KD'S KORNER

From Now On (02-09-11)

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:40:00 +0000

From Now On You Can Find KD's Korner at

KD's Korner on Wordpress

Sonia and the Urgent Medical Visa Needs

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Sonia and the Urgent Medical Visa Needs

Oklahoma AF Base Add Video Relay Services For Its Deaf Employees

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:12:00 +0000

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Oklahoma Air Force Base adds video relay services for its deaf employees

From Tinker Air Force Base Public Affairs Office:

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Thanks to the installation of a new, technologically-advanced device called the Z-150, deaf/hearing impaired employees at Tinker can now speak to, and see, one another over the phone.

The Z-150 is a video phone system with a camera and monitor that allows communications to travel over the network, similar to a computer. It uses a relay interpreter service, so deaf/hearing impaired employees can have conversations with other people who are not hearing impaired. A relay person, or a sign language interpreter, visually communicates to the deaf/hearing impaired person who has the Z-150 through the monitor.

Susan McClintick, information assurance specialist in the 72nd Air Base Wing Communications Directorate, worked on a team of three people for nearly two years to get the Z-150 certified and approved in compliance with Air Force standards.

"This is to help our hearing impaired employees, so they will have less dependence on an interpreter or interpretation services," Ms. McClintick said. "Our main goal was to make sure they weren't going to use a product that later someone would come out and say, 'Oh, you can't use this.' We wanted to make sure it was approved prior to them ordering and using it."

Patty Wilson, program analyst and sign language interpreter in the 76th Maintenance Wing's Operations Office, is currently the only interpreter on base. She said the Z-150 system frees up a lot of her time interpreting the small items that can now be completed by using the Z-150.

Instead of Ms. Wilson having to physically meet with the hearing impaired employees to interpret each time they use the phone, the Z-150 connects to an answering service and a live person signs and translates to the deaf caller.

Although one Z-150 was already installed within the Defense Logistics Agency on base, David Harman, an engineering technician in the 948th Supply Chain Management Group, was the first hearing impaired employee within the Tinker Air Force side to use a Z-150.

"It's wonderful," Mr. Harman said. "It helped me to be independent myself, and I can call anyone, anywhere. I don't have to depend on people calling for me."

Mr. Harman has been working at Tinker since 1985 and has seen many phone devices for deaf/hearing impaired employees come and go. But the Z-150 is the fastest and most efficient system so far, he said.

Because of Mr. Harman's experience and knowledge with video phones, Ms. Wilson chose him to be the first person to test the use of the phone and make sure it worked properly. Tinker now has four five of the phone systems installed and five several more have been ordered.

"We will order continuously until we finish getting all the deaf on base a Z-150, working with their supervisors," Ms. Wilson said.

There are currently 100-150 people employed at Tinker who are deaf or hard of hearing, and who will eventually need the Z-150 phones installed in their offices. The devices cost $399 per phone, but Tinker is able to get them free of charge through the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program, or CAP, which is funded through the Secretary of Defense and is designated to help government employees with any type of disability.

Not only does the Z-150 have a camera and video, it has many other functions as well. It can be used between two hearing impaired employees, which means an interpreter is not needed at all.

"The phone also allows hearing impaired employees to call other people who have Z-150 phones, and the interpreter drops out of the picture," Ms. McClintick said.

Also, if a person has a cochlear implant, a device that provides a sense of sound to hearing impaired individuals, then that person has the option to actually speak to the interpreter from the answering service.

"So they have a right to use their voice if they choose to do so," Ms. Wilson said. "But the interpreter will still sign."

The sign language interpreters within the relay are part of an answering service provided through the Z-150 phone system. However, they are government employees so they have a code of confidence that allows them to share and communicate any type of information they may see and hear.

Before the Z-150, Mr. Harman would primarily communicate through e-mail when he wasn't relying on Ms. Wilson to interpret for him. With the new phone, he said he uses the Z-150 at least three or four times per day.

"I don't have to bother Patty for the little things anymore," Mr. Harman said. "It's great technology and I appreciate this so much."

Gadgets For SMA (from Gwedolyn Strong Foundation)

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 22:34:00 +0000

GadgetsForSMA.com: Turn those old gadgets into SMA research dollars!

Posted: 26 Dec 2010 08:22 AM PST

Was Santa good to you this year? Did he bring you that awesome new iPhone you were wishing for? Was there a shiny new Canon digital camera under the tree? Did you find an Xbox Kinect in your stocking? New laptop? GPS device? That’s awesome! You must have been a very good girl/boy this year and we’re sure you are enjoying all of your brand new toys today.
So, what are you going to do with that old cell phone, digital camera, video game console, laptop, or GPS device that is now sitting in your closet or drawer? Simple. Why not turn them into much needed SMA research dollars through GadgetsForSMA.com! At NO cost to you! For many items, not even the cost of a box to ship it in!
It’s super simple and you can sell almost any gadget through the system. They’ll tell you instantly how many SMA research dollars your gadget is worth and they send you a box in the mail. All you have to do is put your gadget in the box and ship it back to them. They even pay for the shipping! It really is that simple. We promise
So what are you waiting for? Go to GadgetsForSMA.com now to get rid of those gadgets and help accelerate research focused on ending SMA!
Here’s how:

Go to GadgetsForSMA.com
Type the name of your gadget in the white box and click “Find”
Select your gadget’s model from the search results and click “Donate Now”
Answer the simple questions and click “Calculate” (the resulting $ amount is how much GSF will receive as a result of your gadget donation)
Click “Add To Box”
Click “Checkout” if you are ready to help end SMA or type the name of another gadget in the white box and click “Find” if you want to add more gadgets to your order
That’s it!

A Young Man Who Is Making A Difference in the Lives of His Haitian Countrymen (from Fireside International Blog)

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 22:14:00 +0000

A HERO’S HALO

I am so proud to bring you this blog post about a young Haitian man that has shown us all what it means to be a hero.

I first encountered Herold Charles on Twitter nearly a year ago. Immediately following the earthquake in Haiti, Herold was fast on his feet, acting swiftly to make a difference in the lives of those who were suffering, both in Haiti and abroad.

On Friday, December 10, 2010, Herold will be honored for that valiant and heroic effort on the TeenNick HALO Awards (premiering at 8pm Eastern Time on TeenNick). In addition to totally surprising us with a donation of half of his charitable prize, Herold was kind enough to grant me this interview where he explains more about his incredible journey.

—–

LUKE: Tell us your story. Where are you from specifically, what are your passions, and where do you see yourself in the future?

HEROLD: I am from Jacmel. I moved to the states when I was 12 with my dad. All my other relatives live in Haiti. My dad is currently there since the quake and never came back home. I have a passion for Technology. I am currently in high school but I am doing both High School and college at the same time. I am currently in my 3rd year on studying IT- Computer Networking. I don’t really think much of my future but from the looks of things, I am pretty sure it’s gonna be a great one. I hope to continue on networking. If not, I’ll go for psychology. All my friends tell me I picked the wrong career choice because I am so good at giving advice.

LUKE: Describe the TeenNick HALO Awards.

HEROLD: The TeenNick HALO Award is an award given to individuals that are Helping And Leading Others (HALO). After the earthquake in Haiti, I was helping intensely with Relief Efforts; I helped find missing relatives for people in the States and around the world through Twitter. They would send me the name, address, and phone number of their relatives in Haiti and I would then forward it by text (at that time calling didn’t work) to my family in Haiti and they would then go and get me some news on those people. Once they got news, they would in turn call me and let me know what they heard and I would go ahead and call the families here and let them know what I heard. Some was good news and others, not so good. Besides that, I was helping out with translation from English to French, Creole, or Spanish. I would translate documents for medical personnel and news reports.

LUKE: As I understand it, there was a personal prize and a prize for your choice of non-profit. Can you describe how that breaks down?

HEROLD: There were two prizes given. They awarded me with a combined total of $20,000. $10,000 would go towards my education and the other $10,000 would go to the charity of my choice. I decided that you guys (Fireside International) and Project Medishare would be the two organizations I would award the grant to, because I oh so love the work that you guys are doing! Both of you will receive $5,000 each.

Herold Charles stands alongside a fellow hero to Haiti, Wyclef Jean

LUKE: We feel so very fortunate to share the $10,000 prize with @Medishare4Haiti. While we are very aware of our own projects, can you please take a moment to tell us more about the work that MedShare is doing?

HEROLD: Project Medishare for Haiti, Inc., a 501.3 non-profit registered in the State of Florida, was founded in 1994 by Drs. Barth Green and Arthur Fournier from the University of Miami School of Medicine. It is an organization dedicated to sharing its human and technical resources with its Haitian partners in the quest to achieve quality healthcare and development services for all. This mission is accomplished through two distinct but complimentary programs which now frequently intersect, such as the Community Health Program and the Integrated Community Development Program.
(You can find out more about Project MediShare at their website:www.ProjectMediShare.org

LUKE: As a humanitarian and a young leader, what advice can you give to the rest of us when it comes to making a difference in our world?

HEROLD: My advice to everyone out there is that you are never too small to make a difference. With the right determination, you can’t change the world but you can sure change someone’s life. If that person pays it forward, you will reach a whole lot more people than you imagined. When I was doing this work, I didn’t expect anything to happen. But look at how much is happening. I would suggest to everyone that whatever they are doing, don’t do it for selfish reasons. Do it because you care. Do it because you are passionate about it. Do it because you care about people!

Wheelchair Basketballers Help Out Wounded Warriors

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:49:00 +0000

UTA wheelchair basketballers help wounded warriors who are trying out for Army team

02:21 PM CST on Sunday, December 12, 2010

By IAN McCANN / The Dallas Morning News
imccann@dallasnews.com

ARLINGTON – As they get ready to compete against their counterparts from other service branches, soldiers trying out for the U.S. Army's wheelchair basketball team learned from some of the best in the sport this weekend.

KELLEY CHINN/Special Contributor

Army Spc. Craig Smith took a spill while on the court with Army veteran Randall McMinn (left) of the UTA Movin' Mavs during a wheelchair basketball tournament Saturday.

The soldiers belong to the Army's Warrior Transition Unit, set up in 2007 to support soldiers injured in the line of duty and their families. In May, they'll be playing in the Warrior Games, a joint program of the Department of Defense and the U.S. Olympic Committee.

"We try to use sports to help them in their transition," said Maj. Chris Cooper, who oversees adaptive sports for the Warrior Transition Command. "It definitely makes a significant difference in the process."

They trained in a clinic hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington's Movin' Mavs, one of the top programs in the country, then played against each other in a tournament that will help narrow a field of 25 soldiers to 10 for the Army's team. The event closed Saturday night with a game against the Movin' Mavs.

Some of the soldiers lost limbs in combat, while others suffered paralysis, knee injuries and back injuries.

Joining the warrior transition program helped Sgt. Le'Roy L. Scott II realize that he's still able to contribute as a soldier, even though he can no longer run miles with a pack strapped to his back. In August 2007, he was hurt by an improvised explosive device, nearly died and is still facing more surgery.

"These guys taught me it's OK," said Scott, 36, who grew up inPhiladelphia and is based in Kaiserslautern, Germany. "After the injury, I realized what mattered to me the most – my kids, my family."

Playing sports has been helpful for Pfc. Dean Baker, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. He was paralyzed from the waist down by a car bomb in Iraq nearly two years ago.

"I just thought I was done," said Baker, 19. "My Army career was over."

He eventually started playing basketball at a community recreation program and found something that's helped him stay in shape. Even though he wasn't much good at basketball before, Baker said, he's gotten the hang of the wheelchair game.

"I don't really like to go work out in a gym," he said. "Staying in shape, it's helped a lot with my back."

Baker has regained the ability to walk, though he is still partially paralyzed in one leg.

While some at the weekend camp had rarely touched a basketball before, Spc. Roshanda White had long played the game before she suffered a major knee injury when she was based in Korea. She played it in a wheelchair for the first time this week.

"I came around pretty good," said the 27-year-old, who is based in Heidelberg, Germany. "This is something that can be done to boost morale and to put that spirit in people's lives. This puts us back out there.

View From My Window

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 23:57:00 +0000

This is/was the view out my window of a glorious sunset and the reflection of the Broncos game from my tv that sits on the other side of my living room

Troy Yocum's Drum Hike and How You Can Help!!!

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 03:34:00 +0000

Heartline Ministry Doing Encouraging Things in Haiti!

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 22:31:00 +0000

photo credit: Beth McHoul

From Tara Livesay...

"As we dream and hope for the future as a ministry, one of the things that has become very clear in our Women's program is the increased need for support and discipleship in the lives of our youngest moms.

Out of a desire to better reach and serve struggling and unprepared young mothers, we will be opening a home for them. We're moving forward with plans and preparations for a two-year residential program for teenage mothers.

The home will provide a place of safety and security where a new mother will live and learn in a protected environment. We desire to give each young woman an opportunity to grow in maturity, as well as the space and time needed for spiritual growth. Each new mom will be involved in a structured program that allows them a chance to learn and improve their parenting skills, learn about bonding, work on conflict resolution, and personal development. Much of this healing and learning will happen in a group setting. Some of it will take place through one-on-one counseling and mentoring relationships. Over time the young women will also learn a skill, such as sewing or jewelry making, that will help them provide for themselves and their child into the future.

We are excited too see what God will do in the lives of these capable and tenacious young women. We pray that by helping them build a strong foundation early in their parenting years we will impact not only their lives but the lives of their children.

This program will not succeed without the faithful prayers of all of you who choose to stand with us as we attempt to break the chains created by poverty and systems of oppression. We need your partnership and humbly ask for your prayers."

photo credit: Beth McHoul

Meet our girls and read their stories. If you're a lover of stories where God reaches down, snatches up a hopeless situation, and thoroughly redeems it; get someone to watch your kids, grab a tissue, and fall in love with what God is doing in these women's lives.

-- HOW YOU CAN BE A PART OF WHAT HEARTLINE IS DREAMING --

We have a house for these young moms and their babies. It's a short walk from the women's center where we care for moms and pregnant women.

Right now the teen moms are sleeping on the porch with their babies eagerly awaiting this house to become a home.

The house is being painted. Construction projects are underway. Soon it will be move-in ready.

Imagine this room with a few beds for the moms. Dressers. Fun bed sheets. Soft pillows.

Imagine this bathroom...well, first let's imagine it clean. One day it will be. But then let's imagine a fun shower curtain, towels, and bath rugs.

Imagine a giant dining room table. Chalkboards on the walls. A multi-purpose room where our girls are educated, eat together like family, and let their babies crawl around on the floor while they play at their mother's feet.

Imagine hearing the sounds of literacy classes, truth being proclaimed, laughter, and baby noises.

Imagine an office area where one-on-one tutoring and counseling takes place.

Imagine a sitting area on the front porch where family and friends can visit. Where moms and babies can hang out together. Where the flames of community and family are stoked.

Now imagine yourself getting involved. Grabbing a group of your friends, the ladies from your church, your Sunday School class, and adopting one of these rooms. Imagine yourself scheduling a shopping day, meeting your friends at Target (getting a Starbucks...please do, for all of us here who can't), and then roaming the aisles, checking sassy items off your list. As you shop, it will be hard not to get excited about what God is doing through this new home and how He has graciously included all of us in what He's up to.

For detailed shopping lists for each room you can check out this post.

These girls are young. They come from backgrounds that you and I will never fully understand. They are silly. They wear inappropriate clothes, act like teenagers, fight over flip flops, and yet God is graciously writing a beautiful story with their lives. What the enemy meant for evil, God...well...He has other plans.

We look forward to having Tara and her family back in Haiti and seeing this teen mom home blossom. Tara was a teen mom. She has great things to say about teen moms and how the body of Christ can lovingly respond. Thinking of Tara's life and seeing these young Haitian moms that Tara will be serving, teaching, and mentoring is an incredible reminder for all of us. No matter what has happened in our pasts, God is in the businesses of working everything for good. No situation is too far gone. No circumstance is outside of His power to restore and heal. Do you believe that? If you've forgotten, go read about these girl's lives, look at their children's faces and think of all that God is doing and will do.

If you'd like to give to this new project, but don't want to adopt a room, feel free to donate financially to this project. For all the information a person could ever want to know about giving financially to Heartline, please go here.

Once we have "flipped" these rooms with the items you have purchased, we will repost pictures

Colorado struggles to help disabled residents create independent lives

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 18:02:00 +0000

Friday, December 10, 2010

Colorado struggles to help disabled residents create independent lives

From Laura Frank and Joe Manhoney at Rocky Mountain Investigative News Network. Jennifer LaFleur, Lauren Seaton, Andrea Sutherland and Jordan Wirfs-Brock contributed to this story. To find additional coverage on this topic from the I-News partners, read the I-News blog.

One out of every five residents in Colorado nursing homes wants out, and thousands of them could likely live on their own, an analysis of state and federal records shows.

But a shortage of places for the disabled to live outside a nursing home and regulations that critics say make it hard to qualify for home services mean many who want out continue to receive expensive nursing care.

Colorado – which was the birthplace of the independent living movement three decades ago – now is struggling to help disabled citizens receive care at home instead of a facility.

And that’s costing the state money.

“Long term care in general is costing the state more and more each year, just as more people need long term care services and the costs of care continues to increase,” said Tim Cortez, whom the state hired in June to reform long term care with the goals of serving more people and saving money.

In 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court said people who can live independently have that right. Keeping them in nursing homes is a form of segregation, the court has said, and that violates their civil rights. But Colorado doesn’t have the resources or the infrastructure to assist all the people who want out.

And while the overall nursing home population is shrinking, the number of working-age Coloradans in nursing homes is actually growing.

Many are people like Cliff Seigneur (pictured).

Seigneur was an assistant state attorney general, but his multiple sclerosis eventually made it impossible for him to work. He didn’t know about home care, and he wound up in a Denver nursing home at age 48.

“I don’t want to be brought out of this place in a body bag,” Seigneur said.

By sheer luck, he found out about the Denver-based Atlantis Community, the organization that started the independent living movement in Colorado in 1975.

When Seigneur contacted Atlantis, the organization had just received some rare housing vouchers. After six months of struggling, Seigneur was finally able to find an accessible, affordable apartment and the care services he needed to live there. He moved to his own apartment in Golden Nov. 29.

But Seigneur is the exception.

Today in Colorado, some 3,500 nursing home residents – including more than 360 in Denver – want out. But most are stuck in limbo.

Colorado taxpayers spend more than $1 billion each year on long term care for the needy. It’s the fastest growing part of the state budget, Cortez said. The largest chunk of that – more than a third – goes to people with disabilities.

Many of them could live on their own, with some assistance.

I-News analyzed Medicaid records obtained publicly for the first time by NPR, and found that thousands of Colorado nursing home residents can perform the basic tasks of daily living by themselves. Thousands more can do so with some assistance.

For example, more than 2,200 Colorado nursing home residents can bathe themselves. This was the daily living task for which most people needed help. Thousands more can dress, feed and move themselves.

Most of the care they receive now is paid for by Medicaid, the U.S. health program for the poor that is jointly funded by federal and state governments. Colorado’s total Medicaid budget is nearly $3 billion. Half comes from the state’s coffers; the other half is federal dollars.

If Colorado could spend more of that Medicaid money on home care – such as help bathing, dressing or with transportation – it could help hundreds of disabled Coloradans live independently.

And it could save millions of dollars.

A study last year found that when states spend more Medicaid dollars on home care instead of institutions, they saw their Medicaid bills drop by 8 percent. States that didn’t, saw their bills increase by about that much. That would be a $200 million difference on Colorado’s Medicaid bill.

An earlier study by the AARP Public Policy Institute showed the cost to support one person in a nursing home can support nearly three people with at-home services.
But if you’re a Coloradan with a disability, finding a home is not easy.

“There’s definitely a shortage of housing, in terms of low income housing and the availability of vouchers for people with disabilities,” Cortez said.

HUD, the federal department of Housing and Urban Development, says there are barely more than 1,100 housing units designated for disabled residents in all of Colorado. A recent check of coloradohousingsearch.com, a state-sponsored website designed to help people find accessible housing, shows only 13 accessible apartments available in all of Denver. Two of those have a waiting list; one is for senior citizens only.

Colorado is facing other challenges in its long term care programs.

In October, the Atlantis Community filed a complaint against the state, charging it is violating the civil rights of a client named Franklin Hicks. The complaint alleges that state regulations make getting out of a nursing home harder than getting in by requiring extensive documentation for home health services.

Also in October, state auditors said Colorado’s in-home support services program has been fraught with delays and poor management, and isn’t serving enough people. Many of the complaints had been previously noted, but not fixed, auditors said.

Cortez said state budget cuts and hiring freezes have stalled some progress.

“There’s certainly been vacancies in the department – in our long term care section specifically – and so, that has certainly created some backlog of things we’re looking at and wanting to do.”

But he said despite Colorado’s challenges, the state is still a leader in helping people leave institutions.

In January, state health officials are applying for a federal grant called Money Follows the Person. It would help Colorado spend Medicaid money on home health care. They’ll find out in February if Colorado wins the grant.

In the meantime, the numbers of people seeking home care services is expected to grow even more. As of October, the federal government says all nursing home residents must be asked if they want information about home- and community-based services that would enable them to live independently.

Whether Colorado gets the grant or not, the state needs to fix its long term care programs, said Shelley Hitt, Colorado’s long term care ombudsman.

“Despite that we have a strong history…that doesn’t matter much to the person who can’t access services or doesn’t have the funds,” Hitt said. “To that person, we still have a long way to go.”

Sweetness From Haiti! :-D

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:28:00 +0000

In Memory of Dax (Video of Matthew West's Song "One Last Christmas")

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:15:00 +0000

The following are Matthew West's words introducing his video "One Last Christmas":

This is the video my new Christmas song - "One Last Christmas." This song is inspired by the true story of the Locke family and their son Dax.

At just thirteen months old, little Dax was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia. He was given two bone marrow transplants as a part of emergency treatment; one from each of his parents. The doctors then told his parents that Dax would most likely not make it to see Christmas.

This song is about the love of a family, and the coming together of an entire community to make sure that this little boy could have one last Christmas. His dad, determined that his son would see Christmas, put up the decorations early. The neighborhood caught on, and did the same. The whole town soon followed suit. A website was built telling his story. Soon, pictures were sent from all over the world of Christmas decorations that had been put up in his honor.

Dax did lose his battle with Leukemia, but not before he got to see one last Christmas. Today, this little boy's legacy lives on, and his parents are making sure it does. They were so touched by the care they received from St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, that they now have a desire to raise enough money to run the entire hospital for one day in honor of their son, Dax. The total cost to run St. Jude's for one day is $1.6 million dollars. Already, they have raised a quarter of a million dollars.

This Christmas, it is on my heart to join forces with the Locke family, and help them in their cause. I would like to encourage you to join us in raising money that will go to an amazing cause in St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital that cares for so many children each year.

To donate now to St. Jude's in memory of Dax please visit:
http://tiny.cc/m1mdo

To read more of Dax's story visit:
http://www.daxlocke.com/
or
http://www.matthewwest.com

Together, we can reach this goal -- and fund St. Jude's for an entire day in Dax Locke's memory!

This is why I do what I do ...Now :)

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 03:22:00 +0000

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Care at home is a civil right for people with disabilities

From Joe Shapiro at NPR:

If you ever visit Martin Luther King Jr.'s gravesite in Atlanta, turn around and look across the street at the nursing home in a red brick building. If you look through a big plate-glass window to the left of the front door, you may just see Rosa Hendrix in her wheelchair looking out at you.

Every day, she sits at the window and watches the visitors paying their respects at the civil rights leader's grave. But Hendrix, 87, is fighting her own civil rights battle: to continue her life in her own home.

There's been a quiet revolution in the way the elderly and young people with disabilities get long-term health care. A new legal right has emerged for people in the Medicaid program to get that care at home, not in a nursing home.

States, slowly, have started spending more on this "home- and community-based care." But there are barriers to change: Federal policies are contradictory, and states face record budget deficits. As a result, for many in nursing homes — or trying to avoid entering one — this means the promise to live at home remains an empty promise.

Hendrix has lived at this nursing home for five years. She says no one's ever taken her across the street to visit the grave. She'd like to go, but she'd rather just get out of the nursing home.

"I get up in the morning. Eat my breakfast. Take a shower. And make my bed and all that and sit in this chair all day," she says. "I look out the window. Laugh. At least it gives you something else to look at."

Many people believe that nursing home residents are too sick to live at home. Yet there are many people who have the same disabilities found in nursing homes, who are able to live in their own homes with assistance from family or aides.

There's a growing body of law and federal policy that states when the government pays for someone's care in a nursing home, that person should have the choice to get his care at home. That it's a civil rights issue.

NPR's Investigative Unit looked at this emerging civil right to live at home and found that although it's been established in law and federal policy, the chance to live at home remains an empty promise for many people like Hendrix. States are slow to create new programs. Washington's enforcement record is spotty. And there are often contradictory federal and state policies about how to pay for long-term care.

"People with disabilities are segregated just as African-Americans were segregated," says Sue Jamieson (pictured), of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, who is also Hendrix's attorney.

"And this is a perfect example of segregation where we're sitting here today, because Ms. Hendrix is in a wheelchair and had a little trouble with her legs and therefore had some disabilities. She's being segregated, which is a violation of her civil rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act."

The Americans with Disabilities Act — ADA — is a 20-year-old law that bans discrimination on the basis of disability. Eleven years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. that people who live in institutions like state hospitals and nursing homes but could live successfully on their own have a civil right, under the ADA, to get their care at home.

Since then, federal policy was updated in the recent health care overhaul, which says that states need to spend more money on Medicaid programs for people to receive their long-term care at home.

But federal law requires states to pay for nursing homes, while community-based care programs are optional. So as states face record budget gaps, they only slowly add, or even cut, programs designed to help elderly and disabled people live at home.

Five years ago, Rosa Hendrix fell and hurt her leg. She was sent to a nursing home for therapy and was told it would only be a short-time stay.

"[They s]aid, 'You could do therapy,' and I know therapy's not a, I don't think it's a lifetime situation," Hendrix says. "But anyway, they said ... 'when you get better then you can go home.' "

But the Social Security check she relied upon to pay the rent on that apartment was diverted to pay for her nursing home care. She lost her apartment — and suddenly had no home to go back to.

Nor did she have family who could help her.

"That's the typical story," says Alan Weil, who runs the National Academy for State Health Policy, a think tank for state officials. "Once you're in a nursing home, it's hard to get out."

All the supports you need — someone to help you get out of bed, someone to cook for you — already exist in a nursing home, he says. "You become reliant upon the services that are available that you didn't have at home: cooking, getting out of bed in the morning, getting dressed, getting what you need. Without those supports, you can't live at home. And lining up the kind of help you need to get those supports is very hard."

Hendrix is hoping Jamieson, who was also the attorney who brought the landmark Olmstead Supreme Court case, can help her move out of the nursing home.

Recently, Jamieson sat on the small bed in the room Hendrix shares with another woman. The beds are separated by a faded curtain, and the fluorescent light reflects off a dull linoleum floor. All of Hendrix's possessions are in this room: several items of clothing — the ones that haven't been stolen — and a small TV with faded color that Hendrix turns on with a remote control held together by rubber bands.

"It's so frustrating because you don't have very many disabilities," Jamieson told Hendrix. "People with a lot more serious disabilities are living in the community."

"I know that," Hendrix replied.

"And people who can't take a shower and can't dress themselves and can't do all the things you can do," Jamieson said, "are living in the community. So it makes me sad that you're stuck in here."

"Yeah, I'm sad to be," says Hendrix. "Yes, I'm stuck."

Here's what Hendrix and Jamieson are asking the state of Georgia: Help Hendrix find a subsidized apartment. Her Social Security check could help pay for it. Then take the money the state is paying for her care in the nursing home and use some of it to instead pay for an aide to come in, maybe several hours a day, to help Hendrix keep her house clean and do the grocery shopping.

State officials say they don't disagree in principle. But there's a shortage of wheelchair-accessible apartments. And there are thousands of people ahead of Hendrix on a waiting list. There are hundreds of thousands of people across the country waiting for that kind of in-home care.

In October, Georgia avoided going to trial with the U.S. Department of Justice over what the federal government said was the state’s failure to live up to the terms of the Supreme Court's 1999 Olmstead decision. So state officials agreed to spend $77 million over the next two years to set up new programs to help people with mental illness and intellectual disabilities get care in their own homes. It's expected that several hundred, or even a few thousand, will leave state hospitals as a result.

The decision does not apply directly to people, like Hendrix, who live in nursing homes. But Bill Janes, the official in the Georgia governor's office responsible for implementing the agreement, says the creation of an infrastructure of new housing, case managers and in-home health aides for people in state hospitals with mental illness and intellectual disabilities could eventually make it easier for people in nursing homes to find community-based care, too. "It's absolutely a huge step forward," he said.

An NPR analysis of unpublished data on every nursing home in America shows that nursing home residents — and how disabled they are — vary from state to state.

For example, according to this exclusive data obtained by NPR's Investigative Unit via a Freedom of Information Act request:

-- In Illinois, almost 21 percent of people in nursing homes can walk by themselves, but fewer than 5 percent can in Hawaii and South Carolina.
Also in Illinois, almost 12 percent of nursing home residents can bathe themselves without assistance, but in Iowa and South Dakota, just 1 percent can.

-- In North Dakota, 60 percent can feed themselves without assistance, but in Utah fewer than 30 percent can.

-- In Illinois, nearly 27 percent and in Oklahoma more than 25 percent of residents can use the toilet without assistance. But in South Carolina and Hawaii, fewer than 3 percent can.

-- In Georgia, where Rosa Hendrix is fighting her case, fewer than 3 percent can bathe by themselves without assistance; just under 9 percent can dress by themselves without assistance; 17 percent can get in and out of bed by themselves; just under 14 percent can use the toilet by themselves; nearly 9 percent can walk by themselves; and 40 percent can eat without assistance.

The NPR data don't show why there are such discrepancies. But other numbers offer clues. Illinois, for example, has the highest percentage of younger people in nursing homes, and many are there because they have a mental illness. Illinois is also among states that spend a large percentage of their Medicaid long-term-care dollars on nursing home care and little on what's called home- and community-based care. Two states that spend the most on home-based care — Washington and Oregon — consistently score low on the number of nursing home residents who can do things like eating and bathing without any assistance. That suggests that more independent people may be using the alternatives for community-based care.

States are supposed to create programs to help with that hard work of moving home, and to get people with mild and moderate disabilities out of nursing homes.

But it's not easy. Many state Medicaid directors get nervous about the idea that living at home is now a civil right. "Where does the state responsibility start and where does the individual responsibility start?" asks Carol Steckel, who until last month was a Medicaid director in Alabama and as the head of the National Association of State Medicaid Directors.

At a meeting of state Medicaid directors, in a hotel outside Washington, D.C., last month, Steckel noted many reasons states are reluctant to expand home-based care. How do you make sure people get good care at home? It's easy, she says, to send an inspector into a nursing home. It's harder to check on hundreds of individuals in their own homes.

And then there's the money question. It's a big problem for states facing all-time-high budget deficits.

"We've got people asking us to do 24/7 at-home care," she says, "which means that we'll be paying $500,000 for one individual. And then you have to debate as a society is that what we want to do versus taking that $500,000 and spending it on prenatal care for 10,000 women. I mean it's a societal question, it's a conundrum almost."

Only in the rarest of cases would it ever cost $500,000. Multiple studies have shown that over the long run, home-based care is cheaper: One study by the AARP Public Policy Institute found that nearly three people can get care at home for the same cost of one in a nursing home. When the Supreme Court established a civil right to home-based care, it specified that it wasn't an unlimited responsibility for states. It had to be something they could do within existing budgets.

Over the past decade, states have steadily increased spending on home-based care — but not nearly enough to meet the need. The number of people on waiting lists has more than doubled, and there are now 400,000 people across the country waiting to get into home-based care.

People like Hendrix, who is trying to get out of that nursing home in Atlanta. "I'd be all right if they'd get me out of here," she says with a rueful laugh. "Cause I just don't need to be; in fact, I don't need to be in any place like this. I need to be out on my own."

Shop For A Cure (Gwendolyn Strong Foundation)

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 04:19:00 +0000

Shopping To Cure!

Support GSF This Holiday
Click | Shop | Cure!

It's that time of year! Holiday shopping is now in full swing! Check out some of the easy ways to help make your holiday purchases turn into SMA research dollars this season -- or what we call purchasing with purpose!!! Happy shopping and thank you for your continued support of our mission to move SMA from a deadly disease to a curable one!!! Together we can end SMA!!!

ShopToEndSMA.com ->

GSF created ShopToEndSMA.com in August 2009 as a simple way for anyone to help raise much needed SMA research funding while shopping at all of their favorite online stores. This can be used year round, but the holidays are a time when online orders double, so don't forget to simply start your online purchases with ShopToEndSMA.com. There are hundreds of merchants - Macys, Gap, Old Navy, Barnes & Noble, Disney Store, Sephora, Amazon, iTunes, and hundreds more!!! And you can even book your holiday travel through ShopToEndSMA.com - airlines, car rental, and hotels! And you can even SAVE money with exclusive ShopToEndSMA.com coupons!

Hope Calendar ->
In just 3 years, the Hope Calendar has raised nearly $20,000 for charity. And this year's 2011 Hope Calendar is donating 100% to the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation to help end SMA! This beautiful photography calendar makes a wonderful gift. And they are only $10! Simplyorder here or sign up to help us sell them. With your help we can raise thousands for GSF. And 100% of all sales go to SMA research!

Beb-e-ssentials ->

In just a few months, $2,000 has been raised for SMA research by Beb-e-ssentials! And they continue to donate 15% of ALL of their darling hats, clips, and accessories and60% of every "Gwendolyn Butterfly" to help end SMA! These beautiful butterfly clips are made with hand painted threads and hand blown beads. And they are now available with pin backs and snap clips if a hair accessory isn't your thing! Simply include the code "Cure SMA" in the comment section.

Divine Word Images ->

Divine Word Art prints are a collection of creative black and white photos of objects, nature and architecture in the shape of letters. We are enormously honored to have been selected as the "HOPE" charity with $5 from each sale of these beautiful images going to our cause. These photographs are inspiring and make an artistic gift. Simply enter HOPE and order here.

My Bunny & Me ->
Between now and the end of December,MyBunnyAndMe.com will be donating 20% of ALL sales to GSF. Snuggly and personalized giant bunnies, puppies, and blankets are wonderful, unique gifts. And have your sweet little ones name embroidered right on the cuddlies ear to make this pressie extra special. You can even have the GSF logo embroidered to show your support! Just enter "GSF" in the comment section. Visit My Bunny & Me to learn more and to order.

Zoolu ->
Zoolu! offers an extensive line of
name-brand and personalized products for both Mommy and Baby, offering customers the convenience of a big box store with the welcoming feel of a small boutique - all in one place! During the week of December 3rd through December 12th, 15% of all orders on ShopZoolu.com with the code "EndSMA" will go to GSF. Check out their super darling gifts! Be sure to check Zoolu out 12/3 to 12/12!!!

Milverstead Publishing LLC ->

Common Sense, Not A Fire Exit, The Jeffrey Journey, Tracy's Story - four incredible books, four amazing authors, four opportunities to give back to SMA research!!! Learn more by visiting Milverstead Publishing's bookstore.

Read Give ->

Ordering magazines for friends and family? Renewing your yearly subscription? Be sure to go through Read Give and 40% is directed to GSF. Click here to learn more and place your order.

Don't forget to join GSF's Facebook fan page to learn about other ways to help end SMA!

Together we can end SMA! One person, one dollar at a time!

About Gwendolyn Strong Foundation (GSF) The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation (GSF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity dedicated to ending Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic killer of infants and young children. As witnesses to the degenerative cruelty of SMA, it is our passionate mission to accelerate research solely focused on curing this devastating disease.

Deaf Community files class action lawsuit against Cinemark

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:39:00 +0000

Yes, if the Deaf community wins it will affect the Cinemark theaters here in Colorado Springs. I hope they win because they do deserve to see the movies like and with the rest of us

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Deaf community files class action lawsuit against Cinemark theater chain for lack of closed captioned movies

From KGO-TV in Calif.:

ALAMEDA COUNTY, Calif. -- A class action lawsuit filed against a well-known movie chain is aimed at helping the deaf and hearing impaired. They want the same right to enjoy movies as those without hearing disabilities.

More than 200 million Americans went to the movies last year, according to the Motion Picture Association. Linda Drattell, one of the plaintiffs, was not one of them -- she is deaf.

"I can't enjoy a movie," says Drattell. "My daughter who sings, I can no longer hear her sing."

Drattell, 53, lost her hearing late in life. Rick Rutherford, another plaintiff, lost his hearing 11 years ago.

"I used to go to the movies on a weekly basis. It was a wonderful experience. We would all decide 'Which one should we see this week?'" says Rutherford.

The two are plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit filed against the Cinemark movie theatre chain, which owns Century Theatres. The suit charges that Cinemark discriminates against the deaf and those with hearing loss by not providing closed captioned movies.

Their attorney Kevin Knestrick says the suit comes on the heels of a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling.

"The 9th Circuit essentially said that closed caption films are an auxiliary aid that theatres need to provide," says Knestrick.

The suit targets Cinemarks' Theatres in Alameda County, where Drattell and Rutherford live.

Lawyers who filed the suit say about 85 percent of first run movies are captioned when they're delivered to theatres like this one. All the theatres have to do is install the equipment.

"The cost is around $10,000 for what's called rear window captioning," says Knestrick.

The theatre mounts an LED screen in the back of the theatre that displays the captioned dialogue which is on a CD.

The moviegoer is given a small plastic screen which reflects the captions. It is as simple as that.

"We are trying to enjoy ourselves just like any other American would like to do," says Drattell. "And what would you want to happen to yourself if you should lose your hearing tomorrow?"

Cinemark's corporate office did not return ABC7's calls.

Hear Their Cries (Livesay [Haiti] Blog)

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:52:00 +0000

HEAR THEIR CRIES

I read this post written by a respected friend late last night. Please read it. Yes, it is uncomfortable to read and see. Yes, it is easier not to know of such of pain, of such suffering.

hear their cries

The World Health organization (WHO) Tuesday said that 1,648 persons have died as a result of the cholera outbreak in Haiti and that more than 72,000 others have been treated for the water borne disease which first surfaced in late October. Health organizations now predict that as many as 400,000 people will be affected in the next three months.

hear their cries

Regarding the living situation, Paul Farmer said this: "Today, some 1.3 million Haitians live in tent camps amid often squalid conditions -- yet no one has been able to convince them to resettle. Why don't they want to leave? Because there is nothing to draw them back. Many of these displaced men and women didn't own the houses that collapsed around then; they rented them -- often under very unfavorable conditions. They were in debt to bad landlords. They had no schools or clinics. Enticing them to return home will mean providing exactly what they lacked before: housing, education, and health care."

hear their cries

Franklin Graham wrote that the suffering of the Haitian people (specifically in contrast to the prosperity of their neighbors to the north) "... Is beyond my understanding and one of the mysteries of this life."

hear their cries

I know we are not alone in longing for justice and better days for the Haitian people. The hardship they have faced in 2010 alone is astounding and horrible.

These thoughts from this post (and the comments and discussion that followed) came to mind today.

Hear their cries Lord.
Hear our cries.

Matt Lauer, Child Life and St Jude

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 02:36:00 +0000

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

St Jude is a wonderful hospital that is on the cutting edge of researching for cures to all sorts of childhood cancers, Child Life is what I did my internship in after college and Matt Lauer is just awesome for the support he is giving Marlo and St Jude's!

For more information about St Jude's and the research that they are doing please head over to www.stjude.org

WATER FACTS (from Compassion International)

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 17:40:00 +0000

Water Facts

Print this fact sheet Get the facts about safe water and adequate sanitation and how it affects children and their families. Depending on living conditions, including climate and physical activity, drinking-water needs for individuals vary, but the optimal amount is estimated at 2 quarts per day for a 130-pound person and 1 quart per day for a 22-pound child. Roughly 12 percent of the world's population, or 884 million people, do not have access to safe water. About 2.5 billion people in the world do not have access to adequate sanitation — roughly two-fifths of the world's population. Approximately 1.8 million children die each year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation. This is around 5,000 deaths a day. Diarrheal diseases can be reduced by more than 40 percent through the simple practice of washing hands with soap and water. Water-related diseases are the second biggest killer of children worldwide. Number one is acute respiratory infections, such as tuberculosis. Approximately 97.5 percent of the water on earth is saltwater. If all the world's water could fit in an average bucket, only 1 teaspoon would be drinkable. Nearly 90 percent of water-related diseases are due to unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene; and most victims are children in developing countries. The average person in the developing world uses a little more than 2.5 gallons of water each day for drinking, washing and cooking. Whereas the average person in the developed world uses 13 gallons per day only for toilet flushing. Agriculture uses more than 80 percent of the world's total water consumption. Worldwide, approximately 425 million children under 18 do not have safe water. Sources: www.who.int, www.wateraid.org, www.unicef.org

Operation Awareness (Supporting The Troops and Fighting Childhood Cancer)

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 16:56:00 +0000

"OPERATION AWARENESS"

When you buy a CD Thru Operation Awareness, $4.00 will be Donated to Max Nunn, and the St. Baldrick's Foundation, an additional $1.00 will be donated to The Lamia Afghan Foundation, and a copy of Raymond Harris’s Heaven Sent album will be sent to a soldier currently serving overseas.

To make this even better when you buy a CD thru Operation Awareness you will also receive a Digital Download of the album
We thank you for supporting Raymond, Max Nunn, Cancer Awareness, The American Service men and women, and the Lamia Afghan Foundation

#1 Country Billboard Artist Raymond Harris (Michigan Native)
Raymond Harris has formed Operation Awareness in the hopes that thru his music and hard work he will be able to sell 500,000 cd’s thru his Operation Awareness program, which will in turrn benefit Max Nunn, and St. Baldrick's Foundation, "a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives.

Visit http://www.stbaldricks.org/.

Raymond has pledged to Donate $4.00 dollars from each CD sold to Max and the foundation His goal is to generate 2 Million dollars in proceeds for Max and St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

This however is not all Raymond has pledged to do. With his heart worn on his sleeve Raymond has also partnered with the Lamia Afghan foundation, Three Sergeants Brewing, Boots on Ground and Adopt a Soldier Program donating $1.00 per CD sold under Operation Awareness, "The Lamia Foundation is dedicated to helping the people of Afghanistan, especially orphans and mothers, and to supporting the humanitarian aid missions of US military and civilian personnel. Through your donations and their support, we can make a difference in the lives of the next generation in Afghanistan.

If this wasn’t enough for one man to do, Raymond has also chosen to send for every CD purchase under Operation Awareness a copy of His newest release album "Heaven Sent", to a Soldier Serving Overseas, and you will also receive a Digital Download of the Album yourself.

(Nashville, TN) Nashville - based country recording artist Raymond Harris has released a new album titled, Heaven Sent, featuring the title track, which was written by Garth Brooks and Jennifer Pierce. High energy, classic country makes Heaven Sent a perfect fit for both military and country audiences. A passionate supporter of our troops, Raymond Harris has visited over 90 US military installations in the past five years, more than any other artist of any genre, and isn’t planning to stop anytime soon. The Billboard Artist is currently in route from Offutt AFB in Bellevue NB to Robins AFB in Macon Ga. where he will be selling thousands of cd's and signing autographs for an estimated 20,000 troops. Harris has signed over 1,000,000 autographs and has sold over 550,000 cds while supporting the troops. A complete list of military installations the artis has visited is available on Raymond-Harris.com. Harris is also using Heaven Sent to further support the troops and their families with his "Buy a CD for a Soldier" program, where for every album purchased on his website (Raymond-Harris.com), a second copy will be delivered to a soldier for free. In addition, a portion of sales from the album will be donated to The Lamia Afghan Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on building schools in Afghanistan. "Our military service members and their families sacrifice so much for our country,” says Harris. “They don’t get enough credit and it’s a difficult job. I want to thank them for all they are doing -- it’s the least I can do.”

Heaven Sent is the follow-up to Harris’s 2004 album, Hurt By The Best, which simultaneously debuted on three Billboard sales charts, ultimately climbing to #37 on the Top Country Album chart, on the Top Independent Album chart and went #1 on the Top Internet Album Sales chart. In 2011, Harris will return to the studio to record a new album co-written with songwriters David Wills and Bill Shore, who will also be producing. Wills and Shore are responsible for selling a combined 100 million albums with country stars Garth Brooks, George Strait and more.

The newest release by Nashville-based artist Raymond Harris enters three sales charts simultaneously in the May 8 issue of Billboard. Hurt By The Best, debuted at No. 6 on the Top Internet Albums chart, No. 45 on the Top Independent.

Raymond Harris " Hurt By The Best" # 1 on Billboard Charts

Music Row: The newest release by Nashville-based artist Raymond Harris enters three sales charts simultaneously in the May 8 issue of Billboard. Hurt By The Best, debuted at No. 6 on the Top Internet Albums chart, No. 45 on the Top Independent

Harris is a perfect fit for military's and Country Radio's audiences. "PHIL SWEETLAND, Country music and Radio contributor, The New York Times

CMT NEWS: Raymond Harris debuts Hurt by the Best at No. 50 on Top Country Billboard Chart.

The Stark Reality of Cholera in Haiti

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 23:59:00 +0000

This is a post that I found on another blog. It is a post that I feel needs to be shared...esp for those of us who have an intense love for the people of Haiti

It is the stark reality of what the cholera outbreak is doing to the people of Haiti and how they are dealing with it.

Due to the graphic nature of the post and the pictures that accompany it I am only post the link to the original blog here in order to give my readers the opportunity to opt out of not reading it....The author of the blog also gives readers away to read teh blog post without seeing the accompanying pictures.

Regardless of whether or not you go to the original blog entry , I would like to ask that you please pray for the people of Haiti as they continue to deal with the outbreak and for the elections coming up Nov 28...that God will put the people in power that will want to do what is right for the people they will represent.

http://goatpath.wordpress.com/2010/11/22/cholera-reaches-port-au-prince-as-victims-are-left-in-mass-graves/#comment-532

Loving God, Loving Haiti

Kelly D <>< :)

Colorado actress with early onset Parkinson's makes her big screen debut in ""Love and Other Drugs"

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 23:33:00 +0000

Colorado actress with early onset Parkinson's makes her big screen debut in ""Love and Other Drugs"

From KUSA -TV:

DENVER - Lucy Roucis (pictured) story is a tale persistence, hope, and never giving up.

In the mid 1980s, she was a fresh-faced young actress from Colorado perusing a dream in Los Angeles. Then she was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's disease when she was 27. She returned to Colorado to find success on the local stage with PHAMALy: The Physically Handicapped Musical Artists League. She also turned her illness into a subject for her comedy routine.

By the summer of 2007, the disease had totally robbed her of any self sufficiency. She traveled to the Cleveland Clinic for surgery on her brain. Deep brain stimulation can help some patients with the symptoms of Parkinson's, but it is not a cure.

Roucis' surgery was successful and she returned to Colorado and continued to win the hearts of audiences through her local stage work. In the summer of 2009, she received a phone call from an acquaintance in Los Angeles. A casting notice for a major motion picture had caught the friend's eye.

"'They are looking for a woman, 40 to 60, with real Parkinson's to do stand up comedy,'" Roucis recalls her friend telling her. "I said, 'What? You are kidding me!"

The film "Love and Other Drugs" is a romantic comedy starring Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal. In the film, Hathaway's character is diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's.

Roucis quickly put together an audition tape and sent it to the casting office. Then, for three months, she waited.

"One night I got so frustrated I threw out the casting director's phone number, thinking they have obliviously hired someone else," she said. "Then when I let it go, it came to me."

The next day, the phone call came: she had gotten the part. It is a small but pivotal role in the movie. Two weeks later, she was on the set in Pittsburgh shooting her scene.

"When it came time to shoot, that's when it gets good!" she laughed, her hands beginning to shake. "I'm shaking talking about it right now because it means so much to me. After I did my takes, I've never heard laughter like that from all the crew. I can't repeat my lines because there is some swearing."

"When I told my mother, she about fell over," Roucis said.

She was also encouraged to ad lib and use material she had written in her own stand up comedy routine.

More than a year later, she found herself on the red carpet at the premier of the film in Hollywood.

"My friend in Los Angeles let me go through her closet to find a dress, but I ended up liking the one I had brought with me," she said. "It was $10 at Ross."

"A publicist met me and then it was time, all of these photographers were yelling, 'Lucy! Over here! Lucy!' And lots of flashes!" she remembered.

Next came watching the actual movie.

"I really, really liked it. Anne Hathaway nailed it!" Roucis said.

Then came the moment she had been waiting for her entire life: her scene up on the big screen.

"I heard my voice, and I will tell you something, I don't really remember much of it, because I was so in the moment, but I do remember the laughter from the audience, and feeling very small compared to how big I was on the screen," she said. "I felt really accomplished and I was crying and the casting director of the film who was sitting next to me held me as I wept."

"That was not a Hollywood moment. It was a person-to-person moment," she said.

She hopes people see the film and leave knowing a little more about Parkinson's disease and knowing more about relationships in general.

Roucis plans to see the film, which opens on Wednesday, again with a group of friends. She also continues an outreach program for PHAMALy, educating people on her disease. She is hopeful Hollywood will do a better job of hiring people with disabilities in the future.

Cereal Boxes = Hope (from SIT A SPELL Blog)

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:34:00 +0000

It's an amazing thing to watch a cereal box...

become a beautiful piece of art.

What was meant for the trash pile and deemed worthless...

repurposed and given new life.

The first time I made the short drive down the road to visit The Apparent Project, I was not expecting to see my own story, your story, creation's story, and the gospel come to life through the process of making jewelry. I wasn't expecting to be reminded of how God redeems worthless people and with loving, skillful hands, fashions us into a masterpiece, useful and beautiful. And yet, walking through the artisan center, I was overwhelmed by God's grace, His goodness, and mercy.

At The Apparent Project cereal boxes are transformed into treasure, and the lives of Haitian families are restored and redeemed.

"The Apparent Project was birthed out of a desire to see impoverished Haitian men and women be able to raise their children with dignity and not have to consider giving their children to orphanages because of poverty. It can cost as little as $50 a month to keep a family intact.

The Apparent Project exists to provide creative means for families to earn a living. Our jewelry program started as a small operation of four women making simple earrings from native seeds in Haiti. Today it is a full scale operation employing approximately 50 men and women." (from the Apparent Project)

The number of orphans in Haiti has been labeled an "Orphan Crisis." Oftentimes, mothers do not want to give their babies away to orphanages. What they need are jobs, education, and skills so that they can provide for their children's basic needs. Places like The Apparent Project and Haitian Creations are giving families the skills they need to be able to keep their children. Organizations like these are fighting the orphan crisis at its most foundational level. They are preventing children from becoming orphans.

The Apparent Project considers itself an "Un-Orphanage." Isn't that beautiful?

Each woman and each man employed by The Apparent Project are working to learn a trade and produce a quality product in order to help their families escape the brutal poverty that sits on this country like a thick, heavy blanket.

Each artist has a story.

Over the next few days I'll be talking about The Apparent Project. I'll let you know how you can buy jewelry, have a jewelry party (much like Heartline's Purse Parties), and how you can turn your empty cereal boxes into a way to help Haitian families.

Will you start saving cereal boxes? This is one of the easiest ways you can help keep kids in Haiti where they belong...with their parents. Will you dream big dreams with me for these families? Will you ask God to give you vision, passion, and show you places where you can use your voice and your contacts to redeem cereal boxes from the trash and get as many as possible to this program?

Will you spread the word for this ministry, and ask your friends, your schools, college campuses, churches, soccer teams, and neighbors to start saving their cereal boxes?

I won't lie. I get a little excited when I think of all the cereal boxes that will be recycled and repurposed. Isn't it always a joy to be a part of something redemptive? As image bearers of a God who longs to redeem this broken world, I think it's natural to rejoice when we get to imitate Him in this way. Suddenly, recycling is more than recycling, for God's children it's a montessori lesson for our soul, a visual of what God has done in each of our lives.

Beauty from ashes. I've had the sweet pleasure of getting a glimpse of God do His age-old work through ministries like The Apparent Project and Heartline.

Will you save your cereal boxes? Will you spread the word? Will you ask God how you can take this simple need, this simple request, use your voice, your connections, advocate for this ministry, and bring hope to families in Haiti?

Veterans Report (from Military.com)

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 03:08:00 +0000

Print & Post: Week of November 01, 2010

Applebee's Salutes Veterans
Once again this Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar will thank our nation's veterans and active duty military by inviting them to their neighborhood Applebee's for a well-deserved free meal. A selection of complimentary entrees will be available for veterans on Veterans Day as dine-in guests at all Applebee's restaurants throughout the United States. For more information, including the proof or military service that is required, visit the (http://www.applebees.com/vetsday/) Applebee's website.

View other great Veterans Day discounts and free offers for military servicemembers on the Military.com (http://www.military.com/veterans-day/veterans-day-discounts.html?ESRC=vr.nl) Veterans Day Discounts page.

Use it or Lose it: GI Bill Benefits
Your GI Bill benefits expire, and the clock starts ticking as soon as you leave the service. That's the bad news. The good news is that as of October 2010, the GI Bill rate increased to more than $51,000. Many schools and programs accept the GI Bill as payment for tuition -- (http://edu.military.com/gibill?ESRC=vr.nl) start your search today.

Still Confused about the GI Bill and what you are entitled to? Military.com's Benefit Expert, Terry Howell, has a set of five videos that can walk you through getting started to the do's and don'ts of using the GI Bill on active duty. (http://www.military.com/education/content/gi-bill/get-started-using-the-gi-bill.html?ESRC=vr.nl) Click here to start watching these free videos.

Spouse Tuition Assistance -- MyCAA Update
According to the DoD, the response to the reopening of MyCAA has been "great." So great in fact, that the DoD is asking spouses to use the MyCAA online messaging system due to demand and volume of calls. The downside is that it may take up to 5 business days to get an answer to their questions. (http://military-education.military.com/2010/10/spouse-tuition-assistance-mycaa-update/?ESRC=vr.nl) Read More.

Day Off for all Vets in Iowa
The State of Iowa is honoring all veterans this Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2010, by requiring every one of its employers, public and private, to grant veterans holiday time off if they would otherwise be required to work that day. The requirement is in Iowa's Veterans Day law, House File 2197, which was signed by Gov. Chet Culver on April 27 and is available on the (http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&ga=83&hbill=HF2197) Iowa Legislature's website.

Find ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom. Visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/resources/support-our-troops?ESRC=vr.nl) Support our Troops web page.

Medical Study of VA Surgical Procedures
A Department of Veterans Affairs study published Oct. 20 in the Journal of the American Medical Association concludes that a concept called Medical Team Training improves communication, teamwork, and efficiency in VA operating rooms, resulting in significantly lower mortality rates. The nationwide study involved the analysis of more than 100,000 surgical procedures conducted at 108 of VA's hospitals from 2006 to 2008. MTT had been introduced at 74 of these hospitals. An abstract of the study is available on the (http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/304/15/1693) JAMA website. To find out more about Medical Team Training, contact VA's National Center for Patient Safety at 734-930-5884.

South Dakota Veteran Bonuses

South Dakota offers a bonus to members of the Armed Forces and veterans who were legal residents of the state for no less than six months immediately preceding their period of active duty and who served on active duty during one or more of the following periods: (1) Aug. 2, 1990 to March 3, 1991 -- All active service counts for payment; (2) March 4, 1990 to Dec. 31, 1992 -- Only service in a hostile area qualifying for the Southwest Asia Service Medal counts for payment; (3) Jan. 1, 1993 to Sept. 10, 2001 -- Only service in a hostile area qualifying for any United States campaign or service medal awarded for combat operations against hostile forces counts for payment; (4) Sept. 11, 2001 to a date yet to be determined -- All active service counts for payment. In addition, Veterans with qualifying service before Dec 31, 1992 and after Jan 1, 1993 may receive two separate bonuses of up to $500.00 each!

Veterans may apply through the nearest County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer. Those living outside of South Dakota may apply by e-mail at (mailto:john.fette@state.sd.us) john.fette@state.sd.us. Be sure to include military branch and dates of service. Veterans may also request an application and instructions by calling 605-773-7251.

Watch Videos on Military.com: Updated Look, More Explosive Videos
Military.com's Shock and Awe section is now easier to navigate with a cleaner look and better organization. Check out the new look and feel along with the huge library of video content -- member submitted and original content. If you have some video that your fellow members might be interested in, it's now easier to submit that too. (http://shock.military.com/Shock/home.do?ESRC=vr.nl) Visit the new Shock and Awe.

Veterans Resource Fair - Chicago

Roosevelt University's Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program office will be hosting a Veterans Resource Fair on Nov. 19, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at their Chicago campus located at 430 South Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL. All veterans are invited to attend this free resource fair. The event will feature resources and information on veteran job training, health care, education, and housing.

For more details visit: (http://www.vetfair.blogspot.com/) www.vetfair.blogspot.com/

Get DIY Brake Tips in the Military.com Auto Center
You don't have to take the car into the shop and pay labor costs. The Military.com Auto Center has "Do it Yourself" tips and step-by-step instructions on: (http://www.military.com/off-duty/content/autos/brakes-checking-brake-fluid.html?ESRC=vr.nl) checking brake fluid, (http://www.military.com/off-duty/partner/autos/brake-lines.html?ESRC=vr.nl) checking and replacing brake lines, (http://www.military.com/off-duty/partner/autos/brakes-bleeding.html?ESRC=vr.nl) bleeding your brakes, (http://www.military.com/off-duty/content/autos/brake-discs-pads.html?ESRC=vr.nl) inspecting and replacing discs and brake pads, and more. -- Sponsored by AutoZone.

What Comes After SGLI?
SGLI coverage ends 120 days after you leave active duty service. Do you have plans for how you are going to meet your life insurance needs once your SGLI expires? Get $800k of coverage for just $35 a month (to age 50). (http://www.military.com/Finance/aafmaa?ESRC=vr.nl) Contact AAFMAA to learn more.

10 Years of Serving Our Members
Military.com is celebrating its 10-year anniversary by saluting the military community. (http://www.military.com/aboutus/anniversary/?ESRC=vr.nl) Click over to our Celebration pages to learn about featured members, archive of the most popular stories of the last 10 years, slideshows and more.

GI Bill Reform Too Costly?
The CBO cost estimate on S 3447, released Oct. 6, is $236 million the first year, $2.3 billion over the first decade. The big hurdle to passing GI Bill reform will be finding money to pay for enhancements. Because this is an entitlement program, lawmakers theoretically can only pay for (http://www.military.com/education/) GI Bill reform by reducing other mandatory spending programs or raising taxes.

(http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,221753,00.html) Read more in Tom Philpott's Military Forum

(http://vote.military.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=15106156&type=CO) Let your elected officials know how you feel about GI Bill reform and offsetting the cost.

Featured Job: Military-Friendly Employers
Employers are actively seeking veterans and those with military experience. For a complete listing of an organization's available job opportunities use Military.com's (http://www.military.com/Careers/Content1?file=EmployerList.htm&area=Reference) Veteran Job Search.

Military.com members have access to Military.com CareerExpos. Events where members, like yourself, have the opportunity to talk face to face with recruiters from military-friendly employers such as Northrop Grumman, Mac Tools and more. (http://www.military.com/career-expo/?ESRC=vr.nl) Sign up today for one of the remaining 2010 Expos or the newly announced 2011 CareerExpos.

Deal of the Week: You Serve, You Save
Save up to 20% on all your calls with new reduced rates on AT&T Global PrePaid Cards. It's for you and all you. (http://clk.atdmt.com/CNT/go/210101385/direct/01/) Click here to buy yours now.

Grand Canyon Waives Fees for Vets
Grand Canyon National Park will be joining other national park units around the country as they waive entrance fees on Veterans Day in recognition of current and former servicemembers. Visitors and commercial tours that arrive at Grand Canyon National Park on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2010, will be allowed free entry into the park. "User fees" and fees for other activities will not be waived. For more information, call 928-638-7951 or -7954 or visit the (http://www.nps.gov/grca) Grand Canyon National Park website. For information on NPS sites that commemorate the service of American veterans, visit the (http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/veterans/honor.htm) NPS website.

National Veterans Creative Arts Festival
Held in La Crosse, WI this year, the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is a culmination of talent competitions in art, creative writing, dance, drama and music for Veterans treated in the VA national health care system. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reQ8uQmwcN0) Watch video from the event.

Veterans Day Discount in Tennessee
Tennessee State Parks are offering veterans a discount on camping and golf on Veterans Day every year. The offer applies only to Tennessee residents who are veterans. The policy will allow the Tennessee veterans to camp for one night free of charge and play one 18-hole round of golf free of charge on the Veterans' Day holiday each year. To find a Tennessee State Park, visit the (http://tn.gov/environment/parks/) Tennessee State Parks website.

VA Claims Process Streamlined
The Department of Veterans Affairs has released three new disability benefits questionnaires for physicians of Veterans applying for VA disability compensation benefits. For Veterans who receive their care from private physicians, VA has placed the disability benefits questionnaires on the (http://www.vba.va.gov/disabilityexams) Department of Veterans' Affairs website with instructions for physicians to submit examination results on Veterans' behalf. For additional information on the VA disability compensation program or additional presumptive disabilities for Veterans exposed to herbicide agents, contact VA at 800-827-1000 or visit the (http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/AO/claimherbicide.htm) VA website.

For more on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/Benefits/0,14972,,00.htm?ESRC=vr.nl) Military.com Benefits Channel.

SpouseBuzz Live Coming to Schofield Barracks, HI
Every year SpouseBUZZ LIVE brings hundreds of military spouses together to celebrate the women and men who serve on the home front. Join us in 2010 for a day of celebration and share your experiences, make friends and win incredible prizes. (http://spousebuzzlive.com/?ESRC=vr.nl) Register Now.

Haitian Painter Delivers An Important Message

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:40:00 +0000

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Prayers For Haiti (Livesay Blog)

noreply@blogger.com (KD's Korner) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:20:00 +0000

If there is righteousness in the heart,

there will be beauty in the character.

If there is beauty in the character,

there will be harmony in the home.

If there is harmony in the home,

there will be order in the nation.

If there is order in the nation,

there will be peace in the world.

So let it be.

- Scottish Blessing

May your hand be outstretched to all you meet.

And may all men say 'Brother' when they speak of you.

May the land be fertile beneath your feet.

May your days be gentle as the sun-kissed dew.

- Polish Blessing

Father, I have learned
that one strong in calculation
is called a mathematician.
You are the greatest mathematician
because You can count all the people
yet still see each one of us.

From: God is no Stranger - Baptist Haiti Mission

Praying today for all those ill with Cholera and all those working to treat the sick.
God give them strength.
Amen.

KD'S KORNER

From Now On (02-09-11)

Sonia and the Urgent Medical Visa Needs

Oklahoma AF Base Add Video Relay Services For Its Deaf Employees

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Oklahoma Air Force Base adds video relay services for its deaf employees

Gadgets For SMA (from Gwedolyn Strong Foundation)

A Young Man Who Is Making A Difference in the Lives of His Haitian Countrymen (from Fireside International Blog)

A HERO’S HALO

Wheelchair Basketballers Help Out Wounded Warriors

UTA wheelchair basketballers help wounded warriors who are trying out for Army team

02:21 PM CST on Sunday, December 12, 2010

View From My Window

Troy Yocum's Drum Hike and How You Can Help!!!

Heartline Ministry Doing Encouraging Things in Haiti!

Colorado struggles to help disabled residents create independent lives

Friday, December 10, 2010

Colorado struggles to help disabled residents create independent lives

Sweetness From Haiti! :-D

In Memory of Dax (Video of Matthew West's Song "One Last Christmas")

This is why I do what I do ...Now :)

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Care at home is a civil right for people with disabilities

Shop For A Cure (Gwendolyn Strong Foundation)

Deaf Community files class action lawsuit against Cinemark

Yes, if the Deaf community wins it will affect the Cinemark theaters here in Colorado Springs. I hope they win because they do deserve to see the movies like and with the rest of us

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Deaf community files class action lawsuit against Cinemark theater chain for lack of closed captioned movies

Hear Their Cries (Livesay [Haiti] Blog)

HEAR THEIR CRIES

Matt Lauer, Child Life and St Jude

WATER FACTS (from Compassion International)

Water Facts

Operation Awareness (Supporting The Troops and Fighting Childhood Cancer)

The Stark Reality of Cholera in Haiti

Colorado actress with early onset Parkinson's makes her big screen debut in ""Love and Other Drugs"

Colorado actress with early onset Parkinson's makes her big screen debut in ""Love and Other Drugs"

Cereal Boxes = Hope (from SIT A SPELL Blog)

Veterans Report (from Military.com)

Print & Post: Week of November 01, 2010

Haitian Painter Delivers An Important Message

Prayers For Haiti (Livesay Blog)