January marked a monumental step in the future of Services for Independent Living (SIL). Following two years of planning and research, the Board of Directors has determined to move forward with phase one of a capital campaign with a vision of becoming a model Center for Independent Living.

Centers for Independent Living emerged in the 1970’s following the disability rights movement. They are designed and operated within the local community by individuals with disabilities—fifty-one percent of staff and Board of Directors are persons with disabilities. Through peer support and role modeling, Centers offer an array of independent living services. People with disabilities are recognized as the best experts for assisting others to live independently.

People who don’t know me are often surprised to learn I live independently. It is sometimes difficult to comprehend how I, a person who uses a power wheelchair, can lift only 6 ounces and who has difficulty breathing, could possibly live on their own. I say, most people underestimate the power and capabilities of people with disabilities!

I dream of a Center that reveals the possibilities. Future plans include universally designed classrooms to teach independent living skills; a demonstration kitchen to provide hands-on cooking experience; an accessible apartment to exhibit technology, including environmental controls; and an office environment that

IN THIS ISSUE...Happy Travels, Recycling, Employment Outlook in 2012, The Power of One Mark, Self-Advocacy

MARCH/APRIL 2012

truly accommodates staff and visitors with a multitude of abilities.Imagine a young child, a teenager or a grandmother experiencing a disability for the first time. Imagine the power of demonstrating the possibilities rather than the impossibilities. Imagine staff with and without disabilities working together to do what we do best, empowering people with disabilities to maximize their independence.

Services for Independent Living will be a leader in changing society’s perception of disability. We envision an inclusive community that promotes equality, self-determination and the elimination of all barriers to independence.

To get more information on how you can help impact the future for Missourians with disabilities, please contact me at the Columbia Office.

IMAGINEby Aimee Wehmeier, Executive Director

INDEPENDENT LIVING

THE NEWSLETTER OF

Last January, I travelled on an airplane for the first time. I did do some research beforehand so I knew what to expect, but there was still some anxiety that I would hit a snag. In December, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a new free helpline to assist passengers with disabilities and medical conditions prior to getting to the airport. Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., excluding federal holidays, with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares or can e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov. TSA recommends that passengers call approximately 72 hours ahead of travel. The agency works regularly with a broad coalition of disability and medical condition advocacy groups to help understand their needs and adapt screening procedures accordingly.

The TSA website states, “All disability-related equipment,

SIL Board meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month and are open to the public. The next meeting will be announced. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors for SIL, please contact Aimee Wehmeier at the Columbia Office.

SIL Board Meetings

HAPPY TRAVELS by Jill McClintock

aids, and devices continue to be allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening. Additionally, we are continuing to permit prescription liquid medications and other liquids needed by persons with disabilities and medical conditions. However, if the liquid medications are in volumes larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) each, they may not be placed in the quart-size bag and must be declared to the Transportation Security Officer.

A declaration can be made verbally, in writing, or by a person’s companion, caregiver, interpreter, or family member. Declared liquid medications and other liquids for disabilities and medical conditions must be kept separate from all other property submitted for x-ray screening.”

It is also important to know your rights during a screening. If a personal search is required you may choose to remain in

the public area or go to a private area for your screening. You should be allowed to remain in your wheelchair if you indicate that you are unable to stand and/or walk through the metal detector. You may request a pat-down inspection in lieu of going through the metal detector or being handwanded. You do not need to disclose why you would like this option.

Happy travels!

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE by Scout Merry

What is a basic right of an American citizen that many fail to exercise? Larry J. Sabato stated “[n]o democracy can truly be termed healthy when so many millions abstain from the most basic duty of citizenship.” Then, why do so many people choose not to vote?

A major reason many citizens don’t vote is the feeling their vote doesn’t count. History indicates that in 1960, Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kennedy won over Republican candidate Richard Nixon by 0.2 of the popular vote percent; New Hampshire Democratic U.S. Senate candidate John Durkin won over Republican candidate Louis Wyman in 1974 by only 2 votes; and in 1994 Republican candidate Lyndon Johnson won over the Democratic candidate by 87 votes for Texas Governor.

President Harry Truman asserted “[i]t’s not the hand that signs the laws that holds the destiny of America. It’s the hand that casts the ballot.” Take time to learn about the issues and candidates before you vote this year. Visit http://sos.mo.gov/elections/calendar/2012cal.asp to access the 2012 Election Calendar.

I encourage each of you to exercise a fundamental right of American citizenship and GET OUT AND VOTE!

THE IMPORTANCE OF ONE MARK by Leslie Anderson

While Wall Street may be bouncing back from the recession, the reverberations of the economic quake are still being felt by millions of Americans, particularly those with disabilities. With the grim reality on the horizon that the nation’s pockets cannot sustain its disability payment commitments, anticipating trust fund exhaustion in six years, it’s imperative that working age Americans with disabilities take steps towards self-sustainment through employment. With this objective in mind, let’s look to the job-market picture for 2012.

According to CareerBuilder’s annual employer hiring plans poll, of the 3,000 hiring managers polled, 23 % plan to hire full-time, permanent employees in 2012, while 16 % plan to make staff cuts. This is a marked improvement from responses in recent previous years. Historically, companies have been conservative in their hiring need predictions, so there is a good chance that 2012’s hiring will be better than anticipated. Moreover, there has been a rise in the number of small businesses that plan to hire this year. Sixteen percent of businesses with 50 or less employees have plans to add full-time staff (a 2 % increase from 2011). Even better, 20 % of businesses with less than 250 employees and 21 % with less than 500 employees report plans to add staff. Both of these percentages are increases from the forecasts of last year. These small businesses account for half of the private-sector jobs in the nation and 65 % of total jobs created in the past two decades. In addition to these findings, research has identified the following job-market trends for 2012:

» Workers will seek new opportunities » Employers will boost efforts to keep current employees and attract new ones » Recovery will remain gradual but sporadic » Employers will work towards closing the skill gap » Employers will be looking more to promoting diversity » Organizational structure of companies is flattening and becoming more team based

Services for Independent Living offers Work Readiness Classes, designed to help job seekers develop these critical employment skills. Interested persons are encouraged to call the Columbia Office or visit our website at www.silcolumbia.org/2011/11/01/adult-work-readiness-class/ for more information.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK FOR 2012 by Bridgette Imperial

Did you know that Services for Independent Living will take gently used medical equipment? That’s right; we are a recycling center for all types of items. We will take the shower bench that was purchased after a surgery, a rolling walker your neighbor no longer wants or that paisley cane you bought for your father-in-law. We will then match the items with an unmet need in the community. We also collaborate with other agencies to make sure needs for equipment are being met for as many individuals as possible.

SIL’s criteria for accepting items: » New or gently used » Clean » Functional

As you do your spring cleaning this year, remember SIL as a good resource for recycling durable medical equipment and supplies that are no longer needed. We will gladly give you a charitable donation form for your taxes and put your items to good use. If you have any questions about what items SIL will take, or whether SIL has an item that you or a family member may need, please call the Columbia Office.

Alan Cleaver

1401 Hathman PlaceColumbia, Missouri 65201

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Contact Us573-874-1646800-766-1968

(TTY) 573-874-4121(Fax) 573-874-3564sil@silcolumbia.org

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Printed in USA. Reproduction with credit to Independent Living is permitted.

Independent Living is published at no cost to persons receiving it. Large print, braille, or taped copies are available on request by contacting SIL at the above phone numbers.

The views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of Services for Independent Living.

I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.

Lilly Tomlin

I grew up in a culture that taught children they should be seen and not heard. Add disability and you have a good formula for a passive person. What pushed me in to speaking out was that I had a strong belief in right and wrong. When my timidity kept me from standing up for myself, it didn’t keep me from fighting to protect others.

Coming of age during the Vietnam era, I questioned sending young men to fight wars when they couldn’t vote for the officials who chose to fight. In my senior year of high school, I stuffed envelopes at the democratic headquarters. Although I was too young to vote for him, I wanted to help elect Bobby Kennedy. Defending my service dog when we were told we couldn’t use a public service taught me how to defend my rights under the law.

Becoming a self-advocate begins with recognizing that there is a problem. You may not know what should be done, but if you don’t start looking for answers, then you might not like the solutions that

BECOMING A SELF ADVOCATE by DeAnna Quietwater Noriega

others choose. It may feel as if you are trying to shovel water when changes don’t happen quickly. Democracy isn’t simple or easy. We can use our power at the polls to elect people we believe will represent our values. We can let them know when the laws they pass adversely affect us. We can make a phone call, send an email or ask a question at a public forum. We have the right because we live in a country founded on citizens’ rights. If we opt out of participating, then others who may hold opinions different from ours will decide outcomes. Living in a democracy means taking our responsibilities seriously to be an active part of the process.

D Sharon Pruitt