****Excerpts taken from the following websites:

http://www.makemedicarework.org

http://www.hdadvocates.org/

http://www.hbwdillinois.com/

http://www.ageoptions.org 

 

Reachout Wireless

     There is a government assistance program called Reachout Wireless for free phones and monthly service for persons with disabilities. The participants must have at least one of the following: Medicaid, SSI, TANF, LIHEAP, Food Stamps, Section 8, or free lunch for children from low-income families. Contact www.reachoutmobile.com or call 877/940-9444.

 

Illinois Cares Rx Assists All Enrollees with All Drugs on Their Medicare Part D Plan in 2010!

     HB 366, the bill to create one Illinois Cares Rx benefit for all income-eligible Medicare beneficiaries, has now become law. This change is effective in 2010. It is important for service providers and advocates working with older adults and persons with disabilities to understand the following:

 

There will no longer be two different Illinois Cares Rx benefit levels for people with Medicare (Basic and Plus). Beginning in 2010, all Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for Illinois Cares Rx will receive assistance with all drugs on their Part D plan formulary. In other words, everyone with Medicare and Illinois Cares Rx will be in a benefit plan that operates like the current Plus program. (Currently, people in the Basic program only receive Illinois Cares Rx coverage for a list of drugs for certain health conditions).

 

The Illinois Cares Rx pharmaceutical assistance benefit and the Circuit Breaker cash grant and license plate discount will have exactly the same income eligibility limits.

 

The new income limits for applications submitted in 2010 (using 2009 income information) will be: $27,610 for one-person households, $36,635 for two-person households, and $45,657 for three- or more person households.

 

For individuals eligible for Illinois Cares Rx who are not Medicare beneficiaries, the income eligibility levels will increase for some, but they will not see any changes to their pharmaceutical assistance in 2010 (except the co-pays will go up to $2.50 and $6.30).

    

Note: The 2010 co-pays will be $2.50 (generic), $6.30 (preferred brand name) and $15 (non-preferred brand and specialty drugs).

 

Please spread the word to everyone with Medicare. This change in the law can assist many more people with many more of their drug costs under Medicare Part D!

 

    If you have any questions about these changes, please feel free to contact Terri Gendel of AgeOptions at terri.gendel@ageoptions.org or John Coburn of Health & Disability Advocates at jcoburn@hdadvocates.org.

 

What is the Health & Disability Advocates (HDA) Organization?

     Health & Disability Advocates (HDA) is a national organization, based in Chicago, Illinois, that uses multiple strategies to promote income security and improve healthcare access and services for children, people with disabilities, and low-income, older adults.

 

     HDA’s team of legal and policy experts provides a range of services including individual client services and legal representation, and customized trainings and technical assistance for a range of audiences, including consumers, service providers, and state agencies. HDA develops innovative projects and policies to protect and strengthen federal and state safety-net programs including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and Medicaid.

 

     Contact information is as follows:

     Health & Disability Advocates

     205 W. Monroe, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60606

     Email: hda@hdadvocates.org

     Phone: 312-223-9600 | TTY: 866-584-8750 | Fax: 312-223-9518

 

Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD)

     Illinois is part of the national movement to help people with disabilities return to work. The program called Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) started providing medical benefits in January 2002.

 

     Disability advocates have long noted that returning to work is difficult for people with disabilities. Many fear that working means losing Medicaid healthcare coverage. Often private insurance is difficult or impossible to obtain. The goal of this program is to help people with disabilities work with full Medicaid healthcare benefits. HBWD not only encourages enrollees to work but to increase the number of hours they are currently working. Just as the name says, the program provides health benefits for workers with disabilities.

 

     If you are an individual with a disability, between the ages of 16 and 64 and working, you may qualify for HBWD. Workers with countable income of up to $3,159 per month for a single person and $4,250 per month for a couple may qualify for the program. Unlike other Medicaid programs, HBWD allows enrollees to have up to $25,000 in assets. Depending on their income, enrollees pay a monthly premium based on their income range to receive comprehensive healthcare coverage.

   

     For more information, please call 1-800-226-0768 (TTY 1-866-675-8440).

 

What is Age Options? How Can Age Options Assist You?

The History Behind AgeOptions

     AgeOptions is a not-for-profit organization located in Oak Park, Illinois, that has served the older adults of suburban Cook County and their families as an Area Agency on Aging since 1974. As part of the nationwide network, AgeOptions is authorized by the federal Older Americans Act and the Illinois Department on Aging as the Planning and Service Area for the 30 townships surrounding Chicago.

 

     AgeOptions is governed by a Board of Directors, whose responsibilities include setting their direction, establishing policies, and managing and allocating resources. Using proven methods of research and planning, AgeOptions is entrusted with distributing funds to a network of organizations that serve older adults and their families. Their Advisory Council consists of a group of older adults who represent and link them to the communities in their service area. Their executive and management team, whose combined experience in the field of aging exceeds 120 years, is responsible for the implementation of strategic plans and day-to-day operations.

The Purpose That Guides AgeOptions

     Over the past 35 years, AgeOptions has established a reputation for meeting the needs, wants and expectations of the senior population in suburban Cook County. Their purpose is to connect older adults, aged 60 and over, with resources and options for care so that they can have a full range of choices and live their lives to the fullest. Their role is to plan, fund, coordinate and advocate for this special group and their family caregivers.

 

     Their primary service area includes 130 communities – home to 2.5 million residents with a population of more than 454,000 older adults. Together with their service partners, they annually reach more than 130,000 people who come to them from diverse backgrounds. AgeOptions embraces diversity in aging – across race, ethnicity, culture, language, experience and lifestyle. These qualities contribute greatly to the richness of their communities. At the same time, the unique differences challenge them to regularly evaluate who they are and what they do. They also realize that as the Baby Boomer generation ages this demographic shift will significantly increase the number of individuals seeking assistance.

Their Vision

     It is their vision that AgeOptions will be the:

·     Leading innovator in developing programs that meet the changing needs of the area’s aging population

·     Catalyst in collaborating with other organizations to develop a comprehensive network of senior services

·     Expert in securing adequate funding to serve the growing and diverse aging population

·     Leader in promoting the well-being of older adults and empowering them through high-quality information and programs

 

 The Strategy That Guides Their Future

     AgeOptions is recognized nationally as a leader in developing and helping to deliver innovative community-based resources and options to older populations in transition. Recent grants from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have enabled them to lead in a partnership-driven initiative for community planning and support programs. In late 2006, the Administration on Aging named AgeOptions as one of only 15 grantees nationwide to receive funds for the new SMP Integration Project.

 

     Seen by colleagues as being at the forefront of positive change in the field of aging, the AgeOptions executive and management team is regularly asked to share knowledge and expertise. In 2006 and 2007 alone, they have helped to organize and make key presentations at regional and national conferences sponsored by the American Society on Aging, the National Council on Aging, and n4a – the national association of 655 Area Agencies on Aging.

 

     Looking forward, AgeOptions will continue to seek out new opportunities and ways to reach the older adults of the metropolitan Chicago area and beyond. In order to be responsive and fully prepared, they will continue to:

·     Develop their system of services so that it is more comprehensive and culturally competent

·     Secure diversified funding and resources in support of these services

·     Promote access to services by raising awareness and increasing their visibility

·     Build strong relationships with their funded agencies and other community partners

·     Advocate for the needs and rights of older adults and those who care for them

 

     Contact information is as follows:

     1048 Lake Street, Suite 300

     Oak Park, Illinois 60301-1102

     phone (800)699-9043; (708)383-0258; TTY (708)524-1653

     www.ageoptions.org

 

Make Medicare Work Coalition - Helpful Websites for you!

 

Administration on Aging

            Various information regarding seniors and family caregivers

            www.aoa.gov

 

 

Benefits Checkup

Identifies federal and state assistance for older adults based on information they provide

www.benefitscheckup.org

 

Circuit Breaker Grant and Prescription Coverage Status Check

            https://cbrx2.aging.illinois.gov/cbpinquiry/

 

ElderCare Locator

            Linkage to senior service agencies in any part of the United States

            www.eldercare.gov

 

First Gov

Official web site of the United States government; has linkage to many helpful senior resources 

www.seniors.gov

 

Illinois Agencies

            List of all State of Illinois agencies

             www.illinois.gov/government/agency.cfm

 

Illinois Attorney General

Information regarding consumer protection; includes a section specific to seniors and various scams targeted toward them

www.ag.state.il.us

 

Illinois Department on Insurance – Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

Free statewide health insurance counseling for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. List of publications and resources to assist people with Medicare to make informed health insurance decisions.

            http://www.insurance.illinois.gov/Ship/ship_help.asp

 

Illinois Cares Rx

Circuit Breaker Grant and Pharmaceutical Assistance Inquiries – need claimant’s social security number and birth year; list of approved medications listed by illness; downloadable forms including applications

http://www.illinoiscaresrx.com/

 

Illinois Department on Aging

Information on in-home care, access and social services, elder rights, and public awareness; publications and demographic information; list of AAA in Illinois

            www.state.il.us/aging

 

IL Department of Human Services

Information on services such as AABD, Food Stamps, and Rehabilitation Services; fact sheets; local offices listed by county

http://www.dhs.state.il.us/

 

IL Department of Healthcare and Family Services

Information programs including Medicaid, nursing homes, supportive living facilities, QMB, SLMB, and QI

 http://www.hfs.illinois.gov/

 

Illinois Department of Public Health

            Variety of public health issues; nursing home violation reports

            www.idph.state.il.us

 

 

Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs

            List of state benefits for veterans; list of offices

            www.state.il.us/agency/dva

 

Medicare

            Variety of information on Medicare

            www.medicare.gov

 

My Medicare Community

Online community for professionals and volunteers to help people with Medicare, their families and caregivers

            http://www.mymedicarecommunity.org/

 

RxAssist

            Directory of Patient Assistance Programs

            http://www.rxassist.org/

 

Social Security 

Variety of information regarding Social Security; downloadable forms; request a replacement Medicare card online; list of local offices

www.ssa.gov

 

Social Security MSP model application

            http://www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp/cms_pubs.htm

 

Medicare-related subjects

 

Training modules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalMedicareTrainingProgram/TL/list.asp

 

Medicare Rights Center

            http://www.medicarerights.org/

 

Center for Medicare Advocacy

            http://www.medicareadvocacy.org/

 

 

 

IVCIL Meets With State Legislators

By Donna M. Joerger

 

     During the winter months while our State legislators are not in legislative session, IVCIL staff have been meeting with our State legislators. Due to the difficult year that we have had with State funding, IVCIL is asking our State legislators what to expect in the upcoming year. The news has not been good.

 

     Projected estimates are that Illinois will have at least a $12.8 billion deficit for fiscal year 2011, which starts in July of 2010. How much is $12.8 billion? This is equal to the total amount the State pays from General Revenue Funds – Illinois’ main checking account – for all the priorities of these agencies:

 

the Department of Human Services (including mental health, child care, and after-school services, as well as programs for people with disabilities and others in need; this includes funding for IVCIL)

 

the State Board of Education (support for public elementary, middle, and high schools)

 

the Department of Public Health (including vaccination programs, food- and water-safety efforts, and campaigns connecting people with free, life-saving health screening)

 

the Department of Children and Family Services (protections for abused and neglected, adopted, and foster children).

 

Basically, this means that the State deficit is as big as what it pays for services to Illinois’ most vulnerable populations.

 

     All of the legislators that we have met with so far have been honest that fiscal year 2011 will not be better than this year. After IVCIL received deep cuts in fiscal year 2010, the picture looks pretty scary for 2011. We hope that our readers and people with disabilities will help our legislators to understand how vital services are and encourage them to find a way to fix the State’s problems without hurting the most vulnerable.

 

     Remember, this is an election year. We need everyone to become knowledgeable about the political views of our legislators and those running against them. Then, be sure to VOTE! Don’t be afraid to let your legislators know how you feel about particular issues. They work for YOU, so your voice counts!

 

     The contact information for the State legislators that cover the IVCIL’s service area includes:

 

The Honorable Frank J. Mautino

State Representative

221 E. St. Paul Street

Spring Valley, IL  61362

815-664-2717

 

 

The Honorable Careen M. Gordon

State Representative

760 East Division

Coal City, IL  60416

815-634-3096

 

 

 

The Honorable Robert W. Pritchard

State Representative

2600 DeKalb Avenue, Suite C

Sycamore, IL  60178

815-748-3494

 

 

The Honorable Donald L. Moffitt

State Representative

# 5 Weinberg Arcade

Galesburg, IL  61401

309-343-8000

 

 

 

The Honorable Kay Hatcher

State Representative

P.O. Box 1150

Yorkville, IL  60560

630-553-3223

 

The Honorable David R. Leitch

State Representative

5407 N. University, Arbor Hall, Ste B

Peoria, IL  61614

309-690-7373

 

The Honorable Keith P. Sommer

State Representative

121 W. Jefferson

Morton, IL  61550

309-263-9242

 

 

The Honorable Gary G. Dahl

State Senator

103 Fifth Street

P.O. Box 260

Peru, IL  61354

815-220-8720

 

The Honorable J. Bradley Burzynski

State Senator

1101 DeKalb Avenue

Sycamore, IL  60178

815-895-6318

 

The Honorable Dale E. Risinger

State Senator

5415 N. University

Suite 105

Peoria, IL  61614

309-693-4921

 

The Honorable Dan Rutherford

State Senator

320 N. Plum Street

Pontiac, IL  61764

815-842-3632

 

 

The Honorable Chris Lauzen

State Senator

52 West Downer Place

Suite 201

Aurora, IL  60506

630-264-2334

 

Representative Kay Hatcher (pictured far right) and some of the IVCIL staff

How to Qualify for a FREE Amplified Phone from ITAC

 

 

     Individuals with hearing loss can receive a FREE amplified phone through the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC). To qualify, individuals must:

 

*Be a resident of the state of Illinois

*Have a working telephone service at the address listed on the application

*Have the application certified by either a family doctor or audiologist

*Be unable to use a standard telephone

*Have a hearing loss that is permanent

 

ITAC has no age or income restrictions!

 

 

 Videophones are Free to Qualified Individuals and Agencies

 

     Individuals with hearing loss who are users of sign language and live in the IVCIL service area have had the pleasure of receiving their videophones through Sorenson Communications, with the assistance from IVCIL. Also, area agencies that have individuals working for them who are deaf can also receive a videophone free from Sorenson Communications. If you or your agency is in need of a videophone, a representative from Sorenson will come to your home/agency, assist you with hooking up your videophone, and give you a demo on how to use your new videophone. All of this is free to the person/employee with the hearing loss!

 

     To qualify for having a videophone installed at your home or place of work, you must:

 

be deaf or hard of hearing

understand sign language (ASL, English, Pigeon, etc.)

have a high speed internet connection

have either a computer monitor or TV screen to connect to the videophone.

 

     If you have additional questions or would like to have a videophone installed, you can contact IVCIL at 815-224-3126 (V), 815-224-8271 (Direct TTY), or email ad@ivcil.com to see if you or your agency qualifies. Also, you can visit the Sorenson Communications website at www.sorensonvrs.com. 

 

YOUTH CONNECTION

 

By Marla Michalak, Youth Advocate

 

November Teen Social

 

     On Friday, November 13, IVCIL had our Teen Social, “Night at the YMCA,” at the Illinois Valley YMCA. We had snacks and drinks in our own private party room. We took a tour of the facilities and used the used the gym to play balloon volleyball, shoot hoops, play velcro catch, and kick around a soccer ball. We had a break time with brownies, popcorn, and drinks and had a nice discussion around school activities and manners. Then, we got to use several pieces of the exercise equipment including a ride on the stationary bikes. Everyone had a great time but was probably pretty sore the next day – I know I was!

 

“Parent’s Evening Out” Support Group

 

     Our quarterly Parent Support Group for parents of children with any type of disability was held on Thursday, November 19, at 6:00 p.m. in the IVCIL conference room. The group socialized around snacks and discussed celebrations, concerns, frustrations, and similarities of living with a child who has a disability. The participants supported each other in validating feelings and dismissing guilt, and it was a very beneficial time of sharing and caring together.

 

     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. In the past, our turnout has been very low, so 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 training "Individual Behavior Plans That Support Change for Students" was presented by Patti Conway from LEASE, on Thursday, December 3, 2009 in the IVCIL conference room. We discussed:

 

► How to identify the child’s difficulty or function of inappropriate behavior.

► What’s a good Functional Behavior Analysis?

► How to decide what needs to change.

► What are the components of a good behavior plan?

► What do we teach to replace the inappropriate behavior?

► Should we use a reward system?

► Working together with schools to find ways other than removal to support students with inappropriate behavior.

 

     Everyone received a handout with information from the presentation. A snack was served, and CPDU’s were offered.

 

Free Legal Help for Low-Income Parents of Children With Disabilities

    

     The Special Ed Advocacy Center (SEAC) provides free legal services to low-income parents and caregivers of children with disabilities seeking to obtain appropriate educational services for their children.

 

     Parents and caregivers are often not adequately informed of their rights and may not be able to read or understand the numerous documents they are asked to review and provide informed consent to. When disputes arise concerning a special educational issue, parents and caregivers often feel helpless and are without legal assistance.

     The SEAC is a non-profit, §501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. They are staffed by lawyers who provide free legal services to parents and caregivers to help them understand and obtain educational services that their children are legally entitled to.

 

     SEAC lawyers realize that every child has individual needs, and they work to ensure that parents and caregivers are able to obtain free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and a specialized educational program to meet the unique needs of their special education student.

 

     For more information, contact information follows:

Email: seac@specialedadvocacycenter.org

Call: 847-736-8286

Fax: 847-397-7011

Write: 1935 S. Plum Grove Road, Private Mail Box 274 Palatine, IL 60067.

 

Because of IVCIL’s funding cuts, we ask anyone

who receives this newsletter to provide your

email address so we can send our news-

letters by email rather than regular mail. We

are hoping that this will help to reduce our

costs.

 

To make this as easy as possible, just send

us an e-mail with your name or agency name

to ivcil@ivcil.com with NEWSLETTER in the

subject area. No additional information is

necessary.

 

Please feel free to contact us if you have any

questions. Thank you. 

 

Get Prepared for a Winter Emergency!

 

By Rachael Mellen

 

     “Old Man Winter” is upon us already - don’t get caught out! Although we often think of disasters in terms of earthquakes and tornados, an ice-storm which cuts off power for three days, or a fire can be just as devastating. The American Red Cross has some guidelines for people with disabilities as well as the general population. Our local chapter has books and leaflets that are very helpful - stop by and pick one up.

Create a Support Network

    

     A personal support network can help you prepare for a disaster by helping you to identify and get the resources you will need to cope. They can also assist you after a disaster happens. You should have at least three people in the network, such as roommates, friends, relatives, and neighbors. They should be familiar with your capabilities and needs so that when you call on them for help, they will be able to assist.

Make a Disaster Supply Kit

   

     Collect the basic items you would need to stay safe and comfortable during and after a disaster. They should be kept in a portable container as close as possible to the exit door. Some items recommended are:

 

Water - store in plastic containers such as soda bottles. NOT milk cartons or glass. You will need at least 1 gallon per person and at least three days’ supply.

Food - a three-day supply of non-perishable foods. For example:

·         ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables

·         canned juices, milk, soup

·         high-energy foods such as peanut butter and granola bars

·         special dietary needs

·         comfort/stress food – cookies, instant coffee, tea

First Aid kit.

Non-prescription drugs such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, laxatives, and antacids.

Tools such as a flashlight plus extra batteries, non-electric can opener, battery-operated radio.

Sanitation supplies: plastic bucket with tight lid, soap, liquid detergent, toilet paper, feminine hygiene supplies.

Blankets or sleeping bags, hat and gloves, thermal underwear.

Prescription medications.

Gather family documents such as insurance policies, passports, wills.

 

     For a complete list go to www.ready.illinois.gov.

Make a Plan

   

     Meet with your building manager, family members, and friends to review emergency plans. Tell them where you keep your emergency supplies and make sure you know how to exit the building safely in the event of a disaster. Choose an out-of-town contact who can act as point person for your family members after a disaster. Complete an emergency health information card.

Be Informed

  

     Learn about your community’s response and evacuation plans. You may want to ask your local emergency services if there is a special assistance program - some communities keep a voluntary registry of people with disabilities so they can check on them first. Know which radio and TV stations broadcast the Emergency Alert System.

 

Community Reintegration Program Update – January, 2010

By Rachael Mellen

 

     In the last newsletter, I wrote about the new “service parameters” which were being introduced by the Home Services Program. These parameters have not yet been put into effect, and we do not have a date when that will occur. When we are notified, I will be contacting all Community Reintegration Program (CRP) consumers who would be affected by these new rules to set up an appointment and review your service plan together.

 

Spot the Difference

     I am often asked what the difference is between the Community Reintegration Program (CRP) and the new Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program. The basic eligibility requirements are the same: the individual has to have a significant disability likely to last 12 months or longer, has to be in an Illinois nursing home, and has to be a citizen or legal alien. The person also has to be under the age of 60 (unless he or she has a brain injury or AIDS) and have less than $17,500 in assets.

 

     In MFP, the individual has to have been in the nursing home at least six months, and he or she has to be eligible for Medicaid. MFP is able to offer an additional menu of services over and above those offered by CRP to enhance the safety of the individual as he or she moves into the community. If you know of anyone interested in either program, please have them contact me at extension 19.

 

Another Successful Reintegration

     Nellie was referred to the Community Reintegration Program by the nursing home in which she resided. She had been there since February of 2009. Through the program and with great family support, Nellie was able to obtain accessible housing and pick out her own furnishings. For her service plan, she chose to have a homemaker, and a nurse check on her once a week. IVCIL staff worked with the nursing home staff and her family members to make sure all the details were covered before her move on November 2^nd, 2009. Nellie enjoys living near family and friends and being in control of her own life!

 

 

Unique Opportunity to Participate in a Research Study and Win an I-pod

 

     You are invited to participate in a doctoral research project at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee on evaluating factors that are most important to individuals with impairments when they purchase and use medical devices.

 

     To participate in this study, you have to be at least 18 years of age. As a participant in this study, you can enter into an I-pod raffle, the results of which will be released in April 2010. The information obtained from this survey will enable the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee to provide information to medical device designers and manufacturers about features that should be included in medical devices so they are usable by persons with disabilities.

 

     To access this survey, go to the following link: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/221239/medical-device-questionnaire.

     All survey information will be anonymous. Answering this survey will provide the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with vital information that will be used to improve medical device design for people with disabilities. Your survey responses are completely anonymous. If you have any questions related to the survey, please call Rochelle Mendonca at 414-229-6803 or email her at r2d2-mendonca@uwm.edu. All emails and calls will be responded to within 24 hours.

     Thank you for your interest.

 

Advocacy Updates

 

Village of Ladd

By Cynthia Panizzi

 

     The Village of Ladd and its mayor have made some accessibility improvements to the main street. A curb cut was added in front of the post office, and a ramp with handrails was added in front of the American Legion building. Because of this, IVCIL recognized the mayor and the Village of Ladd with an accessibility award. Their efforts are greatly appreciated!

 

Utica Accessibility

By Cynthia Panizzi

 

     In October, I went to Utica to assess the businesses and their accessibility. I found that although many businesses are not accessible from the front entrance, most of them have accessible entrances in the back. Therefore, I wrote a letter to each of them to inform them they are compliant with the law by having accessible entrances, however, they need to post a directional sign in the front to let patrons know the location of the accessible entrance. The businesses are: Skoog’s Bar & Grill, Cheatin Gourmet, and Second Look Antiques. I’m happy to let you know the owner of each of the businesses called me after receiving my letter and agreed to purchase and post a directional sign.

 

     An Assistant Trust Officer with the LaSalle State Bank, Community Bank of Utica called me and said she will discuss the inaccessible entrance with the officers of the bank and see what they can do. I suggested they put a small threshold ramp at the front door as a solution. 

 

     I wrote a letter to each of the following businesses also but have not heard from them as of writing this article. They are: Utica Hair Company, Harmoni Day Spa, Canal Port Bar & Grill, Mix’s Trading Post, Village Green Liquors, Joy and Ed’s Bar, Towpath Collectibles, and August Hill Winery. 

 

     Please watch for our next newsletter for an update on each business’ progress. 

 

GOODBYE CHRISTMAS?

By Peggy Judge

 

     If you, along with a handful of others, myself included, just happened to survive the holiday season, congratulations!

 

      What has happened to us? If we don’t have a “White Christmas” with “chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” or are one of those that are “home for Christmas but only in our dreams,” or “Santa Claus” only goes down “Santa Claus Lane” and that doesn’t happen to be in our neighborhood . . . then has Christmas failed us? Or have we failed Christmas?

 

     I really hate to sound corny, but really, what have we done to Christmas? It is almost unrecognizable. We have allowed the Grinch to steal it, lock, stock, and barrel!!! If you think about it, let’s just let him keep it; that is, the stressful, unrealistic 24-hour sweep that takes us two months of preparation and insurmountable stress. How can anyone ever be satisfied when we find that the biggest fish got off the hook, that the mountain is too high, or simply, that we can’t afford the unattainable, whether financially or the pound of flesh we lose by trying?

 

     Let’s keep the kinder, gentler aspect of the little Baby’s Birthday. Better yet (here I go sounding corny again), let’s keep the simple comfort and joy year-round. Yep, I’m for that. Actually being able to go to the grocery store near or around December 25^th and escaping untouched? Yep, I’m for that. Maybe, just maybe, the store clerk is happy to be working and really means, “Have a good day?” Yep, I’m for that. Let’s keep the real Christmas alive in all its simplicity, gentleness, and hope. Yep, I’m for that! How about you?

 

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:

February 8^th  

March 8^th

April 12^th

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

Money Management

guest speaker Becky Coons from Financial Plus Credit Union

Topics include the parts of a check, writing checks,

the checkbook register, endorsements,

the pros and cons of the debit card,

how to establish credit, and the parts of a credit report. 

There will be a small activity. Small prizes will be given.

Tuesday, March 23^rd at 10:00

Meeting Rooms 2 & 3 of Ottawa Regional Hospital

1100 East Norris Drive, Ottawa

Please call IVCIL by March 19 at 815-224-3126 (V or TTY) to RSVP or for reasonable accommodations. 

 

Personal Assistant Orientation Trainings

RSVP is needed by 9:00 a.m. on the day of the training.

 

Thursday, January 28, 2010

1:00 p.m.

IVCIL

 

Thursday, February 18, 2010

1:00 p.m.

Toluca City Hall

 

Thursday, March 25, 2010

1:00 p.m.

Hennepin Putnam County Library (tentative)

 

Social Gatherings

We hope to see you at the following events for friendship and fun!!

RSVP requested the day before each social event by calling 1-800-822-3246.

 

Delaney’s

Oglesby

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

5:00 p.m.

 

Sip-N-Snack Restaurant

Mendota

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

5:15 p.m.

Annie’s Hideaway

Ottawa

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

5:15 p.m.

 

 Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant

Peru

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

5:00 p.m.

 

Youth Services Events

 

Quarterly Teen Social

“Movie & Popcorn Night”

“Cloudy With A Chance For Meatballs”
Friday, February 5, 2010 from 6-8 p.m.
IVCIL Conference Room
RSVP and requests for reasonable accommodations required by January 29, 2010.

 

Quarterly “Evening Out for Parents” Support Group

For parents who have children with any type of disability.
Thursday, February 18, 2010 from 6-8 p.m.

We will be playing board games and sharing information.

IVCIL Conference Room
RSVP and requests for reasonable accommodations required by Feburary 11, 2010.

 

Volunteer Parent Advocate Meeting

Please attend if you are interested in being a Volunteer Parent Advocate!

Thursday, February 11, 2010 from 5-5:45 p.m.

IVCIL Conference Room

RSVP and requests for reasonable accommodations required by February 4, 2010.

 

Parent & Community Training

“Is Your Child A Target of Bullying?

Intervention Strategies for

Parents of Children with Disabilities”

Thursday, February 11, 2010 from 6-8 p.m.

IVCIL Conference Room

Presented by Rhonda Best from Family Matters Parent Training & Information Center.

RSVP and requests for reasonable accommodations required by January 29, 2010.

 

Illinois Cares Rx Updates

By Rachael Mellen

 

     It’s that time of year again – if you are a senior who qualifies for assistance with Medicare Part D, you can file the application as soon as you have filed income taxes. There are some changes to the program this year – both the asset and income levels have been raised so more people will qualify.

 

2010 Co-Payments

 

     For each 30-day supply, if you qualify for Illinois Cares Rx you will pay:

 

$2.50 for generic drugs;

$6.30 for preferred brand name drugs;

$15.00 for non-preferred brand name drugs and specialty drugs; and

20% of the cost of each prescription, plus appropriate co-payment, after the total cost of your drugs (not just your share) reaches $2,830.

 

“Coordinating” Plans for 2010 Enrollment Information

 

     Below are the five stand-alone plans which work with Illinois Cares Rx for 2010. Be sure to enroll in one of these if you are an Illinois Cares Rx recipient. The State will not provide any direct assistance with other plans.

 

AARP Medicare Rx Saver: 877-710-5083 or 877-730-4192 (TTY)

First Health Part D – Premier: 866-865-0662; or 800-716-3231 (TTY)

WellCare Classic: 888-550-5252; or 888-816-5252  (TTY)

SilverScript Value: 866-634-6557; 866-552-6288 (TTY)

Humana Value: 888-445-8678; 800-833-3301 (TTY)

 

Illinois Cares Rx $25.00 Rebate

     If you get the $25.00 monthly rebate instead of direct help paying for your drugs, you can continue to receive the monthly $25.00 rebate if you still have private health insurance or help through the Veterans Administration that pays for your prescription drugs.

     If you want prescription drug coverage instead of the monthly rebate, contact the Department of Healthcare and Family Services at 1-800-226-0768.

 

IVCIL thanks the following

individuals, families, and businesses for their donations

and/or memberships...

 

Donations

 

William and Barbara Bader in Memory of Robert Szuda

 

Eileen Bruzas

 

Mike and Sally Evancik

Grace United Methodist Church

 

Bonnie Neahring

 

Ohio United Methodist Women’s Group

 

The Tony Panizzi Family in Memory of Robert Szuda

 

Richard and Judy Schultz in Memory of Robert Szuda
Memberships

 

Kathy Friede

 

Susan Killackey

 

Don and Jeanette Lewis

 

John Swartz