Disaboom outandabout2001 Blog

Jonathan’s Law.”

outandabout2001 — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:10:00 GMT

The Commission is preparing an educational pamphlet for individuals receiving services, parents, guardians and other persons legally authorized to speak on their behalf (“qualified persons”) explaining how such persons can access records and documents relating to services to individuals with disabilities by a provider subject to the jurisdiction of the Office of Mental Health (OMH), the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) or the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), pursuant to the requirements of “Jonathan’s Law.” While the pamphlet will be ready for distribution shortly, qualified persons should be aware that while records and documents pertaining to allegations and investigations into abuse and mistreatment can be requested at any time for allegations of abuse or mistreatment which occurred or were discovered on or after May 5, 2007, requests can also be made for records and documents pertaining to allegations of abuse or mistreatment which occurred or were discovered on or after January 1, 2003 and prior to May 5, 2007 if the request is made, in writing, on or before December 31, 2007. In all cases, requests for records and documents should be sent to the provider which was serving the individual at the time the abuse or mistreatment is alleged to have occurred. If an investigation was conducted by OMH, OASAS or the Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, the request should be sent to the appropriate State agency: NYS Office of Mental HealthBureau of Quality Management44 Holland AvenueAlbany, NY 12229 NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse ServicesBureau of Standards Compliance1450 Western AvenueAlbany, NY 12203 NYS Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with DisabilitiesRecords Access Officer401 State StreetSchenectady, NY 12305 If OMRDD conducted an investigation, requests should be sent to the Director of the local Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) responsible for oversight of services in the region in which the abuse or mistreatment is alleged to have taken place.

For further information or assistance in making a request for such records, contact the Commission at 1-800-624-4143 (Voice/TTY/Spanish) or through our website at: www.cqcapd.state.ny.us.

Patti Morlock
NYS Commission on Quality of Care and
Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
401 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 388-1281
(518) 388-1276 - fax
patti.morlock@cqcapd.state.ny.us
www.cqcapd.state.ny.us

This just in: the Senate will vote on the Matthew Shepard Act TOMORROW.

outandabout2001 — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 18:43:00 GMT

This just in:
Body:	We've worked for years to get this bill through both houses of Congress, and we're finally incredibly close. Now that Senate action is imminent, anti-GLBT groups are activating their misinformed grassroots base once again. Remember, they've convinced thousands that this bill will muzzle preachers and send pastors to jail for reading certain parts of the Bible. If we don't call right now, critical votes COULD BE LOST to these scare tactics. CALL BOTH YOUR SENATORS RIGHT NOW: Both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Schumer are already signed on as co-sponsors of the Matthew Shepard Act. You're calling to thank them for their support and encourage them to stand strong, regardless of last minute right-wing efforts leading up to the vote. For Sen. Clinton, call (202) 224-4451. Then, for Sen. Schumer, call (202) 224-6542. For each office, tell the staffer who answers: "As a constituent, and a supporter of Human Rights Campaign, I'd like to thank the Senator for supporting the Matthew Shepard Act (S. 1105). I hope the Senator's support for this important bill will stay strong until it comes up for a vote." Click here to tell Human Rights Campaign how your calls went. Please don't skip this step - this information will help us know whose vote we can really count on. We cannot allow our Senators to be intimidated, misled, or swayed by an extremist minority. Thank you for making your calls, and thank you for being a voice of reason today. Warmly, Joe Solmonese President

This just in:

Body:

We've worked for years to get this bill through both houses of Congress, and we're finally incredibly close.

Now that Senate action is imminent, anti-GLBT groups are activating their misinformed grassroots base once again.

Remember, they've convinced thousands that this bill will muzzle preachers and send pastors to jail for reading certain parts of the Bible. If we don't call right now, critical votes COULD BE LOST to these scare tactics.

CALL BOTH YOUR SENATORS RIGHT NOW:

Both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Schumer are already signed on as co-sponsors of the Matthew Shepard Act. You're calling to thank them for their support and encourage them to stand strong, regardless of last minute right-wing efforts leading up to the vote.

For Sen. Clinton, call (202) 224-4451.
Then, for Sen. Schumer, call (202) 224-6542.
For each office, tell the staffer who answers:
"As a constituent, and a supporter of Human Rights Campaign, I'd like to thank the Senator for supporting the Matthew Shepard Act (S. 1105). I hope the Senator's support for this important bill will stay strong until it comes up for a vote."
Click here to tell Human Rights Campaign how your calls went. Please don't skip this step - this information will help us know whose vote we can really count on.

We cannot allow our Senators to be intimidated, misled, or swayed by an extremist minority. Thank you for making your calls, and thank you for being a voice of reason today.

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese
President

Foundation Fundraising

outandabout2001 — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 18:28:00 GMT

The Foundation
Center<http://fdncenter.org/marketplace/promotions/emailpromo/images/ff_
dc_08232007_02.gif> Foundation Fundraising in Holbrook, NY October 12
<http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10008958>

Foundation Fundraising <http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10008958>

An Introductory Course

Course date: October 12 in Holbrook, NY

For nonprofits who are new to foundation fundraising.

The foundation approach to funding presents distinct challenges and
opportunities for nonprofits. This course will help you understand the
grantmaking objectives of independent, corporate, and community
foundations. It will help you identify grantseeking resources, and
effectively partner with grantmakers.

"I believe this course will make the difference in my organization
receiving a grant.
We covered all the basics of reaching out to foundations; it was time
well spent."
- Development Officer, New York

BENEFITS

* Gain a better understanding of the philanthropy landscape and
the world of foundations
* Adopt the terminology used in foundation fundraising
* Prepare your organization to become a desirable partner to
grantmakers
* Understand the process of getting grants

TOPICS

* The characteristics grantmakers look for in their nonprofit
partners
* Foundations and their role in philanthropy
* Characteristics of foundations, corporate donors, and
grantmaking public charities
* The proposal process
* Researching grantmakers to target the best prospects before
submitting a proposal

BONUSES

* Complimentary one-week subscription to
Foundation Directory Online Professional
* Free copy of Securing Your Organization's Future
(a $34.95 value)
* Workbook outlining all course topics
* Templates for worksheets used in the course

INSTRUCTOR LUZ RODRIGUEZ

Training coordinator at the Foundation Center New York since 2003, Luz
specializes in the Spanish-language training and services to the
under-resourced. She previously served as executive director of several
community-based organizations.

Course date: October 12 in Holbrook, NY
Registration fee: $125 REGISTER ONLINE
<http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10008958>

<http://fdncenter.org/marketplace/promotions/emailpromo/images/ff_fall20
07_tl.jpg>
<http://fdncenter.org/marketplace/promotions/emailpromo/images/spacer.gi
f>
<http://fdncenter.org/marketplace/promotions/emailpromo/images/ff_fall20
07_tr.jpg>

<http://fdncenter.org/marketplace/promotions/emailpromo/images/spacer.gi
f> REGISTER NOW!

FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING
October 12, 2007 <http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10008958>

Foundation Fundraising <http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10008958>
Course fee: $125 <http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10008958>

Motivate and empower
everyone on your team.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT

SAVE $25 for each additional person
SAVE $25 for each additional course.

Please note: additional registrations must be made at the same time.

<http://fdncenter.org/marketplace/promotions/emailpromo/images/ff_fall20
07_bl.jpg>
<http://fdncenter.org/marketplace/promotions/emailpromo/images/spacer.gi
f>
<http://fdncenter.org/marketplace/promotions/emailpromo/images/ff_fall20
07_br.jpg>
________________________________

We respect your right to e-mail privacy. If you are not interested in
receiving periodic messages about Foundation Center courses or
publications, please click here to unsubscribe
<http://foundationcenter.org/profile/edit_newsletters.jhtml> . Please
direct all other comments or suggestions to fcm@foundationcenter.org
<mailto:fcm@foundationcenter.org?subject=Feedback - Foundation
Fundraising in Holbrook, NY> .

Foundation Center
79 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10003

free Webcast & Teleconference

outandabout2001 — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 18:11:00 GMT

~~http://www.revolutionhealth.com/community/~~

Cash & Counseling – Supporting Independent Living Presented by Lee Bezanson, Kevin Mahoney, and Erin McGaffiganMonday, October 15, 20073:00 PM EDT / 2:00 PM EDT / 1:00 PM MDT / 12:00 PM PDT90 Minute Teleconference with Q & A To register for this free Webcast & Teleconference, please visit http://www.ncil.org/training/CashandCounseling.html. On Monday, October 15, 2007 ILRU and NCIL, in collaboration with Boston College, will present a 90-minute teleconference and webcast for Centers for Independent Living interested in the national Cash & Counseling program. Please join us AT NO COST to learn how your Center’s consumers can access and spend Medicaid dollars on home and community based personal assistance services.

Overview

We will describe the Cash & Counseling model, its history and successes and discuss the role of participants in the program and the role they play in informing the design and implementation of the program. And, we will have representatives from the Independent Living movement share how they are participating in the Cash & Counseling programs in two states. Cash & Counseling helps consumers direct and manage their personal assistance services according to their own specific needs. The goal of the program is to expand this proven model to more states, allowing thousands more older adults and people with disabilities to have choice and control over the care they receive. To review information and materials, and to join the live webcast, please visit our webcast page at http://www.ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/handouts/2007/10-15-LB/index.htm. We will be adding information and materials as we get closer to the presentation date. To participate in the teleconference version of the presentation, you may dial 1.800.311.9401 and use the passcode “ILRU.” To register for this free Webcast & Teleconference, please visit http://www.ncil.org/training/CashandCounseling.html. This training has been made possible by The National Cash & Counseling Program Office at Boston College, in collaboration with NCIL and ILRU. For questions regarding registration and the Webcast & Teleconference, please contact Eleanor Canter at NCIL (eleanor@ncil.org). For information on the Cash & Counseling Program Office, please contact Kevin Mahoney at Boston College (kevin.mahoney@bc.edu).

Federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA)

outandabout2001 — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:29:00 GMT

URGENTHAVA ACTION ALERT We are under attack! * DO NOT AGREE TO WRITE A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THIS AMENDMENT FOR AN ELECTION COMMISSIONER, SBOE, OR THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE!!! Background State and county election officials have worked an amendment through the NYS Congressional delegation to the Holt bill HR 811 which contains language that will suspend the disability provisions of HAVA in New York State until 2010!!! If this goes through, it will cease any progress on disability voting access in New York for three years! Speaker Pelosi is considering the amendment, but is looking for feedback from the disability community (especially from New York). WE MUST RESPOND! The NYSILC office made emergency phone calls at the end of the business day yesterday. I wrote a letter, provided below, to oppose the amendment. Jim Dickson of the AAPD attended the bill hearing last night and delivered the letter for us to Speaker Pelosi and Steny Hoyer. The action helped to delay a decision for another day or two. Thanks Jim! We need to take action immediately!!! Action 1) Call House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Office at (202) 225-0100. If her Speaker line is too busy, her alternative DC Congress office number is (202) 225-4965. · Tell them your name and where you are from (location). · Deliver the following message:o “Please tell Speaker Pelosi to NOT amend the Holt bill HR 811 with language that would let New York State suspend the disability provisions of the Federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) until 2010.” · If they let you speak longer, you can add:o “New Yorkers with disabilities have been denied access to vote privately and independently for over 200 years! Do not prolong this right any further.” · Thank you. 2) Contact your local member of Congress. · If you don’t know who that person is, you can use the link provided below to the CDR website: http://capwiz.com/rochestercdr/state/main/?state=NY Click on the link provided above. Enter your zip code into the box next to the description that says, “Enter your ZIP code to find your representatives,” then click the “GO” button. Look under the heading, “U.S. Representative” and click on the name and link provided to access the information to your congress person. · Tell them your name and where you are from (location). · Deliver the following message:o “Please tell my representative to tell Speaker Pelosi to NOT amend the Holt bill HR 811 with language that would let New York State suspend the disability provisions of the Federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) until 2010.” · If they let you speak longer, you can add:o “New Yorkers with disabilities have been denied access to vote privately and independently for over 200 years! Do not prolong this right any further.” · If they want to discuss the issue further, or want to know what we want, you can add:o The State Board of Elections (SBOE) and county election commissioners have had more than enough time to comply with HAVA, which should have been addressed on Primary Day 2006.o For the Federal election in 2008, New Yorkers with disabilities want the state to step up their HAVA compliance and meet the standard of one accessible voting machine per polling place. This would also mean that all polling places would have to be accessible per ADA guidelines. · Thank you. 3) If you find out any information during your conversations, email NYSILC at bradw@nysilc.org. Jim Dickson of AAPD will continue to provide us support in DC. I will send out an email update if and when a result is achieved. RAMP UP THE CALLS!!! Brad ----------------------------------------------------------- 111 Washington Avenue, Suite101Albany,NY12210(518) 427-1060 Voice&TTYnysilc@nysilc.orgwww.nysilc.org

BENEFITS OF RECREATION FOR PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

outandabout2001 — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 13:47:00 GMT

Like anyone else, persons who have serious mental illnesses need a sense of belonging and a feeling of satisfaction with their lives.

Efforts to help people feel a part of their communities and have a good quality of life usually focus on helping them get decent housing, meaningful employment, education and health care as well as fostering self-determination and social support. However, recreation may be central to such efforts, since research has consistently indicated that physically and socially active recreation is related to quality of life in the general population, as well as in people with various disabilities, such as frail older adults, persons with cognitive and mobility limitations, and persons with mental illnesses. This is especially true of activities that help people feel involved in their neighborhoods, such as eating in a restaurant, visiting a library or walking in a park.
In addition, research has found strong relationships between physical activity and physical health as well as between physical activity and mental health. Yet individuals with serious mental illnesses are significantly less active than the general population and their leisure involvement tends to be much more passive.
Involvement with a variety of leisure activities can help individuals with serious mental illnesses lead more active and healthier lives. Many recreational activities require the movement of large muscle groups and can be aerobic, which improves cardiovascular health. Hiking, biking, swimming, gardening and dancing are good examples. Physically active pastimes such as these are most beneficial if they are done routinely, and the pleasure derived from them makes this more likely.

Socially active recreation is also important to ones health. In fact, friendships may be the hidden factor in womens greater longevity. Research supports the importance of social networks in maintaining health and reducing re-hospitalizations of persons with mental illnesses.
Recreational activities have the potential to increase social involvement and friendships in many ways. For instance, some recreational activities, such as playing cards or sports, need the involvement of others. Other recreational pursuits allow persons with serious mental illnesses to meet new friends who share common interests. Talking with acquaintances about movies or books or taking an adult education class or a course at a YMCA help persons with serious mental illnesses to have a social life outside of their family and give them opportunities to forge new relationships. Finally, some recreational activities, such as movies or concerts, are often just reasons to get together with friends and help maintain social relationships.
Recreational and leisure involvement also promotes health by providing a buffer for stress and creating a sense of balance. For instance, recreation and leisure can give people a break from a stressful situation. Similarly, pleasurable activities, such as watching an entertaining movie, can enhance someone?s mood.
Leisure and recreation can also be ?proactive coping strategies, i.e., efforts to prevent stressful events before they occur. Social support, sport/exercise and miscellaneous non-social activities, such as painting or writing, are examples.
Recreation and leisure are so vital to recovery that they ought to be a key ingredient in the wellness toolkit of clients- WRAPs (Wellness Recovery Action Plans).
Community Integration: Concept & History
Community integration has been a strongly held value and goal in mental health policy that has recently been affirmed as a right of people with cognitive and psychiatric disabilities based on the landmark 1999 Olmstead Supreme Court decision. The Olmstead ruling concluded that it is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act to discriminate against people with disabilities by providing services only in institutions when they could be served equally as well, or more effectively, in a community-based setting.
The concept of community integration has generally been thought of in terms of greater "physical presence in the community" and the subsequent focus on closing psychiatric hospitals and reducing the number of people who are institutionalized. What Gives Me Hope Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.
-John F. Kennedy