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NW Independent Living Matters
NW Independent Living
Matters
Newsletter of Independent Living Resources
Summer 2007  Volume 15, Number 2
ILR Celebrates 50th Anniversary
“A Roll in the Park” Set for October 13th
OMSI Courtyard 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
By Barry Quamme, ILR Executive Director
ILR’s 50th anniversary will be celebrated in 2007 with the Second Annual
“A Roll in the Park” on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at the OMSI Courtyard along the Willamette River.
Mark your calendars, talk with friends, form a team and gather a few sponsors! Invite business colleagues,
community partners, and friends to join you for the day!
As we mark 50 years of creative and dedicated service to the community, help us remember and honor our
founders. The Sisterhood of Temple Beth Israel formed Volunteer Braille Services (VBS) in 1957. These VBS
leaders were memorialized in 1972 with the Miriam Rosenfeld Memorial Endowment Fund (still benefiting ILR
Consumers today). Then there are the early Oregon advocates of the Independent Living Movement who
founded Access Oregon, later merging with Vision Resources for Independent Living (formerly VBS) to form
ILR in 1994.
Our history comes alive in the faces and stories of so many “characters” committed to changing our world.
Each of us furthers that tradition as we gather for events like this. Bring your stories, personality and energy!
You’re sure to help, guide and renew Oregon’s Independent Living Movement through the next 50 years!
For more information about ILR activities and to register for “A Roll in the Park,” visit our webpage at
www.ilr.org, give us a call at 503-232-7411 or drop by the office to sign up in person – characters welcome!
In This Issue
Program Updates………………3-4
Information & Referral ……......5
“Housing Issues”……………....6
Service/Companion Animals…..7
ILR Calendar & Events ......... …8-9
ILR Consumer Opportunities….10-11
Programs & Special Projects…..12
ILR News……………………...12
Community Advertising ........ …13
“A Roll in the Park” .............. …14-15
ILR Contact
Information
Independent Living Resources
2410 SE 11th Ave.
Portland, OR 97214-5308
Phone: 503-232-7411
Fax: 503-232-7480
TTY: Please use Relay, 711
E-mail:ilrpdx@qwest.net
Website: www.ilr.org
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NW Independent Living Matters is
the quarterly newsletter of Independent
Living Resources distributed to
consumers, families, professionals, and
friends.
We welcome comments and articles:
publication depends on space available
and is subject to editing. Submission
deadlines are 3/1, 6/1, 9/1 and 12/1.
Please send submissions to Christopher
Eason, NWILM Editor, at:
NW Independent Living Matters
ILR’s Mission Statement
To promote the philosophy of Independent Living
by creating opportunities, encouraging choices, advancing
equal access, and furthering the level of independence
for all people with disabilities.
ILR is a consumer-controlled, community-based non-profit
agency serving people with disabilities.
Email: christopher@ilr.org, or
Mail: Independent Living Resources
2410 SE 11th Ave.
Portland, OR 97214-5308
Barry K. Quamme
ILR Executive Director
_______________________________
If you currently do not receive the
NWILM we will gladly add you to our
list. Please let us know if you prefer
this newsletter on tape, Braille,
computer disk, or large print. Direct
subscription requests or address
changes to: ilrdb@yahoo.com, or call
503-232-7411.
NWILM is also available on-line. Go
to www.ilr.org to sign up.
_______________________________
Advertising in NWILM implies no
endorsement of any product, service or
individual by ILR, its staff, or Board of
Directors. Each advertiser bears sole
responsibility for the accuracy of their
advertisement, and for any liability that
may result.
ILR Board of Directors
Steve Weiss ............. ….President
Connie Kramer……….Vice President
Barbara Spencer………Treasurer
Roger Meyer…………..Secretary
Sue Vonderheit
Matthew McClellan
ILR Staff
Barry Quamme………Executive Director
Jeanne McClellan……Associate Director for Programs
Suzanne Huffman……STEPS Training Coordinator
Lina Bensel .................IL Housing Specialist
Cathy Blahut ………...IL Services Coordinator
Christopher Eason .......Braillist/Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Patricia Kepler ............IL Specialist/ Benefits Planning Specialist
Georgena Moran .........IL Specialist/Peer Counselor
Carole Anderson .........Office Manager/Executive Assistant
Kathryn Myshak……..New Office Manager/ Executive Assistant
Gloria Garbutt .............Records/Database Specialist
Jennifer Kepler………Receptionist
Kae Madera………….Receptionist
bury
Olin
Summer 2007
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ADA “Road to Freedom” Bus Tour Great Success!
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed by Congress in l990. Over the past 17 years, the ADA
has been tested in many courts, often diluted, often misinterpreted, and at times weakened.
The “Road to Freedom” visited Oregon May 7-13 on its 50 state bus tour of the United States. Sponsored by
the National Coalition for Disability Rights (NCDR), the tour’s goal is to remind us of the ADA’s important
benefits for people with disabilities, and to rally communities to advocate to fully restore the ADA.
Jim Ward, founder and President of NCDR, spearheads the tour. The NCDR launched its campaign in
November and has been on the road ever since. Ward was the keynote speaker for a rally at the Oregon Capitol
on May 11, 2007 that drew more than 75 people from around the state. Secretary of State Bill Bradbury also
spoke.
ILR sponsored “The Road to Freedom” Portland Exhibit
on May 12, 2007 at Oaks’s Park on the Willamette River in Sellwood. Community partners staffed display
tables.
Participants shared stories of the ADA’s benefits while also touching on frustrations. Personal testimonials
were filmed. In an upcoming film the tour will document how the ADA effects the lives of Americans.
“We’ve wanted to have a tour-stop at a fair or carnival to get the message out to the general public,” said Ward.
“This was a perfect setting and we got some great footage.”
Oaks Park hosted The Road to Freedom –
The ILR Popcorn Give-Away helped draw many of the children and families
attending
Day atfeatures
the a
Photojournalist
Tom Scout
Olin’s exhibit
amusement park.
history of the ADA…………...Photo Tom Olin
ILR Programs Update
THANKS MIKE!
With gratitude and regret we bid a fond farewell to Mike Burwell, who completed his temporary
employ with ILR at the end of May. The cooking classes just won’t be the same!
Mike worked at ILR for about 1 ½ years through a program at Easter Seals that puts qualified seniors
in employment settings. Typically an individual stays at one setting for an average of 6 months; Mike
was able to stay at ILR much longer. While he was here he worked as a peer counselor and facilitated
many of our Independent Living Skills classes. Good luck Mike!
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NW Independent Living Matters
ILR’s “Talk’n Touch Transcription” Update
Dear ILR Consumers & Friends,
For many years, ILR has offered a combination of Braille, Audio and Large Print transcription to
consumers, companies and government agencies. We are honored to have served you!
ILR is making changes to its transcription service. ILR will continue to offer focused transcription
service, affirming our first priority to serve consumers with disabilities.
After reviewing ILR’s Transcription Business Model during the past year, however, we determined that
ILR is too small an operation to compete for many Braille bids. It is just not cost-effective to
aggressively seek new commercial Braille contracts.
Who is Effected?
 Most new commercial Braille projects will be referred to alternate providers in the Northwest.
 We will continue to offer new Audio bids for most transcription projects.
 We continue to update and re-produce most past transcription projects on file.
We appreciate all of our customers and are committed to assisting you with as smooth a transition as
possible. The list below of alternate resources will help you continue to provide accessible materials.
ILR will continue to serve its consumers with Braille, Audio and Large Print services. Please contact
Christopher Eason (christopher@ilr.org) regarding our services.
Sincerely,
Barry K. Quamme
ILR Executive Director
Alternate Northwest Transcription Providers
1. Braille Access Center (BAC) – Vancouver
www.wssb.wa.gov/bac.asp
Contact: Colleen Lines @ 360-696-6321 ext. 158
2. Volunteer Braille Services (VBS) – Portland
Contact: Kathy Seifer @ 503-391-5335
3. Braille Plus – Salem
Contact: Braille Plus @ 1-866-264-2345
www.brailleplus.net
Summer 2007
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Tri-County Information & Referral
 211info – Human services information for Portland/Vancouver area…dial 2-1-1
or 503-222-5555
 Oregon Helps – Find out which benefits and programs you might be eligible for –
www.oregonhelps.org
 Housing Connections – Assistance locating housing that meets your needs
(listings for Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, and Clark counties) –
www.housingconnections.org  503-802-8562
 Ride Connection offers assistance in reviewing your local transportation options.
Please call 503-226-0700, 800-735-2900 (relay service), or www.rideconnection.org.
 Governor’s Advocacy Office 1-800-442-5238
http://www.dhs.state.or.us/aboutdhs/gao.html
 Clackamas County Social Services – 503-655-8640  on-line Community Resource
Guide http://www.co.clackamas.or.us/socialservices/irispag1.htm
 Clackamas County Mental Health and Addiction Information, and 24 Hour
Emergency services Phone 503-655-8401, Toll-free number 1-888-651-2134
 Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services Helpline 503-988-3646 (voice)
 503-988-3683 (TTY)
 Multnomah County 24-Hour Mental Health Crisis Hotline 503-988-4888
 Multnomah County Health Department Health Information and Referral –
503-988-3816
 City of Portland/Multnomah County Information and Referral 503-823-4000
 Free Assistive Technology Website:
www.onlineconferencing.com/at.htm#top
 Washington County 24-Hour Mental Health Crisis/Intake line
503-291-9111.
 Alcohol and Drug HelpLine 1-800-923-HELP (1-800-923-4357); Linea de Ayuda
para Alcohol y Drogas, toll free at 1-877-515-7848 (Spanish)
 Free credit reports from all three agencies, once per year:
www.annualcreditreport.com
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NW Independent Living Matters
HOUSING ISSUES
At-Risk of Homelessness - Could This Be You?
By Lina Bensel
At times ILR gets calls from people who are or are going to be homeless. The loss of a job; sudden
hospitalization; fire burns down the building in which they live; or their building is sold, resulting in a “no
cause” eviction (eviction for cause was discussed in our last newsletter). Usually these are average people with
average histories who did not know that such things would happen to them.
Where can you go if this happens to you? Most people never think about it; they never make plans. Such plans
might include: a housing savings account with first and last month’s deposit equal to that paid where you are; or
using rental insurance (for a fire or other natural disaster). Family and friends can be helpful. If possible, make
arrangements with one or more friends and, or family members who would let you stay with them. These
emergency stays are short term and it is best to have them in writing. Many homeless people “couch surf” from
one friend or family member to another. If possible, arrange with someone about using their mailing address;
another option is using a PO Box or a PMB (Personal Mail Box).
During your time of homelessness sign up for any housing program for which you are eligible. It never hurts to
put your name on the waiting list for more than one program. When you accept housing from one such program,
be sure to strike your name from the other lists.
To prepare for your next tenancy, and to gain information if you must appeal a decision (see our next issue),
consider ILR’s “Ready to Rent Class.” This six week class covers both rights and responsibilities of renters and
landlords. Many landlords accept the Ready to Rent certificate as being an improvement for their screening.
Landlords, for example, often state that a tenant will fail screening if they have more than one eviction. A
Ready to Rent certificate may in fact give the tenant an extra chance. The Certificate also carries a guarantee. If
the tenant leaves with unpaid rent or damages, Ready to Rent will make good the loss.
Here are some things to do to avoid homelessness: 1) Save money for first and last month’s rent, 2) Obtain
renter’s insurance, if available, 3) Make contracts with family and friends, 4) Sign up for programs for which
you are eligible, and 5) Take a Ready to Rent class. If you need them, these strategies are here to help!
ILR Consumers Teach Pacific University Occupational Therapy Students
Beginning this summer ILR consumers will volunteer as real-life teachers for Occupational Therapy (OT)
students. The project is a collaboration with Pacific University’s OT Department. As part of a class the
students will “shadow” ILR consumers in their natural settings out in the community. They will observe how
people with different abilities and limitations adapt to their environments and live independently. This could
mean at home, at work, traveling on a bus or LIFT van, etc.
“ We expect that the project will not only give the students the benefit of a real-world experience, but that it
will also give our consumers some insights into the way they do things and how they might do them easier or
safer,” says Barry Quamme, Executive Director. “I think it’s a win-win situation!”
Summer 2007
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Companion Pets & Assistance Dogs in Public
By Cathy Blahut
A frequent question I am asked is: How can my companion animal accompany me in public? A common
misconception people have is – If my doctor writes a note, saying that I need my pet in public, then my animal
may always go with me.
Doctors can write prescriptions for people to have companion pets. Such a prescription would hold up when
renting an apartment. In order for an animal to go into public buildings, however, the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) lays down guidelines. ADA guidelines state that assistance animals must be trained to
perform specific tasks. The ADA defines a service animal as any guide- or signal-dog, or any other animal
trained to provide assistance to someone with a disability. If animals meet this ADA definition they are service
animals. This applies regardless of whether they have been certified or licensed by a state or local agency.
(Note: the airlines have their own criteria involving service animals.)
Service animals perform tasks an individual with a disability cannot perform. According to the International
Association of Assistance Dog Partners, individual training involves deliberately rewarding the dog for the right
response and, at times correcting the dog for the wrong response. The task is learned when the dog reliably
helps its partner mitigate the disability. Examples of individually trained tasks include: retrieving a phone,
guiding a blind person, or lending balance support on a staircase to prevent a fall.
ADA regulations state that individuals may train their own assistance dog. Also stated is that businesses cannot
request documentation from a program that trains service animals. Individuals may be asked to explain the tasks
their animal performs. For more information please visit: International Association of Assistance Dog
Partners, www.iaadp.org or US Department of Justice, www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/animal.htm.
ILR Serves Transition Age Youth & Families
ILR continues to seek opportunities to be a resource for transition-age youth with disabilities by partnering
with various school districts in the tri-county area.
Recently Barry Quamme, ILR’s Executive Director, and Jeanne McClellan, Associate Director of Programs,
met with teachers and administrators at the David Douglas School in East Portland. At the meeting they began
exploring ways to introduce the school’s students with disabilities to ILR’s philosophy and services.
“Too often, students with disabilities leave the high school setting with no concrete goals or direction for the
future, and end up in stagnation and isolation,” commented McClellan. “We don’t want the world to pass
them by, and if there aren’t transition services in place, that’s what will happen.”
Each year ILR offers transition-age youth on-site visits to ILR. We invite youth to consider volunteer
opportunities, and the development of peer-run in services in the future. ILR staff members often attend
transition fairs and conferences to share the independent living (IL) perspective. We hope to be a resource for
IL issues and choices available to students moving toward graduation.
Join us August 2nd and 9th from 1:00 – 4:30 pm for a two-part series “Growing Up Disabled.”
For more information contact ILR Services Coordinator Cathy Blahut at 503-232-7411 or cathy@ilr.org
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NW Independent Living Matters
Calendar of Events
July 2007
Tuesday, July 3rd
Cooking with Mike
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 17th
Cooking with Mike
1:00 to 3:00 p.m..
Monday, July 23rd
Beavers Game
10:15 a.m.
Thursday, July 26th
Board of Directors Meeting
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
(Open meeting with public comment)
August 2007
Thursday, August 2nd
Growing Up Disabled: Part I
1:00 to 4:30 p.m.
(Living Independently, Working, College, Benefits, Recreation)
Wednesday, August 8th
ILR Picnic
11:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 9th
Growing Up Disabled: Part II
1:00 to 4:30 p.m.
(Living Independently, Working, College, Benefits, Recreation)
Thursday, August 30th
Board of Directors Meeting
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
(Open meeting with public comment)
September 2007
Thursday, September 13th
Day at the Zoo
10:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 27th
Board of Directors Meeting
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
(Open meeting with public comment)
October 2007
Saturday, October 13th
2nd Annual “A Roll In the Park” 11:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Oregon Museum of Science & Industry Courtyard
Thursday, October 18th
The Great Pumpkin
ILR’s Fall Reception
10:00 to 2:30 p.m.
3:00 50 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 25th
Board of Directors Meeting
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
(Open meeting with public comment)
Summer 2007
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ILR Summer Recreation Schedule
Monday July 23rd A Day at the Ball Park
The ILR recreation will attend a Beavers game at PGE Park. The group leaves ILR at 10:15 a.m. Participants
are asked to arrange transportation home directly from the park. Tickets are limited so RSVP Patricia ASAP.
Wednesday August 8th ILR’s Annual Summer Picnic
ILR returns to Washington Park for another day of food, fellowship, and of course BINGO. This event starts at
11 a.m. and concludes at 3. RSVP Patricia by Friday, August 2nd
Thursday September 13th A Day at the Zoo!
The Oregon Zoo once again sponsors the recreation group for a day at the zoo. The group leaves ILR at 10 a.m.
and returns at 2:30. RSVP Patricia by Friday September 7th
Thursday October 18th The Great Pumpkin!
It is time for our annual search for the Great Pumpkin. The recreation group will travel to a nearby farm in
search of that perfect pumpkin. If available we will explore a corn maze, but for certain we will have fun. A fall
reception at ILR follows this event. Please join us for one or both of these events. The pumpkin patch trip lasts
from 10 a.m. to 2:30; the fall reception from 3 to 5 p.m. We want to make sure there is food enough for all, so
please RSVP Patricia by Friday October 12th.
Ideas for the recreation group? Please contact Patricia Kepler at 503-232-7411, or patricia@ilr.org
Beaverton’s Beeping Lights – A Story of Community Advocacy
By Patricia Kepler
In April, I spoke at the Beaverton Vision Northwest support group. They expressed interest in learning about
ILR’s services. During our discussion on advocacy, a woman asked if ILR could assist her with a troublesome
intersection. This woman shops at the Cedar Hills Crossing shopping center. She has difficulty getting from the
bus stop to the mall. The next day I phoned the city of Beaverton requesting they send an engineer to look over
the area. Below is a summary of the response I received from Jabra Kasho, Beaverton’s Traffic Engineer.
Hi Patricia,
Our staff met in the field with Carolyn Bryant from the Oregon Commission for the Blind. We gathered
information on the best location for audible signals along Cedar Hills Boulevard across from the shopping
center. Presently, there are signals near the center where Hall Blvd., Fairfield Street and Jenkins Road meet
Cedar hills. To be considered for a traffic signal, an intersection must meet both signal warrants (based on
traffic volume, number of pedestrians, and so on), and it must maintain adequate spacing between signals to
ensure smooth traffic flow. The location in question meets neither of these criteria.
We did determine that the signalized intersection at Fairfield Street has the best direct access to the shopping
center. It was selected for the installation of Audible signals. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention
and improving pedestrian safety.
If you need assistance in advocating for safer pedestrian access, please contact your ILR counselor. The staff at
ILR will help you advocate for a safe, walkable metro area.
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ILR Consumer Opportunities – Advocacy & Skills Training to Achieve IL Goals
Classes, Support Groups & Workshops
After meeting with IL Services Coordinator Cathy Blahut, new consumers begin identifying Goals. Often goals
involve participating in the SAILS Orientation as a way to match you with ILR’s many services. Helping
consumers develop the skills needed to access community services is an important value at ILR. Being able to
name your needs and advocate for them is an effective way to achieve your goals.
As you consider your needs and goals, some of ILR’s regular activities listed below may appeal to you.
Choosing to participate in an ILR class, support group or workshop may help you achieve your IL Plan goals.
Ongoing ILR Activities
Please speak with Cathy Blahut or your IL Specialist/Peer Counselor to be referred to a group for the first time.
SAILS Orientation to ILR Services ........................………….Fridays
1-3:30 p.m.
Advocacy Team. ..................................................... ………….1st Mondays
1-3 p.m
Vision Impairment Support Group ........................………….2nd Mondays
10-12 a.m.
Women’s Support Group .......................................………….2nd Tuesdays
12-2 p.m.
Crossroads Discussion: TBI Support Group .......………….2nd & 4th Fridays
1-3 p.m.
Recreation Group ......................................................... ………….Monthly, call for day & time
SAILS Orientation to IL Services
One-Time Orientation Session
Fridays 1-3:30 p.m.
After meeting with IL Services Coordinator Cathy Blahut, new consumers attend a small group orientation to
ILR’s services. SAILS (Self-Advocacy for Independent Living Seminar) is an opportunity to explore how the
Independent Living Movement gave rise to Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the United States, and
to understand the range of services ILR offers. Contact: Jeanne McClellan
Advocacy Team
Monthly
1st Mondays 1-3 p.m.
The ILR Advocacy Team offers an opportunity for consumers to learn and practice the advocacy skills to
change public policy. The team is a mix of ILR Staff Members, Community Members and Consumers. The
members identify issues facing people with disabilities and develop alternative policies. Activities include:
planning rallies and events, state and national advocacy via managing legislative alerts, letter-writing and public
testimony. The Advocacy Team explores and recommends positions on public policy issues to the ILR Board.
If you think that this group may help you reach your IL Goals, please discuss it with Cathy Blahut or your IL
Specialist/Peer Counselor. Group Leader: Barry Quamme
Summer 2007
Vision Impairment Support Group
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2nd Mondays 10-12 a.m.
Monthly
The VI Support Group provides support for consumers new to visual impairment, and help in accessing
community resources to living more independently. Group Leader: Patricia Kepler
Women’s Support Group
2nd Tuesdays Time**
Monthly
Are you looking to get out of the house, meet with others, and have some fun? Join the Women’s Support
Group. **Please call Jeanne McClellan for time.
Crossroads Discussion: TBI Group
2nd & 4th Fridays 1-3 p.m.
Twice-Monthly
Gain Skills & Tools to Manage Issues Resulting from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Come join in this
congenial discussion group. Group members talk about what’s happening in their lives, lend support and share
their experiences in life after a brain injury. Group Liaison: Christopher Eason
Periodic ILR Activities – Participation By Special Registration
Please speak with Cathy Blahut or your IL Specialist/Peer Counselor
to be referred to a group for the first time.
Healthy Lifestyles Support Group
Monthly
Times Set By Session
After attending the Healthy Lifestyles Workshop, you are invited to attend a support group for six months. No
further workshops are scheduled for 2007. The group is limited to past participants. Contact: Jeanne McClellan
Ready to Rent© Class
Six Week Class
Times Set By Session
In this six-week class, you will learn what it takes to overcome the barriers to finding and keeping an apartment.
Group Leader: Lina Bensel
Work Readiness Alternatives Workshops (WRAW)
Weekly (Tuesdays)
Dates Set By Session
The WRAW program takes place at the East Portland Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS).
WRAW is a program ILR operates for OVRS; it is designed to develop skills needed to be successful at work.
If you think that this group may help you reach your Employment and/or IL Goals, please discuss it with your
OVRS Counselor, Cathy Blahut or your IL Specialist/Peer Counselor. Group Leader: Kae Madera
The Writers Unlimited
p.m.
Twice Monthly
1st & 3rd Fridays 1-3
Explore your creative side of your personality through the craft of writing. The work of ILR’s writers
sometimes appears in this publication. Group Liaison: Christopher Eason
Volunteer Openings at ILR
1) Assisting with classes, 2) Helping on recreational trips, 3) Preparing mailings,
4) Office assistance, 5) Reading for folks, and 6) Teaching Braille or Computer skills.
Whatever your gifts, our volunteer coordinator will match them with a job. If you find interest in giving to your
independent living center and your community, please call Jeanne McClellan or jeanne@ilr.org
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NW Independent Living Matters
ILR Programs & Special Projects
STEPS Project (CETP – Consumer/Employer Training Program)
A new state-wide program now serves consumers who employ Personal Care Assistants/Home Healthcare
Workers who belong to the SEIU. STEPS trains consumers as effective employers of SEIU employees. The
project is funded by SEIU in collaboration with The Home Care Commission.
Group Training Workshops are offered by ILR throughout the tri-county area. ILR also offers STEPS in
Columbia, Clatsop, Hood River, Sherman, Tillamook and Wasco counties. Coordinated “Guide on the Side”
individual services are also available at no cost to consumers who employ SEIU employees. A $20 incentive is
available for the first 1,000 people state-wide who participate in these workshops.
STEPS Training Coordinator: Contact Suzanne Huffman, Ph.D. for next workshop dates – Suzanne@ilr.org
Benefits Planning Assistance
Do you have questions on what happens when you have Social Security benefits and want to begin work? Will
you be able to keep your earnings? Save money? Keep those benefits coming? Will your housing situation
change when you have an income? Will you be able to keep your Medicare or Oregon Health Plan?
ILR offers limited benefits planning assistance from the Tigard Branch of OVRS, and at ILR for consumers
referred by Cathy Blahut or an IL Specialist/Counselor. Benefits Planner: Patricia Kepler
Accessibility Site Assessments
ILR offers a “Site Assessment” service for businesses and individuals. Drawing upon years as a general
contractor, Georgena Moran conducts site assessments on accessibility for home and businesses. To learn ways
to make your work and home more accessible, call or email ILR.
Contact: Georgena Moran by phone at 503-232-7411or by email at georgena@ilr.org.
ILR News
Summer Remodeling – In July, ILR will see further improvements. In this second phase, we will remodel
the south end of the building to create three new offices. We’ll also repair and repaint the main lobby and
hallways. Next we’ll move on to refreshing the bathrooms! Thanks for your patience.
Advocacy Team Seeks Consumer Members – ILR’s Advocacy Team offers an opportunity for
consumers to learn and practice advocacy skills to change public policy. If you think this group will help you
reach your IL Goals, please discuss it with Cathy Blahut or your IL Specialist/Peer Counselor.
Welcome to Kathryn Myshak, New ILR Office Manager/Executive Assistant – ILR has hired
Kathryn Myshak as the full-time Office Manager/Executive Assistant. July 23rd will mark her first day. She
comes to us from Tillamook where she was the Office Support Specialist Homecare Coordinator for the
NWSDS Tillamook Office. Kathryn will train with Carole Anderson over the next few months and replace
Carole when she retires this fall. Kathryn will welcome consumers to ILR in person and on the phone, while
also managing the Support Services Team. Please take a moment when you’re next here to say hi!
Summer 2007
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BRIDGES TO COMMUNICATION
OREGON PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION
residential service protection fund
OTAP
TDAP
* OREGON TELEPHONE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
* TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES ACCESS PROGRAM
NEED HELP PAYING YOUR MONTHLY PHONE BILL? CONTACT OTAP:
Oregonians who are on a qualifying state assistance program may receive a reduction in their
monthly bill for local residential telephone service.
HAVING TROUBLE OR UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE BY TELEPHONE? CONTACT TDAP:
Loans specialized telecommunication equipment at no cost and with no income restrictions to eligible
Oregonians who are deaf, hearing, vision, speech and mobility (upper extremities) impaired.
ADDRESS:
MAILING:
550 Capitol St NE, Suite 215 PO Box 2148
Salem, OR 97301-2551
Salem, OR 97308-2148
PHONE:
800-848-4442 Voice
800-648-3458 TTY
503-378-6047 FAX
Download or complete applications at www.rspf.org
E-mail: puc.otap@state.or.us or puc.tdap@state.or.us
The Mortgage Group
themtggrp@qwest.net
the-mortgage-grp.com
Bridges to Mobility
bridgetomobility@qwest.net
bridgestomobility.com
Homeownership Opportunities
Bridges to Mobility® now has a new, expanded mission...to provide resources and guidelines for accessible
living to professionals and to the general public.
Are you looking to build a new home or searching for an existing home with accessible features? There are
homes available! In association with Home Search One, Inc, we proudly present HomeBridge.Org. The
Accessible Homes Portal. Homebridge.Org uses special formulas to filter through the database of listings to
bring you a clear display of homes specific to your accessible needs and desires. It is the first and only website
where you can view research MLS listings with accessible features as they come onto the market. Go to
www.homebridge.org to locate your home today!
Mobility Rules™ has created powerful tools that will assist anyone in learning more about accessibility,
quickly and simply. We also work with realtors and contractors in the Portland metro area who specialize in
these areas. Please contact us at www.MobilityRules.com for more information.
Cathie Ross, President
Page 14
NW Independent Living Matters
A Roll in the Park
Wheel-A-Thon Portland
Presented By
Independent Living Resources
October 13, 2007
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Celebrate ILR’s 50th Anniversary in 2007!
ILR’s 2006 “Wheel-A-Thon” created funds for IL programs, promoted health and independence for
people with disabilities, highlighted disability issues, and showcased an accessible park.
“A Roll in the Park” 2007 will focus community awareness on October as National Disability
Awareness Month. ILR will host this year’s event at OMSI’s Courtyard overlooking the beautiful
Willamette River.
Community Partners will feature displays and exhibits. A formal program will launch our walk and
roll along the Eastbank Esplanade, followed by a picnic lunch and 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Event Goals
 Fifty teams of five nifty walkers & rollers to mark ILR’s 50th Anniversary!
 $50 raised by 50 teams of nifty supporters raise a total of $2,500 for ILR!
 Fifty new friends learn about the wonderful work done at ILR!
Register Online at www.ilr.org or in-person at the ILR Office!
Our history comes alive in the faces and stories of so many “characters” committed to
changing our world. Each of us carries on that tradition as we gather for events like this.
Bring your stories, personality and energy! You’re sure to help guide and renew the IL
Movement in Oregon through the next 50 years!
Mark your calendars, talk with your friends, form a team and gather a few sponsors!
Invite business colleagues, community partners and friends to join you for the day!
Summer 2007
Page 15
Support Independent Living
Your Support funds a wide variety of IL programs and services. ILR is a non-profit organization that
benefits people with disabilities with funding from donations from individuals like you. Your contributions
are deeply appreciated and tax-deductible within the rules and requirements set by the IRS.
Your Gift Changes a Person’s Life
Every Gift to ILR is Honored with:
o
o
o
o
Peer Counseling
Information & Referral
Independent Living Skills Training
Advocacy: Individual & System Change
With Your Help We Empower People
with disabilities to live more fully as
independent members of our communities.
Annual Program Gifts
Arts, Advocacy
Support Groups
Special Project Gifts
“A Roll in the Park”
Future Building Fund
Gifts of a Lifetime
ILR Endowment Fund
Life Insurance
Real Estate
Consider an Estate Gift to ILR:
Your bequest in your Will serves the community for generations.
ILR Offers Many Opportunities to Support Our Mission
Shop Online at over 350 Stores
Merchants listed with Buy for Charity agree to pay a commission on purchases at www.buyforcharity.com.
Simply use this website to contact your merchant and designate ILR as your favorite cause.
Albertson’s
Support ILR Services by buying groceries and using your Albertson’s card when you shop. Go to
www.albertsons.com. Click on “In the Community” then click on the Community Partners logo link. Once you
log in, click on “Sign me up”. ILR’s ID is #49000129486. It just that easy! Your Albertson’s card is activated
and every time you present it to your cashier, 2% of your purchase will be refunded to ILR!
Donate Your Vehicle to Us
Donated vehicles help raise funds for ILR and Volunteers of America. In the process you get a great charitable
deduction. The towing is free; we do all the work. If you own a vehicle just taking up space, please give Carole
a call at 503-232-7411. We offer our thanks to all of you who have made a donation in the past.
Thank you for the ways each of you support our mission to serve people with disabilities!
Page 16
NW Independent Living Matters
INDEPENDENT LIVING RESOURCES
2410 SE 11TH AVE
PORTLAND OR 97214-5308
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you’d like to be taken off the print
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on-line.
ILR Celebrates 50th Anniversary
“A Roll in the Park” October 13th
OMSI Courtyard 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Mark Your Calendars!
Invite Your Friends!
ILR Annual Picnic
Wednesday, August 8th
11:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Washington Park Picnic Area A – By the Rose Gardens
Please call ILR to register at 503-232-7411
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PORTLAND OR
PERMIT NO. 2505