Arson Ruled Out in Missouri Group Home Fire

The fire in a group home for people with disabilities was probably accidental.

A fire that killed 10 people early Monday in a home here for the disabled and mentally ill probably started accidentally in the attic and burned undetected for some time before bursting into the living area, investigators said Wednesday.

The police indicated they would be looking into the organization that runs the group home after information came to light that the owner of the home, Robert DuPont, had spent time in federal prison for Medicare fraud.

Autism Conference Set for Unviersity of Rio Grande

The University of Rio Grande will be holding an autism conference on December 1.

The conference is titled "Practical Solutions for Success For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Disabilities."

The conference will highlight effective strategies for promoting the success of students with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities at school and home. The parent/professional team leaders for the conference will emphasize the importance of parents and teachers working together to identify practical solutions for supporting students.

The leaders at the conference will also share concrete solutions for improving both academic and social outcomes to support community life for individuals with disabilities.

Judge: Paper Money Unfair To The Blind

One of the oldest stories in the blind community has to do with Parisian Valentin Hauy talking to a blind beggar. Monsieur Hauy gave the beggar a coin. The beggar, in turn, ran his fingers over the coin and asked of M. Hauy if perhaps he had made a mistake, for the coin was of greater value than the normal gift of alms.

Hauy was impressed with the young man's honesty, but more so with his ability to "read" the currency with his hands. M. Hauy went on to become one of the great blind educators in history.

Apparently, the U.S. has caught up in 2006. Blind people have always been able to tell coins apart without needing to see them. But with paper money, a $1 bill and a $20 feel exactly the same. They either have to rely on others, or buy dollar bill readers to assist them.

It doesn't have to be this way, and a judge agreed. So soon, if the ruling holds, there will be some tangible difference in the paper currency to assist the blind.

People will say this is a waste of time and energy.

It is not. It will be a brief and fading inconvenience for society at large. It is a good day for independence for blind people, and a small step the government can take to help them in their journey.

Felon Was Running Missouri Group Home Where Deadly Fire Broke Out

Robert Dupont, the man who was running the River of Life group home for people with disabilities, is a felon who by law should not have been allowed to hold such a position. The Anderson, Missouri group home was ravaged by a fire that has left 10 people dead.

Robert Joseph Dupont, 61, was convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud in 2003 for his part in a scheme to bilk the federal Medicare program by steering patients from group homes he owned, including the one in Anderson gutted by fire early Monday, to hand-picked doctors. Those doctors, in exchange, falsely certified that the patients needed home health services from two companies Dupont owned or co-owned, according to federal records.

Dupont was sentenced to 21 months at the Leavenworth federal prison in Kansas, followed by three years of supervised release. Earlier this year, a federal judge rejected Dupont's efforts to persuade the court to vacate that conviction.

According to state law, as a convicted felon in a crime involving a health care facility, he is not allowed to be an ``operator'' or ``principal'' in a Missouri long-term care facility.

Mayor of Toledo to Host Disability Forum

Kudos to the disability activists in Toledo who have been working with Mayor Carty Finkbeiner on disability issues. The Mayor's Commission on Disabilities is hosting an open forum to hear from the disability community. The mayor himself will be in attendance for approximately 15 minutes.

The commission is hosting a community forum from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Walbridge Park shelter house on Broadway, across from the Toledo Zoo.

Among the topics that will be discussed in breakout sessions are transportation, housing, employment, community perception, and compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

Mr. Finkbeiner has come a long way from the days when he suggested they should encourage deaf people to live out by the airport.

Colker Gaining Notice as National ADA Expert

There is a national article out about the prevalence of so-called "drive-by" lawsuits relevant to the ADA, and it includes the views of Ohio State University Law School professor Ruth Colker.

As a recap, the articles focus on people who file lawsuits against restaurants, hotels, and country clubs who are not ADA accessible. The defendants allege that this is merely a money making scam, furthered by trial attorneys who may (the article states) be illegally funneling money under the table to the aggrieved person - the person with a disability.

In the case of Mr. Robert Cohen, the businesses may have a point.

"(Cohen) and his attorney filed a lawsuit in 2003 against the Carolina Club, the same business he sued in 1998 under different ownership, and for the same reasons. Cohen also filed similar lawsuits against Publix, McDonald's, Comfort Suites and Muvico Entertainment - more than 300 federal lawsuits in Florida's Southern and Middle Districts over the past several years."

Not much new in the article, except the allegation of the attorney's funneling money to the one who files the claim. Two points: I agree that if a guy files 300 lawsuits, I find it hard to believe he is not being sustained at some level by the lawfirm. Secondly, if these suits are a valid use of the judicial system, why should the aggrieved party not be able to collect something?

Anyway, they sought out professor Colker's view on these types of lawsuits....

Some experts blame the way the law is drafted.

"Sure someone is making money off of these lawsuits," said Ruth Colker, a professor of law at Ohio State University. "But the problem with this statue is that there is no effective enforcement mechanism if we don't have these kinds of lawsuits."

Paws with a Cause

There is a good article today in the Youngstown Vindicator about Jazzy, a labrador retriever who works as a guide dog for Tom Pugh, a 21-year old man from Youngstown who has epilepsy.

"For Pugh, of Youngstown, whose seizures occur without warning, the arrival of Jazzy opened the door to a sense of freedom that he and his family had not experienced since he was diagnosed with epilepsy at 13."

"Pulling an alarm strap is just one of Jazzy's skills. She literally can open many doors — the refrigerator, too.

Upon command, she will bring the telephone, retrieve things off the floor, open many car doors and push an elevator button, Tom said. "

"While seeing-eye dogs are well known to the public, Janet Mau, director of the Mahoning Valley Epilepsy Fund Agency, believes Jazzy is the first epilepsy response dog placed in Ohio by Paws With A Cause. Other organizations also train dogs to help people with disabilities, she added. "

Unfortunately there was no picture of Jazzy accompanying the article.

10 Dead in Fire at Missouri Home for People with Disabilities

Tragedy hit the southwest Missouri town of Anderson, as a fire swept through a home for people with mental illness.

"Authorities believe about 35 people were in the privately operated Anderson Guest House south of Joplin at the time, Fire Marshal Randy Cole said. Some were treated for smoke inhalation and released, he said."

"The home is run by Joplin River of Life Ministries Inc., according to records from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, which licenses the facility. A woman who answered the phone at Joplin River of Life Ministries this morning said it was not releasing any information and hung up the phone."

Jury Seated in Gravelle Case

The Toledo Blade reports that a jury of 16 peers has been seated in the case of Michael and Sharen Gravelle - what the media is referring to as the "Caged Kids" case.

It's not good for the defense when you are denying you caged your kids in something known as the "Caged Kids" case. The PR is working against you at that point.

42-39

All is right with the world, for at least one day.

Buckeye Disability International Tourism Update

One theory espoused by local departments
of tourism is that the tone of a town is set by the front-line people - the shop owners, the vendors, the taxi cab drivers. If that is true, then Oswestry, England has a problem.

Oswestry is a town nearly a thousand years old, described as an "ancient market town located in the North of Shropshire close by the English - Welsh Border."

It seems they aren't too friendly to people in wheelchairs in Oswestry, and it has nothing to do with the "narrow passageways (that) link streets whose names conjure up images of the past: English Walls, Welsh Walls, The Bailey and the Horsemarket."

No, that only makes Oswestry inaccessible. Quaint and historic, but inaccessible.

The real rub is that in Oswestry, if you who would like to take a taxi to "Oswestry Castle" (the main tourist attraction, pictured), or any of their other attractions, you are going to have to pay extra for any cab ride if you are a person who uses a wheelchair.

In Oswestry, it seems that wheelchairs are a bit bulky, they don't fit easily in tiny cars, and you have to lift them. And who needs all that? So wheelchair users pay extra.

Naturally, the disability groups are not happy.

David Cox, secretary of the Oswestry Access Group, which represents people
with disabilities said: “Overcharging like this is illegal and should be
reported to the Disability Rights Commission.

When asked about their policy, the taxi cab company offered the following heartfelt response:

“... the reason the driver gave at the time was the fact I am taking up a
six-seater taxi. Also, they had to buy a specially-adapted taxi so someone has
got to end up paying for it. "

God Save The Queen!

If you want to complain, the number for England's Disability Rights Commission is 08457 622 633.

Just tell them you're from Lancaster, London, Dublin, or Kent.

State May "Censor" Certain Parts of Marcus Fiesel Report

The state of Ohio has delayed the release of a report on the case of Marcus Fiesel while they determine which parts of the report should be "censored."

Fiesel was a 3-year old boy with autism from southwest Ohio who was killed (allegedly) by his foster parents Liz and David Carroll, who are charged with leaving him tied up in a closet while they went out of town for the weekend.

"There are things that fall under protected information when it comes to child welfare," said Dennis Evans, a spokesman with the Ohio Department of Jobs
and Family Services.

The department typically refuses to release information on case workers, medical information and the names of foster children and foster parents.

The report, at least what's made public, is due out the week of Nov. 27, a month behind schedule.

Steppin' Out - With The Achievement Centers for Children

This from the Cleveland Plain Dealer - sounds like there was quite a party in Cleveland to raise money for the Achievement Centers for Children.

Party scene: Piano music, passed hors d'oeuvres and prom-style pictures were merely a prelude to the spirited action at the silent-auction tables and heartfelt dinner ceremonies honoring Alexander Cutler (pictured rights), chairman and chief executive officer of Eaton Corp. Event chairs Timothy (pictured left) and Anne Lathe of Shaker Heights oversaw a flawless night of tributes, dancing and dining. Over a surf-and-turf dinner of filet of beef tenderloin and grilled swordfish, guests enjoyed the music of energetic band Backstreet and heard an inspirational testimonial from parents Melissa and Matt Kress.

Dressing for dinner: Red could be becoming the new black as dozens of women stepped out in rouge-color attire for the occasion, although black did reign as the de rigueur color statement. Dresses in all hues were credited to Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, You Two boutique in Cleveland Heights, Toni's in Style of Chagrin Falls, Classics in Strongsville and Marcell in Westlake.

My, my, my. Sounds a little out of my price range. The PD says the event raised $400,000 for the Achievement Centers. Congratulations to Pat Nobili and everyone at the Achievement Centers for Children.

Gravelle Case: State Can Refer To Cages as "Cages"

This from one week ago ---

The judge in the Gravelle case ruled that the prosecution can refer to the cages in the Gravelle house as "cages."

The Gravelle's preferred the term "enclosures." You know, the kind of "enclosures" that have chickenwire. The kind of "enclosure" you can't get out of.

Just to be helpful, here are some other terms (instead of cage) the Gravelle's could use in their defense:

Bassinet, Bedstead, Berth, Bunk, Chaise, Chesterbed, Cot, Cradle, Crib and Davenport.

Judge: "Caged Kids" Can't Be Hypnotized

I missed this one a few weeks ago... Apparently the defense team representing Sharen and Michael Gravelle (right) wanted to be able to have an expert hypnotize their adopted children while interviewing them.

No dice, the judge ruled.

''Their expert psychologist claimed to be an expert in hypnosis,'' Leffler said. ''We wanted to make sure nothing was tried with hypnosis and the judge agreed to that.''

Can you imagine? There has to be a Law and Order episode that could use that one.

Karen McCarron Found Fit For Trial In Illinois

Karen McCarron, the Illinois physician who is charged with suffocating her 3-year old daughter Katie, who had autism, has been found competent to stand trial.

"Prosecutors and Karen McCarron's defense attorney stipulated in court Monday to a mental health expert's finding that McCarron understands the charges against her and can assist in her defense."

"McCarron was released from jail in June after posting bond. Authorities say she is staying at a Springfield mental health facility where she has been undergoing treatment."

Hardin Co MRDD Worker Charged With 80 Counts of Rape

Eric S. VanVoorhis, an employee at the Hardin County Board of MRDD, was arrested and charged with 80 counts of rape. None of the alleged victims are believed to be people with disabilities with whom he worked. He is accused of abusing two males over a 20 year period.

He is also a former employee of the Logan County Board of MRDD.

Both agencies said the man passed background checks.

Police are giving out few details. "(Detective Sgt. Jeff Cooper) would not comment about the current age of the victims and their relationships with Mr. VanVoorhis."

"I'm trying to protect the victims," Sgt. Cooper said. "We received allegations one week ago and did an investigation. I'm leaving it at that."

In a bit of an understatement, neighbor Steve Geboy said, "We couldn't believe it. Eighty counts is quite a few counts of rape."

Mr. VanVoorhis is in the Logan county jail.

Church of England Supports Mercy Killing of Disabled Children

Disability advocacy groups in the United Kingdom are expressing their outrage at the Church of England over a recent comments and positions from high ranking bishops supporting withholding care to severely disabled newborns, resulting in their death.

The Bishop of Southwark has also argued that, "the high financial cost of keeping desperately ill babies alive should be a factor in life or death decisions."

Call the accountants!

Understandably, disability groups are not pleased. A spokeswoman for the UK Disabled People's Council, which represents tens of thousands of members in 140 different organisations, said: "How can the Church of England say that Christian compassion includes killing of disabled babies either through the withdrawing or withholding of treatment or by active euthanasia?"

The Vatican has weighed in - and not on the side of the Church of England.

"Euthanasia is never accepted ... be it for th terminally ill or for babies, even when they are born with severe handicaps," said Barragan, the head of the Vatican Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers.

And for good measure, the Vatican also reiterated they were right on that whole Catherine of Aragon (above) thing in the early 1500s.

Darth Vader To Speak At ASHA National Conference

Ok, not really. But James Earl Jones (aka, "the voice of God" - and

Darth Vader) is the keynote speaker at the American Speech

Language Hearing Association (ASHA), held later this week at the Miami Beach Convention.

I'm not sure I understand the connection between the award winning actor and the highly esteemed national group.

His topic doesn't help clarify things for me, either.

During the Opening General Session, Jones will address, "From Frontier to
Freeway: Culture at the Crossroads." He will explore history and the present to
examine how local, national and global cultures shape our lives, and how we in
turn shape and reshape the worlds we inhabit. "Culture is constantly reinventing
itself," he contends, "and culture is constantly reinventing us." He will
reflect on what happens when cultures change, when cultures collide, and when
cultures converge and connect.

Whatever. Sounds like a bad paper I wrote in philosophy class my sophomore year.

A few years ago a group of students at the University of Michigan protested the boring voice they had to endure on the school's automated, computerized telephone system for adding and dropping classes. They wanted the voice changed to that of James Earl Jones - and their motivation for the change was both honest and compelling: Because it would be awesome.

For those of you who may wish to question why Speech Language Pathologists are bringing in James Earl Jones to Miami Beach, I quote Lord Vader himself:

Workers Collection Announces New Screen Magnification Device

Workers Collection issued the following press conference today...

Workers Collection today announces the immediate availability of Magnifying Glass Pro (MGPro), a new screen magnifier that combines a large set of carefully chosen features and ease of use. With this software in place, you can magnify tiny text and graphics displayed on your computer monitor, TV screen connected to your PC, or projected onto a larger media during a presentation. As you move the cursor over a section of the viewing area, the magnifier tracks with it and shows the new enlarged portion, making it instantly more readable and accessible. In addition, there is a wide array of visual effects that you can apply to that display.

If your eyes often get red, itchy or sore after prolonged onscreen reading, be sure to use a screen magnifier like MGPro. It eases strain and minimizes stress to your eyes. As a type of assistive technology, this magnifier is good for visually-impaired people. They can use it to reduce screen glare and make the text easy to read by turning it from black-on-white to white-on-black. They can also apply smoothing to compensate for enlarged text, since it often becomes blocky and hard to recognize. Another domain of use for MGPro is multi-monitor systems. For example, you can assign a full-screen glass to a monitor or TV screen, so that during a presentation it provides an audience with an enlarged, easy-to-view display of an image from the primary monitor.

"Caged Kids" Case Begins Jury Selection

The case of Sharen and Michael Gravelle has begun with jury deliberations. This is the couple who had 11 adopted children, many of whom were described as having disabilities, and kept them in cages for extended period of time. Opening statements, according to the Toledo Blade article, are set for November 28.

The Gravelles were indicted on felony charges of endangering children,
perjury, and falsification, plus misdemeanor endangering children charges.
Earlier this month, five charges in the 30-count indictment were dismissed
because the statute of limitations had expired.

The Gravelles aren't the only one facing a trial.

Elaine Thompson, a licensed independent social worker from Lorain County,
faces her own trial after the conclusion of the Gravelles' case. She faces
multiple charges of aiding and abetting child endangerment and failure to report
abuse or neglect for her involvement in the Gravelle situation.

OSU / Michigan Raffle To Benefit Hospice

Someone has donated a pair of tickets to the Ohio State / Michigan game on November 18th in order to raise money for the Hospice of Knox County.

The seats are in section 14B, which is in the closed end of the stadium, on the east side of the stadium. They could be, based upon the chart, one of the small number of seats that are shielded from the elements.

To place a bid, you need to call 740-392-9647. Although it isn't clear from the article, it appears the raffle is going on until noon on November 10.

Just an FYI - someone on Ebay has a pair of tickets for sale in this same section and is asking for $1,500 for the pair.

OCECD Offering Free Training on Section 504

The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities is offering free training on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

"Explore the civil rights law which protects the rights of students with disabilities who are not eligible for services under IDEA."

Training is offered on Monday, November 13, 2005 at:

The Central Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center (COSERCC)
470 W Glenmont Ave
Columbus, Ohio

6:30 to 8:30 pm

call Joe Farry at 614-262-4545 ext. 1569 to register.

Do Your Duty - Vote on November 7

If you hadn't noticed, there is an election going on. And every election is important for people with disabilities.

To find your precinct, please contact your county's Board of Elections.

Please remember to vote on Tuesday, November 7.

COVA Gets National Recognition

The Center of Vocational Alternatives, based in Clintonville, has recently received national recognition from Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company. COVA is a non-profit that works in the area of improving vocational opportunities for people with mental illness.

Judy Braun, president of COVA, sent out a letter indicating that COVA recieved a 2nd place "Lilly Integration Award" in the category of employment at a recent ceremony in Indianapolis.

The employment program at COVA features the Careers for the Future Training Program, a Resource Center, and the Computer Equipment Contribution Program.

In 2005, COVA also received the U.S. Secretary of Labor New Freedom Initiative Award.

Congratulations to the Center of Vocational Alternatives.