ACCESS QUARTERLY FALL 2019
DEAF AWARENESS
MONTH
Creating Opportunities for Disability Inclusion
1
Upcoming Events
National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2019 (NDEAM)
Noodles World Kitchen Fundraising Night Oct 3rd
What can YOU do to celebrate NDEAM? There are lots of ways
2
ProjectSEARCH Lake Wales Kick Off
Preparing young people with significant disabilities for success in integrated, competitive employment
3
RAMPAGE
Join us in breaking down barriers in our communities
4
RAMPAGE Gadiel Garcia
5 6 7 8 9
13
11 12
10
Hurricane Preparedness
Is your family ready for a hurricane?
Manage My Money
State Initiative to Help Young Adults
Wells Fargo
Be Financially Prepared for a Disaster
Success Story Noodles Fundraising Night
Chair the Love / Dinner and Auction
Interview with Alexandra Reeve Given Volunteer Open House Tour
Career Camp
Highlights from summer
Volunteer Open House Tour October 8th Manage My Money Nov 2nd
MISSION
Board of Directors Chair
Mellissa Slover-Athey
Vice Chair Maxine Moul
Past Chair
Secretary
Kim Byerly
Cheryl Stone
Members
Hector Del Valle, MSW Dr. Maxine Ruddock Steve Beres Ha Tran
Christopher Nelson
“CIL, in partnership with the community, promotes inclusion of people with disabilities by eliminating architectural, communication and attitudinal barriers. CIL provides education, resources, and training to enhance self-determination through informed choice.”
James “Jim” Moody Ronika Carter Tamara Mackroy
ACCESS QUARTERLY
|
FALL EDITION
NDEAM National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed each October. The U.S. Department of Labor has announced “The Right Talent, Right Now” as the theme for the 2019 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The 2019 theme emphasizes the essential role that people with disabilities play in America’s economic success, especially in an era when historically low unemployment and global competition are creating a high demand for skilled talent. NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. There are ways that each of the stakeholders in our community can get involved. These stakeholders include educators and youth service professionals, federal agencies, policymakers, associations and unions, employers and disability related organizations like CIL. “Every day, individuals with disabilities add significant value and talent to our workforce and economy,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “Individuals with disabilities offer employers diverse perspectives on how to tackle challenges and achieve success. Individuals with disabilities have the right talent, right now.” Once of the biggest needs for people with disabilities is having opportunities for meaningful career choices with employers. Disabilities can make a job search more difficult, but having a support system helps make the process feel less intimidating. CIL offers employment specialists to assist clients with: • • • • • •
Identifying employment goals Job research techniques Help with resume writing and interviewing Work-readiness training Advocacy with potential employers On going support
CIL also partners with the Business Advocacy Council of Central Florida, which offers our clients a network of potential employers and job leads. Activities conducted by individual employers and their employees are an important part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The ideas below are just a few ways they can participate, during the month of October, and all year long. Review policies — NDEAM is an opportune time to review your company’s policies to ensure they convey a commitment to an inclusive workplace culture. Establish an ERG — NDEAM is a perfect time to launch a disability Employee Resource Group (ERG). Sometimes referred to as Employee Networks or Affinity Groups, ERGs offer employees an opportunity to connect and receive support from others with similar backgrounds or interests. For more information, see A Toolkit for Establishing and Maintaining Successful Employee Resource Groups. If your company already has a disability ERG, consider using NDEAM to remind employees about it through displays, information tables or other communication channels.
Create a display — NDEAM is a great time to freshen up bulletin boards in break areas or other locations that employees frequent by posting positive messages about your company’s commitment to a disability inclusive workforce. Start by putting up this year’s NDEAM poster, which is available in both English and Spanish. Train supervisors — Supervisors are the individuals closest to an organization’s workforce. As part of NDEAM, consider conducting training to ensure they understand their role in fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Such training may include a review of relevant policies, including the process for providing reasonable accommodations. Educate employees — It is critical that companies committed to disability inclusion effectively and regularly reinforce that commitment to employees. NDEAM offers an opportunity to do this through disability training or informal educational events such as brown-bag lunch discussions. Feature NDEAM in social media activities — Likewise, NDEAM provides an interesting hook for social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Issue an NDEAM press release — Employers can also issue a press release to local media to announce their involvement in NDEAM.
ACCESS QUARTERLY |
SUMMER EDITION 1
Lake Wales Medical Center has partnered with Lake Wales Charter Schools & Victory Ridge Academy, the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, Inc., and Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide Project SEARCH, a nine month immersive internship program for students with disabilities ages 18-22 years old. Through the Wells Foundation, $16,000 was invested for the expansion of this program to the Lake Wales area. The new class started August 12th. “We are excited to partner on this project,” said hospital CEO Rebecca Brewer. “It’s another way that we, as a hospital, can partner with our community and give back to the people of the communities we serve.” This is the second program site for Project SEARCH in Polk County, but the first site partnering with the Lake Wales Charter Schools system. Project SEARCH follows the school year and includes students with a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities. All interns will participate in three, ten-week rotations in order to acquire marketable and transferable job skills for obtaining competitive employment. Through these targeted internships, students gain experience that will enable them to apply for a similar position at the hospital or in the community. In the 3 years CIL has worked with Project SEARCH, 90 percent of program participants have secured and maintained employment after graduation. Project SEARCH at Lake Wales Medical Center seeks to complement other statewide initiatives such as the Florida Unique Abilities Partnership launched by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity in late 2016. It operates on the philosophy that people with disabilities have the right to choose a path toward education and employment. However, opportunities for young people with disabilities to gain experience are often limited. The opportunities created through Project SEARCH will help prepare the students of today with the experience they need to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow. There are more than 600 Project SEARCH programs in 48 states and in 10 countries. This collaborative effort between Lake Wales Medical Center, Lake Wales Charter Schools & Victory Ridge Academy, the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, Inc., and Vocational Rehabilitation will provide an evidence-based program for transitioning students with disabilities from school to work. This partnership will help shape a brighter future for participating students, while inspiring other businesses to get involved in this successful model.
2 ACCESS QUARTERLY |
FALL EDITION
Rampage – Be a Part of Creating Change for People with Disabilities RAMPAGE is a year-round event where YOUR company or group can have a hands-on experience and make a direct impact in the life of someone with a disability. Since 2015, CIL has worked with groups to build hundreds of ramps for people in need. No prior construction experience is needed to participate in this program. CIL makes the volunteer experience turn key and fun for all involved. We have ramps that need to be built in all 7 counties we serve: (Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk, Highland, Hardee and DeSoto) Join us as we go on a RAMPAGE across Central Florida; changing people’s lives one ramp at a time.
ACCESS QUARTERLY |
FALL EDITION 3
Gadiel Garcia RAMPAGE Candidate
No one ever said being a parent was easy and anyone who has a child will tell you that caring for another person is hard work. Parents face struggles every day, but when you’re a single parent you are forced to take on the role of two parents, emotionally and financially. Lylinette is the mother of Gadiel, a vibrant and loving 13-year-old boy. She is raising him alone without the help of family or friends. Lyli decided to move to Orlando 5 years ago from Puerto Rico where she was a teacher for 15 years. Being in Central Florida would allow Gadiel to get more resources to help with his condition. They bought a home with the hopes of having more stability and a better future. After being denied SS benefits for her son four times, Lyli was forced to quit her job and sell her home to take care of Gadiel full time. Gadiel was born full term, but one week later he began to have seizures. He endured 50-70 seizures a day and doctors had a difficult time finding the right medication for him. Now Gadiel needs to be cared for full time. His seizures do not happen quite as frequently, but when they occur each episode can last up to 30 minutes. Gadiel loves to go to school and to spend time outside. Their home right now is not accessible and it takes two people to get Gadiel out of the house. Gadiel does not always have a nurse, so Lyli is alone and unable to take him out. Having a ramp built for their home would be a safe way to take Gadiel outside to take walks or to get him on the school bus easily. Lyli and Gadiel are looking forward to having more independence for their family. Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, Inc. 720 N Denning Drive • Winter Park, FL 32789 • www.cilorlando.org • 407-623-1070
Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season?
Center for Independent Living serves 7 counties in Central Florida, which means there’s thousands of individuals in our community who might not be ready in case of an emergency. This hurricane season, CIL wants to provide the most valuable resources for the protection of you and your family. Listed below are some available links and phone numbers to additional resources readily available for any concerns you may have regarding preparation this hurricane season. Visit the links underneath your county for possible information regarding shelters in your area. *NOTE: Not all counties list available shelters unless in a state of emergency* If the links listed below do not have shelters listed, go to https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/shelters/ and find your area. Seminole County http://prepareseminole.org Seminole County Office of Emergency Management Phone: (407)665-5102 150 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773 Seminole County Citizens’ Information Line: 407-665-0000
Orange County http://www.orangecountyfl.net/ EmergencySafety Orange County Emergency Management Phone: (407)836-9140 6590 Amory Court Winter Park, FL 32792
Hardee County https://www.hardeecounty.net/ Hardee County Emergency Management Phone:(863) 773-9390 404 West Orange Street Wauchula, FL 33873-2831
Osceola County Highlands County https://www.osceola.org/ http://www.hcbcc.net/ agencies-departments/ departments/ emergency-management emergency_operations/ Osceola County Office of hurricane_info.php Emergency Management Highlands County Emergency Phone: (407)742-9000 Management 2586 Partin Settlement Road Phone: (863) 385-1112 Kissimmee, FL 34744 6850 W. George Boulevard Osceola County Hurricane Sebring, FL 33870 Hotline: United Way of Central Florida’s 407-742-0000 Information & Referral: 863-648-1515
Polk County https://www.polk-county.net/ emergency-management Polk County Emergency Management Phone:(863) 298-7000 1890 Jim Keene Boulevard Winter Haven, FL 33880 Polk County Citizens’ Information Line: 863-534-0321
DeSoto County http://desotobocc.com/departments/ emergency_ management DeSoto County Emergency Management Phone:(863) 993-4831 2200 NE Roan Street Arcadia, FL 34266
ACCESS QUARTERLY |
FALL EDITION 5
Must Have Checklist: For People With Specific Disabilities • Mobility Disabilities: - Pair of heavy gloves to use while wheeling or making your way over glass and debris - Extra battery for your motorized wheelchair or scooter - Jumper cables or specific recharging device to be connected to an automobile’s cigarette lighter - Patch kit or can of “seal-in-air product” to repair flat tires - Spare cane or walker - Food, medicine, favorite toy, and other care items for your service animal - Plastic bags, disposable gloves and other items for the animal’s care
•
Sensory Disabilities:
•
Cognitive Disabilities:
- Pad of paper with pens or pencils for writing notes - Extra batteries for tape recorders, portable TTYs, etc. - Extra pair of eye glasses - Extra pair of dark glasses, if medically required - Extra set of hearing-aid batteries - Folding mobility cane - Food, medicine and favorite toy for your service animal - Plastic bags, disposable gloves and other items for the animal’s care - Alternate power source or spare batteries for communication device - Paper and writing materials For more information of accessible shelters, making a plan and other valuable resources: https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/disability/ http://www.disabilityrightsflorida.org/documents/DRF_Emergency_Preparedness_Brochure.pdf http://www.disabilityrightsflorida.org/resources/disability_topic_info/disaster_emergency_planning
ACCESS QUARTERLY |
FALL EDITION
MANAGE
DAY
Making Financial Literacy Accessible to ALL Floridians
You’re invited to
Manage My Money Day! NOVEMBER 2, 2019 - 9:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. WINTER PARK COMMUNITY CENTER: 721 W NEW ENGLAND AVE WINTER PARK, FL 32789 The Department of Financial Services, the Center for Independent Living Orlando and Wells Fargo invite you to participate in Manage My Money Day, a free event to help persons with disabilities learn and achieve financial independence. The event will include: • Information about available savings and banking options. • Resources and services offered by financial institutions. • Options to open a savings account on-site. • Information about the Department of Financial Services’ My Money Program. Local financial institutions will be available to provide information on savings and banking options, and open accounts on-site. Local non-profits will share resources specifically for persons with disabilities.
To register for the event: www.MyFloridaCFO.com/MyMoney 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236)
ACCESS QUARTERLY |
FALL EDITION 6
September is National Preparedness Month – a good reminder of the importance of having a disaster safety plan in place before a disaster occurs. According to a FEMA survey, only 39 percent of respondents say they have developed an emergency plan and discussed it with their households. When a natural disaster strikes, moving to safety is always the top priority, which means there is often little time to think about the financial details that can help with the recovery process. That’s why it’s crucial to be proactive and prepared for whatever comes your way. Wells Fargo is committed to helping customers impacted by all types of natural disasters. Here are six financial steps to take that can help plan in advance for worst-case scenarios: 1. Save important financial documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, wills, deeds, tax returns, insurance policies and stock and bond certificates, on a thumb drive. These records are often needed for tax and insurance purposes. 2. Use a smart phone or camera to make a visual record of your possessions, including cars, boats and recreational vehicles. Or write an inventory list. 3. Photograph the interior and exterior of your home, including landscaping, making special note of any improvements, such as a patio, fencing or outbuildings, as these may increase property value and help with insurance claims. 4. Check with your insurance company and review your policy to determine if additional insurance is needed – it’s important to note that not all homeowners insurance includes flood insurance. 5. Consider setting up online banking, mobile banking, bill pay and electronic account alerts. This will help you stay on top of your accounts and bills if you’re displaced from your home. If you already have online banking, check to make sure that your online profile is up to date, in case your bank or lender needs to contact you post-disaster. 6. Have cash or an emergency fund that is easily accessible. A disaster can shut down local ATMs and banks. After a disaster, you may need cash for the first few days, or even several weeks.
7 ACCESS QUARTERLY |
FALL EDITION
The Agliano’s Success Story
Anthony Agliano has been battling significant health issues for many years. Anthony’s diabetes has caused poor circulation and neuropathy in his legs and now he must use a walker. He also lost his vision completely in one eye and 50% in the other. Anthony has spinal cord injuries and has undergone 4 corrective surgeries and is awaiting another in the next few months. Before Anthony got sick he was a truck driver. He met with wife Tanya at work and they traveled all over the US together. Every week was a new adventure for them both. They have been married for 25 years and are still so much in love. Tanya also has spinal injuries and has to use a walker. They both said they are lucky to have friends and family that come over to help around the house. CIL was able to provide this loving couple with a ramp to help them access their home safely and give them more independence. Tanya and Anthony said the ramp has allowed them the freedom to be involved in their community and made them both happier people.
ACCESS QUARTERLY |
FALL EDITION 8
THURSDAY OCTOBER 3, 2019 4pm-8pm
Fashion Square Mall 3683 E Colonial Dr Orlando, FL 32803
9 ACCESS QUARTERLY |
FALL EDITION
25 % of sales will benefit
Center for Independent Living in Central Florida
We would like to invite you to attend the Annual Chair The Love Dinner and Auction on September 29th, 2019. Join us for the opportunity to share the gift of mobility at our Annual Chair The Love Dinner & Auction hosted by NuView IRA and the Chair the Love Foundation. Chair The Love will bring the community together for an evening of dinner, music and fun to raise awareness and donations to provide wheelchairs and other mobility related services to those in need. All proceeds from the event, both through event registrations and sponsor donations, go directly to Chair The Love – a 501(c)3 charitable foundation with a mission to serve the needs of those lacking mobility both locally and abroad.
EVENT DETAILS: Chair The Love Dinner & Auction Sun, September 29, 2019 | 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT Venue On The Lake, Maitland Civic Center Inc 641 Maitland Avenue South Maitland, FL 32751 We are excited to announce that Emmanuel Kelly will be this year’s Chair The Love guest performer. Emmanuel Kelly was born and abandoned in war-torn Iraq. He was raised at an orphanage before being adopted and brought to Australia for life changing surgery. Today, Emmanuel has become a media sensation after his Australian “X-Factor” audition singing “Imagine” went viral, and has captured, inspired, and entertained nearly 1 billion people worldwide with his performances.
Ticket prices begin at $85. Click here to purchase your ticket now! Each ticket includes dinner, entertainment and silent auction throughout the night. If you are unable to attend the event, but still want to help, please visit our website and select “Donate Now.”
We look forward to seeing you in September!
ACCESS QUARTERLY |
FALL EDITION 10
Interview with Alexandra Reeve Given by Hector Del Valle
Wow, what an amazing event Saturday Night, August 24, 2019 as a packed house at Heathrow Country Club celebrated NextStep Orlando’s 10 year anniversary. Alexandra Reeve Given was the keynote speaker. I personally had the privilege of meeting Christopher Reeve about a year after his horse riding accident, when I was the minority outreach coordinator at the Westchester Independent Living Center in Whiteplains, New York in 1996 and the second time I met Christopher Reeve was when he was selected as man of the year by GQ magazine at radio city music hall 1997.
I also had a chance to chat briefly with Matt Austin from News 6 about supporting our efforts to create a self sustaining inclusive adaptive sports and recreational activities program in Central Florida. Matt also shared about his father’s spinal cord injury and what that was like for him growing up.
ACCESS QUARTERLY |
me and giving of her time before and after the event to speak and answer questions from so many others at the NextStep Orlando Gala. Alexandra shared with the packed house that she was 11 years old when her dad had his horse riding accident. Alexandra remembers clearly how her life, her stepmother Dana and her brothers’ and sisters’ life changed in a brief second; never to be the same again. Alexandria went on to state her dad‘s attitude of “not excepting NO for an answer.” He began getting smarter and doing his research by reading medical journals. Alexandra and her brother would hold the journals up for hours for her father to read. She went on to state how her dad was determined to make a difference in his life and in the life of others.
The Reeve Foundation was started in 1982 as a community response to a crisis that has grown into a national movement. The founders of the organization; originally known as the American Paralysis Foundation, began their work at a time when spinal cord research was considered the graveyard of neurobiology. (Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Wikipedia). It was an honor for me to interview https://www.christopherreeve.org/ the daughter of my most inspired mentor that I have had in the past Today, the Christopher and Dana 36 years of having a spinal cord Reeve Foundation has donated injury. May you Rest In Peace and more then $140 million to Spinal know your daughter continues Cord Injury Research, over $22 to carry the torch for Spinal Cord million in quality of life programs around the country including Injury research and more. paralyzed veterans of America to A huge thank you to Alexandra support initiatives to get people Reeve Given for meeting with active in the community, to promote
FALL EDITION 11
Continue to next page
accessibility in peoples homes, job training, and accessible vehicles and to help people live more active and happy lives. NextStep Orlando is an affiliate of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Neuro Recovery Network. They offer guided exercises, do-it -yourself gym and locomotor training for those seeking therapy and recovery from paralysis.
NextStep Orlando is an affordable, state-of-the-art, community-based paralysis recovery and fitness center. By offering standardized activity-based therapy programs and interventions, based on research; our centers provide the best chance for recovery. Christopher Reeve passed away in 2004 and Dana Reeve passed away in 2006. Despite the early death of her parents the Christopher and Dana Reeve foundation continues to grow throughout the country and the world. Alexandra was impressed with the support network that she was able to witness here in Central Florida with NextStep Orlando. Alexandra stated at the ten-year celebration, “We are a community of friends and family who have come together to support each other”. Alexandra went on to state “the achievement we are most proud of are the community centers such as NextStep Orlando, that do activity base therapy. “She recalls the benefits of this type of
therapy from her father who was committed to being physically active by standing on a tilt table, applying electrical stimulation or suspended on a harness over a tread mill which lead to better circulation, stronger bones, fewer skin breakdowns. Alexandra went on to state “something that rang true for me and so many others that are committed to living the best quality of life one can have despite a Spinal Cord Injury, most importantly is what activity base therapy does to your mind, simply because, you feel better about yourself, you become empowered. There is power in this type of therapy and when combined with “epidural stimulation” individuals have a better chance in getting more return in motor function, sensation, bowel and bladder control. To know more about epidural stimulation please see the Christopher and Dana Reeve website or speak to a staff personnel from NextStep Orlando.
In 2002, Christopher Reeve said, “Nothing of any consequence happens unless people get behind an idea. It begins with an individual and they share the idea with more individuals...and eventually it becomes a movement.” If you or someone you know has a Spinal Cord Injury or Disorder please reach out and allow us to assist you.
Our local CIL in Winter Park, FL was established in 1976. CIL serves 7 Central Florida Counties. CIL is dedicated to assist, empower and advocate those with disabilities. Each of the programs incorporates a piece of CIL’s five core services: Peer-to-peer support, information & referral, advocacy, independent life skills training, and transition. https://www.cilorlando.org/
Friday,
Celebrating Independence Gala
June 12th
The Alfond Inn 300 E New England Ave Winter Park, FL 32789 6:30PM - 9:30PM
The annual fundraising event is a celebration for the community, supporter and friends that have an interest in making our community inclusive in these areas; access to valuable employment, adaptive assistive technology, afforable and safe housing, and access to transporation. The event showcases CIL’s impact, successes of the past year and hopes for the future of continuing to break down barriers for people with disabilities. At this event two awards are given; The Beverly Chapman Legacy Award is to recognize an individual who has created opportunities for people with disablities. In addition, the CIL Champion Award will be presented to an organization that makes a conscious effort to create opportunites for those with disabilities, but who also sets individuals up for success and empowers those with disabilities to live independent lives.
Join us for this year’s celebration to help break down barriers for people with disabilities!
ACCESS QUARTERLY |
FALL EDITION
NEW! Quarterly Volunteer Open House and Tour! Center for Independent Living in Central Florida is breaking barriers and barreling in to all new Volunteer opportunities! Join Megan Collins on a tour of CIL's Winter Park office, learn more about our history and impact, and discover brand new opportunities to volunteer for inclusion! Tuesday, October 8th, 2019 6 PM - 7:30 PM 720 N Denning Drive Winter Park, FL 32789
Please click to RSVP Email Megan Collins: mcollins@cilorlando.org
ACCESS QUARTERLY |
FALL EDITION 12
Career Camp
Highlights from Summer Class
13 ACCESS QUARTERLY |
FALL EDITION
VISIT WWW.CILORLANDO.ORG TO LEARN MORE EMAIL: INFO@CILORLANDO.ORG WINTER PARK OFFICE 720 N DENNING DRIVE WINTER PARK, FL 32789 PHONE: 407-623-1070
LAKELAND OFFICE 5125 S. LAKELAND DRIVE, SUITE 4 LAKELAND, FL 33814 PHONE: 863-413-2722