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Approved-By:  Bill McGarry <wtm@SHELDEV.SHEL.ISC-BR.COM>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.l-hcap
Date:         Fri, 24 Jul 1992 01:30:05 EDT
Reply-To:     Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
From:         Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
Subject:      Handicap Digest # 2815
X-To:         LHCAP <l-hcap@VM1.NODAK.EDU>

                             THE HANDICAP DIGEST

                                 Issue # 2815

                           Thursday, July 23, 1992

Today's Topics:


                                ******


                                ADA Violation
                     Cancer sufferer in financial crisis
                                Re: driving?
                           Re: Speech recognition
                        HR 4993 -- Amendments to ADA
                              Position Opening
                         Re: splitting of newsgroups
                                  AN APPEAL
                              Health Insurance?
                         Re: splitting of newsgroups


                                ******


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thoughts in the next issue, please send electronic mail to
Bill McGarry at any of the following addresses:


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Compuserve: 73170,1064

                              Bill McGarry (Moderator)
                              (203) 337-1518



------



Subject: ADA Violation
From: ldonovan@u.washington.edu (Leslie Donovan)

Thanks to all who have responded to my posting about my problems
with my driver's license/possible ADA violations.  Right now, I
have consulted with the Student Legal Aid Office at my university.
This happened after I checked with both the DOL (Dept. of
Licensing) office that has given me the trouble and with the main
state office in the capital.  Legal Aid is going to research it for
me and let me know.  In the meantime I'm going to go ahead and take
the Road Test on Friday as scheduled.  I'll let you all know what
happens with all of this.

Leslie

                                ******
*******
     ()
OOOOO||==============>  Ms. Leslie A. Donovan
     ()  E-MAIL:				     SNAIL MAIL:
	 Internet - ldonovan@u.washington.edu	     English Dept. GN-30
						     University of Washington
	 PHONES: 206-543-3832 (office)		     Seattle, WA 98195
	 	 206-246-2986 (home)		     U.S.A.

                                ******
*******







------



Subject: Cancer sufferer in financial crisis
From: pjk@netcom.com (Phil Koenig)
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest)

[Long, but astounding]


I have a dear friend who has found herself in a potentially
disastrous situation.  I am hoping some net folks can offer some
suggestions as how to best approach this.  She has been informed
today that the vast majority of her financial support has just been
taken away from her.

Beginning last year with a slip and fall that resulted in a
severely disabling back injury, Mariane (Not her real name) has
found herself unable to work, and at the mercy of public
assistance.  Unlike some luckier than she, she has no living
relatives that are able to help.  Michele has lived a very healthy
lifestyle (she is a bodyworker), and has had her own successful
business, as well as most recently doing administrative work for
major companies.

Since her injury last year, Mariane has endured tremendous strain
just trying to keep her head above water financially.  At first she
found herself forced to exert phenomenal pressure on public
institutions in order to get healthcare coverage and living
expenses.  This amounted to daily arguments with authorities who
seemed more bent on wearing down the woman in the wheelchair than
accepting the fact that doctors know very little about back
injuries in general, apparently.  She has been to many, many
doctors so far, and to this date the injury remains virtually
undiagnosed and unsatisfactorily treated.  She has found herself
using foodstamps for the first time in her life.  At times she was
compelled to twist the facts just so she could obtain enough
sustenance to eat.  Mariane does not live an extravagant existence,
she shares a modest apartment in the San Francisco Bay area and
almost never leaves the house unless to shop for food or go to one
of her doctors.

Several months after the back injury had degraded to the point
where she often found it difficult to simply go from the bedroom to
the kitchen, her landlord at the time decided, incredibly, to evict
her and her roomate.  It's another long story, but the gist is that
he claimed that she didn't pay her rent.  She had made arrangements
to have a public agency help with the rent that month, but the
landlord refused to accept the money, after having agreed to the
arrangement beforehand. Amazingly, there appears to be a law in
California whereby a landlord can find cause to evict a tenant if
he/she refuses to accept rent payment.A nasty legal battle ensues.
We feel the landlord was afraid of a lawsuit if Mariane fell on the
apartment building stairs.  We can see no other logical
explanation.

Shortly after settling into another location after an extremely
stressful move (which came at the most trying time in her life, due
to her very debilitating injury), Mariane started to experience
intestinal bleeding.  At first we assumed it was a result of taking
large doses of a pain killer that is known to sometimes cause
gastrointestinal problems.  After several inconclusive tests, a
colonoscopy was done. (not a happy experience in itself.)  The
doctors diagnosis: COLON CANCER.

Reeling from this incredulous news, at the age of 42, Mariane
consults two other cancer specialists.  They concur with the
diagnosis, and the prognosis: 50/50 chance of survival.  The impact
of this is imaginable.  After much soul searching about the
prospect of undergoing chemotherapy, for an illness that she and I
find hard to believe in the first place, and counter to all her
years of practicing a natural and healthful lifestyle, she agrees
to the treatment.  After having limited success, the doctors now
recommend surgery.

Chiefly as a result of my searches of online medical databases and
articles, she discovers the viable alternative of laser surgery.
Like so many times before in her medical oddysey, it became obvious
that because she was undergoing treatment which was paid for by the
state (which is available to low income residents who have no other
source to turn to), her priority as a patient was very low indeed.
When pressed, the doctor admitted that yes, laser surgery was one
option he had failed to mention.  Of course, laser surgery is more
expensive.  Even though traditional surgery had these annoying
little quirks (like occasionally dying on the table), the doctor
forgot to mention the alternative... which they were quite capable
of performing.  After much pressure from Mariane, and even though
it would cost her out of pocket money, they agreed to perform laser
surgery.  That was a few days ago.  The prognosis is still unknown
at this point.  Let us not forget that Mariane still suffers from
her back injury.

Now we come to find that in 2 weeks, all of Mariane's disability
payments will be ceased.  They had decided, that based on one
doctors opinion, she doesn't deserve any money from them.  This is
re: the back injury - I don't believe they even know about the
cancer diagnosis.  This is really immaterial since, in two weeks
the money is gone.  An appeal apparently takes several months on
average.  In the meantime Mariane will be on the street - since the
only other source of income, which comes from an agency which is
providing funding to help with convalescent helpers, wouldn't even
cover her half of the rent - even if she decided to divert it to
that.

And now for the kicker.  Within a couple of days of the disability
payment news, the assistance agency says they will no longer be
able to help her with convalescent help.  Total income now: ZERO.
The only thing she can do now is apply for general assistance
(welfare), which would amount to about half of her monthly rent
share.

Unfortunately, Mariane does not come from a wealthy family.  She
has used up all of her savings.  I am certainly not capable of
doing much more, and most of her other "friends" have long since
flown the coop after the going got rough.  Most of the cancer
funds/societies she has contacted will only provide medical
reimbursement, and that only if one doesn't qualify for any other
medical assistance. (wonderful asset that it is, given the medical
communities apparent distaste for anyone who is forced to utilize
public assistance.)

I am writing this today in the hopes that you, the gentle reader,
will be able to offer us some suggestions as to how this
tremendously trying situation can be resolved.  We are truly
getting to our wits end, as you can well imagine, given the history
of this thing.  I'm getting to the point where all I can think of
is getting some journalist to write a story and appeal for money.
I've been saying for a long while that this country is often
utterly lacking in compassion nowadays when it comes to medical
care - but this borders on genocide.  Mariane has been unbelievably
strong and resourceful during this whole mess, but things are
piling up really fast now.  Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated.

Peace...


Phil Koenig
pjk@netcom.com
(w) 415-882-4100








------



Subject: Re: driving?
From: mcfarlin@mmedia.uucp (David McFarling)
Organization: Midwest Multimedia

In <23092@handicap.news> Alan.Hess@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (Alan Hess)
writes:

>Index Number: 23092
>
>In a missive of <Jul 04 20:53> Rich Veraa (1:135/907)
>writes to Alan Hess:
>
[portion of quote deleted]
>
> AH>> Total                                     17949.00
>
> RV> Good grief.. do you _need_ all that stuff? I'm a C-5, and the '72
> RV> Chevy van I drove for 13 years had only the stuff I've marked
> RV> plus plain Gresham hand controls for a couple hundred bucks. I

[portion of quote deleted]

> RV> stabilize my position. You're getting ripped off big time. My
> RV> whole conversion cost $1500.
>
>If it's a ripoff, the taxpayers are getting shafted, not me.  I was
>evaluated by instructors, and the above list is what they decided I
>need.  I'd rather have less stuff.  *adh*

Then don't get it!  More stuff to have problems with.  I'm a C5/C6,
with a '79 Ford and the same equipment as Rich plus a lift.
Suggest you talk to someone who adapts vans on a regular basis (not
part time!).


-Dave
mcfarlin%mmedia@tssi.com   <--- Preferred
or
mmedia!mcfarlin




------



From: renee@tso.uc.EDU (Renee Alper)
Subject: Re: Speech recognition


Macintosh computers have great systenms for the disabled; I feel
they are the best choice. The mouse is easy to use (esp. a track
ball), and there is a new version of Voice Navigator (a voice
recognition program) that seems to be very good. I will be using my
Macintosh in the construction of my new house, which will be
computer-controlled (lights, doors, thermostat, the whole works).
I'm working with Apple and several companies that make software in
trying to co-ordinate this, and everyone has been very helpful.
So, my suggestion is: fix your aunt up with a Mac--she won;t regret it!

                                       Renee




------



Subject: HR 4993 -- Amendments to ADA
From: ronald@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu (Ronald Amundson)
Organization: University of Hawaii at Manoa


I recently learned that Congressman Dannemeyer introduced the "1992
Amendments to the ADA" as HR 4993 in April.  The bill sets limits on
the amounts of money businesses have to spend in order to make
themselves accessible to employees or the public.

It looks like a pretty bad bill to me.  Does anyone else know anything
about it?

Does anyone know the status of the bill?  Should we be shouting loudly
quickly?

Thanks.

Ron Amundson
DRAGW/OAN  (Disability Rights Advocacy Group w/o a Name)




------



Subject: Position Opening
From: VFOAO076@vax.csun.edu (Steve Loving)


Here is a Management Vacancy Announcement that folks may be
interested in knowing more about.  The application deadline is
August 6, 1992:

     		California State University, Northridge
     Assistant Director for Learning Disabilities and Computer Access
     	     Office of Disabled and Veteran Student Services

The Position:

The Assistant Director reports to the Director of Disabled Student
Services and is responsible for the administration of both the
Learning Disabilities Program and the Computer Access Lab.  The
Assistant Director establishes goals, designs appropriate services
and directs the Learning Disabilities Program consistent with
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  The incumbent
proposes and implements campus policies regarding learning disabled
students (e.g. testing) in consultation with appropriate campus
departments; conducts in-service training of faculty and staff; and
supervises and consults with professional staff in the
interpretation of complex diagnostic results and the provision
appropriate services.  Within the Computer Access Lab, the
Assistant Director utilizes a knowledge of computer hardware,
software and peripherals to promote the use and developement of new
assistive technologies; designs curricula and carries out training
of students through professional and student staff; and recommends
the purchase of needed equipment.  The Assistant Director assists in
the annual "Technology and Persons with Disabilities" conference;
develops grants and assumes grant management responsibilities;
and conducts seminars in the areas of technology and learning
disabilities.  In conjunction with the appropriate campus
departments, the incumbent develops and implements policy for equal
access to electronic information and equipment by students.
Among other duties, the Assistant Director provides leadership
in the recruitment and retention of a culturally diverse group of students.

Qualifications:

Requires a Master's degree; doctorate preferred.  Three years of
related professional experience involving the delivery of
educational support services to individuals with disabilities,
supplemented by one year of supervision in a related program area.
Thorough knowledge of: the laws and regulations affecting persons
with disabilities; the principles, practices and procedures of
delivering support services to the disabled; and the principles and
practices of effective supervision and personnel management.
Demonstrated ability to provide leadership in the area of
technology as it relates to persons with disabilities.
Demonstrated ability to successfully develop, write, and manage
grants.  Ability to make oral and written presentations; coordinate
and assist in conferences and workshops; provide training to
students, faculty and staff; and to analyze information and
situations in order to define objectives, identify concerns and
formulate solutions.  Ability to establish and maintain cooperative
working relationships with a wide range of internal and external contacts.

Salary:

Starting salary will normally be within the recruitment range of
$3,713 - 4,535 per month.  Incumbent will work full time, twelve
months per year.

The University:

California State University, Northridge, is one of 20 campuses of
The C alifornia State University system, is located twenty-five
miles northwest of central Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley,
a metropolitan suburb with a multi-ethnic population of over one a
half million people.  The University has a total enrollment of
approximately 30,000 students (21,000 FTES and nearly one-third
ethnic minorities), served by 1,000 full-time and 600 part-time
faculty members.  It consists of eight Schools which offer
baccalaureate degrees in 48 disciplines and master's degrees in 39
fields, as well as many post-baccalaureate credentials in the field
of education.

Effective Date of Appointment:  ASAP

Applications:  Candidates must submit a letter of application and
current resume postmarked no later than August 6, 1992, to:

     		Office of Personnel and Employee Relations (OPER)
     		California State University, Northridge
     		18111 Nordhoff Street, Admin. 515-4
     		Northridge, California 91330

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, TITLE IX, SECTIONS 503 & 504 EMPLOYER

Thank you for helping us "get the word out" regarding this position
vacancy.  Persons interested in applying for this postion should
send materials to the Office of Personnel and Employee Relations.

With Regards,

Steve Loving
Assistant Director
Office of Disabled and Veteran Student Services




------



Subject: Re: splitting of newsgroups
Organization: Syracuse University, CIS Dept.
From: heywood@top.cis.syr.edu (Todd Heywood)

In article <23229@handicap.news> kiser@taronga.com (James Kiser) writes:
|Index Number: 23229
|
|In article <22818@handicap.news> 34AEJ7D%CMUVM.BITNET@VM1.nodak.edu
|(Bill Gorman) writes:
|>If it were to come to the formal CFD and CFV regarding splitting
|>the misc.handicap newsgroup into misc.handicap.*, I would vote against it.
|>I think it is a bad idea.
|
|I have Cerebral Palsy and I only read misc.handicap occasionally
|because of the time it takes to get through all the articles for
|the ones of interest to me.  As a matter of fact, the above is the
|first I saw of a split discussion, the others must have expired
|before I saw them.
|
|I think a split is long over due and while we are at it, how about making
|it unmoderated?
|


I agree. The volume has become just too much to wade through (I am
personally mostly concerned with the hearing disability stuff). This
is unfortunate in a way because splitting the group would factionalize
the various groups of disabled rather than keeping everybody in a
common community (so to speak).

I think moderation is necessary though, to gateway postings between
different networks?

Todd Heywood




------



Subject: AN APPEAL
From: rajesh@devnull.mpd.tandem.com (Rajesh Mishra)
Organization: Tandem Computers; Austin TX


I am writing the plight of a good friend of mine. Please take a few
minutes of your precious time to go through this posting and help
alleviate someone's sorrows and fill his life with joy.

His name is Charlie. After the happy days of childhood and the
teens, he started getting pain in his joints and was advised rest.
Finally when he was diagnosed to be havin Ankylosing Spondylitis,
his hip and knee joints had got fused because of the long days of
complete bed rest. Now he is a man with a body as stiff as a rod.
He cannot bend his legs. He cannot sit upright and can walk very
slowly with the help of a stick. As you can well understand that he
finds it extremely difficult to visit places away from his precint
because of inability to travel in public transport.

Despite all the disability and problems Charlie has not lost hope
in the past ten years of his struggle. He finished his Masters in
Political Science.  He loved his career as a teacher in a school.
Since commuting is becoming a big problem in the absense of any
specialized vehicles, he had to leave that job and is presently
trying to start an enterprise near his house. Charlie can regain
his mobility and be fully rehabilitated by the replacement of his
knee and hip joints with prosthetics. But it is prohibitively
expensive. Charlie wins someones's heart in seocnds, believes in
God and is always ready to help others despite his own handicap.

Charlie needs small help to fill his life with bliss.

1. He is looking for a life partner with whom he can share his joys
and sorrows. He says he would prefer a physically handicapped wife.
So that he can also help bringing happiness to someone else's
life.

2. He is also looking for financial help from kind hearted people
that would make the joint replacement surgery possible and make him
regain his mobility.

3. To overcome the greatest problem of mobility he is looking for
help and information in getting the specialized vehicle/wheel
chair.

4. If you yourself have undergone or know someone who has undergone
similar kind of trauma that Charlie is going through currently,
please kindly share your experience with him. That would give him
the moral support which he needs so desperately to carry on in this
world.

You may directly correspond with Charlie at the following address.

        Charlie D
        D-12 Gokula Colony
        M.S. Ramaiah Building
        Bangalore - 560054
        INDIA

If you feel that this is a wrong forum to put such an appeal then I
am extremely sorry. Any kind of information and help to alleviate
the suffering of Charlie and make his dream of "good day coming"
true would be highly appreciated.

Thanks for your time.
Bye
Rajesh




------



Subject: Health Insurance?
From: Lisa__Nofzinger@hikssrv.lib.purdue.edu (Lisa Nofzinger)

I am losing my student status very soon and am seeking affordable
health insurance which will cover my pre-existing conditions
(asthma, bronchitis, scolosis, allergies).  I can continue with my
current policy, but they are increasing the premiums 4 times for
graduating students (which means I'd pay over $2000 a year).  I
hope to get a job which provides group health insurance with no
medical questions asked, but right now I don't have one.  I'd
rather stick with my current policy than have none at all, but it
seems expensive.  Is it, or is that the going cost?  Does anyone
have any info about this or know where to get it?  What do the rest
of you do?

I'd appreciate any info you can give.  Please e-mail me.  I'll be
losing my e-mail acccount after July 31.

Lisa Nofzinger

Lisa__Nofzinger@hikssrv.lib.purdue.edu






------



Subject: Re: splitting of newsgroups
From: 34AEJ7D%CMUVM.BITNET@VM1.nodak.edu (Bill Gorman)

On  7/23/92 James Kiser <kiser@taronga.com> said:
>...
>I have Cerebral Palsy and I only read misc.handicap occasionally
>because of the time it takes to get through all the articles for
>the ones of interest to me.
>before I saw them.

It sounds like you are reading the misc.handicap newsgroup. Why not
try Bill's Digest distribution. That way you can see a menu of
everything that's in the issue you are reading at the outset. Most
editors will allow you to skip to a desired point in a file with a
minimum of keystrokes.

>I think a split is long over due and while we are at it, how about making
>it unmoderated?

Let's not. Bill McGarry has done, and is doing, an *outstanding* job.
I run four newsgroups and I know how demanding that job can be.
Like the old saying: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"


Sez me,

W. K. (Bill) Gorman




------






                                ******

                  End of Issue # 2815 of the Handicap Digest

                                ******
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU