JACIL Connections for November 2017
Article 1:
Functional and Access Needs in an emergency seminar set for Friday,
November 3 at Pathway
JACIL has taken the lead in organizing an exciting FAN Fair on Friday,
November 3, 2 - 8 p.m. at the Pathway Community Room, 1905 W. Morton. The public is invited at no charge.
The day will focus on Functional and Access Needs (FAN) of people with
disabilities and seniors during emergency situations. It has been designed to
give first responders like police, fire fighters and emergency services
information about the needs of people with disabilities so that they can
provide top-notch assistance in the event of an emergency.
In addition to natural disasters such as tornadoes and floods, the
information will be helpful in situations such as house fires, etc.
During the fair, attendees will be able to visit several interactive
stations where they can learn more about challenges faced by people with
specific disabilities.
There will be several simulation activities and an obstacle course to
try out with a wheelchair or walker.
First responders will be present to explain their role in assuring
maximum safety for everyone in a disaster.
There will be a limited amount
of seating available during each of the following breakout sessions:
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
ARE YOU READY?
How people with disabilities
can prepare for an emergency.
4:00 to 6:00 p.m. & 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
IN THE MOMENT
A panel of people with disabilities
talks to first responders
The Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter will provide attendees with the
Are You Ready training on preparing for an emergency.
"Emergency personnel and volunteers are the first line of hope for
residents in the face of a disaster," said Bryan Soady, Red Cross disaster
specialist. "It is imperative they are equipped with the knowledge and
confidence to assist all residents, including those living with functional and
access needs."
"Too often those living with disabilities are overlooked in
emergency situations," said JACIL’s Becky McGinnis. "Whether it's a functional
disability or an accessibility issue, we want to ensure those assisting
residents with disabilities are able to effectively and sensitively serve all
members of our communities."
Questions? Call JACIL at (217)
245-8371.
Article 2:
It’s My Life! - Part 2
Self-advocacy
by Cyndy Benton
"It's My Life" is a four-part training that JACIL has
developed to help people with disabilities learn how they can have more control
of their lives in the home, workplace and in the community.
The first session examined Self-Determination, looking at how people
determine their own personal wants and set life goals.
The second training session will be held November 16, 2017 from 4:00 -
6:00 p.m. at the JACIL offices. This session will look at Self-Advocacy. It was developed to help people with
disabilities learn how to best stand up for what they want and need in their
lives.
The session will also cover when it is best to stand up (advocate) for
different things, and how to go about it in a way that will help their chances
of getting what they are asking for. It
is designed to also help people better understand the difference between
rights, needs and wants as an American with a disability and as someone who may
be receiving services through disability programs or public schools.
An ASL interpreter will be available on request; alternate formats of
written resources will be available if requested by Nov 9.
A light meal will be served . Anyone interested in coming to this
session should call JACIL at 217-245-8371 to register by Nov. 14.
Article 3:
Strategic PlanningUpdate
by Becky McGinnis
Our Strategic Planning is in full swing now, at least the
information-gathering stage!
The Illinois College students who are helping us have started holding
focus groups, guiding small groups to share their input about JACIL.
You may have received an invitation to one of the focus groups and, if
you have, we hope you'll plan to come.
We have some more invitations to be mailed soon, but don't wait to be
invited.
All sessions will be one-hour in length. The schedule is as follows
Wednesday.November 8 4:30 p.m.
Thursday.November 9 12:15 p.m.
Monday.November 13 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday.November 15 4:30 p.m.
Monday.November 20 4:30 p.m.
Monday.November 27 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday.November 29 4:30 p.m.
If you'd like to join one of these focus groups, please call Becky at (217) 245-8371,
and ask to be put on the list. Your input is extremely important in helping
JACIL a better and more effective agency!
Article 1:
Secretary of State accessible parking program
by Larry Whewell
JACIL's monthly KIP Café is scheduled for November 16, from 11:30 to
1:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be
William Bogdan, Disability Liaison to the Secretary of State's Office as we
discuss an overview of the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities. Come and learn what is new with the new
Accessible Parking Placard Program.
We will hear about the process as the
Secretary of State’s office implements its online renewal certification
process for permanent disability parking placards. Also we will hear about the do's and don'ts
of the program and how a person can reduce the fraud and abuse of parking
placards and disability license plates.
Mr. Bogdan will also provide an overview of other programs and services
offered by the Secretary of State, and answer questions from the audience.
A light lunch will be provided
and an ASL interpreter will be present.
Call (217) 245-8371 to make your reservations by November 15.
For more information or questions call JACIL and ask for Larry.
Article 5:
JACIL will be closed
VETERANS DAY
Saturday, November 11, Observed Friday, November 10
THANKSGIVING DAY
Thursday, November 23
Friday, November 24
Article 6:
APP-HAPPY Smart Phone Services
by Roger Deem
Google Voice Access
Voice Access is an accessibility service that helps users who have
difficulty manipulating a touch screen (e.g. due to paralysis, tremor, or
temporary injury) use their Android devices by voice.
Voice Access provides voice commands (currently English only) in three
categories:
Basics and navigation from
any screen (e.g. "go back", "go home")
Gestures to interact with
things on the current screen (e.g. "click next", "scroll
down")
Text editing and dictation
(e.g. "type hello", "replace coffee with tea")
You can access on-screen help by saying "What can I say?"
within Voice Access. You can also see the full list of voice commands by going
to Voice Access Settings and selecting "Show all commands."
Article 7:
Who Hears a Hoot?
by Mary Little & Susan Nolls
Hearing often decreases as we age.
Decreased blood supply, cochlear (tiny ear bone) deterioration, and
thickened eardrums may lead to hearing loss.
Presbycussis is another name for age-related hearing loss.
Approximately one third of adults age 60 and older and one-half of
those 75 and older experience hearing loss.
Both ears are usually affected.
The ability to hear high-pitched tones is lost first. Speech may be hard to understand. Older adults often say they can hear people
talking but don’t understand what is being said.
Hearing loss, vision loss and slower reaction times affect many
seniors. The ability to concentrate and
remember may slow down for some and, to make matters worse, hearing loss is
mistaken for decreased intellect.
Arthritis and other health conditions may make it harder to use some
equipment that makes sounds easier to hear.
Some people are embarrassed or frustrated by hearing loss and avoid
using telephones and being around people.
For them, life may become sad and lonely.
The exact cause of age- related hearing loss is unknown. Researchers continue investigating genetics
(family history) and high cholesterol levels as links. In the meantime, eat healthy diets, avoid
loud noise, and wear ear protection when around loud noise. Proper diagnosis is
important. Age-related hearing loss is
not the same as hearing loss caused by noise exposure, illness, or medication.
Treatment varies. Hearing aids
and sound amplifiers are two options.
Professionals, according to individual needs, fit hearing aids. Amplifiers are available over the counter and
may come with money back guarantees.
Amplified telephones are helpful.
JACIL is a demonstration center for free amplified ITAC telephones,
including cell phone amplifiers and captioned telephones.
November Calendar of Events
Thu 2 Making
Computers Fun with Dan Thompson - 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Fri 3 FAN
Fair at Pathway Community Room - 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Tue 7 Knollwood
20/20 Support Group - 9:30
Thu 9 VisAbility
Support Group - 10:30 a.m. to Noon
Thu 9 Making
Computers Fun with Dan Thompson - 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Fri 10 Veteran’s Day Observed - JACIL office closed.
Wed 15 Visions Support Group in Havana - 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Thu 16 KIP Café - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Topic: New Accessible
Parking Placard Program
Speaker: William Bogdan,
Disability Liaison to the
Secretary of State's Office
Thu 16 Making Computers Fun with Dan Thompson - 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Thu 16 It’s My Life Training - Self Advocacy. 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Tue 21 Cass County Vision Support Group - 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Thu 23 Thanksgiving Day - JACIL office closed.
Fri 24 JACIL office closed
Thu 30 Making Computers Fun with Dan Thompson - 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
“JACIL
Connections” is published by the Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living. JACIL is organized to serve people with
disabilities in Morgan, Scott, Cass and Mason Counties. JACIL is committed to serving persons with
disabilities to gain control and direction of their lives in the home,
workplace and community. JACIL’s goal is
to stimulate and promote a growing sense of personal dignity through
individualized services designed to provide the tools necessary for maximum
independence and community participation.
We invite your comments and suggestions.
JACIL is a Prairieland United Way Agency and a proud member of the
Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living
15 Permac Road, Jacksonville, IL 62650
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8
a.m. to 5 p.m.
217-245-8371 Voice/TTY l 217-245-1872 Fax l
888-317-3287 Toll Free
217-408-0567 Deaf Advocate’s Toll Free Videophone Line
E-mail: info@jacil.org l
Website: www.jacil.org
JACIL - Mason County Office
220 West Main Street, Havana, IL 62644
Office Hours: Tuesdays 12:30 to
4:30 & Thursdays 8:00 a.m. to noon
309-543-6680 Voice/TTY, 309-543-6711 Fax, 877-759-2187 Toll Free
E-mail: jacil@casscomm.com