April-June 2012 - Montana Independent Living Project Inc. (MILP)

Independently Speaking
Montana Independent Living Project Quarterly
April-June 2012
Gym Dandy
MONTANA
INDEPENDENT LIVING
PROJECT
FREE FITNESS OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES The Butte MILP office has had the privilege to partner with Silver Bow Developmental Disabilities Council (SBDDC) to offer a wonderful, free physical fitness opportunity. Diana Tavary, a MILP personal representative and former owner of Curves fitness in Butte, donated her equipment to SBDDC when her Curves center closed. This gener‐
ous donation started the vision that has now affectionately been named Gym Dandy. MILP is offering the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to come and use the facility EVERY Thursday from 2‐4pm. It is no cost to you and there is a city bus that comes within a couple blocks of the building. This is a great time to meet new people, get back in shape, learn how to use the equipment, and hopefully establish a new healthy routine. We are very excited that one of our peers, Jim Franklin, is managing the center on Thursdays. Stop by and check it out. The coffee is always on!! Our next goal for Gym Dandy is to establish a teaching kitchen called the “Nutrition Education Station”. We are seeking donations to help supply our kitchen. Items needed include: ovens, pots and pans, plates, mixing bowls, and more. If you have items to donate or any questions please contact Cassie at (406) 782‐4834. Gym Dandy
We strive to support the
development and expansion of
community-based services which
directly facilitate independence,
productivity, and quality of life for
people with disabilities. We provide
information and referral, independent living skills training, individual,
group, and peer advocacy.
MILP is governed by a volunteer
Board of Directors consisting of at
least 51% people with disabilities.
MILP staff consists primarily of
people with disabilities or with
experience with disabilities.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Staff Spotlight ............ 2
Transition Fairs ......... 2
Website ....................... 3
305 W. Mercury, first floor
Uptown Butte, MT
Montana Independent Living
Project (MILP) is a not-for-profit
agency providing services which
promote independence for people
with disabilities living in
southwestern Montana.
Kevi
Recipe ......................... 3
LW Classes ................. 4
Social Events .............. 4
Deaf Services .............. 5
MILP OFFICES WILL BE
CLOSED:

Monday, May 28
-Memorial Day
If you would like to sign up for the MILP newsletter please contact 1‐800‐735‐6457 or email cweightman@milp.us Zumba
STAFF SPOTLIGHT-TAMI HOAR-PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Tami volunteered to test the first few runs on the sit ski at Discovery Basin. Tami can be reached at 782‐4834 I am the proud mother of two fantastic through a youth volunteer group that girls and happily married for twenty we were both engaged in as teenagers. years. I have a background of working We later became, and still serve, as ad‐
with people with disabilities in a variety visors for the same youth group. The of avenues. Prior to coming to MILP, I group provides monthly recreation ac‐
was the Elder Services Specialist for the tivities for adults with developmental Belmont Senior Center. I concurrently disabilities in Butte and surrounding served as director of the Advocacy Pro‐
communities. Our daughters have also gram, a mentoring program for adults been active volunteers and participants with developmental disabilities, for in this group spreading the message of many years. I have a long history of vol‐
disability awareness among their peers. unteering with the local Special Olym‐
As a family we also volunteer for Habi‐
pics committee and other disability or‐
tat for Humanity, the Rocky Mountain ganizations. I met my husband, Todd, Elk Foundation, Folk Festival, and more! “Transition is the passage from one stage of development to
another. For young adults with disabilities this transition
stage is critical to the rest of their lives. It requires preparation.-” -J. Cobb (modified)
HELPING YOUR CHILD TRANSITION– COMING THIS APRIL
Photos taken at the
Butte Peer Social
Event
“Though no one can go back
and make a brand new start,
anyone can start now and
make a brand new ending.”
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It’s time again for transition fairs/expos in Southwest Montana. This is your opportunity as a parent or individual with a disability to visit with local service providers and see how they can help with transition into the Real World. Butte: Real Life Fair Thursday, April 28, 2012 11am‐6pm Butte High Commons Open to the public, come at any time. Free Bozeman: Special Needs Expo Saturday, April 14, 2012 9:15‐2:30pm‐Choose three of six focused sessions to attend Bozeman United Methodist Church Light breakfast and lunch included, child care available. $5.00 SEPTA member; $10.00 non‐member; $25.00‐door Register: http://bozemanspecialneedsexpo.eventbrite.com WE’VE UPDATED OUR WEBSITE!
We are pleased to announce we have finally updated our website! It is designed to be more user friendly. Please go to www.milp.us to see all the latest changes. Are you a wheelchair user who
would
like to share your experi ences in trying to visit the inaccessible homes of family and
friends?
You will find an activities calendar which includes all upcoming events, living well classes, and days the MILP offices will be closed. You can also find contact infor‐
mation for each of our offices, directions to each office, housing, transportation, youth information, and more! To be eligible to participate,
you must:

Be a wheelchair use who is
unable to walk at all.

Be aged 18-65

Have used a wheelchair for
five or more years

Have access to a phone

Be willing to talk about your
experiences in visit family
and friends.
Participation will involve:
RECIPE CORNER-
Serving Size
Calories
Yield
1 cup
145
2
SWEET ‘N CHUNKY CHICKEN SALAD 1 cup (about 4.5 oz) cooked and roughly chopped skinless lean chicken breast 1/2 cup chopped cucumber 1/3 cup red seedless grapes, halved 1/3 cup chopped apple 1/4 cup plain fat‐free yogurt 2 tbsp. fat free mayonnaise 1 no‐calorie sweetener packet (like splenda) Directions: 1. Mix together the yogurt, mayonnaise, sweetener, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt. 2. Coat the chicken in this mixture, and then stir in the chopped cucumber, grape halves, and chopped apple. 3. Try not to pass out as you chow down on this insanely good chicken salad :) 3

Being interviewed by phone
for about 1 hour

Providing feedback on a
summary of the interview
(should take about 30 min.)
A small stipend will be provided
-$20 for completing the interview and $10 for giving feedback on the summary. Women
and people living in rural areas
are especially needed.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Dot Nary
by phone (785-864-0631) ond
leave a message so that I can
call you back. Or email at
dotn@ku.edu . I will get back in
touch with you to ask some
questions to determine your eligibility to participate.
Thank you,
Dot Nary
University of Kansas Research
Associate
UPCOMING LIVING WELL WORKSHOPS
WHAT IS THE
LIVING WELL
WORKSHOP?
Living Well with a Disability Dillon: White Sulphur Springs: workshop designed for any‐
Where: Presbyterian Church Where: Community Center one with a health challenge. First class: May 2nd First Class: April 21 When: Wednesdays 12:30‐2:30pm Schedule: 4/21; 4/28; 5/5; 5/12; 5/19 Schedule: 5/2/12‐6/27/12 When: 1:00‐3:00pm To RSVP: Cassie @ (406) 782‐4834 To RSVP: Call Kari @ (406) 522‐7300 is a ten week peer support Most of us practice a healthy lifestyle when it supports opportunities to participate in activities we find meaning‐
ful. The Living Well workshop begins with why we want to be well and introduces how healthy living habits create new possibilities. Participating in the Living “Like us” on Facebook.
Montana Independent Living Project
PEER SPRING CARNIVAL-MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!!
Well workshop will take you Montana Independent Living Project would like to on a journey of self‐
thank all those who were able to attend our BINGO empowerment that follows your personal quality of life goals.
event. We had a great time. Please join us for our next event which is scheduled for June 2012. We will be hosting a Peer Spring Carni‐
Bozeman
Peer group
BENEFITS OF LIVING WELL
val full of GAMES, PRIZES, and FUN!!! We will have Living Well workshops help several carnival style games to keep you active and a yummy parfait bar to keep you identify the life areas that going. are important to you and You can contact Lloyd through your local MILP office or by emailing him at help develop your personal lsparks@milp.us for details and directions to the event in your community. goals to ensure those areas continue to contribute to your quality of life. Living The next events will be: Helena: Tuesday, June 5, 2012. Spring Meadow Park. 2‐4pm Well workshop participants report improvements in out‐
Butte: Thursday, June 7, 2012. Stodden Park. 2‐4pm look and positive changes in Bozeman: Thursday, June 14, 2012. Lindley Park. 2‐4pm daily activity, such as new recreational pursuits, returning to school or work, and participating in new social activities. 4
MILP NOW OFFERS INTERPRETER SERVICES
MILP is proud to announce we are now offering Interpreter Services for the Deaf and hard of hearing. Kryss Kuntz, our Independent Living Specialist in the Helena office, is taking on the role of MILP Deaf Services Specialist. To build Interpreter Subscription Services, Kryss will be presenting to various professional groups. The Subscription Service guarantees access to an in‐
terpreter when needed, on an on‐call basis. The facility will also be pro‐
vided and trained to use a communication device called the Ubi‐Duo. This device is considered the “first line of communication” when a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person enters their facility. The Ubi‐Duo allows for two way con‐
versation in real time until an interpreter arrives. Kryss will provide training and support with each facility to ensure ADA compliance. Kryss is now scheduling appointments to discuss MILP Deaf services with businesses and organization in the Helena area. You may reach Kryss by phone (406) 442‐5755 or email her at kkuntz@milp.us BOZEMAN AREA ACTVITIES

Peer Game Nights are every Monday at the Spring Run Apartments from 6:30‐
8:30pm 
Cooking Classes with Dee McDonald, a nutrition educator, will be on April 18, 25, and May 2 from 1:00‐2:00pm at the Spring Run Apartments. RSVP Required for attendance 522‐7300. TSA Announces launch of TSA Cares Toll Free Hotline for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Needs. Travelers may
call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures, and
what to expect at the security checkpoint. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9am-9pm EST, excluding
federal holidays.
Disability Awareness
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Crossword
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Answers in July ‘12 newsletter
Down:
Across:
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Solutions Jan ‘12: Montgomery; Phoenix; Sacramento; Tallahassee; Annapolis; Nashville;
Charleston; Indianapolis; Montpelier; Columbia
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Montana 3475 Monroe Butte, MT 59701 Independent Living Project 3475 Monroe, Suite 100 Butte, MT 59701 If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter please call (800) 735‐6457 or email cweightman@milp.us GET OUT!
MILP Contact Information HELENA OFFICE: 34 N. Last Chance Gulch Butte: Suite 500 
Whitehall Health and Safety Fair. April 27th. 10‐3pm. Community Center. Helena, MT 59601 
Drummond Health Fair. May 8th. Free 
Never to Old to Play. Fun Fair. Butte Plaza Mall. May 17th.Free BUTTE OFFICE: 
Philipsburg Health Fair. May 18th. Free 3475 Monroe, Suite 100 
MILP Peer Event. Stodden Park. June 7. 2‐4pm.Free (406) 442‐5755 Butte, MT 59701 (406) 782‐4834 Bozeman: BOZEMAN OFFICE: 
American Indian Council of MSU Pow‐Wow. MSU. April6‐7.Free 
Special Needs Expo. April 14. United Methodist Church‐BZN. $ (406) 522‐7300 
MILP Peer Event. Lindley Park. June 14.2‐4pm.Free 1165 N. 14th Ave, Suite 4 Bozeman, MT 59715 WHITE SULPHUR OFFICE: 113 East Main/ P.O Box 618 Helena: WSS, MT 59645 
Race for the Cure. May 19. 10:00am $ (800) 735‐6547 
MILP Peer Event. Spring Meadow Park. June 5. 2‐4pm.Free 
Governor’s Cup Road Race June 9. $ Phone: 1‐800‐735‐6547 Website: www.milp.us