Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Here is an excellent, brief presentation by Patrick and Patti Leer from Pennsylvania. It was put on by the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation. They talk about shopping for an accessible vehicle.

Theft From Disabled Considered More Serious Offense

A woman in Cincinnati is being charged with a felony for stealing $150 from a woman with disabilities she was supposed to be taking care of.

The victim, whose name was not released, has "debilitationg" arthritis and has been paralyzed for over 25 years.

Because of the crime victim's disabilities, Smith faces greater penalties, (Warren County Prosecutor Rachel) Hutzel (right) said. Under Ohio law, theft of $150 would be considered a misdemeanor, but the offense can become a felony when the victim is elderly or disabled, Hutzel said.

This where it gets tricky -- it's a felony if the victim "is disabled." I agree that if a person is reliant upon others for this kind of service and is quite vulnerable, the penalty should be more severe. It will be a deterent for what is in many cases a crime of opportunity.

But I know many people with disabilities who are running businesses and families, many of whom are capable of defending person and property quite well, thank you. And to them, $150 is $150, just the same as it is to you and me. They may not agree with the law.

Cincinnati Bank Gives $500K For Housing for People with Mental Illness

Special recognition should go out to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati for a recent series of large grants through various organizations in the Queen City and througout southwest Ohio and the Tri-State area.

In total, Federal Home Loan gave nearly $3 million to help the underserved and needy in Cincinnatti. Included in this is the over $500,000 to help families with mental illness.

$533,022 to help buy and renovate transitional rental housing for the very poor with mental disabilities in Lebanon. At least two units will be reserved for people coming out of homelessness.

Gravelles Found Guilty

This story was never really that big of a deal - I'm just posting a link to the article in the Sydney Morning Herald.

And I don't mean the Sidney that's in Shelby County. That's Sydney - as in Australia.

The Huron County jury found Michael and Sharen Gravelle each guilty of four felony charges of child endangering and seven misdemeanor counts of abusing and endangering the children.

Each of the felony counts carries a maximum prison term of five years. Sentencing is set for February 12.

Ohio University Working to Make Campus More Accessible

Kudos to the Bobcats.

The Athens News reports that OU is taking strides to make their campus more accessible to people with disabilities. Being located in southeast Ohio, it is no mean feat to make it accessible for people with mobility impairments. It seems some of the hills in Athens are steeper than the ADA regulations for ramps.

"Our goal is to make the campus more pedestrian in nature and to move most vehicles to the perimeter," Kotowski said. "We want to move people on campus around using some type of public transit."

This feature could mollify some disabled individuals who find difficulty in crossing campus within the 10-minute window between classes.

"Say I have a class in one building, then I have another the next hour in a building all the way across campus and up a hill," said Athens resident Joe Wells III, who has a visual impairment. "How am I going to get there within 10 minutes?"

Ohio Vying to Host 2011 International Special Olympics

According to a report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Ohio is putting in a bid to host the 2011 International Special Olympics.

The games were last hosted in the United States in 1999 in the state of North Carolina.

"It touched the heart of North Carolina," said Dave Phillips, former state Department of Commerce secretary and board chairman for the games. "It wasn't just a sporting event. It went way beyond that."

This is such a great idea. Forget about it being the "right thing to do..." Consider this...

In all, the games generated an economic impact of $93 million, according to a study based on surveys of attendees done by North Carolina State University. That figure includes money spent on food, shopping, hotels and other expenses by out-of-towners and local spectators plus the spinoff effect of the extra dollars churning through the local economy.

A Farewell Message from Ken Ritchey

Thanks to the ARC of Ohio for passing this along.

Unstoppable Forces Aid in Ohio’s Success
By Kenneth W. Ritchey

December 2006 marks the close of Governor Taft’s Administration and eight years of accomplishments by many of you in the MRDD community. As an advocate, and parent of a child with a developmental disability myself, I’d like to imagine what impact the evolution of our system might have on my daughter, Erin, if she were alive today.

If I put those thoughts in the context of our Department priorities (Choice and Capacity-Building, Quality, and Accountability and Efficiency), I imagine an environment where my daughter and our family could make realistic choices about the services and supports she receives. Those quality services would be available anywhere in the state, and we would have the added peace of mind that she would be healthy and safe.

So, what has been done in the last eight years that would give my wife and me such assurances?

In 1999 approximately 5,000 Ohioans with developmental disabilities were on MRDD waivers, statewide, while thousands of others languished on long waiting lists for home and community based services. Our system answered the call in some historic ways, including development of Ohio’s MRDD Vision Paper (2000), which outlined a plan for Ohio’s system of services and supports in the 21st Century; Medicaid Redesign (2001), the effective grassroots movement to legislatively change the infrastructure of Ohio’s MRDD system; and Governor Taft’s Ohio Access report which became a blueprint for long-term services and supports for Ohioans with disabilities.

What these three concepts came to represent was the “perfect storm” (a coming together of unstoppable forces). Each plan gave individuals ways to have more meaningful and equitable choices, get the best value from taxpayer investments, and improve outcomes.

My assurance that Erin would be healthy and safe could be traced to our efforts in ensuring the well-being of all Ohio citizens with developmental disabilities. In 1999, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (then HCFA), audited Ohio’s Residential Facilities (RFW) Waiver program and indicated that Ohio failed to ensure a healthy and safe environment for its RFW recipients. We responded, and turned the program around by implementing significant health and safety infrastructure improvements.

Choice and Capacity Building
In 1999 there were few opportunities to provide relief for individuals on waiting lists for residential services. However, as part of Ohio Access, the MRDD Vision Paper, and Medicaid Redesign, ODMRDD prioritized the expansion of residential options for individuals with MRDD. This Administration has received approval from the federal government to expand Ohio’s Individual Options waiver to more than 6,500 participants. We also eliminated the RFW and converted those individuals served by it to the more flexible Individual Options waiver program.

We received approval, also, to implement the Level One waiver as a streamlined set of services to help keep families together and avoid institutional placements. The redesign of Ohio's MRDD service delivery system set the stage for future expansion, and will help to ensure services are available when people want and need them. Today, Ohio’s MRDD waiver program has the capacity to serve approximately 18,000 people, an increase of nearly 13,000 since the beginning of the Administration. Our chances today of receiving one of the MRDD waivers for Erin would be much greater now.

Accountability and Efficiency
In 1999 the Administration also inherited an MRDD system with few controls to address spiraling health care costs and statewide service inequities. Ohio risked significant funding shortfalls. The ODMRDD took the following actions:
· Established consistent statewide provider payment rates for waiver services to comply with federal Medicaid standards;
· Eliminated programs which posed significant fiscal liability to Ohio taxpayers;
· Closed two of Ohio’s state-run Developmental Centers;
· Requested and received signed operating agreements from all 88 County Boards of MRDD, clarifying roles and responsibilities.
In addition, the Department provided oversight for grassroots efforts to completely redesign Ohio’s service delivery system for individuals with MRDD. A redesign was needed to build a stable system of services and supports, including funding to decrease disparity in services between counties, address staffing needs, and establish priority categories for services.
What this would mean to my family, is that our geographical location or individual circumstances would not dictate the availability of services for our daughter.

What can we all look forward to in the very near future?…

The new Adult Day Services array included in our waiver programs has been created to widen the provider pool and offer more creativity in services. The desired outcome is for individuals with disabilities to enjoy employment or recreation activities that meet their individual needs, rather than just accepting what is available. A highlight of these new services is the equity of standard rates for services, and equal service budgets for people with similar needs.
Looking ahead, the Martin v. Taft Settlement Agreement will have a strong impact on availability of future services. In September 2006, Governor Taft announced an agreement to settle the Martin v. Taft class action lawsuit. Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS) originally filed the case in 1989 on behalf of citizens with disabilities seeking to expand community residential services. The agreement offers new residential choices, including alternatives for individuals who currently reside in institutional settings.

If endorsed by Governor-elect Strickland and the General Assembly, it will provide opportunities for an additional 1500 people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities to be served through Medicaid-funded home and community-based waivers. And, looking ahead, I hope we will see the ODMRDD Quality Management Initiative renew our collaborative commitment to a quality system of supports for the people we serve. Quality Management should help reconstruct organizational goals and develop strategies to carry our system forward, and ensure that dollars are spent wisely, for the benefit of the people we serve.

Conclusion

I began by imagining what life would be like for my daughter in Ohio’s new system of services and supports, and I am encouraged by what I see. I also realize there is much more to be done. With the momentum we have created together, the “perfect storm” will continue until our Department mission is fulfilled – and we see the reality of “continuous improvement of the quality of life for Ohio’s citizens with developmental disabilities and their families.”

GW Micro offers "Window Eyes" Training in Columbus

GW Micro, the makers of Window Eyes, will offer training in Columbus on January 17 and 18. The training is hosted by Goodwill Columbus.

The training will take place at teh First Community Bank Building, 4300 E. Broad St, 2nd Floor.

The first day focuses on Basic Skills Training for Window Eyes. The second day is for Intermediate Skills training.

The fess is $250 per person per day.

CEUs are also available.

For more information, go to www.gwmicro.com/training.

Other Trainings by OCECD Announced

The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities announced the training schedule for early 2007...


01/23/07 - Understanding ADHD and Behavior focused IEPs.
02/13/07 - MRDD Update and Waivers
02/27/07 - F.U.N. - All About Reading and Parent / Professional Communication
03/13/07 - NAMI - Carol Becker
03/27/07 - F.U.N. - Services and Supports and A Formula / Parent's Rights

Trainings take place at the Chase Bank Building in Marion, 165 W. Center St. Call Martha Lause at 1-800-374-2806 ext 20 for more details and to pre-register.

Free Training Offered by OCECD

Chris Fillers is giving a free training offered by the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities.

The training is titled, "Sensory Processing, Behavior, and Learning" and, according to the flyer I received, will deal with, "exploring issues related to sensory processing that effect access to education and contribute to challenging behaviors of children with autism and other behavior-related disorders."

The training takes places on Tuesday January 9, 2007 (Snow date is 03/27/07) at the Chase Bank Building, 2nd floor conference room, 165 W. Center St in Marion. The time of the training is from 9:30 to 2:00.

Space is limited to 30, with pre-registration required. Call Martha Lause at 800-374-2806 extension 20.

Newborn to Come Home For Christmas - 7 Years After Birth

It used to be that Mom and her new son or daughter would stay in the hospital for a few weeks. Thanks to managed care that has been reduced to 36-48 hours - except in the case of Brianna Mills.

Brianna, nicknamed "Sugarplum" by her grandmother, was born on December 2, 1999. She was born prematurely, weighed less than 2 pounds, and had Hirschsprung's Disease, a very serious bowel / nerve disoder that can lead to infections and death.

Brianna's condition required her to move into the Home of the Innocents in Louisville, where she was a resident. She eventually stayed for over seven years, before finally being deemed strong enough and well enough to go home full time.

While Orendoff admits she’s nervous about having Brianna home full-time, she says she’s ready.

“I’ve had her for a week at a time before, but I can’t wait until she comes home,” Orendoff said. “They’ve done a great job up there with her, and I’m glad it’s now my turn.”

A video of her story can be found here.

Scientists ID Gene for Noonan's Syndrome

Doctors and Scientists at Harvard have identified SOS1 as the gene that accounts for nearly 20% of the cases of Noonan's syndrome.

The findings, which I will not be at all able to coherently decipher for you, will be published in this month's Nature Genetics.

Playaway on the Today Show

The folks at Playaway sent me an email letting me know their product was featured on the Today Show earlier today. It was featured with other technology gifts, many of which are appropriate for people with disabilities.

Take a peak at the Today Show clip by clicking here.

Gravelle Social Worker: Cages Help Change Behavior

I'm sure it did - depending upon what behavior you are talking about. Being in a cage will tend to stop you from performing unwanted "out of cage" behaviors.

The testimony of social worker Elaine Thompson was read to the jury yesterday. Thompson is also charged in the case. Thompson's testimony indicated that putting the children in cages resulted in some positive changes in behavior.

Thompson’s testimony indicated that the Gravelles called her in 2000 and said they were trying to control rage and anger in the children, some of whom suffered from fetal alcohol syndrome and an attachment disorder which makes it difficult for them to build emotional bonds with others.

Before alarms were added to the unlocked bed doors, some children would leave their bunks and play with electric sockets, defecate out the window or dangle a sibling from a window, Thompson said.

Thompson's attorney indicated she would have taken the Fifth Amendment if she had been called to testify.

Gravelle Lawyers To Seek Dismissal Of Charges

The lawyers representing Sharen and Michael Gravelle are expected to file a motion to have the case dismissed following the resting of the state's case.

It is a standard defense tactic that rarely works, but is often designed to show the jury that the prosecution's case is weak. At least that what I learned watching Law & Order.

In this case, I think they better be ready to call their first defense witness.

Mental Health Parity Vote Set For Tomorrow!

At long last, the Ohio House is set to vote on the long-awaited Mental Health Parity bill. It passed out of the House Health Committee earlier today, according to Eric Rathburn, public policy director of AT Ohio. The feeling is that it will go to a full floor vote sometime on Thursday.

The Ohio Senate has already passed their own version, which will likely require a conference bill.

Blind, 94-Year Old Woman Bowls 244.

Esther Medley, a 94-year old legally blind woman from Centralia, Washington, recently bowled a 244 game.

She can't see straight ahead, so her 86-year-old husband Ralph tells her which pins are left after her first ball.

That's how Medley recently bowled a score of 244, which included eight strikes, at Fairway Lanes in Centralia. It was the second-highest score of the year for her league.

My high is 217. And I can see the pins.

Christmas Wish List: Chris Oliver

Today's Wish List features Christopher Oliver, a 23-year old man from Cincinnati. He was born with cerebral palsy; he also has spinal stenosis, Addison's disease, problems with his adrenal glands, and diabetes.

What does he want for Christmas? Hearing Aids. A few months ago, he began a precipitous loss of his hearing. He is deaf in one ear and mostly deaf in the other.

The college junior lives with his service dog, Guinness, in an apartment in an assisted-living facility in Hyde Park. His parents, Vicki and Ray Ouellette, help as much as they can but he lives off his disability stipend. Despite his parents' private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, Chris still pays at least $200 a month for 26 prescriptions. After rent, food and other necessities, he's left with less than $150 a month for himself.

The digital hearing aids Chris needs cost $5,000-$6,000 each, and they are not covered by insurance.

For information on how to donate, click here (new window).

Donate To the Enquirer Wish List 2006

To find out more information about the Wish List Program, and how to help, please go here.

The participating agencies are: Aaron W. Perlman Center; Brighton Center; Children's Home of Cincinnati; Churches Active in Northside; Cincinnati Area Senior Services; Cincinnati Association for the Blind; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Families Forward; Goodwill Industries; Hamilton County Board of MRDD; Hearing, Speech and Deaf Center of Greater Cincinnati; Interparish Ministry; Jewish Family Service; Mercy Connections; NorthKey Community Care; Northern Kentucky Senior Services; TriHealth Senior Link; Urban Appalachian Council; Visiting Nurse Association.

Enquirer Wish list: ChatterVox for Man With Autism

The Cincinnati Enquirer is running a series of articles called the Wish List 2006 - and many (if not all) of them appear to involve people with disabilities in the Cincinnati area who have needs this holiday season.

One such profile is that of Jerron Davis, 22, who has autism.

There's a device that could help Davis express how much he likes the keyboard, or anything else that's on his mind - a portable voice amplifier called a ChatterVox, which has a headset microphone and a small speaker that would fit around his waist.

In addition to the ChatterVox, Kramer said Davis would love his own keyboard that he could practice on at home, where he lives with his mother. Together, the two items would be about $600.

Death Penalty for Foster Parents?

An Associated Press story out this week indicates that Ohio's child welfare directors want to make it possible for foster parents who murder foster children to be eligible for the death penalty.

The recommendations come in the wake of the tragic death of Marcus Feisel, a three-year old child with autism, who was killed (allegedly) by his foster parents in Cincinnati earlier this year.

"There is nothing more egregious than for a person who has come forward saying, 'You can trust me,' to turn around and kill a defenseless child who has been removed from their home because of abuse, neglect or another troubling circumstance," Franklin County Children's Services director John Saros said. "I view it as an aggravating circumstance that shouldn't be treated any differently than someone who murders a police officer or firefighter."

The directors also are asking that for placements involving children with disabilities, that potential foster parents being "trained caretakers."