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When Money Follows the Person ALSO IN THIS EDITION:

UNIQUE Note Cards Available 2

Be An Advocate:

Winter Awareness 2

Mental Health Checkup:

Combating the Winter Blues 3

Training Therapy Horses 4

ARISE & Ski Gets Started 4

Annual Gingerbread House

Decoration Party is Great fun 4

Transitioning from High School 5

Money Manners: a new game 5

Message from the

Executive Director 6

January 9—February 14

ARISE & Ski Central New York’s only all-inclusive,

adaptive ski program. Cost: $140

Volunteers also needed!

Contact: 671-3094

February 15—19

Winter Farm Camp

A week long horsemanship camp just

in time for school breaks! Cost: $175

Contact: 687-6727

Upcoming ARISE Events & Activities

When Jane Smith1 was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in her late thirties she could not have foreseen the impact it would have on her life. After spending twenty-five years living in her own home and raising two children, Jane’s physical impairments began creating barriers to her independence. Never one to quit, she hired contractors to make accessibility modifications to her home and continued to live in the neighborhood she had known for decades.

Unfortunately, Jane was then hospitalized several times and, following her last admission transferred to a nursing home. Feeling she had no choice, she reluctantly made the decision to sell her home. Jane tried hard to adjust to life in the nursing home, but she missed being independent and more involved with her family and community.

This story plays out everyday across our state. People of all ages with a wide variety of disabilities find themselves facing institutionalization, a move that takes away personal choice and independence.

And while there can be no doubt that our state’s budget crisis needs to be addressed, reducing community-based supports does not make financial sense.

According to an April 2009 report released by the Medicaid Institute at United Hospital Fund,2 of the individuals in New York State receiving Medicaid long-term care services in September 2007,

Advocating for living at home at the 2009

Americans With Disabilities Act

Anniversary Celebration.

about two-thirds were receiving services in community-based settings; the remaining one-third were receiving services in residential settings (mainly nursing homes). Of the $12.3 billion Medicaid spent on these programs, however, 53% was for residential programs and only 47% was spent on community-based programs. This imbalance clearly shows that community-based services are a more cost-effective approach.

ARISE’s Healthcare Advocate, Kara VanderVeer, is familiar with

(Continued on page 5)

WINTER 2009/10

UNIQUE Note Cards available! See page 2 for more details!

1 The client’s name has been changed to respect privacy.

2

September 16—

November 30:

Doug & Shari Bottego

David Branfield

Estate of Linda Cleveland

Dennis Coon

Michele Cousineau

Ann Dennison

Robert & Laura Dunn

Jeff Herrick

Stephanie Hole

Steven & Sabine Ingerson

Melissa James

Greta A. Jones

Edward & Sue Judge

Robert & Cheryl Kantak

Michael Klaehn

Kimberly A. Lipke

Karen Lynch

John & Denise Mako

Tom & Lynne McKeown

P. Drescher Co., Inc.

Maryann Piazza-Toms

Patricia Schwartz

George E. & Joan K. Smith

Upstate Paving

Thank You Donors!

ARISE thanks the following individuals and organizations who recently made donations or awarded grants to support our many programs and services:

ONONDAGA COUNTY

Winter weather presents increased difficulties for everyone. Cold weather and heavy snow can create barriers for people with disabilities; however there are easy things to do that can make winter more enjoyable for everyone.

Make sure you clear the snow from the sidewalks, stairs, and ramps to your house shortly after a snowfall. If a sidewalk is impassible, a person using a wheelchair may be forced to travel in the street. Depending on the wheelchair, as little as an inch of snow and ice can make getting around difficult.

Parking lots covered in snow can also lead to confusion. Accessible parking spaces are marked with signs, but will also have an accessibility lane that is marked on the pavement with diagonal yellow lines – which may be covered with snow. Please leave room when parking, and keep the lanes clear from shopping carts and other obstacles. The accessibility lanes provide space for motorized lifts and ramps to operate safely and without damaging nearby property.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has emergency benefits for people who are facing a heat or heating related crisis and do not have the resources available to resolve the emergency. There is also a program to repair or replace furnaces. Questions can be directed to the HEAP hotline at 1-800-342-3009.

If you have a friend, family member or neighbor with a disability, who lives alone, or who may need assistance, check in on him or her after storms, during extremely cold snaps and power outages, and periodically through the winter. Ask if you can help him or her run errands or help with snow removal. You may make someone’s day.

For other resources, or ways to be an advocate, contact Beata Karpinska-Prehn at 671-2929.

UNIQUE Note Cards Now Available!

If you would like to support

ARISE, please send a check

made payable to:

ARISE, 635 James Street

Syracuse, NY 13203

or donate online with our

secure form at

www.ariseinc.org.

Thank you!

Be an Advocate! Winter Awareness!

Donate $30.00 or more* to ARISE or for any ARISE program and receive this package of 12 blank note cards. The covers feature creative works by artists with disabilities published in our UNIQUE 2009 magazine.

Each package includes 4 one-of-a-kind designs that can't be purchased anywhere else. You'll enjoy using these handy cards to drop a quick note to friends and family, and you'll be increasing awareness of the

talents of artists with disabilities each time you use one! *In some circumstances, the tax-deductible portion of your contribution may be reduced by the value of the gift.

3

ONONDAGA COUNTY

The “winter blues” can happen to anyone. The days are short, the nights are long, and stresses from the holidays seem to add up. For some people, the “winter blues” are more severe, and might indicate a more serious problem.

The Mayo Clinic defines Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as “a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year.” Most often, it begins in the fall and continues through the winter. The American Psychiatric Association notes that the most difficult months for people with SAD are January and February.

The specific cause remains unknown, though many sources believe that some factors are changes in your internal clock, a drop in serotonin, and/or changes in melatonin, all of these due to the decreased light. Symptoms can include fatigue, lack of interest in normal activities, social withdrawal, craving foods high in carbohydrates, and weight gain.

Since SAD is a form of depression, treatment can include medications such as anti-depressants and therapy to identify and change negative thoughts, feelings, and behavior. SAD is also related to biochemical processes, so your doctor or mental health provider may recommend light therapy, where you sit by a bright light that mimics sunlight.

Even for very mild cases, there are some simple lifestyle changes that can help. Opening blinds and sitting closer to windows increases your exposure to natural light. You can also spend time outside, even on cloudy days. Getting more exercise will reduce stress and anxiety. Try to avoid sugary foods. Though the sugar will temporarily pick you up, the crash after may leave you feeling worse.

If you think you may have SAD, it is important to seek help from a trained medical professional such as your doctor or mental health provider. If you are interested in seeing a counselor at ARISE, please call our confidential Intake number at 671-2955.

Some online resources about SAD:

American Psychiatric Association website on SAD: http://healthyminds.org/Main-Topic/Seasonal-Affective-Disorder.aspx

The Mayo Clinic website on SAD: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195

The National Institutes of Health and the U.S. National Library of Medicine website on SAD: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seasonalaffectivedisorder.html

Mental Health Checkup: Combating the Winter Blues New Grants Awarded!

ARISE thanks the following

organizations for their recently-

awarded grants to ARISE:

New York State Department of Health: $200,000 over two years to support the “Money Follows the Person” program which focuses on outreach, building relationships, and coordinating referrals with the goal of transitioning people out of nursing homes.

New York State Department of Health: $470,000 per year for five years to coordinate the 8-county Regional Resource Development Centers for Traumatic Brain Injury and Nursing Home Transition and Diversion.

Onondaga County Community Development Division: $10,000 in a Community Development Block Grant to support Housing Referral and Advocacy Program activities in Onondaga County outside the City of Syracuse. The program locates accessible, affordable housing in the county and provides referrals for people with disabilities seeking housing.

Wal-Mart Foundation/ Wal-Mart Camillus $1,000 to thank and support ARISE & Ski volunteers. The inclusive, accessible ski-program requires over 100 volunteers each season both on the slopes and off to keep the program running smoothly.

Wal-Mart Foundation/ Wal-Mart Oswego $500 for holiday and other gifts to people who work with ARISE who otherwise cannot afford to share in holiday cheer.

Exercise and getting outdoors

can improve your mood.

4

The Therapeutic Riding Program runs from early spring to Thanksgiving. In the winter, when the participants are not visiting the farm for weekly sessions of therapy on horseback, the Farm is still active caring for and training horses for the program.

Smokey, like many of the Farm’s horses, started his journey to the Farm with a family wanting to donate him. Farm staff visited to see if he would be a good fit. Therapy horses have to have a calm temperament and cannot rear, kick, or try to run when they spook or startle.

Smokey passed this test, so the staff checked his gait. Like people, each horse walks in a

MADISON COUNTY

Gingerbread House

Decoration Party

Winter is training time for the Farm’s therapy horses

slightly different manner. The different gaits, side to side, front to back or diagonal, have different therapeutic uses for the riders. If the new horse also passes this test, and is in good health, he goes to live at the Farm.

After a few days of settling in, the real work starts. The new horse is introduced to the ramp that allows people with disabilities to mount easier. He is taught to stand quietly by the

ramp for up to seven minutes to accommodate riders who can take a long time to mount. The horse is introduced to wheelchairs on the ground, and eventually a wheelchair on the ramp – a process which unsettles most horses at the start.

Smokey, for example, did not like wheelchairs when he was first

ARISE & Ski, the area’s only all-inclusive adaptive ski program, is gearing up for its 2010 season. The program has a variety of adaptive ski equipment available for use, so people with disabilities can get on the slopes with their families and friends. ARISE & Ski anticipates about 80 skiers with disabilities to participate this season.

Participants are paired with volunteers trained in using the adaptive equipment. From mono-skis and bi-skis to outriggers used for balance, participants work with the volunteers to find the right combination of adaptive equipment that is safe and fun. New skiers can keep to the bunny slopes as they learn, while experienced participants can head for more challenging terrain.

All the fun takes place at Toggenburg Winter Sports Center in Fabius, New York. The program runs January 9 through February 14, and it is sure to be a thrill.

Volunteers for the program are always needed, including all skiing levels. Will we see you on the slopes this winter? Contact Richelle Maki at 671-3094 for more information on ARISE & Ski.

People of all abilities came together to create holiday cheer December 17. ARISE at the Farm hosted its annual gingerbread decorating party in the day habilitation room at ARISE’s main office in Syracuse.

With plenty of gingerbread houses, candy, and icing on hand, participants eagerly created holiday confectionary decorations.

At the end of the evening, when all the candy, icing, and crumbs were picked up, there was a village of gingerbread houses, lovingly personalized by those who made them.

Jeffrey Foley proudly shows off the

gingerbread house he decorated.

Get ready for fun in the snow!

brought to the Farm. With lots of encouragement, he learned that wheelchairs are not monsters to fear, and is now one of the Farm’s go-to horses for Therapeutic Riding.

The entire process takes about a month. A horse in training can have unpredictable reactions to new objects, so training is best left to professionals, like the staff at the Farm.

For more information on the Therapeutic Riding Program, or other programs at the Farm, contact Laura Little at 687-6727.

Richelle Maki works with an

ARISE & Ski Participant.

Smokey stands patiently as

Robert Lehner grooms him.

5

OSWEGO COUNTY

Transitioning from high school

The transition from school to adult life can be difficult for students with disabilities. The students and their parents may not know all the options available to students after high school. While Individualized Education Plans help students while they are in school, the plans focus on education and not always for what happens when school is finished.

Transition services are individualized to the student’s needs, based on the student’s goals, and are geared toward planning for life after graduation. Some students seek help in building employment skills and in finding full- or part-time work. Other students want to pursue higher education, and look for assistance with filling out the applications and forms.

For all the students, the program teaches self-advocacy skills that prepare the students for

success and the ability to live independently.

Formal transition programs can reduce the drop-out rate for students with disabilities and increase the number of students finding employment or going on to additional education. ARISE Transition Coordinators have offices in the schools, putting them in immediate contact with the students at times when the students are available.

ARISE is now pleased to partner with the Oswego City School District to provide High School Transition services. OCSD joins Central Square School District and Mexico School District in providing these needed services through ARISE.

For more information on ARISE’s High School Transition programs, contact the ARISE Oswego office at 342-4088.

Money Manners: Having fun while building skills

Ben Tompkins did not intend to develop a board game or a computer game. He wanted to learn better ways of budgeting his money, and was working with ARISE to do so. What started as a game between Ben and his ARISE Integration Specialist grew over two years into Money Manners, a board game, and now a computer game.

Using a set amount of money, game players must navigate aisles to purchase items, including household necessities. Players must spend their money wisely so they don’t run out!

Ben found the original idea useful, and wanted to share the game with others. The original board is now at the Oswego County

Department of Social Services. The Oswego County DSS has also converted Money Manners into a computer game so others in the community can access it. The

game can be enjoyed by children as young as seven, and is a great teaching tool and family activity.

Ben is in the process of patenting the idea of Money Manners, and one day hopes to see it in stores.

these statistics and she works hard to help people transition out of nursing homes. So when Jane Smith contacted her this past summer, Kara immediately met with her and they began working together to coordinate the supports Jane needed to move back to the community.

As a result of their efforts, Jane took advantage of our unseasonably nice weather to move into her own accessible apartment during the first week in October. Twice a day, a Personal Care Assistant spends time helping Jane with tasks she has trouble performing without some support. Is Jane loving her independence? You bet!

ARISE continues to find creative ways to advocate for and provide services that support independent living. We are excited to have recently secured a two-year $200,000 grant from the NYS Department of Health to operate the “Money Follows the Person” pilot project. The eight-county regional project focuses on outreach to people residing in nursing homes to inform them of their options, strengthening relationships between nursing homes and providers of community-based services, and working with discharge planners to coordinate referrals to needed supports.

While not all stories end as happily as Jane’s, our work at ARISE helps ensure as many as possible do. To learn more about our new Money Follows the Person Project, please contact us at (315) 472-3171.

Transitions (from page 1)

2 The report “An Overview of Medicaid Long-Term Care Programs in New York” is available online at the United Hospital Fund's website: www.uhfnyc.org Money Manners creator, Ben Tompkins

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Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Syracuse, NY

Permit No. 1629

ARISE

635 James Street

Syracuse, New York 13203

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tania Anderson, President Matt Dadey, Vice President Mitch Mitchell, Treasurer Gary Forbes, Secretary

Liat Ben-Moshe Michael Cook John Donovan Janet Haskins Sue Judge Michael Klaehn Steve Martell Agnes McCray Teresa Melnick Keith Mulcahey Don Scholl

Tom McKeown, Executive Director Sue Rogers, Executive Assistant Elizabeth Dunn, ARISE News Editor

ARISE Main Office Onondaga County 635 James Street Syracuse, NY 13203 Phone: (315) 472-3171 TTY: (315) 479-6363

Oswego County Office 9 Fourth Avenue Oswego, NY 13126 Phone: (315) 342-4088 TTY: (315) 342-8696

Pulaski Office 2 Broad Street Pulaski, NY 13142 Phone: (315) 298-5726

Madison County Office 121 Oneida Street Oneida, NY 13421 Phone: (315) 363-4672 TTY: (315) 363-2364

ARISE at the Farm 1972 New Boston Road Chittenango, NY 13037 (315) 687-6727

www.ariseinc.org

A non-profit, community-based Center for Independent Living providing advocacy and a range of services to individuals with disabilities and their families in Central New York.

Advocacy matters all year long By Tom McKeown

I am almost finished listening to a book: “Strength in What Remains” by Tracy Kidder. I recommend it highly. The author describes the escape of a medical student, Deo Gratias, under life-threatening conditions, from Burundi and Rwanda in the mid 90s. Deo used his wits in the most awful circumstances, both in Africa and in New York City. He was also assisted by wonderful advocates.

I am aware of another situation, much closer to home, with fine support for someone focused on her

recovery following a very significant injury. Family members and fellow employees are working day and night to make her home accessible.

As the year ends, we at ARISE want to celebrate self-advocates and their supporters, near and far. In this newsletter, you will find information on how ARISE works with people having disabilities to bring about positive transitions to new “worlds.” In Oswego County, students work with our advocates to assist in moving from high school to the adult world. In Onondaga County, we have developed an exciting pilot program to assist in the transition from living in a nursing home to living independently.

For those who, in this past year, have shared their energy and resources to assist another to “make it through”, I commend you with this reference to the aptly-named central figure of Tracy Kidder’s book: Deo Gratias.

Happy New Year.

Tom McKeown

Executive Director

Portions of this publication are available in alternative formats upon request.