Disability Pride Parade - Chicago - July 20, 2013

10th Annual Disability Pride Parade
DISABILITY PRIDE: 10 Years Strong and Growing Stronger
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Chicago, Illinois

The overall mission of the Disability Pride Parade is:

To change the way people think about and define “disability”;

To break down and end the internalized shame among people with Disabilities; and

To promote the belief in society that Disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with Disabilities can take pride.

Karen Meyer is the 10th Anniversary 2013 Grand Marshal



Profoundly deaf since birth, Meyer has been the president of Karen L. Meyer and Associates, a consulting firm specializing in disability issues, since 1992. She also directs DePaul University's Office of Students with Disabilities and has taught at DePaul since January 2003.
Meyer has earned accolades for her leadership and service, including a 2003 Damen Award from the Graduate School of Loyola University and the 2000 Distinguished Alumnus Award from Eastern Illinois University. She was honored along with ABC 7 in 1999, 1994 and 1992 with the National Easter Seal Society EDI Media Award.
In addition, Meyer was recognized in 1993 and 1988 as "One of the 100 Women Who Are Making a Difference in Chicago" by Today's Chicago Woman magazine. In 1993, she was honored with the "Outstanding Young Women of America, Superior Public Service" Award. She is also a member of The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
A long-time advocate for the disabled, Meyer was appointed by President Clinton to be the Vice Chairperson of the President's Committee on Employment for People with Disabilities in 1994. She is an active public speaker who has conducted seminars for businesses including AT&T, Motorola, National American Cancer Society, Waste Management, Discover Card Services and Northern Trust Company.
Karen received her B.S. degree from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Ill. and her M.A. from Loyola University in Chicago.

For Disability Pride Parade homepage: CLICK HERE

For several years the parade has followed this route.  We have asked for this same route again this year.  As soon as the actual route is confirmed it will be posted on Facebook, Twitter and here.

The parade will gather at Plymouth Court, immediately behind the Library. The entrance is from Congress Expressway.   At 11:00 sharp we will march West on Van Buren to Dearborn, then North on Dearborn to Daley Plaza.  The after-parade celebration begins as people arrive at Daley Plaza.

Here is a map of the route:

The Chicago Lighthouse Mike Ditka Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, July 15th, 2013

Monday, July 15, 2013 - 10:30am
For: All
Legendary former NFL player, coach and ESPN analyst, Mike Ditka, will be hosting the first annual
The Chicago Lighthouse Mike Ditka Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, July 15th, 2013!
Proceeds will benefit The Chicago Lighthouse

Location:


North Shore Country Club
Home of the 2013 PGA Encompass Championship Tour

Address:
1340 Glenview Rd MAP IT!
Glenview, IL 60025
10:30 a.m. registration

Tickets:(clickon following links to purchase)
Individual ticket: $600.00
Foursome: $2,400.00
Cocktail Reception only: $175.00

Contact Special Events at 312.997.3679 or email events@chicagolighthouse.org for questions about attending and sponsorship opportunities.

For The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired : http://chicagolighthouse.org/

Terrie A. Rymer honored for advocacy on behalf of children with disabilities with JCFS Legal Advocacy Center of Chicago

Terrie A. Rymer, longtime director of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago's Legal Advocacy Services program, has been honored with the 2013 Diane Lipton Award for Outstanding Educational Advocacy on Behalf of Children with Disabilities.

The award, which was presented by the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. (COPAA) on March 7 in Albuquerque, honors exceptional contributions to the mission of obtaining high-quality educational services for children with disabilities.

Rymer served as director of the Jewish Federation's Legal Advocacy Services program for 23 years, and was instrumental in the development of a community of lawyers, advocates and allied professionals in the Chicago area who are dedicated to ensuring that all children receive a free, appropriate public education. She retired in December 2012.

"Terrie advised, counseled and encouraged countless professionals working with children and families over the decades," said David Rubovits, Jewish Federation's Senior Vice President of Planning. "Her contributions to the lives of people with disabilities-and those who are typically-abled, too-cannot be overstated."

In particular, Rymer is known and respected for her commitment to two particularly vulnerable populations in the special education system: abused and neglected children, and members of the Orthodox Jewish community. According to Howard Sitron, President and CEO of Jewish Child & Family Services, which administers the program for Federation, Rymer recently won a challenging due process hearing in which she not only obtained an appropriate placement and extensive services for the child, but also was able to craft a way for the parents, both of whom have significant mental health disabilities, to participate in the hearing.

A skilled litigator and negotiator, Rymer continues to serve on several community boards, including the Chicago Bar Association's Mental Health and Disability Law Committee, the Illinois State Bar Association's Standing Committee on Mental Health Law, and the Illinois Attorney General's Disability Rights Bureau.

"Jewish Federation is very proud of our Legal Advocacy Services program, and Terrie embodies that program," Rubovits said."Terrie fought for each child like he was her own. She held school districts' feet to the fire and ensured that they fulfilled their obligation to these children and their families.

"She gave them more than help—she also gave them hope."

as posted at JUF News http://www.juf.org/news/local.aspx?id=420287

For Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago's Legal Advocacy Services : http://www.jcfs.org/Legal-Advocacy

WEBINAR: Using Work Incentives to Build Financial Stability for Individuals with disabilities - Apr 25, 2013 - RSVP

LEAD CENTER WEBINAR: Using Work Incentives to Build Financial Stability
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 | 3:00pm - 4:30 | National Disability Institute

This webinar will offer individuals an overview of the two Social Security disability benefit programs, opportunities to increase income through the use of SSDI work incentives, opportunities to increase income through the use of SSI work incentives, and work incentives that support savings above the $2,000 SSI asset limit. REGISTER TODAY.

Target Audience: Individuals with disabilities and related stakeholders

Please note: This webinar will be captioned and presentation materials will be sent to participants in advance of the webinar. For any other reasonable accommodations requests., Please contact Brittany Taylor at: btaylor@ndi-inc.org.

For the homepage of the National Disability Institute : http://www.realeconomicimpact.org/

Presidential Proclamation -- World Autism Awareness Day, 2013

Press Release April 01, 2013
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY, 2013
- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Today, public health officials estimate that 1 in every 88 children in America is growing up on the autism spectrum. It is a reality that affects millions of families every day, from the classroom to the job market. And while our country has made progress in supporting Americans with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), we are only beginning to understand the factors behind the challenges they face. On World Autism Awareness Day, we recommit to helping individuals on the autism spectrum reach their full potential.

To achieve that goal, we need a health care system that works for children and adults with ASDs. The Affordable Care Act prevents insurers from denying coverage to children on the autism spectrum, and it ensures new health plans must cover autism screenings at no cost to parents. Beginning in 2014, the Act will make it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against men and women with preexisting conditions, including ASDs. And looking ahead, my Administration is investing in medical research that can help unlock tomorrow's breakthroughs in autism detection, intervention, and education.

Leveling the playing field for Americans on the autism spectrum also takes commitment in our schools. That is why we are advancing initiatives to help students with ASDs get a good education free from discrimination and undue hardship. And it is why we are making sure that education can lead to meaningful employment by supporting vocational rehabilitation programs and opening higher education to more people on the autism spectrum.

All Americans should have the chance to live full, independent lives and follow their talents wherever they lead. This month, we recognize Americans with ASDs who are walking through doors of opportunity, and we recommit to opening them wider in the years ahead.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2, 2013, as World Autism Awareness Day. I encourage all Americans to learn more about autism and what they can do to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.


BARACK OBAMA

# # #

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/04/01/presidential-proclamation-world-autism-awareness-day-2013

CTA ADA Committee Meeting - Apr 8, 2013 - Ventra Fare Card, disabled & senior concerns, much more

The following is the Agenda for Apr 8, 2013 as posted by CTA...

CTA ADA Advisory Committee Meeting
Monday, April 8, 2013
Customer Service Intake: 1:00 p.m.
Committee Meeting: 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Agenda

1. Roll Call

2. Approval of Minutes from January 14, 2013 Meeting

3. Red Line Renewal Project Update

4. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Projects Update

5. Ventra Open Fare Standards System Update

6. Update Re: Chimes/Beeps and Audio Announcements within Rail Cars and Bombardier 5000-series Rail Cars Update

7. Rail and Bus Fleet Maintenance Project

8. Bus Shelter Button Continuous Beeper

9. Rail Facilities: Maintenance and Power & Way

10. Elevator/Escalator Update

11. Customer Service Report

12. CTA Facilitator’s Report:

a. CSA, CSA Managers, Rail and Bus Operator Personnel Trainings
b. Rail Car Evacuation Training
c. New Freedom Grant – Rail Station Mapping (O&M Instructors) in Conjunction with the Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired
d. ADA Advisory Committee Open Positions and Term Expirations
e. American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Bus Safety Maintenance Program Report

13. Public Comments

14. Old Business

15. New Business

16. Adjournment

Next ADA Advisory Committee will be held on Monday, July 8, 2013 from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. with Public Comment Intake Sign-Up from 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.


If you need a reasonable accommodation to attend this meeting, please contact Amy Serpe, Manager, ADA Compliance Programs, at least two (2) business days in advance: 312-681-2608 or aserpe@transitchicago.com

http://www.transitchicago.com/agendaminute/default.aspx

2013 Warrior Games, paralympic sports; May 11-16, 2013

The 2013 Warrior Games presented by Deloitte will be held in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 11-16, 2013. In addition to Deloitte, the presenting sponsor, the week-long event is also supported by the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, BP, USO, Fisher House Foundation and the Bob Woodruff Foundation.

More than 200 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans are expected to participate in 2013. They will comprise five U.S. teams representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force and Special Operations, as well as one international team from the U.K. Teams will compete in seven sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting-volleyball, swimming, track and field and wheelchair basketball.

"We are proud to host the Warrior Games at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the Air Force Academy,” said Charlie Huebner, USOC Chief of Paralympics. “Paralympic sport has a tremendously positive impact on individuals with physical disabilities, and the Warrior Games allow us to salute these fine young men and women who have served their countries honorably.”

Admission to Warrior Games competitions is free and open to the public. The Opening and Closing Ceremony are invitation-only.

Prince Harry to attend Warrior Games

Prince Harry will attend the 2013 Warrior Games presented by Deloitte, St James’s Palace announced this week. The Warrior Games, an event hosted by the United States Olympic Committee, is May 11-16 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“We are excited that Prince Harry will be attending the fourth annual Warrior Games presented by Deloitte,” said USOC Chief of Paralympics Charlie Huebner. “The United States Olympic Committee and the Royal Foundation have been working together since last year on our shared mission to develop sustainable community programs in both the U.S. and the U.K. for people with physical disabilities, including our wounded veterans and service members. Prince Harry is personally committed to help expand these programs, and we are honored to have him participate in the event.”

Approximately 260 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans will compete in seven sports over the six-day competition. Five U.S. teams will compete, with athletes representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as a sixth team from the United Kingdom - the British Armed Forces.

Competition is free and open to the public, while the Opening and Closing Ceremony are invitation only.

In addition to Deloitte, the presenting sponsor, the six-day event is also supported by the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, USO, Fisher House Foundation, AT&T, BP, Budweiser and the Semper Fi Fund.

For more on the Warrior Games, visit teamusa.org/WarriorGames/.

For U.S. Olympic Committee, Paralympic Division homepage: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics.aspx

Autism Awareness Month 2013, Help Start a Conversation about Autism this April | Arc of Illinois

as posted by The Arc of Illinois

April is Autism Awareness Month and The Arc would like to take this opportunity to refocus the conversation from the clinical to the personal. In 2012, the CDC came out with startling new numbers indicating the prevalence of Autism in America and there has been much debate about the new edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) coming out in May which will change the definitions of certain disorders on the autism spectrum. But The Arc and Autism NOW would like to use our platform during April to raise awareness about what the word “autism” means to the individuals who live with it on a daily basis.

So, we ask the question: “What’s YOUR Definition of Autism?”

We will use our blogs, newsletters and social media channels to spark a conversation in April about what autism means on a personal and individual. We invite you to join us in this effort by using this promotional toolkit which contains: Click Here

Sample social media messages
Sample e-mail copy
A sample newsletter article – version one
A sample newsletter article – version two
A sample blog post
Artwork to go with your communications

There been much debate about the new edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) coming out in May which will change the definitions of certain disorders on the autism spectrum. But The Arc and Autism NOW would like to use our platform during April to raise awareness about what the word “autism” means to the individuals who live with it on a daily basis. We will use our blogs, newsletters and social media channels to spark a conversation in April by asking the question: What’s YOUR Definition of Autism?” We invite you to join us in this effort by using this promotional toolkit which containing sample messages that you can put out during April.

Questions, please contact Shelly DeButts at 202-534-3710 or debutts@thearc.org.

For The Arc of Illinois homepage: http://www.thearcofil.org/

http://www.thearc.org/what-we-do/resources/autism-awareness-month-toolkit?srctid=1&erid=3831215&trid=01f653b1-1718-4d92-a0f4-808437b1213a

Doctor pleaded guilty Half-a-Million Dollars in Fraud Scheme Involving Home Health Care for Elderly Patients | March 2013

Press Release, March 28, 2013
U.S. Attorney’s Office
District of New Jersey

South Jersey Doctor Admits Making Half-a-Million Dollars in Fraud Scheme Involving Home Health Care for Elderly Patients

TRENTON, NJ—A physician who was the owner and founder of Visiting Physicians of South Jersey—a Hammonton, New Jersey provider of home-based physician services for seniors—pleaded guilty today for charging lengthy visits to elderly patients that they did not receive, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Lori Reaves, 52, of Waterford Works, New Jersey, entered her guilty plea to an information charging her with one count of health care fraud before U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in Trenton federal court. During her guilty plea, Reaves admitted lying in Medicare billings about the amount of face-to-face time she spent with patients, which led to her receiving at least $511,068 in criminal profits. Reaves was the highest-billing home care provider among the more than 24,000 doctors in New Jersey from January 1, 2008 through October 14, 2011, according to court documents.

“Today, Lori Reaves, a South Jersey physician, admitted intentionally overbilling Medicare and pocketing more than half a million dollars she didn’t earn,” U.S. Attorney Fishman said. “The Medicare system depends on doctors and other medical professionals truthfully billing for services they actually provide. Here, Dr. Reaves chose to lie about the major service she was providing to her homebound, elderly patients: her time.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Visiting Physicians of South Jersey (VPA) provided home-based physician health care for elderly and homebound patients in New Jersey, offering services throughout South Jersey. As part of her responsibilities at VPA, Reaves was responsible for VPA’s Medicare billings as a Medicare-approved provider.

The claim submitted by the health care provider requires a physician to state a diagnosis and provide a procedure code—called a Current Procedural Technology (CPT) code—identifying services rendered. Medicare regulations require that each provider certify that the services rendered were medically necessary and were furnished by that provider. A warning at the bottom of the form specifically states that any false claims or statements in relation to the submission of a claim for reimbursement are prosecutable under federal or state law.

In most instances during the relevant time period, Reaves submitted forms that falsely claimed she had provided prolonged service visits to her patients in order to induce Medicare to make payments to her that were significantly higher than the payments she should have received.

Reaves routinely billed Medicare using codes that would have required her—under Medicare regulations and depending on the corresponding service—to spend between 60 and 150 minutes with a patient. Many of the claims Reaves submitted would have required her to spend a minimum of two-and-a-half hours of face-to-face time with her elderly clients, when she actually spent far less. As a result, Medicare reimbursed Reaves more than $511,068 for the fraudulent prolonged service visits Reaves claimed to have made.

Reaves faces a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of the greatest of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss caused by her offense. She will also be required to forfeit the proceeds of her crime. Sentencing is currently scheduled for July 13, 2013.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI in Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge David Velazquez, and special agents of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tom F. O’Donnell of the New York Regional Office, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah J. Gannett and R. David Walk Jr. of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Health Care and Government Fraud Unit in Newark.

http://www.fbi.gov/newark/press-releases/2013/south-jersey-doctor-admits-making-half-a-million-dollars-in-fraud-scheme-involving-home-health-care-for-elderly-patients

Illinois Senior (and disabled) Home Services, No Funding for Over 2 Weeks; April 1, 2013 - not a sad April Fools joke, but very REAL

as shared by Access Living


TAKE ACTION: Senior Home Services, No Money for Over 2 Weeks
Community Care Program on Day 17 Without Funds

As of March 15, the Illinois Community Care Program has been operating without funds for budget year 2013, which ends on June 30. The Community Care Program (CCP) serves around 79,000 seniors with in-home services per MONTH. Around 25,000 home care workers are employed through CCP. It is our understanding that one home service agency in Chicago has announced it will close because of this crisis, and two more in Central Illinois have also announced they will close.

The Illinois General Assembly has tasked State Representative Sara Feigenholtz of Chicago with leading a committee to resolve the CCP funding crisis. CCP needs a total of $173 million to make it through June 30. This is a huge challenge. Your two personal legislators, plus Representative Feigenholtz, need to know how important home services are to you and people you know. They need to be able to tell their colleagues how many emails they have gotten from concerned citizens. Please take action through this alert to email them today. It is a snap! Please also share this with people you know to urge them to take action too.

This is not just a "senior" issue. This is a disability issue because a person only gets home services if they have functional limitations that require that they get in-home services. Having functional limitations that prevent you from doing essential activities of daily living is one way to define disability.

If you are reading this by email, just click on the "Take Action" link at the top of this message to fill out the form and hit "send." It will go to your State Senator and Representative, as well as Representative Feigenholtz. If you are reading this message on our website, just scroll down for the form. THANK YOU and TAKE ACTION TODAY! Save the Community Care Program!
# # #

To Take Action, visit Access Living to send a message to your State Legislators and State Representative Sara Feigenholtz at: http://accessliving.capwiz.com/accessliving/issues/?style=D&