New Horizons Disney Confirms Change To Special Needs Access October 2013

Transcript

October 2013 New Horizons Housing That Supports Independence Disney Confirms Change To Special Needs Access By HUGO MARTIN, LOS ANGELES TIMES/MCT September 24, 2013 Norman A. Smith Editor Judith A. Wilkinson Co-Editor Tim Doherty Executive Director Norman A. Smith Associate Executive Director Stephen J. Schaefer Chief Financial Officer Tracee Battis Director of Housing Development Robbinsville Betty Maxwell Housing Coordinator Tom Csapo Construction Mgr. Hamilton Vivian Lavelle Social Services Coordinator Christine McKernan Office Manager Lawrence Jackie Elsowiny Social Services Coordinator JoAnne Sherry Office Manager Freedom Village at Woodstown Sammi DeMaris Social Services Coordinator Starting next month, Disney theme parks will change the policy that lets visitors with disabilities skip the long lines for attractions. Instead of giving visitors with disabilities and their family members a card that allows them to go directly onto rides, the guests will be given a scheduled time period to return to get faster access to the attraction. In essence, guests with disabilities and their families will get to use a new version of the Fastpass tickets offered for certain rides to all guests. The new policy will begin Oct. 9. “Given the increasing volume of requests we receive for special access to our attractions, we are changing our process so that it creates a more consistent experience for all our guests while providing accommodations for guests with disabilities,” said Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown. The change in policy comes partly in response to reports this year that guests at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., were hiring people with disabilities to accompany them into the park to skip the lines. A petition to ask Disney executives to reconsider the policy change has already generated more than 20,000 signatures with the progressive advocacy group Moveon.org. The petition says the policy change might make people with disabilities reconsider visiting Disney parks. “My son is autistic and we have booked a trip to stay at Disneyland’s Paradise Pier Hotel for the Christmas holiday and this will change everything for him,” wrote a Morgan Hill, Calif., resident who signed the petition. Arlene Sims Office Manager Freedom Village at Hopewell Cecilia Funk Social Services Coordinator A Publication of Project Freedom Inc. / Robbinsville, Hamilton, Lawrence & Woodstown Visit us on the web at: www.projectfreedom.org Page 2 h t n o M ext N e r e H r a e p p ! A r o n s a n C o p y S n a A p e m o m C o c r e B You o T e t a L o o T t o N s ’ It 16th Annual Angel Award Sponsors To Date Are Event Sponsors: Costanza Builders VJ Scozzari & Sons, Inc. McKernan Architects Angel Sponsors: Roma Bank Investors Bank Freedom Sponsors: NJ Manufacturers Insurance Co. Fusion Employer Services First Commerce Bank Dumont & Watson Page 3 “My Two Cents” By Tim Doherty, Executive Director Well, we are now two for two—two HMFA Tax Credit applications and Two awards. Wow what a Summer! Our first win was for Toms River. In mid July we were notified that we did in fact win our Tax Credit Award for the construction of 72 barrier free, accessible apartments to be build in Toms River. This project was a culmination of about ten years of work where by Project Freedom worked first with the PUSH group ( Parents United for Special Housing ) and then as partner with Toms River to create a winning application. As with our other projects, the town of Toms River donated land that they had purchased with Housing Trust Funds for their affordable housing obligations. Our next win, was for Westampton, whereby we are creating 48 units of barrier free accessible housing, again on land that Westampton was able to purchase with their affordable housing funds. Our discussions on Westampton started again, years ago, sometime in 2008. I remember taking my “story boards” (building designs) to the municipal hall for several meetings with Council and the general public at which time we were questioned about our operations, housing and mission. Once Council gave their approvals, we then had to work on getting the financing set up, which involves winning the Tax Credit Funding through HMFA. Other funding applications are also part of this process and involve HOME funds from the county and a Federal Home Loan Bank application. Suffice it to say, all of this work takes an enormous amount of time and man hours. It also takes good strategy so as to present the best possible application to win, because this process is very competitive and not every project gets funded. Many lose, and some have lost for two or three years in a row, showing how competitive the process has become. That is because the Tax Credit program is really the only funding source left which creates affordable housing. At Project Freedom, we are fortunate to have as our Director of Housing Development, Tracee Battis. Tracee brings a unique understanding of this process and also of the culture of HMFA, the agency charged with making the funding awards. For over thirty five years, Tracee was the deputy Director and oversaw much of this process, as well as the other HMFA programs. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Project Freedom and we applaud her recent successes with these two awards. Also helping in this effort, are CFO Steve Schaefer, Marion Doherty and yours truly. For Project Freedom, this will mean that we will continue to build our portfolio of housing for the next three years, and will bring our total housing units to 389 ( actually 441 with Trent Center ). All this during a time in New Jersey when the COAH rules have been suspended pending a Supreme Court ruling. For over two and a half years, with COAH rules in limbo, not much in the way of municipal housing has been accomplished across the state. Project Freedom has been fortunate to have projects in the pipeline which were already funded and under weigh. That ruling, which was just handed down last week, re-affirmed the appellate court’s ruling of two years ago, which struck down “growth share” and mandated that COAH revise its third round rules so as to provide a definite housing number for each town in New Jersey. Now, since there is no higher court than the Supreme Court of New Jersey, COAH must begin the process of meetings and hearings and revise the third round rules according to the guidelines set forth by the Supreme Court’s ruling. That process, established by the Fair Housing Act, known as the Mount Laurel decision, is what helps Project Freedom create our housing. Hopefully, more Supportive housing can be built in New Jersey now that this question has been settled. Stay Tuned. Page 4 From Norman’s Desk Readers of this column usually read about advocacy efforts from around the nation. I wanted to again share an article about a favorable summary judgment decision regarding a law suit against the Port Authority of NY and NJ brought by New Jersey’s own Heightened Independence and Progress (hip) and the United Spinal Association. hip (lower case because of a lawsuit with the HIP health insurance company) is one of our state’s 12 Centers for Independent Living and very active in advocacy efforts in Bergen and Hudson counties. A brief history of this suit. In 2002 the Port Authority built a new entrance to an existing PATH station. PATH is the commuter train line between Jersey City and Manhattan. They said the new station was necessary in order to compensate for the destruction of the station at the World Trade Center. A staff person at hip Hudson observed that there were stairs leading up to the plaza and the new entrance. In fact there are several steps going up to the plaza and a very long flight going down to the platform. Needless to say, there is no elevator anywhere. hip, United Spinal Association and a gentleman with a disability who lives near the station and uses a wheelchair filed suit under various federal laws including the ADA and Section 504 and were litigating this case for several years. A federal judge found in their favor two years and ordered the Port Authority to submit final plans to make the station accessible. My point in sharing this gain is that disability advocacy happens every day in New Jersey, and it starts more often than not with one person reporting a “wrong” to an organization willing to take a stand. Norman A. Smith, Associate Executive Director - [email protected] Federal judge orders Port Authority to make Grove Street PATH station handicapped-accessible Published: Thursday, September 08, 2011, 2:31 PM By Terrence T. McDonald/The Jersey Journal A federal judge has ordered the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to make the Grove Street PATH station entrance on Marin Boulevard and Christopher Columbus Drive handicapped accessible. Judge Stanley R. Chesler found that the Port Authority has "technically feasible" proposals to make the entrance compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and ordered it to do so. The multi-leveled station has no elevators, ramps or lifts, making it inaccessible for riders in wheelchairs. The suit, brought by two nonprofits representing the disabled, stems from construction on the entrance that commenced in 2002. "The court notes that the original impetus for this construction, increased ridership on the PATH system, is all the more reason to accommodate disabled and able-bodied persons alike," the judge wrote in his Sept. 6 opinion. In a statement, Robert B. Stulberg, representing the plaintiffs, expressed gratitude that the court "hastened the day when the disabled will finally be able to use" the PATH station on Grove Street. Port Authority spokesman Ron Marsico declined to comment, citing continued litigation. Page 5 In First, UN Holds High-Level Disability Summit By Shaun Heasley September 24, 2013 Advocates and dignitaries from around the world converged at the United Nations on Monday for the international body’s first-ever high-level meeting on disabilities. With more than 1 billion people with disabilities globally, those behind the historic event at U.N. headquarters in New York said the gathering was convened to encourage inclusion of those with disabilities in all aspects of life. “Far too many people with disabilities live in poverty. Too many suffer from social exclusion. Too many are denied access to education, employment, health care, and social and legal support systems,” said U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who implored leaders to “break barriers and open doors.” More than 800 representatives from disability organizations attended the meeting, officials said, which included remarks from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and musician Stevie Wonder, among others. “I am here before you to ask you to see me,” Loretta Claiborne, a Special Olympics athlete and board member who has intellectual disability told the gathering Monday afternoon. “Recognize me, and those like me, when goals and strategies are set. See not our disability, but what we can contribute if we have access to basic services.” The U.N. General Assembly adopted an outcome document Monday emphasizing the need for accessibility and inclusion. What’s more, member states were encouraged to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which calls for greater community access and a better standard of living for people with disabilities around the world. To date, the United States has signed the treaty, but an effort last year to ratify it was unsuccessful. Page 6 Robbinsville Events DATE DAY PROGRAM TIME 5-Oct Sat R'ville Yard Sale at Foxmoor 8:00 AM 9-Oct Wed Grocery Shopping - Shop Rite Bus Leaves PFI 9:30 AM 9-Oct Wed Robbinsville Games 6:30 -8:30 PM 11-Oct Fri R'ville - Breast Awareness Talk & Craft 6:30 -8:30 PM 15-Oct Tue Robbinsville 23rd Anniversary Celebration 2:00 PM 18-Oct Fri Robbinsville Craft - Halloween Craft 6:30 -8:30 PM 25-Oct Fri Heart-to-Heart Reiki - Robbinsville 6:00 PM 29-Oct Tue Robbinsville Halloween Movies 6:00 -9:00 PM Page 7 Hamilton Happenings DATE DAY PROGRAM TIME 2-Oct Wed Hamilton/Lawrence Shopping Bus Leaves PFI 10:00 AM 2-Oct Wed Hamilton Craft - Halloween Craft 6:00 -8:00 PM 9-Oct Wed Grocery Shopping - Shop Rite Bus Leaves PFI 9:30 AM 11-Oct Fri Hamilton - Breast Awareness Talk & Craft 1:30 -3:00 PM 19-Oct Sat Hamilton Games & Pumpkin Carving 12:30 –4:30 PM 23-Oct Wed PF Halloween Party at Hamilton Bus Leaves PFI 4:30 PM Hamilton tenants enjoy making a pumpkin craft with Dana Lawrence Goings On DATE DAY PROGRAM TIME 1-Oct Tue Lawrence Craft - Halloween Craft 6:00 -8:00 PM 2-Oct Wed Hamilton/Lawrence Shopping Bus Leaves PFI 10 AM 9-Oct Wed Grocery Shopping - Shop Rite Bus Leaves PFI 9:30 AM 15-Oct Tue Lawrence Craft - Tie-Dye Shirts 6:00 -8:00 PM 18-Oct Fri Lawrence Breast Awareness Talk & Craft 2:00 -3:30 PM 30-Oct Wed Lawrence Games 6:00 -8:00 PM Page 9 Crafts Program Produces Colorful Results Tie-dyed t-shirts are being created at Dana’s craft programs at all three locations. November Trip Preview Page 10 For Many With Disabilities, Health Screenings Still Not Covered By SHAUN HEASLEY July 10, 2013 As the health care reform law expands access to preventive services at the doctor’s office, a new analysis finds that many with disabilities who rely on Medicaid might be left out. Under the Affordable Care Act, most private insurers and plans offered through Medicare and the Medicaid expansion program will be required to cover an array of preventive services ranging from cancer to heart disease screenings. That mandate, however, was not extended to adults who already receive health benefits through state Medicaid programs. Now a review of Medicaid policies across the country suggests that most state programs do not offer coverage for all of the preventive services currently recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. “The Affordable Care Act guarantees millions of low-income Americans access to mammograms, colonoscopies and other lifesaving preventive services, but that assurance does not extend to people who currently have Medicaid coverage,” said Chris Hansen, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, which helped fund the study published in the July issue of the journal Health Affairs. For the analysis, researchers at The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services reviewed Medicaid programs from each state and the District of Columbia from June through November 2012. They then contacted state officials, as needed, to clarify any missing information about coverage. Access to preventive services varied widely, the study found. Nearly all state Medicaid programs explicitly covered screening mammograms and 36 covered pap smears. Less than half of state programs, however, covered cholesterol or obesity screenings. Meanwhile, in a dozen states, Medicaid did not cover well-adult exams meaning that beneficiaries were only able to see a doctor once they had a health concern, according to the analysis. Compounding the issue, the report authors said, is that Medicaid policies in many states included confusing language making it unclear precisely what services would be paid for. October 6 Mirtha Hernandez October 7 Peter Swierk October 2 Frank & Becky Summers October 8 Vinnie Chiavoni October 21 Frank & Danielle Vitella October 9 Susan St. John October 12 Carol McKelvey October 17 Jacqueline Smith October 27 Gary Barris October 28 Rosemary Ciampa Page 11 October General Recreation Club Freedom Events Boldfaced and Highlighted DATE DAY PROGRAM TIME 3-Oct Thu Equestrian Riding at Hopewell Prog. Time Varies 5-Oct Sat Aquatics Hamilton YMCA Bus Leaves PFI 11:30 AM 6-Oct Sun Howell Living History Farm- 5 People needed Bus Leaves PFI 10:30 AM 7-Oct Mon Day Program Bus Leaves PFI 9:30 AM 10-Oct Thu Equestrian Riding at Hopewell Program Times Vary 14-Oct Mon Columbus Holiday - PF Offices CLOSED 15-Oct Tue Movies—Hamilton AMC 24– 4 people needed Bus Leaves PFI 9:30 AM 17-Oct Thu Equestrian Riding at Hopewell Program Times Vary 19-Oct Sat Aquatics Hamilton YMCA Bus Leaves PFI 11:30 AM 21-Oct Mon Day Program Bus Leaves PFI 9:30 AM 22-Oct Tue Dine Out Lunch - Red Robin- 4 people needed Bus Leaves PFI 11:30 AM 23-Oct Wed Halloween Party at Hamilton for all tenants Bus leaves PFI 4:30 PM 24-Oct Thu Equestrian Riding at Hopewell Program Times Vary 28-Oct Mon Day Program Bus Leaves PFI 9:30 AM 31-Oct Thu Equestrian Riding at Hopewell Program Times Vary Project Freedom Inc. 223 Hutchinson Road Robbinsville, NJ 08691 Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Trenton, NJ Permit #1083 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Project Freedom Inc. is a 501 (c)(3 ) not for profit organization dedicated to developing, supporting and advocating opportunities for independent living for people with disabilities Watch the mail for your Invitation and join us for a great evening on Saturday November 16th