Superior Alliance for Independent Living P OINT OF SAIL Volume 4, Issue 6 Spring 2015 Mission: Healthy U.P. Vets Work Incentives and Assistance Program 25th Anniversary of the ADA 2 3 4 Assistive Technology at SAIL MI Health Link Program Independent Living Guide Program Get to know the SAILors Save the Date 8 *Alternative formats available upon request 5 6 7 8 SAIL has once again partnered once with the Superior Health Foundation (SHF) for their annual Gala. SAIL will be the beneficiaries of the 2015 Gala! We are excited to be a part of this fantastic event! The proceeds SAIL receives will benefit a new program titled MISSION: Healthy U.P. Vets MISSION: Healthy U.P. Vets is a new program designed and implemented by SAIL. The program looks to host four, six-week programs around the U.P. in which twenty five veterans per program can participate in multiple activities directed by veterans to improve their overall physical, social and mental health. Social and recreational activities will be implemented and may include biking, hiking, fishing, cross country skiing, yoga, meditation, stress management, fitness and other adaptive recreational activities. SAIL and SHF are currently looking for sponsorships and prize donations for the Gala. If you, or someone you know may be interested in giving to the Gala please contact SAIL 906-228-5744.
Page 2 SAIL Staff Administration Executive Director Sarah Peurakoski Associate Director Marcy Griffin Administrative Assistant Nick Dennis Community Relations Coordinator Jessica Manier Community Services Director Julie Shaw Independent Living Advocates Janice Peterson Jesse Rosten Carolyn Boyle Katreena Hite Kristine Tollefson Nicki Valdez-Bush Afton Swenor Tish Cipriano Troy Connors I&R Specialist Becca LaChapelle
Point of SAIL Page 3 WIPA is Work Incentive Planning and Assistance. Currently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is working to share this information with a younger, transition population. There has been emphasis placed on the importance of learning how earnings from work will affect benefits BEFORE young people start working, as young as 14 years old. This informed choice allows beneficiaries to make decisions that are best for them. It allows student's to pursue their academic and career goals, be it working full time, part time or continuing their education past high school. As part of the WIPA project, Certified Work Incentive Counselors (CWIC s) work individually with people who are currently working or seeking employment and helps them plan, through using work incentives, to build a more secure financial future. CWICs collaborate with many of our local service agencies including Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), Bureau of Services for Blind People (BSBP) and more! Our CWICs here at SAIL would be happy to share this information with any groups or schools or any other parties that would find value in knowing how employment will affect their benefits. Call Kristine at SAIL today 906-228-5744 for more information or to set up a presentation! *Alternative formats of the newsletter available-contact SAIL
Page 4 Sunday July 26, 2015 will be 25 years since the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA is divided into five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life; Employment, State and Local Governments, Public Accommodations, Telecommunications and Miscellaneous Provisions. To read more about these areas and gather other information about the ADA please visit http://www.adata.org/. The Disability Network of Michigan and Centers for Independent Living across the State of Michigan will be holding their own celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of the ADA.. SAIL will be holding their own 25th Anniversary ADA celebration Friday July 24th, from 1-4pm at our SAIL office on Wright Street in Marquette. Continue to check our website www.upsail.com/events.php and our Facebook page for details of the event!
Point of SAIL Page 5 The Assistive Technology program at SAIL works not only with individuals who have specific needs that allow them to maintain independence, but it also works throughout the community to raise awareness. We do public awareness and outreach, individual device demonstrations, trainings and presentations such as; Small Changes Big Differences and Neuro-Diversity. Assistive Technology is used by so many of us without many of us knowing we use it; glasses, calendars, cell phones, dishwashers, calculators to name only a few. Assistive Technology has devices that can help with memory/cognition, dressing/grooming, recreation, mobility, hearing, eating and cooking, environmental controls and vision. If you or anyone you know has a need for information or support with independent living, please contact SAIL 906-228-5744 and ask for Carolyn Boyle LLMSW, AT Specialist. Throughout the AT program here at SAIL, we have had many successes with individuals being able to live more independently because of assistive technology devices. An example of this is from, an individual who survived a Traumatic Brain Injury was left with a decrease in his fine motor skills and unable to verbally communicate. He contacted SAIL to see if there was a device available that allows him to verbalize instead of hand writing messages to those he tries to communicate with. The AT Specialist showed him several devices, but he found the ipad to have the communication device he found most beneficial. The application met his needs. With the help from UPCAP and through his insurance he was able to obtain the desired device and the application. He is so proud of his new voice and says he loves it!
Page 6 By now, many of you have received information on the MI Health Link combined Medicare and Medicaid Program. MI Health Link is a new pilot program from the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) designed to link Medicare and Medicaid services into one convenient health plan for dual eligible beneficiaries. Here in the Upper Peninsula, the MI Health Link plans will be managed by Upper Peninsula Health Plan. What to do now? First, in the majority of cases if you received the letter you are eligible for MI Health Link. A passive enrollment is scheduled for beneficiaries to begin on May 1, 2015 and a second round of passive enrollments will take place on June 1, 2015. If you ve tried MI Health Link and find it does not work for you, you may disenroll from the program at any time and go back to your previous coverage by contacting Michigan ENROLLS at 1-800-975-7630 (TTY 1-888-263-5897). Implementation of MI Health Link is underway here in the Upper Peninsula. During the implementation process I am offering informational presentations to community members or community based organizations. If you ve been on MI Health Link and would like to share your experience, please contact me and I can provide any comments or concerns to the state through the Michigan Disability Rights Collaboration (MDRC). MDRC is also looking for current beneficiaries who are interested in serving on a State Advisory Committee during the three year pilot of MI Health Link. This is a great opportunity to advocate for yourself and other dual eligible members of the community to ensure the best health care program possible. If you would like more information regarding MI Health Link or to schedule a presentation please contact Katreena at SAIL 906-228-5744.
Point of SAIL Page 7 The purpose of the Independent Living Guide project is to develop accessible, comprehensive, and integrated services for persons with disabilities. The services shall also assist persons with disabilities and their families in navigating state systems when accessing public assistance to become financially self-sufficient. The Independent Living Guide Pilot project has assisted over 300 individuals across the state identify barriers and try to break down barriers to independent living. The data from 2014 has been collected. Data shows that online applications, access to technology, literacy skills and housing are all barriers to self-sufficiency in this state. It also included information that there is a lack of person-centered approach to delivery of services, lack of assistive technology devices and knowledge of devices, and the lack of knowledge or awareness of the disability culture. Recent successes include establishing a working relationship with the local Hampton Inn and their housekeeping department. A man who relocated to Marquette started work the beginning of February and has increased his hours and responsibilities with the support and assistance of fantastic staff and management at the Hampton Inn. Thank you Hampton Inn!! SAIL Board of Directors President Elgie Dow Vice-President Aaron Andres Secretary Dean Juntunen Treasurer Jonathan Mead Members at Large Anny Hubbard Connie Fuller Terry James People who are experiencing barriers to their independent living, please contact Kristine at SAIL 906-228-5744 for more information about help accessing those systems like DHS (Department of Human Services), SSA (Social Security Administration) and MRS (Michigan Rehab Services).
Superior Alliance for Independent Living 1200 Wright Street, Suite A Marquette, MI 49855 We re on the Web! www.upsail.com Search Superior Alliance for Independent Living Afton Swenor is originally from Petosky Michigan. She grew up on a livestock farm where they also raised and raced Siberian Huskies. Afton is also the older sibling to triplet sisters who she helped to raise and look after. Afton graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education. Before coming to SAIL, Afton worked for the General Motors Company as a Health Educator. In her spare time, Afton enjoys running, swimming, crafting and most any activity outdoors. Afton joined the SAIL Crew in October of 2014. She is currently the Health and Recreation Specialist here at SAIL coordinating the SPAR program. Afton is passionate about her work, I am a people person and love interacting and helping individuals achieve their goals. *Alternative formats of the newsletter available-contact SAIL Friday, July 26th Americans with Disabilities Act 25th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, September 12th Superior Health Foundation Annual Gala at NMU University Center Great Lakes Rooms