Senator Durbin Honors Paralympic Athletes From Illinois | Sept 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C.--(ENEWSPF)--September 13, 2102. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today submitted a statement for the record in the U.S. Senate honoring the individual accomplishments of the disabled athletes from Illinois who represented the United States at the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games. With many members of Team USA visiting Washington, DC this week, today Durbin welcomed Paralympians and Olympians from across the country to his office to discuss their success at London Games. Photos of that meeting are available here. Durbin will also be attending tomorrow’s ceremony at the White House honoring the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams.

“Among those representing Team USA in the London Paralympic Games were many athletes from Illinois, including a number of students and alumni of the University of Illinois’ acclaimed Adapted Varsity Athletics Program. Just as their non-disabled counterparts, the athletic ability and tenacious commitment of each and every one of these athletes serves as an inspiration to their friends, their families, and to Americans across the country. Although each faces some form of physical limitation, these athletes accept no limits on what they can achieve.”

“I congratulate all of Team USA’s athletes on their success at this year’s Paralympic Games, and especially those from Illinois. It is an honor to represent them.”


Full text of Durbin’s statement is below:

Senator Richard J. Durbin

Statement for the Congressional Record

Honoring Illinois Athletes Competing at the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games

Mr. DURBIN: Mr. President, this past Sunday, the closing ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games were held in London. More than 4,200 athletes seated in the arena were joined by 80,000 cheering spectators to celebrate the culmination of 11 days of athletic achievement with parades, fireworks, and music.

Of the 227 American athletes competing in this year’s London Games, twenty are members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces, including three active duty service members. This is especially noteworthy given that it was disabled British World War II veterans using sports as rehabilitation who founded what has become today’s modern Paralympic Games.

Among those representing Team USA in the London Paralympic Games were many athletes from Illinois, including a number of students and alumni of the University of Illinois’ acclaimed Adapted Varsity Athletics Program.

Evanston native Greta Neimanas arrived at her second Paralympic Games as a seven-time national champion, 13-time world championship medalist and ParaPan Am Games gold medalist. A longtime patient of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) and an inspiration to many of RIC’s younger patients, she competed in both track and road cycling events in London.

Joe Berenyi left London with three Paralympic medals: a gold, a silver, and a bronze. The cyclist, who was born in Aurora, IL, also set a world record on his way to becoming the Paralympic champion in the men’s individual C3 Pursuit. A father of three, Joe returned to Oswego this week where he was surprised by a parade of family and friends in his honor.

Centennial High School graduate Nichole Millage of Champaign won her second silver medal in sitting volleyball as a member of the women’s team. Even before winning silver in Beijing, Nichole saw the amputation of her left leg as an opportunity, not a disability.

Born in Chicago, Justin Zook is a three-time Paralympic gold medalist and world-record-holder. Justin’s victory in the 100-meter backstroke in London was all the more impressive given his disability reclassification on the eve of the Games, placing him alongside athletes with a lower level of physical disability than he had competed against previously.

University of Illinois junior Tatyana McFadden, who goes by the nickname “Lady Velocity,” won four medals in London: three gold and one bronze. She competed in the 100, 400, 800, and 1,500 meters and the marathon and was only prevented from medaling in all five by a punctured tire during the marathon. She still came in ninth. As a leading voice advocating for disability rights, her motto is “Sports is my passion, paving access for others is my purpose.”

Born and raised in Chicago, Eric Barber has been playing wheelchair basketball for 20 years. He captured his second Paralympic medal this year in London as a member of the bronze-winning US men’s wheelchair basketball team. Eric was also a member of the wheelchair basketball team that won bronze in Sydney in 2000.

Joining him on the men’s wheelchair basketball team was former University of Illinois point guard Steve Serio, who led the US team with 20 points and recorded four rebounds and eight assists during the team’s bronze-medal game against host Great Britain.

Team captain Will Waller was the third Illini on the men’s wheelchair basketball team at his fourth Paralympic Games.

Jennifer Chew represented the University of Illinois on the women’s wheelchair basketball team. When not training herself, she manages the Denver Lady Nuggets basketball team and assistant coaches the Junior Rolling Nuggets basketball team.

Teammate and fellow Illini Sarah Castle was in London at her fourth Paralympic Games, but only her second as a basketball player. Sarah competed at the 2000 and 2004 Paralympic Games as a swimmer – winning silver in Sydney – before a shoulder injury prompted her to pursue wheelchair basketball instead.

Paralympian Adam Bleakney has competed in wheelchair racing events ranging from 100-meters to the marathon in the 2000, 2004, 2008, and now 2012 Summer Games. Adam completed both his undergraduate and graduate education at the University of Illinois in Champaign, where he now serves as head coach of the wheelchair track team.

Three-time Chicago Marathon winner Josh George claimed bronze in London in the men’s 800 meters. After graduating with honors from the University of Illinois, Josh continued to participate in the school’s program as a volunteer assistant coach. When not racing, he works at Intelliwheels, a startup that develops innovative wheelchair technologies at the University of Illinois’ EnterpriseWorks.

Anjali Forber-Pratt began wheelchair racing when she was just nine-years-old. She went on to win a total of four gold, six silver, and two bronze medals at the Junior National Wheelchair Games before claiming two bronze medals at the Paralympic Games in Beijing and competing in the 100, 200, and 400 meters in London. Anjali embodies her personal motto, “Dream, Drive, Do” not only as athlete but also as a student—she holds three degrees from the University of Illinois, including her doctorate.

Illinois freshman Ray Martin dominated the track, sweeping the men’s 100, 200, 400, 800 meters. His impressive four gold medals placed him that the top of the medal count for Illini athletes.

Since competing in his first marathon in 2007, Aaron Pike has become one of the top wheelchair racers in America in the event. At the University of Illinois, he led the Illini to four straight finals of the National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, and two titles.

Jessica Galli of Savoy has competed in four Paralympic Games, where she has won one gold, one bronze, and four silver medals. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois, where she also competed on the wheelchair track team. She serves as an advocate for disabled athletes through her work on the United States Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Advisory Council, Wheelchair and Ambulatory Sports USA, and USA Wheelchair Track and Field.

In a momentous year for Brian Siemann, he not only competed in his first Paralympic Games, but he will also graduate from the University of Illinois, where he is currently a senior. The 2012 US Paralympic National Champion in the 100 and 200-meters, Brian lives his favorite quote: “don’t stop believing.”

Recent University of Illinois graduate Ryan Chalmers competed as a collegiate athlete in both basketball and track, where his multisport talent earned him an athletic scholarship. Ryan chose track over basketball before being selected as a member of Team USA for the 2012 Paralympics.

After an intense summer training in Champaign, Amanda McGrory competed in London in five events, including the 800, 1,500, 5,000 and the marathon. The University of Illinois graduate began as a sprinter but changed her mind after her first marathon, one of the sport’s most grueling events.

Although she hadn’t ever competed in a marathon until moving to Champaign to attend the University of Illinois just a few years ago, Susannah Scaroni represented the United States in the distance event in London. A member of the Illini track and road racing team, this was her first Paralympics.

It is no coincidence that so many of Illinois’ Paralypians are current students or alumni of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Since becoming the first in the nation to open its doors to those with disabilities in 1949, our state’s flagship university has become a world leader in disability sports. The University of Illinois’ adaptive sports program draws athletes from across the globe, and has sent students, alumni, or coaches to every Paralympics since 1960.

Just as their non-disabled counterparts, the athletic ability and tenacious commitment of each and every one of these athletes serves as an inspiration to their friends, their families, and to Americans across the country. Although each faces some form of physical limitation, these athletes accept no limits on what they can achieve.

I congratulate all of Team USA’s athletes on their success at this year’s Paralympic Games, and especially those from Illinois. It is an honor to represent them.

# Source: durbin.senate.gov

Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Bank of America to Resolve Allegations of Discrimination Against Recipients of Disability Income | Sept 2012

Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 13, 2012

Settlement Provides Compensation to Victims Identified by the Department of Justice and Establishes Procedures for Treating Borrowers Fairly Who Receive Disability Income

Bank of America N.A. has agreed to maintain revised policies, conduct employee training and pay compensation to victims to resolve allegations that it engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination on the basis of disability and receipt of public assistance in violation of the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA).

The settlement, which is subject to court approval, was filed today in federal court in Charlotte, N.C., where Bank of America is headquartered. The terms of the settlement require Bank of America to pay $1,000, $2,500 or $5,000 to eligible mortgage loan applicants who were asked to provide a letter from their doctor to document the income they received from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Applicants who were asked to provide more detailed medical information to document their income may be paid more than those who were asked to have a doctor verify their source of income. Bank of America will hire a third party administrator to search approximately 25,000 loan applications involving SSDI income to identify any other victims. Under the settlement, Bank of America will conduct training of its underwriters and loan officers and will monitor loan applications to ensure that applications from disabled individuals are treated in a manner consistent with applicable law.

This lawsuit arose as a result of three complaints filed by loan applicants with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). After investigating the complaints, HUD undertook a broader investigation into Bank of America’s practices. Bank of America revised its policies for documenting disability income during HUD’s investigation. The Assistant Secretary of HUD elected to have the case heard in federal court and referred the case to the Department of Justice. The HUD complainants will receive a total of $125,000 to their harm and compensate them for costs associated with their loan applications.

“Loan applicants with disabilities should not be subjected to invasive requests for medical information from a doctor when they are applying for credit,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Today’s settlement shines a light on a practice that violates the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.”

The settlement comes after an investigation by the Justice Department. Bank of America cooperated fully with the department’s investigation into its lending practices and agreed to settle this matter without contested litigation. The lawsuit was developed and filed by the Fair Lending Unit of the Housing and Civil Enforcement Section in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Since the Fair Lending Unit was established in February 2010, it has filed or resolved 22 lending matters under the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The finalized settlements in these matters provide for a minimum of $370 million in monetary relief for more than 200,000 individual borrowers.

“HUD and DOJ are committed to ensuring that lending institutions do not break the law. This settlement vindicates the rights of disabled homebuyers who were singled out just because they rely on disability payments,” said John Trasviña, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “Applicants who are otherwise qualified for a home loan should not have additional requirements placed on them because they have a disability.”

“This settlement confirms the resolve of this office to protect the civil rights of citizens in our district from illegal discriminatory practices,” said Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney of the Western District of North Carolina. “Discrimination in lending has profound consequences that will not be tolerated.”

Today’s announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. The task force has established financial fraud coordinators in every U.S. attorney’s office around the country to help make these broad mandates a reality on the ground. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit www.stopfraud.gov.

A copy of the complaint, as well as additional information about fair lending enforcement by the Justice Department, can be obtained from the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/fairhousing.

12-1116Civil Rights Division
http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/September/12-crt-1116.html

The National Forum on Disability Issues- Sep. 28th, 2012 - Live Webcast from Columbus, OH

The National Forum on Disability Issues is an historic nonpartisan event. The 2012 event builds on the success of the first ever forum organized by the disability community in 2008. The forum will focus on the disability positions of the 2012 Presidential candidates. Candidates for the U.S. Senate seat from Ohio will also be invited to participate. The candidates will be given the opportunity to provide their positions on a wide variety of disability issues directly to the disability community.

It will be the only national event to focus specifically on disability issues. Why should your political candidates attend?

There are 57 million people with disabilities in the United States, meaning that roughly 1 in 5 Americans have a disability (source: 2000 census).

CNN reports that Approximately 21 million American families include at least one member with a disability, and over 65 million Americans are caring for family members with disabilities.

According to the Disability Funders Network, between 1990 and 2000, the number of Americans with disabilities increased 25 percent, outpacing any other subgroup of the U.S. population.

Ask YOUR candidates to come discuss their platforms on disability issues by visiting: http://www.nfdi.org/invite_candidates/

The National Forum on Disability Issues will be streamed "live" via the Internet. In many cities across the United States, organizations are planning webcast "viewing parties."

National Forum on Disability Issues WEBCAST Registration - Click Headline or visit: http://www.nfdi.org/

Free Webinar on 9/19/12 focusing on Disability Harassment, Constructive Discharge and Retaliation | RSVP

The ADA National Network hosts a series of free legal webinars and the next one will be on Wed. September 19th from 1-2:30 CDT. The topic will be Disability Harassment, Constructive Discharge and Retaliation under the ADA. Alan Goldstein and Barry C. Taylor from Equip for Equality will be the presenters.

Here's a description of the session:

Update on Emerging ADA Issues - Disability Harassment, Retaliation and Constructive Discharge
Disability harassment, retaliation and constructive discharge are emerging workplace issues affecting employees with disabilities and presenting unique challenges to employers. This session will review the ADA and recent case law decisions, and also provide practical tips for navigating these complex areas of the law.

If you're interested in participating - click Headline, or go to http://www.ada-audio.org/Webinar/ADALegal/

For Illinois attorneys, this session is eligible for 1.5 hours of continuing legal education credit. Note that you have to register for the training at least 24 hours prior to the presentation. Please share this with others who you think would be interested in this topic.

Taking 'Accessible' Gaming to the Next Level

By Guest Blogger Steven Spohn, Editor-in-Chief, AbleGamers
SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

For the past eight years, the AbleGamers Foundation has been diligently advocating for more accessibility in digital entertainment. We have reached out to video game developers and publishers alike, gone to conferences and expos and attended meetings at the headquarters of many AAA gaming studios. We gave the same speeches to anyone who would listen, and our message was clear – the disability community needs these options.

A few years ago, the responses we got from developers started to change. We no longer heard excuses about why games couldn’t afford to add more accessibility options, or how difficult it would be to do. We also stopped getting asked questions about why accessibility was important. Today, developers are recognizing the importance of the disabled gaming community. What we hear now is the overwhelming question of how games can be made more accessible.

On Wednesday, September 12th, that question was finally answered. Includification is a brand-new publication from The AbleGamers Foundation that includes numerous detailed explanations of common problems for gamers with disabilities, solutions for those problems, printable checklists, developer exercises and personal letters from industry insiders to the game industry.

The companion website, www.includification.com, holds all of the same great information without the fancy graphics and explanations. This website will be a resource for developers to find, at a glance, specific solutions to common and not so common problems.

We have been working on these guidelines for more than two years, and they have been seen by half a dozen major AAA gaming studios that all approved of our message. I honestly could not hold more gratitude in my heart for those who helped put this together.

These accessibility guidelines will serve as a roadmap to help developers reach out to the community of gamers with disabilities in ways I can’t even describe. The joy of helping someone get back to doing something they used to love doing so much, or try something for the first time that they are now able to do just like anyone else, is truly one of the greatest joys in life. I hope by reading these real world examples that developers can see how each and every accessibility option they add to their newest title helps real people in real situations.

Best of all, it was the developers that have become champions of accessibility who really helped put this paper together. We have an entire section right in front of the document that explains very clearly how adding accessibility is a benefit to everyone involved. All of the options suggested by the document help a wide range of people who want to play games, without harming anyone who doesn’t need the options. For those who need them, the options can be there to lend a hand, and those who do not need them will never even know they are there.

Video game accessibility is important for the more than 33 million people with disabilities in the United States who play video games, not to mention the countless others who live in countries throughout the world. It’s about time we laid all of our cards on the table and took accessibility to the next level. Together, we can make sure there are no barriers to fun.

For more information:

Visit the Includification website at www.includification.com or download the Includification Guide in PDF format.

Steve Spohn is the Editor-in-Chief of AbleGamers and Outreach Chair for the AbleGamers Foundation. He has been interviewed as an expert in gaming with disabilities and assistive technologies by MSNBC, CNN, PC World, G4, and multiple international journals. Steve has travel a crossed the country as a speaker at various events including PAX East, Games for Health, Assistive Technology Centers, universities and many developer studios. In his off time, he is a web designer, gamer, writer, and on to his newest endeavor, learning Japanese. He holds degrees in Visual Communication, Information Technology, Web Design and Writing, with an MFA in Fiction Writing as his next goal. Steve is an active social media user and you can always find him on Twitter, Facebook and on AbleGamers forums.

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As posted by Disability.gov : http://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2012/09/13/taking-accessible-gaming-to-the-next-level/

New resources help older Americans and people with disabilities maintain their independence | Sept 2012

News Release September 11, 2012
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Seniors, people with disabilities and their families get assistance from local resource centers

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced $12.5 million in awards to Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) to support older Americans and people with disabilities stay independent and receive long-term services and supports.

These grants, funded by the Affordable Care Act and the Older Americans Act, support counselors who help individuals and their caregivers identify and access long-term services and supports, regardless of income or financial assets.

“Whether someone is in the hospital and ready to be discharged, or living at home but needing additional care, an options counselor can help them evaluate their needs and sift through the options available in their community to create a plan that meets their needs,” Secretary Sebelius said.

ADRCs are “one-stop shops” for older adults, people with disabilities, their caregivers and families to get the information and services they need as their health and long-term care needs change.

ADRCs offer a single, coordinated system of information and access for people seeking long-term services and supports and help consumers and their families identify options that best suit their needs.

ADRCs also make it easier for state and local governments to manage resources and monitor program quality through coordinated data collection and evaluation efforts.

The ADRCs are made possible through a collaborative effort led by the Administration on Community Living and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), both agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services. The Veterans Health Administration, an agency of the Department of Veterans Affairs, is a key partner.

Currently, all 50 states and four territories are operating or are in the process of implementing an ADRC.

Two different types of grants are being announced. Part A is for states or territories receiving an initial ADRC grant for an Enhanced ADRC Options Counseling Program. Part B is for states and territories receiving continuation funding.

For more information about the grants, recipients and the ADRC initiative, see http://www.hhs.gov/acl/news/adrc-grants09112012.html

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http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2012pres/09/20120911c.html

Ms. Wheelchair Illinois 2012, Kim Brown an avid tennis player and kindergarten teacher

Oak Lawn native reigns as Ms. Wheelchair Illinois

By Hannah Kohut Correspondent | Southtown Star

When Kim Brown won her first pageant back in March, she was lauded for many qualities: her willingness to help others, going above and beyond her limitations, and having a vision for the future. And as with any other pageant winner, she cried as she was draped with her sash as a flurry of camera flashes captured the moment. To top it off, she was also crowned Miss Congeniality.

Brown, an avid tennis player and kindergarten teacher in Chicago, wowed the judges with her ingenuity and then set off on a whirlwind tour of visiting various facilities. She also has two master’s degrees in education.

But this wasn’t your ordinary pageant, where the competitors are judged based on hair, make-up, and a swimsuit: this was the Ms. Wheelchair Illinois 2012 pageant.

Brown, 38, an Oak Lawn native, has been in a wheelchair since she was 10, and has overcome quite a number of obstacles to reach this point in her life, and has achieved goals that some people without limitations haven’t even done.

“I bawled like a baby,” Brown said of her crowning moment on March 17 at the Wyndham Hotel in Tinley Park. “They announced Miss Congeniality (before announcing the winner) and I had won that. “I kind of looked over at my sister (in the crowd) like, oh great, Miss Congeniality is usually runner-up. The crown is the most beautiful crown.”

And, like any other pageant, it required Brown to put in a lot of time and emotion.

‘She has fight’

Brown said she was born with spina bifida, a congenital spinal cord defect. Doctors told her parents they didn’t have much hope for her, even suggesting they institutionalize the girl.

“But my parents said ‘No, she has fight’,” Brown said. “And I was raised just like my (older) sister, with the same goals and expectations she had.”

Brown said she was in the fifth grade when she had to start using a wheelchair, and that it was the hardest part of her life.

“Children can be cruel, but acceptance took time,” Brown said of how classmates treated her.

Brown said it did get easier as she got to high school at Mother McAuley.

“It was a fresh start,” Brown said. “I was in orchestra, played the clarinet, was in organizations, and hung out with friends who liked me for being me.”

After high school, she went on to St. Xavier University to study elementary education, where she was involved with student organizations and enjoyed the college life by going to football and basketball games with friends. That’s also when she said she found her love of wheelchair tennis, and began competing all over the U.S.

With two master’s degrees in education, one in reading and one in school administration, Brown now teaches kindergarten at Paderewski School in Chicago. But teaching children from a wheelchair doesn’t seem to be an issue for Brown.

“The kids think it’s the coolest thing (that I’m in a chair),” Brown said. “We were walking back from the cafeteria and they grabbed on the back doing the train.”

‘Beyond the Wheels’

Brown said she was asked a few years ago to participate in the Ms. Wheelchair Illinois pageant, but due to her college and tennis commitments, she had to decline. When her physical therapist approached her about the 2012 pageant, she agreed to register.

After being assured from the pageant board that there was no swimsuit competition, she filled out the 10-page application in December and began thinking of her platform for the competition.

She chose “Beyond the Wheels” as her topic for the judges. Brown said it’s about busting down architectural barriers and having people view people in wheelchairs for their talents and education instead of the wheels.

Brown said she was up against five other women with various disabilities.

“It was based on inner beauty,” Brown said. “It’s based on communication skills, accomplishments, advocacy and what you’d do for the people in the state of Illinois with disabilities.”

Soon after she was crowned the winner, Brown said she set off on an advocacy adventure throughout Illinois.

“I’ve done a video for a hospital, done an event at the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, visited with patients at the Lurie Children’s Hospital and Shriners Hospital, and other children who aspire to be Ms. Wheelchair Illinois,” Brown said.

She offers some words of advice to any woman out there who wants to compete in next year’s competition.

“They have to be in it, they have to put themselves into it,” Brown said. “You are the voice of so many people that need you. You’re the voice of parents that don’t know what to do for their child.”

http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/14813088-418/oak-lawn-native-reigns-as-ms-wheelchair-illinois.html

U.S. Access Board to Hold Public Meetings on Bus Accessibility on Sept 19, 2012

The Access Board will hold public information meetings in the next few weeks to collect further information on bus accessibility as part of its update of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles. The meetings will focus on the usability of recent bus designs that allow a portion of deployed ramps to remain inside the vehicle to minimize their exterior projection.

The first meeting will be held September 19 at the Board’s conference center in Washington, D.C. A second meeting will take place October 2 in Seattle at the American Public Transportation Association’s annual conference. These meetings are open to the public and those with an interest in the topic are encouraged to attend. The Board also will be accepting written comments on this subject until October 31, as indicated in a published notice.

For further information, visit the Board’s website;
http://www.access-board.gov/transit/index.htm

Or contact Scott Windley at windley@access-board.gov, (202) 272-0025 (voice), or (202) 272-0028 (TTY).

Public Meetings on Bus Ramps and Updates to the ADA Vehicle Guidelines

September 19, 9:30 – 1:30
Access Board Conference Center
1331 F Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC

October 2, 2:15 – 5:30
Washington State Convention Center, Rooms 611-612
800 Convention Place
Seattle, WA

People with developmental disabilities face increased risk of oral health problems

Free clinic in Chicago offers dental care for special needs patients

By Janice Neumann, Special to the Chicago Tribune
September 12, 2012

People with developmental disabilities face increased oral health problems because of a host of physical, cognitive and financial challenges, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Dental Association.

Their dental problems can lead to pain, trouble eating and infection, eventually causing serious long-term medical issues, according to the researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and School of Medicine in Massachusetts. Additionally, there's a scarcity of dentists trained to handle people with special needs.

Researchers used an electronic database of 4,732 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities seen at Tufts Dental Facilities Serving Persons with Special Needs, a state-supported system of dental clinics for this population.

The study, which was led by Dr. John Morgan, associate professor in the Department of Public Health and Community Service at Tufts, found that 32.2 percent of the patients had untreated cavities, 80.3 percent had periodontitis and 10.9 percent edentulism (had lost at least some teeth).

Of the general population, 22.7 percent have untreated cavities; 47.36 percent, periodontitis; and 7.6 percent, edentulism, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But the CDC and American Academy of Periodontology are about to release updated figures, which are expected to show that rates of periodontitis were underestimated.

These individuals have more trouble managing their oral health than the average person because they might not be able to hold onto a toothbrush with a normal-size handle, might not understand how to brush their teeth and often need continuous reinforcement to keep brushing and flossing. Many cannot afford dental care, Morgan said.

"Whenever there is a barrier to care around finances, that's always an access issue, and very often they require someone who is sensitive to their needs and perhaps specially trained in certain aspects of their care," noted Morgan, who plans further studies to uncover intervention techniques for the developmentally disabled.

"They are a great group of people and they just have challenges in every part of their life, so if we could help them with their oral health, that would be wonderful."

That's just what Dr. Jason Grinter, director of special patient care at Illinois Masonic Dental Center, has tried to do through his Special Patient Dental Care Program, a free clinic that meets every Thursday. Staff dentists and residents see special needs patients in the clinic, which is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Grottoes of North America, a charity foundation run by the Masons.

On a recent Thursday morning, Karla Obispo, 20, sat reclining in a dental chair as Grinter told her he would put a little "jelly" (toothpaste) on her teeth. He then slowly cleaned some of her teeth to help her feel more comfortable about having a few teeth filled. Her mom stood by, holding her hands to calm her.

"It's OK, sweet pea," said Grinter, as he gently pushed her head back to examine her mouth.

But even with the extra support, Obsipo became tearful and upset. So Grinter waited a while until she felt calmer and then was able to complete the dental work.

"You just have to be able to tailor the dental care to meet their needs and what the patient can withstand," said Grinter, noting some patients might need a tranquilizer, mouth prop or hand guards to keep from interfering with the dental work. "It really takes formal training in combination with your own energy and how much you want to take into it."

Not many dentists are trained to see developmentally disabled patients, though some will see them anyway, according to Grinter and the study authors. Some county and individual clinics see patients on a sliding fee scale, but few will see this specialized population for free.

Grinter said dentists should consider the patient's medical history, know how to communicate effectively and be willing to spend time trying to educate the individual or family member on how to brush and floss. They may also need sedation certification.

The extra time and effort pays off by not only improving the patient's oral health but also reducing the pain and some of the behavior problems that necessitate medication, said Grinter, who is also vice president of the Special Care Dentistry Association.

Meanwhile, he fears patients with special needs will have trouble getting care now that Medicaid only pays for emergency dental care.

"These patients do rely on other people to care for them, and if we let them down as a society, it just kind of speaks volumes about how we treat people who are vulnerable," Grinter said.


Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-x-disabilities-dental-problems-20120912,0,6437610.story

IHSA Board Approves Terms & Conditions for Athletes with Disabilities in Cross Country, Girls Swimming | Sept 9, 2012

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors made a pair of significant approvals at their regularly scheduled meeting at the IHSA office in Bloomington on Monday, September 10, 2012.

The Board approved the IHSA Terms & Conditions for Athletes with Physical/Visual Disabilities in three separate events. The Terms & Conditions approved at Monday’s meeting were in Girls Swimming & Diving and Boys & Girls Cross Country. The terms and conditions, which are the guidelines that govern IHSA postseason competition, signify another important step in the Association offering its inaugural programs for athletes with disabilities this fall. The Terms & Conditions provide specific details and processes on events that will be offered, classifications and qualifying standards.

In addition, the Board extended the deadlines for schools to enter athletes into these events until October 10.

“This is incredibly important step in providing these important programs,” said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman. “We hope that the release of these Terms and Conditions provides clarity for our member schools and their athletes on how this process will work moving forward.”

The Terms & Conditions for each sport are linked below:

Girls Swimming & Diving Terms & Conditions for Athletes with Physical/Visual Disabilities
http://www.ihsa.org/documents/sdg/2012-13/t-and-cs.pdf

Boys & Girls Cross Country Diving Terms & Conditions for Athletes with Physical/Visual Disabilities
http://www.ihsa.org/documents/cdb/2012-13/t-and-cs.pdf

ACTION ITEMS

1. The Board did not grant a waiver request from the CPS to waive the IHSA By-laws and policies related to strikes, which would have allowed CPS schools to continue to play contests while on strike.

IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman:
“At the request of the CPS, the IHSA Board considered a request to grant a waiver of IHSA By-law 2.140 which states in part that, ‘No team or other entity representing a member school may participate in an interscholastic contest or activity during the time the member school is not in session due to a strike by teachers or other school personnel.’

It was the conclusion of the Board that granting such a request extended beyond its authority. The IHSA’s By-laws are developed by and voted into practice by its member school principals, and, after some meaningful discussion, the Board ultimately felt respecting the guidelines put in place by our member schools was the only option available in this situation, and any change to the by-laws would need to be facilitated through the IHSA legislative process.

While IHSA By-law 2.140 prohibits schools that are on strike from participating in interscholastic contests, it does establish conditions under which school boards can approve practice sessions for a school that is on strike, should those local school boards wish to do so.”

2. The Board approved a recommendation to edit the IHSA Officials Handbook: Article 1.420, Page 13 (I. C. 3.)
Any official who was licensed and has dropped out without going inactive can buy back the years of service that they missed previously had at a cost of the yearly fee plus a reinstatement fee of $45.00 for one to three years of no license and $75.00 for more than three years. This can only be done with Administrator approval.

This change will prevent an official from “buying back” years when they did not work.

3. The Board approved a recommendation to allow Shelbyville High School and Sullivan High School to dissolve their wrestling coop.

4. The Board approved a recommendation to approve the Arkansas Coaching Endorsement 7-12 as an alternate to an Illinois Teaching Certificate for coaches certification in Illinois.

5. The Board approved a recommendation to appoint members to the Legislative Commission. Kankakee Senior High School Athletic Director Lisa Ferry will fill the vacancy in District 3 for a two-year term and Robinson High School principal Troy Hickey will serve the remaining year on the vacancy in District 14.


APPEALS & ELIGIBILITY RULINGS

1. The Board modified the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Lombard (Montini). The student was ruled ineligible for non-compliance with IHSA by-laws 3.030 and 3.040 and is now eligible.

2. The Board tabled a ruling on a student from Danville (Schlarman) until more information can be provided.

3. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling that a transfer student from New Lenox (Providence) is ineligible at Minooka. The Board determined that if the student returns to New Lenox (Providence Catholic), the student would be granted immediate eligibility.


DISCUSSION ITEMS

At each meeting of the Board of Directors, there are certain items the Board discusses, but upon which no action is taken. The following is a report of those items from the September 10, 2012, agenda:

1. The Board, IHSA staff and liaisons honored Board President Jim Woodward for his nine years of service to the Board.

2. The Executive Director updated the Board on schools who currently are participating up a class due to waiver requests. All school’s requesting waivers must do so for a two-year period.

School, Sport, Current Class, Waiver Ends
Chicago (St. Rita), Boys Basketball, 4A, 2012-13
East St. Louis (Sr.), Football, 7A, 2012-13
Mt. Carmel, Cheerleading, Medium, 2012-13
Wood River (East Alton-W.R.), Cheerleading, Medium, 2013-14

3. The Board heard a report from Assistant Executive Director Matt Troha on NFHS National High School Activities Month, which will take place during October.

4. The Board heard an update from the Executive Director on the by-law amendment proposals submitted thus far by member schools for the November legislative process. The deadline for by-laws submissions is October 16.

5. The Board heard a report from Assistant Executive Director Craig Anderson on the 2012 IHSA Officials Conference, which was held in Peoria in July.

6. The Board heard a report from Associate Executive Director Kurt Gibson on the concussion policies being used by other state high school associations around the country.

7. The Board heard a report from Associate Executive Director Kurt Gibson on the 2012 IHSA All-School Mailing.

8. The Board discussed allowing exemptions for emerging sports to play contests against non-school teams.