Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living
Window-CIL
Striving to Enlighten the Path and Enrich the Journey for Persons with Disabilities
Volume 12, Issue 3 - SUMMER 2011
A Quarterly Newsletter
IVCIL’s 2011 Wheel-A-Thon a Success!
By Donna M. Joerger
The “IVCIL Wheel-A-Thon 2011: On Track to Disability Awareness!” Fundraiser at the Illinois Valley YMCA in Peru turned out to be a success! To those of you who participated, worked, or attended, we thank you for your support and efforts to make our big day another great one for us! Special thanks go to the Illinois Valley YMCA for not only allowing but also accommodating us to use their beautiful facility!
The goals of the IVCIL Wheel-A-Thon are to raise community awareness of the obstacles and issues encountered by people with disabilities and to raise much-needed funds for IVCIL. People with and without disabilities were encouraged to participate in the Wheel-A-Thon and in a variety of disability awareness activities.
This year’s event incorporated activities such as using a wheelchair to navigate an obstacle course and to wheel around the track; listening to a story simulating various levels of hearing loss; understanding sign language; experiencing learning disabilities through activities; and practicing everyday activities with a simulated vision loss. IVCIL featured a celebrity wall of people with disabilities who have made a difference. Various autographed books and memorabilia from famous people with disabilities were on display.
Community members of all ages participated. Advantage Logistics received the top team award, and Kathy Bailey received the top individual award. We are happy to have netted approximately $12,000! IVCIL is appreciative of funds raised through corporate charitable donations and pledges raised by participants in our five-county service area!
IVCIL would like to thank the many businesses who have made the IVCIL 2011 Wheel-A-Thon a big success! As a beneficiary of these businesses’ generosity and caring for their community, IVCIL asks you to patronize them as often as possible!
Platinum Wheel Sponsor: $250.00 and above
Advantage Logistics
First Federal Savings Bank
Michael F. Gulo, Attorney, Planning for the Disabled
Hometown National Bank
Illinois Retina Institute/Kamal Kishore, M.D.
Illinois Valley Community Hospital
Kohl's #168 Peru
Miller Group Charitable Trust
St. Margaret's Health
Students of Allen Jr. High School, LaMoille
Gold Wheel Sponsor: $125.00-$249.99
Casey’s General Stores
Connecting Point Computers
Eureka Savings Bank
Hueneburg Financial Group
Kathy, Ray, Donna, Tom Joerger
LaSalle Township
Machinery Maintenance, Inc.
Mendota Community Hospital
McDonald’s of Ottawa & Utica
Anthony C. Raccuglia & Associates, P.C.
Schweickert & Ganassin, Attorneys for the Injured
C. A. Smith Builders, Inc.
Spring Valley City Bank
United Physical Therapy, LLC
Silver Wheel Sponsor: $25.00-$124.99
Bernabei, Balestri, & Fiocchi
Butterfly Landing Medi-Spa, Robert S. Kinsella, D.O., S.C.
City of Peru
Dayton Township
Debo Ace Hardware
Double D Express, Inc.
Exelon Generation Company, LLC
Financial Plus Credit Union - Ottawa - Peru - Mendota
Hoover's Manufacturing Company
Illinois Valley Business Equipment, Inc.
Illinois Valley Fence and Pool, Inc.
Illinois Valley Junior Women’s Club
LaSalle State Bank
LPL Financial Services
Mautino Distributing Company
Mueller Funeral Homes, Inc.
North Central Behavioral Health Systems
Northern Illinois Mack, Inc.
John Pohar & Sons, Inc.
Starved Rock Harley-Davidson
State Bank of Cherry
State Representative Don Moffitt
Steinberg’s Furniture
Fran Szott Flooring Outlet
Village of Hennepin
Village of Ladd
Village of North Utica
Media Sponsors
AM 1220 WLPO News & Talk of the Valley – 99.3 WAJK Today’s Best Music – 96.5 The Wolf 20 in a Row Country
The Radio Group
In-Kind Contributors
Platinum Wheel Level
Bergner's
Debo Ace Hardware
Designs & Signs by Anderson
Illinois Valley YMCA
Gold Wheel Level
Badge-A-Minit/Best Impressions
Independent for Life
LKCS
Petsmart
Senica's Oak Ridge Golf Club, Inc.
Target, Peru
Silver Wheel Level
7 Up/Snapple Group
August Hill Winery
Central State Coca-Cola Company
Chicago Bears Football Club
Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox
Flying J Travel Plaza
Graphics Electronics
Hy-Vee Food Store, Peru
Illinois Valley Food Center
Kroger Company
Machelle's BackStreet
Oak State Products, Inc.
Stage 212
IVCIL extends appreciation to all of the participants, sponsors, donors, volunteers, staff, and board directors who made this event successful. IVCIL hopes that an understanding of accessibility took place along with recognizing many of the challenges that people with physical disabilities face. Join us next year in supporting IVCIL’s 2012 Wheel-A-Thon!
Thank You for Your Advocacy
By Donna M. Joerger
After IVCIL experienced much worry, advocacy, and waiting, the Governor finally signed the State Budget for FY2012. After all was said and done, IVCIL’s proposed budget cuts were partially restored. Our primary grant through General Revenue Funds was cut 1%, while our Community Reintegration Program Grant was cut approximately 12%, and our Personal Assistant Program Grant remains the same. In all, our State funding was cut by approximately $13,550. These cuts will be painful, but they could have been much worse.
Many of you helped to sign postcards, contact legislators, or even make a trip to Springfield to advocate on our behalf so we can continue to effectively serve people with disabilities. IVCIL extends our deepest gratitude for your advocacy.
Changes to Illinois Cares Rx Announced
By Rachael Mellen
As everyone knows, the State of Illinois is in a financial meltdown and many worthwhile programs have been facing the ax. One of them was the Illinois Cares Rx prescription program for seniors. Due to intense advocacy work by seniors, the program was saved but is pared down significantly. The income guidelines have been lowered so that fewer people will qualify. However, the good news is that it will continue to help the lowest income seniors to get their medications. The changes will go into effect on September 1, 2011. All current beneficiaries will receive a letter stating either that their benefits will be terminated, or that they are continuing on the program.
Income limits:
$21,780 - single person
$29,420 - married couple
Seniors will no longer have the option of a rebate check to apply to a private plan – they will have to join a coordinating plan.
New co-pays:
$5 generic
$15 for preferred brand names
$20 for non-preferred brands
Specialty drugs will stay the same - $15
Donut hole:
Seniors will pay 25% of the cost of the drug plus the co-pay. Premiums and deductibles will continue to be covered, and remember, the Federal government is phasing out the donut hole over the next few years, so it will be quicker to get through!
What if I am not in a Part D Plan?
Seniors do not have to be eligible for Medicare to enroll in Illinois Cares Rx. This might be the case for a homemaker who has not worked enough quarters to get Medicare, for example.
Home Services Program Introduces Limits
By Rachael Mellen
In an effort to stem the rising cost of the Home Services Program, the state of Illinois has introduced new limits on how many hours a consumer can have on their service plan. This applies only to the 5 specific areas listed below. The other 10 areas on the service plan are not affected.
What are the limits?
The maximum hours per month that a Home Services Counselor is now able to assign:
¨ Meal preparation—30 hours per month
¨ Housework—17 hours per month
¨ Laundry—12 hours per month
¨ Money management—4 hours per month
¨ Tasks outside the home (grocery shopping, etc.)—18 hours per month
If the current hours on a service plan exceed these limits, the counselor will be contacting the consumer to arrange a meeting and make the necessary adjustments. Consumers need to remember that hours for eating, grooming, dressing, transferring, etc. are completely personalized and still have no set limits.
What if the consumer really needs more hours for one or more of these areas?
The consumer should talk with their Home Services Counselor to request an exception immediately. The counselor will need to collect evidence to support the request and then submit it to Springfield. In the meantime, the service hours would stay the same. If the request is denied, the consumer can still appeal to a higher level or call the Client Assistance Program (1-800-641-3929). If consumers need help with this process, please call Rachael at 815-224-3126, ext. 13.
Resources to Make your Home or Business More Accessible
By Brian Szuda
If you have a disability and need to make your home or business more accessible, the following are resources for assessments of what can be done to make your home or business more accessible.
Illinois Assistive Technology Program can send a trained evaluator to assess what can be done to make aspects of a home or business accessible. They then provide you with a report on what is recommended, and you can locate a contractor to complete the work.
The Illinois Assistive Technology Program or (ILTECH)
1 West Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 100
Springfield, IL 62701
Web address: www.iltech.org
217-522 7985
Independent for Life in Peru has many types of accessible equipment available to make a home or business more accessible, and their staff can meet with you and discuss what they can offer to make simple modifications or determine what types of equipment you can buy to make your home or business more accessible.
Independent for Life, Inc.
4015 Progress Blvd.
Peru, IL 61354
866-494-1948
No Place Like Home can visit your residence or business and do an assessment of what can be done to make your home or business more accessible. Further, they provide contractor services and can do modifications or build an accessible/lifetime home.
No Place Like Home
David & Beth Hubbard
335 Rosette Rd.
Earlville, IL 60518
1-888-986-7829
Equipment Loan Closet
We are in need of raised toilet seats, shower chairs/benches, and commodes for our Equipment Loan Closet. If you would like to donate or are no longer in need of these items, please contact IVCIL at 815-224-3126. Thank you!
Low Vision Items
From a Federal grant distributed through the Bureau of Blind Services, IVCIL received funds to purchase a variety of assistive devices for people aged 55 and older who have a severe visual impairment (blindness, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, keratoconus, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, uveitis, and other serious eye conditions). Recipients can obtain up to a total of $150.00 worth of low vision aids for free. As part of the signed agreement, recipients receive items only for themselves; may neither dispose of nor exchange items; are responsible for any repairs; and must return any unused items.
Besides magnifiers, amongst the items available are 5- and 7-sectioned canes in sizes from 46”-54”; games including Bingo supplies, playing cards, crossword puzzles, dominoes, Scrabble, and word search puzzles; health care items including talking blood glucose meters, talking blood pressure monitors, eye drop guides, nail clippers, pill boxes, talking scales, and talking thermometers; household items such as address books, alarm clocks, bold-lined paper, calculators, check registers, check writing guides, indoor/outdoor thermometers, pre-threaded needles, remote controls, rulers, 20/20 pens, and writing guides; kitchen accessories including boil alerts, cut resistant gloves, finger guards, liquid level indicators, measuring cups and spoons, non-slip pads, and oven mitts; labeling items such as bump dots, marking liquids, and tactile identifiers; desk and floor lamps; message recorders; sports glasses; sunglasses; telephones; and watches.
There are CCTVs, computer software, and videomagnifiers for demonstration purposes; interested parties must purchase these items themselves. If you would like to view any of our low vision items, please contact IVCIL for an appointment.
IVCIL’s Quarterly Training
Friday, August 26, 2011
11:00 a.m.
IVCIL
“Assistive Equipment Demonstration”
Sue Castles, Training Coordinator from Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP), will be here to show and demonstrate a variety of assistive equipment that can be a great help in daily activities such as seeing, hearing, dressing, bathing, reading, etc. She will also discuss the ILoan Program, a low interest loan program that can assist in the purchase of high cost assistive equipment.
IATP is a non-profit agency that promotes the availability of assistive technology services and programs for people with disabilities. IATP serves all people with disabilities in Illinois regardless of age or income, their families, service providers, state agencies, private industry, educators, and other interested individuals. Assistive technology allows people with disabilities to function independently in recreation, education, vocation, and daily activities.
Please call IVCIL at 815-224-3126 (V or TTY) to RSVP and request reasonable accommodations by Wednesday, August 24th.
IVCIL is a United Way Member Agency.
Public Transportation
for Bureau and Putnam Counties
By
Cynthia Panizzi
I am happy to inform you that work has been started and is in progress for Putnam County to receive federal funding which will allow for expanded public transportation. Bureau and Putnam counties have had public transportation; however, the recent application for federal funding will allow the two counties to greatly expand their services.
This happened as a result of a questionnaire which was sent out to residents and agencies of both counties. Surveys were tallied, and results showed that 41% of residents in Bureau County feel they lack transportation, and 35% of residents in Putnam County feel the same. When asked if they would use public transportation, 73% of Bureau County residents and 70% of Putnam County residents replied they would use it. Bureau County residents indicated that the top 5 reasons they would use public transportation are for trips to/from medical appointments, shopping, social/entertainment opportunities, visiting family/friends, and attending religious events/activities. Putnam County residents indicated the top 5 reasons they would use public transportation are for trips to/from medical appointments, shopping, senior nutrition or day center, social/entertainment opportunities, and visiting family/friends. Thus, committees were formed and the wheels were in motion – no pun intended.
This transportation program is called BPART, which is short for Bureau Putnam Area Rural Transportation. As taken from the description conceived of by the Public Education and Outreach work group, of which I am a member, “BPART is the public transit system for Bureau and Putnam counties. The system is for anyone and everyone to use no matter where you live in the two county area – even in the small towns and out in the country. Whether you need a ride to work, school, the grocery store, your bank, or just to visit family, BPART is taking you places.”
BPART serves everyone without restriction of age or ability. The vehicles are accessible to people who have disabilities, and everyone in the general public is welcome and encouraged to use them. Public transit trips are available for work, fun, medical appointments, and everything in between.
BPART goes anywhere in Bureau and Putnam Counties. The only requirement is that your trip must start or end in Bureau or Putnam County. If a trip is greater than 65 miles, BPART will link a trip to destinations in other counties by linking their trips with other county transportation systems, or other forms of transit.
BPART fares are as follows: $1.50 in town, $2.50 in county (for the entire two-county service area), $3.00 to LaSalle-Peru/Oglesby; children under 12 years old, accompanied by an adult are free. All fares are one-way. Fares are due to the driver upon arrival, and the exact fare is required because the drivers do not carry and make change. To establish monthly billing or to purchase a punch card, please notify the BPART Dispatch upon scheduling your trip. Riders on Medicaid may be eligible for zero dollar deductible transportation to and from medical appointments. To find out if you qualify, ask Dispatch when scheduling your medical transportation. Rides out of the Bureau and Putnam County service area cost $.50/mile.
Rides are available to/from IVCC with local city pick-up/drop off points for $5.00 round-trip. Trips to Peoria will be on Mondays and Tuesdays for $10 round-trip and a $1 transfer fee if necessary.
The rider needs to call for a ride at least 24 hours in advance and will be picked up at the agreed upon location. The sooner a trip is scheduled, the better BPART will be able to accommodate your needs. To schedule a ride, call 877-874-8813 (Princeton) or 815-664-5411 (Spring Valley). A BPART dispatcher is available for scheduling Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To cancel a ride, call 877-874-8813 at least one hour before your scheduled pick-up time. If a cancellation is not made, or if a rider forgoes their trip, it is considered a no show. A no show will result in the rider being billed for their missed trip. If a rider receives more than three no shows in a month, the riding privileges will be suspended for one month.
We are very happy and excited to see BPART running, thereby providing more opportunities for everyone in our community through reliable, affordable, and accessible transportation options for all Bureau and Putnam County residents so they can have more independence and participate in community life however it suits them.
Certificate Program
v. Regular Diploma - No Way!
By
Susan Bruce
This page was printed from: http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/diploma.cert.no.htm.
“My child is getting ready for 9th grade. She has an IEP. The school suggested we put her in the certificate program. Is this a good idea?"
This is a subject parents need to consider carefully. It has been my experience that the “alternate diploma” is not worth the paper it is written on. Even community colleges require at least a GED. Most employers require a high school diploma, GED, or ask that a perspective employee work toward one of those.
Don’t settle for an “alternate diploma.” Begin with the highest expectation possible for your child. Don’t lower that expectation until you extinguish every possibility.
What can a parent do?
First, consider what the IDEA says about high expectations in the purposes section.
“Almost 30 years of research and experience has demonstrated that the education of children with disabilities can be made more effective by having high expectations for such children and ensuring their access to the general education curriculum in the regular education classroom, to the maximum extent possible…” 20 U.S.C.1400 (c)(5) This should be done in order for a child to “meet developmental goals and, to the maximum extent possible, the challenging expectations that have been established for all children; and be prepared to lead productive and independent lives, to the maximum extent possible.”
Second, consider the following questions.
· Why does the IEP team feel your child cannot meet course standards in order to receive a regular high school diploma?
· What supports and accommodations were discussed that would help your child receive a regular high school diploma?
· What does your child need in order to meet the same expectations as other students?
· Could your child complete the requirements for the regular diploma by the time he is 21? A student with a disability can receive services until the age of 21 or until he graduates with a regular high school diploma, whichever comes first.
· Would the “alternate diploma” allow your child, to the maximum extent possible, to lead a productive and independent life?
¨ Is the alternate diploma appropriate for your child’s level of functioning?
Third, consider using the transition plan to address the diploma.
Transition Planning
An IEP should include transition services no later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 16. The age could be younger, depending on your state’s special education regulations. Transition services are services that step your child up to moving to the adult world. Transition services should:
· Be designed with a results oriented process.
Focus on improving the academic and functional achievement of your child to “move” your child from school to post school activities.
Post school activities could include any of the following.
· Postsecondary education (college)
· Vocational education
· Integrated employment
· Continuing adult education (GED, perhaps)
· Adult services
· Independent living
· Community participation
The transition plan should base transition services on your child’s individual needs. The IEP team should consider your child’s preferences, interests, and strengths. What does he want to do? If your child wants to attend a community college or college, he will need that regular high school diploma!
Transition services should include the following:
· Instruction (address deficit areas)
· Related services
· Community experiences
· Development of employment and other post school living objectives
· Acquisition of daily living skills, if appropriate
Transition services in the IEP must include:
· Appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age appropriate transition assessments, related to training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills; and
· The transition services (including courses of study) needed to assist the child in reaching those goals.
Transition services can be special education, if your child needs the services provided as specially designed instruction or a related service in order to benefit from special education!
When thinking about transition planning, ask yourself these questions:
· How does your child’s transition plan address moving her from the school world to the real world?
· What are your child’s preferences?
· What are your child’s strengths?
· What does your child want to do after graduation?
· What does your child need in order to help her meet those goals?
· Does your child need remediation in a particular area in order to meet these goals?
· What assessment tools did the school use?
· Are the transition goals in the IEP measurable? Where is the data?
IEP teams can develop and use transition plans to help students with disabilities meet the high expectations set for all students. As with every other special education issue, make yourself an expert.
Landmark Education
Reform
Excerpted
from “Hatcher’s Highlights” (State Representative Kay Hatcher),
May 16, 2011 newsletter
The most significant education reform in over a decade was just approved by the House, and is now on its way to the governor. SB7 was crafted through the combined efforts of parents, school administrators, teachers, teachers' unions, legislators, the State Board of Education and independent education think-tanks. Hundreds of 50th District residents sent emails, wrote letters and phoned my office with thoughts on how to improve our education system. Chambers of Commerce weighed in on the importance of having an educated workforce to create a prosperous Illinois, and endorsed SB7.
No legislation is ever perfect, but I believe that together we have created a roadmap that will help our children learn in a more responsible, measurable environment. First and foremost, these reforms will help ensure that our children are being taught by the highest qualified, excellent teachers. Here are the details:
· Teacher tenure will no longer be based simply on years served, but instead will be
based on merit and performance review.
· Teacher reduction in force (RIF), recall and the filling of vacant positions will be based on
performance before years of relevant experience.
· The teacher dismissal process is streamlined, and the final decision-making authority
rests with locally elected school boards.
· The public will be able to see the final offers between districts and local bargaining units
prior to a strike. Mediation will be extended in a final effort to avoid a strike.
· School board training is mandatory.
· The State Superintendent will have the ability to revoke a teaching certificate when a
teacher receives two unsatisfactory evaluations within a seven-year period.
Local control and averting teacher strikes are key components of these reforms. Ensuring a quality education for our children is the goal.
YOUTH CONNECTION
By Marla Michalak, Youth Advocate
April Teen Support Group/Social
On Friday, April 29th, IVCIL had the teen support group/social, “Video Skit Night.” We divided into two groups and acted out “what would you do” scenarios. We had several discussions about making good choices and how to help others and did some silly skit stunts. We had a snack of popcorn and soda while watching a few of the skits. Due to some technical difficulty, we weren’t able to watch a good portion of the videos but did include many of them in the Teen Summit video.
“Parent’s Evening Out” Support Group
Our quarterly Parent Support Group for parents of children with any type of disability was held on Thursday, April 28th at 6:00 p.m. in the IVCIL conference room. This is a very good opportunity to get out and connect with other parents who have some of the same challenges and triumphs. It is also a great place to share resources. Please take time for yourself and come out to our next “Parent’s Evening Out!” Every parent needs an evening out!
Parent & Community Training News
The parent/community training, “Social Security Benefits Planning for Youth and Young Adults,” was presented by Rachael Mellen on Thursday, May 5th. Rachael showed a webinar on how to apply online for disability or SSI for those over 18 and gave handouts, information on how to apply for children, guidelines, and a checklist. She answered general questions about the process and what helps that process. It was presented in the IVCIL Conference Room, and handouts and snacks were provided.
11th Annual Teen Summit was “Out of This World”
The 11th Annual Teen Summit, "Mission Transition - Prepare for Blastoff to Life After High School," was held on Wednesday, June 22nd. We began the day with a video on "Astronaut Training,” showing pictures of the teens who came to the last teen support group/social and that focused on learning independent living skills. Next was a training by the Division of Rehabilitation Services on “Preparing to Find Employment in the Real Galaxy,” followed by a presentation from Financial Plus Credit Union on “Using a Debit Card in the Universe.” Then we had a lunch of pizza, vegetables, and snacks. We played the "Space Walk" game with questions concerning independent living skills. Finally, we heard from Prairie State Legal Services and Equip for Equality on “The Fair Housing Act” and “Igniting Your Dreams and Goals.” There was a cockpit viewing area where the participants could see the stars and planets. In the middle of the day, there was a meteor shower all focused at Marla. A good time was had by all! Everyone got a copy of the video, a t-shirt, hat, wing pin, and other prizes and had their picture taken as an astronaut.
Thank you to these sponsors: Badge-A-Minit/Best Impressions, Beck Oil, Cadbury Schweppes, Creations Unlimited, DHS/DRS, Equip for Equality, Financial Plus Credit Union, Hoovers Mfg. Company, Hy-Vee, IVCC, Jewel Food, Papa John’s Pizza, Staples, and Wal-Mart.
ADVOCACY UPDATES
Smitty’s Bar &
Grill in Leonore
By
Cynthia Panizzi
In June, 2010, I received a complaint that the parking, front entrance, and both the men’s and women’s restrooms at Smitty’s Bar and Grill are not accessible. A complaint was filed with the Illinois Disability Rights Bureau and the U.S. Department of Justice. The investigators with the U.S. Department of Justice reviewed the complaint, and the Deputy Chief decided to open an investigation.
In May, 2011, I received a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice saying my complaint against Smitty’s Bar and Grill is an appropriate candidate for the mediation program. The owner of Smitty’s Bar and Grill agreed to participate in mediation.
I’m very happy to inform you that I met with the owner and a mediator on July 8, and it was agreed upon that the owner will contact the mayor of Leanore to obtain accessible parking, the owner will purchase and have a portable ramp available, and the owner will install a doorbell for customers who need to use the ramp. He will also make the women’s restroom accessible and will turn it into a family restroom while he is making the men’s room accessible. Changes will be completed by December 1, 2011.
McDonald’s in Princeton
By Cynthia Panizzi
Because it is much easier to incorporate accessibility features in the construction of a building or home rather than remodeling later to make it accessible, I wrote a letter to the owner of McDonald’s in Princeton who demolished the old McDonald’s and is opening a new one. In my letter, I congratulated the owner for the progress and reminded her/him of the state and federal requirements of public accommodations to be accessible. I also included the appropriate sections of each law with my letter and offered my assistance, if needed.
Other Advocacy Efforts
IVCIL advocated for compliant, accessible parking with the following businesses: Eureka Savings Banks in the area, North Central Bank in Ladd, Casey’s General Store in Ladd (became compliant), Famous Ladies in Ottawa, First Federal Savings Bank in LaSalle, Centrue Bank in Peru, the Peru Medical Building, Pilot Travel Center in Minooka, and the corporate office of Home Depot for the Peru store.
IVCIL advocated that Amichi Italian Restaurant ask the city for accessible off-street parking at the corner of the street.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Peer Support Group
The IVCIL’s Peer Support Group
meets the second Monday of the month from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at IVCIL.
Consumers of IVCIL, their family, friends, and people with disabilities
are welcome to join us for an evening of fun, friendship, and sharing.
Upcoming peer support groups are:
August 8th
September 12th
October 10th
RSVP is needed by noon on the day of the meeting.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us two business days in advance.
Quarterly Training
“Creating Independence”
Topics include: IATP, how assistive technology can help people
live more independently, the low interest loan program which can assist
in the purchase of high cost assistive equipment.
Friday, August 26, 2011
11:00 a.m.
IVCIL
Presented by Sue Castles, ILoan Program Coordinator
from Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP)
RSVP and requests for reasonable accommodations due by Friday, August 19th.
Young Adult Support Group/Social
“Game Night”
Friday, August 12, 2011
6:00 p.m.
Please bring your favorite board or card game.
Refreshments will be served.
(The young adult support group/social is open to people
who are out of high-school and up to 30 years of age.)
Call Cynthia to RSVP and to request reasonable accommodations by Wednesday, August 10th.
Personal Assistant Orientations
Learn what it takes to be a personal assistant.
Saturday, August 20th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at IVCIL
Wednesday, September 14th – time and place to be announced.
If you are interested in attending any of these orientations,
you must pre-register via e-mail: crc@ivcil.com.
Further information will then be provided.
No phone calls will be accepted.
Upcoming Social Gatherings
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Four Star Family Restaurant
1330 LaSalle Rd.
Peru, IL
5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Cindy’s on 34 Restaurant
(formerly Buster’s)
Just off of Interstate 39
Mendota, IL
5:15 p.m.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Peru Pizza House Restaurant
5:00 p.m.
Youth Services Events
Quarterly Teen Support Group/Social
“Back to School Game Night”
Friday, August 19, 2011 from 6-8 p.m.
IVCIL Conference Room
RSVP and requests for reasonable accommodations required by August 12, 2011.
Quarterly “Evening Out for Parents” Support Group
For parents who have children with any type of disability.
Thursday, August 18, 2011 from 6-8 p.m.
IVCIL Conference Room
We will be playing board games and sharing information.
RSVP and requests for reasonable accommodations required by August
17, 2011.
Parent & Community Training
“Special Education Rights and Responsibilities:
Finding Support in the Educational Rights Guide”
Thursday, September 15, 2011 from 6-8 p.m.
IVCIL Conference Room
Presented by Family Matters Parent Training & Information Center
RSVP and requests for reasonable accommodations required by September 5, 2011.
Equipment for Sale
Macular Degeneration reading machine with adjustable table-this equipment is for a person with low vision who has Macular Degeneration. The reader is in color and the screen is 19”. It has autofocus and soft touch controls. Please call 1-815-434-3445 if you are interested and for pricing.
IVCIL thanks the following individuals, families, and businesses for their donations and /or memberships...
Donations
Ann Beals
Janet Bernard
Eileen Bruzas
Teresita Carreon
Margaret and Claude Franke
Kenneth Hansen
Barbara and Dan Hockings
Steven Lewis
Janice and Fred Meyer
Nancy Otto
Elnora Piercy
Dorothy Shinnick
Village of Troy Grove
Memberships
Ann Beals
Janet Bernard
Eileen Bruzas
Pat and Phil Hanson
Bernice Hilton
Ken Hilton
Barbara and Dan Hockings
Kathy and Ray Joerger
Mary and David Kohr
Janice and Fred Meyer
Sharon Schultz
Dorothy Shinnick
Membership Drive
If you are a member, it may be time to renew your annual membership donation, and if you have not become a member yet, please consider doing so. The Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL) is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization. Memberships and donations are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Please consult an accountant for more specific tax-related options and incentives. Please make checks payable to:
Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL)
Kindly enclose your contribution in a stamped envelope and return it, along with this completed Membership Application to:
IVCIL 18 Gunia Drive LaSalle, IL 61301
Your willingness to provide financial assistance to the only advocacy and service agency for persons with all types of disabilities in the five-county region is deeply appreciated.
Application for Membership in the Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living:
Name:______________________________________________________________________________
Company:___________________________________________________________________________
Adress:________________________________City:________________State:_____Zip:_____________
E-mail______________________________________________Phone___________________________
Annual Membership
Individual Membership ($5.00)
Family / Household Membership ($10.00)
Non-Profit Organization Membership ($25.00)
Business Membership ($50.00)
Donation $_______________________
Lifetime Membership
Individual Membership ($50.00)
Family / Household Membership ($100.00)
Non-Profit Organization Membership ($250.00)
Business Membership (($500.00)
Donation $______________________