THE INDEPENDENT LIVING
RESOURCE CENTER
a non-profit corporation
of, by and for persons with disabilities
423 W. Victoria Street•Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 963-0595 V/TTY • (805) 963-1350 Fax
www.ilrc-trico.org
January - March, 2004
Volume 15, No. 1
PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES ANNUALLY
Section 8 Housing Search
from Patty Neumeyer
If you have ever considered seeking section 8 housing, this story may interest you. It features an ILRC consumer, and his brother. John is a person with a developmental disability, and his brother, Jim, is his conservator. Petra Lowen, the ILRC Community Living Advocate, went with Jim and John down to the Housing Authority, to begin the process of applying for a Section 8 Voucher. Because John was receiving SSI, living within the city limits, was currently a client of the Tri-Counties Regional Center, and required a live-in helper/roommate, the Housing Authority issued him a Section 8 voucher for a two-bedroom apartment. The orientation meeting explained all the Section 8 rules. John was given six months to find a suitable apartment: downstairs, nearby his brother, and renting for the amount set by the Housing Authority (which is typically lower than market rate).
There are few available Section 8 units printed on the Housing Authority's list. Jim also answered newspaper ads and described the situation on the phone. Many landlords asked some very personal questions about John's disability, and made comments about renting to a 'handicapped' (sic) person. Jim said, "I wasn't getting anywhere with those landlords, so I asked the ILRC for guidance."
Here are a few things Jim learned:
· The Fair Housing Amendment states that a landlord may not ask questions about your disability unless you mention it first. Unsolicited Comments or questions about a disability by a landlord are considered to be discrimination.
· Do not say anything about a disability until you meet with the landlord in person and have a witness present. That way, if a landlord makes a discriminatory comment, you would have the option of filing a complaint against that landlord under the Fair Housing Amendment.
· Dress very nicely when meeting with a prospective landlord, and you will make a more positive impression.
· Develop a good rapport with a prospective landlord before mentioning the Section 8 voucher, just in case the landlord may be negative towards the voluntary Section 8 program.
· Demonstrate that you are serious about renting a unit by paying the deposit at the first meeting with the landlord, when you submit the completed rental application. You may need to borrow this amount, since it exceeds maximum assets allowed under SSI. By law, once a landlord accepts your deposit, the unit is officially rented to you.
Such an adventure! Jim related a first-hand interaction with one prospective landlord. Jim said, "I saw this great apartment just one block from my house. It was perfect for my brother. The property management company gave me a blank application to complete. I saw printed across the top, 'NO SECTION 8 VOUCHERS ACCEPTED.' I completed the form anyway, with the hope that I could negotiate with the property manager. When I asked him to please make an exception in John's case, he explained that, five years ago, a unit was rented to a Section 8 recipient with quadriplegia. His family got permission from the owner, paid to install a ramp, automatic door openers, and agreed to remove them when the tenant vacated the unit. However, the family refused to restore the unit to its original state after the tenant moved. The owner took the tenant to court, won a judgment, but could not collect because the tenant had no assets. I asked why the owner didn't just leave all the modifications in place, and rent the unit to another tenant who needed them. He replied that he had suggested that very thing, because his wife uses a wheelchair, but the owner was convinced that the modifications lowered his property's value and spent over $4,000 in removing them. Subsequently, the owner was so negative towards Section 8 tenants that he still refuses to consider them.
If the story is true, it is an example of how one bad experience can impact many other people. However, the disability community is a small minority among section 8 voucher holders, and tenants who need physical modifications are a fraction of that minority group. It is worth noting that, under the Fair Housing Amendment, a landlord must allow a tenant to install temporary modifications in the unit at the tenant's expense. Examples of temporary modifications include removable wooden ramps (not concrete), removable grab bars, and removable shower hoses. If a tenant applies for special funding to install these modifications, extra funds need to be set aside, such as the security deposit, to pay to have them removed when the tenant ends his lease.
At this writing, John has only sixty more days to find an apartment that accepts Section 8 before his voucher expires. He requested and received two, sixty-day time extensions allowed under the program. If John fails to find a suitable unit in time, he will have to re-apply all over again.
From the Desk of the Director:
As I write this column there are many unknowns with the California budget. A lot has been predicted about funding cuts and reductions in essential services. It would seem that the new governor, who is a rich man, does not appreciate the impact of the changes he proposes. I have heard him say that he understands, but he does not. If he truly did, these program cuts would not be on the table.
years we have been building a systems advocacy network and training consumers and staff to react to those issues that endanger us. It is time to act. Each one of our legislators, their staff and all officials, must hear from us about what we as voters and constituents will accept. They need to understand what a force we are when we work together to protect each other.
Let them root out graft and waste, not try to balance the leviathan budget on our backs and those of others who cannot defend themselves. We have learned to defend ourselves and we must do that now. Write letters, call, email your representatives. Let them know that our lives are still lives worth living and we have the right to do so. Those we elect represent all of us, not just those in higher socio-economic levels. Start now and continue to be seen and heard.
In Memorium
FROM TINA BURKE
On November 2, 2003 one of our consumers passed away. Eddie Walker, age 55, died at Marian Hospital from diabetes complications. Eddie will really be missed.
Eddie leaves behind his wife, Nancy, his son, Terry, 35, of Oxnard; his son, Trever, 31, of Walnut Creek; and 3 grandchildren.
Do You Use Assistive Technology (AT)?
If you use assistive devices, this is your last chance to help us by completing a Survey questionnaire before January 31, 2004!
The Community Research for Assistive Technology (CR4AT) is a 5-year, statewide project sponsored by the California Foundation of Independent Living Centers (CFILC). Surveys have been distributed since October 2003, and all remaining completed forms need to be returned by January 31, 2004.
Everyone who uses an assistive device now, or has used one in the past, is urged to participate in this exciting and powerful research effort. The researchers are trained persons with disabilities, and include the ILRC AT advocates, who will assist if you need an accommodation to complete the survey. Some of you participated earlier in the focus-group phase of this study. The experiences you shared with us formed the basis of the questions included in this survey. (If you participated in the focus group, please do not complete a survey.) The data we will now collect from your responses to the questionnaire will quantify the real impact, benefits and problems of acquiring and using AT on the lives of persons with disabilities. The plan is to use the statistical information as a tool of influence for legislators, policy makers, employers, and AT manufacturers, so they can make decisions based on accurate information about our needs.
Go to www.cfilc.org and click on the "CR4AT Project" link, then on the "TAKE THE AT SURVEY NOW" link. Or, call your local AT advocate: Santa Barbara, Patty Neumeyer,(805) 963-0595 V/TTY ext. 104; Ventura, Chera Minkler, (805) 650-5993 V/TTY ext. 202; San Luis Obispo, Cary McGill (805) 593-0667 V/TTY.
Please complete a survey before January 31, 2004, and you too can make a difference!
Homeowner and Renter Assistance
From Petra Lowen
The ILRC would like to remind our consumers that you may be eligible for 'Homeowner or Renter Assistance' which is a once a year payment from the State of California. The maximum homeowner assistance payment allowed is $472.60, The maximum renter assistance payment allowed is $347.50 (but the amount may be lower based on your yearly income).
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
1) You were one of the following on 12/31/2002:
-62 years or older
-Blind; or
-Disabled; and
2) You must meet all of the following requirements:
-You paid $50 or more rent per month in 2002, or you owned and lived in your home on December 31, 2002;
-Your total household income for 2002 was $37,676 or less; and
-You are a United States citizen, a designated alien, or qualified alien when you file your claim.
The normal time to file is between July 1 and October 15; however, you may still file until June 30, 2004 for the 2002 tax year. The form is simple; we have copies available at the office. We will be happy to assist any consumer who is not sure how to fill out the form. Anyone who has questions may also call toll free (800) 338-0505.
One important fact to remember is that you are not eligible to file for the assistance if you live in a tax-exempt property.
REMEMBER: WHEN THE POWER GOES OFF.....
From Tina Burke, ILS / Benefits Specialist, Santa Maria
With permission from a consumer to use her name, I would like to share this story. Stella Green was relaxing in her lift chair one evening. A lift chair not only electrically reclines but it also lifts forward to almost a standing position to assist consumers with hip and back problems be able to independently get out of the chair. Stella's son, David, stopped by on his way home from work to be sure Stella was prepared for the unavoidable rain storm that was due to hit any minute. He wanted to make sure that if the power went out Stella would not be left in the dark. David checked all of her flashlights, made sure she had plenty of candles and that her radio had fresh batteries in it. David headed home feeling reassured that his mother would be okay. Stella continued to relax in her lift chair until it was time to get up and go to bed. By now the rain had begun and as expected, the power went out. Stella felt fine, knowing that she was prepared for the storm. She grabbed a hold of the control to assist her with lifting her out of the chair....and no response. She pushed it again and still nothing. Then she realized that there was a power outage and they had not put batteries in her chair. She laughed and laughed as she shared her story. Stella had a time of her life rolling back and forth trying to get herself out of her chair. Stella stated that she is glad nobody could see her because it was hilarious. Finally, Stella made it out of her chair and made it a priority to get batteries for her lift chair.
The moral of this story: Remember to include batteries for lift chairs, scooters, wheelchairs, smoke alarms, door flashers, etc., as we prepare for the winter months!
Dear Community Member:
My name is Chera Minkler, and I am the Systems Change Advocate for the Independent Living Resource Centers (ILRC) in the Ventura/Santa Barbara areas. As such, one of my main responsibilities is to lead empowerment teams.
The empowerment team is a grassroots group of individuals advocating for issues that affect people with disabilities. Some of the issues we work on are education, employment, housing, in-home supportive services, and transportation. The members of the group pick which issues get attention and prioritize them. The goal of the empowerment team is to create systems change in order to reduce barriers to independent living. I am in the process of recruiting teams for each county. You and your suggestions are welcome.
I have one meeting each month in the Ventura ILRC office on the second Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and monthly in the Santa Barbara ILRC office on the second Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. If you are interested in joining the empowerment team or have any questions, please contact me at (805) 650-5993 V/TTY ext. 202, or at cminkler@ilrc-trico.org. For Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo regions, contact Marjorie Bastanchury at (805) 593-0667 V/TTY, or at mbastanchury@ilrc-trico.org. We look forward to your participation.
2004 Ventura Empowerment Team Meetings:
January 14 July 14
February 11 August 11
March 10 September 8
April 14 October 13
May 12 November 10
June 16 December 8
2004 Santa Barbara Empowerment Team Meetings:
January 12 July 12
February 9 August 9
March 8 September 13
April 12 October 11
May 10 November 8
June 14 December 13
NOTE: All offices of the ILRC are physically accessible. If any other accommodations are needed to attend or participate in the meetings, please contact the ILRC office where the meeting will be held, at least a week in advance.
In order to accommodate those with chemical sensitivity, please refrain from wearing scented products.
Celebratin Humanity Through the Arts
Local arts organization provides exciting opportunities for our diverse community.
Arts for Humanity! (AH!) celebrates humanity through the arts with programs that cultivate creativity and enrich lives among people with diverse challenges and abilities. AH! provides performing and visual arts programs for people with developmental disabilities, at-risk youth, people in recovery, and the elderly in partnership with local artists and the community at large. AH! benefits individuals and builds community by giving a voice to the under-served through the power and beauty of the arts.
AH! was founded in 1997 by Karsen Lee Gould, MA, CDT, and is run by a talented group of staff, artists-in-residence, and volunteers under her direction. Ms. Gould has an MA in Clinical Psychology and Creative Arts Therapies from Antioch University, Santa Barbara, 1989. She has been working to bring the healing power of the arts to underserved segments of our communities for 25 years.
AH! operates under the umbrella of Santa Barbara Dance Alliance, a non-profit 501c(3).
"Sometimes my feelings are shut away behind me. In drama, I feel like a free bird, and all my troubles are gone." -Louise, Cast Member
"When I started drama I was scared, now I've proved I can do anything and be anything I want to be."
-Gabriel, Cast Member
AH!'s Annual Theatre/Dance Production,
Isle of Silk,
to be performed at Center Stage Theater on
April 16 & 17 and 23 & 24, at 8:00 PM.
We are seeking performers with and without disabilities,
stagehands, transportation helpers, production
and marketing assistance.
Contact Karsen Lee Gould at 805-687-8365 or email her at arts4humanity@yahoo.com.
ARTS FOR HUMANITY!'S PROGRAMS
AH! provides performing and visual arts programs including:
· Community Expressive Arts Programs: Ah!'s artists-in-residence create positive experiences for groups in non-profit agencies through interactive arts such as Creative theatre, expressive movement, visual art and video documentaries. AH! has collaborated with many local organizations such as Alpha Resource Center, CALM, Devereux Foundation, S.B. County Mental Health, and Tri-Counties Regional Center.
· Theatre/Dance Productions: AH!'s mixed ability performance troupe, The Blue Moon Players, are a local group of actors and dancers with and without disabilities who create original theatre/dance productions performed at local theatres. This experience not only gives these artists an opportunity to shine, it also elevates audience appreciation for the wide range of talents and abilities of so-called "disabled people."
AH! also provides:
· Visiting Artists Workshops (with an inclusionary focus)
· Training Programs
· Internship Program
ARTS FOR HUMANITY! MAKES A DIFFERENCE
While many programs in the community focus on the practical needs of people facing challenges, few speak to their needs to express their creativity-and fewer still welcome their creative voices into the mainstream.
Arts for Humanity! is seeking volunteers for our Advisory Council, and in the areas of Fundraising and Development, PR and Marketing, and Administrative Assistance. If you're interested in joining their organization, please contact:
Karsen Lee Gould
at 805-687-6615, or
email her at arts4humanity@yahoo.com.
Calendar 2004
January
1 New Year's Day (ILRC closed)
6 Epiphany
19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (ILRC closed)
27 ILRC Board meeting (Santa Barbara)
February
2 Groundhog Day
14 Valentine's Day
16 Presidents Day (ILRC closed)
24 ILRC Board meeting (Ventura)
25 Ash Wednesday
March
6 Purim begins at sundown
17 St. Patrick's Day
20 First Day of Spring
30 ILRC Board meeting & annual elections (Santa Barbara)
Independent Living Resource Center
Annual Report: Fiscal Year 2002-2003
As we begin a new calendar year, the independent living resource center is happy to present the annual report for our most recent fiscal period, july 2002 through june 2003. We are grateful for our loyal volunteers, and want to take this opportunity to thank them for all they do. We also want to thank our donors, without whom so many of our services would not be possible. Bless you, and may 2004 bring you happiness, peace and prosperity.
Donor List 07/01/02-06/30/03
America's Charities
Sue Andrews
John Ballantine
Linda Bernson
Robert Berry
V.D. Blunt
Gayle Bowman
Harry Breck
Sherri Burkoth
Catherine Cain
Lois I. Case
Cars 4 Causes
Carnzu A Clark
James Climo
H.J. Coffey
Carole Cowan
Gayne Crossland
Florence Curier
Willis Dey
Richard Donchak
Mark L. Duell
Bonnie Elliott
Scott Ellison
EvansHardy + Young, Inc.
Bryant Fleming
David Fishman
Kirk Francis
Robert Francis
Theresa Gibson
Andy Granatelli
Charles Hamilton
Helen Harrell
Dolores Hartnett
HFP Architects
Jean Barrows Holmes
Emilda Jaccard
Laborde & Daugherty
Pamela Larsson-Toscher
Margaret K. Lawrence
Emmert Lawson
Patricia Lawson
Petra Lowen
Gloria Ann Manci
Jill Manning
Dorothy S. Marshall
Raymond Mason
Anita May
Phillip May
Sue Mayhall
Meyer Enterprises
Francis M. Miller
Carol Misumi
Mr. & Mrs. Julian Moody
De Etta Nancarrow
Jean Newswanger
Rita Ojeda
Tina Pedotti
PG&E Campaign
PipeVine Inc.
Sheila Price
I.J. Purdy
Roy Riel
Fredda Rosenstein
Scolari's
Hazel Schneider
Beverly Smaniotto
Patricia Smith
South Coast CFC
Vicki Stevenson
Mary L. Stones
Betsy G. Thies
Ellen Ubhaus
United Way of Santa Barbara (Payroll Donations)
Mary Van Paing
C.S. Young
Annual Report Summary 07/2002-06/2003
Revenue:
Government-Federal & State $1,112,600
Government-County & City $31,500
United Way $23,675
Net (Loss) on Investments (including unrealized losses) $25,562
Donations, Foundations, & Fundraising $117,443
Fees for Service $234,808
Total Revenue, Gains & Other Support $1,545,588
Expenses:
Personnel $1,013,330
Operating:
Rent, Utilities, Telephone $121,257
Supplies, Postage Printing $40,324
Professional Services $197,367
Sub Contract Services $25,653
Direct Consumer Benefits $6,544
Other Operating Expenses $92,041
Depreciation $96,477
Total Expenses $1,592,993
Change in Net Assets ($47,405)
Unrestricted & Permanently Restricted Assets
Beginning of Year $1,348,333
End of Year $1,300,928
Consumer Services
| Consumer Services | Unduplicated Consumers | Hours of Service |
| Peer Support | 132 | 545.3 |
| Advocacy | 256 | 1,198.50 |
| Personal Assistant: Referral & Training | 436 | 859.00 |
| Housing | 182 | 289.40 |
| Communications Assistance | 119 | 2,949.30 |
| Independent Living Skills: Training | 452 | 2,115.95 |
| Assistive Technology | 176 | 1,154.45 |
Community Services Contacts
Information & Referral , Community Education, Outreach, & Advocacy 655.75 Hours of Service
Resource Development 1,522.30 Hours of Service
Total of unduplicated consumers served: 1,852
Newsletter General Information
Circulation Base: 2,700
Published four times yearly; mail submissions to ILRC NEWS-LETTER at Santa Barbara office or e-mail to jgriffin@ilrc-trico.org; deadline is the first day of the month prior to publication date. For more information, contact Jennifer at (805) 963-0595, extension 112. Submit articles as MS Word attachments to jgriffin @ilrc-trico.org.
Board of Directors
Michael Blaise, Ventura, President
Sue Andrews, Carpinteria, Vice President
Tina Pedotti, Santa Barbara, Secretary
Richard Donchak, Newbury Park, Treasurer
Sheila Blaise, Ventura, PR Chair
Irene Gonzalez, Ventura
Bernice Jacobson, Santa Maria
Edward Perry, Sr., Santa Maria
ILRC Mission Statement
The Independent Living Resource Center, Inc., is an organization of, by and for persons with disabilities who reside or work in our service area. Our purpose is to assist and encourage individuals to achieve their optimal level of self-sufficiency while eliminating the architectural, communication and attitudinal barriers which prevent them from full participation in the community.
United Way Agency
Ventura County, Santa Barbara and Central Coast
Locations and Staff
Santa Barbara Office
423 W. Victoria Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Voice/TTY: (805) 963-0595
Fax: (805) 963-1350
TTY/TDD: (805) 963-8265
CAP Advocate (Toll Free):
(888) 963-0595 V/TTY
Jo Black, Executive Director
Kathleen Riel, HR/Program Director
Jennifer Griffin, Business/Grants Mgr
Geri O'Brien, Full-Charge Bookkeeper
Carol Baizer, ILS/BPAO Prog Coord
Jennie Caldwell, Advocate/CA
Diane Esparza, Information & Referral
Barry Gridley, Peer Support/Intake
Frank Lindstrom, Accounting Cons
Petra Lowen, Community Living
Ken McLellan, ILS/Peer Support for the Deaf
Patty Neumeyer, AT Program Coord
Rabecca Serpa, Admin/CAP/Acctg Clerk
Kristin Watts, CAP Advocate
Ventura Office
1802 Eastman Av, Suite 112
Ventura, CA 93003
Voice/TTY: (805) 650-5993
Fax: (805) 650-9278
TTY/TDD: (805) 650-0669
BJ Legan-Adams, BPAO/Benefits
James Greer, Community Living
Christine Miko, Information & Referral
Chera Minkler, Systems Change/AT Advocate
Susan Oatman, Outreach/ILS
Christina Rahn, ILS/Peer Support for the Deaf
North Santa Barbara Co. Office
327 E. Plaza Drive, Suite 3A
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Voice/TDD: (805) 925-0015
Fax: (805) 349-2416
Leeman Burke, Information & Referral/Peer Support
Tina Burke, IL/Benefits
Candace Ridenour, PA/Information & Referral
San Luis Obispo Office & CCATC
1150 Laurel Lane #184
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Voice/TTD: (805) 593-0667
Fax: (805) 549-7423
TTY/TDD: (805) 549-7424
Chris Bingaman, Community Living
Maria Gibson, Information & Referral
Denise Martinez, Peer Support/Intake
Karen McGill, AT Information & Referral
Brenda Tebbetts, IL/BPAO
CCATC:
Voice/TTY: (805) 549-7420
Paul Mortola, Project Director
Judi Kahrs, Services Coord
John Lee, Rehabilitation Eng.
All content on this web site is Copyright ©2000-2008 Independent Living Resource Center, Inc.