Northland Services for People With Developmental Disabilities

Pathways Volume 20, Number 4 Winter 2015

A Little Help Makes a Big Difference A Platte County family has things a little easier following a collaborative effort that involved the Platte County Board of Services, state and federal support. Through Missouri’s Partnership for Hope program, the family of Jacob Brinker, Kansas City, North, may have received even more than hope. For one thing, Jacob can now take a traditional bath for the first time in years. Now 20, Jacob has been diagnosed with Down syndrome, ADHD and autism. However, what caused the problems related to the project was slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), an unusual disorder of the adolescent hip and knees. For reasons that are not well understood, the ball at the upper end of the femur (thigh bone) slips off in a backward direction. For Jacob, it meant that starting in the

Inside Pathways Arc ..................................3 CEADD ............................4 CHS ................................5 Concerned Care ..............6 Easter Seals Midwest........7 Immacolata ......................8 NEEC ..............................9 PCBS ............................10 VSI ................................11

sixth grade, he had joint fusions done to his legs and spine, making him unable to bend normally, even to lift his leg over a shower stall. (please continue on page 2)

A Little Help Makes a Big Difference (continued from Page 1) Jacob’s mother, Connie, says bathing was reduced to sitting on a stool in the open air while water was poured over him. “It was a kind of nightmare,” she said. “I think it hurt his hip, and he was cold sitting there. It was also getting hard to lift him.” For several years, the family had worked with Platte County Board of Services, where Jacob is involved in several programs. One day, Service Coordinator Christine Hardison overhead Connie describe the family’s bathing ordeals and other accessibility issues. She suggested that Missouri’s Partnership for Hope Medicaid waiver program might offer help making modifications to the home. By January of this year, the work was complete, and the family couldn’t be happier.

Pathways Jacob Brinker had reason to smile, and not just because he wears K.C. Royals gear. Jacob’s family recently received some much needed accessibility improvements to their home such as the shower remodeling below.

Pathways is published quarterly for Clay and Platte County residents with developmental disabilities, their families and other interested persons. Funding is provided by participating agencies which include the Arc of Clay and Platte counties, CEADD, Center for Human Services, Concerned Care, Inc., Easter Seals Midwest, Immacolata Manor, Northland Early Education Center, Platte County Board of Services and Vocational Services, Inc. Contributing occasional articles will be Down Syndrome Guild. Editorial contributions are welcome. Content is intended to be positive and informational. Material may be edited and will be printed as space allows. If you wish to receive Pathways and do not, contact Betsy Keleher at 604-3043. We also appreciate help eliminating duplicate issues at a single address or unwanted issues.

“It’s been awesome,” Connie said. “It’s made our life so much better.” She says Jacob’s baths now take only minutes, rather than over an hour. Not surprisingly, Connie and her husband, Joe, are big fans of PCBS. “We are so grateful,” Connie noted. “Jacob loves their day hab (day habilitation program), and some of the other programs we’ve located through them are big helps, too. It’s been awesome.” Hardison said the Brinker’s case illustrates an important point. “This makes it possible for people with disabilities to stay in their home and in the community,” she said. “It prevents out-of-home placements, which is better for everyone. This was a good outcome.”

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Summit Examines Federal Job Requirements

Staff Changes at College Program

The Arc of Missouri, People First of Missouri and Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council hosted “Employment —The Changing Landscape” summit in October in Columbia. This summit was Blackwell from the Missouri Association organized as an informational conversa- of Sheltered Workshop Managers, Fulvio tion between a specially selected panel of Franzi from the Missouri Department of speakers, stakeholders and the general Elementary and Secondary Education, public, focusing on the new federal Chris Clause from the Missouri Division requirements for employment of those of Vocational Rehabilitation and Duane Shumate from the Missouri Division of with disabilities in Missouri. Recent United States Department of Developmental Disabilities. Justice actions in other states have forced those states to comply with federal law affecting employment support systems, Hard Work Brings Results community employment programs, sheltered workshop systems and vocational (continued from page 7) rehabilitation systems. for Easter Seals Midwest. “I really admire In light of recent federal laws and regu- Chad for bouncing back from what he conlations, such as the Workforce Innovation sidered a failure to immediately looking and Opportunities Act (WIOA) and the for another job.” Home and Community Based Services Easter Seals Midwest's employment (HCBS) Final Rule, current systems of services staff works closely with individuemployment and pre-employment sup- als with developmental disabilities, includports for people with disabilities will need ing autism, to place them into jobs that to adjust. Millions of federal and Missouri match their skills and interests, while taxpayer dollars flow through these sys- ensuring that employers pay a competitive tems in their current forms. wage. The agency's job coaches assist indiThis summit was intended to educate viduals as they develop good working and individuals with intellectual and develop- social relationships with coworkers and mental disabilities (I/DD), family mem- supervisors and provide an appropriate bers of individuals with I/DD, I/DD pro- amount of support and structure based on fessionals and the general public on the each person’s needs. expectations and to be an exploratory disIn Chad’s case, very little supervision is cussion regarding how Missouri will needed. “I shadowed Chad during his first adapt to the changes, redirect support several days at Enterprise,” recalls Muller. services to the needs of individuals with “One day, he asked to talk to me about disabilities in seeking gainful employment something. He said he didn’t need me to be and recognize federal requirements for with him at work anymore and that he community inclusion. would call me if he needed anything. This Speakers at the summit included is just what we want to hear—that our Victoria Thomas from the United States clients can make it on their own and live Department of Justice, Susan Eckles from full lives that make a real contribution.” Missouri Protection and Advocacy, Linda Chad still receives job coaching on a very Rolfe from the Washington State Division limited basis through Easter Seals of Developmental Disabilities, Brent Midwest, according to Muller.

This fall, College Experience for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (CEADD) said goodbye to Nancy Mozingo, one of the program’s long-time instructors. CEADD will miss her enthusiasm. On the plus side, CEADD was able to add two new people to their family. Lauren Corcoran has joined Betsy Keleher in coordinating all things at CEADD. Lauren worked as a CEADD assistant while in high school and has now returned. Joni Bean is a new instructor who will be teaching reading and other areas. She is currently a teacher at New Mark Middle

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CEADD School and comes with much knowledge and enthusiasm. CEADD welcomes both of these new faces. A variety of fall classes are under way. Traditional favorites include crafts, Kindles and music. In addition, CEADD has reading and writing, emotions, emergencies, storytelling puppets, games, sports, pricing and dealing with life. If you missed this fall, get ready for spring!

Recent CEADD classes have created lots of smiles by local students. Some of the action in these photos includes board games (above), “Music Speaks” (upper right) and working with Kindle tablets (right). page 4 Pathways

He’s Empowering His Dreams!

A Busy Fall for Everyone

Scott is a 37-year-old man who is not accustomed to thinking of his disabilities. He is accustomed to thinking about his abilities and living in that space. So when Scott called the Center for Human Services and said a lifelong dream was about to happen, there was no surprise in anyone’s mind. Scott was born with cerebral palsy and blindness. He was a preemie baby and because his mother was not able to take care of him, he was bounced from foster family to foster family, and some of those placements were not so good. Scott is a powerful self-advocate and has spoken many times at various conferences about self-advocacy issues. When Scott’s employment through Alphapointe ended because of funding issues, he promptly went out and got a job as a “sign waver” with Liberty Tax during tax season. When a woman who felt he was being taken advantage of confronted him, his response to her was, “This is my choice. I choose not to sit home on the couch all day. I choose to be here working!” That’s Scott. He is a proactive kind of guy who pursues dreams with a vengeance. His employer came to admire that in Scott, and they became friends. Two dreams have been obsessions with Scott for some time. The first is to make a living with his music. Scott is passionate about music, and he is a writer and very good singer who occasionally joins a few friends to do both. The second dream was to ride a Harley in the March of Dimes “Bikers for Babies” ride. Because he was a preemie himself, this has been a big goal for Scott. As luck would have it, Scott’s boss, from January through May at Liberty Tax Service, was a Harley rider who rode in just that ride every year. This year, to accommodate Scott, his

On Sept. 29, the Miller Group helped Concerned Care with a morning of van washing on Sept. 29 The organization uses large, 15-passenger vans to transport consumers to medical appointments, work and recreational activities. The volunteers conducted a carcleaning products supply drive leading up to the day. The Miller Group donated soap, chamois, glass cleaner, interior cleaning products and their invaluable time. The group was able to help with the cleanup of over 15 vehicles. The 2016 Leadership Northland Class with the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce selected Concerned Care as their service project. In October, the class helped Concerned Care residents decorate three homes for Halloween. Residents took part in the decorating, as well as some pumpkin painting. The members of the class and residents ensured they had the spookiest houses on the block! Sixteen community members visited Sunbelt Rodeo in Parsons, Kan., the last weekend of September. At the rodeo, the residents were able to see plenty of action including barrel racing, goat tying, horsemanship and flag racing. The members of the Concerned Care community have participated in the event for many years. It has become a favorite outing and provides opportunities to see great sportsmanship and even take a turn on the bucking machine. Concerned Care also recognized Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, Sept. 13-19, by sharing stories of staff members who impact residents’ lives . During the monthly staff meeting, the Direct Support Professionals (DSP) were acknowledged and provided with treats. Followers on Facebook were engaged by asking them to share stories of how the DSP’s had impacted their lives. By sharing the DSP team’s stories, they are able to

CHS former employer and now friend, decided to rent a Harley trike so Scott could make his dream ride. Scott was thrilled and completed this dream on Sept. 20. This was not just another item checked off the bucket list for Scott. It was Scott saying to the world, “I don’t see my disabilities; I see my abilities and I live for my dreams—and you should too.” This is the message that Scott puts out in the world every day. Stop making excuses, move forward and make it happen. Scott has not yet made his living with his music, but you should keep your eyes and ears open because it’s only a matter of time once he puts his mind to it.

Scott (at right) recently fulfilled several dreams. He got a ride on a Harley Davidson with his boss from Liberty Tax Service . What’s more, the ride was in the March of Dimes “Bikers for Babies,” something he’s always wanted to join since he, too, was born with cerebral palsy and blindness.

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Concerned Care share with the community about how important the work they do every day is to our community. Concerned Care’s Shine Bright Annual Auction was Nov. 5 at the Argosy Casino. This year, the award recipients included members of the Northland community who have a huge impact on Concerned Care. The recipient of the Karl Morris Legacy Award was longtime Concerned Care volunteer, Mary Billiard. The recipient of the Partnership Award was presented to John Shackelford of Shackelford Botanicals. And the recipients of the Star Achievement Award were Carla, Denise, Terry and Michele of Hampton House. These awardees play major roles in what helps Concerned Care shine. The organization is pleased to work with each of these awardees and all members of our community.

The Miller Group was one reason Concerned Care had a lot going on recently. The Miller Group is an insurance firm that turned out to make a big impact by giving the Concerned Care’s transportation vans a thorough cleaning.

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Hard Work Leads to Rewarding Job

He Doesn’t Let Disabilities Define Him

Finding a job in today’s economy can be challenging with so many people looking for work and a limited number of jobs to be filled. It’s a tough call for employers, too. Of all the candidates applying for a particular position, who is the best person for the job? Chad Anderson is a 29-year-old high school graduate with a solid work ethic and a great desire to make a contribution at his job. He also has Asperger syndrome—a high-functioning form of

Nathan Powell decided a long time ago not to let his disability define him. “I don’t see myself as disabled,” he remarks. “I see myself as a normal human being.” After receiving a gunshot to his spine at 12 years iety kicked in, but knowing he could visit old, Nathan woke up to learn that he was his friends in the nursing home anytime he paralyzed from the neck down. Although wanted made the transition easier. “It feels he was never expected to move his arms good to live in my own apartment,” he and legs or even breathe on his own, notes. “It’s a lot better environment healthNathan beat the odds and was soon breath- wise, and I get out a lot more.” Nathan has ing on his own and had some mobility in a great relationship with all the staff that his right arm. support him 24 hours a day. He says, “The At 14, Nathan was placed in a nursing Manor staff is very caring; they work hard home where he spent his time refining his and make sure I have what I need. They computer skills bake me cookand making lifeies!” long friends. Now 25, But he still Nathan doesn’t longed for the believe in limits. independence A popular pubany young man lic speaker, he desires. Because loves to talk to Nathan lacked teens about gun the transportasafety awaretion and support ness and overhe needed to coming chaltravel, visiting lenges. He says, his family, “Someday I going to comwant to get marmunity activiried, have kids, ties and particimaybe work pating in lifewith computers skills programs or be a counNathan Powell has discovered a secret: “Don’t selor. My family just wasn’t possible. Then a complain about your life. You can do everything!” says I’m the parCHS Service ent of the family Coordinator because I’m began helping Nathan look at agencies that always helping them out!” Then he adds would give him the independence he need- with a smile, “Humor really helps, too! I ed. tell people the chair’s a bonus. My legs “The choice was up to me,” he says. “I never get tired and my shoes never get wanted my own apartment, to be close to dirty!” my family and to be able to get out into the Nathan says he may have his down days, community. I saw that Immacolata Manor but he’s discovered the secret to a life would give me those things.” Nathan without limits. He says, “Don’t complain admits it was scary at first and that his anx- about your life. You can do everything!”

Chad Anderson details cars before returning them into the rental rotation at Enterprise Rent-a-Car in Kansas City. Chad has worked there since June 2015. autism—but that doesn’t hold him back. Chad works at Enterprise Rent-a-Car in Platte Woods, Missouri, where he has been employed as a car detailer since June 2015. In his position, he washes the vehicles and vacuums and sanitizes their interiors after the rental cars have been returned. Chad also provides transportation to customers who need rides home or to work. Easter Seals Midwest serves people with developmental disabilities, like Chad, and the organization works with many companies across the state of

Easter Seals Midwest Missouri—including Enterprise—that are making a difference in the lives of those they employ and setting a meaningful example for the community. Through specialized employment services, Easter Seals Midwest empowers individuals at all stages of their careers—from teens who would like help building prevocational skills to people who want assistance finding a job to individuals who need support, or coaching, at work. Enterprise branch rental manager Matt Pearman has been very pleased with Chad’s work performance since he started last summer. “To keep up with a fastpaced environment like ours, we need bright, hard-working individuals who are dependable,” states Pearman. “With the help of Easter Seals Midwest, we have been able to add an asset to the team.” Chad has had steady employment since 2003. Prior to securing a position with Enterprise, he worked for 10 years at a grocery store and then for an airport service company. During all of that time, Chad also volunteered at North Kansas City Hospital, Children’s Mercy, Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, KC Pet Project and Hillcrest Thrift Shop. Chad also was employed for a brief period at FedEx as a package handler, but he struggled to keep up with his quota for packing trailers. “Chad resigned because he was disappointed in himself, despite the fact that his manager told his staff that Chad had been dependable and packed the trailers correctly and that he wished he had more workers like him,” comments Patrick Muller, an employment recruiter (please continue on page 3)

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Immacolata

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Ranch Party Brings Major Fun for NEEC

Unique Playground Continues to Progress

On Saturday, September 19, over 250 friends, family, staff and community members gathered to support the Northland Early Education Center (NEEC) at the annual Diamond K Ranch Party & Auction held at Mark and Lorry Kelly’s beautiful Diamond K Ranch in Kearney, Mo. Guests enjoyed a gorgeous evening, while indulging in a delicious meal courtesy of Cosentino’s Price Chopper in Liberty. Children were entertained throughout the evening with hayrides, a moonwalk, and a tattoo and balloon artist. With outstanding auction items to bid on, guests left with treasures in their arms and warmth in their hearts, knowing that their participation helped generate over $42,000 for NEEC. The funds raised from the Ranch Party will assist in continuing to provide essential educational and therapeutic intervention services for children who have special needs and typical needs in the Kansas City Northland. NEEC would like to express its sincerest appreciation to the sponsors, to everyone who attended the fun and meaningful event and to all of the businesses and individuals who donated items for the auctions, as well as to the volunteers who gave of their time. Without their overwhelming generosity and support, this event would not be possible. NEEC’s 15th Annual Diamond K Ranch Party & Auction will be in September next year; however, the date has not been set at this time. The 15th year will mark the last year for the Diamond K Ranch Party & Auction. A new fundraising event will replace the annual Ranch Party, and details about the new fundraiser will be announced at a later date.

Work is continuing on Platte County’s first Universally Accessible Playground. A team of non-profit organizations is preparing to build the playground at Tiffany Hills Park, next to the sports complex and aquatic center. The groups collaborating on the effort are Unlimited Play, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Platte County Board of Services for the Developmentally Disabled, Variety Club of Kansas City and Kansas City Parks and Recreation. The playground theme is “Pirates” with a pirate ship and mermaids as part of the design. The opening has been delayed until spring, but work and fundraising continue. Donations are still being accepted through the Unlimited Play website, www.unlimitedplay.org. Approximately 90 percent of the goal of $500,000 has been reached. As the photos below illustrate, the play-

NEEC

PCBS ground will be unique in many ways. Among its features will be safe, spongy surfacing; a ramping systems for every play element, transfer stations, specialized seating, hand holds, and climbing systems to assist children’s climb and reach; and adaptive swings with high backs for children with low muscle tone, toddler swings and Biggo Swings that enable multiple children to swing together. Children with disabilities have very little recreational opportunities. When they are available, the facilities often require transportation to areas off the metro or bus line. Further questions should be directed to Victoria Schmitt Babb, Community Engagement Director, Unlimited Play, (636) 757-3978, or [email protected], or www.unlimitedplay.org.

Everyone had fun at this fall’s NEEC Diamond K Ranch Party & Auction.

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2601 NE Barry Road Kansas City, MO 64156

Northland Services For People with Developmental Disabilities

VSI

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In addition to his commitments to Vocational Services, Executive Director Randy Hylton has been involved with Missouri Sheltered Workshop Managers Association for many years. He serves as the associa- the experience of people with significant tion’s legislative co-chair and is active at disabilities who were employed by shelthe state and federal level, advocating for tered workshops, as well as providers who individuals with disabilities and support- formerly operated sheltered workshops in ing their rights to make choices regarding Maine. Approved by the GWU University employment and community integration Institutional Review Board, this study outservices. A key challenge continues to be lining the experience in Maine can serve as advocating for funding to support services a guidepost for policymakers in other and speaking for legislative action that states. supports and recognizes both sheltered The study examined several questions, workshop and community employment from how much success Maine experiservices as viable options for individuals enced trying to move people from shelwith disabilities. tered workshops to costs for providers. A recent study by the CHIMES Key findings in the report include: Foundation and researchers from George • People who had been employed in Washington University found several sheltered workshops have seen their hours problems for people with disabilities in worked per week decline. Two-thirds of Maine following “conversion” from shel- those previously employed are no longer tered workshops to integrated employ- employed, and those who are working earn ment. less per week because of the reduction in Some national groups have called for the number of hours they are allowed to complete replacement of workshops by work. competitive, community employment for • The number of people with intellectual all workers with developmental disabili- developmental disabilities who were ties. More recently, questions about mini- served in integrated employment in Maine mum wages and Section 14C of the Fair also declined during the years from 2001 Labor Standards Act have threatened to 2014. Employment data for people with workshops with untenable financial intellectual disabilities in Maine shows an requirements. average of only 12 hours worked per week While workshops recognize the funda- in 2011, the lowest in the nation. After the mental need for options and choice, long passage of the law, non-work placements experience has shown that it is unrealistic increased dramatically from 550 to 3,178. to see them as the only solution. This “When you look at what happened in recent study is a good example of the con- Maine—overall employment rates cerns expressed by workshop leaders. declined, hours worked per week declined, In Maine, a 2008 law directed state day habilitation rates increased—you realagencies to increase supported and inte- ly have to wonder how this benefits people grated employment opportunities for peo- with disabilities, particularly those with ple with disabilities and ultimately close multiple, significant disabilities,” said sheltered workshops. The report, Terry Farmer, CEO of ACCSES, which “Transitions: A Case Study of the represents more than 1,200 disability servConversion from Sheltered Workshops to ice providers across the country. Integrated Employment in Maine,” studied page 11 Pathways

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Move from Sheltered Workshops a Mistake