Erica Rivera, EditorPam Krankenberg, Layout Designer

March 2021Volume 20, Issue 1

PRAIRIE INDEPENDENT LIVING RESOURCE CENTER, Inc.The Voice of PILR

Happy 24th Birthday, PILR!

By: Erica Rivera - Executive Director

Prairie Independent Living Resource Center (PILR) began operation on January 15, 1997. At that time, PILR was being mentored by Topeka Independent Living Resource Center (TILRC). They referred to

us as “The Hutch Center”. The center became a separate entity June 16, 1998 and was named Prairie Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. or (PILR). In 1997, there was 6 full-time and 1 part-time

staff. In addition, the center has numerous volunteers and provides services to consumers in various counties across the state. Over the years, the staff has increased and PILR now has four offices. To better meet consumer needs, PILR opened a satellite office in Pratt in late 2006, in Dodge City in the

summer of 2011, and in Newton in 2017. In April 2001, PILR moved the Hutchinson office from its original building to a larger more accessible and prominent location at 17 So. Main, to accommodate additional staff and a growing number of consumers and services. We would like to thank all of the people we have had the pleasure of working with over the years, because without you we would not

be as successful as we are. We look forward to many more years to come!

Pictured above are colored balloons

Haben Girma

By: Seth Kelly – Employment Specialist

With February being Black History Month I thought it would be nice to highlight a person of color (POC) disability advocate. Haben Girma lost her hearing, and sight at an early age. Due to the hard work of advocates working on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), she was able to have access to all types of accessible technology in her high school, something her older brother, who is also deafblind didn’t have access to in their home country of Eritrea. Girma is not only a disability rights advocate, but she is also the first deafblind graduate from Harvard Law, where she became a lawyer in 2013 to help increase access to books and advocate for making online information more accessible to everyone. Girma has dedicated her career to advocating for people with disabilities and in one case represented the National Federation of the Blind in a lawsuit with a company called Scribd. The company was arguing they did not need to make their online business accessible since the ADA only covers physical business locations. Girma argued that even though the ADA might not have specific language addressing online businesses a business is still responsible for making all aspects of their business, online or in person, accessible to all. A judge ruled in her favor and Girma from that point on has continued working towards making the world more accessible for all.  Girma continues to advocate for people with disabilities, currently serving on the board of trustees for the Helen Keller Services for the Blind, and doing non-litigation advocacy full time. Girma has been an inspiration not only to POC but to people with disabilities as well. If you would like to learn more about her story, please consider picking up her memoir “Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law”.

PILR CALENDAR

http://www.pilr.org/contact-us/calendar/

MARCH 2021 - National Nutrition Month

1 - National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day 3 - Caregiver Appreciation Day14 – Daylight Saving Begins 17 - St. Patrick’s Day20 - Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day & Spring Begins23 - National Puppy Day29 - National Vietnam War Veterans Day

APRIL 2021 – Keep America Beautiful Month

1 – April Fool’s Day 2 – Good Friday and Autism Awareness Day 4 – Easter Sunday 6 – National Carmel Popcorn Day 15 – Tax Day and National Banana Day 22 – Earth Day and Jelly Bean Day

MAY 2021 – Foster Care Month and Bike Month

1 – May Day 5 – Cinco de Mayo and National Hoagie Day

9 – Mother’s Day 15 – Armed Forces Day 23 – World Turtle Day 31 – Memorial Day – ALL PILR OFFICES CLOSED

By: Anthony Frischenmeyer - Employment Specialist

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits private employers, State and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. The ADA covers employers with 15 or more employees, including State and local governments. It also applies to employment agencies and to labor organizations.

This means that under federal law no employer shall discriminate against a person based on disability to keep a person from applying, being hired or fired. They shall not discriminate against on a person based on disability in advancements. An employer must provide reasonable accommodations to any qualified person.

Yet we still have employers in this country who do not follow this as there are still loop holes that are legal that can provide a cushion for an employer to get around this. We still have laws that allow employers to pay employees sub minimum wage as long as they apply for a tax credit.

Recently as I was job searching, I came upon a job listing that was full of discriminative language that could prevent a qualified individual to apply for the position. The language that was used directly targeted certain disabilities and made it sound like if you cannot see - do not apply, if you could not speak, they weren’t interested, if you communicated in any other way than spoken word than you would not get the job. When I spoke with the employee I was told this language was ok to use as it was an “operational job hazard”. What this sounded like to me was legal jargon.

I looked over multiple other job posts for this employer and only noticed this language on one other listing and that was an HR position. Every other listing said equal opportunity employer or accommodations will be made. These words were not used in the post for these higher up opportunities.

We must begin to educate ourselves on the laws that affect us. These laws are there to give us equal access to the world we live, yet they still have ways around them. We must apply for the job opportunities that we are qualified, so we can live our best life the same as our non-disabled counterparts. The Americans with Disabilities Act gave us our Civil Rights, but it is up to all of us to continue to stand up for those rights. We must advocate for our needs and one of those needs is equal rights to employment and we must speak up against any types of discriminations so we can continue to move toward full inclusion in all aspects of our world.

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Did you know about Private Pay with PILR?The help you need . . . Just in Time

Vacuum, dusting, moping, sweeping, wiping counters, laundry . . . etc.Hourly fee is $25.00 with a two hour minimum.

Every person that works at PILR is back ground checked.Turn your “To Do” list into a “Ta DONE” list!

Call us Today at 620-663-3989 

Pictured above is a broom and vacuum

PILR ANNIVERSARIES

MARCH

Linda Adelhardt – IL Coordinator 6 years

APRIL

Mignon Lucky – OB IL Specialist 10 years

MAY

Chelsey Rose – IL Specialist7 years

Pam Krankenberg – Admin Asst/HR1 year

15 YEARS and CountingBy Lowell Schrag

Well it’s been 15 years since I walked into the old PILR office at 915 S. Main in Hutchinson. Can you believe it? While, many people have come and gone, there are still a few of us that have been here most of that time. I haven’t ran everybody off, although, I do run employees over with my wheelchair every once in a while. Right, Heather?

By: Anthony Frischenmeyer - Employment Specialist

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits private employers, State and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. The ADA covers employers with 15 or more employees, including State and local governments. It also applies to employment agencies and to labor organizations.

This means that under federal law no employer shall discriminate against a person based on disability to keep a person from applying, being hired or fired. They shall not discriminate against on a person based on disability in advancements. An employer must provide reasonable accommodations to any qualified person.

Yet we still have employers in this country who do not follow this as there are still loop holes that are legal that can provide a cushion for an employer to get around this. We still have laws that allow employers to pay employees sub minimum wage as long as they apply for a tax credit.

Recently as I was job searching, I came upon a job listing that was full of discriminative language that could prevent a qualified individual to apply for the position. The language that was used directly targeted certain disabilities and made it sound like if you cannot see - do not apply, if you could not speak, they weren’t interested, if you communicated in any other way than spoken word than you would not get the job. When I spoke with the employee I was told this language was ok to use as it was an “operational job hazard”. What this sounded like to me was legal jargon.

I looked over multiple other job posts for this employer and only noticed this language on one other listing and that was an HR position. Every other listing said equal opportunity employer or accommodations will be made. These words were not used in the post for these higher up opportunities.

We must begin to educate ourselves on the laws that affect us. These laws are there to give us equal access to the world we live, yet they still have ways around them. We must apply for the job opportunities that we are qualified, so we can live our best life the same as our non-disabled counterparts. The Americans with Disabilities Act gave us our Civil Rights, but it is up to all of us to continue to stand up for those rights. We must advocate for our needs and one of those needs is equal rights to employment and we must speak up against any types of discriminations so we can continue to move toward full inclusion in all aspects of our world.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Did you know about Private Pay with PILR?The help you need . . . Just in Time

Vacuum, dusting, moping, sweeping, wiping counters, laundry . . . etc.Hourly fee is $25.00 with a two hour minimum.

Every person that works at PILR is back ground checked.Turn your “To Do” list into a “Ta DONE” list!

Call us Today at 620-663-3989 

Pictured above is a broom and vacuum

AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

By: Mignon Lucky - Older Blind, Independent Living Specialist

The retina is the part of our eye that is like the film in a camera. When the light or image comes into our eye the retina transfers it to the brain so that the person knows what the image or light is. If the retina does not do its job, a person cannot see. Age Related Macular Degeneration is the loss of the central point of their vision. Sometimes this eye disease can be hereditary and the specialist may suggest that other family members come in for evaluation and treatment. Most people that have Macular Degeneration are first seen by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. If these doctors determine that person has Macular Degeneration, they are referred to a Retinal Specialist. Sometimes the Retinal Specialist can provide genetic counseling. The specialist will determine what type of treat is needed.

There have been improvements in the retinal eye diseases. Some of these eye diseases that our grandparents may have had are now treatable. An Optical Coherence Tomography takes a scan of the eye and it helps the specialist determine the type of treatment the person needs. There are two types of Age Related Macular Degeneration. They are dry and wet Macular Degeneration. Dry Macular Degeneration does not need any type of injection. The person who has Wet Macular Degeneration must have injections. Those with the wet type may need only one injection or they may need several injections. Every person’s treatment is different. During the last 10 years there has been an improvement in the care of Macular Degeneration. Before then most people who had Macular Degeneration became totally blind. Now if a person becomes totally blind due to Macular Degeneration, they received treatment too late or treatment was not available to them.

Some people have said that they started having Macular Degeneration after they had Cataract surgery. Specialists are reminded to look at the Macula before Cataract surgery. Some people were unaware that they had Macular Degeneration before they had surgery and after the surgery it was more noticeable. Therefor it is recommended that the Retinal Specialist inform the patient that they have Macular Degeneration before the cataract surgery and that more treatment may needed. If after cataract surgery there is no improvement, it is recommended that a person be seen by a retinal specialist for evaluation and treatment. Information gathered from Hadley School For The Blind.

New face at PILR

Claudia Lucero - I&R Specialist, Dodge City Office

My legal name is Claudia Lucero, but I also go by my maiden name Falcon. I am the receptionist of Dodge City PILR. I have three children, Isabel, 25, married to Ted and living in Tucson, Arizona. Lili, 24, lives with her boyfriend Franky and my grandbaby Ezran(6mo) in Dallas. And my baby boy, well, not a baby anymore, 14yr old Jr. I have my parents who live in Dodge and are very supportive of me. I don’t know what I would do without them. I have two sisters and a brother; I am the oldest of the 4 of us. I have 11 nieces and nephews ages 7-22. I have a big support system (I’ve had a few strokes) from my family and very close friends that I consider family. Therefore, I have more sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews. I enjoy helping others and making sure no one takes advantage of others. I love to read, listen to all types of music, crochet, watch movies, and play board games with my family. I can keep on and on, but I think this is enough for now. I am happy I have joined the PILR team!

15 YEARS and CountingBy Lowell Schrag

Well it’s been 15 years since I walked into the old PILR office at 915 S. Main in Hutchinson. Can you believe it? While, many people have come and gone, there are still a few of us that have been here most of that time. I haven’t ran everybody off, although, I do run employees over with my wheelchair every once in a while. Right, Heather?

Overwhelming Success

By: Adam Fortna - Independent Living Specialist

In mid-2020 we began working with an individual named Mike. He was living in transitional housing and had no income. He had worked with many nonprofits to no avail. He had no ID, no Social security card, and his health was a bit off. Mike needed some help. Working with Vocational Rehabilitation Mike was able to get the medication he needed with help from Anthony Frichenmeyer, his Employment Specialist. About the time COVID 19 hit the job search began. It took some time to get things going. This is when I was brought in to help. I helped Mike apply for Food Stamps and get the process started to get his social security card. After a bit of time Anthony had nailed down a job for him with Interfaith Housing & Community Services that would come with an apartment, killing two birds with one stone. All we needed was his Social Security card and ID. But there was a catch. You need an ID to get a social security card and you need a social security card to get an ID. It took several attempts and even gathering medical records to prove Mikes identity to the social security administration, but we finely did it. Due to COVID 19 the DMV was very backed up and it took a month but we also got his ID. By this point the job had been waiting for 3 months for him. Thankfully they held the job for him. There was still one last barrier for Mike. The initial move in expenses totaled to about $1000. While working with Hutchinson Area Equality Coalition Foundation (HAECF) with another matter, by chance I mentioned the predicament. Without a blink of an eye they wrote a check to Mike for the $1000. Last week Mike moved into his apartment and has started working. We are currently working on getting him furniture for his apartment. When Mike started working with us he had no income, no Identification, lived in transitional housing and felt very untrusting of nonprofits. Mike now has his own apartment, a job, and everything he needs to maintain the life he wants.

· · · · · · · · · · · ·

Pictured above and to the right is cell phone in someone’s hand

Mission Statement: The purpose of Prairie Independent Living Resource Center (PILR) is to achieve the full inclusion and acceptance of people with disabilities through education and advocacy. PILR is a Non-Profit organization.Vision Statement: A world of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and choices are honored.

Overwhelming SuccessBy: Adam Fortna - Independent Living Specialist

In mid-2020 we began working with an individual named Mike. He was living in transitional housing and had no income. He had worked with many nonprofits to no avail. He had no ID, no Social security card, and his health was a bit off. Mike needed some help. Working with Vocational Rehabilitation Mike was able to get the medication he needed with help from Anthony Frichenmeyer, his Employment Specialist. About the time COVID 19 hit the job search began. It took some time to get things going. This is when I was brought in to help. I helped Mike apply for Food Stamps and get the process started to get his social security card. After a bit of time Anthony had nailed down a job for him with Interfaith Housing & Community Services that would come with an apartment, killing two birds with one stone. All we needed was his Social Security card and ID. But there was a catch. You need an ID to get a social security card and you need a social security card to get an ID. It took several attempts and even gathering medical records to prove Mikes identity to the social security administration, but we finely did it. Due to COVID 19 the DMV was very backed up and it took a month but we also got his ID. By this point the job had been waiting for 3 months for him. Thankfully they held the job for him. There was still one last barrier for Mike. The initial move in expenses totaled to about $1000. While working with Hutchinson Area Equality Coalition Foundation (HAECF) with another matter, by chance I mentioned the predicament. Without a blink of an eye they wrote a check to Mike for the $1000. Last week Mike moved into his apartment and has started working. We are currently working on getting him furniture for his apartment. When Mike started working with us he had no income, no Identification, lived in transitional housing and felt very untrusting of nonprofits. Mike now has his own apartment, a job, and everything he needs to maintain the life he wants.

· · · · · · · · · · · ·

Pictured above and to the right is cell phone in someone’s hand

is the season of new beginnings.  Fresh buds bloom, it is the time when hibernating bears, hedgehogs and bumblebees emerge from their hiding places to stretch their sleepy legs. The days are a flutter with renewed signs of life everywhere you turn. Farmers and gardeners plant their seeds and temperatures slowly rise.Warmer temperatures mean you can spend more time outside without freezing your feet off, which is great for mental health. Across the seasons, research has found that taking walks in nature slows your heart rate and makes you more relaxed, but some research indicates that there is something special about spring's effect on your brain. Try spending 30 minutes or more outside in warm, sunny spring weather to higher mood and better memory.

The wordSpring is in all different colors

PILR Staff~Hutchinson~

Erica Rivera, Executive Director

Debbie Goertz, Accounting CoordinatorHeather Jones, Independent Living Services Coordinator

Adam Fortna, Independent Living SpecialistTammy Fuhr, Independent Living Specialist/OIB

Nicole Scott, Independent Living Specialist

~Pratt~Linda Adelhardt, Independent Living Services Coordinator

Chelsey Rose, Independent Living SpecialistTom Harrison, OKEP Employment Specialist

Cindy Daniels, Employment CoordinatorBob Gilbert, Employment Specialist

Anthony Frischenmeyer, Employment SpecialistSeth Kelley, Employment Specialist

Pam Krankenberg, Administrative Assistant/HR

~Dodge City~Phil Handsaker, Independent Living Services Coordinator

Mignon Luckey, Independent Living Specialist/OIBClaudia Lucero, I&R Specialist

Counties Served:Independent Living Older BlindBarber CountyClarke CountyComanche CountyEdwards CountyFord CountyHarper CountyHarvey CountyHodgeman County

Kingman CountyKiowa CountyMcPherson CountyNess CountyPratt CountyReno CountyStafford County

Hutchinson Office: Barber, Barton, Cloud, Comanche, Edwards, Ellsworth, Harper, Harvey, Jewel, Kingman, Kiowa, Lincoln, McPherson, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pratt, Reno, Republic, Rice, Rush, Russell, Saline, Smith, Stafford.

Dodge City Office:Cheyenne, Clark, Decatur, Ellis, Finney, Ford, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Lane, Logan, Meade, Morton, Ness, Norton, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks, Scott, Seward, Sheridan, Sherman, Stanton, Stevens, Thomas, Trego, Wallace, Wichita.

Older Kansan Employment ProgramPratt, Reno, Rice, Kingman and Harper

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B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r sK e l l y M i l l e r – P r e s i d e n t

C a t P o l a n d – V i c e P r e s i d e n tD a v e H e d e r s t e d t - T r e a s u r e r

B o n n i e L l o y dC a m m i e R u m b a c k

K i m R o h r , D a v e M u l l i n sI n t e r e s t e d i n b e c o m i n g a b o a r d m e m b e r ? P l e a s e v i s i t o u r w e b s i t e w w w . p i l r . o r g t o

s u b m i t y o u r a p p l i c a t i o n !

Prairie Independent Living Resource Center, Inc.17 South Main St,

Hutchinson, Kansas 67501PHONE: (620) 663-3989

1-888-715-6818FAX: (620) 663-4711

VIDEO PHONE: (620) 860-0140

PILR - Pratt214 S Main St.

Pratt, Kansas 67124PHONE:

(620) 672-9600

PILR – Dodge City207 West Spruce St,

Dodge City, KS 67801PHONE:

(620) 371-7690

PILR – Newton120 West 6th, Suite 140

Newton, KS 67114PHONE:

(316) 201-83131-888-715-6818

*By Appointment Only*

E-MAIL:info@pilr.org

Website: www.pilr.org

Letters to the editor are welcome. Please send to Erica Rivera at:

erivera@pilr.orgThe editor reserves the right to edit or omit letters. Views

stated in this column are not necessarily the views of PILR.

PILR receives funding from Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education, grants, contracts, and fees for services. Private donations are

appreciated.

PRAIRIE INDEPENDENT LIVING RESOURCE CENTER, INC17 SOUTH MAINHUTCHINSON, KANSAS 67501

D E D I C A T E D T O T H E F U L L I N C L U S I O N O F P E O P L E W I T H D I S A B I L I T I E S

The Voice of PILR Newsletter

March 2021: Volume 20, Issue 1