Rehabilitation, Education, and Advocacy for Citizens with Handicaps Inc.

REACH of Dallas 8625 King George Drive, Suite 210 Dallas, 75235-2275

Return Service Requested HELPING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REACH FOR INDEPENDENCE

PLEASE HELP US SAVE MONEY! March—April—May 2020 Vol. XXII No. 4 Editor: Janie Peachee If you no longer want to receive this newsletter REACHing Out is published four times a year in December, March, June & September at or are receiving multiple copies, please call/contact REACH of Dallas, 8625 King George Drive, Suite 210, Dallas, Texas 75235-2275 Robin @ (817) 870-9082 or [email protected].

Calendar of Events-Fort Worth 2

Calendar of Events-Dallas 3

Calendar of Events-Denton 4

Taste of REACH Cookbook 4 Calendar of Events-Plano 5 On Tuesday March 3rd (Super Tuesday), people in 14 states,

Thank You 5 and Democrats Abroad will cast votes in either the Democratic or Republican Primaries. One third of the total population of the United States will have an op- The Initiative 6 portunity to vote on March 3rd. Fragrance Free Facilities Request 6 https://ballotpedia.org/Presidential_election_in_Texas,_2020 Words to Live By 7 Texas is one of the 14 states that holds its Primaries on March 3rd. Neurofit Gym Ad 7 The Disability Community in Texas has an opportunity to influence which candi- REACH OF FORT WORTH RESOURCE CENTER ON INDEPENDENT LIVING Adaptive Mobility of/SW Ad 7 dates will be on the ballot in the General Election on Tuesday, November 3rd. 1000 MACON STREET, SUITE 200, FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102-4527 To vote in the March 3rd Super Tuesday Primaries you must be REGISTERED Inclement Weather Notice 7 817-870-9082, 817-877-1622 FAX TO VOTE by February 3rd, TEXAS DOES NOT ALLOW ONLINE Caring to Help 8 E-MAIL: [email protected] REGISTRATION. https://www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/ From the Director’s Desk 9 REACH OF DALLAS RESOURCE CENTER ON INDEPENDENT LIVING Election Registration Deadlines 8625 KING GEORGE DRIVE, SUITE 210, DALLAS, TEXAS 75235-2275 Superior Heath Plan Ad 10 Primary: February 3, 2020

214-630-4796 , 214-630-6390 FAX Award from Superior Healthplan 10 General Election: October E-MAIL: [email protected] 5, 2020 Lift-Aids Ad 11 register to vote REACH OF DENTON RESOURCE CENTER ON INDEPENDENT LIVING Newsletter Ad Rates 11

405 SOUTH ELM, SUITE 202, DENTON, TEXAS 76201-6066 Finding Your Spark 12 SHOW THE POWER OF THE 940-383-1062 , 940-383-2742 FAX DISABILITY VOTE E-MAIL: [email protected] Emailing Newsletter Notice 13 www.revuptexas.org

REACH OF PLANO RESOURCE CENTER ON INDEPENDENT LIVING Newsletter Deadline Dates 13 ALL POLITICS ARE LOCAL

720 E. Park Blvd. Suite 104, Plano, Texas 75074-8844 United Access Ad 13 ELECTION PROTECTION HOTLINES 972-398-1111 , 972-398-9649 Fax ENGLISH 866-OUR-VOTE or 866-867-8683 E-MAIL: [email protected] 23+ Young People’s Group 14 SPANISH 888-VE-Y-VOTA or 888-839-8682 REACH's website address: www.reachcils.org Thank You from S. Viani 14 ASIAN LANGUAGES 888-API-VOTE or 888-274-8683

Physically Integrated Dance 15 ARABIC 844-YALLA-US or 844-925-5287

The Road to Success 15 Page 16 REACHing Out - March 2020 – May - 2020 REACHing Out - March 2020 - May 2020 Page 1 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 817-870-9082

Call us if you need any accommodations such as a sign language interpreter, Braille materials, etc.

March 4 Adjustment to Disability - 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. 5 Purple Frog Restaurant, 3468 Blue Bonnet Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76109 – Lunch specials are $13 & under 1:00 - 2:15pm www.thepurplefrogrestaurant.com/lunch Dieca W. Jones, Director of DWJones Dance Works, has graciously offered to conduct a free and in- 11 Adjustment to Disability - 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. clusive dance workshop at each REACH center with interested consumers. Each physically integrated 12 Tastebuds Eatery, 7674 McCart Ave – Entrees are $13 & under 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. www.tastebudseatery.org/menu movement class will empower the participants to learn creative dance moves while exploring their own unique dance vocabulary, building confidence, and practicing cooperation and appreciation for creative 18 Adjustment to Disability - 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. expression. Each class will be an introduction to movement for individuals of all abilities. The class will 19 Meet at the Center 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. be led by Dieca with assistance from members of DWJones Dance. 25 Adjustment to Disability - 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. PLEASE NOTE THAT EVENTS AND TIMES MAY BE If this unique opportunity is something you’d like to participate in, please call or email the appropriate 26 Meet at the Center 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER CONDI- REACH employee listed below and give her your name and contact information: TIONS, SPEAKER CANCELLATIONS, OR OTHER 31 Cooking Matters Course 10:00am - noon Must pre-register to participate Fort Worth - Miaka Powers, 817-870-9082, [email protected], high school youth & adults ISSUES OUT OF OUR CONTROL. Dallas - Pam Momon, 214-630-4796, [email protected], high school youth April 2020 Dallas - Janie Peachee, 214-630-4796, [email protected], adults, 1 Adjustment to Disability 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Plano - Julie Espinoza, 972-398-1111, [email protected], adults 2 Button’s Restaurant, 4701 West Fwy., Lunch entrees are $13.00 & under, not including drink 1:00-2:15 p.m. https://www.buttonsdfw.com/menus-2 Plano - Kathryn Kososki, 972-398-1111, [email protected], high school youth 7 Cooking Matters - 10:00am - noon 8 Adjustment to Disability 12:30 - 3pm The Road to Success is Paved with Failure 1. Abraham Lincoln was defeated in eight different elections. Yet he persisted and succeeded in becoming the 16th 9 Fort Worth Zoo 1989 Colonial Parkway, Prices - Adults $16, Children $12, Toddlers under 2 FREE, Seniors $12, Parking $5 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. . and one of the most respected presidents of the United States. 10 CENTER CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF 2. Walt Disney was told he had no talent and was fired from a newspaper job. He wound up doing volunteer work 14 Cooking Matters Course 10:00am - noon for a church in an old run-down garage. One day he decided to sketch one of the many mice that were running 15 Adjustment to Disability - 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. through the garage. This mouse became the famous “Mickey Mouse.” 3. Twenty-three different publishers rejected Dr. Seuss’s first book, while the 24th accepted and sold 6 million cop- 16 Bingo 5701 Crowley Rd, Fort Worth, 76134, Bring $20, you can play multiple times 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. http://texasbingo.com/ ies of it. 18 African American Health Fair, William M. McDonald YMCA, 2701 Moresby St., Fort Worth, 76105 10:00am - 2:00pm 4. Elvis Presley was fired after his first performance at the Grand Ole Opry. The manager told him, “You ain’t going 21 COOKING MATTERS COURSE – 10:00 a.m. – noon - Must pre-register to participate. nowhere, son. You ought to go back to driving a truck.” He went on to become one of the most famous American singers of the 20th century. 22 Adjustment to Disability - 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. 5. Whoopi Goldberg dropped out of high school, was on welfare, and worked as a bricklayer, bank teller, and li- 23 No Support Group censed cosmetician. After graduating from Beauty College, she took a job at a mortuary, fixing the hair of and applying 28 COOKING MATTERS COURSE – 10:00 a.m. – noon - Must pre-register to participate. make-up to the corpses. 29 Adjustment to Disability 12:30 - 3:00pm 6. J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, lived on welfare for years, in an apartment infested with mice, and Please bring lunch or lunch money to events was rejected by 12 publishers before going on to fame and fortune. 30 Meet at the Center 1:00 - 3:00pm 7. Michael Jordan was the athlete who was cut from the varsity basketball team in his sophomore year of high May 2019 school. Angry and embarrassed, he began to get up early each morning to practice with the junior varsity coach. Even- 5 COOKING MATTERS COURSE – 10:00 a.m. – noon - Must pre-register to participate. tually, he not only made the varsity team but also became one of the most popular athletes in the world. Michael Jor- dan is quoted as saying, “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occa- 6 Adjustment to Disability - 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. sions I have been entrusted to take the game-winning shot, and I missed it. I have failed over and over and over again 7 Red Robin, 4800 S Hulen St., Lunch prices are $10.00 and up. Bring money to shop.. Lunch is 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. www.redrobin.com in my life. And that is why I succeed.” 8. Thomas Edison was the inventor who was kicked out of school. Following this, he was homeschooled by his 13 Adjustment to Disability 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. mother. It took him over 700 tries before he got the filament right for the light bulb. Edison is quoted as saying: “I 14 Dixie House Café, 5401 S Hulen St., Lunch specials are $10 not including a drink 1:00 – 2:15 pm www.dixiehousecafes.com have not failed seven hundred times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those seven hundred 20 Adjustment to Disability 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.” 9. Mark Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard University. He went onto become a millionaire (at the age of 26) and 21 Movie & popcorn at the center 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CLOSED ON 5/25/20 is the CEO of Facebook. 27 Adjustment to Disability 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. 10. Harland David Sanders (better known as Colonel Sanders) had his fried chicken recipe rejected by more than 28 Meet at the center 1:00 pm. – 3:00 p.m. 1,000 restaurant owners before it was accepted .

Page 2 REACHing Out - March 2020 – May - 2020 REACHing Out - March 2020 - May 2020 Page 15 CALENDAR OF EVENTS “23 Plus” Young People’s Group 214-630-4796

REACH of Dallas is starting a new group aimed at young people who have aged out of the youth Call us if you need any accommodations such as a sign language interpreter, Braille materials, etc. transition group. It’s a new year and a chance for a fresh start in 2020. I would like to invite all former members of the Dallas youth transition group to join me in having quarterly dinner March 2020 meetings. 2 Independence & Beyond @ the center 1:30 - 3:00 PM. In a group setting, topic discussions include These meetings are a way for you to continue getting out into the community and socializing. We will meet at the same place quarterly for dinner. You will be responsible for the cost of self-esteem, family relationships, anxiety, medical stress, depression, setting boundaries & goal set- your meals and transportation because REACH continues to encourage independence. If you ting. Preregister with Kiowanda if this will be your 1st time attending. are interested in coming to the events, please call me (Pamela Momon) at 214-630-4796 Ext. 107. I will need to get your email address so I can stay in touch with you with any updates or 7 Dallas Museum of Art - Youth Community Outing 11:30am - 2:30pm last-minute changes. 10 Dallas ISD at REACH, Transitioning Youth IL Skills Training 11am-2:30pm

The new group is called “23 Plus”. We will meet at Dunston’s Steakhouse, 8526 Harry Hines 30 Dallas ISD at REACH, Transitioning Youth IL Skills Training 11am-2:30pm Blvd., Dallas, 75235 for every meeting. Basic Computer IL Skills Training classes must be scheduled with Harvey Spears Dates: April 2020 May 16, 2020 (6pm-8pm) 4 Perot Museum Youth Community Outing 10:00am - 1:30pm August 8, 2020 (6pm-8pm) November 7, 2020 (4:30 pm – 7 pm) 6 Independence & Beyond @ the center 1:30 - 3:00 PM. Preregister with Kiowanda Pam Momon, REACH of Dallas Youth Transition Specialist 10 REACH is closed in observance of Good Friday 13 Dallas ISD at REACH, Transitioning Youth Independent Living Skills Training 11am-2:30pm THANK YOU! 27 Dallas ISD at REACH, Transitioning Youth Independent Living Skills Training 11am-2:30pm From the moment I was interviewed two years ago to now, I have poured my whole heart into May 2020 REACH and Advocacy! I have loved every minute of it. Even the harder than most type of days were so worth the growth I attained and all the amazing people I have met. I have learned so much in my two years 4 Independence & Beyond @ the center 1:30 - 3:00 PM. Preregister with Kiowanda with REACH, Inc. that I will carry for the rest of my life. From my first day here at REACH, I have taken part in numerous trainings, watched about a million webinars, learned how to set up meetings, learned and 9 Lunch at Red Lobster Youth Community Outing 11am - 2pm succeeded in conducting community organizing, advocate for others, and so much more. I have networked 11 Dallas ISD at REACH, Transitioning Youth Independent Living Skills Training 11am-2:30pm with organizations from all over Texas, participated in a Legislative Advocacy Training program (Texas Partners in Policymaking), made significant connections with representatives with the Cities of Plano, Sach- 25 REACH is closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday se, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Austin, , and Dallas. REACH of Dallas 2020 Youth Summer Camp, Expected Dates June 8th – June 12th 9am-3pm I have had the privilege of attending over 100 meetings and conferences where I was given opportuni- ties to learn, speak, and participate. I have been on my first panel (Disability Rights Summit) speaking about Pre-register with Pamela Momon 214-630-4796 RevUp. RevUp used a photo of me on the cover of the Texas Disability Issues Forum booklet. I made sig- nificant changes in Plano for anyone with a hearing loss of any kind to be able to obtain an iPad with Live Captioning during any and all city public meetings with already prescheduled American Sign Language Inter- preters to be in attendance regardless of anyone requesting them. This is just the surface of what I have accomplished because of the things I’ve learned, the skills I have acquired, and the flexibility I was given as a REACH, Inc. employee. I am resigning as the Records Manager at the REACH of Plano, but not as the strong Advocate I have become. This isn’t goodbye! I will be moving forward to do even more great things for our wonderful Tex- as Communities and hope to work with all of you again in the future on projects and events as fellow com- munity partners and Independent Living Philosophy believers! Shawnett Viani

Page 14 REACHing Out - March 2020 – May - 2020 REACHing Out - March 2020 - May 2020 Page 3 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

940-383-1062

Call us if you need any accommodations such as a sign language interpreter, Braille materials, etc. Plans are underway to save money by e-mailing this newsletter to interested read- ers rather than continuing to send it via U.S. mail. If you’d like to get the newsletter via e-mail, please send Janie Peachee, Administrative Assistant, your e-mail ad- March 2020 dress. You can reach Janie at [email protected]. 4 Spring Storm Preparation @ the center 1:00-2:00 PM Thank You! 11 Thunder and Lightening @ the center 1:00-2:00 PM 18 What Would You Say? @ the center 1:00-2:00 PM 25 In Like a Lion @ the center 1:00-2:00 PM Deadlines for Future REACHing Out Newsletters

April 2020 1 April Fool! @ the center 1:00-2:00 PM April 8th, 2020 - June - August 2020 Edition 8 Hippity Hop @ the center 1:00-2:00 PM July 8th, 2020 - September - November 2020 Edition 10 REACH is closed in observance of Good Friday 15 Just What is the ADA? @ the center 1:00-2:00 PM October 12, 2020 - December 2020 - February 2021 Edition 22 General Support Group @ the center 1:00-2:00 PM 29 No Group January 12 - March - May 2021 Edition May 2020 6 Changes @ the center 1:00-2:00 PM 13 General Support Group @ the center 1:00-2:00 PM 20 Getting Ready for the Heat @ the center 1:00-2:00 PM 25 REACH is closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday 27 Make it Memorable @ the center 1:00-2:00 PM You may bring & eat your lunch while we discuss the topic during our General Support Group meetings. Please pre-register for offered activities. The REACH Resource Centers on Independent Living are members of the “TASTE of REACH” COOKBOOK Texas Association of Centers for Independent Living, the The deadline for submissions has been extended to May 31st . National Council on My name is Sarah Stepp and I am the new REACH of Denton Of- Independent Living, and the fice Manager. Here at the Denton center we are hosting a “Taste of Coalition of Texans with REACH” activity with some of our consumers and staff. In conjunc- Disabilities. tion with this event, I want to put together a cookbook with reci- pes from all four of the REACH locations. So, please send your top 3 recipes to [email protected]. Please include your initials and mention which REACH center you attend. I am really excited to see how many recipes I get in response to this request. Once I have the cookbook completed, I will email a copy to anyone that would like one.

Page 4 REACHing Out - March 2020 – May - 2020 REACHing Out - March 2020 - May 2020 Page 13 FINDING YOUR SPARK CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sparks are the hidden flames inside of people that light their fire, get them excited, and tap into their true passions. Sparks come from the gut. They motivate and inspire. They’re real 972-398-1111 talents, assets, skills, and dreams. Sparks can be musical, athletic, intellectual, and relational Call us if you need any accommodations such as a sign language interpreter, Braille materials, etc. – anything from playing the guitar to enjoying work with kids or senior citizens.

Sparks live inside your heart and not your head. That’s why you find them more through March 2020 feeling than through thinking. A lot of times, our minds talk us out of what our hearts are 3 10:00am - 3:00pm Youth Community Outing: Movie at the longing to do. Sparks are not something you learn. They come from inside a person and Dollar Theater in Plano. are found and fed through experience. April 2020 17 10:30am - 12:00pm Youth Workshop on Effective Commu- Everyone has one or more spark. Sometimes the spark is hidden or not being used, but it nication. is there. Sparks can change. No one has to tell you to get excited about your spark. You 25 REACH is closed in observance of Good Friday want to talk about it and use it. You never get tired of your spark. A spark at 16 may look May 2020 different from a spark at 12. 6 10:00am - 12:00pm Youth Transition Community Service Activity. Agency we are partnering with to be announced. The true mark of a spark is not that it brings happiness or pleasure, but a passion. It is a 25 REACH is closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday person’s unique song. Trust your spark. Build your life around what you love.

Sparks put people on a positive path and away from negative energy. Sparks, when they are Thanks REACH of Plano staff have enjoyed working with Shawnett Viani as the center’s Records Manag- known and acted on, help people realize that their lives have a purpose. er for over 2 years. She has brought much to the disability community. She has worked with Texas Partners in Policy Making and various committees of the Coalition on Texans with Disabil- Questions That Help to Define Your Spark ities. She has served as a Miss Wheelchair Texas ambassador and a supporter of so many local advocacy groups. She has decided to leave REACH’s employ and focus on her advocacy pro- 1. What one thing would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? jects. But she will always be a strong advocate in our community working with her former team at the Plano center. It is sad to see her go, but we are thrilled to see her growth as a leader as 2. What is one thing that always puts a smile on your face? a result of her time with REACH. We expect great things to come from her advocacy work and know we have a strong partner in the community 3. What is something that comes easy to you? 4. What is something you would do for free? January 23rd was Ed Roberts day. Ed Roberts is known as the father of centers for independent living. We held a discussion group where we talked about his views on disability, advocacy in 5. What is something you wish you could do all of the time? the role of centers for independent living. It was a great day for reflection in what has hap- pened because of the advocacy of people with disabilities. The discussion helped bolster our 6. What do you love to talk about most? own commitment to continue the mission.

7. What is something you will regret if you don’t try? REACH of Plano employees are asking for community feedback on topics and needs for future 8. Who feeds your spark? events that the center can host. Based on comments received so far, we see interest in continu- ing counseling groups, offering training on the 2020 Census process, the effects of substance 9. What gets in the way of you living out your Spark? abuse on independence, community awareness on autism, and more round table discussions on various topics. Please call Julie Espinoza at 972-398-1111 to share your ideas. 10. How could you use your spark to make our world better? For individual peer counseling, skills training or advocacy assistance, please call the center to set up services. To join our event email notifications list, send your email address to: [email protected]. Pamela Momon, REACH of Dallas Anne Wallace has graciously provided art therapy and volunteered to facilitate art workshops at the center in the past. She has moved on to open her own counseling practice. Best of luck! Youth Transition Specialist March 23rd will mark James Payne’s 5th anniversary as a REACH employee. Congratulations!

Page 12 REACHing Out - March 2020 – May - 2020 REACHing Out - March 2020 - May 2020 Page 5 “The Initiative”

Avoid wrong “rights in the workplace” Has a co-worker, family member or friend ever tried to explain employee or employer rights in the workplace? What a company can or cannot do to an employee? Did it sound right to you? Unfortunately, occasionally misinformation about employee rights are being shared by co-workers, employers, family and friends. Here are some myths to avoid about employee rights in the workplace.

Your employer must have a “good reason” to fire you. An employer can terminate your employment for any reason, whether it’s for a good reason, a bad reason or no reason at all. Most states in the country have an “at will” policy. Which means an employer can walk into the workplace and fire or terminate you “at will’. Your employer may not like you and can fire you. The only exception is for discrimination (i.e. disability, race, gender, orientation, religion, age, national origin). If you are part of a union, federal, state or local gov- 1500 Westpark Way Euless, TX 76040 817.835.0035 800.351.5438 ernment, there may be some guidelines and procedures in place to prevent “at will”. www.lift-aids.com [email protected] Your salary can’t be reduced. Typically, companies don’t decide to cut or reduce employees pay. However, there is no law prohibiting or preventing a company from taking such extreme steps, if the employer follows the laws for minimum wage and overtime for non-exempt and hourly workers. Again, there are some excep- tions when companies attempt to reduce salaries for public workers and discrimination.

Your emails are private and belongs to you. You might feel violated or that there’s a lack of trust, from your employer, if you find out they are reviewing your emails. Just know, they might have the right to do so! Some companies have an email-use policy, that says, if you are using the company’s emails for chatter, they have the right to look at it. In the private sector, there is no constitutional right that prohibits companies from accessing their email system. The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution applies only to the content of gov- ernment. If you want to know your company policy, check the company employee handbook. Just be aware, that in most states, companies have the right to access their systems anytime, without your permission and acknowledgement. We work with DARS, MDCP, CLASS, CBA, MHMR, DADS If fired, I can receive unemployment. Don’t think that if you are terminated or fired, that you automatically And many other funding agencies. will start getting unemployment checks. States have laws, requirements and procedures that must be met to receive unemployment benefits. Some states require a certain length of time on the job and other circumstanc- es. Check your state laws requiring unemployment benefits. Rates for Advertising in the REACH Newsletter Your employer can’t search through your desk or office. Just like with emails, companies have the right to Below are the prices for placing an advertisement in the REACHing Out newsletter. The access anything and check anywhere in an office, cubical or workstation. Your employer may investigate your newsletter is published quarterly in December, March, June, and September. The news- work environment for business reasons. Again, exceptions may include public employment and constitutional letter is sent/distributed to 2,500+ readers living primarily in Tarrant, Dallas, Denton & rights. Collin Counties and is available online at www.reachcils.org.

Just know your legal rights as an employee in a workplace. When confusion or uncertainty exists, consult re- BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL AD SIZES: ONE TIME ADS YEAR ADS sources such as state and federal laws, human resource professionals, company management, and employee handbooks. Know the facts and avoid the myths! Remember…take The Initiative!!! ___ Business Card (2” x 3.5”) $ 25.00 $ 90.00

Reference/ Sources & Citations: ___ 1/8 Page (4.25” x 2.75”) 50.00 190.00

Papandrea, Dawn. Six Ways People Get Employee Rights Wrong ___ 1/4 Page (4.25” x 5.5”) 65.00 250.00 https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/six-ways-people-get-employment-rights-wrong-hot-jobs Accessed January 9, 2020 ___ 1/2 Page (8.5” x 5.5”) 100.00 375.00

___ Full Page (8.5” x 11”) 200.00 775.00

If you have any questions, please call Janie Peachee, interim newsletter editor, The REACH Resource Centers on Independent Living are Fragrance Free at REACH of Dallas 214-394-5840 facilities! Please do not wear scented products when visiting the centers or or contact her by email at [email protected]. These advertising rates may change without prior notice. participating in any of our services or activities. Thank you!

Page 6 REACHing Out - March 2020 – May - 2020 REACHing Out - March 2020 - May 2020 Page 11 Strengthening the Mind & Body Words to Live By! The GYM that pro- motes exercise and ed- ucation, utilizing spe- Live as if you were to die cialized equipment. tomorrow. Live as if you 1361 W. Euless Blvd. #101, Eu- were to live forever. less, TX 76040 Mahatma Gandhi www.neurofitnessfoundation.org

REACH is Awarded a $5,000 Grant from Inclement Weather Notice Superior HealthPlan Should we experience any icy or snowy weather in the Metroplex during the 2019-2020 fall & winter sea- The funds will be used to purchase four laptop computers with essen- sons, watch broadcast TV station WFAA Channel 8 tial software in order to conduct basic computer skills training with in- on the ABC network or visit www.wfaa.com/closings terested individuals with disabilities and seniors who live in Dallas or to learn if the REACH centers will be closing early, Collin County assisted living facilities or retirement communities. opening late, or closed for the day. Training sessions may also be offered at senior centers, libraries, schools, and community and recreation centers.

The goal of the project is to educate 50 individuals 18+ years of age ADAPTIVE MOBILITY of the SOUTHWEST, LLC over a 4-year period about computer basics, how to safely navigate Jim Chavez, Mobility Consultant - Proprietor the Internet, master using Microsoft office software, set up an email 817-235-0670

account, insure online privacy and security, etc.

Harvey Spears, Outreach, Advocacy & IL Skills Training Specialist at Durable Medical Equipment Home Modifications the REACH of Dallas center, will coordinate this project. Harvey has Ceiling Track Lifts Bathrooms - Kitchens been a REACH employee for 10 years and one of his favorite job re- Pool Lifts Custom Ramps - Railing Motion Alarms Door Widening sponsibilities has been conducting in-office basic computer skills Automatic Door Openers Special Requests training with consumers who’ve had little or no computer, Internet Specifications and/or email experience. 817-704-3184 - Fax Insured - Bonded [email protected] For more information about this project, please contact Harvey via phone at 214-630-4796 or email at [email protected]. Page 10 REACHing Out - March 2020 – May - 2020 REACHing Out - March 2020 - May 2020 Page 7 From the Director’s Desk CARING to HELP Honor your loved ones with a gift to the REACH Resource Centers on Independent Living. Good News Donations in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, wedding, , Marlyn Rodriguez recently joined the REACH team and is working as the Rec- Valentine’s Day, etc. will help REACH continue its work in providing an array of independent ords Manager at REACH of Plano. Her work objective is to empower individu- living services to North Texans with disabilities. als, model positive behavior and build rapport. She recently graduated with a Master’s de- Enclosed is my contribution of $______gree in social work from Texas A&M University-Commerce. In Memory or Honor of (Name): ______Check one: Memorial ____ Birthday____ Anniversary____ Wedding____ or Best Accessibility Inventions of 2019 Other (Explain)______Highlighted in the December 2-9, 2019 edition of TIME magazine was interesting information Send acknowledgement to (Name, Address, City, State & Zip Code): about several inventions that will make our lives as individuals with disabilities easier. For those who are visually impaired or blind, research online the WeWalk smart cane that de- ______tects objects above chest level to aid you in navigating your environment and the OrCam From (Your Name, Address, City, State & Zip Code): MyEye 2 “talking glasses” device that attaches to an eyeglass frame and can identify faces ______and currency, and reads information from bar codes aloud. For those who have physical dis- abilities, learn more about the Comcast Xfinity X1 Eye Control which is a web based remote Make checks payable to REACH, Inc. and mail with this form to 1000 Macon Street, Suite 200, control for computers, tablets and TVs. And, for those experiencing a hearing loss visit Stark- Fort Worth, TX 76102-4527. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT. ey Hearing Technology for details about the Livio AI smarter hearing aid.

FYI Did you know that the Supreme Court’s 1999 decision in Olmstead v. L.C. led to the reloca- tion assistance programs that centers for independent living offer to institutionalized individu- als with disabilities who want to transition back into community living? The contents of this newsletter were developed, in part, under grants from the U.S. Department of Health The story begins with two women with mental health and developmental disabilities who re- and Human Services (HHS) and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The contents sided voluntarily in the State-run Regional Hospital. After receiving medical treat- of this newsletter do not, however, necessarily represent the policies of HHS or HHSC and you should not ment, they were ready to move to a community-based program. Unfortunately, they re- assume endorsement by either the federal or state government. mained confined in the hospital for several years. Eventually, they decided to file a lawsuit under the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) in order to get released from the hospital. They REACH receives a majority of its funding to operate the centers from grants from HHS and HHSC. REACH of were successful! Denton receives 100% of its funding ($249,631) from HHS; REACH of Fort Worth receives 100% of its fund- The Court’s decision stated that unjustified segregation of persons with disabilities consti- ing ($262,280) from HHSC; REACH of Dallas receives 100% of its funding ($481,520) from HHS; and tutes discrimination in violation of Title II of the ADA. The court held that public entities must REACH of Plano receives 100% of its funding ($262,279) from HHSC. provide community-based services to individuals with disabilities, when such services are appropriate, the affected individuals do not oppose community-based treatment, and com- munity-based services can be reasonably accommodated taking into account the resources available to the public entity and the needs of others who are receiving disability services JUST A REMINDER from the entity.

REACH generates additional funds to enhance its mission by participating in the Tom Thumb, The Court further explained that its holding “reflects two evident judgements.” First, Kroger and Amazon Smile donor programs. Each company allows its customers to register so “institutional placement of individuals who can handle and benefit from community settings that donations go to a nonprofit organization that the customer supports. Then every time a pur- perpetuates unwarranted assumptions that individuals so isolated are incapable of or unwor- chase is made by the customer, the nonprofit receives credit for the total amount of the pur- thy of participating in community life.” Second, “confinement in an institution severely dimin- chase. The Tom Thumb, Kroger and Amazon companies then periodically issue a donation check ishes the everyday life activities of individuals, including family relations, social contacts, or make an automatic bank deposit to REACH for a percentage of the total of our supporters’ work options, economic independence, educational advancement and cultural enrichment.” purchases. Since 2007, when REACH’s Relocation Specialists began assisting nursing home residents If you and/or your family and friends shop at or online at any or all of transition back into community living, 444 people have successfully moved back by their these companies and would like to make sure that REACH is able to contin- choice to their home, an apartment or an assisted living facility. ue providing services to North Texans with disabilities, please call any of the REACH offices for more information on how to enroll in these no cost The information in the above article was taken from a post on the IL-NET TA website written to you donor programs. Thank you. by Paula McElwee – http://ilnet-ta.org/wp/2019/06/27/the-olmstead-decision-in-real-life/.

Don’t Forget to Stop and Smell the Roses! Charlotte Stewart

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