Newsletter Archives 02

Summit Independent Living Center, Inc.: An Advocacy and Resource Center for Montanans with Disabilities. Serving Western Montana Since 1981.

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Newsletter Archives 2002

January 2002 Newsletter
States' Rights, Community Services and the ADA | Montana Youth Leadership Forum | Ravalli County Transportation | Missoula Peers Rock | Changes in Social Security 2002

States' Rights, Community Services and the ADA

It is sometimes easy to forget that people with disabilities were once on their own, without the ADA to ensure their civil rights. It may be hard to understand how issues of money, politics, and convenience come together to deny certain individuals the rights and freedoms granted to them by the ADA. If you have been following the progress of the Travis D. lawsuit, you are probably aware that Summit has joined in efforts spearheaded by the Coalition of Montanans Concerned with Disabilities (CMCD) in a letter writing and media advocacy campaign aimed at the governor. Other organizations involved in this effort include ADAPT, SILC, other CIL's, Governor's Advisory Council, Mental Health Association, and numerous other disability groups.

Why are we so concerned about the outcome of this lawsuit? The Travis D lawsuit was filed against the Montana Department of Health and Human Services by the Montana Advocacy Program several years ago on behalf of numerous consumers institutionalized in state-run institutions in Boulder and Glendive. Even though the physicians and other professionals involved agree that these individuals can be served in the community, they continue to be institutionalized. The plaintiffs argue that their rights under ADA's "integration mandate" are being violated because they are not receiving services in the community and remain inappropriately institutionalized.

Obviously, the organizations concerned with this issue want to advocate for independent living as opposed to institutional services, but in addition to this, we need to insure that the state of Montana cannot override the ADA whenever it suits them. How could the state override the ADA? A few months ago the attorneys who are defending the state in this lawsuit got permission from the court to use a states' rights argument of "sovereign immunity" claiming that Congress didn't have constitutional authority to make states comply with ADA. This is obviously a grave concern to the disability community, since it amounts to a direct attack on the ADA, in the same line as the Olmstead and Garrett Supreme Court cases over the last couple of years. The governor will have the final say on whether the state's attorneys will be allowed to use this sovereign immunity argument. Although there has not been a formal announcement made as yet, the disability community is getting some indications that the defense will be allowed.

What is Summit doing to fight this most recent threat to the ADA? Over the past few weeks press conferences were held in Billings, Missoula and Helena urging the governor not to allow this attack on ADA. Summit staff and peer advocates joined approximately 18 other individuals from CMCD and other organizations at the Missoula rally and press conference. Staff and peers also participated with about 20 advocates at the Helena conference. About a dozen disability groups, including Summit, signed on to a letter that was mailed to the governor urging her to deny the sovereign immunity argument to the state.

What can you do? You can still join the effort by contacting the governor and urging her to support the ADA by refusing to allow the state to use the sovereign immunity argument. You can contact her by:

Mail - Gov. Judy Martz, State Capitol, Rm. 204,
Helena, MT 59620-0801
Email - governor@state.mt.us
Phone - 406-444-3111 Fax - 406-444-4151

January 2002 | April 2002 | July 2002 |October 2002 | 2001 Newsletter Archive | 2003 Newsletter Archive
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Montana Youth Leadership Forum (MYLF)

MYLF is offered to sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school who have a disability. If you are or know of a student who demonstrates leadership potential, this is an awesome training! Students increase self confidence skills, a sense of disability community, and pride in the accomplishments of Montana. In 2001, the five students who attended from Western Montana were excited to come back and share their experience and knowledge with others in our community.

The 2002 forum will be held July 22nd- 26th in Billings. All expenses are paid by MYLF such as travel, lodging, food, interpreters, readers, and personal care attendants. Applications are due in March. If you are interested in learning more about this training check out the following website www.msubillings.edu/mtcd/mylf For questions you can contact June Hermanson at 1-406-657-2095 or jhermanson@msubillings.edu

Ravalli County Transportation

With the rapid growth of Ravalli County, the demand for public transportation continues to grow. Ravalli County's five year Transportation Development Plan (TDP), written just four years ago, is already outdated. With the support of Montana Department of Transportation 5313 Planning and Development grant funds, this TDP will be updated by a professional consulting firm, LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., based out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. This study team has extensive experience in transit studies for areas similar to Ravalli County, so they should prove extremely helpful in analyzing alternatives and developing implementation strategies that will serve the needs of each community, as well as Ravalli County as a whole.

The timing of this Transportation Development Plan Update is perfect, as it coincides with Ravalli County's "Growth Policy" planning that is currently in progress. We hope each of the seven focus groups will share their community's vision for public transportation, especially in relationship to air quality.

We need to take a universal approach to public mobility, not only in the coordination of vehicles, but in the pooling of resources. Organizations in both Missoula and Ravalli Counties have been very aggressive in seeking state and federal funding to improve transportation services, with both county governments being very supportive in providing local match money. Missoula Ravalli Transportation Management Association (MR TMA) has been granted $742,736 by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to expand their services, and Ravalli County Council on Aging has requested $625,000 in FTA funds to build a transportation facility on land it owns east of Hamilton. MR TMA and Ravalli County Council on Aging have been working closely together to develop coordinated transportation services, and both organizations will play key roles in the updated Transportation Development Plan for Ravalli County.

We have seen many improvements in transportation services in Ravalli County, but we still fall short of meeting the demand for safe, reliable, affordable, and accessible public transportation. The people of Ravalli County need to pull together with a vision for the future, and work together to create public transportation for all, not just dismiss the issue as being a human service problem for the transportation disadvantaged. If you would like your voice heard, there will be an open public forum on Wednesday, January 16, 2002, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Human Resource Council Building, 316 North 3rd Street, Room 108, Hamilton.

Joanne Perkins
Chair of the Ravalli County Transportation Advisory Committee and Summit Ravalli County Coordinator.

Editor's Note: Watch for more updates on state and local transportation happenings in future issues of the Summit Independent.

January 2002 | April 2002 | July 2002 |October 2002 | 2001 Newsletter Archive | 2003 Newsletter Archive
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Missoula Peers Rock

Things are starting to "shake, rattle and roll" with 24 peer advocates on the Missoula roster. Fourteen people with disabilities from western Montana took the peer advocacy training the latter part of summer and ten of those people are now employed as peer advocates in Missoula.

Peers in the Missoula program range from age 23 to 63 and offer diverse experience with disability including: rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, moebius syndrome, traumatic brain injury, visual impairments, blindness, epilepsy, meneirs disease, paraplegia, quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, chronic pain, mental illness, chemical poisoning, and multiple sclerosis. What a wealth of knowledge and experience is represented by this group of people. Summit is very proud to have them as peer advocates.

Several committees are formed to address local disability issues. Peers interested in media met and were trained in letter writing and TV and radio exposure. An access committee met to discuss accessibility in the Missoula area and target local businesses with access problems. Peers will receive training on conducting access surveys. A panel of peers presented to the Prep for Life Classes at Hellgate High School and more school presentations are in the works. And last, but not least, we also have 11 active peer matches at this time. If you are interested in a peer match through Summit's peer program or for more information contact Dena Bauer at 728-1630 or email dbauer@summitilc.com.

Dena Bauer
Peer Advocacy Coordinator

Changes in Social Security 2002

The new year will bring some changes to your Social Security benefits. If you receive Social Security benefits you will notice a slight increase in your benefit amount. The Cost of Living Adjustment for 2002 is 2.6 percent. This increase affects both Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and is based on the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of 2000 through the third quarter of 2001.

The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold for 2002 has increased by $40 to $780 per month. The amount for individuals who are blind is $1,300 per month in 2002. For those individuals receiving SSDI, this means that after your nine month trial work period, if your earnings are over $780 ($1,300 for blind), and you don't have any Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), or evidence of subsidy, you won't be due your SSDI check. However, during the 36 months that automatically follow your trial work period, your disability status is protected and you are still SSDI eligible, even if you aren't due a check. If you don't have subsidy or IRWEs that can reduce your wages below the SGA amount, or if you aren't earning enough to fully replace your SSDI check and insurance coverage, you may want to keep your earnings below $780 in 2002.

Any month during 2002 in which you earn over $560 will count as one month off your nine month trial work period. Earning below $560 per month will generally have no effect on your SSDI benefits.

The cost of your Medicare Part B Premium has increased from $50 per month to $54.

The SSI Federal Benefit rate has been increased to $545 per month for an individual and $817 for a couple. Resource limits remain the same at $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.

Students who receive SSI may be interested to know that the Student Exclusion Limit has increased to $1,320 per month. This means that you are able to earn that much per month without it affecting your benefits, but only up to a total of $5,340 in any one year.

If you have any questions about your Social Security benefits or need assistance, please call Flo Kiewel at Summit 728-1630 or email her at fkiewel@summitilc.com. You might also wish to visit www.ssa.gov

April 2002 Newsletter
Options for Long-Term Care Services | Montana Youth Leadership Forum | Technology for Accessible Education | New Directions Receives Grant | The Tidbits Column

Options for Long-Term Care Services

There are several options available for individuals who need assistance with their personal care needs, or who require other in-home long-term care services. Some programs allow you to make your own choices about who you hire and what services they provide, in other programs agencies will manage the training of assistants and the assignment of duties for you.

For those who would prefer to have more personal control over their services, there is the option of using Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services (SDPAS) for their State Plan, or medically necessary personal care tasks. The SDPAS program allows the consumer to hire, train, schedule and otherwise manage their own personal assistants, controlling who comes into their home to deliver the services.

SDPAS can provide assistance with: daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, hygiene, eating, exercise and meal preparation; some health maintenance tasks (bowel, urinary, wound care or medication administration); and also may provide assistance with housekeeping, laundry and shopping tasks.

To qualify for this service you must: 1) be eligible for full coverage through Montana Medicaid, 2) be able to direct your own care (or have a personal representative who can do this for you), and 3) have your physician or other health care practitioner sign off on a plan of care for you. The provider agency handles the payroll, workers compensation coverage and unemployment insurance for your personal assistant(s), and bills Medicaid. The consumer or personal representative is responsible for hiring, training, supervising, scheduling, arranging back-up services, and dismissal of your personal assistants. The consumer or personal representative also assumes the liability for the services.

Another Montana Medicaid program is Home and Community Based Services (HCBS, or waiver program). The waiver program serves individuals over 65 as well as individuals who have been declared disabled by the Social Security Administration. HCBS provides many different levels of service, including nutritional services, personal assistance, adult residential living, homemaker services, respiratory therapy, respite care, transportation, and case management. These services are made available through the Department of Public Health & Human Services Senior and Long Term Care Division.

The HCBS Program has 17 Case Management Teams across the state. These teams are the cornerstones of this program. The “Team” consists of a nurse and a social worker for approximately every 60 recipients.

To qualify for the HCBS Program, a recipient must be financially eligible for Medicaid and require the level of care provided in a nursing facility or hospital. Individuals must have an unmet need that can only be resolved through HCBS services (extended state plan hours, social supervision personal assistance, homemaking and respite).

Once a recipient has been accepted to the program, the individual and the case managers will develop a Plan of Care based on the recipient’s needs and choices. A good Plan of Care is developed only after a careful review of a recipient’s social, recreational, familial, medical, functional, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. The plan of Care is considered the contract for services and is signed by the case managers, the recipient’s health care professional, and the recipient.
The number of recipients served in this program is limited by the availability of funds, and each Team has a fixed number of recipients which they can serve per year. New recipients are admitted to the program as current ones are discharged or as new funding becomes available. However, a recipient may be given priority standing if it has been determined that his or her need is immediate and crucial. (Information about HCBS services was obtained from DPHHS informational publications.)

Another option available for those who may need more structured services is to obtain Agency Based personal assistance services. Examples of some Agency Based service providers in western Montana are Home Care Services, Nightingale, Partners in Home Care, Intrepid USA, Personal Touch Home Care, etc. Attendants are trained and hired by the agency and some family members may be allowed to serve as paid care providers after going through the agency training and being hired by the agency. Management and billing is done completely by the agency, and they bear the burden of responsibility for the quality of care. In addition to personal assistance services, many agency providers also offer home health care, skilled nursing care, or hospice services, and may provide private pay services as well. It is necessary to call the agency to determine which of these services you may be qualified for as each situation is different and reimbursement for services is dependent on what kind of medical insurance (such as Medicaid or Medicare) you have.

For more information about the services described in this article or other community resources in western Montana, feel free to call your local Summit office. Summit is a provider agency for Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services, and can also help you locate other long-term care services in your community.

Montana Youth Leadership Forum (MYLF) Update

This summer brings the third annual Montana Youth Leadership Forum (MYLF) to Billings, Montana. MYLF has been the highlight of the summer for lucky Montana teens during the past two years and promises to be a success this year as well. Students aged 16-19 with a variety of disabilities, both visible and invisible, will be attending this leadership training in Billings the week of July 22 -26th.

This is a great opportunity for students to meet their peers and broaden their horizons. Our communities will benefit from their experience and enthusiasm when they return home. These young adults could become our leaders of Independent Living in the not so distant future.

Technology for Accessible Education

The Rocky Mountain Disability & Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) recently received a new five-year grant award from the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research, U.S. Department of Education. DBTAC has expanded their mission to include technical assistance on accessible Information Technology to schools. Montana State University-Billings and PLUK will be co-coordinating a component of this new grant project.
The purpose of this project is to train, disseminate and provide technical assistance to students with disabilities who require accessible education-based information technology.
When you think of the vast number of schools and colleges in Montana and the potential volume of students, it might seem like an overwhelming project. An internal network in the Montana school system called the Comprehensive System for Personnel Development (CSPD) will be an integral component of outreach for the initial access to technology training goals.

Terry Lankutis, an education technology consultant, has been hired to complete the technology training within the school system. In addition PLUK will develop a website to keep us informed about this project and the numerous access technology resources.

The past success of working toward community accessibility changes by the four independent living centers MILP, LIFTT, NCIL, and Summit can be built on to provide vital networking. The IL Centers know what the technology resources are within each of their regions, and can be a connection to help young people increase their understanding of technology. I believe the students and school representatives will benefit from the experiences of people with disabilities who already use technology in their communities. IL Centers are a great resource for assisting students.

I welcome any questions or suggestions for resources in your Montana community, so please contact me!

New Directions Receives Grant

New Directions, a program of The University of Montana, recently received a $10,000 grant from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation to increase the participation of people who use wheelchairs in New Directions’ health promotion and fitness programs. The end goal of these Quality of Life Programs, according to Dana Reeve, “focuses on helping people with mobility-related disabilities become more independent, more empowered, and better able to live the lives they choose.” Participation in activities at New Directions is designed to improve physical and emotional health and prevent secondary conditions for people living with health challenges, such as paralysis.

As a community health center, New Directions, a project of the Rural Institute on Disabilities (The University of Montana), supports people’s efforts to manage their own health conditions through general wellness topics, such as goal setting and problem solving, pain management, nutrition and exercise. The fitness center is fully accessible and attended by a clinical exercise specialist. Although improved health status is an important part of New Directions’ programming, the ultimate goal is to provide the health promotion tools individuals can use to pursue and achieve meaningful life goals. With the gift from Christopher Reeves Paralysis Foundation, New Directions staff hope to alert more people who use wheelchairs that these opportunities are available.

The Tidbits Column

Bookshare.org

Thousands of new books are available for download by members of Bookshare.org in accessible digital formats. Complete access to the collection for a full year is available to individuals with visual, reading or other print disabilities for a $50 subscription and $25 set up fee.

The collection of books available at Bookshare.org is growing every day. A full 8147 books are available to members for download. Volunteers are preparing 2000 more books that will be ready soon. Some recent best-sellers added to the collection include A Beautiful Mind, John Adams, and The Fellowship of the Ring.

You can register on-line at http://www.bookshare.org. Proof of disability will need to be provided. You then will have unlimited access to the available library, there are no additional per-book fees. Software needed to access the on-line library is provided for download onto your computer free of charge.

Telephone Facts

Qwest now has available a large print or Braille phone bill for consumers who are visually impaired.

People with any kind of a disability can also get an exemption for use of the 411 information number.

Call the Qwest Special Needs Center today!
1-800-223-313

Congratulations Mike Mayer!
Montana Hall of Fame
2001 Disability Leader of the Year

Martz Administration Sets Sights on
the Impoverished and Disabled

By Dustin Hankinson
with reference to Zen Hoffman

Editors note: The following article on the state budget crisis and its effect on people with disabilities is written from a consumer perspective. Dustin Hankinson and Zen Hoffman are Summit peer advocates from Missoula.

We the disabled people of Montana are being hunted, along with the poverty-stricken and elderly. We are being pushed toward the edge of non-existence by a political system bent on fulfilling bureaucratic principles at the cost of the blood and tears of innocent citizens. We, the Medicaid recipients, the Vocational Rehabilitation clients, the public assistance recipients, the most defenseless citizens of this State have been marginalized. Sadly, it's about to get worse.

What have we already suffered? Many of us live on $545/month. A $100 co-payment demanded from us for each hospital admission we undergo has just doubled to $200! An annual cap limiting out-of-pocket expense for medical services was raised from $200 to $500, effectively doubling the cost and making folks who already met the cap continue to have to pay. Even if this cap was met, how much of the $545 a month allowed for living expenses does one dole out over the course of a year to pay the bill?

Besides the above changes, even more severe decisions have been made without our awareness. A 5% co-insurance was instituted to replace the co-pay system that Medicaid recipients have paid for years. The bureaucrats call it "cost sharing" and it means that we must pay 5% of total Medicaid allowable costs for any medical service that required co-pays under the old system. The primary examples are prescriptions. For every prescription, we are required to pay 5% of the cost that Medicaid allows for that prescription. Basically, it means we're paying for medications that, in most cases, have an unreasonably high mark-up. Add-in the fact that most Medicaid recipients have multiple prescriptions and this co-insurance adds up to a 300% on-average increase in what is paid out-of-pocket in the new system compared to the old system. Add this in to the expense sheet and we're in fixed income debt.

The 5% co-insurance increase for most medical services and a 3%-10% expected cut in the Montana Department of Health and Human Services budget for the next fiscal year will severely limit fixed incomes for the most needy among the disabled, women with children, the elderly and anyone else who depends on this aid. We've made our pleas through letter-writing and rallying, but our voices fell on hapless ears. "WE CAN'T HELP IT!" the Leaders cry. "WE HAVE NO CHOICE BECAUSE WHEN WE SPLIT THE FISCAL PIE, WE HAD NONE LEFT FOR YOU. WE'RE SORRY BUT DEAL WITH IT AND RUN ALONG NOW," this as we're summarily dismissed. They cry of lack of money, lack of options, lack of responsibility. I say to you that they lack WILL and will only. They won't fix this because it's not in the interest of some of the Leaders.

So, while they toss about terms like "cost sharing," "cost shifting" and assessment, what happens to us? We run out of money. Decide between food and pills, rent or a wheelchair, our children or the State. Some of us can't quite make it, can't quite borrow, don't have family to support us.

For others, it's an end. For these fragile ones, they can't see a light through this. Most take medications that make them well, many expensive medications. They can't pay but they can't live without their meds. In the end, we have to live without the fragile. We all have to live without them.

These policies hurt Seniors, children, the impoverished, women, men, the disabled. The State that's here to protect us as citizens lashes out instead and harms us out of its self-interest.

These well-considered policy changes were made behind closed doors in February of this year. We found out that the Department of Health and Human Services held a public hearing in January regarding the proposed Medicaid cuts, but obviously no consumers were notified of the hearings, or were advocacy organizations across the State. Medicaid recipients weren't notified about the changes until they took effect in April! It was April and we were the fools. We were blindsided! No time to absorb these changes and it cost us. So now we are behind, but there ain't no time for cries: Organize!!!

Right now, there are more policy changes and budget cuts being considered by Governor Martz that will soon become her recommended funding levels for this year's budget. From there, it becomes part of the Legislative process which will work itself out in 9 months. We are suffering FAR TOO HARSHLY to accept 9 months to haggle. We need a Special Session this Summer to undo these changes and prevent others. We need everyone to contact their State District Legislators and encourage them to hold a Special Session to address this now.

We all need to stand together and rattle these cages and make them work. In the upcoming weeks, our voices will be critical. To lend your voice, contact Summit and we will fight at your side to make this right.

We Had A Great Retreat!

Every year Summit has a retreat to thank staff and peers, get to know each other better, and refresh ourselves for the coming year. This year's retreat on May 10th and 11th was the best one yet!

We had some great panel presentations. The Parent Panel was especially popular. Staff and peers, who mostly work with adults, had the opportunity to see how disability affects the parents and families. Even though we only had two parents, their personal experiences spanned from the overwhelming stage of being newly diagnosed to the more experienced and accepting middle years.

There were two other panel discussions as well; Acquired vs Born with a Disability and All in the Family, a panel discussion on the diversity of rural independent living.

Keynote speaker, Woody Kipp, gave a thought provoking talk on diversity and striving to be part of the world rather than apart from it.

For the first time, Summit staff and peers entertained us with their many diverse talents. The fare was sometimes skillful and sometimes doubtful, but always entertaining.

Hamilton staff and peers gave a hilarious skit on the pitfalls of aging. Missoula brought the Power of the Force to bear on Medicaid cuts, and Mike Connors gave a wonderful performance on Bass. Michael Beers had us rolling in the aisles with his comedy routine. Kalispell organized a version of scavenger hunt with lots of people winning door prizes.

Speaking of door prizes, wow, did we ever have a lot of contributions to give away. Poor Flo just about had a nervous breakdown trying to get rid of it all. Everyone attending on Saturday either had received a door prize already, or won one that day.

Start planning to attend next year's retreat. We intend to make it too good to miss!

Picture of Summit Staff and Peers.
Here's the crowd who attended the 2002 Summit Retreat.

Thank You Senior Companions!

Summit Senior Companion program matches volunteers with older people with disabilities in Missoula and Flathead Counties. Elders in our communities are like everyone else, they prefer to live in their apartment and homes vs. a more limited setting. Seniors are able to maintain their home life with a variety of services, one of which is a Senior Companion.

Summit would like to thank the following Senior Companions who have worked with us anywhere from 1 week to almost 5 years!

Missoula County: Eunice Amaya, Lois Bachmeir, Johan Nilsen, Shirley O'Malley, Margaret Strom, Dorothy Taberna, Lula Winchell, Betty Zander

Flathead County: Carolyn Anderson, GR Matenilly, Ruth McMillian

Welcome New Board, Staff, Peers and Volunteers

New Board Members: Marlys Gookin, Hungry Horse; Jim Frischmon, Hamilton; Lisa Moorhead, Big Fork.
New Staff: Sally Wahl, Assistant Bookkeeper in the Missoula Office. Dawn Gauthier, part time Independent Living Specialist, Ravalli office
New Peers: Mona Pospishil, Plains; Beth Dean, Paradise; Owen Deardorff, Lonepine; Patty Krantz, St Ignatious; Randy Morigeau, Polson; Cindy DeBernardis, Polson
New Volunteers in Missoula: Laura Lee Peters, Eric Strausser

Thank You for Retreat Door Prize Donations

John Polotto, Mike, Sue & Tony, Beth Dean, Lee Yelin, Rose Mary Baipr, Marie's Arteries, Mountain Line, Papa Murphy's, Golden Corral, Johnny's Restaurant, Old Country Buffet, Cracker Barrel, Pita Pit, Jakers, Montana Club, Friend's Restaurant, Food for Thought, Romeo's, Teriyaki Grill Express, The Mustard Seed, Harvest Foods - Lolo, Subway.

Independent Living Symposium

The Montana Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) will have its first ever Independent Living Symposium in Butte on August 21 - 23 at the Red Lion. This event will bring together all of the Independent Living Centers in Montana to provide an opportunity to focus on developing cooperative efforts towards change.

Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about important issues, express their opinions on these issues, and work towards the development of position papers that will serve to guide future actions. In addition, the Symposium will provide opportunities for individuals to increase their understanding of how Independent Living Centers can best present their position on specific issues to the legislature.

There are many areas in need of focused attention, but in order to provide the best possible outcome from this Symposium, it was decided that the focus would be narrowed to two critical areas. Since transportation is a major issue throughout the state, the Symposium will discuss options for improving transportation, coordination of services, and cooperative association with government agencies. Another important issue is Olmstead/Medicaid; discussion and position papers will focus on ensuring that the least restrictive individual placement is enforced, and on deciding how the budgeting process could most efficiently be managed.

This is your opportunity to meet people from all over the state who are involved in Independent Living, as well as to participate first hand in the process of creating a more accessible Montana. Applications for attendance have already been sent out . If you did not receive an application, and would like to attend, contact your nearest Summit office today.

In conjunction with the Symposium there will be
A Public Hearing
August 21, 2002
10:00 AM to Noon
Regarding recent cuts in the general fund and how it may affect the State Plan for Independent Living

Ten Years in Flathead County

A variety of emotions are experienced when trying to recall and recap events over a ten year period. First is surprise, has it really been ten years; then is worry, what have we done in that ten years; next is fear, what if it wasn't enough; and then there is pride, we really have accomplished a lot and with the help of an amazing group of people.

Following is a time line and a list of highlights. They are certainly not all inclusive, and some of the numbers have been estimated. We tried to focus on the high points, and we apologize for any omissions. We have omitted specific consumer accomplishments due to confidentiality and limited space.

A Ten Year Timeline:

1990 to 1991 The Robert Wood Johnson grant explores the expansion of Summit into the other counties.
April, 1992 The Flathead County satellite office is opened. Randy Moddrell is hired as the staff person.
Summer, 1992 The community involvement committees are formed, including the Access, Recreation, Community Education and Awareness, and Parking Committees and the Planning and Action Council, all of which involved more than 100 community and agency people.
1993 The ADA Access Survey for the City of Kalispell
1994 Summit is awarded United Way agency membership and funding.
Fall, 1995 In spite of a funding crisis with the end of the RWJ grant, the satellite offices remain open to continue providing service in the counties.
Fall, 1995 Staff taught the ADA and Disabilities class at Flathead Valley Community College.
Fall, 1998 The new Self Directed Personal Attendant Services program begins in Flathead County.
Spring, 2000 The ADA Access Survey for the City of Whitefish
Fall, 2000 The Flathead Summit office becomes the host agency for the Senior Companion Visually Impaired program.
Fall, 2001 A part time employee is hired in Lincoln County to work with the Self Directed program.

Ten Years of Highlights

The Peer Advocates, past and present - Without the following people, Summit would not be able to function: Shelley Laing, Evelyn Pool, Flo Kiewel, Leo Kanning, Charlotte Kaber, Theresa Logan, Liz Gibbons, Connie Stonehocker, Russell Lynch, Steve Mega, Nancy Buhre, John Polotto, Diane Carrell, Michael Bridges, Marty Wheeler, Melanie Stoddard, Lisa Moorhead.
The Board of Directors from Flathead County, past and present - Phyllis Sprunger, Shelley Laing, David Donaldson, Gabe Skibsrud, John Polotto, Lisa Moorhead.
Statewide Involvement from Flathead County - Shelley Laing and Flo Kiewel appointed to the Statewide Independent Living Council; Shelley Laing appointed to the Governor's Advisory Council on Disabilities; Evelyn Pool on the Statewide Directors of MAB.
Flo Kiewel - started as a Peer Advocate, went on to college, graduated and is now a full time staff with Summit in the Missoula office.

Random (estimated) Facts:

300 Consumers opened for specific goals
2000 Contacts with consumers for Information and Referral
150 Community education presentations, Disability Awareness trainings, workshops, etc.
1000+ people who participated in the above educational efforts
250 ADA consultations and surveys for system advocacy and community accessibility
150 trips to Missoula by staff
50,000 miles traveled by staff

The next ten years promise to be just as productive, exciting and fulfilling. Thank you to everyone who has participated and been involved with Summit for the last ten years and will be for the next ten years.

Randy Moddrell
Flathead County Coordinator

Ravalli County 10 Year Celebration

This August marks 10 years of service provided by the Ravalli County satellite office. The first office was established at the Bitterroot Mall in 1992 and, after one additional move, ended up at its current home at 316 N. Third Street, #113. There have also been three Ravalli County Coordinators over the years, with Joanne Perkins joining us in January 1997.

Ravalli County has a somewhat kicked-back atmosphere, which could lull you into early retirement if you're not careful. In spite of this, the Ravalli County Summit office has been very successful in staying pro-active and initiating meaningful changes over the years.

In July of 1998 the Ravalli County office received a grant from Citizens State Bank to establish the annual Good Access Is Good Business Recognition Program. The program has had a tremendous positive influence in Ravalli County; encouraging businesses to make their services more accessible to people with disabilities. Over the years 12 businesses have received the award and several more have received Certificates of Appreciation.

Another project that has had a great impact on services is the development of transportation options. Summit began a Transportation Voucher Program in 1992; using $1,200 a year from the Ravalli County Commissioners to provide transportation vouchers to approximately 20 consumers each year. In August 1998 funding was increased to $8,000, significantly increasing the number of consumers served. Unfortunately, this program is no longer available.

In 1999, in conjunction with the Ravalli County Council on Aging and the Transportation Advisory Committee, a five year Transportation Development Plan was completed and the grant application submitted to the Montana Department of Transportation. The successful completion of this grant application provided $25,000 in operating funds to expand transportation services in Ravalli County. A wild and wooly celebration was held at Willow Court housing development.

In 2000, Ravalli County office celebrated the 10th Anniversary of ADA. The kickoff event was the Spirit of ADA Torch Walk in Hamilton. Summit staff and peers participated in this, along with 180 well wishers. In July 2000 the Ravalli County Museum sponsored a Sunday Series of "We Have Stories Too"; first hand accounts of life with a disability.

There have been many other important accomplishments over the years as well as significant contributions by individuals. In November 1997 a Head Injury/Stroke Support Group was formed. In September 1999 a grant from Rapp Foundation provided funds to purchase several disability awareness videos, available for check-out to public schools, community organizations, and other interested persons. Over the years, the "Ravalli Republic" and local radio stations have provided a lot of press coverage for accessibility issues, Good Access is Good Business and the development of transportation options.

In April 2002, Peer Advocate, Joan Marie Connor received the Friend of Transit Award at the Montana Transit Association Conference. Also in April, Dawn Gauthier joined the staff as a part time Independent Living Specialist.

Summit's Hamilton office celebrates its
first 10 Years by participating in the
Annual Creamery Picnic Parade
"90 Years of Ice Cream Fun"
Saturday, August 3rd 2002
Parade starts at 11:00 am
In Stevensville
Summit Ravalli staff and peers will walk, scoot, or roll in the parade (volunteers are welcome to join us). A 10 year anniversary cake will be served after the parade at
the "Ice Cream Garden"

Joanne Perkins
Ravalli County Coordinator

Lake County After Ten Years

We at Summit have experienced many, many successes over the past 10 years. Watching individuals blossom and fulfill their dreams and ambitions with a little help from us, the right information, a bit of technology and their hard work, have brought these dreams into focus. For me, that's why we do what we do.

The Summit Lake County Office opened its doors for services in June of 1992. Like the other outreach counties, an advisory board was formed to help determine the needs for people with disabilities and the best way to go about meeting those challenges.

Along with our Peers and many local agencies, we rolled up our sleeves and began the work of removing barriers that face people with disabilities. We formed committees to examine housing, transportation, recreation and social services.

We could not have been nearly as successful with the outcomes we achieved, had it not been for the hard work and total commitment our peers and other agencies staff truly had in working together.

Some of those outcomes have been:

Helping dozens of consumers realize their dreams and goals.
from securing low interest home loans,
to helping to find assistive technology,
locating assessable transportation,
advocating for their rights to benefits,
providing independent living skills training
and on and on.

Some of the outcomes in our local communities have been:

Curb cuts in the cities of Ronan and Polson.
Providing the City of Ronan an ADA consultation and report to bring their facilities and services into compliance.
Dozens of trainings and inservices about Independent Living and related topics.
Forming local chapters in Ronan and Polson for People First!

We have spent countless hours providing I L perspective on boards and committees such as:

DPHHS Child and Family Services Foster Care Review Board
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Voc Rehab Advisory Board
Lake County Transportation Advisory Committee
WMC National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse Advisory Board and Oversight Committee.

In September 2000 Arlene Templer, director of the vocational rehabilitation program of the Salish and Kootenai Tribes, joined Summit's board of directors. Her insight and perspective on Native American issues have helped immensely with our outreach efforts on the Flathead Reservation. In December 2001 the Tribal Council and Summit entered into a cooperative agreement to enhance independent living and employment services on the Reservation. In April 2002 Owen Deardorf and Randy Morigeau joined our peer advocate program as Native American representatives. We expect great things to come!

Finally, no accounting of the Ronan office accomplishments would be complete without mentioning our outreach efforts in Sanders County. Over the past two years we have established an active peer program as well as a transportation task force to address transportation issues in Sanders County.

The last 10 years have been interesting, frustrating, amusing and rewarding! Thanks to so many of you for your help and support over these last 10 years, without you we would not be where we are now.

BRING ON THE NEXT 1O !!

Now is the Time for Action!

This issue of the Summit Independent is devoted to the state budget crisis. At no time in recent history has it been more important for people with disabilities, their family members, advocates and service providers to band together to fight for adequate funding for health and human service programs. We've sunk to the point where Medicaid will no longer pay for more than 3 baths a week for people receiving personal assistance services. Consumers are also limited to no more than 3 hours a week for all their grocery shopping, housekeeping and laundry. That's right, the state is rationing baths - and when baths are rationed, it's time to get angry and get involved!

We have tremendous power when we come together with a unanimous voice. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND WE ALREADY HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE!! State bureaucrats partially reversed their earlier decision on Medicaid co-insurance requirements because of the public outcry over people being forced to choose between getting their medicine and buying food, paying rent or going to the doctor. Co-insurance rates are still higher than before, but they are much less than the blanket 5% rate that had been imposed on prescription drugs, doctor visits and many other health care services. Prescription co-pays now range from $1 - $5 with a $25/month cap, and co-pays for all other services are between $1 and $5. The hospitalization co-payment of $200 was reduced to the original $100. True, the rates are still too high, but we need to recognize this victory and renew our efforts to restore funding for other services.

Join us at Summit in our campaign to ensure that Montana's disabled, elderly and poor citizens have the services they need to be healthy, productive and independent. We hope you find this issue of the newsletter to be helpful and informative, so read on!

Get Involved!
Fight the State Budget Cuts

Chances are if you're disabled, elderly or poor and rely on Medicaid or other state-funded services, you've experienced cutbacks in health-care, personal assistance, vocational rehabilitation and other vital services over the past six months. First came the "April Surprise" with increased Medicaid co-insurance requirements. Then in July Governor Martz ordered budget cuts averaging 3.5% in health and human service programs. To top it off, the legislature forced even deeper cuts during the August special session. It could get much worse next year, with an estimated shortfall in the state budget of $200 to $300 million. Now is the time for action! To quote the late disability rights leader Justin Dart, "Get involved in politics as if your life depended on it, because it does." Here are some ways you can fight to restore health, dignity, quality of life and independence for all Montanans.

1. Contact your state legislators. If you don't know who they are, you can call the county elections office to find out. Contact information for each county's election office, current officeholders, and legislative candidates is listed in this newsletter.

Contact both your local senator and representative. Call or write, or better yet, meet with them face-to-face to discuss the situation -- whatever you're most comfortable with. Tell them how the budget cuts have affected the services you need to be healthy, productive and involved in your community. Give them specifics. For example, if you're paying more out of pocket for your medications, tell them how this impacts your budget and what hard choices you've been forced to make, such as choosing between buying food or medicine, between paying rent or going to the doctor. Tell your story, whatever it is. The important part is that your legislators understand that the budget cuts hurt and have a real impact on your life.

Pin your legislators down about their stance on funding for health and human service programs. Ask the hard questions -will they or won't they vote to fund needed programs at an adequate level? Let them know that you vote, as do your friends and family members.

Make the contact now, but continue to stay in touch with your legislators between now and the next legislative session in January. If your legislator is up for reelection in November, be sure to follow up after the election to find out if he or she was reelected. If not, find out who your new legislator is and make contact.

2. Spread the word. Talk with your family members, friends, and neighbors and encourage them to contact their legislators as well. If you belong to a church, a club, or service organization, bring the issues to their attention. There is tremendous power in numbers, so do your part to get other people involved.

3. Contact Governor Judy Martz and tell your story, using any of the methods described above. Contact information is listed inside this newsletter on page 5.

4. Be an educated and involved voter. Contact the candidates in your community who are running for the Senate or House of Representatives. Tell them your story, and ask their position on funding for health and human service programs. Again, ask the hard questions. Make sure you know how each of the candidates stand on these issues.

Most important, VOTE on November 5!!

5. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, or call in to a talk show on your local radio station. It's very important for the general public to understand that the budget cuts affect real people with real needs. The news media are an excellent resource to make issues visible in your community and call attention to the problem.

6. Attend a city council or county commissioners meeting in your community and bring the budget issues to their attention. There is a public comment period at these meetings that offers an excellent opportunity for you to speak out. Although local public officials have no direct power to change the state budget situation, they are responsible for understanding and responding to local needs, issues and problems and need to be made aware of the impact of the budget cuts on disabled , poor, and elderly citizens. Ask them to lend their support for adequate funding for health and human service programs when the 2003 Montana Legislature meets in January.

7. Get involved with your local independent living center or other disability organization. Find out how you can help out with their efforts to fight the budget cuts. Participate in any rallies, marches or other actions that may be organized to protest the cuts and put pressure on the Legislature and Governor Martz to do the right thing.

At Summit, we have an Action Alert System in place to distribute alerts about budget cuts and other legislative information. If you wish to be added to the participant list, contact Paul Peterson at Summit at 728-1630 or 800-398-9002 or by e-mail at paulpete@summitilc.org.

8. Know that we can make a difference when WE ALL WORK TOGETHER!

Access Your Right to Vote!

Who Can Vote?

To vote in Montana, you must:

Be a citizen of the United States.
Be 18 years old or older on or before Election Day.
Reside in Montana and in the county in which you intend to vote for at least 30 days before Election Day.
Be registered as required by law at least 30 days before Election Day.

Who Can't Vote?

You cannot vote in Montana if:

You are a convicted felon serving a sentence in a penal institution. (However, if you have finished serving your sentence, your voting rights are restored. Check with your county election office to make sure you are still registered.)
You have been judged in a court of law to be of unsound mind.

For more information, go to http://sos.state.mt.us

A Voter's Bill of Rights

You have the right to ask for a new ballot if you damage your ballot or want to change your vote. Before the rejected ballot is deposited in the ballot box, ask an election judge to provide you with a new one.
You have the right to ask for help marking your ballot if you are unable to read or write for any reason.
You have the right to vote at an accessible polling place. Ask your county election official to make sure you are assigned to one.
You have the right to vote from your vehicle if a disability prevents you from entering a polling place. A friend or relative may ask an election judge to bring your ballot to your car.
You have the right to have a ballot delivered to you if you are homebound or in a nursing home. Your county election official or a nursing home staffer can tell you how.
You have the right to vote using an absentee ballot, even if you are capable of voting in person on Election Day. You may request an absentee ballot from your county election official any time from 75 days preceding Election Day until noon the day before.
You have the right to vote even if you suddenly become ill or have some other health emergency on Election Day. Before noon on election Day, ask your county election official or a hospital employee to provide you with an absentee ballot.
You have the right to a Voter Information Pamphlet printed in large type or recorded on tape if your vision is impaired. These are available at your local library.
You have the right to vote if you are serving overseas with the armed forces. See your installation voting officer for more information. Members of your family who are with you overseas and who are registered Montana voters may also vote.

Reprinted with permission from Bob Brown, Montana Secretary of State.

State Government

Governor Judy Martz
State Capitol, Helena MT 59620-0801,
Fax # 1-406-444-4151

Gail Grey, Director
Health & Human Services Div.
P.O. Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604
1-406-444-2590, Fax # 1-406-444-3632

Additional Contact Information:

Montana Secretary of State - www.sos.state.mt.us

Montana Legislature - www.leg.mt.us

Bill Status - Public Access 900-225-4300

Missoula County Legislators

Current Office Holders

Senate District (SD)

SD 32
Vickie Cocchiarella (D), 535 Livingston, Missoula, MT 59801 728-7723

SD 33
Jon Ellingson (D), 141 North Ave. E., Missoula, MT 59801 721-1614 (w), 543-5608 (h)

SD 34
Mike Halligan (D),P.O. Box 9121, Missoula, MT 59807, 523-4139 (h), 721-3399(w)

SD 35
Dale Mahlum (R), 10955 Highway 93 N., Missoula, MT 59802, 549-3115

SD 36
Jim Elliot (D), 100 Trout Creek Rd., Trout Creek, MT 59874,
827-3671

House District (HD)

HD 58
Doug Mood (R), P.O. Box 42, Seeley Lake, MT 59868, 677-2201

HD 62
Butch Waddill (I), P.O. Box 1357, Florence, MT 59833. 273-2709. crittersrme@juno.com

HD 63
Dick Haines (R), 5935 St. Francis Dr., Missoula, MT 59803,
251-3770

HD 64
Ron Erickson (D), 3250 Pattee Canyon Dr., Missoula, MT 59803, 549-4671

HD 65
Rosalie Buzzas (D), 233 University Ave., Missoula, MT 59801, 728-0289 (h), 549-6104 (w)

HD 66
Gail Gutsche (D), 1530 Cooper, Missoula, MT 59802, 728-0566 (h), 543-3747 (w)

HD 67
Tom Facey (D), 418 Plymouth, Missoula, MT 59801, 728-6814 (h), 542-4070 (w)

HD 68
David Wanzenried (D), 903 Sky Dr., Missoula, MT 59804, 543-2775 (h), 728-6121 (w)

HD 69
Nancy Rice-Fritz (D), 1817 David, Missoula, MT 59802, 549-6712 (h), 542-0041 (w)

HD 70
Holly Raser (D), 4304 Spurgin Rd., Missoula, MT 59804,
542-7018 (h), 549-9239 (w)

HD 71
Sylvia Bookout-Reinicke (R), P.O. Box 327, Alberton, MT 59820. 722-3344

Candidates for Nov 5th Election
denotes incumbent (current office holder). Contact information can be found listed above.

Senate District (SD)

SD 33
Jon Ellingson (D)

SD 34
Carolyn Squires (D), 2111 S. 10th W., Missoula, MT 59801,
543-6734

James (Jim) Sadler (R), P.O. Box 3571, Missoula, MT 59806, 728-4743

House District (HD)

HD 58
Doug Mood (R)

Kay James (D), 12440 Highway 10 E., Clinton, MT 59825

HD 62
Lou Hatch (C), 332 Cumberland Dr., Lolo, MT 59847,
273-3567

Ray Hawke (R), 4878 Hoblitt Ln NW, Florence, MT 59833,
777-5120, bigbird@bigsky.net

Hugh Warford (D), 20000 E. Carlton Cr. Rd., Florence, MT 59833, 273-0247, whoania@aol.com

HD 63
Dick Haines (R)

Judith B. Smith (D), 3585 Southpointe Dr., Missoula, MT 59803, 251-4740

HD 64
Ron Erickson (D)

Lawrence Anderson (R), 915 Parkview Way, Missoula, MT 59803, 721-6323

HD 65
Rosalie Buzzas (D)

HD 66
Gail Gutsche (D)

John Jenkins (C), 1211 Cooper, Missoula, MT 59802, 721-4342

HD 67
Tom Facey (D)

HD 68
David Wanzenried (D)

Pascal Redfern (R), 4212 Edward, Missoula, MT 59804,
542-8721

HD 69
Nancy Rice-Fritz (D)

Greg Lind (I), 7383 Highline Ct, Missoula, MT 95808,
542-5195

HD 70
Holly Raser (D)

Tyler Jourdonnais (R), 1455 Topaz Dr., Missoula, MT 59808,
542-5151

HD 71
Sylvia Bookout-Reinicke (R)

Missoula County Elections Office - 523-4751
vzeier@co.missoula.mt.us

Flathead County Legislators

Current Office Holders

Senate District (SD)

SD 38
Bob Keenan (R), Box 697, Big Fork, MT 59911, 837-6680 (h), 837-4989 (w), bob@bigforkinn.com

SD 39
Arnie A. Mohl (R), 3303 Hwy 2 E., Kalispell, MT, 752-2755 (h), 752-1177 (w)

SD 40
Robert DePratu (R), Box 1217, Whitefish, MT 59937, 863-2511 (w), 862-2849 (h)

SD 42
Jerry O'Neil (R), 202 Helena Flats Rd., Kalispell, 752-8903

House District (HD)

HD 75
Stan Fisher (R), 76 Golf Terrace, Big Fork, MT, 837-2232, sfisher@digisys.net

HD 76
Elaine Sliter (R), 604 5th Ave. E., Kalispell, 857-3306 (h), 257-2590 (w)

HD 77
Rod Bitney (R), Box 10501, Kalispell, MT 59904, 752-5666 (w), 257-2989 (h)

HD 78
Roger Somerville (R), Box 1104, Kalispell, MT 59904, 752-2025 (w), 844-3667 (h), rosom@digisys.net

HD 79
Verdell Jackson (R), 555 Wagner Ln., Kalispell, MT, 756-8344, vjack@cyberport.net

HD 80
Bob Lawson (R), Box 686, Whitefish, MT 59937, 862-2737

HD 83
Dee I. Brown (R), Box 444, Hungry Horse, MT, 387-9393

HD 84
George Everett, 1344 Helena Flats Rd., Kalispell, 752-0102

Candidates for Nov 5th Election
Denotes incumbent (current office holder). Contact information can be found in previous listing.

Senate District (SD)

SD 38
Bob Keenan (R)

SD 39
Connie Leistiko (D), 132 Buffalo Stage, Kalispell, MT 59901, 756-9071, leistiko@digisys.net

Gregory D. Barkus (R), Box 2647, Kalispell, MT 59903, 755-8362, gbarkus@dadco.com

House District (HD)

HD 75
Bradley S. Wirth (D), 340 Chipmunk Court, Bigfork, MT 59911, 837-6863, bswirth@centurytel.net

Stanley Fisher (R)

HD 76
Bernie Olson (R), 161 Lakeside Blvd., Lakeside, MT 59922, 844-3282, obernie@centurytel.net

HD 77
Richard Kuhl (D), 867 North Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901, 257-5793, kuhlpan@centurytel.net

Rod Bitney (R)

Timothy R. Martin (C), Box 2013, Kalispell, MT 59903, 257-3038, bimbos@centurytel.net

HD 78
Tim Dowell (D), 46 Westview Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901, 752-7765

Roger Somerville (R)

HD 79
Verdell Jackson (R)

HD 80
Mike Jopek (D), 170 Blanchard Lake Drive, Whitefish, MT 59937, 862-4380, mikejopek@hotmail.com

Bob Lawson (R)

Gary E. Hall (C), Box 133, Olney, MT 59927, 862-2737, garius2@lycos.com

HD 83
John T. Polotto (D), Box 190724, Hungry Horse, MT 59919, 387-5546, petemoss@digisys.net

Dee l. Brown (R)

HD 84
George Everett (R)

Vince Woodhouse (D), 150 Bernard Road, Kalispell, MT 59901. bjvw@iglide.net

Debates Scheduled:
For contested races HD 39, 77, 78 & 84. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Oct. 15th from noon to 1:30 PM at the Outlaw Inn in Kalispell. Lunch is $10 per person.

Sponsored by the League of Women Voters. Oct. 24th 7:00 PM at the Outlaw Inn.

Flathead County Elections Office - 758-5536
sueh@co.flathead.mt.us

Sanders and Mineral County Legislators

Current Office Holders

SD 36
Jim Elliott (D), 100 Trout Creek Rd., Trout Creek, MT 59874, 827-3671

HD 71
Sylvia Bookout-Reinicke (R), P.O. Box 327, Alberton, MT 59820. 722-3344

HD 72
Paul Clark (D), 20 Fox Lane, Trout Creek, MT 59874. 827-4440

Candidates for Nov 5th Election
denotes incumbent (current office holder). Contact information can be found listed above.