Newsletter Archives 2005

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January 2005

Montana's 59th Legislature Gets Down to Business | Spotlight On . . . | Welcome New Board Members | Summit Long Range Plan Updated | Mission Statement Revised | Medicare Part B Deductible Increasing | Changes in SSA 2005 | New Medicare Benefits 2005 | County Updates |

Montana's 59th Legislature Gets Down to Business

A few months have now past since the November 2, 2004 elections. Since then, the face and make up of Montana's Government has changed dramatically and the 59th Legislative session is in full swing and under new leadership. We now have a Democratic Governor in Brian Schweitzer, Montana's first since the 1984 elections, the Senate is controlled by the Democratic Party and the House is evenly split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats. Despite a shakeup in the House leadership, things are moving full speed ahead and now is the time for you to get involved in the legislative process to let your voice be heard. There are many issues facing this year's Legislature that are very important to the disability community and to our way of life and survival. Such issues that Legislature will be dealing with include Medicaid redesign, Independent Living funding, and transportation just to name a few. A great way to stay informed of these topics and up-to-date with them is to join Summit's Action Alert System by contacting Travis Hoffman at thoffman@summitilc.org or calling 406-728-1630 and asking to be added to the email list.
With the government's new look, now is the time for your voice to be heard regarding the topics that are important to you. Remember, the Legislature works for you, you don't work for the Legislature. So contact your legislators today and let them know just how you want them to vote and why.

To learn more about the Legislature or to track the work of the Legislature please visit: http://leg.state.mt.us/css/sessions/59th/default.asp To send a message to a legislator via the web, please visit: http://leg.state.mt.us/css/sessions/59th/legwebmessage.asp
Important dates to be aware of include:

• January 27 - the Statewide Independent Living Council will be holding a "Legislative Day" potato buffet for the legislators in the capitol rotunda.
• February 3 and 4 - the House subcommittee on Health and Human Services will be receiving testimony regarding Senior and Long-Term Care, Medicaid Services, Aging and Adult Protective Services, Nursing Homes, and Medicaid Community Services.

For more information about the Legislature or Summit's Action Alert System, please contact Travis Hoffman or Mike Mayer or by calling 406-728-1630.

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Spotlight On . . .

Michelle Williamson has been a Peer Advocate in Lake County since October 2004. She came to Montana from Hawaii 1 ½ years ago and is of mixed Samoan, Cherokee and Blackfoot heritage. She is the youngest of seven kids and her brothers and sisters are scattered all over the United States. Michelle says that her father is the one who encouraged her the most to be successful in all that she does. Michelle has been married for 18 years to Scott who is also a Peer Advocate. They have a daughter who is 18.

Michelle was also involved with Independent living in Hawaii where she went before the Senate to speak against Physician Assisted Suicide and was involved in a project showing how to ride the city bus system. The bus project was intended to encourage other physically challenged individuals to ride the bus.

Michelle is currently very busy getting an AA with an emphasis in psychology and a BA in Social work at Salish Kootenai College. She is taking 18 credits in the winter quarter and due to her hands being affected by cerebral palsy, Michelle has an assistant at school who writes everything down for her. The assistant is provided by Student Support Services. Michelle says she enjoys going to college and envisions a career helping encourage people who have issues concerning disabilities.

Michelle enjoys making Native American Jewelry. She started making the jewelry about 5 years ago, and her husband helps her by doing the earrings while she makes the necklaces. She does take orders and each project is personalized. If you would like to place an order, call her at 675-0075.

Welcome New Board Members

Summit is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to the Board of Directors: Mike Brooks and Shaunda Albert. Mike is an attorney and small-business owner. He owns and operates Brooks Computer Services in Missoula. Shaunda serves as director of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Vocational Rehabilitation program in Pablo. We are excited about the expertise that they bring to the board and look forward to working with them over the coming years!

Summit Long Range Plan Updated

Summit conducted a community needs assessment within our seven-county service area in the summer of 2004. A total of 224 surveys were completed. Lack of transportation options was cited as the number one problem in western Montana. Other high-ranking problems/barriers identified include lack of adequate community supports (financial assistance, personal care, legal aid, etc.), lack of affordable and accessible housing, architectural barriers, lack of dollars for social services, and discrimination and negative attitude toward people with disabilities.

In response to this needs assessment, Summit's new three-year plan for 2005 through 2007 contains renewed goals to enhance transportation resources, improve personal care and other home and community-based services, and promote independent living through development of adequate community resources for housing, basic social services, and other supports.

In addition, the new three-year plan contains goals to expand independent living services in Lincoln, Sanders and Mineral Counties. Specifically, outreach to Sanders County will be increased to a minimum of two trips each month; a peer advocate program and regular outreach will be established in Lincoln County; and at least three trips will be made each year to Mineral County to step up outreach in that area. Stay tuned for updates on progress on our new goals!

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Mission Statement Revised

At the October 19, 2004 board meeting Summit's mission statement was revised, and now reads:

Summit's mission is to promote community awareness, equal access, and the independence of people with disabilities through advocacy, education and the advancement of civil rights.

The board and staff feel that the new mission statement better reflects Summit's commitment to help consumers improve their self-confidence, knowledge, skills and access to community resources, and to bring about positive change at the community level to reduce barriers, combat discrimination, and promote development of needed resources.

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Medicare Part B Deductible Increasing

Yes, for the first time since 1991, the Medicare Part B deductible is increasing. It will be $110 in 2005 and will be indexed to inflation every year thereafter. If you have supplemental insurance that picks up the deductible, it will continue to pay the full deductible amount. Check with your policy.

You will, however, pay more out of pocket for the Medicare premium, which is increasing 17.4 percent to $78.20 a month in 2005. If your income is low and you will have trouble affording your Medicare in the New Year, you may be eligible for assistance. Medicare Savings Program-also referred to as "Medicare Buy-In" or "Medicare Premium Payment" Programs-help many people with incomes up to 135 percent of the federal poverty level afford their Medicare. Depending on your income and assets, you may be eligible for one of the following programs

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB): pays your Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-insurance.
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB): pays your Medicare Part B premium.
• Qualifying Individual-1 Program (QI-1): also pays your Medicare Part B premium.

Go to http://www.medicarerights.org/helppayingformedicareframeset.html for current income and asset levels; they will increase in March 2005. To find out how to apply for these programs, contact your county's Medicaid office, sometimes called the Department of Human Services, the Department of Social Services or the Health Department. Ask what documents you need to show that your income and assets qualify you for Medicaid or one of the Medicare Savings Programs. You may need to provide the following documentation: proof of identity; residence; income and employment (if any); bank statements; stock certificates; life insurance policies; and information about all savings, income and any other health insurance premiums (such as for a Medigap plan).

Even if you are slightly over the income and asset limit, you may still qualify for these programs because different states calculate income differently. Certain assets, such as your home, one automobile, a burial fund, and your personal effects are generally not included in calculating your assets. And some states have eliminated consideration of assets altogether for certain of the Medicare Savings Programs. They're worth exploring. Find the telephone number for your State Health Insurance Assistance Program to request eligibility information in your state at http://hiicap.state.ny.us/home/link08.htm#telephone.

Note that people who did not enroll in Medicare Part B when they were first eligible and now cannot afford to enroll because of the 10 percent yearly premium penalty can still apply for a Medicare Savings Program. Once enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program, they will not have to pay the Part B premium or late enrollment penalties.

This information comes from the Dear Marci newsletter. You can sign up for the consumer version of the Medicare Rights Center's free e-newsletter by writing to Dear Marci@medicarerights.org with the words "subscribe consumer" in the subject line.

The Medicare General Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31 every year. If you missed your initial enrollment period and need health insurance from Medicare, you should contact your local Social Security office or call 800-772-1213 right away.

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Changes in Social Security for 2005

Beginning in January 2005, the following changes will go into effect for Social Security and Medicare benefits:

• The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will increase your benefits by 2.7 percent.
• The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold has increased to $830 per month ($1380 for blind).
• Earning below $590 per month will generally have no effect on your SSDI benefits, but be sure to check with your advisor about your specific situation.
• The cost of your Medicare Part B Premium has increased from $66.60 per month to $78.20. Your Part B deductible will increase from $100 to $110 per year.
• The SSI Federal Benefit rate (your SSI check) has been increased to $579 per month for an individual and $869 for couple. Resource limits remain the same at $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
• Student Earned Income Exclusion limit has increased to $1,410 per month up to a total of $5,670 a year.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits, call your local Summit Independent Living Center office for assistance.
Missoula-728-1630
Kalispell-257-0048
Ravalli-363-5242
Lake-676-0190

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New Medicare Benefits - 2005

Beginning in January 2005, Medicare will cover blood tests every five years to screen for cholesterol, lipid and triglyceride levels. Medicare will pay 100 percent of its approved amount for these tests, even if you have not yet met the Part B deductible of $110.
Also starting in 2005, Medicare will cover a blood test to screen people at risk for diabetes.
You are eligible for Medicare-covered diabetes screening every 12 months if you have:

• Hypertension
• dyslipidemia (a metabolism disorder)
• a prior blood test showing low glucose (sugar) tolerance;

Or at least two of the following:

• weight problems (such as being overweight);
• a family history of diabetes;
• a history of diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or having had a baby over nine pounds; or
• 65 years of age or more.

Medicare will pay for 100 percent of its approved amount for the test even before you have met the Part B deductible.

For people who will be joining Medicare for the first time in 2005, Medicare will cover a "Welcome to Medicare Physical" within the first six months of their enrollment in Part B.

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County Updates for January 2005

Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page

Things are starting to settle down again in the Flathead County office after all the recent staff changes. A new carpet was installed in October and the office looks great now. There is still a part-time position open for an Independent Living Specialist. We hope to have that filled in February.

The peer advocates have been very busy with Disability Awareness Trainings. New brochures have been created and distributed to all the area schools as well as some businesses.

General Disability Awareness trainings were recently given to Personal Touch Homecare and an FVCC Certified Nurses Assistant training class. The deaf peers gave a training on Deaf Culture and the Deaf Community to Sunburst Community Foundation in Eureka which went very well, although it was not a large group.

The Sunburst presentation served as a warm-up for a presentation given to the North Valley Hospital emergency room staff on communicating with deaf patients. Three deaf peers participated in the presentation which made use of the new projector for a Power Point presentation. The emergency room staff was very excited by the presentation and North Valley Hospital intends to invite the deaf peers back again to present to the general staff.

For the first time this year, the Flathead County office partnered with the Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) to provide yard or home repair services to people with disabilities. MCC provided the labor and Summit sought donations of materials to complete two projects for consumers. We hope to continue this partnership next year. If you are interested in getting on the waiting list, call the office at 257-0048.

Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page

On May 24, 2004 Summit staff, peers, and Transportation Advisory Committee members attended the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new facility for Ravalli County Council on Aging and BitterRoot Bus at 300 Old Corvallis Road. If you haven't driven by the new site lately, you will be amazed at the progress. But in actuality it has taken four (4) years of "behind the scene" advocacy, planning, preparation, and extensive paperwork for Bitterroot Bus to get to this point. Even though the development of needed resources is often times very slow and arduous, perseverance is a key ingredient, as demonstrated with this project. Summit remains actively involved in transportation issues and continues to support the expansion plans of Bitterroot Bus, including developing a city bus route in Hamilton.

We are very pleased to have a new peer advocate, Judi Press. She is extremely artistic and was chosen to be the featured artist during the month of December at the Sacajawea Gallery in Stevensville. She makes braided and hooked rugs, many quilted items, and very exquisite, unique Santa figures. She is an antique lover, enjoys refinishing furniture, and extremely adept at home decorating. We first met Judi when she became unable to work due to a hip replacement and was referred to Summit for help through the Social Security process.

On October 28, 2004 the second Caregivers Workshop/Conference was held at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton. Summit was one of many agencies sponsoring this event and it was truly a huge success, with over a hundred (100) attendees. Along with the education provided, caregivers were recognized for all their hard work, had an opportunity to network with one another, were showered with gifts, and pampered by massage therapists. It was a great event and we hope all those in attendance went back to work with renewed spirits.

The peers are busy making plans for the Summit booth in the Bitterroot Spring Fair, being held March 26th at the Hamilton High School gymnasium. Hope to see you there!

Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page

We have had many changes in the last six months. The biggest one literally and figuratively has been a move to a larger office. The larger office consists of two rooms, contains more light, and space where individuals can sit comfortably, and move about without feeling cramped. On Tuesday December 28th, the Ronan/ Polson People First Chapter had a Christmas/ New Years Dance. Complete with Christmas lights, music, and food, everyone had a great time. Our new office is located at 111 2nd Ave SW in Ronan.

Another significant change has been the addition of two new peer advocates for the Lake County area. The peer program has lain dormant for awhile, and is now up and running once more. Scott and Michelle Williamson are currently students at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo. Scott is working toward his associate's degree in Computer Science, while Michelle is working towards a bachelor's degree in Social Work. They have proven to be wonderful additions for Summit. (For additional information on Michelle Williamson see the Spotlight On… article on page 2.)
The Lake County Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) meets the third Tuesday of every month starting in February. Summit in Ronan is becoming active again with the Lake County transportation issues. At the meeting in December there was discussion regarding grant proposals such as the 5310 grant and the TransADE Grant. There was also discussion concerning agencies making commitments for providing a round trip drive from Lake County to Missoula County. In this proposal agencies would give their clients, as well as clients from other agencies, rides to medical appointments.

There continues to be constant changes in Lake county. The office space along with the new peers gives a new energy to the office. With the renewed involvement in the Lake County TAC, and networking within the various agencies transportation will be improved in this rural area.

Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page

Sanders County by John Gallaher, Peer Advocate

This last quarter has had Sanders County Peers working on various projects to keep Summit's name out there and visible to the public. Sandy Davis has joined the new Sanders Co. Community Housing Organization, and will attend meetings to ensure they will keep people with disabilities and accessibility in mind.

Mike Mayer, Kasey Day and Summit peers sponsored an end-of-summer barbecue and potluck at Pilgrim Creek Park for Avista personnel. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Brian Burky and Ruth Watkins, Avista's land use specialist and grant writer, respectively. Both go the extra mile, and have been working with Summit to obtain grants which were used to purchase special playground equipment designed for accessibility. The new toys; swings, tether balls and a 24 ft wooden ship will be placed in the Park next spring. The building of an accessible fishing pier at the Flatiron Recreational Area, west of Thompson Falls has been finished. The pier is nicely ramped and large enough for four people using wheelchairs, along with their fishing partners. A new kiosk was also erected at the site, and Avista has asked Summit and SCUD to provide info on each organization, our working relationship with them, and some history on ADA.

The Summit sponsored Transportation Task Force (SCTTF) is working on grant applications to meet a February deadline. Gabe Skibsrud is preparing the 05-06 TransADE application, and is helping two transportation providers, the Plains/Paradise Senior Citizens and Little Bitterroot Services, finish their Capital Assistance Grant applications. Both have signed cooperative agreements with other area agencies, and hope to secure funding from MDT for new lift-equipped buses this year. SCTTF has been going three years now and meetings are still well attended with progress made.

Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page

April 2005

Brooke & Red in Washington | Legislative Update | Spotlight On . . . | ADA Anniversary in 2005! | Blind and Low Vision Planning Project | Our Lives Our Choices | Montana Youth Update | County Updates |

Brooke & Red in Washington By Brooke Jaqueth and Becky Burke

Brooke Jaqueth, long time Missoula Peer Advocate and ADAPT participant recently went to Washington, DC with a small Montana contingent that included Samantha Frankel and Marsha Katz. About 500 people met in Washington, DC for an ADAPT action to meet with the National Governor's Association (NGA) on February 26-March 2, 2005 in support of the Medicaid Community Based Attendant Services and Supports Act (MiCASSA) of 2005. "It was really empowering to see all these other people with disabilities standing up and being heard." Brooke has been going to ADAPT actions as a Summit representative since the summer of 2003. Brooke braved snow and rain to march in Washington in support of MiCASSA.

ADAPT is a nation-wide organization of disability advocates that works to end the Medicaid institutional bias for nursing home placement and move people into their communities. ADAPT is asking the NGA to secure the passage of a resolution that supports home and community based services as opposed to nursing home or institutional placement. "ADAPT has been pushing for MiCASSA for a long time." As an example, Brooke pointed out that she attended the NGA meeting in Seattle last summer as Summit's ADAPT representative. The NGA promised at that time to carry the MiCASSA resolution to Washington, DC.

On February 16th, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Senator Arlen Spector (R-PA) introduced S.401 or MiCASSA. MiCASSA is part of Medicaid reform that would allow individuals who are currently eligible for nursing home or institutional facilities access to community based services and supports. S.401 also establishes a demonstration project to evaluate service and cost sharing approaches for both Medicaid and Medicare. The demonstration project also will provide states with additional funds to increase home and community based service systems. Representative Danny Davis (D-IL) and Representative John Shimkus (R-IL) also introduced MiCASSA into the House of Representatives as H.R. 910.

Brooke said, "On the first day of the ADAPT action and the NGA meeting, we blocked the streets around the Marriott Hotel. We met with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mark McClellan. Mr. McClellan told us we were the experts on community services and that our involvement in the reform process is important. Governor Schweitzer came down to meet with the Montana contingency. We asked him to support the resolution and he replied that because there had been a 50 million dollar cut in Medicaid services, he would have to look at the language in the resolution before making a commitment. I told him that I had been in Warm Springs and that I was told that I would be in there for quite a while and I now live in the community in my own apartment with PCA help, a service dog, and other supports and I am doing very well."

"On the next day, I got to chain myself to the White House fence in protest because the governors were all in the White House meeting with President Bush. We wanted to show them that we weren't going to sit back and be ignored anymore. After we chained ourselves to the White House fence we blocked the gates coming in and going out. The secret service, guards with huge dogs, the FBI, and men with concealed weapons all came out and watched us to make sure we didn't do anything drastic. No one got arrested that day…but Bob Kafka, ADAPT leader, told us later that "we probably broke at least 35 laws with our actions today…it wasn't just civil disobedience." "I felt powerful and like I was making a statement that day and that my voice was really being heard." "When the governors were going to the White House they had to sneak out of the hotel because they didn't want to deal with us."

According to an ADAPT press release dated March 2, 2005, the National Governor's Association did state that "community based care is preferable," but the document did not address the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision or specifically address the Medicaid Community-based Attendant Services and Supports Act of 2005. To view the National Governor's Association Medicaid Reform Proposal, go to www.nga.org/cda/files/0502MEDICAID.pdf . Brooke feels hopeful about the future of MiCASSA and urges people to contact Montana's congressional delegation and Governor Schweitzer about MiCASSA.

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Legislative Update

We are now moving towards the end of the 2005 legislative session and the goals that the SILC and Independent Living Centers in Montana had set prior to the beginning of the session are well on their way to being completed.

The funding for Independent Living was placed back into the Governor's budget; HB 273 to exempt rural transportation providers from the PSC Authority has been passed by both the Senate and the House and is awaiting the Governor's signature; SB 39 to clarify the application of motor vehicle laws to wheelchairs has been amended to not require wheelchairs to display slow-moving vehicle emblems or flags and is currently in the House; and HB 550 which would provide funding for MYLF has been passed by the House and is currently in the Senate.

Governor Schweitzer has also established a disability policy advisor position in the Governor's Office which is currently being held by Lena Belcourt. The governor also signed an executive order continuing the Governor's Advisory Council on Disability with a new emphasis on the implementation of the Olmstead decision in Montana.

Even though disability issues have come a long way since January, a majority of the issues have not yet been finalized and passed into law. So now that all of these proposals are on the table to improve the lives of people disabilities in the State of Montana, it is vital, now more than ever, for you to stay in contact with your representatives and continue to let them know just how important the passage of these items is. Let's finish this legislative session off with a bang and not let our voices waiver but let them continually be heard.

To find information on bills and other legislative information and updates please visit http://leg.state.mt.us/css/sessions/59th/default.asp.

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Spotlight On . . .

My name is Marty Wheeler, and I have been a peer advocate for the deaf with Summit for almost five years. I am deaf and also have cerebral palsy. My hobbies are reading, going to Grizzlies football games, surfing the Internet, and hanging out with friends and family. I was born and grew up in Kalispell, MT for most of my life.

My education began at an oral school for the deaf on the Army base in Denver, Colorado when I was a year old. Then I went to a public school at another Army base in Arizona for two years. When I moved back to Kalispell in 1979, I enrolled into the Program for the Deaf at Peterson School. I became one of the first two deaf students to begin and complete public education in Kalispell when I graduated with honors from Flathead High School in 1990. I also was the first deaf student to speak at the graduation. I started college at Gallaudet University for the deaf in Washington, D.C., but left there several weeks later. I attended Flathead Valley Community College for two years, then transferred to the University of Montana in Missoula. I had five good years there, and in 1997 became the first deaf student to graduate from a college in Montana when I received my B.A. degree in History.

Summit and my family helped me to be very independent for fifteen years before I became a peer advocate for the deaf in 2000. For example, Summit gave me independence skills tests in the summer of 1991 after my mom asked for the tests to see if I could live alone in an apartment by myself. My mom didn't think that I could do it, but Summit and I proved her wrong by showing her the tests explaining that I can live in an apartment by myself with some outside help. I lived in two dorms and three apartments at various times before I decided to buy my first house in 1999. Summit helped me get information on a special loan program to remodel my house to make it more accessible for me to live in. The loan program paid for a new wheelchair ramp. I do the house chores by myself except for lawn mowing and snow shoveling. My family or friends help me do those two chores.

I had several great jobs, mostly in data entry, but I was laid off from those jobs due to budget cuts and changes in my departments. However, I have a home-based internet business with USANA Health Sciences. I sell vitamins, skin care products, and many other health products online. For example, the Essentials vitamins helped me stop my bad asthma problem, and get stronger stamina. USANA also has hand lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and body gels made without chemicals. There are also health bars and liquid drinks.

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ADA Anniversary in 2005!

Greetings to all of you who keep the Spirit of ADA Alive on a daily basis! The ADA will be 15 years old in July of 2005. The four Montana Independent Living Centers are taking a lead role in coordinating how people with disabilities would like to celebrate this law in their community this summer.

In 2000, eight Montana communities held celebration events to educate, advocate for, and honor our civil rights law. Five years ago we followed the national ADA celebration theme "Power to Prevail". We also came up with our own Montana ADA Celebration Mission Statement. Each community was autonomous in choosing the direction in which they wanted to showcase progress for disability rights.

Throughout the coming months of preparing for local events, we can share ideas statewide. Our mutual support of each others ADA events and media response will bring our civil rights and disability culture into the public eye this summer.

Would you like to get involved in the planning of an ADA event in your area? If so contact the following people who are coordinating committees in your areas.

Living Independently For Today and Tomorrow - Billings, Miles City, & Glendive 406-259-5181 Char Harasymizuk

Montana Independent Living Project - Helena, Bozeman and Butte - 406-442-5755 - Jeanne Shutt

North Central Independent Living - Great Falls, Livingston, Glasgow - 406-452-9834 - Kris Kleinschmidt

Summit Independent Living Center - Missoula County - Jude Monson 406-728-1630

Flathead County - Flo Kiewel 406 -257-0048

Lake County - Kasey Day 406 -676-0190

Ravalli County - Joanne Perkins 406 -363-9035

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Blind and Low Vision Planning Project

New services are being developed in Montana for those that experience visual impairment and blindness. The Montana Independent Living Project (MILP- a Helena-based ILC), Montana Blind and Low Vision Services, Lions Clubs of Montana, as well as a variety of other partners, are collaborating on a planning project through a grant awarded by the Montana Commission on Community Service to conduct a feasibility and needs assessment of services for blind and low vision Montanans.

MILP is developing a service delivery strategy focusing on the needs in the blind and low vision communities in the state. They are currently looking at several models, including a mobile unit to travel around the state conducting technology and equipment demonstrations, as well as an information and call referral center, which consumers could call from anywhere in the state to find out about community and state resources relating to blindness and visual impairment.

MILP is interested in talking with consumers and service providers in the state so that they can start mapping resources in various Montana communities for these expanded services. One of the main goals of the planning project is to create a tangible network of information and services for blind and low vision consumers.

If you are interested in hearing more about this project, or have ideas about how blind and low vision needs can better be met in Montana, please contact the MILP Low Vision Planning Coordinator, Heather Tomlins, via phone at (406) 461-4445 to learn more. She is also distributing a survey to blind and low vision consumers and caregivers, so contact her to receive a copy.

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Our Lives Our Choices

What are your choices for quality of life and end of life care?

The intense controversy surrounding the life and death of Terri Schiavo has brought into sharp focus the need for all of us to provide clear direction to our family members and loved ones regarding our wishes for medical treatmisent and end of life care. As an independent living center we wanted to pass on information about resources that can help you clarify your preferences for end of life care as well as for medical intervention in the event you are unable to communicate your wishes due to a health crisis, serious injury or disease.

As people with disabilities we have the right to make decisions about the services and supports we need to maintain our health and independence in our day-to-day lives. We also have the right to understand any new medical information we are given and make choices about new and/or additional medical treatments when our health condition is being challenged. We have the responsibility to communicate our decisions in person and in writing so that the people who love and care about us will understand our preferences. We are aware of at least two common resources that can help you with educating and advocating for your rights as a human being when it comes to making quality of life and end of life decisions.

My Choices Advance Directive for Health Care is a four page form that gives you the opportunity to choose a health care representative or power of attorney for health care, describe your thoughts about terminal conditions and the general treatment directions you would consider, describe chronic illness and disability diagnosis so that this history is considered, a place for your signature and witnesses to sign, and additional special directions. You can receive copies from Susan Hancock at Life's End Institute, 320 E. Main Street, Missoula MT 59802. 406-728-1613 ext. 207 or go to www.choicesbank.org.

Five Wishes is a twelve page form that walks you through similar choices, but gives you more information within some of the sections. You can choose the person you want to make your care decisions when you can't, the kind of medical treatment you want and don't want, how comfortable you want to be, how you want people to treat you, and what you want your loved ones to know. You can preview this document and or purchase a copy for $5.00 from Aging with Dignity, PO Box 1661, Tallahassee Florida 32302-1661. 1-888-594-7437 or go to www.agingwithdignity.org and check out the Five Wishes layout.

Local medical and social work personnel as well as lawyers may have copies of similar documents that you can obtain. This is a highly personal process and we hope that this information will assist you in determining the best choices for yourself.

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Montana Youth Update

Becky Burke and Jennifer Baker are currently teaching the R.A.V.E. (Respect, Attitude, Values, Education) class for young women at Hellgate High School. The class will run until April 4th at Hellgate. The class lasts 8 weeks and covers issues that teenage girls with disabilities need to deal with. Topics include: communication, dating and relationships, self-advocacy, goals and future planning, and disability awareness. The R.A.V.E. class was developed with the help of young women with disabilities at all of the Missoula area high schools. Last Fall, Jennifer and Becky completed the class at Sentinel high school. Becky and Jennifer have found each school to be extremely different in the number of girls who attend the class, the level of self-awareness and understanding, and the level of teacher support for the program.

Travis Hoffman and Michael Beers just finished up teaching the B.A.L.L.S. (Building Advocacy and Learning Leadership Skills) class for young men with disabilities at Hellgate High School. B.A.L.L.S. class includes such topics as disability awareness, understanding individualism, rights and responsibilities as a person with a disability, transition, and utilizing support systems and resources. The class lasts six weeks and has been taught at Sentinel High School and Hellgate High School this academic year.

The Montana Youth Leadership Forum, which will be held July 18 - 22, 2005 in Billings, has extended its deadline for excepting applications for participants, staff volunteers, presenters, and mentors. Twenty high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors will be a selected to attend this year's forum and will receive an all expenses paid trip to Billings for the forum. Applications can be found and downloaded at www.montanaylf.org. If you are interested in attending this worthwhile event, don't hesitate. Apply today.

Travis Hoffman and Michael Beers who are on the Governing Board of the National Youth Leadership Network are currently busy helping lay the groundwork for the 2005 NYLN Advanced Leadership Institute which is being held in Washington D.C. July 24 - 27, 2005. This year's Institute is open to past MYLF delegates as well as anyone who has participated in NYLN, Kids As Self Advocates (KASA), Youth Information Centers funded in 2004 by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, or Other Projects or Organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America or Family Support 360 Projects in the past and who is still between the ages of 16 and 24. Those who are selected will receive an all expenses paid trip to the Institute in Washington D.C. and approximately 50 youth from all across the United States will be a selected to attend. Applications are available online at www.nyln.org. The deadline for applications is April 8, 2005 so if you qualify, don't hesitate to get your application in. school guys while the girls, will teach Respect, Attitude, Values, and Education, better known as RAVE, to the high school girls.

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County Updates

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Flathead County by Flo Kiewel, County Coordinator

The first Living Well with a Disability workshop began in Kalispell on March 8th and will run through the end of April. Flo Kiewel is the facilitator and Amber Lang is co-facilitator. There are 10 people participating in the class and others had to be turned away. This seems to be a workshop that will be much in demand in the future and we are looking forward to offering it again.

The Flathead deaf and hearing impaired Peer Advocates recently did a Disability Awareness training for Kalispell Regional Medical Center (KRMC). The training was attended by approximately 20 hospital staff and was very well received. KRMC has requested additional training for the rest of their staff and this has been scheduled to take place in April and May.

As a result of the Disability Awareness Training given to North Valley Hospital in January, a Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) station is now available there. In a matter of minutes, patients who are deaf can have a certified medical interpreter available through a video-internet connection and be able to communicate effectively with their doctor or emergency staff. Not only was North Valley Hospital immediately responsive to acquiring VRI equipment, but they also hosted a demonstration of VRI for the Deaf Community. This is a tremendous advancement in health care access for people who are deaf.

A VRI connection has also been established in the Kalispell Summit office.
Congratulations to the Flathead Peer Advocates who participated in this very successful advocacy effort on behalf of those who are deaf. Great job!

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Ravalli County by Joanne Perkins, County Coordinator

The most exciting thing happening in Ravalli County is the growth of public transportation. On January 17th, BitterRoot Bus started a fixed bus route, operating on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6am to 6pm. And, now that legislation passed to exempt rural public transportation providers from Public Service Commission authority, the general public will be able to "come ride the bus with us." The Ravalli County peers and I, along with a reporter and photographer from the Ravalli Republic, rode the bus route one day last week and we were all very impressed! We're simply excited about all the progress, including the new facility for the BitterRoot Bus and the Council on Aging. They will be moving soon and have an open house scheduled for March 30th. Years and years of hard work is finally being realized, so we can't help but celebrate!

The Bitterroot Spring Fair, held March 26th at the Hamilton High School gymnasium, featured the BitterRoot Bus. Judi Press, our new talented and artistic peer here in Ravalli County, made an absolutely perfect and gorgeous BitterRoot Bus out of a cardboard refrigerator box that was on display at the fair booth, so no one missed seeing us this year! We distributed the BitterRoot Bus schedule and other transportation related information, answered questions, and got people to thinking about rural public transit in general.

I encourage each of you to take a ride on the BitterRoot Bus, either to get to where you need to go, or simply to enjoy the progress we have made here in Ravalli County.

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Lake County by Kasey Day, County Coordinator

Now that we have settled into our new office location, the Ronan office is holding regular People First meetings. The initial March People First meeting was a glowing success. Individuals are learning to speak up…and out… concerning issues that are important to them. The members are speaking up on issues such as lack of transportation, benefit concerns, inaccessibility…and yes, just as important to them, their strong dislike of peas.

In the summer there will be a statewide People First meeting in Helena, which will mark their first road trip representing the Ronan/Polson People First Chapter since I have been on board as chapter advisor.

There soon will be a new Native American Outreach Specialist on board. We have received some great applications for the position, and I am looking forward to having another individual in the office. The interviews for the position are set for the near future, and all applicants would bring new energy to the office, and many ideas we can work with.

Shaunda Albert is a new addition to Summit's board of Directors who has proven to be a valuable asset for the Ronan office. She works as the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Director, for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation. She and I are establishing a Head Injury Support Group for this area. We have already comprised a list of possible individuals who would be interested in attending. The need is great for a resource like this. Lake County is following in the footsteps of other communities in Montana that have already established Head Injury Support Groups. I am looking forward to the upcoming road trip with the Ronan/Polson Chapter of People First, a new staff person in the Ronan office, and the fruition of the Lake County Head Injury Support Group.

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Sanders County by John Gallaher, Peer Advocate

Sanders County Peers have been working on several projects, including suitable times to put on disability awareness presentations in area schools. We're also working with SCUD members on several jobs. The first was a request to help start a support group for individuals that live with seizure disorders. We've taken out ads in the two local newspapers, and have been distributing flyers throughout the county in medical clinics and high traffic areas. The second was sharing a booth to meet people and hand out material at the Sanders County Trade Fair held in Plains, March 19th.

Both organizations are still working well with Avista and 800 feet of new accessible trail is being built at two riverfront rest areas just across the Mont/Idaho border, with accessible picnic tables and restrooms being put in place. Many county residents use these areas when traveling to Sandpoint, so we're involved. The new accessible wooden ship and other playground equipment will be placed in Pilgrim Creek Park as soon as weather permits. Another project we have is to fill a 4' by 4' space on a kiosk west of Thompson Falls at the Flatiron Recreational Area with info on ADA and people with disabilities recreating outdoors. We need to promote accessibility in the west end of the county, where a group of individuals wants public access through Forest Service land for float trips, and have requested public dollars be spent creating primitive trails only. They need a place to take out their rafts and kayaks, but do not want accessible trails into their space. A request has been received by SCUD and a Summit Peer to write an informative article on people with disabilities and outdoor recreation, i.e. river rafting & floating, tubing, fishing, hunting, sit-skiing, etc. for publication in the River Journal and Sanders County Ledger. We need material to put this together in an informative manner to convince these individuals we like to enjoy the land and water as well.

The SC Transportation Task Force (SCTTF) has done well with their grant applications this year, getting the news that our TransADE grant was approved, and we've received very positive news on our two Capital Assistance grant applications. We are getting ready now to send people to the Montana Department of Transportation workshops and the Montana Transit Association conference the second week of April in Missoula. Things are busy!

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This newsletter is funded by the US Department of Education grant #H132A30808 and in part under an agreement with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human services. Any statements herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the departments.

This page was last updated on 6/23/08