Rodney's Opinion - DON’T JUDGE OTHERS:
I have heard people going around and judging people with disability. By saying that they believe that person (male and/or female) is faking his or her disability. For an example, I have a friend who’s name I will not mention, she has an Issue of seizures. I heard some one saying that she doesn’t really believe that my friend did have an seizure episode one day when I was told that she was in the ER one day. In the Chanute SKIL office, where I work we have a sign on one of our walls That says: “LABEL JARS, NOT PEOPLE".
I only wish that people would do that. Like it says in the Bible, in Matthew 7:1, Judge not, lest ye be judged.
FEMININE MYSTIQUE WOMEN'S ADVOCACY CLUB
Yates Center
FEMININE MYSTIQUE WOMEN'S ADVOCACY CLUB
AUGUST 18TH - 12PM TO 2PM
POTLUCK LUNCH..BRING A DISH OF YOUR CHOICE!
BOTTLED WATER & SERVING PROVIDED
WEATHER SAFETY BOOKLETS, SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS, DOOR PRIZES
For our experiments I need each person to bring two empty 2-liter bottles for yourself. Also need any glass jars that have the mouth of the jar just slightly smaller than an egg.
SEE YA THEN LADIES! Call 620-625-2818
Yates Center 119 W. Butler, P.O. Box 129 Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-2818 phone - 620-625-2585 fax - 866-927-2818 toll free
NCIL Awards Banquet and Senator Tom Harkins
It took four police officers to carry me and my power chair up and down the stairs of the Burley, Idaho Courthouse in 1979. One round trip was enough to convince them to move the hearings that we were protesting to an accessible location. Our subsequent lawsuit resulted in the accessible Courthouse that stands today.
On the eve of the 20th Anniversary of the ADA, our community is overwhelmed with a sense of pride for our accomplishments and determination to finally bring full social, economic, and political equality to people with disabilities.
This July, we will celebrate the future we work toward: a day when our brothers and sisters breathe the free air outside institutions, regain the strength of independence, and bring down “the shameful wall of exclusion” once and for all! This year’s Annual Conference, 20 Years of the ADA: “The Fight Goes On!” is designed to give us the tools to do just that. Above is a section from at letter by Kelly Buckland, Executive Director of NCIL.
Senator Tom Harkins shared some heartfelt thoughts at the close of the annual conference. He expressed an appreciation for, “flying of the colors on the hill”. Senator Harkins expressed that there was more than a working relationship between the conference members that he looked on them as family.
He continued as he recalled the many leaders of the ADA. But he explained that without a doubt Justin Dart is the “Father of the ADA”. As the Senator continued he explained the Community First Choice option and that it would begin to take effect in October 2011. If a state implements the Olmstead decision and makes it possible for people to get out of institutions and make it possible for a person to live independently then there is a 6% increase in their Federal match. “ There is strong financial incentive for states to do this now.”
More Photos by Skip Smith at the read more or Click Here Audio from KSEK/KLKC Radio – Thanks to Brandon Nevins.
North 18th Street between Main and Washington in Parsons was the site of the SKIL Resource Center’s celebration of the Twentieth Anniversary Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
SKIL offices from all over the region had been planning and working with community members to make this the largest and grandest celebration possible. As people began setting up tents, games, activities and more the smell of fresh popcorn furnished and served by Ace Hardware started filling the air.
Julie Menghini of the Kansas House District 3 had everyone rolling as she welcomed everyone and encouraged the crowd to remember to get out and vote. Next Robert O’Kelly the mayor of Parsons read a proclamation from the city in honor of the ADA and its anniversary. Shari Coatney, President/CEO of SKIL shared how special the day is to not only those celebrating but to all Americans. She encouraged everyone to enjoy the day and recognize how good it is to share together and meet new people and learn about their experiences.
More than 800 people joined in the celebration and all four local television stations were on hand to document the event. From the petting zoo to the large inflatable’s the youth of the area and adults had plenty to keep them on the move. There were DARE cars from Pittsburg and a Highway Patrol rollover doing demonstrations throughout the day. Parsons Police were on hand to do Identify Kids program. Snow cones were always a hit form the Parsons State Hospital. The Cardinal Cheerleaders were busy all day doing face painting.
Live music by Vernon Sandusky and crew had everyone tapping toes or keeping up with the beat.
As the noon hour approached several guests shared with the crowd. Richard Proehl, Kansas House District 7 as well as Jerry Williams, Kansas House District 8 were the local representatives that were first to share with the group. Jacob Laterner from Representative Lynn Jenkins office and Mike Zamrzla of Congressman Moran’s office were on hand to answer questions and share greeting from each of the legislators.
But without a doubt one of the most surprised people at the event was Mary Ann Lybarger when she was awarded a new scooter. Skip Smith took some great photos of the event and I have them posted at the close of the article.
Sponsors of the event included: AAA Bail Bonding, Ace Hardware, Anonymous, Bowen Pharmacy, Cardinal Cheerleaders, City of Parsons, Class LTD, Farmers National Bank, Higher Calling Technologies, Jake’s Fireworks, Kansas Highway Patrol, KLKC / KSEK Radio, Labette Bank, Mike Carpino Ford, Operation Lifesaver, Parsons Fire Department, Parsons State Hospital, Parsons Police Department, Pittsburg Police Dept. DARE, Pittsburg State ROTC, Power Flame, Residential Treatment of SE Kansas, SEK Auto & Parsons Auto Parts, Inc, SKIL Resource Center, Wood-Dulohery Insurance, www.SEKinfo.com
NCIL held their Annual Awards Banquet as the convention draws to a close with only wrap-up sessions to follow. As the program began advocates from all over the United States were recognized for the work done in their areas. NCIL works through 10 regions across America. Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa comprised region seven.
Bill Cochran was the recipient of the "Region VII Advocacy Award. The award was for his recent work on "The Kansas Truth Is" website. The social networking, videos and articles were used to advance the purpose of Independent Living and was a valuable part of the advocacy efforts of the Centers for Independent Living in Kansas.
Senator Tom Harkins received Frank Harkins Award. He then shared with the NCIL family some of the successes of the ADA. He also shared that we have far to go.
One notable success dealt with the House of Representatives. The Floor of the House can be presided over be when the Speaker of the House chooses a person to do so. Up to this point the podium has not been accessible. That has been corrected and on Monday July 26th the House will be presided over by Jim Langevin, from Rhode Island's 2nd district.
NCIL March to the Capital
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
That is the First Amendment to the Constitution. Wednesday morning every state in the union practiced their rights to "... peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
As we approach the twentieth anniversary of the ADA there are grievances that people with disabilities assembled and went to The Capital to petition the Government.
NCIL advocates gathered along the 11th and G streets in Washington, DC. Chants and songs of all fifty states could be heard. What do we want? Freedom. When do we want it? Now. Or how about singing Happy Birthday to the ADA. The diversity of the cries and chants reflected the diversity of the group that stretched out for several blocks as intersection after intersection was blocked and the group moved closer and closer to The Capital Building.
Just to the West side of the building the group gathered for a rally that was started with Billy Altom of APRIL singing "I won't back down." Next he called on a group of young advocates to join him on the stage as SKIL's own Brandon Nevins played the guitar the group sang a very heartfelt song that was written by Justin Dart. The song called "Lead ON" was set to the tune of the old and familiar spiritual "Amen Amen"
Several speakers were on hand to urge the group to make their voices be heard. People from all over the rally began to lead on as they continued to the offices of their Representatives and Senators.
As you can judge for yourself by the last picture in the slide show; Lou Ann Kibbee, Vice President of NCIL and a member of the SKIL team felt even with the heat it was a pretty cool day.
9:00 AM Tuesday morning the Independence Ballroom was full as the legislative and advocacy update was shared with the NCIL conference attendees. As the group worked its way through the many pieces of legislature that NCIL supports it became very evident this group was in DC to work together to advance the work that began so many years ago.
Next it was straight into briefing and preparing for the day at the Hill. At 12:30 the Caucuses were started and strategy for Congressional visits were shared.
Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner stated to the group that one unique quality of the ADA is that it is completely bi-partisan.
But when the sun set the Heroes came out. Congressman Steny Hoyer addressed the crowd as "Hello Heroes. You are the heroes who passed the ADA." He went on to share the need to remember the promise of Freedom that began in 1776. How until 1861 when a civil war began before some citizens experienced that freedom. He shared how until 1920 when women received the right to vote they experienced that freedom. Further until 1965-1968 when many Americans began to experience that civil promised in 1776. "However that promise of 1776 has not yet reached all."
Advocates in the group recognized that in the march tomorrow they were reaching for the promise of 1776.
The Spirit of ADA...Lead On celebration was in full swing when the group Flame took the stage. Andy Imparato stated as he introduced the group that more than 60 organizations had contributed and participated in the planning and funding of the event. He also stated that over 1300 people were in attendance.
Jazzy Select Scouter for SALE
Gay Kesney has a Jazzy Select Scouter for sale. It is one year old, four wheels, jell seat, and her husband set in it like three times before he died.
