PAGE 1 MAY 2015- ABLE NEWSPAPER AWARD-WINNING VISIT US AT THE ABILITIES EXPO • BOOTH 325 THE NEWSPAPER POSITIVELY FOR, BY & ABOUT THE DISABLED IN THIS ISSUE VISIT ABLE'S WEBSITE WWW.ABLENEWS.COM ATHLETES READY UCPN Students and Mangano Welcome Sponsors Students of United Cerebral Palsy Nassau (UCPN), who will be competing in the Nassau County Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged, demonstrate the Upsee Harness which helps them to stand upright. Students, left to right, are Brittany Borgen, Lauren Richardson, Max Ryder and Tyler Bock. Therapists assisting them are, left to right, Megan Manning, Diana Pannullo, Linda Rosenfeld and Andrew Cho. The demonstration took place after Nassau County Exec. Edward Mangano announced that his administration has once again raised the private sector donations needed to host the Games, May 28 through 30, as he has since 2011, when state funding was cut. Mangano accepted a donation of $30,000 from this year’s Gold Medal Sponsor Property Tax Reduction Consultants Pres. Sean Acosta for support of the Games. Acosta’s son Sean Jr. and Commissioner of County Human Services Lisa Murphy joined them for the presentation. Other Games sponsors present for the announcement watch the demonstration as student athletes from the UCPN, rear, look on. Sponsors at the announcement include representatives of King Kullen, Hofstra University, Nassau Community College, NICE Bus, Bussani Mobility, Astoria Bank, N.Y. Islanders, Ike, Molly & Steven Elias Foundation, Home Medical Equipment, The Dee Foundation, LAR Enterprises, the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Trainville Hobby Depot and The Disability Opportunity Fund. Athletes will compete in track, field, slalom, archery, swimming, wheelchair basketball and table tennis at the Games. Participants ages 5 to 21 are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hearing impaired, spinal cord injured, amputees and have cerebral palsy, dwarfism and other physical disabilities. The cost of participation is free and the number of athletes increases each year and has risen to more than 1,000. Operating with a small staff, the Games are facilitated by volunteers who return year after year. For information visit Nassau County Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged website www.nassaucountypcgames.com. VOL. 24, NO. 12 MAY 2015 Law Protects Patients No More Surprises From Out-of-Network Providers PAGE 2 Dual Eligibles Major Changes In Effect for LTC PAGE 3 Reach for the Stars Hoda and Max Speak at Luncheon PAGE 4 Taken By STORM Aging Out Programs Planned For High School Students PAGE 4 Sports Soccer HOF, Goalball And Baseball PAGE 16 See Able’s Product and Service Guide FOLLOWING PAGE 4 PHOTO BY MICHAEL TAMBORRINO
Transcript
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VISIT US AT THE ABILITIES EXPO • BOOTH 325
THE NEWSPAPER POSITIVELY FOR, BY & ABOUT THE DISABLED
IN THIS ISSUE
VISITABLE'S
WEBSITEWWW.ABLENEWS.COM
ATHLETES READYUCPN Students and Mangano Welcome Sponsors
Students of United Cerebral Palsy Nassau (UCPN), whowill be competing in the Nassau County Empire StateGames for the Physically Challenged, demonstrate theUpsee Harness which helps them to stand upright.Students, left to right, are Brittany Borgen, LaurenRichardson, Max Ryder and Tyler Bock. Therapistsassisting them are, left to right, Megan Manning, DianaPannullo, Linda Rosenfeld and Andrew Cho.
The demonstration took place after Nassau CountyExec. Edward Mangano announced that hisadministration has once again raised the privatesector donations needed to host the Games, May 28through 30, as he has since 2011, when state fundingwas cut.
Mangano accepted a donation of $30,000 from thisyear’s Gold Medal Sponsor Property Tax ReductionConsultants Pres. Sean Acosta for support of theGames. Acosta’s son Sean Jr. and Commissioner ofCounty Human Services Lisa Murphy joined them forthe presentation.
Other Games sponsors present for theannouncement watch the demonstration as student
athletes from the UCPN, rear, look on. Sponsors atthe announcement include representatives of KingKullen, Hofstra University, Nassau Community College,NICE Bus, Bussani Mobility, Astoria Bank, N.Y.Islanders, Ike, Molly & Steven Elias Foundation, HomeMedical Equipment, The Dee Foundation, LAREnterprises, the Society of the Friendly Sons of St.Patrick, Trainville Hobby Depot and The DisabilityOpportunity Fund.
Athletes will compete in track, field, slalom, archery,swimming, wheelchair basketball and table tennis atthe Games. Participants ages 5 to 21 are blind, visuallyimpaired, deaf, hearing impaired, spinal cord injured,amputees and have cerebral palsy, dwarfism and otherphysical disabilities.
The cost of participation is free and the number ofathletes increases each year and has risen to morethan 1,000. Operating with a small staff, the Games arefacilitated by volunteers who return year after year.
For information visit Nassau County Empire StateGames for the Physically Challenged websitewww.nassaucountypcgames.com.
VOL. 24, NO. 12MAY 2015
Law Protects PatientsNo More Surprises FromOut-of-Network Providers
PAGE 2
Dual EligiblesMajor Changes InEffect for LTC
PAGE 3
Reach for the StarsHoda and MaxSpeak at Luncheon
PAGE 4
Taken By STORMAging Out Programs PlannedFor High School Students
PAGE 4
SportsSoccer HOF, GoalballAnd Baseball
PAGE 16
See Able’sProduct andService Guide
FOLLOWING PAGE 4
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Letters PolicyLetters to the editor and columns donot necessarily reflect the views ofthe publisher. All letters must be ac-companied by name, address andphone numbers.
ABLE NEWSPAPERP.O. Box 395, OLD BETHPAGE, NY 11804
America and the worldin mourning the loss of thosekilled in the horrific and tragicplane crash of flight 9525.
Our thoughts and prayers arewith the families of the victims. Itis clear at this point that the planewas brought down intentionallyby the co-pilot. To all of us, that isincomprehensible.
There have been reports thatAndreas Rubitz may have beendealing with some mental healthissues, including depression. It isimportant that during the discus-sion and debate around how toprevent a tragedy of thistype from occurring again, wekeep in mind that violent behav-ior is not a product of mental ill-ness. Violence is a product of an-ger.
We want to understand whythis man turned to suicide andviolence against others. But wemust remember that the large ma-jority of those with a mental ill-ness are not nor will they ever beviolent. In fact, research showsthat those with a mental illnessare more likely to be victims of vio-lence. These facts of course do notcomfort the families of this trag-edy, but they are the facts.
What should we do in the faceof tragedies like this one? First,we should mourn. Second, weshould make no excuses for themand let go of old myths about theircauses and seek real and completeanswers, as difficult as those maybe to find. Third, we should act onwhat we find.
Sadly, it appears as well thatthe stigma surrounding mentalillness may have played a rolehere. It has been reported thatMr. Rubitz may have been afraidto tell his employer about what hewas dealing with. So many peopleare in similar situations whenthey first start noticing warningsigns and are fearful of retributionor being labeled unstable.
And now they may be evenless willing to come forward be-cause of Mr. Rubitz’s actions andthe response to them.
There is a powerful stigma sur-rounding mental illness in societyand in the workplace. Many fac-ing mental health challenges,from postpartum depression tomajor depressive disorders andbipolar disorder or schizophrenia,are often discriminated against inthe workplace. What results canbe individuals ignoring symp-toms, not getting help and ulti-mately getting worse. In my mind,there is no question that if wesearch, we will find the answers in
a way that will help to find theanswers in a way that will help tobreak the chain of shame andstigma that frequently accompa-nies mental illnesses, a chain ofneglect that often binds us fromacting until mental illnessesreaches stage four.
It is time we invest in theoverall physical and mental well-being of all our citizens every-day. Like other diseases, we canand should address symptomsearly and appropriate course ofaction on a path towards overallhealth.
It is past the time that we be-gin to act before crises occur, toprevent them and the horriblesadness, dismay and distress theyinvariably leave in their wake.
Paul Gionfriddo, President Mental Health America
By Heidi Siegfried,Health Policy Director, CIDNY
A new law now brings pro-tection for people who get medi-cal services from providersthey didn’t know were out oftheir health plan’s network. Ifa patient gets a surprise bill forcare from an out-of-networkprovider that the patient anddoctor did not expect to be in-volved in a procedure (such asan anesthetist) or a bill for
Law Protects Consumers FromSurprise Medical Bills
emergency services from anout-of-network provider, thepatient will only have to paythe amount they would haveowed if the service had been in-network.
Patients are protected fromsurprise bills for services whena participating doctor refersthem to an out-of network doc-tor without knowing that theyare out of network; if they aretreated by an out-of-network doc-tor at an in-network hospital butwere not told that she or he wasout of network; and for emer-gency care when they did nothave a chance to check if the pro-vider is in network.
Under the new law, plansmust provide a list of all doctors,hospitals and other facilities thatbelong to the network and mustinclude doctors’ board certifica-tions, the languages they speakand the network hospitals wherethey practice. Any changes to thenetwork must be posted on aplan’s website within 15 days.Doctors and hospitals must let
The Future in Wheelchair Restraint Device!
offers advantages in the areas ofsecurity, comfort and style andprovides you proper posture.
An advanced system which securesyou comfortably to your wheel-chair at and around your knees
rather than a traditional seat beltaround your waist.
Not only do you look & feel betterthe Kneebilizer allows you to move
around with confidence and takeback more of your independence!
THE KNEEBILIZER
Visit www.Kneebilizer.com
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Residents of New York Cityand Nassau County whohave both Medicaid and
Medicare, dual eligibles, and whoreceive Medicaid managed longterm care (MLTC) services are in-curring big changes in these pro-grams. Enrollment in Fully In-tegrated Duals Advantage (FIDA)plans became automatic on April1, for about 7,100 MLTC membersand for about 30,000 more duringthe coming months. Those who willbe automatically assigned to aFIDA plan are those MLTC mem-bers who have not opted out orchosen to voluntarily enroll inFIDA. More than 100,000 MLTCmembers in New York City andNassau received a series of noticesexplaining FIDA and the right toopt out since late 2014. The noticesinformed them which FIDA planthey will be assigned to if they did
not choose and enroll in a plan oraffirmatively out out of FIDA.So far, about 31,000 have optedout of the demonstration. Theywill remain in their MLTC plansfor Medicaid home care and otherservices and keep their separateMedicare coverage, which is eitheroriginal Medicare with a Part Dplan or a Medicare advantageplan. Those in FIDA will have justone plan for all Medicare and Med-icaid coverage.
Those in a FIDA plan will beassigned to the one that is spon-sored by the same company astheir MLTC plan. Four MLTCplans are not connected to a FIDAplan. Their members will be as-signed to a different FIDA planthat contracts with their homecare agency. The 70,000 peoplewho have not opted out of FIDAbe assigned to a FIDA plan at arate of about 7000 members per
month.The FIDA demonstrationis not yet available in SuffolkCounty and Westchester untilmore doctors and other providersjoin the networks of these plans.
Most MLTC members haveMedicare, which generally pays forat least the initial part of a short-term rehabilitation stay. New Yorkstate’s Department of Health(DOH) has confirmed that MLTCplans may not limit their members’choice of facilities to those in theMLTC plan’s network. They mustallow them to go to any facility, andif the member does not have aMedigap policy, the MLTC planmust pay the Medicarecoinsurance. However, after Medi-care coverage ends, if the memberstays in the nursing home perma-nently, they will need to switch toa different MLTC plan that in-cludes that nursing home in itsprovider network.
Advocates have observedmany problems and delays en-rolling in MLTC plans, evenonce Medicaid is approved, espe-cially for people with a Medicaidspend-down or people in nursinghomes trying to enroll in anMLTC plan to return home. If aconsumer is approved for Medic-aid with a spend-down, Medicaidneeds to be activated in order toenroll in an MLTC plan, unlessthe applicant presented enoughmedical bills to meet their spend-down.
New York Medicaid Choice isthe state’s FIDA and MLTC en-rollment broker.
The Independent ConsumerAdvocacy Network (ICAN) has anetwork of nonprofit organiza-tions that are helping peoplechoose whether or not to enroll inFIDA, as well as assistance withMLTC issues.
Major Changes Implemented for Dual Eligibles
On the day a jury trial wasscheduled to begin, DisabilityRights Advocates (DRA) and theLaw Offices of Meenan and Asso-ciates entered into a landmarksettlement with the New York CityPolice Department (NYPD) in acase challenging theDepartment’s discriminatoryblanket policy banning the use ofhearing aids by police officers.The settlement concludesafter four and a half years of hard-fought legal advocacy.
Such blanket policies are pro-hibited by the Americans withDisabilities Act and the New YorkCity Human Rights Law. Thecase has attracted national atten-tion and a friend of the court briefopposing the NYPD’s policy wasfiled by the Hearing Loss Associa-tion of America, AARP and Vet-erans of Foreign Wars USA.
Under the settlement, the Citywill reinstate Plaintiff DanielCarione — a 20 year exemplaryveteran of the police force who suf-fered hearing loss in the line ofduty and was forced to retire be-cause he uses hearing aids.
“The settlement provides anopportunity for me to return to theprofession and the Department Iso dearly love,” said Carione, “Butmuch more importantly it openswide the door of opportunity tomillions of hearing-disabledAmericans. Most notable are ourreturning war veterans, a great
NYPD Settles With Officers on Hearing Loss Issuesmany of which have received com-bat-induced hearing loss requir-ing the use of hearing aids. Manyof these brave men and women aredeserving of the opportunity todemonstrate they are willing, ableand otherwise capable of perform-ing the essential duties of a policeofficer with the use of hearingaids.”
Carione is one of many officerswith hearing loss who will benefitfrom this settlement. The settle-ment requires the City to reviewits hearing -aid policy and considerevaluating officers with hearingaids on a case-by-case basis whilethey are wearing their hearingaids.
While the policy review takesplace, all officers who use hearingaids will have the opportunity tomeet the NYPD’s hearing stan-dards while wearing hearing aidsand be able to keep their jobs ifthey do.
Carione is joined in the settle-ment agreement by former NYPDsergeant Jim Phillips, currently apolice officer in the Village ofBrewster. Phillips said, “
“Hearing Loss Association ofAmerica is thrilled to learn thatDeputy Inspector Dan Carioneand Sergeant Jim Phillips havereached a positive settlement withthe New York City Police Depart-ment,” said Anna Gilmore Hall,executive director of Hearing LossAssociation of America. “The per-
severance of these two men haspaved the way for a hearing aidpolicy at NYPD that takes intoaccount the performance of theindividual, without a precon-ceived notion of what it means tohave hearing aids.”
DRA attorney Stuart Seaborn
Dan Gasby, left, and his wife, B. Smith, third from left, took part ina keynote discussion at the Alzheimer’s Disease ResourceCenter’s 11th Annual Education Conference and Expo recently.
They spoke about the challenges they have faced since Smithwas diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. With themare Mary Ann Malack-Ragona, Executive Director/CEO, Alzh-eimer’s Disease Resource Center, Inc. and ChristineGeed, Communications Director, Office of New York State Sen.Phil Boyle and Keynote Discussion Moderator. More than 400attended the day-long event and were informed about researchupdates; nutritional challenges; and long-term care.
The conference was hosted by the Lillian & Mark LaneAlzheimer’s Disease Education Center®.
B. Smith Speaks at ADRC Conference
said, “This settlement representsa huge victory for the hearing losscommunity. As a result of thesettlement, police officers in NewYork City will have the opportu-nity to prove that they can effec-tively serve their communitieswhile using hearing aids.”
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Hoda Kotb, co-host of thefourth hour of NBC’s“Today” and “Dateline”
NBC correspondent, spoke to morethan 400 guests at the recentReach for a Star Luncheon thatraised funds for the HenryViscardi School at The ViscardiCenter’s after-school programs.She greeted Viscardi students andposed for photographs and openedher remarks by taking some
Hoda Kotb and Max Gold Speak at Viscardi School Luncheon
“selfies” that she showed on air thenext morning.
During her remarks, thatwere both entertaining and poi-gnant, Kotb offered words of en-couragement and shared somelessons she learned while fac-ing her own challenges. Tif-fany, a student at HenryViscardi School, presented herwith an original piece offramed artwork that she had
created in her art class.Max Gold, Henry Viscardi
School in 2009 graduate alsospoke. He is pursuing a degreein law-enforcement technologyand spoke about the school be-
Hoda Kotb, center, poses with Reach for the Stars volunteers and Viscardi School students at recent luncheon.
Structured Transitional Oppor-tunity Re-Embracing Mobility(STORM) is a new organizationthat will provide day programs topeople with who have aged out ofhigh school or will soon graduate.
STORM plans to address thechallenge for parents who want asmooth transition for their childafter high school into a caring andactive environment. It’s mission isto maintain and build upon skillslearned.
The program will utilizeassistive technology for partici-pants’ needs.
Founders Ninos and KathleenYaldaei, parents of a 22-year-old,embarked on this mission afterthey realized there were no suit-able programs for their son aftergraduation.
Programs Planned for Students Aging Out“We toured every available pro-
gram here on Long Island,” theysaid. “What we found was that theprograms are lacking the servicesneeded to continue the necessarysupports needed for our and everyother young adult withdisabilites — engagement, mobil-ity and communication. We wantour individuals upright and en-gaged, offering them choices andgiving them opportunities to be-come as independent as they canbe. We need to shake up the bro-ken system and raise the bar forour young adults.”
The Yaldaei’s are seeking feed-back from parents that may beinterested in a program like thisas well as volunteers.
ing his second home — as he be-gan attending it at the age of two.He noted that without Viscardi’sadapted driver education pro-gram, “I wouldn’t be where I amtoday…. I’m unstoppable.”
Residential&
Commercial
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800 724-5305 • www.surehands.com
SURE HANDS® LIFT AND CARE SYSTEMSSafe Patient Handling
SUREHANDS® Lift & CareSystems has been provid-ing the New York and
New Jersey areas with solutionsto overcome transferring chal-lenges for more than 25 years.For both professional and homeenvironments, patients andcaregivers have a variety of liftsystems and accessories fromwhich to choose in order to maxi-mize function and abilities.
Recognizing the specializedneeds of the disabled and wher-ever there is a necessity for apractical and innovative ap-proach to safe patient care or selfcare, SUREHANDS has the answer.Problem solving is the key totheir success and their goal is toprovide each customer with ex-pert advice in designing a liftsystem to precisely meet theirneeds.
tions, wall lifts and floor-basedmobile units as well as pool liftsare available allowing consum-ers to completely overcomephysical and architectural bar-riers. The SUREHANDS Body Sup-port and a full range of Handi-Slings are adaptable to all theirlift systems and deliver the nec-essary safety and security to us-ers and caregivers while accom-plishing normal activities ofdaily living.
SUREHANDS continually stri-ves to introduce cutting edgeproducts to improve the qualityof life, comfort and well-being ofthe user while reducing the riskof injury to caregivers.
The versatility of SUREHANDSalways places the users’ needsand safety first while offering thebest long term transferring so-lutions.
Call today for a catalog or torequest a free demonstration.
Patriot Mobility Inc is ahome accessibility com-pany located in Deer
Park, NY. Our team of factorytrained technicians specializesin Sales, Installation and Re-pairs of mobility products. Wehave been in business since2010 and were founded with thedetermination and commitmentto allow for better living throughbetter solutions. We have be-come an industry leader servingall of Long Island, New YorkCity, Westchester County andparts of New Jersey.
Patriot Mobility, Inc. offers avariety of mobility products andservices for handicap and dis-abled occupants. Whether youneed a wheelchair ramp, scooter,vertical platform lift, vehicle lift,medical equipment or wheel-chair, Patriot Mobility, Inc. hasa solution for you.
As a veteran owned business,we have spent much time on thefrontline with many disabledveterans and handicap seniors.
Better Solutions For Better LivingPATRIOT MOBILITY,INC.
631 623-6810 • www.patriotmobilityinc.com
We focus on providing highquality mobility products thatwill help assist you throughoutyour day. Allowing you the free-dom of mobility to live and enjoyeach day is our goal. We believethat no obstacle in life shouldever become a lifetime restric-tion.
Our sales team of profession-als will guide you through thedecision making process match-ing your needs with industrystandard products. We deal witha variety of brand name manu-facturers that only distribute thehighest quality products avail-able on the market. We hold aFSS contract with the UnitedStates government which we sellto nationally and have been ac-knowledged for our precision andservices. If you are in need of ahome accessibility solution, youcan count on Patriot Mobility,Inc. to help guide you throughthe process. Visit our website atwww.PatriotMobilityInc.com formore information.
At 23, while in Strasbourg,France studying physicsand chemistry, Jean-
Pierre Kempf decided he wantedto drive a car just using hishands.
It was 1954 and the onlytransportation he had since helost the use of his legs due topolio at the age of two, was a tri-cycle. Mechanics was his pas-sion, so he assembled a car outof various parts and adapted itto be able to drive it himself. Heinstalled a ring on top of thesteering wheel to accelerate, alever left as a hand clutch anda lever right as a hand brake. “Irealized that once I was behindthe wheel, I was like anybodyelse!” he said, so he decided toshare his experience. He sent aletter to a car magazine and thepublication of it brought himsuch a large demand fromparaplegics and amputees thathe started his company to adaptcars and filed a patent for thering in 1955.
For him the “thank you” fromhis customer was more impor-
tant than the money he re-ceived. It took him over a yearbefore he could buy a wheel-chair. It was a folding wheel-chair that changed his life andmade him really independent.
His company became the lead-ing driving aids manufacturer inFrance. The accelerator ring andhand brake became the stan-dard hand controls in France.
He used to say, “We are notbuilding prosthesis to the cars.We are adapting the cars withthe best technology availableand making sure they look asnice as the man-ufacturers de-signed them. Kempf adapta-tions should look like factorymade.”
His company adapted over100,000 vehicles in his lifetime.He was involved in the designuntil the end of his life in 2002.His family made sure his legacylives on. Daughter, Martinewho lives in California managesthe company KEMPF SAS inFrance. In 2007 she startedKEMPF Inc. in California andFlorida and in 2012 in China.
KEMPF, INC.
888 453-6738 • www.kempf-usa.com
Jean-Pierre Kempf, a Pioneer in Driving Aids
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The changing of the seasonis always a good time to doa maintenance check on
your vehicle. With Spring now athand, we asked the techniciansat Bussani Mobility Team’s full-service auto shop what consum-ers need to know to keep theirwheelchair accessible vans intip-top shape.
1. Use It – Letting a vehiclesit around can be just as harm-ful as excessive use. For in-stance, a three year-old acces-sible van with under 10,000miles will often need new tires orhoses or gaskets, all due to dryrot.
2. Regular Maintenance –Keeping up with scheduledmaintenance is as importantwith a converted vehicle as oil isto the engine. That includesproper lubricants, alignment,and most important, upgrades.
3. Find a Service Facility YouTrust – Be sure to take the ve-hicle to an auto shop that knowshow to work on conversions.
4. Understand Your ManualOverrides – Wheelchair acces-sible vans are equipped withmanual overrides to allow thedriver to deploy the ramp if thereis a mechanical problem or acci-dent. Knowing how to use thesesystems is essential to one’ssafety.
5. Trade It –One way to main-tain the value of the vehicle is totrade it in for a newer one whilethe value is still high, instead ofdriving it into the ground andthen looking to trade.
Bussani Mobility Team sells,services and rents wheelchairaccessible vans.
The certified technicians intheir auto shops know all the ins-and-outs of adaptive vehicles in-cluding brakes, tune-ups, tires,auto body, glass repair, andmore. They service vans regard-less of where they were pur-chased and help people livingwith physical disabilities safelygo the distance in their acces-sible vehicles.
BUSSANI MOBILITY TEAMTop Tips for Accessible Vans
855 982-8924 • www.BussaniMobility.com
Acommon question that parents and grandparents ask is howto save for a child/grandchild with a disability. The answeris a simple one: establish a supplemental needs trust for the
benefit of the child.A supplemental needs trust is a special kind of trust. It can have
thousands of dollars in the trust and not affect the beneficiary’s eligi-bility for government benefits such as Supplemental Security Incomeand Medicaid. These two government benefit programs pay for theservices and supports an individual with disabilities needs to live inthe community and have a full and productive life.
A recent change in the federal law has created an account called anABLE Account: Achieving a Better Life Experience. These accountsare similar to a 529 Education accounts. Funds can grow tax free,annual contributions can be made by anyone, but are limited to$14,000 in the aggregate and, most importantly; funds in the accountat the death of the beneficiary with the disability are subject to claimsby Medicaid.
Third party supplemental needs trusts contain funds from thirdparties such as parents and grandparents and are not subject to claimsby Medicaid. The creator of the trust can designate who receives fundsin the supplemental needs trust at the death of the beneficiary. Theyare a better option for parents and grandparents who wish to put theirhard earned funds aside for a person with a disability.
Saundra M. Gumerove, a Special Needs Attorney, represents andworks with individuals with disabilities and their families on a widerange of issues, including special education, guardianship, estate plan-ning and supplemental needs trusts.
SAUNDRA M. GUMEROVE, ESQ.
516 822-3397• www.smgesq.com
Saving for a Disabled Child or GrandchildSAUNDRA M.GUMEROVE
& ASSOCIATES
516-822-3397www.smgesq.com
42 Marian Lane o NY 11753
Serving theSpecial Needs Community
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Are you a person who usesa wheelchair or knowssomeone that does?
Wheelchairs all come with atraditional old fashioned seat-belt that wraps around yourwaist, yet you are always read-justing, slouched and uncom-fortable.
It’s my pleasure to introduceyou to the Kneebilizer, the futurein wheelchair restraint safety de-vises.
What is the Kneebilizer?The Kneebilizer is an ad-
vanced system which secures youcomfortably to your wheelchair atand around your knees ratherthan traditional seat belt aroundyour waist. Knee + Stabilizer=Kneebilizer
The Kneebilizer can be usedin a variety of ways:• Complete Kneebilizer• Kneebilizer without/Knee
KNEEBILIZER
cushion• Kneebilizer only strap overthe knees
The Kneebilizer offers advan-tages in the areas of:• Security, Comfort, Style &provides proper posture• Holds legs comfortably to-gether and provides you with alarger lap to hold/carry items• Knee cushion protects knees• Reduces spasms• Sleep better
Not only do you look & feel bet-ter, the Kneebilizer allows you tomove around with confidence andtake back more of your indepen-dence!
“Join the growing number ofsatisfied customers who havetransitioned from the uncom-fortable lap belt to the securityand style of the Kneebilizer.” Proudly made in the USA!
Are You Kneebilized!!!www.kneebilizer.com
An Advanced System ThatSecures You To Your Wheelchair
ALPHA CARE SUPPLY
Valley Stream.
866 291-7039 • www.alphacaresupply.com
For all your access needs,Alpha Care Supply is theplace. Alpha is a family
owned and operated companyfor over 20 years. Its productsare wheelchair ramps, stairlifts,ADA platform lifts, patient lifts,as well as providing full ADAbathroom modifications servingthe NYC metro area, includingNassau, Suffolk, Westchester,Rockland, Yonkers and NJ. Thecompany also works extensivelywith most of the funding agen-cies such as NYCHA, FEGS,United Cerebral Palsy NY, Re-building Together, SKIP,OPWDD, and other agencies. Furthermore, Alpha is an ap-proved FIDA (Fully IntegratedDuals Advantage) program pro-vider for most of the healthcareproviders in NYS.
Recently, Chung H Lee, withbackground in finance and busi-ness, has joined the company aspart of its management. Ac-cording to Lee, “Alpha’sstrengths lie in its experiencedprofessional staff while havinga brick and mortar presencebased in Valley Stream inNassau carrying extensive in-
ventory. Consequently, thecompany is able to respond ex-peditiously to its customer’sneeds.” Baby boomers reallyneed this equipment, he contin-ued. According to AARP, “in thenext 20 years, the number ofadults age 65 and older willnearly double in the US. Manyof these people will reject high-priced institutional care and, in-stead, will continue to live in thecommunity, even if they haveone or more disabilities.”
Alpha stresses concern forcustomers’ safety and quality ofindependent life. Alpha is prop-erly licensed and fully insured.It has outfitted churches, hos-pitals, synagogues, schools, etc.and has worked for federal, stateand local facilities. Alpha is“very conscious of the costs andprovides the most cost-effectiveproduct. We do the right job forthe right price.” Alpha’s knowl-edgeable advisors will thor-oughly evaluate your needs atno obligation. Call 866 291-7039 (www.alphacaresupply.com) or visit their show-room at 21 Stringham Ave., Val-ley Stream.
631 338-6350 • www.abetterbutton.com
BETTER BUTTON
Many people take forgranted the effortlessability to button their
own jeans, but for people withfine motor limitations this taskcan be impossible. Sensible Sis-ters, Inc. offers a fast, efficientand affordable way to solve thisproblem with their new product:a Better Button.
A Better Button is a buttonadapter with a unique keyholeopening that quickly and eas-ily inserts into the buttonholeof any jeans.
The keyhole opening slipsover the original button of thejeans creating an easy slide on,slide off closure. A Better But-ton can remain on your jeanseven through the wash and drycycle.
The idea of A Better Button
was born when our daughter/niece Brittany, who has autism,could not master the task of but-toning her jeans. It was frus-trating for Brittany to have toask for help or being limited towearing elastic waist or sweatpants. She wanted to wear thefashionable jeans her sistersand peers were able to wear.
There are many conditionssuch as arthritis, special needsor other disabilities that resultin hand muscle weakness orfine motor limitations and ABetter Button is the perfectproduct to get everyone back totheir jeans. Now Brittany canpick out any pair of jeans, popin A Better Button and openand close her jeans all by her-self with ease and indepen-dence and so can you!
Slide it With a Better Button
Strengths Lie in Professional Staff
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6A product & service guide
REGINA E BRANDOW, P.C.
Brandow Law is a full ser-vice, Stony Brook-basedlaw practice concentrat-
ing on matters involving Trusts& Estates, Supplemental NeedsTrust for persons with disabili-ties and extends to Elder Law,Real Estate and CorporateLaw.
The firm was founded byRegina Brandow, known as azealous advocate for the commu-nity. She has been serving thepeople of Long Island and NewYork City since 1998.
Estate planning attempts toease probate administration andmaximize the value of an estateby reducing taxes and other ex-penses. For many individualsthis process is very simple. Forothers who have a physical, sen-sory or mental disability and re-ceive governmental benefits, itcan be extraordinarily complex. Brandow Law’s mission is to leadfamilies through the estate plan-ning process and to protect them
regardless of future circum-stances. Brandow Law, alongwith its network of counselorsand agencies, provides a compre-hensive and coordinated ap-proach.
Each Brandow Law client ismentored through a checklist of“must-haves” regarding the ba-sics of estate planning, trustsand guardianships. From there,they work with individual clientsto develop custom plans bestsuited to their specific needs.
Regina Brandow knows thatwhile all families have specialcircumstances, each has uniqueneeds.
The firm takes pride in offer-ing its clients the best profes-sional service and somethingevery bit as valuable — peace ofmind.
For more information andbackground on the firm, visit ourwebsite or call us if you have aquestion about a legal matter. We’re here to help.
You buy a car from a cardealership. Abilities Un-limited is not a car deal-
ership, we design and modify ve-hicles to meet our clients specificneeds and desires. It may be alowered floor minivan, or a fullsized van with a seat next to thewheelchair for a caregiver that
Announced on the occasionof the 25th anniversaryyear of the Americans
with Disabilities Act, this Dance/NYC initiative aims to advanceinclusion and access to the artform for disabled people. This
work extends Dance/NYC’s corecapabilities for research, tech-nology and convening and theorganizational values of equityand inclusion embedded into allaspects of its programs and ser-vices.
DANCE/NYC
is necessary. Sometimes ascooter lift, a tranfer seat in aSUV will work perfectly. Some-times you have to think “outsidethe box” to give a person theirindependence.
That is how this industrycame to be. That is what Abili-ties Unlimited is all about.
DanceNYC.org
Advancing Inclusion & Access to the Arts
Providing Mobility for Your Independence
A Full-Service Law Practice Specializing in PWD
Providing Mobility for Independence
Accessible Minivans
Accessible Full Size Vans
Abilities Unlimited of NY, Inc.90 East Jefryn Blvd, Deer Park, NY 11729
Force on People with Disabili-ties, I would like to invite Able
Readers to the annual New York StateAssembly Legislative DisabilitiesAwareness Day (LDAD), which is beingheld in Albany on Monday, May 11, 2015.
As usual, Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day starts at 10a.m. with the opening ceremony in the Well of the Legislative Of-fice Building (LOB). Many organizations that serve people withdisabilities will be available to demonstrate a sample of their pro-grams, services and products that make the lives people with dis-abilities easier. The exhibits will be open for viewing from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. in the Well of the LOB.
We will also be displaying our annual poster contest artwork cre-ated by students in kindergarten through fifth grade. We sponsorthis contest because educating today’s children both about the chal-lenges that people with disabilities face and the contributions theymake to society will make tomorrow’s leaders much less tolerant ofdiscrimination. In addition, there will be two seminars on issues ofinterest to New York’s disability community.
Along with the exhibitor fair and seminars that are being held,we are also inviting all LDAD participants to visit legislative ses-sion, where we plan to take up important measures on such issuesas disability rights, housing and election reform. We encourage allLDAD participants to come and advocate for these bills, and at-tending a session is a great way to demonstrate that support.
The legislative package that we plan to advance on LDAD hasbeen derived, in great part, from the tremendous advocacy effortsthat many of you have put forth. Attendees are also invited to en-joy the luncheon that we will be providing for everyone.
I really hope that you will join us at the 2015 Legislative Dis-abilities Awareness Day. If you have any questions regardingLDAD or would like additional information, or if you will requireany special assistance if you are planning to attend, please contactKimberly Hill, director of the Task Force on People with Disabili-ties, 518 455-4592.
TASK FORCE TALK
BY DAVID WEPRIN, CHAIRN.Y.S. ASSEMBLY TASK FORCEON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day
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ABLE ACCEPTS EVENTAND PROGRAM INFORMATIONAble Newspaper will print event and pro-
gram information from agencies when spacepermits. Send items to [email protected].
INFORMATIONFORUM
BAND SEEKS STUDIO SPACE,MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS
The Coalition for Disabled Musicians(CDM), celebrating its 29th year, is welcom-ing new musicians and volunteer road crewfor its rock band Range of Motion.They are also looking for a new rehearsalstudio. The band currently features fivemusicians with various disabilities who allcontribute through their vocal, instrumen-tal and/or songwriting talents.
Throughout the years, they have playedfor schools, festivals and other venues. Forinformation call Linda Jaeger, 631 586-0366.
BOCES NEEDS TEACHERAIDES FOR THE SUMMER
Nassau BOCES is accepting applicationsfor special education teacher aides for thesummer.
Aides will assist in implementing class-room routines and student management, aswell as other various duties. Preference willbe given to college students, future teach-ers and current substitutes. The salary is$69 per day.
For an interview call Giselle Rivera, 516396-2252.
SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW ANDADVOCACY CONFERENCE PLANNED
Wrightslaw Special Education Law andAdvocacy Conference a Wrightslaw trainingprogram featuring Pete Wright, Esq. Spon-sored by Kulanu’s Parent Advocacy andResource Center (PARC). Thursday May 14,9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the JFK Airport Hilton,144-02 135th Ave. Jamaica.
This will be a one-day special educationlaw and advocacy programs focusing on fourareas including special education law, rightsand responsibilities; tests and measure-ments to measure progress and regression;SMART IEPs – an introduction to tacticsand strategies for effective advocacy.
Wrightslaw programs are designed to meetthe needs of parents, educators, clinicians,advocates and attorneys who represent chil-dren with disabilities regarding special edu-cation. The program is not disability specific.
The conference includes breakfast, lunchand coffee, tea and water throughout theday. Online registration is available atwww.kulanukids.org. For information con-tact Amy Eisenberg, PARC director 516569-3083 x138.
ALZHEIMER’S CENTERTO WELCOME MELANIE BUNN
The Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Cen-ter, Inc. (ADRC) has announced thatAlzheimer’s Training Consultant MelanieBunn will be a guest speaker as part of theirgroup’s 2015 Seminar Series.
On May 11 Bunn will discuss “The Posi-tive Approach to Communication and Be-havior for Those Caring for Someone withAlzheimer’s Disease and other CognitiveImpairments,” which will take place atWinthrop-University Hospital’s Research &Academic Center in Mineola at 6 p.m.
A lecturer and clinician in the areas ofgerontological nursing and Alzheimer’s dis-ease, Bunn presents over 150 sessions eachyear at local, statewide and national confer-ences and meetings with interactive presen-tations using learner-centered educationalstrategies.
For more information about ADRC or itsupcoming events, please contact Mary AnnMalack-Ragona at 631 580-5100.
FAIR FOR PEOPLE WITH VISUALIMPAIRMENTS PLANNED BY SCLS
The Suffolk Cooperative Library System isplanning an Assistive Technology and Re-source Fair for People Who Are Blind or Vi-sually Impaired – “See For Yourself 2015” onFriday, May 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at theOutreach Services, Suffolk Cooperative Li-brary System, 627 North Sunrise Service Rd.,(Exit 55), Bellport, N.Y. (East of Route 101,Patchogue-Yaphank Road).
Vendors will provide hands-on demonstra-tions of assistive technology, while represen-tatives from several non-profit organizations,County agencies and service providers willoffer information that will enhance the livesof people living with vision loss.
Reading machines, computers with voice,large print, braille, magnification devices, de-vices for daily living and organizations, ven-dors and low vision resources will be available.
Admission is free. For information call 631286-1600.
CRPD CONFERENCE PLANNEDFOR JUNE AT U.N.
The eight session of the Conference ofStates Parties to the Convention on theRights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)will be held June 9 to 11, at United Nationsheadquarters in New York City.
Application forms for registration andside events are available at www.un.org/dissabilities/default.asp?id=1625.
MAN WITH DOWN SYNDROMESTARS IN MOVIE AND VIDEO
“Where Hope Grows” a film to be releasedon May 15 in theaters across the country,stars David DeSanctis, a young actor withDown syndrome.
DeSanctis is also featured in a short videocalled “Shattering Sterotypes,” which aimsto remove the public’s negative labels andperceived limitations of people with disabili-ties. It can be viewed on Youtube atwww.youtube.com/watch?v=p-bPj_NK96w.
NETFLIX BEGINS AUDIODESCRIPTION ON SELECTED SHOWS
Netflix recently expanded its accessibil-ity options by adding audio description forpeople with visual impairments on selecttitles, beginning with the newseries “Marvel’s Daredevil.”
Audio description is a narration trackthat describes what is happening on-screen. In coming weeks, they will add moretitles, including current and previous sea-sons of the political show “House of Cards,”comedy-drama series “Orange is the NewBlack,” as well as Tina Fey’s “UnbreakableKimmy Schmidt” and the adventureseries “Marco Polo.”
Netflix will be increasing the number ofaudio-visual translations for movies andshows in their English-language cata-logues.
Netflix is working to increase the amountof audio description for a range of devicesincluding smart TVs, tablets andsmartphones.
FCC PLANNING FOR IMPROVED911 CELL CALLER LOCATING
With consumers increasingly replacinglandlines with cell phones, the Federal Com-munications Commission (FCC) recentlyreleased a rule report which will significantlyenhance the ability of 911 call centers toaccurately identify the location of wirelesscallers who are indoors.
A series of timeframes have been estab-lished to implement these enhancements,such as two to six years in which 911 cen-ters must be able to identify the caller’s ex-act location and three to eight years inwhich the centers must be able to determinethe vertical location of callers in multi-storybuildings.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FORPARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM
Parent to Parent is seeking parents orprimary caregivers of people with disabili-ties to impart their expertise or emotionalsupport to those in similar situations.
Communication between the parent/caregiver and the volunteer peer usuallytakes place over the phone or throughemail.
Online training is required for all poten-tial support peers.
For information call Valerie Reid, 631434-6196.
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To have your event or meet-ing listed, send informationto [email protected] deadline for calendaritems is the 10th day of themonth preceding the date ofpublication. Calendar itemswill be accepted only if theyhave a specific date.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MAY 1Abilities Expo, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.,at N.J. Convention & Expo Cen-ter, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison.Through May 3.
MAY 2Walk/Run for Friends ofKaren at the Long IslandMarathon to benefit childrenwith cancer or other life-threaten-ing illness, Mitchel Athletic Com-plex, Uniondale. For informationcall 631 473-1768 ext. 303. AlsoMay 3, at Eisenhower Park.
Amputee/Physically Chal-lenged Golf TournamentPennsylvania Amputee OpenCarlisle Barracks Golf Club, 143Yellow Breeches Dr., Camp Hill,Pa. For information call 717 737-8959. Also May 3.
MAY3Global Abilities Racing TeamBroad Street Run Competi-tion in Philadelphia, Pa. For in-formation email [email protected].
MAY 4Cancer Support Group 2 to 4p.m. at Franklin Hospital, 900Franklin Ave., Valley Stream. Forinformation call 516 256-6478.
Family Comes First Televi-sion Series at 10:30 p.m. onTelecare. For information callVincent J. Russo 516 683-1717.Also May 11, 18 & 25.
MAY 5Caregiver Support Group forcaregivers of patients withchronic and/or serious illnesses 4to 5 p.m. at South Nassau Com-munities Hospital ConferenceRoom B or C. For information call516 632-4219. Also May 12, 19 &26.
Emerging Lessons from theDisability EmploymentTracker-Benchmarking fromYears 1 & 2 , 12 p.m. For informa-tion or to register email [email protected].
Teen Zone Fitness, Social-ization, Dancing, Gamesand more 4:45 to 6 p.m. atHOPEFitness Nassau, 2750North Jerusalem Rd., NorthBellmore. For information call877 396-4673. Also May 12, 19& 26.
MAY 6Rebuilding Together, LI 10a.m. at the Rebuilding Togetheroffice, 208 Route 109, Suite 204,Farmingdale. For information call516 541-7322.
Yoga for Special Needs 5 to 6p.m. at HOPEFitness Nassau,2750 North Jerusalem Rd., NorthBellmore. For information call877 396-4673. Also May 13, 20 &27.
MAY 7Student Civic Talent Showto benefit Nassau County Vic-tory Games and LI CARES 6:30to 9 p.m. at Bethpage HighSchool Center for the PerformingArts, 10 Cherry Ave., Bethpage.For information call J. Rito 516644-4100.
MAY 11Alzheimer’s Seminar Seriesfeaturing Melanie Bunn 6 p.m. atWinthrop-University Hosp-ital’sResearch & Academic Center,room G018, 101 Mineola Blvd.,Mineola. For information callMary Ann Malack-Ragona 631580-5100.
MAY 13New York Mobility Club 6 to8 p.m. at Bussani Mobility, 401Middle Country Rd., Smithtown.For information call 888 690-7709.
MAY 15See for Yourself AssistiveTechnology and ResourceFair for people who are blind orpartially sighted 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.at Suffolk Cooperative LibrarySystem, 627 North Sunrise Ser-vice Rd., Bellport. For informationcall 631 286-1600.
MAY 16Walk MS 8:30 a.m. at JonesBeach, Field 5. For informationcall 631 864-8337 option 2.
Town Homeowners Cleanupfor residents of Oyster Bay Town8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the SolidWaste Disposal Complex, 101Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Rd., OldBethpage. For information call516 677-5943.
Long Island Council of theBlind 12:30 to 4 p.m. at theElsworth Allen Town Park Com-munity Room, 45 Motor Ave., S.Farmingdale. For information
call Ed 516 385-8756.MAY 17
Judy’s Run for Stroke Aware-ness 9 a.m. at the Gazebo 127Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset. Forinformation call Bob Zebrowski631 255-2516.
Pajama Party 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.at Theresa Academy of Perform-ing Arts, 250 Lido Blvd., LidoBeach. For information call 516432-0200.
MAY 19Multiple Sclerosis SupportGroup 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St.Frances de Chantal Church, 1309Wantagh Ave., Wantagh. For in-formation call 516 945-4526.
MAY 20AHA Association Suffolk Sup-port Group 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. atThe Selden/Centereach Youth As-sociation, 1515 Middle CountryRd., Selden. For information [email protected].
Spring into Awareness Lun-cheon presented by NationalMultiple Sclerosis Society atCarlyle on the Green. For infor-mation call 631 864-8337.
The Taste of Nassau to ben-efit The Games For The Physi-cally Challenged, 6 to 10 p.m. atChelsea Mansion at MuttontownPreserve, 34 Muttontown Lane ,East Norwich. For informationcall 516 571-8851.
MAY 22Paralympics Tri-state Re-gional Games, in BergenCounty. For information call 212360-3319
MAY 30“Sibshops” Sibling SupportGroup for brothers and sistersof children with special needs 9a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nokomis El-ementary School, 151 HolbrookRd., Holbrook. For informationcall 631 807-0762.
MAY 31Veteran Amputee Golf OutingOld York Road Country Club, 1010Plowshare Rd., Yardley, Pa. Forinformation call 215 595-4033.
ONGOING EVENTSVeterans Outreach Programsponsored by Northport VAMedical Center at locations inRiverhead, Northport, EastMeadow, Patchogue, ValleyStream and Bay Shore. For in-formation call Debbie 631 261-4400 ext. 7084.
Special Needs Sports Pro-gram for ages 4 and up, 12 to2 p.m., every other Saturdaythrough June at the WilliamFloyd Middle School, 630Moriches Middle Island Rd.,Moriches Athletic Complex,Moriches. For information callDebbie Metz 631 767-4354.
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AB Pathfinder Inc., devel-oper of cloud-based software toimprove autism therapy, an-nounced major enhancementsto its platform that helps thera-pists and special educationteachers collect data and ana-lyze performance.
“We’re excited to announcethese enhancements at a timewhen awareness of autism andspecial needs as a whole is at ahigh,” said Jeff Blackwood,president of AB Pathfinder.“With improved features andnavigation, our software will
Software Upgrade to Improve Learning for Children with Autismfurther empower therapistsand educators to maximizetheir time and effectivenesswith every child.”
The software captures real-time data and graphs clientprogress, allowing therapistsand educators to efficientlytrack skills, behaviors andgoals. Studies demonstratethat this program improvesmeasurable outcomes, withchildren acquiring skills up to20 percent faster when thecompany’s technology is used.
AB Pathfinder also cuts ad-
ministration and planningtime in half, enabling thoseworking with the child to focustheir attention on individual-ized strategies and interactionrather than paperwork.
The software will soon fea-ture a new look, complete witha revamped dashboard, up-dated iconography and en-hanced navigation. Users willalso have access to an improvedgoal planning tab where theycan easily manage the progressof skills and targets.
In addition, a system utiliza-
tion summary report will makekey data, such as the averagetime spent on patients or stu-dents and the number of behav-iors tracked per session, readilyavailable. More enhancementsto the software will be rolled outduring the coming months.
Ed Tech Digest recentlynamed AB Pathfinder as thetop solution for special educa-tion and a recipient of a 2015Cool Tool Award. Recently, theenhanced software was fea-tured at several conferencesthroughout the country.
PERSONAL PLACEPERSONAL PLACE
Able Newspaper
PERSONAL ADS
SWM, 49, with spinal muscular atro-phy seeks SWF30-48 for dating in Suf-folk or Nassau county. I enjoy fishing,comedy clubs, movies, murder mysterydinners, nascar races and LI Ducksbaseball. A373SWM, 65, seeks SWF for a phone friendand eventually maybe to meet. I do nothave a computer, so send your phonenumber. A374
SWM 63, Seeks nice lady for serious longterm relationship, please include phonenumber. A375
62-year-old widow, looking for gentle-man who drives and enjoys easier lifestyle. A376
SWF, looking for that special guy tospend the rest of my life with. I’m easygoing, out going person and I love do-ing most everything. Let’s enjoy lifetogether. A377
SWCM, 58, brown hair, 179 lbs.,blue eyes. Im looking for SWCF48, full figured, someone’s namewho is Cindy. A378
WCF, 85, looking for companion,friendship, dancing, dating, conver-sation and dining. Suffolk County,ND and NS. A379
APM, 58 seeks BF friendship and dat-ing. I love to travel in Australia andSingapore. A371
Smart, black christian girl, likesreading bible, watching TV and mu-sic. Seeks cool smart white malewith similar interests, Brooklynarea. A380
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CIVIL RIGHTS LAW FIRMJames E. Bahamonde, Esq.
(646) 290-8258 (516) 783-9662FREE CONSULTATION HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL
patients know what networksthey belong to and providers whodo not belong to the patient’s net-work must tell the patient beforetreatment.
Patients will be protected fromsurprise bills and will only be re-sponsible for in-network copay-ments, coinsurance or deductibleif they sign an assignment of ben-efits form. This form allows theprovider to seek payment fromthe health plan.
If a bill is questioned by a pa-tient, the out-of-network pro-vider and insurer must negoti-ate the rest of the charge with
each other. If they cannot agree,either of them can submit the billto a new dispute resolution pro-cess that will determine a rea-sonable fee.
The best way a patient can pro-tect themselves from surprisebills is to plan in advance. Beforegetting care they should checkwith their plans, their physiciansand any medical facilities in-volved to find out who is in theirnetwork and keep written recordsof any phone calls and informa-tion they get from websites.
The Long Term Care Commu-nity Coalition (LTCCC) has re-cently released a new resource,Nursing Home Quality Stan-dards: A Primer for ManagedCare Organizations.
It is geared towards guidingmanaged care organizations(MCO), although it is expected tobe useful to a variety of stakehold-ers, including consumers, familiesand advocates.
This year, New York state istransitioning access to nursinghome care for Medicaid beneficia-ries to mandatory managed care.Rather than accessing nursing
Guide to Help Stakeholders With MCOshomes independently, New York-ers who receive Medicaid benefitswill be required to access carethrough an MCO. However,MCOs are not required to contractwith all licensed facilities in thestate or county in which theirmembers live. The goal of theprimer is to provide useful infor-mation on nursing home quality-of-care and quality-of-life require-ments, legal and regulatory stan-dards, as well as assessing a spe-cific nursing home’s quality.
The primer is available atwww.nursinghome411.org/?articleid=10093.
Experienced installers/tech-nicians wanted, now hiring.Call for more information631 392-4050.
Town and Country, BraunEntervan, silver with greyleather a beauty, 92K, asking$12,500. For more info call631 321-4196.
FOR SALE
Need 4 weekdays, ref avail-able. Call for more informa-tion 631 703-8791.
CLASSIFIED MAIL-IN FORM
FOR SALE
Electric Hoyer lift, hospitalbed with special air mattress,electric wheelchair, every-thing brand new, best offer.For more info call Toni 516642-0452.
Wheelchair friendly inBrookhaven, 3 bedrooms, 2baths, stair glide to basement,updated furnace and kitchen,asking $299.000. Call 631 776-0657.
Permobil, C-300, tilts, pushbutton controls, excellent con-dition, used only indoors,many extras, $3,500 neg. Call516 746-4461.
Town and Country, BraunEntervan, navy blue, grey in-terior, loaded, mint condition,127K, asking $10,000, mustsell. For more informationcall 631 921-9133.
Able needs volunteers withwebsite knowledge and data-base input knowledge. Pleaseemail [email protected].
Five soccer players who grewup playing in the Eastern NewYork Youth Soccer Associa-tion (ENYYSA) were inductedinto the Long Island SoccerPlayer Hall of Fame on duringthe 33rd Annual Long IslandJunior Soccer League (LIJSL)Convention.
“All five of our inductees aretrailblazers,” said Long IslandSoccer Player Hall of FameFounder Kevin McCrudden.“What they have done hasopened doors for others whohave come after them.”Babylon’s Ed Cody joined theHuntington Boys Club (HBC)TOPSoccer Special Children’sProgram in 1984 when the pro-
gram was in its infancy. Forthree decades, he was one of theLIJSL TOPSoccer’s most con-sistent and giving players.
He played in the SpecialOlympics 19 times all throughNew York state, winning manymedals in the process. After an-
nouncing his retirement lastfall, he played in the SpecialOlympics one last time.
Coach Mike Ludin also de-scribed some of the other mem-bers of the HBC TOPSoccerProgram. His son, Craig Ludin,has won so many gold medalsin the Special Olympics that hehas been inducted into the Na-tional Jewish Sports Hall ofFame.
Sarah Calichman plays for
HBC as well and her brotherDan Calichman played soccerprofessionally in Major LeagueSoccer and Japan’s J-League.Plus the brother of HBC’sJeannie Higgins, ChrisHiggins, currently plays for theVancouver Canucks.
The other Long Island Soc-cer Player Hall of Fame induct-ees were former pro layers AlanBodenstein, Emily PickeringHarner, Tom Lang and MichaelWindischmann.
With 123,843 youth soccerplayers and more than 25,000volunteers, the Eastern NewYork Youth Soccer Association(ENYYSA) stretches fromMontauk Point to the Canadianborder.
All levels of soccer are offeredfrom intramural, travel teamand premier players as well aschildren with disabilities. Nochild who wants to play socceris turned away.
For more information visitwww.enysoccer.com.
Soccer League Inducts Athletes Into HOF
Inductee Ed Cody on left poses with longtime coach Mike Ludin.
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Registration is open for TheMiracle League of Long Island, acharitable organization that pro-vides people with disabilities theopportunity to play baseball forfree.
In addition, they will
Baseball League Opens Registrationpresent their third annual golfouting at the Vineyards GolfClub in Riverhead on May 21,at 9 a.m.
For information on this all-dayevent visit www.mllongisland.com.
Registration is underway forthe 2015 United States Associa-tion of Blind Athletes (USABA)Goalball National Champion-ships in Georgia, June 18 to 21,hosted by Georgia Blind SportsAssociation.
All players and coaches mustbe USABA members and haveplayed in a qualifying tourna-ment. The competition will kickoff with an opening ceremonyand conclude with an awardsceremony.
In the event the number ofteams registering exceeds ca-
Team Registration UnderwayFor Goalball Competition
pacity, preference will be givento teams based on their finish ina regional tournament. Thetournament schedule will bebased on a 22 team format.
Local transportation will beavailable to and from the At-lanta airport, designated hotelsand competition locale. Lunchand dinner will be provided toplayers and coaches, and break-fast will be provided by desig-nated hotels.
Deadline for registration isMay 23. To register call HalSimpson, 770 833-2061.
The United States Associationof Blind Athletes (USABA) willhost the 2015 International BlindSports Federation World YouthGoalball Championships in Colo-rado Springs, Colo., July 24- Aug.
USABA Seeks Goalball Athletes 12-191 and is seeking athletes to playgoalball, ages 12 through 19 whoare interested in being consideredto compete for Team USA.
