February 2010

February 2010 Meetings and Happenings

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
	1	2	3	4	5	6
	3:00 pm Rigden Farms Fort Collins	10:00 am Worthington Fort Collins 1:00 pm Good Sam Fort Collins
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
		10:30 am Good Sam Estes Park	1:00 pm Parklane Towers Fort Collins	10:00 am Loveland Library
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
VALENTINE’S DAY 2:00 Legally Blonde		10:00 am Senior Center Estes Park 1:30 pm Good Sam Loveland		10:00 am Ensight Fort Collins		1:30 When Tang Met Laika
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
						1:30 Eventide
28

Karen Norton 970-581-5695 Sharon Bottoms 970-581-5692

Penn Bowden 970-988-8363

THE WALKING STICK

February 2010

“AUDIO DESCRIBED THEATRE SCHEDULE”

Audio Description is the descriptive narration of key visual elements of live theatre.

For assistance in ordering tickets CALL 1-800-641-1222

February 14^th at 2:00 pm

Legally Blonde

It's here, and it's "AN ELLE OF A SHOW" (Time Magazine). The hilarious MGM film is now a smash-hit musical, and now Legally Blonde The Musical is coming to Denver. Legally Blonde follows sorority star Elle Woods, an underestimated blonde who doesn't take "no" for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone more "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

February 20^th at 1:30 pm

When Tang Met Laika
Heavy issues confront weightlessness when Soviets and Americans join together to establish the International Space Station. Playwright Rogelio Martinez explores the 1990’s Cold War thaw as two intensely driven people find love in space, a breakfast drink, a stray dog and a ghost named Yuri.

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February 27^th at 1:30

Eventide

Eric Schmiedl’s companion piece to last season’s adaptation of Kent Haruf’s Plainsong finds the McPheron brothers getting older while their maturing “adopted” daughter Victoria navigates college, romance and motherhood. This is a family forged from necessity in rural Holt, Colorado, where everyone does what it takes to overcome loss, survive harsh winters and find that love is never out of reach.

YOU ASKED And WE DID IT!

New LOVELAND Support Group!

Join us the 2^nd Thursday of each month

At the Loveland Public Library

10:00 am – 11:30 am

300 North Adams Street

Downtown Loveland

If you need transportation or more information

CALL Karen Norton at 970-407-7095 ext. 328

We will SEE you there!

“Mark YOUR Calendar”

March 28^th at 1:00 pm

The musical Mary Poppin’s has an Audio Described showing.

If anyone is interested in going PLEASE let us know and we can provide transportation.

Please let us know by March 1^st.

You must PREPAY your ticket. Tickets are $35.00 each.

Call Penn at 970-988-8363

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“ The Lucky Ones”

Are you one of the “lucky ones” who have received the new Talking Book Player? I know several of us have. If you need a refresher in how to use it bring it to your next support group or call us to set up a time to meet. I am thrilled with the new technology, but it does take extra time to learn the new buttons.

“Sweet Heart Day”

All you Love Birds do not forget Valentine’s Day on the 14^th.

If you need us to pick up some special treats for your sweet let us know and we will be happy to help.

CALL Karen Norton at 970-407-7095 ext. 328.

“FREE 411 Information”

If you need help calling the phone company to obtain an application and/or help filling out the application

Call Penn 970-988-8363

For AT&T Customers – Call 1-800-222-0300 for residential

Call 1-800-331-0500 for wireless

For Qwest Customers – Call 1-800-223-3131 for residential

For Verizon Customers – Call 1-800-922-0204

For Sprint Customers – Call 1-866-727-0665

For T-Mobile Customers – Call 800-866-2453

(you will need to email them your request to disabledcustomerrequests@t-mobile.com and you can receive up to $64.00 credit towards 411 calls at $1.79 each)

Page 4

“April 15^th Will Be Here Before You Want It”

THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT,

A LITTLE-KNOWN BENEFIT

FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Many Americans with disabilities may not be aware of the valuable federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that can help lift them out of poverty. Approximately 20 percent of Americans live with some level of disability, and many of these people have first-hand experience with financial hardships. In fact, more than one-third of all adults with disabilities live in households with a total income of $15,000 or less according to a National Organization on Disability/Harris Poll. In addition, 83 percent of people with disabilities said they had never claimed an income tax credit or deduction related to their employment or disability.

To get specific questions answered call 1-800-906-9887.

I found this IRS Hotline extremely friendly and helpful.

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify.
Trained community volunteers may help with special credits, such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, most sites also offer free electronic filing (e-filing). Individuals taking advantage of the e-file program will receive their refunds in half the time compared to returns filed on paper – even faster when tax refunds are deposited directly into one's bank account.

Page 5

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $49,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing. To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-829-1040.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program provides free tax help to people aged 60 and older. Trained volunteers from non-profit organizations provide free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation for senior citizens. Volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.

As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at more than 7,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. Trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors help people of low-to-middle income with special attention to those age 60 and older.

For more information on TCE, call 1-800-829-1040.

To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site,

call 1-888-227-7669.

Page 6

“Clarity Phones”

www.shop.clarityproducts.com

Phones for low-vision, low-hearing, and low-speech

CALL 1-800-426-3738

They have a large variety of

mobile phones, corded phones, cordless phones, and more.

I found their prices are fair

and their customer service was great.

February is a Month of Hearts and Caring

Watch for an additional mailing this month.

We care about each and everyone of you.

In this second mailing are THREE very important forms

We ask you to fill out if you have not already.

If you need Large Format or help in any way

filling them out or getting them Notarized

CALL Karen Norton at 970-407-7095 ext. 328.

The forms are the (DNR) Do Not Resuscitate,

Colorado Durable Power of Attorney, and a Living Will.

Watch for them in your mail.

“The Walking Stick is YOUR Newsletter!”

Thanks to everyone who has contributed in past issues.

Do you have a recipe, a poem, a story, an event to share?

WE want to hear from YOU!

PLEASE contact Penn Bowden at

Phone 970-988-8363

Email icyimi@gmail.com

Mail P.O. Box 2108, Estes Park, CO 80517

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“VOLUNTEERS HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE”

Disabled Resource Services On-Going Volunteer Pool

(Not community service)

Here is a short list of tasks our Volunteer Pool

Is willing to dive into for YOU!

CALL Karen Norton at 970-407-7095 ext. 328

To set up a Volunteer for you.

No job is too small or too large.

Readers for the Blind and Low-Vision, Grocery Shopping, Book-Keeping/Organizing, Bill Paying, Drive Clients For Groceries and Doctor’s Appt’s, Teach Basic Computer Skills, Travel Companion, Yard Work, Home Filing and Organizing, Home Handyman, Electrical, Carpentry, and Plumbing, Snow Shoveling, Food Prep, Housework, and YES, maybe even someone who does windows.

If you have something that needs done and do not see it on the list PLEASE ask! Our Volunteer Pool is very intuitive and creative. Let us know what you need and we will do our very best to find someone who can help.

“Do YOU See A CCTV?”

Ensight Skills Center and Karen Norton have several CCTVs and an Electric Brailler on consignment.

For details

CALL Karen Norton at 970-407-7095 ext. 328

Do YOU have Adaptive Equipment that you are no longer using and would like to sell or donate to our loan-closet?

CALL Karen Norton at 970-407-7095 ext. 328 and we will post it in the Walking Stick and/or pick it up from you.

Page 8

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS!

DISABLED RESOURCE SERVICE IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND YOUR DONATIONS ARE PRICELESS.

DRS was started as a grassroots organization by people with disabilities who saw a need for developing an agency that clearly understood disabled people’s unique needs and struggles around poverty, discrimination, and dependency. Its purpose was to address those issues by providing specific services and assisting those needing help in accessing community resources. For over 30 years DRS has been serving people with disabilities in Larimer County with assistance, support and advocacy that helps increase their level of independence in order to lead more dignified, productive lives that maximize their full inclusion and participation in society. Of those seeking help from DRS, nearly 97% are persons living at or below the poverty level because most rely on fixed incomes to meet their basic needs. Unfortunately, living with a disability (and often more than one) results in added expenses relative to medical needs associated with a disabling condition such as medications, equipment, supplies, special foods, home modifications and home health care services. All too frequently a fixed income of about $640 a month falls short of even meeting the basic needs of food and shelter. However, through our two programs, Case Management and Access to Independence, DRS work to alleviate those stressful conditions in which our clients live. DRS staff works to effect positive changes in the lives of our clients through a full spectrum of help that is available.

Page 9

January 2010

January 2010 Meetings and Happenings

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
					1	2
					Happy New Years!
3	4	5	6	7	8	9
	3:00 pm Rigden Farms Fort Collins	10:00 am Worthington Fort Collins 1:00 pm Good Sam Fort Collins
10	11	12	13	14	15	16
		10:30 am Good Sam Estes Park	1:00 pm Parklane Towers Fort Collins
17	18	19	20	21	22	23
2:00 pm CATS		10:00 am Senior Center Estes Park 1:30 pm Good Sam Loveland		10:00 am Ensight Fort Collins
24	25	26	27	28	29	30
___________ 31

Karen Norton 970-581-5695 Sharon Bottoms 970-581-5692

Penn Bowden 970-988-8363

THE WALKING STICK

January 2010

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2010

“Time Off”

Karen Norton will be taking January for administrative duties at her Home Office. She will be organizing her new office, files, papers, and life in general. We wish her luck!

Sharon Bottoms and Penn Bowden will be coordinating the January support groups.

The January topic is “GET ORGANIZED!” Sharon and I will show samples of how to organize your kitchen, bathroom, closets, your desk, etc… Be ready to learn some new tricks.

“Change, Coffee, and Cinnamon Rolls”

YOU Asked For It and We Listened

The Estes Park Senior Center Support Group

Is NOW the 3^rd Tuesday of Each Month

At 10:00 am

The Coffee and Cinnamon Rolls Are On Us!

Sharing and Learning is ALWAYS Better

With a Warm Gooey Cinnamon Roll and a Cup of

“AUDIO DESCRIBED THEATRE SCHEDULE”

Audio Description is the descriptive narration of key visual elements of live theatre.

For assistance in ordering tickets CALL 1-800-641-1222

December 27^th at 2:00 pm

Little House on the Prairie

For more than 75 years, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie books have enthralled children with the stories of pioneer America. The beloved television series, starring Melissa Gilbert, as Laura made the Ingalls family part of our own.
Now, this American classic is about to take on a brand new frontier, as the wonderfully inspiring experiences of this pioneer family come to life in Little House on the Prairie, The Musical. Tickets start at $25.00

January 17^th at 2:00 pm

Cats
There’s no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theatre than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of Cats. What began as a musical about cats after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop has become one of the longest running shows in Broadway’s history. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Cats features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless melodies, including the hit song, “Memory.”

Tickets start at $15.00

“Old Man Winter”

The cold and wind bring on even drier conditions than usual in Colorado. Do not forget to take extra care of your eyes.

o Take Reading Breaks
When you read or work at a computer, you often forget to blink, which keeps the fluid that you do have from getting spread out over your eyes. You can’t consciously remember to blink. You will drive yourself nuts. But you can take a break every 10 minutes or so.

o Drink More Water
Guzzling down glass after glass of water won’t solve your problems entirely. But it can air you in your quest to keep your eyes moist. Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses each day.

o Avoid Irritants
Pollen, pollution, smoke, and other airborne particles won’t necessarily dry out your eyes. But they can make already dry eyes feel uncomfortable and red. Wear the kind of sunglasses that work as a moisture chamber. Sunglasses will also keep the bright light from the sun from irritating your sensitive eyes.

o Keep Your Natural Tears
Dry winter heat can suck the moisture from your eyes. Use a humidifier during winter months. This will help keep you from robbing your eyes of their own moisture.

o Apply Heat
Heat will stimulate your glands to produce more oil, which will keep your tears from evaporating as quickly.

This List Is For All Nurses and Doctors

Caring For a Low-Vision Patient During A Hospital Stay

ü Introduce yourself and address the patient by name, so they know you are talking to them and not to another patient in the next bed.

ü Introduce the patient to any roommates.

ü Ask the patient what they are able to see. Few patients are totally blind.

ü Ask the patient what assistance they need instead of assuming what they need.

ü Ensure that the patient is included in discussions about procedures and medical plans. Being blind or vision impaired does not mean they cannot hear or understand what is being said.

ü Say goodbye when you finish a conversation and indicate when you are leaving the room.

ü Consider extra adjustable lighting for the patient with useful residual vision.

ü Mark their pill bottles with large print labels or a tactile marking such as Braille or Polymark.

ü The patient may prefer a corner bed to help make location easier, to avoid confusion with another patient's equipment and to help them arrange their belongings more easily.

ü Don't unnecessarily move the patient's belongings. If items are moved, let them know their new location.

ü Always inform the patient before undertaking any procedure; it can be very unnerving for the patient to be touched without warning.

ü If bandaging their eyes, make sure the patient's ears and other sensory organs are not obscured.

ü Knowing the time can help provide structure to their daily routine. Ensure the patient has access to a radio, talking clock, talking watch, Braille watch or clock with large numbers.

ü Orient the patient to their room by starting from a central point, such as their bed.

ü When orienting the patient to a new area, walk with them rather than giving only verbal directions. This helps them learn distances and pick up sensory cues, so next time they can make the trip independently.

ü Keep pathways and corridors clear of obstacles where possible and inform the patient of any changes to their environment.

ü Ask the patient if they would like to take your arm for guiding purposes. If so, let them hold your arm above the elbow with their thumb to the front.

ü Read aloud menu items and let the patient choose their meal.

ü Tell the patient when their meal has arrived and where their tray is placed.

ü Color contrast can be important for people who are vision impaired. Placing a dark tray or cloth under a light plate can define the plate edges making it easier for them to locate the food.

ü Describe the contents of the tray. You can either use the clock-face method, e.g. the meat is at 6 o'clock, or by saying items are at the top, bottom, right or left side of the plate. Meat should be placed at 6 o'clock, as this is easiest for cutting.

ü Ask the patient if they would like assistance with removing packaging from items.

ü Ask the patient if they need assistance with their meal, rather than offering to cut their food.

ü Provide any hot drinks in non-spill containers and tell the patient where they are placed

ü Put a 'Patient Identifier sign' above the patient's bed and/or door stations - See sample below.

I Am Visually Impaired

Please introduce yourself
and let me know when you leave.

Please ask if I need assistance.

Patients Name

“Keeping Time”

Moshi Voice Control Digital Alarm Clock

• Announces time or temperature through voice command
• Visual temperature through color changing display
• 3 different alarm sounds available: chime, chirp or bell

We will be demonstrating how wonderful Moshi is at upcoming Support Groups.

LARGE PRINT 2010 DESKTOP CALENDARS AVAILABLE

Keep track of your Holidays, Birthdays, Anniversaries,

Doctor Appointments and other Important Events.

Call Karen Norton 970-407-7095 ext. 328 $10.00 each

“DONATIONS”

Many of you have asked about making a donation to

Disabled Resource Services.

Make your check payable to Disabled Resource Services

And on the “For” line write OIB Program.

Mail it to 424 Pine, Suite 101, Ft. Collins, CO 80524

Disabled Resource Services is Non Profit Organization

All donations are tax deductable.

“NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS”

New Year's Day--Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. Yesterday, everybody smoked his last cigar, took his last drink, and swore his last oath. Today, we are a pious and exemplary community. Thirty days from now, we shall have cast our reformation to the winds and gone to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever. We shall also reflect pleasantly upon how we did the same old thing last year about this time. However, go in, community. New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls, and humbug resolutions, and we wish you to enjoy it with a looseness suited to the greatness of the occasion. –Mark Twain

“DAUGHTER-IN-TOWN”

Sarah Kathryn Bassow

care giver, personal assistant, dog walker, travel companion, driver, housekeeper and/or organizer, shopper, etc.

No request is too big or small $15 per hour

please contact Sarah at 616-843-1803

to schedule an appointment or ask questions

“Last Chance Electronics”

970-577-6163

Don’t Give Up On Your Electronics

Computers, LCD Screens, Stereos, CCTVs, and more

Call Dave!