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Back to the current edition of The Summit Independent
Happy New Year at Summit | Spotlight On . . . | Commitment to Standards | Broadway Burton Update | NOTICE UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT | Medicare Part D Notes | People First News | More Upcoming Changes in Medicare | Pedestrian Safety Laws | New Invention | County Updates |
The new year promises to be a very exciting and busy one for Summit.
The year 2006 marks Summit's 25th anniversary, and we plan to celebrate!
Summit is collaborating with the Statewide Independent Living Council
and Montana's three other independent living centers to hold a joint
independent living symposium and 25th anniversary celebration August
22, 23 and 24 at the University of Montana in Missoula. Planning
is well underway and we look forward to the opportunity to gather
with our colleagues from across the state. It promises to be a productive,
informative and fun-filled event! Stay tuned for more details in
the next issue of the Summit Independent.
Summit
will also stay busy in the coming months with the Big Sky Bonanza
demonstration project. This project will lay the groundwork for
a new option in the HCBS program that will allow consumers, with
support from an Independence Advisor and a Bookkeeper, to develop
a service and support plan for their independent living needs. Consumers
will have much more flexibility and control over social PA, homemaker,
habilitation training, environmental modifications and other services
typically controlled by a case manager. There will be more flexibility
with state plan personal assistance services as well. Summit is
working with DPHHS staff and members of the project oversight committee
to develop educational materials for participants, put together
training workshops, and develop the training curriculum for the
Independence Advisors. Target date for consumer enrollment is April
1. We will be very busy between now and then!
Summit
was also asked to collaborate on an exciting new grant recently
awarded to DPHHS to develop a "Medicaid Buy-in" option
in Montana that will allow people with disabilities to access Medicaid
services once they become employed. Many people choose not to work,
or only work part time due to the potential for losing Medicaid
or other healthcare benefits when they receive earned income. Hopefully
this new project will lead to greater employment outcomes for Montanans
with disabilities. Summit will work under contract with DPHHS to
conduct the outreach activities of the grant. A series of consumer
focus groups will be held across the state in collaboration with
the independent living centers in Helena, Great Falls and Billings.
The focus groups will provide consumers the opportunity to talk
about barriers to employment and share their ideas for changes in
the Medicaid system that will lead to more jobs for people with
disabilities. This project is in the early stages of development,
so we'll pass along more information as it becomes available.
Return to Newsletter Index | County Updates | Newsletter Archives
Brooke Jaqueth
I work as a
peer advocate for Summit Independent Living Center, Inc. My service
dog, Red, always accompanies me on all Summit assignments such as
school and community presentations, meeting the legislators, and
national ADAPT actions. He is an important part of my advocacy work.
On a bright winter's day of December 27, 1960, I was born prematurely
in Libby Montana. I was just a tiny thing that could fit in my daddy's
hand. I had depression and fibromyalgia as a child, but I didn't
get diagnosed until adulthood. In High School I had chronic pain
and depression. At the time, the doctor told me that my pain was
"all in my head" and since I had headaches, I felt that
some of my pain was literally in my head! In 1979, I went away to
college in California to become an oceanographer. Things went well
for a while until my depression became so debilitating that I had
to quit college and move back home. In 1981, I had a special dog
that followed me home from work one day who I named Isaac. The name
Isaac means "laughter." Isaac was an English Sheep dog
and he helped me through some of the hardest times that I had. I
used him as a psychiatric support dog.
In 1989, I had
a very bad year. I was hospitalized in the state psychiatric hospital
at Warm Springs, Montana. It was a low point in my life. My Mom
brought Isaac to visit me once and this visit brightened my whole
outlook on life. I decided I would try to get better. After five
months in Warm Springs, I was released and moved to Missoula, Montana
where I sought day treatment for mental illness at a club house
called River House. I went to River House for about eight years,
but in the meantime, I was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis, a
progressive disease where the blood supply gets cut off from the
bone causing the bone to die. As time goes on, I will need more
and more help. I also finally got diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a
disorder of unknown origin that causes pain and fatigue.
In 1996, I started
using a wheelchair. I also began needing personal care attendants
(PCA's). At the time, my doctor felt that I should get a service
dog. I suggested getting a fish and she said "No, get a service
dog." She was right! On Christmas 1997, I got "Red."
Red is a golden retriever. Red has literally saved my life. He has
helped me pick stuff up off the floor, open doors, pay for things,
and kept my mood up when nothing else in the world could. Red has
been a constant companion, a wonderful emotional support, and he
alerts others if I am in need of psychiatric support. Red gets me
out of the house even when my depression is very severe since he
has to be walked every day. It literally changes my whole outlook
on life and helps me see that life is not as bad as I sometimes
think. Red is now 10 years old and will soon be retiring. I worry
about what will happen when he dies.
I really love
my job here at Summit, I could not think of a place that I would
rather be or people I would rather work with.
The Missoula
County Department of Public Works is working vigorously to ensure
that all work done on County maintained streets and pedestrian walkways
meets the standards as outlined in the Uniform Federal Accessibility
Standards (UFAS). This includes, but is not limited to, an exhaustive
inspection of all locations where a street level pedestrian walkway
intersects with a street, road or highway within County jurisdiction
to check for compliance with the standards.
Input from the public is welcome and encouraged. Please contact
the County Public Works Department at 258-4898 to report problems
with curb ramps or slopes on County roads and walkways which do
not meet the standards.
Return to Newsletter Index | County Updates | Newsletter Archives
Mayor Elect John Engen has taken up the Missoula Coalition for Disability Rights recommendation to gather all concerned citizens together in early 2006 to talk about the vision for the Broadway Corridor. The "hot" topic for pedestrians and drivers will be expressing their experiences with the narrowing of traffic lanes between Orange to California streets. Stay tuned for details.
Return to Newsletter Index | County Updates | Newsletter Archives
NOTICE UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
In accordance
with the requirements of title II of the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990, the County will not discriminate against qualified
individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in the
County's services, programs, or activities.
Employment:
The County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its
hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations
promulgated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
under title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Effective Communication: The County will generally, upon request,
provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication
for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate
equally in the County's programs, services, and activities, including
qualified sign language interpreters, documents in Braille, and
other ways of making information and communications accessible to
people who have speech, hearing, or vision impairments.
Modifications to Policies and Procedures: The County will make all
reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that
people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all
County programs, services, and activities. For example, individuals
with service animals are welcomed in County offices, even where
pets are generally prohibited.
Anyone who requires
an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification
of policies or procedures to participate in a County program, service,
or activity, should contact the office of the ADA Coordinator, Ann
Mary Dussault, at 406-258-4858, as soon as possible but no later
than 48 hours before the scheduled event.
The ADA does
not require the County to take any action that would fundamentally
alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue
financial or administrative burden.
Complaints that a County program, service, or activity is not accessible
to persons with disabilities should be directed to Ann Mary Dussault,
ADA Coordinator at 406-258-4858.
The County will
not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability
or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the cost
of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications
of policy, such as retrieving items from locations that are open
to the public but are not accessible to persons who use wheelchairs.
Return to Newsletter Index | County Updates | Newsletter Archives
If you have drug coverage from your former employer or union, check with your benefits administrator before considering a Medicare prescription drug plan. Medicare is working with employers and unions to ensure that people who currently receive drug coverage through their former employer or union can continue to do so.
People with limited incomes and resources may get extra help with their Medicare prescription drug coverage. The amount of help will depend on the amount of your income and resources.
Anyone with Medicare - Part A and/or Part B - can join a plan offered in his or her area. Medicare Health Plans will offer drug coverage to their members.
As noted earlier, there is extra help available for people with limited income and resources to pay for prescription drugs. People with the lowest incomes will pay no premiums or deductibles, and small or no co-payments. Those with slightly higher incomes will have a reduced deductible and pay a little bit more out of pocket.
If you are single and your resources (savings, investments, and real estate other than your home) are worth less than $11,500, or if you are married and your resources are worth less than $23,000, you may qualify for help with paying the cost of a Medicare prescription drug plan. The Social Security Administration is sending people who may qualify a form to complete and mail in to apply for the extra help. If you don't get one and you think you qualify, you should ask the Social Security Administration for an application.
If you know you don't qualify or didn't qualify for extra help through SSA, there is another program called Big Sky Rx. Big Sky Rx is a State of Montana program administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services. In order to qualify for Big Sky Rx you must be a Montana resident, be on Medicare, and have an annual family income less than about $19,140 if you are single or about $25,660 if you are married and living together (this income changes on an annual basis). Big Sky Rx helps pay monthly Medicare drug coverage premiums up to $33.11 for qualified Montana residents with Medicare. Anyone on Medicare can apply for Big Sky Rx. Fill out an application for Big Sky Rx even if you are not yet enrolled with a Medicare Rx plan. Call Big Sky Rx at 1-866-369-1233 with questions. You can also contact your local Summit office for an application.
You can join a plan offering prescription drug coverage as early as November 15,2005. If you join by December 31st, your coverage will start January 1st of 2006. After that, your coverage will begin the month after the month you join. Keep in mind, there is a special open enrollment period for this year only; from November 15th of 2005 to May 15th of 2006. Every year after that, there will be an open enrollment period from November 15th to December 31st of each year except in special circumstances.
You have the options to change your part D plan once without getting penalized before the next open enrollment period.
For Medicaid beneficiaries who also have Medicare, Montana Medicaid will cover the following Part D excluded drugs if payment is denied by beneficiaries' Part D prescription drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans:
Benzodiazepines (drugs used to relieve anxiety, treat insomnia, or help relax muscles or relieve muscle spasms)
Barbiturates
(drugs used before surgery to relieve anxiety or tension, to help
control seizures in certain disorders or diseases, sometimes used
to relieve nervousness or restlessness during the daytime)
Return to Newsletter Index | County Updates | Newsletter Archives
People
First News by Andrea Dahl
The
Missoula Valley People First chapter has been busy this fall.
In
October several of our members attended the MONA Monopoly Conference
in Helena. This year the program was revised to focus on the consumers
instead of the advisors and caseworkers. Each of the members attended
workshops to gain a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities
as consumers receiving MONA services. The conference was quite a
revision of the past DD conferences. The focus was to have more
participation from the consumers. They were each given a chance
to win $50 for their answering questions and collecting information.
Tiffany Carlson of the Missoula chapter was one of the winners.
Our
chapter has been part of a medical portfolio workshop with the Rural
Institute. They are learning how to collect needed medical information
that can be used when they have a medical or dental appointment.
With each session another section is added on to a binder. When
it is completed it will have a collection of medical history, medical
records, allergies, and dental history. They participate in discussions
on how to improve their health with changes in eating habits and
fitness. Some of the participants have already used their portfolio
at doctor appointments with positive responses from their doctor.
We
continue to attend the Kiwanis Club luncheons at least once a month.
In December the chapter was invited to the Kiwanis Club Christmas
Party. They have also volunteered to help with bell ringing for
the Salvation Army for a Saturday afternoon.
The
chapter has had a busy year and hopes to have an even busier coming
year!
Return to Newsletter Index | County Updates | Newsletter Archives
More Upcoming Changes in Medicare
Taken from Dear Marci, Volume 4, Issue 47: Week of November 21, 2005. Dear Marci is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (MRC), the nation's largest independent source of health care information for people with Medicare. A national nonprofit founded in 1989, MRC helps older adults and people with disabilities get good, affordable health care.
While most attention has been put on the new Medicare prescription
drug benefit, there are a number of other changes beginning to take
effect, many of which are a result of the Medicare Prescription
Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA). These changes
include the following:
1. Lock-In.
Starting in 2006, if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan - mostly
HMO's and PPO's - you will be limited in when and how you can change
your Medicare health plan. If you change your plan selection at
any time between November 15 and December 31, 2005, your new coverage
will start January 1, 2006. Then you will only be able to change
during specified enrollment periods:
Once during the Open Enrollment Period-January 1 through June 30
in 2006; January 1 through March 31 in 2007 and beyond. Your new
coverage starts the first of the month after you enroll.
Once during the Annual Coordinated Election Period-November 15 through
December 31 of every year. Your new coverage starts the following
January.
During these
enrollment periods you can switch from:
Original Medicare
to a Medicare private health plan (like an HMO, PPO or Private Fee
For Service plan); a Medicare private health plan to Original Medicare;
or one Medicare private health plan to another.
If your Medicare
private health plan leaves your area or you move out of your plan's
service area, you will be given a Special Enrollment Period to switch
to another private health plan or to Original Medicare no matter
what time of the year it is.
2. Cap on
Outpatient Therapy. Starting in 2006, Medicare will limit the
amount of physical, speech-language and occupational therapy it
will cover. The maximum Medicare will pay in 2006 for physical and
speech-language therapy combined is approximately $1,750. It will
cover up to another $1,750 for occupational therapy. These limits
apply to outpatient therapy received at
therapists' or doctors' offices; outpatient rehabilitation facilities;
skilled nursing facilities for outpatients or residents who do not
have Medicare-covered stays; and home, through therapists connected
with home health agencies, when not part of a Medicare-covered health
benefit.
The limits will not apply to outpatient therapy received at hospital
outpatient facilities, unless given by the hospital's Medicare-certified
skilled nursing facility.
3. Changes
to Standardized Medigap Plans. Medigaps (Medicare supplemental
insurance policies you can buy to fill in the gaps in Original Medicare)
will change in the following ways:
Plans H, I and J, which offered drug coverage, will no longer be
sold with drug coverage after December 31, 2005. If you already
have one of these plans, you can keep it with the drug coverage.
But since the premiums for these plans are so high and the drug
coverage limited, you are probably better off changing to a different
Medigap plan and enrolling in a Medicare private drug plan.
Two new Medigap
plans, K and L, will be created. These plans are designed to have
lower monthly premiums because they require you to pay a portion
of your costs for most Medicare-covered services until you have
reached a specified amount out of pocket. Once you reach your out-of-pocket
limit, both plans will pay 100 percent of your Medicare coinsurance
for covered services. These plans may save you money if you currently
have low medical expenses. However, you may not be able to switch
to another Medigap policy if you later need more medical services.
4. Medicare drug discount card enrollment ends December 31, 2005. If you already have one of these cards, you can continue to use it (and any leftover assistance money) until your Medicare drug coverage (Part D) begins or until May 15, 2006, whichever comes first.
5. Annual
Cost Increases. Some Medicare out-of-pocket costs go up every
year. In 2006 you will pay the following:
Monthly Part B Premium = $88.50
Inpatient Hospital Care = $952 deductible per benefit period, no
co-insurance for 1-16 days, $238 daily co-insurance for days 61-90,
$476 daily co-insurance for 60 lifetime reserve days.
Skilled Nursing Facility Care = No co-insurance for days 1-20, $119
daily co-insurance for days 21-100.
Return to Newsletter Index | County Updates | Newsletter Archives
Pedestrian Safety Laws- Take the time to cross safely
Montana Code
Annotated 61-8-502 - Pedestrians' right-of-way in crosswalk
When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation,
the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing
down or stopping if necessary, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway
within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an
intersection, but a pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb or
other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle
that is so close that it is impossible for the operator to yield.
Montana Code
Annotated 61-8-503 - Crossing at other than crosswalks
Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within
a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection
shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.
Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.
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Scot Browne's latest invention is a flashlight holder for a wheelchair, it can be clamped on either a horizontal or vertical bar. You can see Scot's inventions at http://www.afarcry.info/ click on Adaptations and then click on "Hunting."
There is also a binocular holder that clamps on to the chair that you can see by clicking on "My Own."
Return to Newsletter Index | County Updates | Newsletter Archives
County Updates for January 2006
Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page
Winter has
settled in for the Flathead valley and we have brought space heaters
into the office. If you stop by and find the door closed, it may
not mean we're gone, we're just trying to keep the heat in-walk
right in.
Flo recently
completed fourteen trainings in Deaf Awareness for licensed staff
at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. We continue to get a good
response to these sessions from participants and organizers. Hopefully
we will be called on to provide trainings in other disability areas
in the future.
Peer Advocate,
Evelyn Pool, has agreed to be the Summit representative in transportation
issues. She is involved with the TransADE Program coordinated by
Special Friends, and also keeping an eye on statewide transportation
efforts. If you are interested in getting half price bus or taxi
vouchers, or participating in special Fun Trips, call the office
for more information.
Amber has begun a monthly Silent Luncheon for people wanting a place
to practice their signing skills. Anyone with any level of signing
skill, from beginner to advanced, is welcome to come. Sometimes
members of the deaf community show up as well.
Leo Kanning
recently completed an advanced sign language class for Career Connections
staff members.
We have had
quite a number of people come in or call concerning Part D Medicare
benefits. If you haven't done anything about your Part D yet, there
is still time to check it out or make changes. Give Amber a call
at 257-0048 and she will help you get everything figured out.
Have a safe winter!
Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page
The
Ravalli County Caregivers Conference was held on October 27th, with
105 caregivers in attendance. Michael Beers, Summit Peer Advocate
in Missoula, provided the entertainment during lunch time. Overall,
it was a great conference, great speakers, great gifts, and excellent
feedback from all who attended.
Summit
recently became the advisor for the People First in Hamilton. We
are very excited about this new role and have set many goals and
objectives. By-laws have been written in preparation for becoming
an official state chapter. In January, they will hold the election
of officers, and will meet with Kiwanis in hopes of gaining sponsorship
with them. And, there are many good ideas for new projects and activities.
Now
that the construction of the HRC Building is near completion, Dawn
has scheduled Self-Esteem classes beginning March 1st. If there
are a sufficient number of people signed up, they will meet on that
date to determine what day and time will be best for the majority
of participants. If you or some one you know is interested in participating
please sign up by calling the Summit office in Hamilton at 363-5242.
The
peer advocates continue to attend the City of Hamilton Park Board
and City Council meetings to stay abreast of the plans for accessible
city parks. They have participated in the annual Disability Awareness
day at Daly Elementary and hope to have the opportunity for other
school presentations throughout the school year. In March the annual
Bitterroot Valley Spring Fair is held, so the peers will be busy
planning the theme for the Summit booth. If you have any ideas,
just let us know.
We
hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and may 2006 be a rewarding
year for all.
Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page
I
came on board with Summit ILC in September, 2005 as the Lake and
Sanders County Coordinator. It has been a learning experience each
and every day. When I don't have the answers, I can always rely
on the Summit staff for help in giving me the right answers. Networking
with other agencies is very important to me, especially in Sanders
County, which I am not familiar with. The Sanders County Peers go
out of their way to introduce me to area agencies as the new Coordinator
for Summit ILC in Sanders County; they also keep me informed on
issues in Sanders County. Keep up the good work. In Sanders County
we are working on doing presentations in Sanders school systems,
the target date to start doing presentations in Sanders County is
the first of the year 2006. Lake County Peers have been doing presentations
in area schools and have been getting good feed back, which always
makes you feel positive about the message you are getting across
after all the hard work you do to make it happen.
Another
group I work with is People First of Lake County. Before I started
this job I never heard of People First of Montana, so we definitely
need to bring awareness to the community about People First. I intend
to do this through presentations, having a People First booth at
sporting and community events, and through the media.
Thanks for letting me share what I been doing in Lake and Sanders County.
Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page
Sanders County by John Gallaher, Peer Advocate
Changes
have taken place in Sanders County this past quarter, with Kasey
moving on to Missoula, and Leon Grant taking over as our Supervisor.
After a get acquainted luncheon, Leon had peers contact the school
in their area and pass out information on Summit's Disability Awareness
Presentations, and applications for The Montana Youth Leadership
Program to be held this summer in Billings. Peers also introduced
Leon to state, county and local officials that he may have the opportunity
to work with.
Ryan
Gilmore, the writer under contract with Avista, had an article on
outdoor recreation and people with disabilities printed in the River
Journal, a periodical, which is circulated through western Montana
and northern Idaho. He has written another, which he plans to submit
to a national magazine in the very near future, and is looking for
someone with a disability who enjoys kayaking and mountain climbing
in this area to provide input that could be used to promote opportunities
the Montana Cabinet Mountains offer.
Summit,
SCUD and Avista now have the material to fill our area of the Flatiron
kiosk. Over the winter, Brian Burky will have the professionals
put the information on weatherproof plastic plaques to be mounted,
and the display will be ready next spring just in time for the tourists.
This past hunting season, there were only three roads open in Sanders
County for use by people with a disability who have a "Permit
to Hunt from the Vehicle." The distance was such that by the
time a hunter picked up the key at the Ranger Station in Plains
or Trout Creek, and returned it, the travel time would use up the
best part of one day, and with the cost of gas, one had to wonder
if it was worth it. On January 11, 2006, Leon and John will meet
with Rangers at both the Plains and Trout Creek Ranger Stations
to see if more roads closer to where hunters live, can be made available
next year.
The
SC Transportation Task Force (SCTTF) is puttering along, preparing
grant applications to submit for next year's funding. A couple of
members attended a state-sponsored TransADE and Capital Assistance
workshop this fall, but we may be looking at a different type of
funding now, and we're hoping to have an MDT official come to our
January meeting and work with us. Little Bitterroot Services Inc.
will be getting their new lift-equipped bus right after the first
of the year so we should be in pretty good shape for a little while.
Flathead
| Ravalli | Lake
| Sanders |
Return
to top of page
What is a RAMP ? | Big Sky Bonanza| Spotlight On . . . | Enrolling or Changing Your Medicare Part D | Part D Formulary Exception Requests | Missoula People First | Meet Todd Tibbetts| County Updates |
The Regional
Access Mobility Program (RAMP for short) is a new organization being
developed in Missoula to provide wheelchair ramps and other accessibility
modifications for people with disabilities and seniors living in
Missoula and Ravalli Counties. A number of local organizations are
involved in RAMP, including the Carpenters Union, Missoula Aging
Services, WORD, the HCBS program at Community Medical Center, Partners
in Home Care, and Summit.
RAMP is still
in the early stages of development but the goal is to begin building
wheelchair ramps within a few months. A skilled carpenter will take
the lead designing and building ramps to ensure that they are safe
and functional. Ramps will be provided based on an individual's
ability to pay.
Volunteers are needed to help with building ramps, soliciting donated
materials, raising funds, providing clerical support and many other
tasks.
RAMP is holding
a raffle to raise money to help get the program off the ground.
Tickets are $5 each, and the prize is a beautiful handmade quilt.
The drawing will be held at the June 20 RAMP board meeting. If you're
interested in buying ticket, getting more information or volunteering,
call Summit at 728-1630.
Stay tuned for more information about RAMP in the next issue of the Summit Independent.
Return to Newsletter Index | County Updates | Newsletter Archives
On March 20th,
Jude Monson, from the Missoula office of Summit Independent Living
Center, and Abby Hulme, from the state office of the Senior and
Long term Care Division, presented an orientation in Missoula on
Montana's new consumer-directed wavier, the Big Sky Bonanza. This
pilot program, offered initially only in six counties (Missoula,
Sanders, Cascade, Fergus, Silver Bow, and Beaverhead), gives elderly
and disabled consumers, who currently occupy a traditional Medicaid
wavier slot, the opportunity to participate in advanced-consumer
direction.
While the traditional
Medicaid wavier gives consumers the ability to direct their personal
care workers through the Self Directed Personal Assistance Services
program; the Big Sky Bonanza wavier goes a step further, and now
gives consumers the option to direct their personal care workers
and manage a monthly budget. Not only will consumers be in charge
of who provides their care, they have the option to decide how their
financial benefits will be spent.
Along with the
additional flexibility and control offered under this program, consumers
now have the ability to save part of their consumer-directed budget
for specific purchases, such as a new wheelchair. In certain situations
a spouse or other legally-responsible relative can be hired as a
caregiver. For those unable to manage their own care, a personal
representative can act on their behalf and assume all consumer related
responsibilities.
To ensure that
participants in Big Sky Bonanza get the most out of their experience,
an Independence Advisor and Financial Manager, which are both required
under the program, will serve as a consumer's support team. These
individuals provide ongoing advice and information on the management
of one's services and budget to ensure that consumer goals and needs
are met. This support team will not make decisions for consumers;
consumers are empowered to decide for themselves.
Clearly, the Big Sky Bonanza program is not for everyone, but for those seeking greater freedom and control in the management of their Medicaid long-term care services, this program could offer consumers new horizons of opportunity in the Big Sky. For more information, please contact Todd Tibbetts at the Summit Missoula office (406) 728-1630.
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Carolyn Reich
Hi. My name
is Carolyn Reich and I am a newbie with Summit. I took the training
last July and I began to work with Summit in August. I am still
learning the job and it has been interesting to get to know some
of the people in the Kalispell division and to learn about their
disabilities. I am looking forward to getting to know these people
better as time goes on.
While I am new
to Summit, I am not new to the type of work that Summit does. I
have a severe hearing loss and I have worked for several years to
educate the hearing in ways to communicate with me and others who
have hearing loss. One achievement that I am particularly proud
of is a workshop that I set up and taught in several churches to
help pastors and church members to consider how they could be more
accessible to people with hearing loss.
In 2003, my
hearing loss became nearly total and I had cochlear implant surgery.
That led to a really fun experience for me. My grand-niece was a
third grader at the time, and I knew she was really interested in
hearing about the changes that were happening for her Aunt Carolyn
as I was learning how to hear again. I wrote to her teacher and
asked if I could become a class pen pal and tell the kids all about
my surgery and the hook-up of my speech processor and the process
of learning how to hear again. This began a year long friendship
with a neat group of kids. I wrote long letters telling about the
process and drew pictures of my hearing equipment and helped the
kids to think about what it would be like to lose your hearing and
then to regain part of it. I even took a chance with them and asked
them to choose the colors for my behind the ear speech processor.
They held a class election and campaigned for the various colors
that I had thought I might like. When they sent me the results of
the election, I got the colors they chose. I still like those colors
a lot because they remind me of those good friends in Alaska.
I have always been interested in education. I went to college on the twenty year plan, always wanting just a little bit more knowledge. And when I finally chose to graduate, I became a high school teacher specializing in English and History. I want to put that interest in education to work with our hearing loss support group. I am working now to have a special meeting for people with hearing loss, which will be happening in April. I think it is going to be really helpful for a lot of people. We will be having special speakers from the telephone access program and a speech pathologist from the local hospital and several speakers who will show some of the technology that is available to help us to interface with our world. I plan to continue this format in monthly meetings to follow, educating people with hearing loss and their loved ones on various ways to make hearing loss more manageable.
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Enrolling or Changing Your Medicare Part D
There is still
time to sign up for Medicare Part D drug benefit or to switch plans.
You must be enrolled in a plan by May 15, 2006 to avoid paying a
penalty on your premium.
For the first
year of the drug benefit, people with Medicare will have at least
two opportunities to enroll in a Medicare private drug plan. You
used your first one when you enrolled in your current drug plan.
This year you can switch plans once before May 15. If you have Medicaid,
are enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) or live in a nursing
home, you can change your Medicare prescription drug plan once a
month.
To switch plans,
you should enroll in the new plan you have found without disenrolling
from your old plan. You will be automatically disenrolled. Actively
disenrolling could be counted as your second enrollment choice.
There are some
special circumstances in which you will be able to qualify for a
Special Enrollment Period, such as if you move out of your plan's
service area.
You do not have the right to a Special Enrollment Period if your plan stops covering a drug you need, however, you can file a request to make an exception to its list of covered drugs (formulary). See the article below to find out how to do this.
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Part D Formulary Exception Requests
Many of you
may be encountering problems getting certain prescriptions covered
by your plan of choice.
There is a transition
process that should allow members to leave the pharmacy with a 30-day
refill. You are entitled to get two more refills through the first
three months you are signed up.
To be able to qualify for coverage under a plan's transition process,
you must meet the following qualifications: 1) You take a medication
that is not on your plan's list of covered drugs (formulary), or
your plan places certain restrictions on coverage of particular
drugs, such as prior authorization, step therapy and dosage limits;
2) you are a new member (everyone is right now) or recently changed
your care settings (for example, you move from a hospital to a nursing
home).
In order to bill for the prescription under the transition policy,
the pharmacist will have to get an override code from your Medicare
private drug plan. To get long-term coverage of your medication,
you will need to file an exception request.
An exception
request can be granted if your doctor feels that only the drug originally
prescribed will work for you. You have the right to an exception
when your doctor believes the drugs on the plan's formulary will
not work for you; or you are using a drug covered by your plan,
but that drug is removed from your plan's formulary for reasons
other than safety.
Your doctor will have to submit an oral or written statement certifying
that the drug prescribed is medically necessary because other drugs
are not as effective or may be harmful for you. Directions for preparing
a physician statement are available. Contact your local Summit ILC
office for assistance.
Plans must respond to your request in writing in within 72 hours or sooner if your health requires quicker attention. You can also ask for a faster response (an expedited request) when your "life, health, or ability to regain maximum factor" is in jeopardy. Plans must respond to expedited requests within 24 hours or sooner if your health requires such immediate attention. If a plan grants your request, it determines what your co-payment will be for that drug. The plan must continue to cover refills at that copayment for the rest of the calendar year.
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Missoula People First By Andrea Dahl
The Missoula
Valley People First chapter has been a busy one. We have been helping
with different projects that the Kiwanis Club has worked on in the
past year. Our most recent project was with the Maclay Commons.
It is a new housing project for families who have been homeless.
On March 31 Jason Billehus stepped down as president of the Montana
People First Senate. Jason has been an active member of the Missoula
chapter for many years. He will continue to serve as our chapter
treasurer. Barb Willis was elected to a second term as Senate secretary.
Wayne Fanon and Connie Lewis will continue to serve as senators
for our chapter. Connie Lewis also serves as the chapter president.
The March 31-April 1 Senate meeting was held in Missoula. The meetings
have been held in Helena for the past few years, the Missoula chapter
members were able to observe how the Senate process works.
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Hi, my name
is Todd Tibbetts. I am a new Independence Advisor at the Missoula
Summit office. I grew up in western Montana and enjoy gardening,
reading, and being active outdoors.
I completed
degrees in business administration and landscape architecture before
returning to Missoula to be closer to family and friends.
My previous
work includes experiences as an interpretive naturalist and in recreation
planning for public agencies in Montana, Utah, and Alaska.
I am excited to work for Summit and the opportunity to assist others in leading more fulfilled lives. I look forward to meeting and working with everyone. If you have any questions, please come by the office or give me a call.
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Updates | Newsletter
Archives
Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page
Flathead County
by Flo Kiewel, County Coordinator
The Flathead
County office has been very busy this winter. The number of referrals
and walk-ins seems to have increased a great deal. We can expect
to be even busier as the general population in the valley continues
to grow.
Flo completed
18 access surveys for the Flathead County Elections department to
insure that polling places are accessible. Summit has been called
back to facilitate a committee of officials and consumers who will
take a closer look at some of the more difficult sites to determine
if they can be used as polling places.
The Flathead
Peer Advocates are inviting guest speakers to their monthly meetings
as a way to learn more about area services. The speaker in April
will be a consumer from the Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group
at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Share Fair took place on April 8th at the Kalispell Center Mall.
Staff and Peers staffed the Summit information table from 10 to
4 PM.
A new Living
Well with a Disability workshop began March 28th with a full class.
The workshop will be meeting for eight weeks.
At the request
of a consumer, a spinal cord injury support group has been organized.
The first meeting will be April 21st from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at The
Summit. All interested consumers are invited to attend.
"Wa-chu-say?",
a new group focusing on adjustment to hearing loss will have an
informational meeting on April 18th at 6:30 PM in the United Way
Conference room. Several topics of interest will be presented, including
telephone use, communication strategies, adaptive equipment, and
cochlear implants. Future monthly meetings will focus in more depth
on each topic.
Call the office at 257-0048 for more information on either of these
groups.
Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page
Ravalli County
by Joanne Perkins, County Coordinator
Medicare information,
including the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and information
on Medicare Advantage Plans will be available at the Summit booth
at the Bitterroot Spring Fair to be held on April 1, 2006. Medicare
information and assistance will continue to be available at the
office, so don't hesitate to call us at 363-5242. Remember, the
last day to join a Medicare drug plan without paying a penalty on
the premium is May 15, 2006.
Three Summit
peers, including Joan Marie Connor, Susan Butchart, and Mary Millin
accompanied county officials to ten Ravalli County election sites
to assess the modifications necessary to make polling places accessible
to people with disabilities. Nearly every site lacked designated
parking places, so paving level, accessible parking spaces with
appropriate signage at each polling place is the current priority.
As current funds allow, they also plan to bevel thresholds and replace
the old door knobs with lever door handles. Bathroom modifications
will be made when future grant funds are secured.
People First
of Hamilton is now an official state chapter, with Summit as the
advisor and Kiwanis International of Hamilton as the sponsor. We
are so pleased to be up and running and can start focusing on new
projects and activities. The Hamilton chapter attended the People
First Senate in Missoula on April 1st, with two delegates and the
advisor attending.
As you all know, effective system advocacy takes teamwork, so always keep the acronym "T.E.A.M." in mind:
"Together Everyone Achieves More"
Hope you all are enjoying the nice spring.
Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page
Lake & Sanders County by Leon Grant, County Coordinator
Winter doesn't
want to let go here in Western Montana, it is early April and it
is still chilly out there. Spring time also means road construction,
so if you need to go to Missoula from Kalispell, or vise-versa set
your clock ahead because you will have some delays. Same goes for
Highway 200 to Thompson Falls. I was stuck in traffic well over
two hours one day coming back from Thompson Falls.
Things are starting
to get busy here in Lake and Sanders County. People are calling
the Ronan office or coming in to find out what Summit ILC is all
about. This I attribute to the Lake and Sanders Peers for getting
out there and networking in their communities, and spreading the
word about Summit ILC services. My hat goes off to them for a doing
a fantastic job.
People First, Lake County. What can I say about this group they
are a blast to be around. I look forward to our monthly meetings
and activities. We had our Valentines Day dance in February, and
last week we all went too Polson for a St. Patty's Day party. A
big thanks to the Mission Mountain Enterprises staff for preparing
and sharing the cost of the meals that we have at these events;
they were great. People First members are in the process of starting
another fundraiser for our spring and summer activities. I know
it will be a success because of the person in charge of fundraising,
Shawn Morgan, People First President. He can always be counted on
to get the job done; when called upon he will give you 100%.
Speaking of
Peers, Owen Deardorff, and Cindy Debarnardis have rejoined the Lake
Peer group. Owen has been out over a year and Cindy around three
to four years. I welcome them back and look forward to working with
them.
In Sanders we
have two Peer candidates who will be going to Peer Training this
summer, Billie Jo Bonderant (aka BJ) and Tammy Brown. Both of them
are already getting involved in their community. BJ has started
a disability support group that meets every Thursday in Thompson
Falls. Tammy came with us to a trade fair in Plains and helped staff
the Summit ILC booth.
Tina Billedeaux one of our Lake Peers has started a new job with
Salish Kootenai Health in St. Ignatius. She hasn't been able to
attend or get involved as much with Lake County activities due to
her job. Athough she still oversees the Brain Injury Group meetings
of Lake County.
We have new tables for our office in Ronan so we are able to have
meetings at Summit ILC.
That is about it for now from Lake and Sanders Counties, remember think spring!!!!!
Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page
25 Years of Building our Future | Are You Registered to Vote?| Spotlight On . . . | Medicare Part D Penalty | Personal Assistance Services Update| Voting Accessibility and Automark Machines | New Board Members| Beginning Peer Training| Missoula County gets ADA Training|Upcoming Workshops and Classes|County Updates|
25 Years of Building our Future
This summer
is a very exciting milestone for the independent living movement
in Montana; we celebrate 25 years of service and disability rights
advocacy in the state. The 25th Anniversary of Montana Independent
Living Project and Summit Independent Living Center will be celebrated
in conjunction with the Statewide Independent Living Council Legislative
Symposium. The joint event will be held at the University Center
at the University of Montana in August.
The Symposium
is a time for the Statewide Council members and the four Independent
Living Centers' staff, board, peer advocates, senior companions
and volunteers to gather in one place and learn from each other.
It is a time for people who have been directly involved in the disability
and independent living movement in the past year to update each
other on the current priorities, offer training in a variety of
areas and prepare for the next legislative session. These participants
come to share their skills, talent and experience with each other.
In addition
to celebrating 25 years of service for the original two Independent
Living Centers we will be laying the groundwork for the next 25
years of Independent living in Montana. It is a great moment to
stop and reflect on how we got started and what we have accomplished
over the years. One of the major achievements was adding two more
independent living centers in the late 1980's; North Central Independent
Living Services in Great Falls and Living Independently for Today
and Tomorrow in Billings. Working together the four centers have
been able to expand options for personal assistance, transportation
resources, funding for independent living services, and resources
for affordable and accessible housing.
Those of us
in the Independent Living movement would like to thank everyone
who has given their heart and soul to the disability community through
advocacy and community awareness in the last quarter of a century.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the
involvement and commitment of people with disabilities and advocates
across the state. We have learned that we have a great capacity
to create positive change when we work together.
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On March 20th,
Jude Monson, from the Missoula office of Summit Independent Living
Center, and Abby Hulme, from the state office of the Senior and
Long term Care Division, presented an orientation in Missoula on
Montana's new consumer-directed wavier, the Big Sky Bonanza. This
pilot program, offered initially only in six counties (Missoula,
Sanders, Cascade, Fergus, Silver Bow, and Beaverhead), gives elderly
and disabled consumers, who currently occupy a traditional Medicaid
wavier slot, the opportunity to participate in advanced-consumer
direction.
While the traditional
Medicaid wavier gives consumers the ability to direct their personal
care workers through the Self Directed Personal Assistance Services
program; the Big Sky Bonanza wavier goes a step further, and now
gives consumers the option to direct their personal care workers
and manage a monthly budget. Not only will consumers be in charge
of who provides their care, they have the option to decide how their
financial benefits will be spent.
Along with the
additional flexibility and control offered under this program, consumers
now have the ability to save part of their consumer-directed budget
for specific purchases, such as a new wheelchair. In certain situations
a spouse or other legally-responsible relative can be hired as a
caregiver. For those unable to manage their own care, a personal
representative can act on their behalf and assume all consumer related
responsibilities.
To ensure that
participants in Big Sky Bonanza get the most out of their experience,
an Independence Advisor and Financial Manager, which are both required
under the program, will serve as a consumer's support team. These
individuals provide ongoing advice and information on the management
of one's services and budget to ensure that consumer goals and needs
are met. This support team will not make decisions for consumers;
consumers are empowered to decide for themselves.
Clearly, the Big Sky Bonanza program is not for everyone, but for those seeking greater freedom and control in the management of their Medicaid long-term care services, this program could offer consumers new horizons of opportunity in the Big Sky. For more information, please contact Todd Tibbetts at the Summit Missoula office (406) 728-1630.
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John Gallaher
I was born October
10, 1950 in Ashland, Kentucky, but my parents moved to Montana the
next summer, and I've lived on the Blue Slide Road, west of Thompson
Falls since then. I graduated from Thompson Falls High School in
1968 and joined the U.S. Navy. I served a tour of duty in the Mekong
Delta of Vietnam and was released from active duty in March 1972.
For the next year and a half, I worked road construction on I-90,
pouring concrete for bridges and overpasses from Lookout Pass down
to Superior. One Saturday some friends and I decided to go to Missoula
to party, chase the women and celebrate my birthday. The guy I was
riding with wrecked the car and I have been a quadriplegic since
then, October 13, 1973.
After going
through rehabilitation at the Long Beach VA Spinal Cord Injury Center,
I returned to Montana and built a house using the insurance money.
I should've chosen an area that was more accessible, because nothing
in this county was. The Voc-Rehab Specialist I contacted said schools
weren't accessible here and suggested that I go out-of-state and
takes some business courses. I chose not to, which was another mistake,
so it took awhile for me to find my slot in life. In 1992 a group
of us put together an organization called Sanders County United
for Disabilities or SCUD, which happened to be a missile everyone
looked upon as one of Saddam's duds at the time. We began doing
"Heads Up, Think First" in the schools, and working as
advocates for people with disabilities here in the county. While
doing a presentation before the Board of Directors at Little Bitterroot
Services Inc. one of the members asked me to join. Wanting to learn
more about developmental and learning disabilities, I accepted and
have been on the board since.
Later at a State-sponsored workshop on job-coaching in Polson, I met Patrick Gowen, then Lake County coordinator for Summit, and we worked together doing referrals, etc. In 2000 he had a couple of us take Summit's peer training course and we have been active as peers since, working mainly with Avista Corp. on outdoor recreational facilities. Nearly five years ago, I was also involved with Summit's effort to start the Sanders County Transportation Task Force, which has been very successful to date. A year ago, Summit Peer, Sandy Davis, talked me into joining the board of the newly formed Sanders County Community Housing Organization, which was just granted 501(c) (3) status. Summit has brought me right along. Thanks.
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Over the past
year many consumers have been trying to adjust to the changes in
the Medicare program. Medicare Part D is the prescription coverage
portion of Medicare. Many of you may have heard of the "penalty"
you will have if you did not sign up for a plan before May 15, 2006.
There are a few important facts you need to be aware of:
Your Medicare
Part D Premium will increase by 1% per month for every month you
were eligible to join but did not.
The penalty will stay in effect for as long as you have a Medicare Prescription Plan.
The Better News
If you or your
spouse has prescription coverage that is comparable, and is at least
as good as the standard Medicare prescription coverage you can keep
your other coverage. If your coverage is discontinued you will NOT
have to pay a penalty as long as you join a Medicare Part D plan
within 63 days after your other coverage ends.
You can still
sign up for a Medicare Prescription Drug plan and pay no penalty
for 2006 if you qualify for extra help with Medicare prescription
drug costs. Medicare beneficiaries eligible for extra help still
have a special enrollment period between May 15 and December 31,
2006. (Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for the extra help if
they have limited income and resources).
This process can be quite confusing. Please call your local Independent
Living Center if you need assistance.
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Personal Assistance Services Update
On May 25, 2006, the Missoula Caregiver Conference was held at the Wingate Inn. This was a free conference to all caregivers in the community. Over 90 caregivers participated in this event and many of the local providers made it possible. There were a variety of topics available for the caregivers, including resources in the community, how to deal with grief, how to care for your aging car, a session titled "Can't verses Won't", and many other topics. Free massages, breakfast, snacks, and lunch were provided. The 2007 Missoula Caregiver Conference will be held next spring.
The Senior and Long Term Care Division will be holding the 2006 Community Service Bureau conference at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel in Helena on September 20-22, 2006. The theme for this year's conference is "Attitude - Keep it Positive." The conference is held on an annual basis and open to all providers, attendants, and consumers. Scholarships are available for consumers and for attendants on a first come basis. Scholarships are made possible through the support of companies and individuals. The conferences in the past have been a great success; they offer many breakout sessions that are appealing to all. If you are wanting to attend and need information regarding scholarships, please contact your provider or Cecilia Cowie, Community Services Bureau, SLTCD at PO Box 4210, Helena, MT 59624.
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Voting Accessibility and Automark Machines
The State of
Montana has purchased the Automark machines for each polling place
in every county in Montana. Each polling place in Missoula had an
Automark machine available for the primary election in June and
thereafter. The Automark machine allows a person who is blind to
vote independently. There are a few other features that make it
easier for people with different disabilities to vote. If you are
not familiar with the AutoMark check it out on the Internet or ask
your local election office about it before the fall elections.
In May, Dan
Burke and Pam Diedrich of the University of Montana offered the
Election Judges the training necessary to understand how a person
with a disability would use the Automark. Jim Marks, Disability
Student Services Director at UM, was featured on the front page
of the Missoulian in an article showing him using the Automark machine
to vote. So far, all reports are very positive about the Automark
machine. We encourage people to try out the Automark in your area
and tell others about your experiences!
In addition, Missoula County has completed a survey of each of its polling places to determine accessibility issues. Each polling site was reported accessible in time for the June primary. Future improvements include paving areas outside the polling place locations and providing appropriate signage were needed.
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Leanne Beers
Leanne Beers was raised here in Missoula. She is the proud mother
of two beautiful children, Jessica 7 and Thomas 6. She graduated
from the U of M in 1996 with degrees in psychology, early intervention
and teaching. She is currently working towards a Masters in Health
Administration and Public Relations. Upon completion of this degree
she hopes to remain very involved with the community as she currently
enjoys working with the public. Her passion is her family and being
involved with her children. She also loves animals and will always
continue to train service dogs. "It is my distinct pleasure
to be on the Summit board," says Leanne, "and I welcome
the opportunity to help make a difference any way I can."
Connie Bauer
Connie Bauer is an occupational therapist working in the vocational
program at Western Montana Mental Health Center and as a private
practice OT. She has worked in hospital and community settings as
well as educational, vocational, long term care and outpatient services.
Connie has a Masters in Public Health that emphasized health education
and chronic disease. She has lived in western Montana since 1993
and enjoys gardening, murder mysteries, bird watching, cooking and
photography.
Kathy Fielding
Kathy is a paralegal at Garlington, Lohn & Robinson in Missoula.
She has a Masters in Public Administration from the University of
Idaho and was a faculty member at Washington State University. She
moved to Montana in 1985. Her interests and service in disability
and women's rights issues go back to her high school years. She
put herself through college working as a counselor and director
at a camp for visually and mentally impaired children.
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Beginning Peer
Training is coming up once again! Summit offers this training every
year to people interested in joining the peer advocate program.
Peer Training
covers topics such as the History of Independent Living, Disability
Rights and Legislation, Assertiveness, Disability Acceptance, Disability
Safety, and more. Individuals who complete the training are eligible
to apply for Peer Advocate positions with Summit Independent Living
Center.
The peer program
matches Peers Advocates with consumers based on similar disabilities
and experiences. The advocate then assists the consumer in achieving
specific goals such as housing or transportation. The program promotes
acceptance and pride for consumers with disabilities.
Peer Advocates also educate the public about disabilities through
presentations at schools, businesses or other agencies. They also
participate in Summit's advocacy efforts within the community. Peers
are knowledgeable about access, transportation, health care, and
other issues that directly affect people with disabilities. They
are great resources not only because of their knowledge but because
they live successful and productive lives with their disabilities.
If you are interested
in participating in peer training for the summer of 2007, please
call:
Kasey Day, at 728-1630 for Missoula County
Flo Kiewel at 257-0048 for Flathead County
Leon Grant at 676-0190 for Lake and Sanders County
Joanne Perkins at 363-5242 for Ravalli County
Return to Newsletter Index | County Updates | Newsletter Archives
Missoula County gets ADA Training
During the month of March 2006, Missoula staff, peer advocates, and senior companions conducted a total of seven ADA training presentations. The presentation, titled Communicating Effectively with People with Disabilities, was given to employees of all departments within Missoula County. The training was geared towards teaching each county employee and department how they fit into the role of ensuring that the ADA requirements are met within their respective services. The training also addressed how they can provide quality customer service and communicate effectively with people with all types of disabilities. The presentation aimed to bring awareness to all county employees that disability is commonplace and is a natural part of the human experience. The ultimate goal is that all county programs and services can be inclusive and accommodating for everyone. The presenters included Summit Staff Travis Hoffman and Kasey Day, Summit Peer Advocates Brooke Jaqueth and Mary Millan, and Senior Companion Dorothy Taberna.
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Upcoming Workshops and Classes
Missoula:
Living Well with a Disability. Fall 2006. Call Jennifer at 728-1630
to register.
Kalispell:
Self Esteem for Women with Disabilities. Fall 2006. Call Flo at
257-0048 to register.
Sign Language Classes. Fall 2006. Call Amber at 257-0048.
Ravalli:
Self Esteem for Women with Disabilities. Fall 2006. Call Dawn at
363-5242 to register.
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Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page
Flathead County
by Flo Kiewel, County Coordinator
The Flathead
Summit office has been busy with several new groups and activities
this spring.
The newly established "Wa-chu-say" hearing impaired group
had an informational meeting April 18th which started a series of
meetings on the third Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will
be July 18th. Representatives from the three cochlear implant companies
will be coming from out of state to present the latest information
on their products.
Peer advocate,
Evelyn Pool, has been participating in the local TTAC meetings.
There will be a few changes in transportation options due to the
co-mingling of Federal and State transportation funds. Any taxi
vouchers that were previously issued need to be updated immediately
or they will become invalid.
The latest Living
Well Workshop was completed on May 16th. There were four participants
who completed the entire workshop.
The Spinal Cord
Injury Support group is continuing to meet on the fourth Friday
of every month from 2:00 to 4:00 at The Summit.
The beginning
Sign Language class taught by Peer advocate, Leo Kanning, was completed
in May. The next class will be held in the fall.
A "Self
Esteem for Women with Disabilities" workshop will also be scheduled
to start in the fall.
The Peer Advocates held their June meeting at the Woodland Park
Lagoon Pavilion. This newly built Pavilion is located away from
the playground crowd and has accessible restrooms attached. The
peers are planning a day trip to Glacier National Park in September.
Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page
Ravalli County
by Joanne Perkins, County Coordinator
Lake Como Day
is coming up on July 18th. The picnic area there is fully accessible.
This is family fun day with free admission, free food and free parking
at Lake Como. There will be numerous activities for everyone in
the family. All kids attending will get a free book from Literacy
volunteers. Summit IL Specialist, Dawn Gauthier, will be there coordinating
the cooking. This should be a very exciting event and we encourage
everyone to come.
Dawn has been
facilitating an ongoing sexuality training once a month. The group
will be taking a break for the summer and starting up again in the
fall. Self Esteem for Women with Disabilities will also be offered
again sometime in the fall. Call Dawn if you are interesting in
taking either training or if you have requests for other types of
training.
The Hamilton
People First Chapter have ongoing meetings once a month and the
group is progressing well. They are currently working on coming
up with some fund raising ideas for the summer.
We look forward to seeing all of you in August to celebrate Summit's 25th Anniversary.
Flathead | Ravalli | Lake | Sanders | Return to top of page
Lake & Sanders County by Leon Grant, County Coordinator
Summer is finally
here! The temperature is starting to get close to the nineties which
I don't mind at all. What I don't like is all this road construction
here on the reservation. It takes a lot longer to get back and forth
from appointments and meetings, plus you never know when additional
delays will happen. It definitely makes my job more challenging.
I have been
keeping busy in Lake and Sanders Counties with the Peers, transportation
committees, and People First meetings. People First had their spring
fling party and a good time was had by all. They also made over
a hundred dollars in a 50/50 drawing this quarter. Peer presentations
have slowed down because of the summer break. We are looking at
setting up Summit Independent Living Center booths at Lake and Sanders
county fairs as well as at other events this summer. Staff and peers
will be handing out brochures and explaining Summit services.
I have attended several workshops on SSI and SSDI in Missoula and
Lake County. Social Security benefits services are now available
to the consumers in Lake and Sanders Counties. If you need assistance
with Social Security applications, understanding your benefits,
appeals process, or any other issues regarding these benefits, call
the Ronan Summit office at 676-0190.
I also attended a two day workshop on Brain Injuries in Billings Montana with Summit Peer Advocate, Tina Billedeaux, who chairs the Brain Injury Support Group. We listened to experts on Brain Injuries speak about various subjects and attended break-out sessions that were of interest to us. We came away with a lot of good ideas to make our brain injury support group on the reservation more informative and exciting for participants. We will also share the information with people in Sanders County who are in the process of starting their own Brain Injury Support Group.
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With the November 7th Elections right around the corner and the 2007 Legislative Session fast approaching, this election season is heating up to be a very important one.
In this edition of The Summit Independent, we will let you know how to vote, how you can vote using an absentee voting ballot, and how to get a ride to the polls if you need transportation. Also, we have provided the names and contact information for legislators who are running for office in your district as well as those running for state offices so you can contact them and let them know about your needs and concerns. You can also contact them to learn more about them as you prepare to become an informed voter.
Why is the disability vote so important?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 130,621 adults with disabilities in the state of Montana. However, only around 34,600 adults with disabilities who are of voting age actually voted during the 2000 Presidential Elections. That's only a 26% voter turnout rate among Montanans with disabilities.
Already in Western Montana, we