On Target is a monthly publication
of the Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities.
We welcome your suggestions for newsletter content and
ideas concerning the actions of the Council. On Target is made available
in accessible formats upon request.
Suellen Jackson-Boner
Executive Director
Christine Dahlberg
Associate Director
Paul Shankland
Grants Manager |
Volume 16 Number 7
Summer study committees address disability-related issues
The legislative session has adjourned, but members of the General Assembly are hard at work in interim study committees, some of which are addressing issues related to people with disabilities.
It is the role of these committees to discuss various topics of concern and decide what, if any, legislation is needed. Committee members then draft and submit legislation recommendations for the upcoming session.
The following committees are addressing issues of concern for people with disabilities:
Senate Resolution (SR) 19 directs the Commission on Excellence in Health
Care to study the regulation of home health care and service providers.
The Health Finance Commission is discussing how to best meet the needs of a rising number of uninsured Hoosiers, including those with disabilities.
The Mental Health Commission, as directed by SR 22, will address children's mental health services, focusing on potential improvements to the service delivery system.
Special education advocates will be watching the Interim Study Committee on Educational Achievement as it addresses Senate Bill 366, which allows students with and without disabilities who are considered disruptive to be placed in alternative educational settings.
The Commission on State Tax and Financing Policy, the Legislative Council and the State Budget Committee will discuss budgetary issues that will affect people with disabilities.
In addition to the interim study committees, there are permanent commissions assigned to address specific issues and submit legislation every year. Two of these commissions are the Indiana Commission on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disability (MRDD) and the Indiana Commission on Autism.
The MRDD Commission is responsible for developing a long-range plan for community-based services for people with developmental disabilities. It also reviews, monitors and makes recommendations for services to people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.
The Indiana Commission on Autism is directed to study the service delivery system for people with autism and their families, and study the need and effectiveness of programs for people with autism. In addition, it oversees and updates the development of a comprehensive plan for services for all individuals with autism.
Committees and commissions must submit findings and recommendations by Nov. 1.
The public is welcome to attend these meetings and provide input.
For additional information about interim study committees or commissions, or to obtain meeting schedules, visit www.in.gov/legislative or call Legislative Services at (317) 232-9856 (voice) or (317) 233-5762 (TT).
Individuals with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations for attendance at the meetings should contact Legislative Services at least 72 hours in advance.
Survey explores HIV/AIDS' effect on disability community
The Office of the Advisor on Disability and Development and The Global HIV/AIDS Program of the World Bank are sponsoring a Global Survey on HIV/AIDS and Disability. The goal is to learn how the HIV/AIDS epidemic affects the global disability community.
The survey seeks information on:
- programs that provide HIV/AIDS education, interventions and services to people with disabilities
- disability advocates' attempts to seek help for HIV/AIDS-related issues in their communities
- HIV/AIDS-related government and voluntary organizations that have tried to reach people with disabilities
Once the information is gathered, survey administrators will post examples of innovative programs on a Web site. The site also will link to relevant papers, publications and notices of research, training sessions and conferences.
To contribute to the survey or to obtain more information, contact Dr. Nora Groce at
(203) 785-2866 (voice), (203) 785-6193 (fax) or nora.groce@yale.edu (e-mail).
Martin claims 14th Mini-Marathon victory
Few Indianapolis Mini-Marathon participants can say they win the race 82 percent of the time. But this year, Butch Martin claimed his 14th win in the wheelchair division out of 17 attempts.
Martin is more than just a local success. He competes in most major city marathons, but skips other races (with larger prizes) so he can run his "hometown race" each May. He holds the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon record, 47:37, in the men's wheelchair division achieved in 2002.
His proudest moment, however, came two years ago at a marathon in Japan, where he competed against more than 500 participants. He placed 17th overall and first among Americans.
"Of all the races I've ever won, that one stands out the most because the competition was worldwide - 25 or 26 countries," he said.
To prepare for such competitions, Martin logs about 100 miles per week in his road-racing wheelchair. In the winter and in inclement weather, he trains using stationary rollers.
Martin, who races for Team Invacare, encourages other people with disabilities
to get involved in wheelchair racing, despite the potentially high cost of racing chairs.
"Start slow and work your way up. Race as much as you can and have fun with it," he said.
Group supports parents, families of children with disabilities
The Indiana Resource Center for Families with Special Needs (IN*SOURCE) provides Indiana parents, families and service providers with training and assistance to ensure effective educational programs and appropriate services for children and young adults with disabilities.
IN*SOURCE administers many different federal, state and local projects offering training and support to individuals with disabilities and their families. Some of these projects include:
The Family Involvement Fund - Provides financial support for family members of children with disabilities to participate in conferences, training events, public forums and hearings, task forces, and other similar activities, so they can meaningfully participate in the decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their children.
Indiana Parent Training Program - Federally funded, this program instructs parents about their rights and responsibilities in the early intervention and special education processes under state and federal laws.
Parents Helping Parents, A Regional Approach - IN*SOURCE believes that parents working together in the community is a very effective way to reach and serve families. It currently has staff located in nine different communities throughout the state and more than 300 Regional Parent Resources statewide.
For more information, visit www.insource.org, e-mail insource@insource.org or call toll-free (800) 332-4433 (voice).
How well do you know the Council?
Take this fun quiz to see how much you know about the Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities.
1. The Council sponsors Disability Awareness Month in which month?
A. January
B. October
C. March
D. May
2. The Council offers which of the following information resources?
A. The Legislative Process booklet
B. Medicaid Waiver Guide
C. Interacting brochure
D. All of the above
3. The Council hosts an annual conference for people with disabilities.
A. True
B. False
4. Which of the following is a project of the Council?
A. Family and Social Services Administration
B. Fifth Freedom
C. Indiana Parent Information Network
D. ATTAIN
5. The mission of the Council is:
A. To provide housing for people with disabilities in Indiana
B. To promote public policy leading to the independence, productivity and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society
C. To provide employment and educational assistance to people with disabilities
How did you do?
1. C - The Council sponsors Disability Awareness Month in March of each year. It provides free posters, bookmarks, buttons and planning packets for a variety of events for use by community advocates in conducting local activities. A new theme is developed each year and tens of thousands of people participate in grassroots special events coordinated by local advocates.
2. D - The Council provides all of these resources, as well as many others, to empower individuals, families and advocates with essential information.
3. A - The Council sponsors an annual statewide Conference for People with Disabilities, allowing advocates to join together and discuss issues facing people with disabilities in Indiana.
4. B - Fifth Freedom is establishing a statewide consumer network for people with disabilities to create systems change in Indiana. The other three groups listed offer services to and advocate for people with disabilities, but are not projects of the Council.
5. B - The Council's mission is to promote public policy which leads to the independence, productivity and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society. It does not provide direct services but, instead, accomplishes its mission through planning, evaluation, collaboration, education, model projects, research and advocacy.
Bionic eye could restore sight for some
Scientists at NASA have developed a technology that one day might restore sight to some people who are blind. The so-called "bionic eye" contains tiny ceramic solar cells that mimic eye cell function.
The solar cells are arranged on thin films, each containing more than 100,000 solar cells.
Specifically, the bionic eye's mechanical solar cells perform the functions of the human eye's rod and cone cells, which work together to sense light and convert that light into images the brain can recognize.
Many people who lose their eyesight gradually experience the malfunction or destruction of these particular cells. So the bionic eye would be most appropriate for those whose rod and cone cells are damaged but whose retinas still have good connections to the brain.
The device is implanted into the retinal area of the eye, the area generally inhabited by rod and cone cells.
USA Today reported that scientists have completed a trial of the device on six patients, all of whom showed some improvement in their vision without major side effects or infection. However, it will take several more years of extensive testing before the device could be made widely available.
Of Note
Council seeks applicants for board membership
The Council is currently accepting applications for future board membership positions. People with disabilities or family members of people with disabilities who are visionary and interested in board governance are encouraged to apply. For more information or an application, contact the Council at (317) 232-7770 (voice), (317) 232-7771 (TT) or GPCPD@gpcpd.org (e-mail).
Tickets available for Dream Makers' summer show
The Arc of Hancock County's theatre group, Dream Makers, announces its fourth annual summer show, "A Rainbow Dream." The production features performers with and without disabilities. The play focuses on diversity and is told in a "fairy tale" style.
It will be presented Aug. 8-10 at Greenfield-Central High School. For tickets and show times, contact the Arc of Hancock County at (317) 462-3727 (voice) or (317) 462-3705 (fax).
Conference focuses on school-to-work transition
The 2003 Indiana Statewide Transition Conference will be held Aug. 7-9 at the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites. Keynote speakers include Ako Kambon, president of the Visionary Leaders Institute; Michael Wehmeyer, a leader in self-determination and student involvement in transition planning; and Kathie Snow, author of Disability is Natural. Registration, not including lodging, is $95; a limited number of stipends are available. To register, visit www.iidc.indiana.edu/cclc/tregistration.pdf or contact Sarah Moore at (812) 855-6508 (voice) or saramoor@indiana.edu (e-mail).
Parents create IDEA reauthorization Web site
A group of parents has created a Web site focusing on the reauthorization of IDEA.
The site, www.ourchildrenleftbehind.com, features news alerts, media information, a variety of resources and "The Grapevine,"a collection of IDEA-related rumors and "leaks."
Count Us INCountdown
The deadline to register for the Nov. 4 general election is Oct. 6.
Save the date!
The 2003 Conference for People with Disabilities will be held Dec. 2-3 at the downtown Indianapolis Westin hotel.
Indiana Governor’s Planning
Council for People with Disabilities
150 West Market Street, Suite 628
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
(317) 232-7770 voice
(317) 232-7771 TT
E-mail: GPCPD@gpcpd.org
Web site: www.state.in.us/gpcpd
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