| August, 2002 |
|
EVENT REVIEWS
Community Challenges - MACID Public Forum
Every community has its challenges, and every
community needs a place to voice their concerns about those challenges.
For the disability community in Southern Maryland, the Maryland Advisory
Council for Individuals with Disabilities' (MACID) public forum held June
12 in LaPlata (located in Charles County), was just the place to do so.
MACID's vision, which states "We envision Maryland as a state which is
committed to promoting full access, opportunity, independence, and empowerment
for citizens with disabilities to participate in activities and choices
in their lives," was the focus with which the group approached the needs,
concerns, and hopes of Southern Maryland's disability community. However,
it is the mission of MACID, "The Maryland Advisory Council for Individuals
with Disabilities is to be a forum for communication and a link between
individuals with disabilities throughout the state of Maryland and state
government, particularly the governor and state legislature," that brings
many people to these forums, knowing that their concerns and needs will
be directly addressed by Maryland's various disability programs and government.
D.
A few of the panel members preparing for
the forum.
Southern Maryland's disability community raised numerous issues but none
so prevalent as those pertaining to the deaf community. One of the largest
concerns pertained to a warning system alerting individuals in the area
of emergencies and serious weather conditions. After a recent tornado
that devastated a large part of LaPlata, deaf residents were left with
no contact or form of communication with the rest of the community since
they had no working phone or television lines. Some individuals had no
contact with the community for over three days. Those attending the forum
proposed possible solutions to the problem, such as the county providing
pagers and interpreters during times of emergency, as well as warning
signs along highways (such as those that warn of upcoming traffic delays)
that would post warning messages about weather and other emergencies.
Other issues, such as transportation and job availability for individuals
with disabilities were key issues that the forum attendees addressed.
One significant issue that was raised dealt with the lack of employer
knowledge about their obligations under the ADA and the ramifications
their lack of education had on prospective disabled employees.
The forum, which was held in two parts (3-5 pm and 6-8 pm), also became
a focal point for parents of autistic children who needed help both within
and outside of the school system. According to some of the parents in
the southern Maryland area, extended school year services are supposed
to be provided by the state; however, numerous parents have been charged
for this service. The need for emergency respite care and weekend daycare
was an emerging issue for numerous parents and family members of individuals
with disabilities.
Although there were many serious issues discussed, time was set aside
for a small celebration and award ceremony for the Charles County Sheriff's
Office. Sheriff Fred Davis and Captain Joe Montminy received governor's
proclamations in recognition of their work with the Advocacy Support League
and Southern Maryland Interpreting Service (S.M.I.S.) (both deaf advocacy
groups). The groups and the sheriff's office worked together to create
the Deaf Visor Cards, which are stored in the visor of a vehicle and offers
tips and information for officers that encounter someone from the Deaf
community. The two-sided card can be presented to an officer during traffic
stops, accidents or any other situation where communication between law
enforcement and the individual is crucial.
D.
Bea Rodgers, Director of the Governor's
Office for Individuals with Disabilities, presented the proclamation to
Captain Joe Montminy of the Charles County Sheriff's Office.
D.
Diane Edge, Director of the Advocacy Support
League and creator of the Deaf Visor card, poses with Captain Joe Montminy.
With MACID's endeavor to reach the "fringe" areas of Maryland and to more
effectively address the gamut of issues particular to the needs of each
community, MACID assured those in attendance that their comments and testimony
would be reviewed and considered as they develop future plans, problem
solving efforts and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.
Opening Doors through Technology - NFB Senior Fair
What do you do when you begin to lose your vision as a senior? Where
do you turn when suddenly you have trouble reading the newspaper and the
bills? What if you would like to maintain your independence though your
vision has begun to deteriorate?
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) along with the Wilmer Eye Institute,
BISM, and Charlestown hosted the Low Vision Resource Fair for Seniors
in order to address just these concerns.
As the baby-boomer generation begins to age and as their parents begin
to experience the problems that many seniors face, more and more people
are looking towards technology to help them maintain their independence.
From devices in the home to technologies to aid mobility, the NFB provided
resources and hands-on opportunities for those interested in trying out
various technologies.
D.
A group of attendees view and listen to a demonstration
of the new talking ATM's.
Mpg file of a talking Automatic
Teller Machine. D.
An audio demonstration of the talking ATM machines.
Various learning centers were open to the fair attendees, including a
reading, computer, magnification, gadget and gizmo, and mobility center.
The NFB-NEWSLINE service, a service for individuals who have trouble reading
their own newspapers, was also demonstrated.
Various helpful hints were discussed as well, including learning how to
enjoy life even as vision is failing, getting around when driving is no
longer feasible, how to feel comfortable in social situations, staying
active, and coping with vision loss.
The Senior Resource Fair provided many of its attendees with the tools
and knowledge to feel comfortable in making technology choices that may
ultimately change their lives for the better.