October 2020 & Southwest Iowa Since 1971

ON THE LEVEL

Promoting Independent Living for people with disabilities in Nebraska October 2020 & Southwest Iowa since 1971

Attention! Lincoln Paratransit Users What: Annual Paratransit Forum When: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020 Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Where: Online via Zoom

Contact Shawna Keller at the League of Human Dignity to be This original block print is one of two prints invited to participate in this Zoom donated to the League of Human Dignity by the meeting. artist, Ben Darling of Sydney, NE. Darling, as well as the League, encourages every eligible voter to Email: skeller@leagueofhuman- vote in this year’s general election on Nov. 3. dignity.com Phone: 402-441-7871 Also In This Issue We want to be ready to answer all October is National Disability of your questions, so please let us Employment Awareness Month know your questions when you reg- See pages 2 and 3 ister so we can be ready to answer them at the start of the meeting. Get ready for the upcoming general election and have your say See pages 4 and 5 CEO’s Note Kathy Kay, League Co-CEO

October is an important month on many lev- tional Disability Employment Awareness Month els. One important element of October is that this and ways they can promote its messages — dur- is National Disability Awareness Month (NDEAM) ing October and throughout the year — by visit- and is a time to celebrate the many varied contri- ing www.dol.gov/NDEAM. butions of America’s workers with disabilities. October is also a month to remind everyone This year marks the 75th anniversary since that the general election is scheduled for Tues- the first observance. The 2020 NDEAM theme day, Nov. 3, 2020. Every American who is regis- is “Increasing Access and Opportunity.” This tered to vote will be afforded the opportunity to year correlates to the 30th anniversary of the help choose the individuals who will be repre- Americans with Disabilities Act as well. The ADA senting and leading our cities, towns, states and is landmark civil rights legislation that works to country. Because this year is the 59th quadren- increase access and opportunity for people with nial presidential election, this election is of para- disabilities across society, including in the work- mount importance. place. We at the League of Human Dignity encour- The League of Human Dignity, Inc. is proud to age all readers to vote if you are registered. And support National Disability Employment Aware- if you are not already registered, please get reg- ness Month (NDEAM). Held each October, NDE- istered as soon as possible! AM aims to educate about disability employment If you are not registered and do not know issues and celebrate the many and varied contri- how, please call the League CIL or Office nearest butions of America's workers with disabilities. to you for assistance. You can find the contact The history of National Disability Employ- information in this newsletter on page 8. ment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 In spite of all our country’s problems and is- when Congress enacted a law declaring the first sues, the United States of America is still one of week in October each year "National Employ the greatest counties on this earth! Each of us the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, has the right and the responsibility to exercise the word "physically" was removed to acknowl- our place in supporting our republic. edge the employment needs and contributions of Vote like your life depends on it — it just may! individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employ- ment Awareness Month. Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in Na- League Co-CEO

ON THE LEVEL Volume 49 l Number 5 ______ON THE LEVEL is the bi-monthly newsletter of the League of Human Dignity, Inc. The League is a consumer-based, nonprofit organization, dedicated to independent living for people with disabilities. The League offers services throughout Nebraska and Southwest Iowa through Centers for Indepen- dent Living and Medicaid Waiver offices. This newsletter is available online, by email subscription, Braille and on audio CD. To subscribe in any of these formats, contact us at: Editor, On The Level, 1701 P Street, Lincoln, NE 68508; 402- 441-7871 V/TDD. The newsletter also is archived on our website: leagueofhumandignity.com

2 On The Level - October 2020 The background of the 2020 poster is royal blue. All lettering is gold. On the left is the theme “Increasing Access and Opportunity” and the words Celebrating 30 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act. At the bottom left are the 30th/ADA Anniversary and 75th/NDEAM Anniversary logos. Also in the lower left are the words National Disability Employment Awareness Month, #ADA30, #NDEAM75 and the website dol.gov/odep. At bottom left is the Department of Labor logo and the words Office of Disability Employ- ment Policy, United States Department of Labor. Filling the right half of the poster, cascading downward, are diamond-shaped boxes with images of people with a range of disabilities working in various settings. Inclusion an ‘Important Part’ of Economic Recovery The theme for this year’s National Disability to include and accommodate people with dis- Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is “In- abilities will be an important part of our economic creasing Access and Opportunity.” rebound,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene This year marks the 75th annual observance Scalia. “Looking ahead, the Department will re- of NDEAM, a celebration administered by the main focused on the policies that led to a strong U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability economy and record-low unemployment rates for Employment Policy. The observance culminates persons with disabilities prior to the pandemic. A the Department’s commemoration of the 30th an- vigorous economic rebound and job growth will, niversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. alongside the Americans with Disabilities Act, Each October, NDEAM celebrates America’s increase access and opportunity for Americans workers with disabilities and reminds employers with disabilities.” of the importance of inclusive hiring practices. To learn more about NDEAM, including ideas “Ensuring that America’s workplaces continue for how to participate, visit www.dol.gov/ndeam.

3 On The Level - October 2020 Have Your Say: Head to the Polls Nebraska Senate, House Races Take Part in General Election, Voters in Nebraska will elect one U.S. Sena- Help Steer Future Policy Decisions tor and three Representatives. Republican incumbent Ben Sasse of Fremont What does the future hold for U.S. policy that is running for his second six-year Senate term. impacts people who have disabilities? He is facing challengers Chris Janicek, a Demo- Nebraska and Iowa voters can have a say on crat from Omaha, and Gene Siadek, a Libertar- the first Monday in November. That’s the day – ian from Omaha. Nov. 3 – when voters head to the polls and cast In the House races, in District 1, Republican their votes for President and Vice President of incumbent Jeff Fortenberry of Lincoln, a repre- the United States, as well as members of the sentative since 2005, faces challengers Kate U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Bolz, a Democrat from Lincoln, and Dennis B. Presidential Race Grace, a Libertarian from Fremont. Nationally, voters will decide whether Pres. In District 2, Republican incumbent Donald Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence Bacon, from Papillion, a representative since will remain in office, or 2017, faces Democrat Democratic challengers Kara Eastman of Omaha, Joe Biden and Kamala and Libertarian Tyler Harris will lead for the next Schaeffer of Omaha. four years. In District 3, Repub- In Nebraska, Liber- lican incumbent Adrian tarian Party Presidential Smith of Gering, a rep- candidate Jo Jorgensen resentative since 2007, and her running mate ELECTION faces Mark Elworth Jr., a Jeremy Cohen also are on Democrat from Omaha, the ballot. 2020 and Dustin C. Hobbs, a Iowa voters have the Libertarian from Grand choice of five additional party candidates and Island. two non-partisan teams running for president For a complete list of all state-level candi- and vice president. They are Alliance Party dates, visit the Nebraska Secretary of State candidates Rocky De La Fuente and Darcy website, sos.nebraska.gov. Polling places in Richardson; Constitution Party candidates Don Nebraska are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Blankenship and William Mohr; Genealogy Know Central Time Zone and 7a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Your Family History Party candidates Ricky Sue Mountain Time Zone. King and Dayna Chandler; Green Party candi- Iowa Senate, House Races dates Howie Hawkins and Angela Walker; and In Iowa, Republican Incumbent Joni Ernst is Libertarian candidates Jorgensen and Cohen. seeking her second term in the Senate, Chal- Candidates with njo party designation are Brock lenging her are Democrat Theresa Greenfield Pierce and Karla Ballard; and Kanye West and of Des Moines, Libertarian Rick Stewart of Ce- Michelle Tidball. dar Rapids, and Suzanne Herzog of West Des In addition to the presidential race, voters Moines, who is nonpartisan. across the country will elect representatives from In Iowa’s District 1, incumbent Abby Finke- all House of Representative districts, including nauer, a Democrat, faces Ashley Hinson, a three from Nebraska and four from Iowa; and Republican. about one-third of the 100 senate seats, including one each from Nebraska and Iowa. See GENERAL ELECTION RACES on page 5

4 On The Level - October 2020 Are You Registered to Vote on Nov. 3? To register to vote in the general election in Secretary of State website or download, fill out Nebraska, you must be 18 or turn 18 by Nov. 3, and mail a voter registration form to their county a resident of the county where you will vote, and elections official. The deadline to preregister is a U.S. citizen. If you have been convicted of a 10 days before the general election. felony you cannot register until two years after Iowans can register and vote on Election Day the completion of your sentence, including pro- by going to their correct polling place with proof bation or parole. You cannot register if you have of identity and current address. been found mentally incompetent by a court. For more information, visit the Iowa Secretary There are several ways Nebraska resi- of State’s website, sos.iowa.gov/elections/voter- dents can register to vote, including online at information/voterregistration.html NEReg2Vote. The online application is always available and is accessible by computer and Early (Absentee) Voting mobile devices. Register in person through the In Nebraska, any registered voter can re- state Department of Motor Vehicles when apply- quest an early voting (absentee) ballot. ing for or renewing your driver's license. Reg- Contact your county election office in person, ister through the state Department of Health by mail or by fax for an early-voting applica- and Human Services and State Department of tion or print an online early-voting application. Education at the time of application, review or Complete the application and mail, fax or email change of address for public programs. it to your county election office. The deadline to An online voter registration application can request that a ballot be mailed to you is 6 p.m. be printed for you, to be completed, signed and Oct. 23. Early ballots must arrive at your county mailed to your county election office. Addresses elections official’s office by the time the polls for the offices are listed on the form. close on Election Day. The deadline to register to vote in the general For more information on early voting in Ne- election is Oct. 16. braska, including a ballot application, visit the If it’s your first time registering to vote in Ne- Secretary of State’s website, sos.nebraska.gov/ braska by mail, you must also provide a copy of elections/early-voting-0 a current valid photo ID, or other proof you live Any registered voter in Iowa can request an at the address given on your application, includ- absentee ballot through their county auditor. Ab- ing a copy of a utility bill, bank statement, gov- sentee voting begins Oct. 5 and ends Nov. 2. ernment check, paycheck or other government A completed absentee ballot must be re- document, dated within 60 days of the date on ceived by mail by Nov. 9, postmarked no later your voter registration application. than Nov. 2. The deadline to return a completed In Iowa, you can register to vote if you are a ballot in parson is Nov. 3. U.S. citizen, an Iowa resident and will be at least For more information, visit the Iowa Secretary age 18 on Election Day. of State’s website, sos.iowa.gov/elections/elec- Iowans can pre-register online at the Iowa tioninfo/absenteeinfo.html GENERAL ELECTION RACES continued from page 4 Young, a Republican from Van Meter, and Bryan Jack Holder, a Libertarian from Council Bluffs. In District 2, Democrat Rita R. Hart and In District 4, Republican Randy Feenstra fac- Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks face off in es Democrat J.D. Scholten, in a race to replace a race to replace retiring Democrat Dave Loeb- Republican Steve King, who lost in the primary. sack. For a complete list of state-level candidates, In District 3, the southwestern part of the visit the Iowa Secretary of State website, sos. state, incumbent Cindy Axne, a Democrat from iowa.gov. Polling places in Iowa are open from 7 West Des Moines, faces challengers David a.m. to 9 p.m. statewide.

5 On The Level - October 2020 6 On The Level - October 2020 Loan & Rental Program Have you ever had a family member suffer a A one-time fee of $5 is required — $25 for minor injury that required the use of crutches Rollator Walkers — and the loan lasts as long or a wheelchair for a short time? Has a recent as the items are needed. All loans are subject illness or accident made it necessary to use a to availability. walker, transfer bench or a commode? Do you Items we rent include Manual Wheelchairs, have equipment that you no longer need? Transport Wheelchairs, Rolling Shower Chairs, The League of Human Dignity’s Equipment Knee Walkers, and Hoyer Lifts. Loan Program allows you to rent or borrow Monthly rental and deposits vary by item and many durable medical equipment items for a rent includes all maintenance and small fee. We also encourage donations of servicing during rental period. All these items. rentals are subject to availability. We do not loan or rent items that require special or custom fitting and/or supervision by a doctor, For details, to see if we such as braces or corsets. have what you need, or to see if you have All donated items need to be in good shape. what we need and We do not accept donations that need repair. would like to make a Items we loan include Tub Seats & Benches, donation, call or visit 2-Wheel Walkers, Canes, Crutches, Commodes, the League of Human Reachers, and Grab Bars. Dignity office nearest you.

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7 On The Level - October 2020 Keep Reading with Talking Book & Braille Service People who have limited ability to read, hold The program provides easy-to-use playback a book or turn pages still can enjoy their favorite equipment on long-term-loan free of charge. Ma- books and magazines, through to the Nebraska terials in the collection and the playback equip- Library Commission’s free Talking Book and ment are mailed to and from the library postage- Braille Service. free. The program provides The service is available to individuals, as well free audiobooks and au- as schools and other facilities, such as nursing dio magazines and braille homes, hospitals and senior citizen centers. through the mail and The program’s in-house sound studios also through digital download record and produce audiobooks and audio mag- to individuals with a azines from Nebraska and regional authors as visual or physical condi- well as material about Nebraska and the Great tion, or a reading disability Plains. The recordings from the Nebraska Col- which limits use of regular print. lection also are made available for loan to pa- The collection consists of books and maga- trons. zines similar to those found in a public library. For more information, e-mail nlc.talking- The service is part of a nationwide network of [email protected] or call 1-800-742-7691. cooperating libraries headed by the National For more information, the Nebraska Talking Book Library Service, a division of the Library of Con- & Braille Service main page is at the Nebraska gress. Library Commission website, nlc.nebraska.gov.

WHERE TO FIND US

LINCOLN PANHANDLE Center for Independent Living Medicaid Waiver Office 1701 P Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 17 E 21 St., Scottsbluff, NE 69361 Phone 402-441-7871 Phone 308-632-0470

OMAHA KEARNEY Center for Independent Living Medicaid Waiver Office 5513 Center Street, Omaha, NE 68106 3811 29th Avenue, Suite 2 Phone 402-595-1256 Kearney NE 68845 Phone 308-224-3665 NORFOLK Center for Independent Living NORTH PLATTE 400 Elm Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701 Medicaid Waiver Office Phone 402-371-4475 2509 Halligan Dr., North Platte, NE 69101 Phone 308-532-4911 SOUTHWEST IOWA Center for Independent Living 1520 Avenue M, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 Online at: leagueofhumandignity.com Phone 712-323-6863 & Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter

8 On The Level - October 2020 Social Security Admin LEAGUE EMPLOYEES Continues Scam Warnings Saying Hello: The most effective way to defeat scammers Karri Roling-Wilson, Services Coordi- is to know how to identify scams. You should just hang up on any call you’re nator, Norfolk. uncertain of and ignore suspicious emails, said Saying Good-Bye: Jewell Colbert, Regional Communications Direc- Terri Groteluschen, Services Coordi- tor for the Social Security Administration’s Kan- nator, Norfolk. sas City Region. Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money and personal Patricia Pospisil, Services Coordina- information by exploit- tor, Norfolk. ing your fears. One common tactic is posing as federal agents or other law enforcement. They may claim your Social Se- curity number is linked League Services Promote to a crime. They may even threaten to arrest Independent Living you if you do not comply. Just hang up. As a reminder, continue to remain vigilant of People with disabilities have the same rights to phone calls when someone says there’s a prob- live independently as anyone else. That’s why the lem with your Social Security number or your League of Human Dignity has been here for nearly benefits. If you owe money to Social Security, 50 years — the services provided by the League’s the agency will mail you a letter explaining your Centers for Independent Living help people to rights, options, and information about appealing. achieve and maintain their independence. Remember, Social Security officials will Services include, but are not limited to: never: g Individual and systems advocacy • Threaten you with benefit suspension, ar- g Information and referral rest, or other legal action unless you pay a g Independent living skills training fine or fee. g Peer counseling and support • Promise a benefit increase or other assis- g Transition from institutions to the community tance in exchange for payment. or from school to the next phase of life • Require payment by gift card, cash, wire g Training in personal assistant hiring transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit and management card. g Barrier removal grants • Demand secrecy from you in handling a g Equipment loan and rental Social Security-related problem. Call the League at 402-441-7871 to find out • Send official letters or reports containing more. Or come to our offices at 1701 P Street in personally identifiable information via email. Lincoln, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you don’t have ongoing business with So- Or contact any of our other Centers for Indepen- cial Security, it is unlikely the agency will contact dent Living. you. So iIf you get a suspicious call claiming to Our CILs serve 43 Nebraska counties and eight be from Social Security, hang up and report it to counties in Southwest Iowa. We serve all 93 Ne- the agency’s Office of the Inspector General at braska counties with Medicaid Waiver services. oig.ssa.gov.

9 On The Level -October 2020 Barrier Removal Grants Barrier Removal Grants are available to qual- sist in making ifying renters or homeowners and their family homes more members who have mobility limitations. accessible to people with Grants are available to: disabilities. For • People in Omaha, Council Bluffs, and Lin- more informa- coln & Lancaster County. tion or for an application for • People with low to moderate income, as a Barrier Re- defined by the U.S. Department of Housing moval Grant, and Urban Development. contact: • People who need help removing barriers in their homes. Lincoln CIL Omaha CIL 1701 P St. 5513 Center St. Examples of eligible modifications include Lincoln, NE 68508 Omaha, NE 68106 outside ramps and lifts, grab bars, handrails, Ph.402-441-7871 Ph. 402-595-1256 widened doorways, accessible tubs and show- SW Iowa CIL ers, and reachable sinks and counters. 1520 Avenue M Council Bluffs, IA 51501 League staff offer a variety of services to as- Ph. 712-323-6863

Associations & Support Groups

The League maintains a list of associations visit our website: leagueofhumandignity.com/ and support groups in Nebraska, Southwest getinvolved/ and click on “Support Groups.” Iowa, the region and the nation for people with We aim to keep the list as up to date as pos- disabilities and their loved ones. sible, so additions and changes are welcome. To see the complete list, in pdf format, please Call the League at 402-441-7871.

TAGG Your Purchases & Support the League 1. Download the TAGG mobile app. 2. Choose us & Upload a photo of your receipt from a participating business. 3. The business will make a donation to us AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU!

10 On The Level - October 2020 Classifieds

Classified ads cost $5 for the first 25 words and 25 cents for each additional word. To place an ad, write to: On The Level, League of Human Dignity, 1701 P Street, Lincoln, NE 68508; call Jim at 402-441- 7871 v/tdd; call toll free at 888-508-4758; or fax: 402-441-7650. Equipment, supplies and other items for sale must be accessible to, or for the use of, people with disabilities.

RECYCLING: We are recycling electric wheelchairs and scooters. Will pick them up if needed. Call 402-890-8235 (Lincoln). The League of Human Dignity Get Your League of Human Dignity Cotton Tote Bag Building Corp. Is Taking Applications $5.95 (Includes Tax) The League of Human Dignity Build- ing Corporation is taking applications for one and two bedroom apartments with roll-in showers in Lincoln, Oma- ha, York, Columbus, Norfolk and League of Human Dignity Hastings. These units come with Section 8 Branded Apparel certificates and rent is based on income. FLEECE VESTS Blue or Gray Eligible applicants must qualify un- Sizes Lg through 4XL der income guidelines established by While Supplies Last the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). All sizes $29.95 (price includes sales tax) Applicants must experience disability to qualify. LONG-SLEEVED To apply, or for more information, TSHIRTS call Nada Resnik-McNenny, 402-441-7871 Navy Blue or 888-508-4758 (toll free) V/TDD Sm-2XL $13.95 or email: HOODED nmcnenny SWEATSHIRTS @leagueofhumandignity.com Navy Blue Sm-XL $24.95 2XL $25.75 (price includes sales tax)

11 On The Level - October 2020 WINTER IS COMING: SNOW CLOSING INFO

We have designated KFOR radio as our weather station. In times of severe weather, please turn to KFOR 1240 AM, or go online WE’RE LOOKING to www.kfor1240.com for the latest FOR MORE READERS! word on cancellations. Get ON THE LEVEL in your email box — Subscribe HERE or at leagueofhumandignity.com or send your email address to THE ONE YOU DEPEND ON [email protected] FOR WINTER WEATHER NEWS A publication of the League of Human Dignity.

To Our Consumers During the Ongoing Pandemic The ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) ical equipment, please call the League pandemic is still going strong, so the League and make arrangements by phone first, of Human Dignity is continuing its procedures then you may sign the required documen- to protect our consumers, staff and the com- tation and pick up your equipment at the munity. designated location. With this in mind: If you have any questions or concerns, call • League offices will remain locked during your local League office. Out phone numbers business hours. League staff will continue are listed on page 8. Thank you for your pa- to provide services to our consumers via tience and understanding. phone, email, fax, mail or through other And please protect yourselves — at the arrangements designed to emphasize very least, practice social distancing, wash minimal personal contact. your hands and wear a mask. • If you need to drop off timesheets, cor- respondence or other documents please use the mail slot or the receptacle provided. • If you need to rent or borrow durable med-

12 On The Level - October 2020