attractions, sports stadiums, lodging, typical vacation activities,
plus quirky fun and thrills.
“We’ve lived and traveled here more than 20 years and still discover hidden
gems that Florida offers physically challenged folks who want to have fun,”
explains co-author Michelle Stigleman who is married to a quadriplegic injured
in a high school football game. With over 30 years of traveling with her wheelchair-bound,
but adventurous husband, Stigleman has learned how to avoid the disappointment
of arriving somewhere only to find a place could not accommodate his needs.
“With Wheelchairs on the Go, families can avoid those disappointments,” says
Stigleman, “and hopefully try things they might never have thought possible.”
Because of the warm climate, flat terrain and excellent access for its sizable
senior population, Florida is an ideal vacation spot for the mobility impaired.
The tourist industry has discovered the financial sense in going beyond legal
requirements to appeal to this sector. Some resorts feature beach wheelchairs
and swimming pools with ramps or lifts. Many charming B&Bs can accommodate
someone using a lift to get into their plush Victorian beds. Increasingly, campgrounds
designate sites with roll-under picnic tables and paved paths to bathhouses
with roll-in showers.
Florida’s mature and mobility impaired visitors and residents will find Wheelchairs
on the Go the key to accessible good times! Extensive resource lists, six indexes
and 13 maps make this the perfect travel planner. The paperback book has no
advertising and will be regularly updated online at www.WheelchairsOnTheGo.com.
Action photos (in jpg or publication-ready formats) are available online at
www.WheelchairsOnTheGo.com or on request.
Wheelchairs on the Go:
Accessible Fun in Florida
by Michelle Stigleman & Deborah Van Brunt
424 pages 6 x 9 Trade Paperback
Extensive Appendixes 6 indexes 13 Maps
ISBN: 0-9664356-5-6 Published October 2002
USA: $24.95
Wheelchairs on the Go:
Accessible Fun in Florida is available in bookstores, online at www.WheelchairsOnTheGo.com
and by phone at 888-245-7300; 727-573-0434.
The book is available online at a reduced price of $19.99 or by mailing a check
for $21.40 to 14074 Egret Lane, Clearwater, FL 33762. It is $24.95 in bookstores.
Please send two copies of any review or mention to Access Travel Guide Publishing, 14074 Egret Lane, Clearwater, FL 33762-4511 or fax 727-572-0185.
Wheelchairs on the Go: Phone888-750-6411 : stigle@gte.net
FLORIDA’S BEST KEPT SECRET: ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURE:
Contact: Deborah Van Brunt
deb.vb@gte.net : 888-750-6411 : 727-556-0527
Written By: Kathy Lentz , President/Caring Communicators
As of July 1, 2004, we are the proud recipients of a brand new Area Governor!
Congratulations to Rick Starr!
Mr. Starr is not only a proud achiever of 40 speeches and 4 certificates, he was rewarded with his ATM-S (Advanced Toastmasters Silver) certificate Monday evening. What remarkable accomplishments! We are very happy to have him serve this year’s term. As Area Governor, he will be responsible for six other clubs in his area making visits to ensure they are committed to all of their duties as well as offering his suggestions in maintaining and adding new members. He will be providing his leadership skills whenever called upon, in addition to his reign, providing advice and offering mentorship. Mr. Starr will be responsible for attending district conferences where he will meet with new and exciting officials within his district. Among his responsibilities as the new Area Governor, he will make sure that all clubs in his area are up to date in scheduling all Area Division contests. Each club will have two contests each season, which will include Table Topics/Humorous; Speech and Evaluators. Caring Communicators will be having their area contests in the beginning of the fall season sometime in September.
Mr. Starr has held several leadership positions within his club during the last three years. Among them have been - Sergeant of Arms, Vice President of Education and Treasurer. He has fulfilled all of these positions at a very high level of confidence and we are very proud of him! Although he has gained a higher level of achievement he will still continue to serve his role in his club as Treasurer.
What ‘Possibilities’ you have achieved can only outnumber the ‘Capabilities’ you are striving for! Congratulations, Area Governor Rick Starr!
We plan to increase the number of contractors we work with. Historically, we have maintained a list of contractors familiar with accessibility code and the PCCD grant.
This will benefit our consumers by giving them more options from which to select. Remember – It’s About Choice!!
Do you know a general contractor that may be interested in this program? Call Patty Mnich
Dear Friends:
I am pleased to announce the establishment of the Disability Resource Center
Network. This is an online message board, which will allow all registered users
to communicate with each other, discuss relevant issues, and share resources,
advice, support, inspiration, and much more by posting messages on the board.
The message board will also support all of the Disability Resource Center’s
endeavors and services in every manner possible. There is no charge to use the
message board and user registration is also FREE!
To register and join the Disability Resource Center Network, go to www.EzBoard.com, and register your FREE user account. There are two types of user accounts: global and local. A global account allows users to access multiple message boards hosted by EzBoard using the same account. A Local account can only be used to access one specific message board. Local Accounts must be set up directly from the Disability Resource Center Network. To set up a local account, go to the following URL, and click register at the top of the page:
http://pub7.ezboard.com/bdisabilityresourcecenternetwork
Either type of account will allow you to utilize the Disability Resource Center
Network. For increased flexibility, a global account is recommended. After completing
and submitting the brief online registration form, you will receive e-mail from
EzBoard requesting that you validate your account. Once you validate your account,
you can post messages on the Disability Resource Center Network.
The Disability Resource Center Network is divided into several different areas
called forums. Think of the forums as a doorway to additional subtopics called
threads. To post a message, log III to your user account, click file appropriate
forum, click on the thread you wish to respond to, fill out the form (similar
to an e-mail), and click add reply. Your message will now be included on the
thread. To start a new topic or thread in a forum, click on new topic at the
top or bottom of each page.
This letter is simply a brief introduction to The Disability Resource Center
Network. Please visit the message board, at the URL above, for more details.
The message board is also accessible through a link at http://www.drcfc.org.
In addition, there are help screens in every area of EzBoard to assist you.
I am confident that you will find the message board fun and easy to use. I invite all of you to participate, and I look forward to seeing all of you there. Most of all, I look forward to building what I know will become a valuable resource for many individuals together with, all of you. Of course, you do not have to have a Disability to join and participate, so please be sure to tell all of your colleagues and friends about the Disability Resource Center Network. It's easy. It's fun. It's free! It's an excellent opportunity for all individuals to make a positive difference in their lives and the lives of many, as well as, give something valuable back to the community at large. JOIN TODAY!!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments or suggestions.
Best wishes,
Sean L. Kelly
Administrator/Moderator
Disability Resource Center Network
Member, DRCFC Board of Directors seanlkelly@mail.com
Disability Resource Center Network
http://www.drcfc.org
http://pub7.ezboard.com/bdisabilityresourcecenternetwork
PS. HELPFUL HINT: Each time you log on to your EzBoard account, you are directed to your control center. From your control center, you can set up and manage your user profile, preferences, and other features of your account.
To add the Disability Resource Center Network to your list of favorite places
in your control center:
Under My Favorites, click "add/remove favorites”
Enter web id: bdisabilityresourcenetwork
Click “Add:”
This should create a link under "My Favorites" in your control center
for quick and easy access to the Disability Resource Center Network!
Written by Joy Nabors
Hello future cooks of America. I’m here to talk to you about that strange place they call ‘The Kitchen’ Oooooo Aaaahhh Oooohhhh! Yeah, I know it is a scary place but I am here to put your worries at ease. The kitchen can be a place of comfort and creation. It can be a place to entertain and to talk. It also is a place where romantic evenings begin. Now does the kitchen sound like the terrible place you used to think it was? Let’s see if we can give you the tools you may need to make this place the best room in the house. OK?
If cutting, chopping and mincing like fruits and vegetables are difficult for you, frozen foods are going to be your best friends. They are just as, if not more nutritious as fresh. Another benefit to frozen foods for those cooking for just one is that you can pour out only what you want or need and put it back for later use. No waste. This is not just for you single folks this is for everybody. Why waste perfectly good food if you do not have to? Canned foods are good as well, especially for larger meals. But if cooking for one, use desired amount, drain the rest and store in the freezer. If you are unable to use a standard can opener, use an electric one. Just beware of how big your can is to the size of the opener. By placing a cutting board on you lap and placing the electric opener on top this will make it easier for you to use. In my quests for quick and easy dishes, I have found that ‘Cream of’ soups make the best gravies. By adding some desirable seasoning you will make the plainest dish into the talk of the table. You can also mixed canned and frozen foods together to make delicious salads. Simple as this, by pouring a desired amount of frozen food out and season it then set it aside to thaw. Then drain the canned foods, season and place amount aside now mix with lettuce. Tah Dahh!! We have our salad in a jiff.
Now we are going to talk about the nifty appliances that I think you should
have. I suggest of course human’s best pal, the microwave. With our buddy, as
we all know, is the quickest way to burn up, oops I mean cook, anything in minutes.
Second, the George Foreman Grill. It gives you the grilled favor without the
grilled mess. Third, is a toaster oven or a convection oven, these will allow
you to bake or oven roast most of your dishes. Also it is a whole
lot less expensive to heat up a toaster oven than a regular oven. Right! Last
but not least an electric can opener (only if you are unable to use a standard
opener) and that is kind of self-explanatory. The other tools that I think are
necessary are: Large cutting board with two nails (to hold any food you want
to cut or slice), wet measuring cup, dry measuring cups, slotted and un-slotted
cooking spoons, and a rocking cooking knife (8” chef sized if possible). I suggest
if your countertop is not lowered to your comfort level to get a rolling table
so that can be your portable counter. This will most likely be your saving grace.
It is important to work in a downward motion. It saves so much of your energy
and your arms also it is safer and easier to transport hot pots and pans and
cutting. These items should be the foundation tools for your kitchen needs.
There is a big difference in liquid and dry measuring. Of course liquid is anything liquid such as syrups, condensed milk, etc. Dry measuring is any powder, seasoning, sugar, butter, and nuts, chunks (fruits, chocolates, etc.). If you don’t believe me just pour a cup of water into a dry measuring cup. This info is most important in baking. Baking is the most precise cooking style. If you mess up with the amount of baking powder for example you will have a baking pan size rock. Now we don’t want that, do we?
There are different ways to measure dry ingredients such as seasonings. A
teaspoon can be measured in the palm of your hand. If you can close you hand
a bit and create a cup shaped palm, pour enough to fill the small cup. This
is a teaspoon. Three teaspoons make a tablespoon. When cooking a non-baking
dish, exact measuring is not really that necessary. But at first or until you
get used to cooking when trying a new recipe you follow the instructions. Then
once you have tried it, experiment with it and make it your own recipe. A sign
of a true cook is to be willing to experiment and therefore creating all kinds
of new dishes. People commonly think that you need to buy name brands ingredients.
That is not true. If you are a cook bargain brands are just as good.
Please see next issue of CASCIL Catalyst for the conclusion of this article.
Reprinted with permission of the Moffit Cancer Center
It is possible to successfully combat stress simply and inexpensively. Deep breathing, active relaxation and positive thinking techniques can all help to relieve stress. The more these skills are practiced, the easier it will be to use them when faced with frustrating situations.
Deep breathing is a method of relaxation that reduces tension from the body. Here are the techniques for deep breathing:
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, without crossing your arms and legs.
Place the palm of one hand on the middle of your chest and the other palm on your abdomen, the area between the bottom of your rib cage and navel.
Breathe normally. Feel the rise and fall of your hands as you breathe in and out.
Imagine now as you breathe in that your stomach is a balloon that inflates, raising the hand resting on your abdomen. As you breathe out, the ballon deflates and your hand falls.
Keep breathing from your abdomen for a few minutes. Stay focused on your breathing and silently count (one, two, three) each time you breathe. Say “relax” to yourself each time you exhale. A comfortable feeling should occur.
Active relaxation is a stress reliever that begins with exercises that gently tense and relax certain muscles. Start with the muscles in your arms, and then move to the muscles in your legs, back and shoulders. Avoid any muscles or areas of your body that hurt.
Another method for managing stress is using a technique called relaxing imagery, similar to daydreaming. For example, by imagining a sunny day, with the sights and sounds that accompany it, the feeling of relaxation becomes even deeper.
Positive thinking also can be effective. To gain control over troubling thoughts, individuals need to be able to stop, think and focus.
Stop when you sense stress. Be aware of the mental signs of stress, including racing thoughts or increased irritability. The physical signs include a stiff neck, a rapid pulse or a hollow feeling in the stomach. Learn to recognize these signs.
Pay attention to what you are saying to yourself. You might be saying: “I doubt I can get thorough this,” or “How can I cope with this?” Sometimes these thoughts come quickly, without realizing it.
Focus on more positive thoughts. Write down some positive statements about coping with stress. These might include something like “Its time to start using my ways of coping,” and “Worrying about the future is not helpful. I need to focus on the present and make myself more comfortable.”
V – VOICE YOUR OPINIONS
O – OPEN UP YOUR MINDS
T – TAKE TOTAL ACTION
E – EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT
GET OUT AND VOTE FOR
FREEDOM!
PEACE!
‘We love America the Beautiful – We want what is right for America – for our
children, for ourselves, for our families.
We need affordable health care, education, housing for the low income, personal
care for the elderly and for disabled Americans.
Without our voices – our minds – action will not be taken to fulfill the promises
that have been given us!
Everyone needs to go to their polls this coming election in August and November
and VOTE – VOTE – VOTE for the candidates of their choice!
By: Kathy Lentz, Sr. Prog. Associate
One could really learn a lot about accessibility while they travel the roads
of US Hwy 19 and the back hills of Florida via I-10. Did you know that there
are REALLY cows and horses and hugh green trees among the hot sticky pavements
of highway! And do you know it REALLY is 153 miles to Perry, Florida. I wonder
every year I pass through there what they REALLY do for entertainment? My guess
is – someone stands at the corner and counts how many cars will be obeying the
REAL 35 MPH speed limit!
There is one particular hot spot before you get to the I-10 turn off to get
REALLY grea- t-t-t pecans. Let’s see, you have your choice of sugar coated –
smoked – or roasted. All pecans are freshly made and bagged right there - My
choice – ROASTED! Oh my gosh, what a fantastic treat, but then you need something
refreshing to follow it down with, so you have to buy some REALLY good H2-0!
Imagine seeing field after field of rolling soybeans and corn. On your left
and on your right! Now, that is REALLY an awesome sight, especially if you are
a city girl and you expect nothing else but condos and concrete buildings. I
had an eye full by this time and kept plenty of reading material handy. Going
through the rolling hills has some advantages as far as rest stops are concerned,
especially if you need the rest or you want to just take a peek at the restrooms.
I was much surprised to find separate conveniences that were available. I was,
let’s say, very much impressed! That was much the case at two other rest areas
along that stretch of highway!
Once arriving in Birmingham, we were surprised to find out that the place we
most admired was filled up so we had to seek quarters elsewhere. When we finally
found one, which was a Best Western, the bathroom was not anywhere equipped
to be called handicapable as far as the shower was concerned. Yes, it had a
bench that folded out, but no bars to hang on to, the shower head was on the
other side and the toilet leaked. With complaint, we got another room, but this
time we had a tub with a fold out seat and five grab bars. Yes, five! The toilet
didn’t leak, but the sink had no counter space and leaned down to a tilt that
I was afraid to put any weight on it in fear it would land in my lap. I laughed
and thought if our Accessibility Coordinator were here she would probably have
herself a ball doing their survey.
That morning, was back on the road again winding down the beautiful hills of
Tennesee and Kentucky to find more accessible rest areas and one big restroom
at one gas station. The land was leveling off and with only a few more hours
we would reach our destination, Southern Illinois. When finally arriving, and
crossing the old Wickliffe Bridge to cross over to Illinois, we went through
a once rich thriving community to a saddened ghost of a town that brought a
tear to my eye. This was the town I used to visit with my parents to do Christmas
shopping. Now, it was nothing but a shell of little mom and pop shops just barely
surviving. It had several old buildings that were being restored as museums
outlining the REAL city that it was once famous for. On the outskirts of this
city, was Fort Defiance where it is known for the legend of water currents of
the two rivers coming together – the mighty Ole Mississippi and the old muddy
waters of the Ohio River. There had been plenty of REAL fishing trips that became
the source of many good meals and to which currently exists. While there, we
visited the lookout tower – and watched the tug boats push the big ole barges
out to the murky waters. We purchased a 24 hour license for $5.50 which we utilized
one full day at a lake fishing off a floating dock which was very level and
not to wavy. Although we didn’t have any luck we had fun teasing my sister,
who caught the only live bait all day.
The old saying ‘home is where the heart is’ was the highlight of visiting family.
Taking hikes, picnicing, playing in the water with my ten year old niece, visiting
with sisters and just girl talk was REAL nice!
Of course, spending time with the family is exciting, but it is also very exhausting.
Although the weather was hotter and much drier, I loved every sweat bead, but
then welcomed the AC whenever I got the chance.
Saying goodbyes is always sad too, but the memories you have will always remain
in my heart. One niece is running for Ms. Union County and Ms. Peach Festival
2005, I will miss that, but she promised she would send pictures. Good luck
Andrea! I enjoyed every minute I had with them and will do it again and again
as long as I can, but I also loved it as well when I finally made it back here
– I have had time to rewind, relax and am back to work and also back to REALITY!
So, anytime you want to get away and discover that there is life after you leave
US 19, going North, take a drive and see for yourself – it really is worth it!
We have been very fortunate lately. Over the past summer months; a local teen
has volunteered over 163 hours of her time to Caring & Sharing. Miranda
Stecklein helped ease our workload from May, 2004 to July, 2004. Processing
documents, filing and organizing were just a few of the tasks to which she tended.
We wish her luck during the new school year. There is no doubt, though that Miranda will do very well. She is bright and eager to learn new skills!
Thank you, Miranda!
PS - Miranda is poet. You can read some of her work on www.poetry.com.
Volunteers are valuable to an organization. However, a volunteer armed with a clear vision of their role in that organization is, essentially, invaluable. We plan to provide our volunteers with the information and tools they need to enrich their experience with CASCIL.
Currently, we are recruiting folks to help with the Huff N’ Puff Fitness Frolic and our Yard Sale. If you are eager to participate and interested in any of the following positions, please plan to attend the orientation training.
We look forward to your energy and creativity!
Orientation Training for CASCIL Volunteers
Will soon be scheduled
Held at CASCIL office. Must be registered to participate. Contact Shiela or
Loretta [727.577.0065] to register.
Class size limited to 15.
Huff N’ Puff Fitness Frolic Saturday, November 13, 2004 |
Office position **PRIORITY** |
|||
Position |
#Needed |
Position |
#Needed |
|
Registration |
6 |
Filing associate |
1 |
|
Food service |
8 |
This is a detail-oriented
position that demands physical abilities. |
||
Parking/safety detail |
6 |
|||
Set up crew |
4 |
|||
Break down crew |
4 |
Yard Sale November/December 2004 |
||
Race committee |
8 |
Position |
#Needed |
|
Equipment detail |
4 |
Preparation committee |
4 |
|
Each committee will report
to an appointed coordinator. All coordinators are required to attend entire
event. Other volunteers can select hours between 7:30AM and 3:00PM. |
Set up crew |
6 |
||
| Breakdown Crew |
4 |
|||
Food Service |
2 |
|||
Cashier |
2 |
|||
Please join us and learn techniques to improve flexibility, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, boost immune system and enhance state of well-being. This is an ideal program for individuals with all abilities.
Mondays 11:00AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesdays 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturdays 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Caring & Sharing CIL
12552 Belcher Road South
Largo, FL 33773
West side of Belcher, ½ mile south of Ulmerton Road
Cost: $25.00 month – 1 class per week
$40.00 month – unlimited classes
No charge to preview one class.
Call Mary for information 727.577.0065?
As that date quickly approaches we must really start making up our mind. If you find it difficult to get to the voting place remember, the absentee ballot. , don’t wait to the last minute to call the board of elections and ask to obtain an absentee ballot. It doesn’t matter where you vote but that you vote.
Don’t have the impression that your vote doesn’t count and why bother. Every vote does count whether you go to the poll or vote at home, what party you vote for is strictly your choice and no one’s business.
We are very lucky to live in a country where it is possible for us to help make a choice who will lead us…
So, start reading the newspapers, magazines, listening to the TV and radio and then make up your mind. Remember the final decision is yours and you will help in naming our next president.
See you next issue, Shiela
CASCIL's mission is to assist persons with all types of disabilities and their families, to achieve the greatest degree of self determination in accessibility, advocacy, education, employment and place of residence in keeping with the consumer's freedom of choice. All the proceeds of this raffle will go toward this mission which includes the Holiday Magic Program which brings smiles to the faces of many children with disabilities each year.
The official drawing for this super sized teddy bear will be December 7, 2004 at 5 pm at CASCIL's offices located at 12552 Belcher Road, Largo, FL 33773 for more information call 727-577-0065.
The toy being raffled is an official One Hundredth Anniversary Edition Teddy
Bear. This limited edition giant bear wears the hat, vest and glasses so reminiscent
of U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt for which all teddy bears are named.
You need not be present to win! No purchase or contribution is necessary to
enter. Write to the above address for entry.
Budget cuts, and mounting need make it necessary for
The Caring & Sharing Center For Independent Living, Inc. (CASCIL) to hold
a giant toy raffle.