2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

April 2003

What's New at Summit | Meet Jennifer Baker | Meet Becky Burke | 2003 Legislative Session Winds Down | Free Video Relay Service | Understanding Medicare | Basic Telephone Service for Low Income Families | Appealing Medicare Decisions | County Updates

What's New at Summit

Recent editions of the Summit Independent have focused in large part on the state budget crisis and the 2003 legislative session. While we continue to advocate for vital services (see the Legislative update below), we felt it is time to share some positive news about Summit and pass on some important resource information.

There have been many new and exciting happenings at Summit Independent Living Center in the past few months. As always, we continue to change and adapt to the needs of our consumers and staff.

A new conference room is in the process of being constructed at the Missoula office location. The larger conference room will relieve the crowding we have been experiencing at staff and peer meetings as well as provide room for more than one meeting to take place at the same time. If all goes well, the new room is expected to be ready for use by the beginning of April.

Staff member, Flo Kiewel, transferred to the Kalispell office at the beginning of January of this year. She is providing benefits assistance to consumers in the Flathead, Lincoln, Lake and Sanders counties. There is quite a demand for more consumer services of this type in northwestern Montana, so Flo will be kept busy up there.

The Missoula office has welcomed two new staff members to fill recent position vacancies. Jennifer Baker is our new benefits advisor in the Missoula office, and Becky Burke is the new Peer Advocate Coordinator. Both Jennifer and Becky have brought new viewpoints and fresh ideas to contribute to our efforts. They will introduce themselves to you in separate articles in this newsletter. Be sure to give them a warm welcome next time you are in the Missoula office.

The annual Summit Retreat is being planned for May 1st and 2nd at the Best Inn in Missoula. The theme this year is "Back to the Future" and there will be some exciting demos and displays of new assistive technology. We will also spend some time reflecting on recent accomplishments and doing some brainstorming about future projects and activities.

As we look to the future we are mindful that people need opportunities to learn new information, expand their horizons, and take on new challenges that help them grow. We plan to return to providing various workshops and training to consumers and peer advocates. The new Missoula conference room will allow these events to take place in comfort and at our convenience. (We'll also do a "roadshow" for those who live outside Missoula.) For the past year we have had to focus much of Summit's energy on fighting the state budget cuts and helping people who've had their services cut back. It's been a focus on helping people survive as opposed to helping people thrive. We won't stop our advocacy, but it's time to "Go Back to the Future" and again offer activities that foster personal growth, confidence and self-esteem. A little fun also wouldn't hurt!
Stay tuned...

2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

Meet Jennifer Baker

Hello Everyone!
My name is Jennifer Baker and I am the new Independent Living Specialist at the Missoula Summit office. I have recently graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. I am a mother of a wonderful little girl who is 6 years old. I am originally from New York, and have been in Missoula for almost 8 years. I am so glad to be living in such a lovely town like Missoula.

My plan for my new career as an Independent Living Specialist is to be the best advocate, source of information and support person as I can possibly be. I also intend to make a resource section at Summit that is more people friendly for our staff and consumers. The wonderful other half of my duo, Becky Burke, will also be assisting in this project.

I am really grateful for the great opportunity to work at Summit with such a wonderful group of people.

---

Meet Becky Burke

My name is Becky Burke and I am the new Peer Advocate Coordinator. I come to Summit after working as a research associate at the Rural Institute on Disability at the University of Montana. I have a degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Vocational Evaluation from East Carolina University.

I have Cerebral Palsy and have been involved in advocacy for myself and others with disabilities since I was young. I think that the Peer Program can and does reach out to many different groups and individuals in our community. I will be working with Jennifer Baker, our new Independent Living Specialist and the other half of the "dynamic duo" as we are known, to create a resource library. I also will offer future training for the peers and on self-esteem. I am really excited to be here and work with all of the wonderful staff and Peers at Summit.

---

2003 Legislature Winds Down

At press time the fate of many disability programs was still up in the air as legislators wrestled with solutions to Montana's budget crisis. Many bills have been proposed to generate additional money through a variety of new taxes. Compromise has been hard to reach as Republicans and Democrats have battled over the type of potential new revenue and the scope of program cuts needed to bridge the budget gap.

The primary vehicle developed by the legislature to fund many social service programs is the DPHHS Prevention and Stabilization Account. The future of 25 programs - including independent living, Medicaid services, mental health services, and the hospice program, just to name a few - will depend on the amount of money available for this account. Without full funding, many programs will face significant cuts or outright elimination. The budget saga continues, as does the uncertainty...

2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

AT&T Launches New Free Video Relay Service

AT&T has announced the introduction of AT&T Video Relay Services, an innovative, web-based service that enables the nation's estimated 28 million deaf and hard of hearing people to communicate with friends and family over the phone more easily than ever before by using American Sign Language (ASL).

AT&T Video Relay Service offers deaf consumers the ability to use sign language to hold phone conversations. Using a web camera and the Internet, these customers use sign language to communicate with a nationally certified interpreter who relays the conversation over the phone in spoken language to the hearing party. The service offers video interpretation nationwide, wherever a computer, web cam and a high-speed Internet connection are available.

Interpreting services will be provided by a renowned American Sign Language interpreting company, Hands On Sign Language Services of Auburn, Calif.

AT&T, a pioneer in developing and delivering communications services for people with hearing loss, will offer the new video service in addition to its internet and traditional TTY (text telephone) service, which enable a deaf or hard of hearing person to type messages that are read by an operator to the other party on the call.

Sign language users with a computer, a high-speed Internet access line (like DSL or cable modem), and a low-cost web camera can use AT&T's Video Relay Services. Free software will be available for download from the AT&T Web site that will allow deaf and hard of hearing people to use the Video Relay Service. Hearing people may access the service through a nationwide toll-free number, 1-888-VRS-9998.

(For original article, go to: www.atnet.org/news/feb03/020103.htm)

---

Understanding Medicare

If you are a Social Security recipient, have you ever questioned if you should pay the Medicare premium? Do you know that happens if you choose not to?

Medicare Has Two Parts. They are:

Most people do not have to pay for Medicare Part A. Most people pay for Medicare Part B.

If you are under age 65 and disabled, and have been entitled to disability benefits under Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for 24 months, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B beginning the 25th month of entitlement. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you about 3 months before your entitlement date. If you do not want Medicare Part B, you can cancel it by following the instructions that come with the card.

Before Choosing to Cancel

If you do not enroll in Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, you will have to wait until the next General Enrollment Period to enroll. General Enrollment Periods are between January 1 and March 31 each year. If you sign up for Medicare Part B during a General Enrollment Period, your coverage starts on July 1 of that year.

Your Medicare Part B premium may go up 10 percent for each 12 month period that you could have had Medicare Part B, but did not take it. For example, in 2003, the Medicare Part B premium is $58.70 per month. If you had delayed enrolling in Medicare Part B for 24 months from the time you first could have had Medicare Part B, your premium in 2003 would be $70.44 per month.

It May Not Be Too Late:

If you did not enroll in Medicare Part B when you were first eligible and now cannot afford to enroll because of the 10% yearly premium penalty, you can still apply for Medicare Savings Programs!

Medicare Savings Programs help people with Medicare, who do not qualify for Medicaid, pay for some of the costs of Medicare. There are three Medicare Assistance Programs:

If you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you will be enrolled in Part B and will not have to pay the Part B premium or late-enrollment penalties.

If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program you will need to re-certify your application every year.

If you need assistance in applying for Medicare Savings Programs, or any other benefit program, call your local Summit office.

2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

Basic Telephone Service Available for Low Income Families

Do you know of a low-income family struggling to afford telephone fees and monthly service charges? You can help by telling them about Lifeline and Link-up - two federal programs that offer discounts to low-income families on initial telephone installation and basic monthly service. For qualified households, Lifeline provides between $3.50 and $7 per month in basic telephone service assistance. Link-Up offsets one half (up to $30) of an eligible household's initial telephone installation fee and develops a deferred payment plan for charges associated with initiating telephone service.

To find out if you qualify for Lifeline and/or Link-Up, contact your local telephone company. For detailed information about either program, call 1-888-225-5322 (Voice) or 1-888-835-5322 (TTY), or visit www.fcc.gov/cgb/getconnected/

(Borrowed from MTAP newsletter)

---

Appealing Medicare Decisions

Medicare will cover proce-dures that are deemed medi-cally necessary. However, sometimes a simple coding error in your doctor's office can result in Medicare denying pay-ment for services that are usually covered. Appealing is easy and most people win so it is worth your while to chal-lenge a Medicare denial.
Here are some tips to maximize your success when appealing your denial:

For more information on the appeals process, visit the Medicare Rights Center's web-page on Solving Medicare Problems at http://www.medicarerights.org/solvingmedicareproblemsframeset.html. You can order MRC's brochure, Your Appeal Rights: Getting the Most from Medi-care, for $5.00 (plus $3 ship-ping) by calling (212) 869-3850, ext. 10 or sending your order to: Medicare Rights Center, 1460 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
You can download Medi-care appeal forms from the government's Medicare web-site.
For more information on covered services and the appeal process, you can also contact the Montana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at (800) 332-2272 or (406) 444-7781

(From Dear Marci Volume 2, Issue 9: Week of March 3, 2003)

2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

July 2003

Accessible Recreation Sites | High Perscription Drug Costs? | Golden Access &Golden Age Passports | Missoula Office Enjoys New Conference Room | Summit Retreat 2003 | Living Well and Self Esteem Classes Offered | Expanded Transportation in Flathead County | Disability Sensitivity Training On-Line | Computer and Web Resurces Book | A Guide to Disability Rights Laws | Peer Training June 2003 | County Updates

Accessible Recreation Sites

It’s summertime - - time to get out and about, pay those high gas prices, and enjoy the sunshine! If you’ve been reluctant to venture out or plan that special trip because of inaccessible travel or accommodations, fear no more. Although the environment is still not totally barrier-free, the world is changing, and there are many places that are fully accessible to those with a vision, hearing, or mobility impairment. With a little research, planning, and preparation you can take a cruise, a river trip, go fishing in Alaska, or take a tour around the world.

There are numerous agencies that provide information on accessible travel, as well as numerous travel agents who will make special arrangements to meet your needs. The world wide web is a good place to start your research and if you don’t have online access contact your local Summit office for more information.

General Information on Accessible Travel:

Access-Able Travel Source

MossRehab ResourceNet

SATH 212-447-7284

Emerging Horizons

Global Access

Accessible Travelers’ Database

Travel Agents for People with Disabilities:

Armchair World

Accessible Journeys 800-846-4537

SeeMore Scenic Tours - Australia

If you don’t have the time, money, or energy to take that exotic vacation of your dreams, then consider those outdoor recreational sites closer to home that have been made accessible. No matter which county you reside in, there is somewhere to go to enjoy the sunshine.

The fishing access sites listed claim to have accessible parking pads, hardtop trails to accessible restrooms and accessible fishing stations and/or boating and fishing docks, so check them out.

For more information on outdoor recreation, accessible campgrounds, trails, and fishing sites, you may contact the U.S. Forest Service at (406) 329-3511 or follow the link to visit their web site, contact the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks at (406) 542-5500 or click on their name to visit the web site. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks accessibility information can be found at their website as well.

Flathead County:
A brochure is available detailing accessible locations for fishing, boating, and hunting. Contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (406) 752-5501 for more information. For accessible camping in the Flathead National Forest check out their website link.

Lone Pine State Park, 4 miles southwest of Kalispell on Foys Lake Rd, then 1 mile north on Lone Pine Estates, offers an accessible trail to a scenic overlook for a beautiful view of Flathead Lake and beyond. The visitor center is fully accessible.

Glacier National Park’s Trail of the Cedars nature trail at the Avalanche Campground in Glacier National Park has a fully accessible loop via boardwalk and asphalt. Apgar Visitor Center has an asphalt path, as well as accommodations for the vision and hearing impaired. The Logan Pass Visitor center has an accessible restroom, but the visitor center itself is not accessible. Disabled groups may request a special program by contacting the Chief of Interpretation at park headquarters at least 2 weeks in advance, although staff availability is limited during the peak visitor season.

Kootenai National Forest has an excellent website where you can click on the recreation area you are interested in and get more details about accessibility at that site.

Lake County:
St. Ignatius Mission, approximately two blocks off Highway 93, is fully accessible. Its walls and ceilings have 58 original paintings by Brother Joseph Carignano and it has two very special murals of the Salish Lord and Lord’s mother (in Native American form) that are located in the back of the Mission. Next to the Mission, there is a museum and gift shop. Phone (406) 745-2768 for more information.

National Bison Range - This is a very nice accessible site. In addition to the auto tour through the park, there is a fully accessible visitor center. There is also an accessible picnic area, with a paved nature trail that circles a pond for wild fowl viewing, and an accessible fishing bridge over Mission Creek. Call (406) 644-2211 for more information.

Lake Mary Ronan State Park, located on the east shore of Lake Mary Ronan, 7 miles northwest of Dayton, has an accessible fishing dock. Call (406) 752-5501 for more information.

Finley State park at mile marker 6 on the East Shore of Flathead Lake has accessible parking, restrooms, camp site, and a boat dock.

Ninepipes Museum and fishing access is accessible. For more information call (406) 644-3435.

Missoula County:
Accessible sites in Lolo National Forest can be located on their website or contact Lolo National Forest at (406) 329-3750 for more information.

Maclay Flats, located off Blue Mountain Road, has a trail of compacted gravel with 1.25 and 1.8 mile loops. Trail has interpretive displays. No slope exceeds 5%. Accessible fishing access along trail with a concrete barrier. Accessible picnic tables.

Fort Fizzle, located five miles west of Lolo off Hwy 12, has an accessible picnic area including table and raised grill and an accessible trail to the creek and to the interpretive displays. Trails and road are paved.

Big Larch Campground, located one mile north of the town of Seeley Lake, on the east side of the lake. Four sites are designed to be accessible and have gravel surfacing, but tables and fire-rings do not meet the height or overhang requirements. Sites are relatively flat. The roads throughout the campground and beach areas are paved and have no excessive slopes. There is an accessible trail to the beach, but not to the water.

Traveler’s Rest is located off of Highway 93 - turn right at Mormon Creek Road after crossing Lolo Creek. It has accessible restrooms, a historic overlook and visitor center with a gift shop. For more information about accessibility at Traveler’s Rest call (406) 273-4253.

Ravalli County:
Trails/Fishing Sites: Contact Bitterroot National Forest at (406) 363-7161 for more information.

Lake Como Accessible Picnic Area and North Trail - Turn west off Highway 93 twelve miles south of Hamilton, onto Lake Como Road. Drive approx 3 miles & turn right on FS Road 5623. The Upper Como campground has paved parking, two accessible picnic tables, and a 0.4 mile paved trail around the lake that offers a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge - Turn left off Eastside Highway two miles north of Stevensville onto Wildfowl Lane and travel two miles to refuge wildlife viewing area. The refuge has a very nice ½ mile paved trail to the Bitterroot River. A sheltered, accessible fishing deck overlooks one of the sloughs.

Spring Gulch Campground, three miles northwest of Sula off Hwy 93. Fishing pier over East Fork of the Bitterroot River, with two paved accessible campground sites.

Centennial Grove has a 0.1 mile accessible trail - Turn left off Hwy 93 two miles south of Hamilton onto Skalkaho Hwy 38. Continue 12 miles, turn right into parking area to access trail head.

Rainbow Guide Service, operated by Joe Biner, a licensed Montana Outfitter, offers scenic float trips and fly-fishing trips down the Bitterroot River. He specializes in serving people with disabilities. Contact him at (406) 821-4643 or write to Rainbow Guide Service, 5425 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829 for more information.

2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

High Perscription Drug Costs?

If you or someone you know with Medicare spends $200 a month or more on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, you can call 1-800-333-4114 x.26 for help in identifying options, including state prescription drug assistance programs, veterans’ benefits and low-income programs that may help.

From Dear Marci, June 23, 2003

---

Golden Access & Golden Age Passports

A Golden Access Passport is a free lifetime pass available to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who have been medically determined to be blind or permanently disabled for purposes of receiving Federal benefits.

Golden Access Passports may be obtained only in person and upon proof of medically determined physical, mental, or sensory impairment.
The Passport entitles the holder and his spouse and/or children, to general admission where an entrance fee is charged. This Passport also entitles the holder only to a 50 percent discount on use fees that are charged per vehicle, per person, or per single-family unit at certain outdoor recreation sites managed by the Forest Service or concessionaires.

The documentation submitted by the applicant must include one of the following three documents:
1. A document which states you are eligible to receive Federal benefits as a result of permanent disability. Or proof of receipt of Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
or
2. A statement signed by a licensed physician attesting that the applicant has been medically determined to have a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment and specifying the nature of the impairment;
or
3. A document issued by a State vocational rehabilitation agency.

Showing a State motor vehicle department disabled sticker, license plate or hangtag is NOT acceptable documentation.

The GOLDEN AGE PASSPORT is a lifetime pass available to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are 62 years of age or older. The Golden Age cardholders will receive a 50% fee discount at campgrounds, developed boat launches and swimming sites and for specialized interpretive services. This pass sells for a one-time $10 fee. The visitor must show proof of age, which may be a state driver's license showing birth date, a birth certificate, or a similar document.

Beginning April 18, 2003, Golden Passports Will Be
Honored at More National Forest Fee Sites!

Golden Age or Access Passports are not available by mail or online, but can be obtained in person from most Forest Service offices. Or call 1-877-465-2727 for more information. For more information you can visit the website at http://www.fs.fed.us

2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

Missoula Office Enjoys New Conference Room

In April Summit acquired additional space at our Missoula office location for a new conference room. It is a much-needed resource that makes it possible for us to hold larger meetings, classes and workshops comfortably on site. Amenities include an automatic door opener, new conference tables and chairs, Internet access and phone service, TV and VCR, a “boombox” for good tunes, and everybody’s favorite, a water-cooler. The new room has been getting much use by Summit staff, board members and peer advocates, and is slowly but surely being decorated with a western Montana theme. Stop by and check it out when you’re in the neighborhood!

---

Summit Retreat 2003

Once again the Summit yearly retreat was a great success. Summit staff, board members, peers, senior companions and volunteers gathered for two days of presentations, social interaction and fun. It is wonderful to see what a talented, creative, and committed group of individuals we have.

This year’s retreat was devoted primarily to Assistive Technology and was especially informative. We had a wonderful presentation by Leslie Mullette, OTR from MonTech with demonstrations of equipment available. We also had a presentation from Connie Phelps and Jamie Lee of MTAP describing available technology to make using the telephone easier for people with communication difficulties. Doctor Daniel Larson from the Rocky Mountain Eye Institute gave a fascinating presentation of advances in technology to assist people who are blind. Several individuals then got up to share their own tips and tricks about assistive technology.

The first day concluded with a group dinner at the Golden Corral where everyone was able to help themselves to the buffet and spend a relaxing evening socializing with old and new friends.

Fun and games included a great skit by Ravalli County, a wild and rowdy scavenger hunt sponsored by Flathead County and piles of door prizes. We want to give a special big thank you to all the individuals and businesses who donated door prizes:

Target • Good Food Store • Orange Street Food Farm • Hamilton Pharmacy & Gifts • Montana Silversmith • Special Friends • Bitterroot Brewing • Painted Rocks Winery • Pet’s Mart • Bi-Lo Grocery • Trempers Shopping Center • Cutting Crew • Fast Trip • Lynn Payne • Liz Gibbons • Michael Bridges • Evelyn Pool • Diane Carrell • Melanie Stoddard • Owen Deardorff • Shelley Laing • John Gallaher • Judy Burke • Flo Kiewel

2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

Living Well & Self Esteem Classes Offered

Living Well is a ten week course on healthy living with a disability. Participants are able to examine how healthy behaviors like good nutrition and fitness are related to one‘s goals. The class will be meeting on Thursdays from 1:00 to 3:00 in the Missoula Summit conference room beginning in the fall. The following is a brief overview of the health program training series agenda:

Week 1 - Introduction: Setting Goals, Where do I want to go and how do I get there.
Week 2 - Solving Problems: Navigating a sometimes bumpy path to success
Week 3 - Healthy Reactions: Don’t feel bad without a good reason
Week 4 - Beating the blues
Week 5 - Healthy Communication: It takes two to reach an understanding
Week 6 - Seeking Information: Knowledge is power - plug in!
Week 7 - Physical activity
Week 8 - Eating well to live well.
Week 9 - Systems Advocacy
Week 10 - Maintaining new behaviors

If you are interested in taking this course please contact the Missoula office at (406) 728-1630. Class size is limited.

Becky Burke will be offering a class on Self-Esteem for women with disabilities from Sept. 8th through Oct. 27th in the Missoula Summit conference room from 1 to 3 pm. Class size is limited to 12. Please call Becky at (406) 728-1630 if you would like to sign up.

---

Expanded Transportation in Flathead County

Special Friends Advocacy Program has been funded by a Montana Department of Transportation TransADE grant to provide expanded transportation options, in cooperation with Eagle Transit and Kalispell Taxi. Following are the descriptions of the options now available. These options are available to all people with disabilities.

Dial-A-Ride: Eagle Transit $.50 punch card rides for the regular routes or Dial-A Ride with 24 hour notice. Times are Mon-Fri 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased from the drivers.

Sparrow: Eagle Transit’s new program. Call Eagle Transit and they will pick up within 20 minutes, just like the taxi (unless there are many calls for the same time). Times are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Mon., Wed., Thurs. and Friday; Tuesday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. The Sparrow runs within the same boundaries as Eagle. The usual cost for the Sparrow is $9.00 for 4 rides; TransADE eligible consumers can get tickets for $4.00 for 4 rides. Consumers must sign up and get tickets through one of the participating agencies.

Kalispell Taxi: Designed for limited use for when someone needs transportation outside of Eagle’s regular route or hours. Taxi vouchers will be issued in $.50 and $1.00 denominations. Consumers will not be given change, so will need to use the closest denomination to pay for the ride. Cost for the taxi vouchers is half-price; e.g. $5.00 in vouchers will cost the consumer $2.50. Vouchers are available from any of the participating agencies.

Fun trips: At least a once a month supervised weekend or evening trip to a community activity or outing; e.g. the Water Slide, hike in Glacier Park, picnic at Flathead Lake, etc. Consumers must enroll and complete a registration form, available from any of the participating agencies. Those consumers who are enrolled will receive a monthly schedule of the activities. Space is limited and consumers must reserve a space by calling Special Friends. Cost will be an average of about $2.00 plus the activity; e.g. the Maze trip in July will be $9.00.

To find out more about the TransADE options, or to get enrollment forms or tickets, call any of the following participating agencies:

Special Friends (406) 756-5488
Flathead Industries (406) 755-7656
Summit Independent Living Center (406) 257-0048
Vocational Rehabilitation (406) 751-5940
Lamplighter House (406) 257-1336
Opportunity Resources (406) 755-6344

2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

Disability Sensitivity Training On-Line

Have you ever wished there was an easily accessible training course to teach people about disability etiquette? A free online course now is available to help business leaders, employees and others learn how to interact comfortably with people who are disabled. The Web-based course is a joint effort by the Governor's Council for Developmental Disabilities, which is part of the Georgia Department of Human Resources, and the Georgia Disability Advocate Consulting Group, Inc., a private firm that conducts seminars for businesses. You can access this training at: http://www.disabilitylearningservices.com

PLUK eNews, June 30, 2003

---

Computer and Web Resources Book
From the Alliance for Technology Access

The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is a network of agencies and services dedicated to increasing the use of standard, assistive, and information technologies by children and adults with disabilities. Their website provides a wealth of information on assistive technology, accessibility awareness, web accessibility and on-line resources.
The fourth edition of ATA’s book, Computer and Web Resources for People with Disabilities: A Guide to Exploring Today’s Assistive Technology will show you how today's technology is redefining human potential and what it means to have a disability. This highly acclaimed book includes detailed descriptions of software, hardware and communication aids, plus a gold mine of published and online resources. You can access this book fully online by clicking on the book title above.

"This book offers something no other does: a guide to maneuvering the growing world of computers, both the mainstream and the assistive technology, to find what is right for you."

from the Foreword by Stephen Hawking.

2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

A Guide to Disability Rights Laws

Confused by all the laws designed to protect your rights? Want to know what your rights really are but can‘t understand all the legalese of the original documents? Need some quick information to back up a presentation or report? Check out “A Guide to Disability Rights Laws” written by the U.S. Department of Justice. This guide provides an overview of key federal laws affecting people with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Rehabilitation Act and many more. Contact information and websites for each law are also provided, in case you need more information.

---

Peer Training June 2003

By Becky Burke
Peer Training was held here in Missoula in the new conference room on June 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26th. Fourteen trainees attended the 4 day workshop.Two staff members, Jennifer Baker and Dawn Gauthier, also sat in on the training. The group of trainees included folks from all of our service areas. Trainees learned about topics ranging from communication in the peer mentoring process to intimacy in relationships. Michael Beers, one of the individuals trained, also entertained the group one evening with his stand-up comedy routine.
This was my first time conducting the Peer Training. Thank you to all the staff and Missoula peers who pitched in and helped me with logistics and presentations. Some of the comments I received from the training evaluations included statements like, "I learned a lot" and "I wish the training were longer because I loved meeting everyone." I can't wait until next year!

2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

October 2003

ADAPT'S "Free Our People" March and Rally | MiCASSA Summary | Montana to Receive Federal Grant to Strengthen Consumer Control in Medicaid Services | Youth Update | Purchasing Durable Medical Equipment | Will Medicare Pay For This Purchase? | Medicare Wants To Hear Your Voice | Summit Welcomes New Peers | County Updates

ADAPT'S "Free Our People" March and Rally a Huge Success

Advocates from Montana joined people from all parts of the country in a historic march and rally in support of MiCASSA, the Medicaid Community-Based Services and Supports Act of 2003. On September 4 over 200 members of ADAPT began a grueling 14 day, 144 mile march from the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.. The marchers, most of whom use wheelchairs, were determined to show Congress just how important this bill is and the urgent need to reform America's long-term care system so that people have a choice in services and options for community living.

The marchers fought exhaustion, hunger and nasty weather on their journey to the Capitol. They were alternately drenched, baked and steamed, and sore muscles were the order of the day. Add to that the challenge of feeding so many people on the road, keeping dozens of power wheelchairs charged, and arranging for accessible "porta-potties" along the way and you have a true logistical feat. See http://www.freeourpeople.org for photos and day by day memoirs of the marchers. Not even Hurricane Isabel could dampen their spirits as the storm lashed Washington, D.C. on the heels of the march!

As the marchers rolled onto Capitol Hill on September 17 they were cheered on by about 1500 people with disabilities and supporters of MiCASSA who rallied to urge Congress to pass MiCASSA and end the institutional bias in Medicaid. Bob Liston, a Missoula resident and member of ADAPT Montana said that "The trials and tribulations that we faced (during the march) were nothing like what people in institutions go through." Several members of Congress who are co-sponsors of MiCASSA called on their colleagues to pass the bill immediately. Senator Tom Harkin, (D-IA), said, "The door needs to be open so that people will have choices. It is long past time that people could be in their homes, not somebody else's nursing homes." Sen. Arlen Specter, (R-PA), stated that "70 percent of funding for nursing homes is fundamentally unfair." (Over 70% of current medicaid funding for long-term care is spent on nursing homes and other institutions instead of on personal assistance and other community-based services that enable people to live at home.)

Summit peer advocate, Brooke Jacqueth, took part in the rally and did a great job of representing Summit in this historic event. She was joined by advocates from other Montana CILs in Great Falls and Billings who also added their enthusiasm and support. Many thanks are due ADAPT Montana members Bob Liston and Marsha Katz of Missoula. Kudos to both Marsha and Bob for their time, energy and hard work to make these events a success! Bob served as co-chair for the march and Marsha, as she typically does on ADAPT actions, worked with the media and kept all of us informed as the march and rally unfolded.

For more information on MiCASSA check out the ADAPT web site at http://www.adapt.org and http:// www.freeourpeople.org.

---

MiCASSA Summary from ADAPT.org

MiCASSA gives people real choice in long term services. Amending Title XIX of the Social Security Act (Medicaid), it creates an alternative service called Community Attendant Services and Supports. MiCASSA allows individuals eligible for Nursing Facility Services or Intermediate Care Facility Services for the Mentally Retarded (ICF-MR) the choice to use these dollars for "Community Attendant Services and Supports."
THE MONEY FOLLOWS THE INDIVIDUAL!
MiCASSA has been introduced in the US House of Representatives as HR2032 and in the Senate as S971. For more information on the bill status check out http://www.adapt.org.

---

Montana to Receive Federal Grant to Strengthen
Consumer Control in Medicaid Services

Montana was one of several states awarded an "Independence Plus" grant under President Bush's New Freedom Initiative to strengthen long-term care services for people with disabilities. The grant, which will be administered by the Senior and Long Term Care division of Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services, will support the development of a cash and counseling model to give Medicaid recipients more control over their Medicaid services. Summit has been asked to play a part in this exciting pilot project. Summit staff will be responsible for providing personal assistance management training for participants to help them strengthen their management skills and ability to work effectively with caregivers. Stay tuned for more details as this innovative project gets underway in the coming months.

2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

Youth Updates by Jude Monson

This summer and the new school year bring exciting updates for youth in Missoula, Montana, and nationally. Here is a brief recap!

Congratulations to two Summit Peer Advocates who received Community Service Bureau awards at the annual conference in West Yellowstone. Travis Hoffman received the Leadership and Advocacy Award. Dustin Hankinson received the Pam Davis Award.


2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

Purchasing Durable Medical Equipment

To purchase durable medical equipment through Medicare you will need a prescription from your doctor. Depending on the item, you will likely need a "certificate of medical necessity" (CMN). Call your DME Regional Carrier to request a CMN and have your doctor fill it out. Remind your doctor that Medicare covers DME for use in the home. TIP: If you are able to show your need of the equipment in the home, you will also be able to use it outside of the home.

Use a provider who accepts assignment. To avoid hassles and save money, you should use Medicare suppliers who accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full. Medicare will pay 80% of its approved charge to the supplier directly and you or your supplemental insurer will only have to pay the 20% coinsurance (and any unmet Part B deductible). See Page 6 for a list of suppliers in your area.
If you feel you've been wrongfully denied, you can appeal. 80% of Medicare Part A appeals and 92% of Part B appeals turn out in favor of the person appealing, so it's in your best interest to make the effort. Be sure to make your appeal as soon as possible as you have a maximum of 120 days in which to initiate an appeal (people in Medicare HMO plans only have 60 days).

Appealing is simple, just make a copy of your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) and send it to the address on the back with a note asking Medicare to review your claim. Include information that supports your case, such as a letter from your doctor explaining why you needed the item.

2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

Will Medicare Pay For This Purchase?

It is important to understand that not all suppliers handle Medicare services and purchases of durable medical equipment (DME) in the same way.

A Participating Supplier accepts assignment. This means the doctor or supplier has made an agreement with Medicare to accept their approved amount as payment in full. They may not charge you more than the approved amount. The supplier will bill Medicare directly. You are responsible for paying your deductible and coinsurance amounts.

A Non-Participating Supplier accepts Medicare insurance, but does not accept assignment. This means that the supplier is allowed to charge you up front. If you have met your yearly Medicare Part B deductible of $100 and your purchase has been prescribed by a doctor, Medicare should reimburse you for 80% of the Medicare-approved amount. The supplier will submit the claim to Medicare on your behalf.

A Non-Enrolled Supplier is not required to bill Medicare. If you submit a claim to Medicare after purchasing equipment from a non-Medicare supplier, Medicare may reimburse you for part of the cost, or you may be responsible for the total cost. You should call your DME Regional Carrier to find out if reimbursement is available for your item before you make the purchase. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-42273 - yes it is too many numbers, but it works).

Your best option is to use a Medicare supplier who accepts assignment. You will not need to pay anything up-front, so you save on out-of-pocket expenses. Below is a list of participating and non-participating suppliers and providers in western Montana, by county.

Flathead - Lake - Lincoln - Missoula - Ravalli - Sanders

FLATHEAD COUNTY
Participating Medicare Suppliers and Providers
Applied Health Services (DME, prosthetics)	752-6111	Haines Public Drug, Inc	862-2543
Big Mountain Eye Care	755-5171	W.E. Loveall, OD	892-4140
Bigfork Eye Clinic PC	837-6883	North Valley Hospital Medical	863-3500
Richard G Brown, OD	862-2020	Greg Phillips, PC (pharmacy)	257-2083
Glacier Drug	892-4379	Tidymans Pharmacy	756-5960
Glacier Prosthetic & Orthotic Care	862-0710	Tracy Hand & Occupational Therapy	752-7581
Non-Participating Medicare Suppliers and Providers
Albertsons Pharmacy	275-7556	Medical Arts Outpatient Solutions	752-2492
American Medical Oxygen Co	752-6888	Norco Inc. (DME)	752-4804
At Home Solutions, Inc	752-4545	Northern Care, Inc. (Orth/Prosth)	755-6322
Naomi G. Barnes, OD	862-3346	Rosauers Pharmacy	755-5099
Community Home Oxygen Inc	752-4818	Shopko Pharmacy	257-1274
Glacier Opticians Inc.	752-5027	Smiths Food & Drug	892-8333
Beth Horner (optometry/optician)	756-8400	Stoick Drug (DME, pharmacy, orthotics)	755-4103
Jason C. Johnson (DME)	862-1321	Sykes Pharmacy	257-4806
Kmart Pharmacy	257-5454	Vision Clinic PLLC	755-5910
Phyllis Knoll Prosthetics	257-2666	Visual Edge Inc.	752-4468
Lincare Inc. (DME)	257-2454	Wal-Mart Pharmacy & Optometry	756-7256

LAKE COUNTY
Participating Medicare Suppliers and Providers
Bigfork Eye Clinic	837-6883	Leonard & David Vanio, PC (opt/opt)	883-4733
Brian O. Baird (optometry/optician)	883-4355	Jocko Pharmacy	726-3993
James Ofstad, OD	676-8921	Shiree Dupuis Ryan (pharmacy)	676-2111
Non-Participating Medicare Suppliers and Providers
Bundy Management Inc. (DME, pharmacy)	883-3838	Beth Horner (optometry/optician)	883-4733
John P. Freeborn (DME)	883-1112	R&R Health Care Solutions (pharmacy)	676-5600
Mission Drug	745-3000	Wal-Mart Pharmacy	883-9221

LINCOLN COUNTY
Participating Medicare Suppliers and Providers
Franks Express Drugs (DME, pharmacy)	293-3784	Steven Sorenson, OD, PC (Eureka)	296-2507
Kootenai Drug and Gift (DME, pharmacy)	295-4361	Steven Sorenson, OD, PC (Libby)	293-4136
Patrick-Purdy (optometry/optician)	293-6236
Non-Participating Medicare Suppliers and Providers
Libby Drug (DME, pharmacy)	293-3958	Rosauers Pharmacy	293-7702

Note: There are no suppliers/providers located in Mineral County.

MISSOULA COUNTY
Participating Medicare Suppliers and Providers
Lisa A. Jackson (DME)	728-8418	RNH Medical Inc (DME)	327-9200
Leonard & David Vanio, PC (Optometry)	549-5550	National Vision	251-4465
Rocky Mountain Optical & Contact Lens	541-3918	W. Scott Albrecht OD	549-2541
Caron Health Corp (pharmacy)	327-1650	F&G Pharmacy	721-6640
Jeo Inc (pharmacy)	549-4125	Jocko Pharmacy	726-3993
Tidyman's Pharmacy	728-5944
Non-Participating Medicare Suppliers and Providers
Albertson's Pharmacy on Oxford	549-5127	Lolo Drug	273-2322
Albertson's Pharmacy on Reserve	728-1118	Missoula Clinic Pharmacy	549-7131
Albertson's Pharmacy on Russell	549-7717	Missoula Orthotics and Prosthe Lab (DME, orthotics, prosthetics)	549-0921
American Drug Stores	728-1380	Norco (DME)	549-2321
American Medical Oxygen (DME)	543-8887	Partnership Health Center Pharmacy	829-4197
Apria Healthcare (DME)	549-3866	Rosauers Pharmacy	721-4330
Community Home Oxygen (DME)	728-4315	Safeway Pharmacy	251-5415
Costco (optometry/optician, pharmacy)	543-6445	Savmor Drug 1 Inc	721-6017
DMGKE Inc (optometry/optician)	728-1356	Sheppard OD, PC, Sandy (optometry/opt)	549-4851
Florence Community Pharmacy	273-7979	Shopko (optometry/optician, pharmacy)	721-3789
Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics	721-9244	Simons, PC, Michael (optometry)	549-9413
Harrington Surgical Supply (DME, orth)	721-8468	Specctica (optometry/optician)	549-5700
J&J Enterprises (pharmacy)	549-6163	Sunshine Oxygen Service (DME)	549-2266
Kmart Pharmacy	251-0497	US Vision Optical	542-2533
Lenscrafters	549-9078	Wal-Mart (optometry, pharmacy)	829-8532
Lincare (DME)	543-1832	Wal-Mart Pharmacy on Hwy 93 South	251-6066

RAVALLI COUNTY
Non-Participating Medicare Suppliers and Providers
Albertsons Pharmacy	363-7089	Hamilton Physical Therapy (DME)	375-0980
Beyer Big Sky Optical	363-2020	Montana Home Medical (DME)	777-7043
Bitterroot Drug (DME, pharmacy	363-3611	Norco (DME)	363-1800
Bundy Management (DME, pharmacy)	363-6203	Ravalli Family Eye Care	363-1530
Corvallis Drug	961-3221	Ridgeway Pharmacy (DME, pharmacy)	777-4410
Florence Community Pharmacy	273-7979	VDV Inc. (DME, pharmacy, orthotics)	777-5591
Hamilton Pharmacy	363-2300	Victor Primary Care Clinic (DME)	642-3991

SANDERS COUNTY
Participating Medicare Suppliers and Providers
William E. Shull, OD	826-3761	Jocko Pharmacy	726-3993
Non-Participating Medicare Suppliers and Providers
Robert W. Kelley, OD, PC	827-4327	BGC Pharmacy	827-4349
Plains Rexall Drug	826-3552

2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

---

Medicare Wants To Hear Your Voice

Bring the consumer voice to the national debate on the future of Medicare! If you or someone you know is interested in speaking out on health care issues affecting people with Medicare, you may want to join MRC's Consumer Advisory Board. You must have Medicare to be a member. Go to http://www.medicarerights.org/takeactionframeset.html for more information, or call 1-800-480-2060 ext. 72.

Dear Marci Volume 2, Issue 38: Week of September 22, 2003

---

Summit Welcomes New Peers

Our Peer Advocates are a very important part of Summit services. Many people with disabilities can benefit from having someone there who really knows where they're coming from. Being a peer advocate can be an empowering and fulfilling experience. Peers are given opportunities to educate the public, promote understanding, acceptance, inclusion, and create opportunity for people with disabilities.
In June, 14 people with disabilities went through the 20 hour beginning peer training. They came from Missoula, Lake, Ravalli, and Flathead Counties. The results were highly successful and many were hired on as peers. Some folks still have to complete some part of training, the post test or interview.

From Missoula County, the new peers are: Michael Beers, Chris Clasby, Jason Freytag, Laura Lee Peters, and Lin Skjelset.

From Ravalli County, the new peers are: Scot Browne, Mary Millin, and Velda Vial.

From Lake County, the new peer is: Tina Billedeaux.

From Flathead County, the new peer is Amber Lang.

Some of the new trainees are still in the process of completing their training. They are Janice Solomon and Barbara Willis from Missoula County, Shaun Nelson from Ravalli County, and Deborah Adams from Lake County.

Please welcome all these new peers who join Summit's staff! We are very excited to add so many new advocates to the peer program!

If you are interested in becoming a Peer Advocate, contact your nearest Summit Office for an application.

2001 Newsletter Archive | 2002 Newsletter Archive
Return to top of page.

 

---

This newsletter is funded by the U.S. 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 necesssarily reflect the opinion of the departments.

This page was last updated on 6/23/08