SUMMER EDITION 2004

OUT OF THE CORNER

Frank Pinter

The U. S. Supreme Court recently handed down a favorable decision that affects us, the disability community. In a 5 – 4 decision, it ruled in the Lane vs. Tennessee case, that states do not have the right to have inaccessible court rooms. The ruling, a narrow one, though also a victory for disability rights, was limited to just court rooms. It was not sweeping, as we advocates had wanted/hoped for. If you were not

familiar with this 1996 case, Mr. Lane, a wheelchair user, had to go to court for a reckless driving charge. There were about 8 steps up to the court house and he had to drag himself up each one. He appealed the charge and, when he had to go back a second time, refused, saying it was a violation of the ADA, and sued.

The State of Tennessee said that they offered to carry him up the steps but, most importantly the State argued, they had sovereign immunity and so were exempt from the ADA. The case has become one of very few recently that the courts have ruled in favor of disability rights. It is important for us, the disability community, to be diligent and to understand that we all have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We can not let our civil rights be undermined. America stands for Freedom for All. Not for some, but for everyone. It is important that we all understand our rights and be willing to stand up for them at all times. If you are not a registered voter, contact us and we will help you get registered. If you are registered to vote, do so. As Justin Dart said: “Vote as if your life depends on it. Because it does.” Finally, check to see if your polling place is accessible. If it isn’t, call MCIL. We will make sure that it will be so you can vote.

In an earlier issue of the Independent Advocate, there was a nice informative article about the Living At Home Waiver program for disabled ages 21-59, but failed to say that for those of us who are 60 and over, there is an “Older Adult Living at Home Waiver.” To learn more about the Medicaid Waiver Program, call 410-887-8739.

George Rice

Some exciting things are happening this spring in the home ownership arena. The President of the United States signed the American Dream Down Payment Act which allows up to $10,000 assistance and possible rehab for home buyers. Local programs such as, Home Ownership for People
With Disabilities, Healthy Neighborhoods incentives and Home Choice Voucher Home Ownership Program which is available in Baltimore City now, have assisted individuals with the success of home ownership.

I would like to share some recent success stories with you to motivate the people who are thinking about becoming a home owner.

The first consumer is a young man with limited income and raising his son by himself. He faces challenges with his disability that made the buying process more complex. But through perseverance this gentleman is now a proud home owner. The second consumer is a young lady that is one of the first Baltimore City residents to utilize the Home Choice Voucher Home Ownership Program.

If you would like more information on the home buying process call us and ask for George Rice.

Chesapeake Potomac Spina Bifida Association Needs Your Help!

Need volunteers to assist with various tasks during the Spina Bifida Association of America’s National Conference. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia on June 20 - 23, 2004. The closest metro stop is Crystal City. Call Toni Shumate if interested at 1-800-733-0988.

Lori Baskette

For those of you who are keeping up with the Living at Home, Maryland Community Choices Program, here’s an update of information for you to pass along to others.

* The waiver has been approved for the next 5 years. The new fiscal year begins in July 1,2004.

* Effective April 1,2004 the waiver no longer provides extended durable medical equipment. It still pays for environmental modifications and assistive technology.

* The age for going into the waiver has been lowered from 21 to 18.

Just a reminder, anyone currently living in a nursing home who wishes to become a part of the waiver must call the Department of Human Resources at 410-767 7479 to ask for an application to be sent to them.

Anyone currently living at home will have to put his or her name on a registry (waiting) list by calling 1-866-417-3480.

If you have any other questions or concerns, you can call us at 410-444-1400, ask for Lori.

USTED TAMBIEN PUEDE HACERLO

Camilo Quintero

Cuando una persona con una discapacidad llama al 1800- 772-1213 del Seguro Social a pedir informacion sobre sus benefiicios por discapacidad muchas veces la informacion que le dan no es correcta por ejemplo he tenido consumers que les han dicho que ellos no son elegibles porque ellos no Son ciudadanos americanos; esta informacion es errada porque algunos residentes permanentes son elegibles inclusive algunos refugiados y con asilo politico son elegibles; inclusive algunos con TPS el caso de los Salvadorenos podrian ser elegibles si es que para antes de Agosto 22 de 1996 estaban en los USA con un estatus legal.

MCIL es una Organizacion sin animo de lucro creada para abogar por las personas con discapacidades..

Por favor si usted ha tenido una discapacidad que la ha permitido estar por fuera de su tabajo por mas de 12 meses por favor llamenos y nosotros podremos abogar por usted ante la Administracion del Seguro no importa su estatus legal; nuestro numero de telefono 410-444-1400 Extension 32.

Aunque usted haya consultado a la Administracion del Seguro Social y ellos le hayan negado su caso por favor llamenos.

Y RECUERDE USTED TAMBIEN PUEDE HACERLO

Michael Benelli

A person who I met in a nursing home in Anne Arundel County wanted to get out. We applied for Section 8 for people with disabilities. He was denied several times by Annapolis because of his misdemeanor. Then, Lawrence Hawkins, my co-worker, came on board. The three of us dis-
cussed possible strategies. One day, I found out that Anne Arundel County would give him a voucher after all. Still his application has been rejected by many apartment buildings. A friend of mine gave me two addresses of apartment buildings to try. Three hours later he had an apartment ready for him. He and another person both are not having their own apartments. Both are happy where they are because they are OUT OF THE NURSING HOME. This is a good way to help people to get what they are looking for.

TRAVEL TRAINING SUCCESS STORY

Marvin Bailey

Dear MCIL,

The reason why I like travel training is because I got to learn where every bus goes and how to get there. I also learned about what routes to take to get to certain places that I need or want to go. I have been everywhere on the bus and I enjoyed it. I have not been taking it to school because I don’t like the idea of having to catch one bus, a train, and another bus to get to school every day. I don’t mind the school bus taking me to school. I still catch the MTA to work and back and I like it. Though I am tempted, I have no desire to retake travel training. I did enjoy it though and I thank MCIL for it.

Your friend,

Daron Burrell

A Real Winner!!

That’s what I think about when I think of Anthony Smith. If any young person needs to have a role model for overcoming adversity Anthony is a good resource. Anthony is a 25 year old paraplegic (due to a gunshot wound). Anthony refuses to be classified as a victim and his persistence and determination helped him to be placed in his own apartment. When Anthony and the Nursing Home Transition Grant coordinator met the dialogue was confrontational. With time and patience the relationship became one of mutual respect.
Once Anthony was transitioned into his own apartment in the community, the next obstacle that he faced was learning and assuming his role as parent and father. This is a gigantic obstacle for an able bodied person so having to adjust to the community and with a new disability the task was daunting. Once again, Anthony faced the challenge and did everything in his power to be a successful and responsible parent and father.

With determination and persistence all obstacles can be overcome,
just ask Anthony!

Way to go Anthony!!

PUBLIC HEARING TESTIMONY

Francine Coleman

While accessible, affordable housing comprises many issues today, I would like to focus on one in particular that has come to the forefront recently. In 2004 Legislative Session a Bill was introduced called the Residential Leases – Termination – Limitation of Liability Bill. This legislation proposed that, in rental housing, a lease could be broken without penalty if a tenant in the house became disabled, or a disability progressed, and was no longer able to live in the property. As the current law stands, a person can be liable for the balance of the lease period even if he or she needed to vacate the property. This puts an additional burden on an individual who is facing a new disability or the worsening of a previous one.
There are many examples of people needing to move from rental housing due to the onset or exacerbation of disability. At a time when their disability is challenging them the most, the last thing that is needed is the burden of paying rent for perhaps two apartments if a lease has to be broken.

Although the Lease Relief Bill was defeated this year, advocates will continue to work with the legislature to insure that this situation is resolved. As we continue to address the issues surrounding accessible, affordable housing in Maryland, we must not forget that signing a lease and moving in are not the only time that disability accommodations are relevant.

– Reprinted –

Affordable Housing Focus of Visit

The Governor’s Commission on Housing Policy visited Ellicott City on Tuesday afternoon, and the crowd that gathered in the George Howard Building gave state officials, including Housing Secretary Victor L. Hoskins, an earful.

The meeting was one of a series of public hearings to gather insight on the state’s housing needs. The big issue was affordable housing. Some advocates for the poor and homeless spoke about a regional rent crisis. Other advocates spoke of clients with disabilities waiting for years for an affordable, accessible unit. Cheryl Randall representing a Baltimore-based group called Making Choices for Independent Living, spoke of a client she called Ms. Stanton who died the day her name finally came up on an affordable housing waiting list. “I speak to you on behalf of Ms. Stanton,” Randall testified.

SUCCESS STORY

Cheryl Randall

The lack of affordable, accessible housing continues to be a challenge in the community. As disability advocates, we receive calls on a daily basis from consumers who are faced with the difficulties of finding housing. It takes patience, perseverance, and more patience. That is why it is so heartening when we are able to assist someone with a housing issue.

I received a call one Friday afternoon from Marie who stated, “I need some assistance. I just signed myself out of a Nursing Facility so that my grandsons wouldn’t go into foster care. We are homeless. I am staying with family now, but there is not enough room and we can only stay temporarily.” Marie explained that she had made many telephone calls trying to find housing. Marie and I continued to make calls that day to various agencies seeking assistance. I was fortunate enough that day to come in contact with Mr. DuBard from the Homeless and Environmental Service Unit. Mr. D. became a part of our team that day.

We continued to make more calls, but all the transitional housing was full. Mr. D. met with Maria but things were moving at a slow pace. Finally, things stated to look up. Mr. D. called me and said that he thought he may have found an apartment. Marie and the boys went out and took a look at the apartment and they loved it! I would like to extend many thanks to all organizations that help make Marie’s dream of moving into her home become a reality - especially Mr. DuBard.

SUPPORT IS HERE…

Do you feel sad?

lonely?

stressed out?

frustrated?

depressed?

Do you want to talk about it with other people with disabilities and
learn some ways to feel better?

Come join MCIL’s support group on June 22 from 4-6
and find out that you are not alone.

Contact Cheryl at
410-444-1400 to RSVP
or for more information.

OTHER EDITIONS

SPRING EDITION 2003

SUMMER EDITION 2003

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