tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18233701880587343272024-02-22T10:17:29.588-05:00From Where I Sit...Concerning issues relevant to the Toledo area disabled community.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-55961859984123803702011-02-07T13:11:00.000-05:002011-02-07T13:11:13.501-05:00Tax Benefits for Disabled Taxpayers? Yes!<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="color: black; font: normal normal normal 12px/14px arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><h2 style="color: #001e5a; font: normal normal bold 14px/normal arial, verdana, sans-serif;">Tax Benefits for Disabled Taxpayers</h2></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="color: black; font: normal normal normal 12px/14px arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><div align="left" style="color: black; font: normal normal normal 12px/14px arial, verdana, sans-serif;">IRS Tax Tip 2011-24, February 03, 2011</div><div style="color: black; font: normal normal normal 12px/14px arial, verdana, sans-serif;">Taxpayers with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities may qualify for a number of IRS tax credits and benefits. Listed below are seven tax credits and other benefits which are available if you or someone else listed on your federal tax return is disabled.</div><ol><li><strong>Standard Deduction</strong> Taxpayers who are legally blind may be entitled to a higher standard deduction on their tax return.<br />
</li>
<li><b>Gross Income</b> Certain disability-related payments, Veterans Administration disability benefits, and Supplemental Security Income are excluded from gross income.<br />
</li>
<li><b>Impairment-Related Work Expenses</b> Employees who have a physical or mental disability limiting their employment may be able to claim business expenses in connection with their workplace. The expenses must be necessary for the taxpayer to work.<br />
</li>
<li><b>Credit for the Elderly or Disabled</b> This credit is generally available to certain taxpayers who are 65 and older as well as to certain disabled taxpayers who are younger than 65 and are retired on permanent and total disability.<br />
</li>
<li><b>Medical Expenses</b> If you itemize your deductions using Form 1040, Schedule A, you may be able to deduct medical expenses.See IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses.<br />
</li>
<li><b>Earned Income Tax Credit</b> EITC is available to disabled taxpayers as well as to the parents of a child with a disability.If you retired on disability, taxable benefits you receive under your employer’s disability retirement plan are considered earned income until you reach minimum retirement age. The EITC is a tax credit that not only reduces a taxpayer’s tax liability but may also result in a refund. Many working individuals with a disability who have no qualifying children, but are older than 25 and younger than 65 do -- in fact -- qualify for EITC. Additionally, if the taxpayer’s child is disabled, the age limitation for the EITC is waived. The EITC has no effect on certain public benefits. Any refund you receive because of the EITC will not be considered income when determining whether you are eligible for benefit programs such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.<br />
</li>
<li><b>Child or Dependent Care Credit</b> Taxpayers who pay someone to care for their dependent or spouse so they can work or look for work may be entitled to claim this credit.There is no age limit if the taxpayer’s spouse or dependent is unable to care for themselves.</li>
</ol><div style="color: black; font: normal normal normal 12px/14px arial, verdana, sans-serif;">For more information on tax credits and benefits available to disabled taxpayers, see Publication 3966, Living and Working with Disabilities or Publication 907, Tax Highlights for Persons with Disabilities, available on the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).</div></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-48003903795392951082010-10-22T12:46:00.000-04:002010-10-22T12:46:21.399-04:00Toledo Public Schools Discriminate?I received the following press release in my inbox today. Normally I try to fact check such things, but with my wife in the hospital, and the time-sensitive nature of this topic, I've decided to post it "as is." If anyone has the time to check this out, please let me know what you find. If true, it's very disturbing, given TPS's recent plea for more money on the upcoming ballot. Thanks for reading. - Lawrence<br />
<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Contact: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> Scott Horen</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> glennshoren@yahoo.com</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> 419/699-0158</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">WHAT: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="yiv1585796381yiv599120443yshortcuts" id="yiv1585796381yiv599120443lw_1287763438_0"><span class="yiv1585796381yshortcuts" id="yiv1585796381lw_1287763642_0" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; cursor: pointer;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1287763721_0">Toledo Public Schools</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">to hold Public Hearing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">WHEN: Saturday, October 23, 2010 - at 9:30 a.m.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">WHERE: Heatherdowns Public Library - Glanzman Road,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="yiv1585796381yiv599120443yshortcuts" id="yiv1585796381yiv599120443lw_1287763438_1"><span class="yiv1585796381yshortcuts" id="yiv1585796381lw_1287763642_1"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1287763721_1">Toledo</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">In lieu of TPS's request from taxpayers to approve a 7.8 mil levy request, it is important that the public be made aware of how TPS spends taxpayer money. TPS has recently paid its attorneys MORE THAN A HALF MILLION DOLLARS to fight a family seeking educational service for their disabled daughter. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">A PRESS RELEASE accompanies this NOTICE.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">My name is Scott Horen and I am a life-long Toledoan. As an alumni of Toledo Public Schools, something I am embarrassed to admit, I am deeply saddened and dismayed that the District treats</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="yiv1585796381yiv599120443yshortcuts" id="yiv1585796381yiv599120443lw_1287763438_2"><span class="yiv1585796381yshortcuts" id="yiv1585796381lw_1287763642_2"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1287763721_2">children with disabilities</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">in a neglectful manner. As a parent and consumer, I am shocked at the non-existent customer service the District extends to parents. As a taxpayer, I am outraged the District spends our tax dollars paying attorneys hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight against the interests of children, like my daughter, instead of investing these dollars into their education. I thought educating children was the mission of TPS - I was wrong. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">In lieu of TPS's current attempts to get taxpayers to pass a 7.8 mil levy - I felt it was my duty to report how TPS spends your money.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">My family filed an action against TPS after discovering that medical students were being provided access to study and examine our daughter without our knowledge. TPS attorneys Randy Meyer, Lisa Pizza, Jim Silk, and Ted Rowan from the firm of Spengler Nathanson, began a series of retaliatory acts on behalf of TPS to discredit my family, to break us down, to force us to cease advocating on behalf of our child. It won't work. While my family has suffered tremendous personal and financial stress brought on by TPS's retaliation, its attorneys have billed the district hundreds of thousands of dollars - being paid by you, the taxpayer, to deny our daughter the right to an education. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">TPS has tossed our child out of the school, and permitted its attorneys to take part in filing at least FOUR legal claims against the Horens - we believe, to submit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="yiv1585796381yiv599120443yshortcuts" id="yiv1585796381yiv599120443lw_1287763438_3"><span class="yiv1585796381yshortcuts" id="yiv1585796381lw_1287763642_3"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1287763721_3">billable hours</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">- lining their pockets off the back of our child. We have documented more than half a million dollars of billings paid to Spengler Nathanson over only a two year period, while our requests for more recent invoices has been ignored. Even the documents we were able to gather were deficient in providing an accurate accounting of the invoices TPS has paid to its attorneys, and it didn't include the hundreds of thousands of dollars of outstanding bills.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">As I stand here today, TPS is gathering their attorneys, at a rate of $400 per hour, to take part in a scheduled hearing this morning, here at the Heatherdowns Branch library. The basis of the claim - TPS argues they do not have to provide our daughter any educational services because we want to tape record meetings regarding her education. According to Spengler Nathanson, TPS has spent more than four times the amount of money paying them, than TPS would have spent to provide our daughter an education up to the age of 22. She is only 12.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">At our request, the hearing will be open to the public. You are invited to attend. I will be available for additional comments and explanation afterwards. While my wife and I will not stop advocating for our daughter, I would urge Toledo voters that if they find the levy request prudent, they should simply write a check straight to the firm of Spengler Nathanson. If not, protect your wallets and get out and vote NO on ISSUE 5!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Thank you.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br />
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-48540861144785414022010-09-06T14:52:00.000-04:002010-09-06T14:52:05.370-04:00Ability Center Turns 90!<div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For immediate release:</span></div><div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">On Thursday, September 9th, from 5 until 9pm, The Ability Center will be celebrating its 90th birthday (Woo-Hoo!) with a casual, after-work gathering at The Pinnacle. We would love to have you join us! </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">BRING YOUR FRIENDS!!</span></i></div><div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The evening will offer:</span></div><div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A cash bar </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(with specialty frozen drinks)</span></i></div><div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A lite Dinner provided from 6 to 8pm </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(with cake to follow)</span></i></div><div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Music by “The Trainwreckers”</span></div><div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Astrology readings by Sue Lovett</span></div><div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A lovely evening on the Pinnacle patio </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(rain or shine)</span></i></div><div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Cover charge of $10 per person</span></div><div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">includes Food, Music and Donation </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(proceeds to ACT)</span></i></div><div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">21 and over please.</span></div><div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Should you have questions, please call or email Amy Kerchevall, ACT Events Coordinator:</span></i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">419.885.5733, 866.885.5733 (Toll-free) or akerchevall@abilitycenter.org</span></i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="font: 11.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Pinnacle is located at 1772 Indian Wood Circle in Maumee (in Arrowhead Park)</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-45589459438099517262010-07-14T13:09:00.000-04:002010-07-14T13:09:45.838-04:00Heard about HEAP?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Winters can be hard here in the Northwest. Temps can get very cold, the snow can get very deep, and the "holiday" season often seems to stretch on endlessly. But why am I posting about this now, while we're in the grip of the much shorter (but often just as extreme) summer season? Because now is the time to apply for HEAP - the Home Energy Assistance Program.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What follows is a verbatim press release issued recently concerning the programs (like HEAP) which are administered by the Economic Opportunity Planning Association of Greater Toledo. Check it out, and see if you qualify for any of these programs.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For Immediate Release:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">CONTACT: Tomeka Rushing </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"> 419-241-2213, or <a href="mailto:trushi@eopa.org">trushi@eopa.org</a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps eligible Ohio residents meet the rising cost of home heating.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">With Summer temperatures rising, you might think that the charitable work of The Economic Opportunity Planning Association of Greater Toledo (E.O.P.A) HEAP Program is just about over. But the Home Energy Assistance Program is actively providing services to help people who are at risk with their utility needs. The services available to the community are listed below:</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">2010 Summer Crisis Energy an Air Conditioning program</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">July 1, 2010 through August 31, 2010</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Poverty Income Guidelines are 0% to 200%</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Customers can receive a grant award up to $175.00 towards their electric bill.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">No disconnection is required.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Households can receive an Air Conditioner if documentation of a Health Condition can be provided. Proof of a Health Condition is not needed if the customer is sixty (60) years or age or older.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Toledo Edison/First Energy Ohio Fuel Fund</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Poverty Income Guidelines are 0% to 200%</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Customers can receive a grant award up to $300.00 towards their electric bill.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">No disconnection is required.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Poverty Income Guidelines are 0% to 150%</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Customer can enroll on a payment plan for regulated utility companies.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">No disconnection notice required</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">TCO Columbia Gas Fuel Fund</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Poverty Income Guidelines are 175% to 200%</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Customer can receive up to $250.00 on Columbia Gas Bill Only</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">No disconnection notice required</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Applications will be accepted at the following HEAP Sites:</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">EOPA HAMILTON BUILDING (Headquarters- Central City) (Open All Year Long)</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">505 HAMILTON ST</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">TOLEDO, OHIO 43604</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">(419) 255-7125</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">APPOINTMENT TIMES: 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Monday through Friday except all major holidays </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Please call 1-866-504-7392 to schedule an appointment.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">At the time of your appointment you must have all the following: </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">*<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>13 Weeks of current and documented income for all adults in the household.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">*<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Picture Identification </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">*<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Social Security numbers for all members of the household</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">*<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Both current regulated utility bills (gas, lights), in a household members name </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">*<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Property Owners name, address, telephone number </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">*<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Statement of Health Condition from a physician for Summer Crisis Program</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The Economic Opportunity Planning Association of Greater Toledo, Inc. is the designated Community Action Agency for Lucas County. Founded in 1964, its mission is to develop and operate programs to advocate for low-income and moderate-income individuals and families to assist them in achieving self-sufficiency. E.O.P.A. has always envisioned that economic emancipation is the greatest path to eradicate poverty. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Head Start provides educational, health, and social services to low-income children and families. To be eligible, families must receive public assistance or live below 150% of the federal poverty level, defined as an income of $33,075 or less for a family of four.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">HEAP provides to income-qualified candidates, an annual grant to help with heating costs as well as an emergency program, which provides an emergency payment (once per heating season) for qualified low-income customers. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) is an extended payment arrangement that allows regulated gas and electric companies to accept payments based on a percentage of a customer's household income. Eligible customers have a household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-73524027848202761112010-01-01T14:08:00.000-05:002010-01-01T14:08:25.241-05:00New Beginnings<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Today is January 1st, 2010. The beginning of a new year.</span></span><br />
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</span> </span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For many, the beginning of a new year marks a kind of milestone, or starting point. We see the first day of the new year as a chance to make changes for the better... to reinvent ourselves, if you will. We make resolutions (some actually kept) to live a healthier lifestyle, or to make a better life for those we love, or sometimes, to leave some kind of positive mark on the world.</span></span><br />
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</span> </span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As I look back over 55 years of "new beginnings" I am mostly pleased with my progress. I've made some spectacular blunders, to be sure... but I've also achieved some wonderful successes as well. This year, I plan to reinvent myself once again by returning to college to get my degree in Social Work. It will take a few years, yes, but I want it. I will succeed. That's my resolution.</span></span><br />
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</span> </span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I also plan to become more active in the area of advocacy for my fellow disabled this year. Whereas before I was content to simply write my blog and build an online community, I think this is the year I will ramp things up a bit. (Was that a play on words? {smile})</span></span><br />
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</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is the year I will attend more local government meetings. This is the year I will meet with more of my fellow advocates and become a force for change in our community. We can do this, I am certain, because we have to. With the economy on everyone's mind, it will be easy for us to fall between the cracks. For our essential services to dwindle, or perhaps even vanish. We can not allow this to happen.</span></span><br />
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</span> </span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Late last year I attended an advocacy meeting hosted by The Ability Center of Greater Toledo. There was good food and music, of course, but there was also a presentation that opened my eyes a bit to the long road we've travelled so far, and the road that still lies ahead of us. At that meeting, I was greatly impressed with a speech given by one of the organizers of the event, Marianne Huff. In it she asks a very important question: Why Speak Up? I think I'll let her answer that question herself. Marianne? Take it away!</span></span><br />
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</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~~~~~~~</span><br />
</div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Why “Speak Up?”</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the Grass Roots Advocacy Kick Off event! We are excited to have the opportunity to talk to you today about the importance of advocacy that begins at the grass roots — which means all of us. We are examples of the common man and woman who are the building blocks of this society and we are the foundation upon which this Nation is built. We call it grass roots because our power comes from the raising of our collective voices. Nothing that has been built in this country was done by a single individual; all that has been accomplished and all that will ever be accomplished is rooted in the knowledge that all of us are inter-connected and that those things that matter, are accomplished collectively.</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I remember seeing a film called “Marie: A True Story” about a woman named Marie Raggianti who was the first woman appointed to head the Parole Board for the state of Tennessee. In that film, which was about tremendous corruption in the state’s government and, Mrs. Raggianti, who was one of those who uncovered the corruption and spoke out -- I heard a quote from one of the characters in that film -- that I will never forget which, I have since discovered, is a paraphrased statement from a well-known English statesman who was influential during the 1700’s named Edmund Burke; the quote went something like this: “Evil flourishes when good men do nothing.” In all reality, it mattered much less to me “who” made this statement, but I have never forgotten these words as they have settled into my thinking and as they thumped loudly against my beliefs and against my values.</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So I ask you today: Why speak up? To risk the collective slings and arrows of those who rabidly seek to maintain that which is the status quo — it means — talking back to those who, believing in the infallibility of their own “power” — who believe that they are “legends” — if even in their own minds — have forgotten that their ladder of authority is not sturdy — that they can be toppled by standing on an unstable foundation that is built upon the fragility of the human ego and not upon the bedrock of our common humanity. </span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So why speak up? Because evil and poor judgment based upon service to self DO flourish in the land. Self-seeking and self-importance can infect and invade the nooks and crannies of the mortar of the consciousness of All when gone — unchallenged — Naysayers can often be soothsayers who are keen observers of the truth — and who risk sharing “what they see” — by asking questions such as “Why?” and “Why not?” </span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, why speak up? When it is easier to look toward our own lives, to be concerned with our own positions — as lowly or as lofty as we may deem them to be — and set our gaze upon our stuff — and ignore the suffering of others — ignore the bad public policy decisions that will eventually effect us — ignore the injustice — the ugliness — until it happens to us. Then we pay attention. Then we take notice. By then we have become those whose plight we have ignored. Then we are no longer ignorant — we are informed by our own experience. </span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So why speak up? Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams. Jean D’Arc; Ed Roberts; Judy Heumann; Justin Dart; Abraham Lincoln; Gandhi; Mitch Snyder. Martin Luther King, Jr. Queen Elizabeth the first. </span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All of these ordinary folks and citizens, who did extraordinary things — who spoke up and who observed the wrong and attempted to make it right — by speaking up and by acknowledging that, sometimes, the Emperor has no clothes. These folks are an example of many others throughout history who spoke out and declared “It is what it is”, without apology and without allowing the fear that they must have felt when doing the right thing to interfere with their actions.</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">They didn’t ignore it.</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">They didn’t hope IT would go away.</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">They didn’t hope that someone else would take care of it for them.</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">They stood up to it.</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">They took it on.</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">They stood alone, often times, and they said “No more”.</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">They spoke up in the immortal words of Popeye and declared:</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It is alls I can stands ‘cuz I can’t stands no more.”</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">America would not be here today without the collective efforts of a grass roots group of bedraggled farmers, ministers, disillusioned statesmen, and business owners. America would not be here today if this group had shrugged their collective shoulders and decided, “It’s okay if they tax us to death.” “It’s okay if we have no voice in the tyranny to which our government has been inflicting upon us.” “That is okay if they tell us how to worship our Creator.” “That’s okay if they control us thereafter with martial law and taxes and the threat of treason and eventual death.”</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Benjamin Franklin. Paul Revere. John Hancock. George Washington. Alexander Hamilton. Samuel Adams. And others, many others, including a group of farmers, mill wrights, stone masons, blacksmiths -- all spoke up together. And acted — with deliberation — with intention — with deliberate intention — to affect change — in spite of the knowledge that Death would be nigh to them all — they spoke up anyway. </span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“It’s better to light a candle then to curse the darkness.” Edna St. Vincent Millay.</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So again, I ask you, “Why Speak up?” When your voice may be the only voice of reason— the only voice of clarity — the only voice of dissent amid millions of those who may be assenting to an insane, immoral proposition. </span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Why speak up? Your words may be the only offering of a solution in a whirlwind of indecision and derision and turmoil. Your way may be the only fire escape from a torrent of irrational acts and brutality. Your wisdom may be the only enlightened vision that is left unclouded by the passionate, yet misdirected will of one who has corrupted the minds of many. </span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So why speak up? </span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bang the drum.</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sound the alarm.</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Shout it.</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Scream it.</span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Quietly -- as the life you save may be your own.</span><br />
</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thank you, Marianne, for those powerful words!</span><br />
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</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And so, this year, I join my voice to the hundreds and thousands already out there, speaking out. I forget sometimes that the "A" in Advocacy stands for "Action" -- and today, at the beginning of a new year, I resolve, strongly, to take more action this year, and speak out for those who may not (as of yet) have found their own voice. Will you join me... no strike that... will you join US? Thank you, as always, for your support.</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">---</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Marianne Huff is the Advocacy Event Coordinator for The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, and may be reached by contacting them directly. A link is provided to the left.</span><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-84854566214387896382009-12-25T11:35:00.000-05:002009-12-25T11:35:20.633-05:00Seasons Greetings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbP1SOI0_aCAZAKWdRAwxSrx4HW0rxIFsJUAn8lUGzx7VgaFTgbVqQiaYl5dnW1zU1vncm4uxB4LCO09XmFmzO5ktGz7s3r5v3_oBYiwJPJbS5ZB48kIFfmkTKMOlmYq7-Ui4a2euLJTs/s1600-h/cmas028.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbP1SOI0_aCAZAKWdRAwxSrx4HW0rxIFsJUAn8lUGzx7VgaFTgbVqQiaYl5dnW1zU1vncm4uxB4LCO09XmFmzO5ktGz7s3r5v3_oBYiwJPJbS5ZB48kIFfmkTKMOlmYq7-Ui4a2euLJTs/s320/cmas028.gif" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whatever holiday you celebrate, may the best the season has to offer be yours.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank You for your readership, and support.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lawrence<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-42465007681020015982009-12-22T15:17:00.000-05:002009-12-22T15:17:13.154-05:00So Where You Been?<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After a nearly perfect record of weekly blog posts running since January of this year, I suddenly dropped off the face of the earth... or so it would seem. While the "alien abduction" story has more "thrill factor" I really can't run with that, as much as I might like. However, if I ever </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">am</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> abducted by visitors from some far distant world, I promise to faithfully report on how ADA compliant they were. After all, that's what I do.</span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So where </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">have</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> I been all this time? For one (and this is big) I've been performing a juggling act of sorts between BVR and Lourdes College -- I start in Spring 2010 - less than a month from now. Most of the hard work is done. I finally have my new wheelchair. I have a new ramp. I have an account with TARTA for transportation. I'm registered for classes. All that's left (as far as I know) is tuition and book procurement.</span></span><br />
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</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Plenty to do on that front, with each organization having their own sets of procedures, and me in the middle, trying to tie the loose ends together. Still, I'm close, and I'm looking forward to returning to school and meeting the new people, and challenges, I will find there. Lourdes is a great college, and I can't remember the last time I met such friendly and helpful staff.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As a side note to that, I originally planned to include updates on my adventures and lessons learned while at Lourdes in this blog, but decided against that in the end. Ultimately, the two topics really deserve their own stages, and so, beginning soon, I will be launching a new blog called "Lourdes on Wheels." Watch for it </span></span><a href="http://lourdesonwheels.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">here</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Another "distraction" has been the </span></span><a href="http://buckeyebarrierbusters.org/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Buckeye Barrier Buster</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> website, which underwent some changes over the past few months. One big change was that I decided to fold my other project, the Toledo Access Guide, into the BBB.org website. You can learn more about that by visiting the website, and while there, please sign up for a free membership. From now on, all important updates and announcements concerning our advocacy organization will be posted there. This blog will go back to it's roots, with topics of interest to our disabled community.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So that's what I've been up to. How about you? I hope the snow and cold have not been posing a barrier to your intended lifestyle, and I hope your holiday, whichever you may celebrate, is special. I'll see you in 2010!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">P.S. Beginning next week I will occasionally feature a guest blogger on relevant topics of interest locally, as well as globally. I hope you find the new expanded format informative and entertaining. Thank each of you for being a faithful reader as I bring my first year to a close. I wouldn't be here without you, even if I could. We're in this together, as it should be.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Happy Holidays!</span></span><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-54643877767588724742009-11-05T13:10:00.006-05:002009-11-05T14:32:57.995-05:00Are You Prepared?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X2J1LtpZNTJbumpFFC3HRRCqu2ppolIrZreLQ-DnXygJxVQCm6L_TPLf4pOJXvXx2nHJ1zXhWIAT8K_6QIQZpPf1mVSV87Iv-rDFf6HsCUUj4kxXzJ_F_5aKzF8YZIyUGGbJN_j0e_U/s1600-h/tornado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X2J1LtpZNTJbumpFFC3HRRCqu2ppolIrZreLQ-DnXygJxVQCm6L_TPLf4pOJXvXx2nHJ1zXhWIAT8K_6QIQZpPf1mVSV87Iv-rDFf6HsCUUj4kxXzJ_F_5aKzF8YZIyUGGbJN_j0e_U/s200/tornado.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Disaster can strike at any time.</span></span></b><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nobody likes to think about a disaster, or sudden emergency. It's scary, and it makes us very uncomfortable. We think that it will never happen to us, and thankfully, most times we are right. Still, the chance always exists that at some point we will experience a fire, a severe storm, or an extended power outage. For an able-bodied person, this can be an inconvenience. For a disabled person, this can pose a serious risk to our health and safety, or perhaps even our lives.</span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This week's post is not meant to frighten you. What follows are a few possible scenarios, and how you can prepare for them. Obviously I can't foresee every possible circumstance, so keep that in mind as you read, and make adjustments as necessary. Ready? Let's get prepared!</span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Fire</span></b><span style="font-size: small;">. Perhaps one of the more common types of emergency, it's the one we certainly dread the most.</span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We're sleeping soundly in our warm comfy bed when suddenly an annoying beeping sound rouses us from our slumber. As wakefulness hits, we realize it's the smoke detector! (You do have working smoke detectors in your home, right? You should have at least one on each floor of your home, and replace the batteries with fresh ones at least once a year.)</span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You reach the bedroom door... but wait. If it's closed, always press your hand against the wood or door knob first. If it's hot, don't open it - fire is likely on the other side. If the door it still cool to the touch, or already open, proceed with caution toward the nearest exit.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">A word on exits</span></b><span style="font-size: small;">: Always try to have at least two viable exits from the house, and if possible, each bedroom. While this may be impossible in every circumstance, it's a good thing to plan for anyway. If fire is blocking the front doorway, you need to get out the back. If that's not possible, you should be prepared to break out a window. While you may not be able to climb out through a window by yourself, the presence of a broken window can alert fire or rescue personnel that you are trapped in the house. A small hammer kept near the window can be a real life saver.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While fire is scary, and hot, the most common deaths in a fire are caused by smoke inhalation. If the house is already in flames, it is likely that it will also be filled with heavy black smoke, which can render you unconscious in moments. Two things can help here. One is to soak a towel in water, and drape it over your head. This can keep much of the smoke out while you head for the nearest exit. The other is keeping as close to the ground as possible. Smoke is hot, and collects near the ceiling, leaving a small gap of cooler air near to the floor. If you can, crawl to the exit. This will take longer, but will also buy you extra time to make your escape.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finally, if you have time to call 9-1-1 before you must exit (but don't waste time making that call if it delays you too much) be sure to mention that you are handicapped, and may have trouble getting to safety. This will alert first responders to look for you immediately upon their arrival.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Storms & Power Failures. </span></b><span style="font-size: small;">These two often go hand-in-hand. A severe thunderstorm, or a tornado, moves through the area. Each has its own risks, but in both cases it's possible that downed power lines could leave you isolated in your now darkened home... perhaps for days. Do you have a plan for surviving without power for an extended period?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The consequences are many. No electricity means no way to charge your electric wheelchair. It may also mean no way to charge a cell phone, and no way to prepare a meal if you use a microwave. In winter, it would mean no heat, and in summer, no air conditioning. It might even represent a threat to your life if you use a mechanical device to aid your breathing, for example. In this final circumstance, it is imperative that you call 9-1-1 at once to alert them to your situation. Also, </span><i><span style="font-size: small;">before</span></i><span style="font-size: small;"> disaster strikes you should also notify your local utility providers so that they can keep your name and address on their priority reconnection list.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So what about tornados? Obviously if you're in your home you should stay there. A special exception is a mobile home, but I don't need to educate you about that one. Okay, so where do you go if the alert sirens are blaring? The first choice should always be your basement, but often this is not an option for persons in a wheelchair. In that case, the main floor will have to do. Pick a room with as few windows as possible, or a hallway near the center of the house. Then just wait it out. A tornado moves very quickly, and most pass through a town in a matter of only 10-20 minutes. Hopefully this will never happen to you, but knowing where to go and what to do ahead of time can mean the difference between a good outcome and a bad one. Plan ahead.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I could go on quite a bit on this subject, but I think I've made my point. Everyone should have a disaster plan, of course, but it's especially important for the disabled. I hope you will think about this over the course of the next few days, and then act. It could save your life, or the lives of those you love.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Until next time, be safe.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Note</span></b><span style="font-size: small;">: We have a wonderful e-book (in universal PDF format) on disaster preparedness for the disabled in our Buckeye Barrier Busters Library, free for you to download and consult. Please click on </span><a href="http://buckeyebarrierbusters.org/library.htm"><span style="font-size: small;">this link</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> to go directly to the page, or just visit </span><a href="http://BuckeyeBarrierBusters.org/"><span style="font-size: small;">BuckeyeBarrierBusters.org</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">, and click on the Library Link. Thanks to FEMA and the American Red Cross for making this publication available to our community.</span></span><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-13720834960410557112009-10-08T13:27:00.000-04:002009-10-08T13:27:11.860-04:00Employment Awareness Month<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For Immediate Release September 30, 2009<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-National-Disability-Employment-Awareness-Month/">NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH, 2009</a><br />
- - - - - - -<br />
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</strong><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A PROCLAMATION<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Fair access to employment is a fundamental right of every American, including the 54 million people in this country living with disabilities. A job can provide financial stability, help maximize our potential, and allow us to achieve our dreams. As Americans, we possess a range of vocational opportunities to make the most of our talents and succeed in a chosen career; those with disabilities are entitled to the same opportunities. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to implementing effective policies and practices that increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In the past half-century, we have made great strides toward providing equal employment opportunities in America, but much work remains to be done. As part of that continuing effort, we must seek to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Only then can Americans with disabilities achieve full participation in the workforce and reach the height of their ambition.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">My Administration is committed to promoting positive change for every American, including those with disabilities. The Federal Government and its contractors can lead the way by implementing effective employment policies and practices that increase opportunities and help workers achieve their full potential. Across this country, millions of people with disabilities are working or want to work. We must ensure they have access to the support and services they need to succeed.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Recognizing the need for equal employment opportunities, we must also strengthen and expand the educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act substantially increased funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and provided more than $500 million for vocational rehabilitation services, including job training, education, and placement. If we are to build a world free from unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination, we must ensure that every American receives an education that prepares him or her for future success.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Each day, Americans with disabilities play a critical role in forging and shaping the identity of our Nation. Their contributions touch us all through personal experience or through that of a family member, neighbor, friend, or colleague. We grow stronger as a Nation when Americans feel the dignity conferred by having the ability to support themselves and their families through productive work. This month, we rededicate ourselves to fostering an inclusive work culture that welcomes the skills and talents of all qualified employees.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009, as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities to our workplaces and communities, and to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities to create a better, more inclusive America, one in which every person is rightly recognized for his or her abilities and accomplishments.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">BARACK OBAMA<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My commentary:</span></span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Recognition is not only a warm and comforting thing, it can be a force for positive and powerful change as well. Those of us with disabilities just want a chance to make a contribution to society and to help support our families and loved ones. Many of us have a lot to offer in the workplace, if we're but given a chance. Thank you, Mr. President, for recognizing us.</span></span><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-- Lawrence Moore, proud (and yes, disabled) American</span></span><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-67440772289382753162009-09-16T14:15:00.007-04:002009-10-07T13:01:06.773-04:00Why So Shortsighted?<div><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">When insurance companies just get it plain wrong.</span></span></b><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBi-v83E1-A-FTJUBrgmRRI-_9spc_tqVOgsWzMrJEGKaUnm-Ns3pcnUgnOPKZzjVbzdeigE26YXLcQsLcb65oPXuxInuVchdyE93VVYgWLZsv5NLc1TznjnBKW7JgxdM8KaJVmM_dAY/s1600-h/iphone.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382130687755439538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBi-v83E1-A-FTJUBrgmRRI-_9spc_tqVOgsWzMrJEGKaUnm-Ns3pcnUgnOPKZzjVbzdeigE26YXLcQsLcb65oPXuxInuVchdyE93VVYgWLZsv5NLc1TznjnBKW7JgxdM8KaJVmM_dAY/s320/iphone.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 125px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 244px;" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: justify;">If you've been disabled for long (or have cared for someone with a disability) you no doubt have discovered by now that insurance companies are rarely all that pleasant to deal with... or even when pleasant, they often are not as helpful as they should be. Case in point: Medical or adaptive equipment.<br />
</div></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">I get around, and I hear stories. One woman needed new batteries for her wheelchair, for instance. Her insurance wouldn't pay for batteries (a consumer expense, said they) but they </span><i><span style="font-size: small;">would</span></i><span style="font-size: small;"> pay for a new wheelchair if she qualified. Hello?</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">In my own case, new rubber tips were not allowed (at a cost of under $10) for my crutches, but new crutches </span><i><span style="font-size: small;">were</span></i><span style="font-size: small;"> available, at a cost of $100. Hello?</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">And finally, a case I heard about just this week, about a woman with a speech impediment who found a less expensive option than the text-to-speech converting computer her insurance had purchased for her. She'd learned that a common off-the-shelf iPhone ($300) and a certain app ($1) combo worked better for her than the computer her insurance had approved -- which totaled an astounding $8000. Her request for the iPhone was denied.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Hello???</span></i><br />
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</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Insurance agencies, and especially MediCare, are strangling in rules and red tape. State MediCaid is sometimes even worse. Applying for a durable good or medical service is a process that could try the patience of </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_(Bible)">Job</a>.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> All too often, people are denied over and over because the goods or services in question fail to meet one criteria or other, forcing persons in dire need to wait, or worse, to be denied altogether.</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Technology is advancing way ahead of the bureaucracy when it comes to insurance coverage, and this is a shame, given that newer technology often comes at a much lower cost. Take the iPhone as one example. A simple and yet powerful device that can be used to make calls, of course, but also comes with the capability to run literally hundreds of applications (like tiny computer programs) to perform a plethora of useful functions, like speech translation, navigation, information searches, and so on. Useful to the disabled? You bet! covered by insurance? Yeah, nice try.</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">So do I have a solution to this problem? I wish I did. For right now, all we can do is seek out these modern answers to our problems, and then begin the arduous task of lobbying our insurance companies, and government, to make them available to us through insurance. The irony is, the insurance companies will thank us (sort of) for saving them a bundle.</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or will they? Nah. What was I thinking? :)</span><br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-65950060390886453522009-09-07T13:36:00.010-04:002009-09-08T14:04:23.268-04:00Say What?<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgyagfYVU_ykP-RcQpdH-PTRj6DNHT5wK4xsG3kH3KY5wg0rsPgiMFaRPjQ4I9_-GszzitkBaqWDgiKJd5yU_L7TFzmiCiSdBJMCG95xGt90WTBs3dkm97qZxm5H4V7AyzPNJ3IFn4Rk/s1600-h/discrimination.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgyagfYVU_ykP-RcQpdH-PTRj6DNHT5wK4xsG3kH3KY5wg0rsPgiMFaRPjQ4I9_-GszzitkBaqWDgiKJd5yU_L7TFzmiCiSdBJMCG95xGt90WTBs3dkm97qZxm5H4V7AyzPNJ3IFn4Rk/s320/discrimination.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379158674080978402" /></a><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sometimes, people just don't think...</span></span></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I look at the photo above, and I have to laugh... and I ask myself, what exactly was the person thinking when they posted that sign? Did they see the irony, or did they just complete their assigned task, and move on?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It could be a photoshop fake, of course, except that I have seen many such examples of "selective blind spots" to just pass it off without a closer look. And yes, I do realize that able-bodied persons often accompany friends who are in wheelchairs to stadium events, such as ball games. Perhaps the sign was meant for them, and I'm just reading my own bias into it?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Perhaps.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Then again, perhaps not. I have, in the past, called ahead to find out if a certain store or restaurant might pose some kind of barrier to my use of it, and was told in no uncertain terms that the building was "fully handicapped accessible." Sometimes the voice on the other end of the phone was right... but seemingly more often than not, they were wrong. Either there was a small (to them) step blocking the only entrance, or the racks and displays were too close together, or the sole public restroom just happened to be upstairs. Neither of us ended that day happily. Me, from having wasted a trip for nothing, and they from missing out on a potential sale.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now, in all fairness I realize that no single person can be expected to know enough about every type of disability out there to answer the question of access with 100% accuracy. My diatribe today is not about that. Rather, I'm speaking today of what I earlier described as "selective blind spots" -- or put another way, just not seeing something as a barrier because it's never been a barrier to you.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Allow me to digress just for a moment and share an example of "blind spots" not related to disability. Once many years ago our area was hit by a severe winter storm. It passed rather quickly, dumping over a foot of snow, and bringing down the entire power grid to over half of the city. The damage was pretty bad; we had no power (and thus no heat) for almost a week.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">One by one friends and family called in to check up on us. Yes we were fine, thank goodness, but of course we had no lights or heat. "I can loan you an electric blanket" one helpful relative offered. Another offered an electric space heater. Except for nearly freezing to death, it was pretty funny at the time.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The point is, none of these people were stupid, by any means. All were anxious to help. They just couldn't help falling into the blind spot that often develops when we become used (dependent) on things being a certain way. Often, it takes something like a snow storm (metaphorically speaking) to shake them out of this world view so they can see reality in a whole new way.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is the purpose of educating people about disability issues. This is why I write this blog. If you come upon someone with a blind spot that impacts your disability, don't criticize them. Instead, enlighten them. Do it with humor, and gentleness. Remember too, that what may seem to painfully obvious to us may not be so obvious to them.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Meanwhile, keep a spare electric blanket handy, just in case. :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-73832346509243372612009-08-21T14:47:00.019-04:002009-08-27T08:50:17.449-04:00A Ramp to Freedom!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, serif;font-size:small;">When steps just aren't good enough.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Some people believe that the world was created in seven days. To be honest, I've always believed that claim to be more metaphorical than literal, but a recent experience has convinced me that miraculous things can indeed happen in such a short period of time. In my case, a new world was not created, but rather was opened up to me, and it only took three days instead of seven. Let me tell you all about it, in pictures as well as words.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnMmfPzwnjpZG5YQPg60DfiDdbubvs1Q6mayZ2kc1Q1gPO1wxr04ql4BICUUmOKUP63f-he6DQPdqH9DuXW744tWdRXehtjYE6UU9G8DpugYbjCv1TvaSWKDgNg0SrTars1xvg8oK8r4/s200/OldSteps.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372494410902337906" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Day 1 - 9:00 am:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Here you can see me standing at the top of our old steps which lead up into the sun room at the rear entrance to our house. Clearly they have seen better days. In fact, an occupational therapist recently described them as "hazardous." She was not exaggerating. The steps were cracked, the rails were shaky, and even termites seemed to shy away from them. Clearly, they had to go before they killed someone.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">That someone would be me.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhrZbm6dDtOyou4PeWk8G7UmuUSim7mPZKq_nEnMoJm8d3yUhRNrzBnLTtvbRwG1aAoGX1zU95XiWktLnb4nmnUqnbPWA1f68ahrecns8ybRHrUdPn8vP35ErBO1q0YFitw4EWFgOpQc/s200/Ramp1a.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372497631483064306" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6qBOdhr7lwXkknV1O-A1-45MDymryc51hUx83k2dVqDl7SRaqwmT3x9f5FYmDbN1KTvKETlrp-fqyLTAu6tCNBTKq7iWayw2bYdwu7b8PYO8QNrPbT8udJuMlAr-XU-GC9S14icTyoU/s200/Ramp1b.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372498336259706322" /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Day 1 - 5:00 pm: </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">By the end of the first day, the old steps had been dragged away (and I'm told they now rest upon a nice pile of old lumber scraps somewhere, waiting to be burned - this thought makes me strangely happy) and the framework of the ramp was already in place. As you can see, new steps now lead up to a sturdy platform where the old steps once stood. Construction was delayed a bit while suitable lumber was located and brought to the site. Only the best will do when <a href="http://www.accessiblerenovationsinc.com/">Accessible Renovations</a> does a job, and it took more than one stop before enough lumber could be found. Thanks guys. I appreciate the extra effort.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The new steps are wider, and lower in height. If need be, I can use these steps while the rest of the ramp is under construction. Elapsed time, about 6 hours including lunch and rest breaks. I am more than a little impressed. Oh, did I mention this? The "work crew" is comprised of exactly one man. Let me introduce you...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmE2GfpBpjoZ1DJgtgXBEjZuD2dqOv7gH9YFTAdCWbEPzfT-EGDHj1Zv6xfe_7tdIlU40UK9dYYw3jws4QMh5Qkz2s2-2J-_8UFqNZ_icW3gsX0FAlXTfqOAjZntc1-V5xvonn8zw-AsE/s200/Rick.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372501125688787298" /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The Crew:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Here he is folks. His name is Rick and he works for Accessible Renovations, the contractor placed in charge of this job by </span><a href="http://www.abilitycenter.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The Ability Center of Toledo</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">, and of course approved by me before construction began. Rick doesn't exactly strike you as a superman, until you've seen him hoist a stack of twelve-foot 4x4's onto his shoulder and carry them from the truck and around the house to the work site all by himself. It was like watching a magician perform a magic trick... you wanted to ask him how he did it, but on the other hand, you just didn't want to spoil the sense of wonder. It's all I could do to keep myself from pulling up a chair to watch.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMsCWLkcjEZxczSlqhPeGidxGB8_wLZBERCA8DP9SgyZZxXQqEXsIYWW3t40t4Y5DSJkXOudMuFcqB6M2Kc_2va5d5e93KriHzKj4pzEktSrzBJt8ll9xT9w1MkFLGxQ4avDNTEfvYQo/s200/Ramp2a.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372505910015282546" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLk-ECXa6r6H_2r9N27576p3xHx8V8zmHL3hlgHVZX9cWFwOlStS6mdRkQV2YBMWg40q5u082JSdXhuMLvmuDLorq5UM-GqI5Y02WIP9Iio62Fh3BFdHwIi9cWoaO9-0verZjI4pTNps/s200/Ramp2b.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372506519856035106" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Day 2 - noon. </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The framework is really coming together now. The railings are up, as is the flooring of the ramp from the doorway to the first platform, where I'm standing. Not sure what I was pointing at when the first photo was taken, but I'm sure it must have been interesting. LOL!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Not much left to do now, it seems, except finish the flooring and rails on the second ramp segment which will "switch back" from here toward the house... or more precisely, the concrete patio area, and the side entrance to the garage. The slope is so gentle (30 degree angle if I remember correctly) that walking up and down takes almost no effort at all. My ramp is nearly finished now, I'm told. I find myself growing excited.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlB4KJJgpd6JwUHaBBeaa8Y12-jE6xo87isMsiU8gBfrkRIRh78NKMXbItnrNh96YP_oIDxbM9ypohsH14jMc4NVgPdF8ehQianDozimvDa4FgKLcNyyiA2sOksUevuWvnMNEBamBNktE/s200/Ramp3a.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372584052731160754" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmJFdSNqBxvQsuRiMGtZ5Pv-Y39MeoaFrPyhqVjySEPoRK8SsPymmGOLWRZzmw3S9mPCOluheYdOipEOJbGqUVdOxSIRZQMUzGDKbWj1qFRWixeCY8uc2KhF2KQpuqr1rE3HIWK5llRc/s200/Ramp3b.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372584891489972482" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Day 3 - 4:00 pm.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Today the last flooring section was finished, and the entire ramp structure was spot checked, sanded, and then checked again. I'm no carpenter, but I'm willing to bet that this ramp may well outlive the house. The site was then cleaned up perfectly, and I was invited to inspect the finished project. I walked the full length of the ramp for the first time, and smiled. I can't wait to run this baby in the wheelchair (still on order as I write this) and I am certain it will be a perfect fit.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Prologue:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> I felt an odd sense of freedom as I walked this ramp for the first time. Before now, I'd considered the old steps a nuisance. But if I'm to be honest, they were much more than that. Of late, I've been (subconsciously perhaps) avoiding having to leave the house. As I age, and my disability progresses, climbing steps is no longer such an "easy" task. Some days, when I'd come home especially tired, I required the help of my sweet wife (hi Lydia!) to make it up the last step. Clearly, I was losing my freedom. Now I have regained a measure of that, thanks to Rick, and Matt Lee of Accessible Renovations, and Mary Kowalik of The Ability Center of Toledo, and of course others known (and unknown) to me. Thank you all, for returning to me my freedom. If I can ever return the favor, you know where I live. Feel free to use the ramp. :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-44769370049999425662009-08-06T13:25:00.003-04:002009-08-06T13:26:25.064-04:00Autism + Internet = ?<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The ZAC Browser... a solution to a very real problem.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">As my trip to the "ADA Day at the Zoo" event last week reminded me, there's still a whole lot I don't know about the hardware and software that already exists to help those of us who live with a disability. A case in point is Autism, and some software I discovered only last week that could make cruising the internet a lot easier (and safer) for anyone with that disorder.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The ZAC (Zone for Autistic Children) Browser offers a simplified interface that makes accessing the web much easier and less confusing for most users. What follows is the story of the ZAC Browser in the creators own words. Please see their </span></span><a href="http://www.zacbrowser.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">website</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> for additional details, and important compatibility information.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><p align="justify" class="style4" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; "></strong></span></span></p><blockquote><p align="justify" class="style4" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The origins of Zac Browser</span></span></strong></p><p style=" font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; font-size:14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">ZAC Browser was originally designed in response to a family problem. In 2002, we were blessed with the arrival of our grandson, Zackary. From very early on, Zackary demonstrated signs of development disorders and in 2005, he was diagnosed with severe autism. For the love of our grandson, it was a pleasure to call together our talents to create an Internet browser specifically dedicated to his needs.</span></span></p><p class="style4" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The beginnings of Zac Browser</span></span></strong></p><p style=" font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; font-size:14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Zackary demonstrated a lot of frustration with computers at his school. We were able to determine several reasons whenever he used a conventional browser. First we recognized that there were just too many useless functions for Zackary. The right hand mouse button would be a source of frustration. The functions used to reduce or close the browser would have the window disappear and give access to the task bar and the Windows menu functions which all lead to accessing diverse software on the computer along with the uninstall program function.</span></span></p><p class="style4" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The creation of Zac Browser</span></span></strong></p><p style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Following the disappointing results obtained with the use of a conventional browser, we designed a software package specifically adapted for him. We designed a "full screen" program that cannot access the task bar, the Start menu and also cancels the right hand function of the mouse. The buttons are limited to essential functions and the browser prevents the child from accessing inappropriate sites. Children suffering from autism are known for being able to adapt easily to PECS (pictograms) so we designed an icon based navigation system like the PECS system.</span></span></p><p class="style4" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Zackary’s first experience with the Zac Browser</span></span></strong></p><p style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">From the moment that Zackary tried out the Zac Browser we noticed that he had no more frustrations when using the computer. He was no longer able to click on anything that would bring up unpleasant surprises. So we gave complete control to Zackary and so he was able to play, be entertained and took best advantage of what technology has to offer.</span></span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Once we noticed the benefits for Zackary it became obvious that this immense virtual playground should be shared with the whole world.</span></span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">We know that parents who take care of children with autism must dish out a lot of money to ensure the well-being and the proper development of their child. We wish to contribute in our own way and offer you Zac Browser absolutely free.</span></span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The official launch was at the end of April 2008 and it was an instant success thanks to the wide media coverage that we were lucky to benefit from.</span></span></p><p class="style4" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The future of Zac Browser</span></span></strong></p><p style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">We can now count on over a million users in different languages: English, Spanish and French. We don’t expect to stop there. We are following through with our commitment and continue refining Zac Browser so as to always be on the cutting edge of technological advances. Without you having to continually upgrade, Zac Browser automatically adds new sites and videos as they become available. We are also committed to expanding Zac Browser with other languages. If you wish to get involved and contribute to the expansion of Zac Browser, please consult our "</span></span><a href="http://www.browserme.com/support/viewforum.php?f=6" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Associate</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">" section.</span></span></p><p class="style4" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">What’s new in Version 1.5</span></span></strong></p><p style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="style411" style=" font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">•</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> A drawing board<br /></span></span><span class="style411" style=" font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">•</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> New sites<br /></span></span><span class="style411" style=" font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">•</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> New videos<br /></span></span><span class="style411" style=" font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">•</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Compatibility with the latest Flash sites<br /></span></span><span class="style411" style=" font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">•</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Increased speed in loading videos<br /></span></span><span class="style411" style=" font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">•</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Color changes of the Browser background<br /></span></span><span class="style411" style=" font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">•</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Changes to the "Smiley" in another category<br /></span></span><span class="style411" style=" font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">•</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Added application for "Zac Crash Recovery"<br /></span></span><span class="style411" style=" font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">•</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Added shortcut to "The Autism News.com"<br /></span></span><span class="style411" style=" font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">•</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Added shortcut to our new forum</span></span></p></blockquote><p style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; "></p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Ordinarily I'd close with a short summation of this products features, and my own observations and evaluations. However, this time that has proved problematic at best. While I could download and run the browser, I lack the expertise or experience to give this product the proper review it deserves. Therefore, I leave that up to you. If you've tried the ZAC Browser, or are willing to try it, I'd welcome any comments, positive or negative, that you'd care to post.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Until next time, thank you for your readership, and support.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-28979397229703390502009-07-29T09:26:00.003-04:002009-07-30T22:02:51.658-04:00ADA Zoo Day (pt. 2)<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, fantasy; font-size: small; font-weight: bold; ">All I can say is... WOW!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As I expected, the 9th annual "ADA Day at the Zoo" event was a rousing success. With almost perfect weather, and nearly all of the 100 expected vendors attending, there was plenty to see and do... and to learn.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My wife and I arrived shortly after opening at 10 am -- and I'm glad we arrived when we did. The main parking lot was already almost full (we got lucky and found one of the few remaining "permit only" spaces near the main gate) and I watched in awe as several buses loaded with kids arrived only seconds behind us. It was going to be a busy and crowded day at the zoo.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was pleased to note the large number of scooters and wheelchairs gathered nearby as we all made our way toward the admissions gate. The success of an event such as this depends greatly on drawing a large crowd, and so far, it was looking good. Wearing my official "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/BuckeyeBB.372334837">B</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/BuckeyeBB.372334837">uckeye Barrier Busters tee-shirt</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">" and with business cards firmly in hand (well okay, in my wife's purse) we crossed the bridge and headed toward the first cluster of vendors.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The purpose of this event for me was to introduce myself to the other attendees and hopefully introduce as many people as possible to my now officially launched organization, </span></span><a href="http://buckeyebarrierbusters.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BuckeyeBarrierBusters.org</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and of course, this Disability Awareness Blog. To my joy, I found most of the vendors to be very positive and complementary about my efforts and message. I know I made a few new friends, and I hope to keep in touch with them now that they know where to find me.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To mention all of them in today's posting would be almost impossible, but I did collect at least ten pounds worth of handouts and business cards. Expect to see the results of that collection in future blogs. But, before parting for this week, I do want to make mention of a few people I found of special interest.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One young woman, Kimberlie Sherman of </span></span><a href="http://www.barriersandbridges.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Breaking Barriers</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, was especially memorable. I wish I had half her energy. As a professional Disability Consultant, she specializes in helping folks to find programs and resources specific to their disability -- and not just locally, but nationally. If you haven't had much luck with winding your way through the system, give her a try. I'm sure she'll do her very best to help you out.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Another very nice lady I met that day was Kay Bennett of </span></span><a href="http://www.arclucas.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Arc of Lucas County</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. They offer support, education and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities, and have been doing so for over fifty years. Kudos, Kay -- you and your fine group are doing an excellent job!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I also had the pleasure of meeting Steven Kiessling, the executive director of </span></span><a href="http://www.campcourageous.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Camp Courageous</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Since 1963, this fine organization has been providing "the outdoor experience" to our area's special needs children. Steven was nice enough to extend a personal invitation for me to come out and see their camp for myself, and I just might do that. I'll even bring the marshmallows, Steve! :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As I said, these were only three of the many friendly and committed people I met last monday, and I'll certainly introduce you to a few more in the coming weeks. In closing, I had a great time at the ADA Zoo Day this year, and I'm already making plans to attend next year. I hope you're doing the same.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-54336358100565666812009-07-15T08:37:00.007-04:002009-07-15T19:42:56.501-04:00ADA Day at the Zoo<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, fantasy;font-size:small;">Come for the info, stay for the animals!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Summer is here, and once again the Ability Center of Greater Toledo will be hosting it's annual "</span></span><a href="http://www.abilitycenter.org/calendar-news/latest-news/zoo-day-2009"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ADA Day at the Zoo</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">" event. They'll be on hand with plenty of free information to educate the public about the wide range of goods and services available to help our area residents who live with a disability.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is their ninth annual event, held to celebrate the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. It is an opportunity for those interested from NW Ohio and SE Michigan to gather and share information about a wide spectrum of disability-related goods and services. There will be 100 booths lining the walkways of the zoo this year, manned by representatives of area agencies and vendors who offer all manner of goods, services, information and support.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This year the ADA Day at the Zoo will be held on </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Monday, July 27th</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and will run from 10 am to 3 pm. (Remember, admission is free to residents of Lucas county on Mondays if you arrive before noon.) If you need additional information on this event, please call Barb Manning at The Ability Center: 419-885-5733 or Toll Free at 866-885-5733.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Need Toledo Zoo information? Visit their recently updated website </span></span><a href="http://www.toledozoo.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">here</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Oh, and they do have a limited number of wheelchairs and motorized scooters on hand for rental, so don't let that stop you. Just arrive early, or call ahead if this is something you need.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I plan to attend this event, and I hope you will too. If you've never been to the Toledo Zoo, this is the perfect time, and know that our zoo is nearly 100% accessible, guaranteeing a great time for everyone! Come and meet me at the zoo!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-33055644767508791652009-07-09T12:36:00.007-04:002009-07-09T13:50:23.652-04:00Odds & Ends<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, fantasy;font-size:small;">A little bit of everything...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I'm trying something a little bit different this week. Instead of my usual "topic of interest" I thought I'd share what's happening in my real life for a change. Some of you may enjoy this "detour" and some of you won't -- for you in group two, I'll return to the old format next week. Group one folks? Here we go!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Item 1:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> As some of you know, last year I applied for services from the </span></span><a href="http://www.rsc.state.oh.us/default.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. My decision to leave my previous occupation (Licensed Massage Therapist) was a bittersweet one, having made some very good friends along the way. I kept the friends (good news there) but decided to leave the profession because I was no longer able to meet the physical demands of such work.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Almost a year later, I have passed the testing and evaluations. I have successfully interviewed professionals currently working in the Toledo area. Based on those interviews, I have chosen a new profession and I have the approval of the B.V.R. to go ahead and start evaluating schools.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As of this moment it is down to two: The University of Toledo, and Lourdes College. I must now make appointments to visit the schools before making a final decision. Oh, and my new chosen profession? Substance Abuse Counsellor/Case Worker. A bit of a change from massage therapy, yes? I'll let you know how that goes.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Item 2:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> If you've read earlier installments of this blog you are aware that I am having a ramp built onto the back entrance of our home, thanks to the kind generosity of The </span></span><a href="http://www.abilitycenter.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ability Center of Greater Toledo</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. The bids are in, and a final decision was made, leaving nothing left but to sign the paperwork and watch in awe as craftsmen (and perhaps craftswomen) construct a ramp which will enable me to better exit and enter our home. I plan to take "before and after" photos and post them here sometime after the sawdust settles. Stay tuned.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Item 3:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Not many of you know that since around January of this year I have been working on a secret project. The project comes in three parts, and I'm ready to unveil the first two parts today.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Part 1a.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Introducing </span></span><a href="http://buckeyebarrierbusters.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Buckeye Barrier Busters</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Since my arrival here over a decade ago I have become (sometimes painfully) aware of the hit-or-miss nature of accessibility to buildings and events here in the Toledo area. We need education and awareness, to be sure, but a little activism now and again probably won't hurt either.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">To that end, I have created BuckeyeBarrierBusters.org -- an organization dedicated to raising awareness of the barriers to access within our community, and working to remove those barriers. The website still needs a lot of work, but it's up now, and everyone is welcome to sign up for a free membership. We need your voice, so I hope you'll consider lending yours to our cause.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Part 1b.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> I'd also like to introduce you to our online community site, the </span></span><a href="http://buckeyebarrierbusters.ning.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Buckeye Barrier Busters Forum</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Free to join and use as well, we have discussion groups, support groups, live chat room capability, streaming music, a photo album, an events calendar, and more being added all the time. Please come visit, and feel free to post a hello. Oh, and tell your friends too. The more the merrier!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Item 4:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Just so you don't think this is all about me, I did want to tell you about the coolest new application (for the iPhone) I learned about earlier this week. Called the </span></span><a href="http://www.rocksoftware.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">RunPee</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, this app does pretty much exactly what the name implies -- it tells you when the "slow parts" of a movie are coming up, so you can "run for it" and get back in time so you don't miss anything important or exciting. Just start it when the movie begins, and then if nature calls, you can just look at the screen on your iPhone and read when the next window of opportunity will arrive. It even fills you in on what you missed (via scrolling text) while you were away. While not created exclusively for the disabled, I know from personal experience just how useful such a device can be. If you've got an iPhone, you may never see a movie the same way again. :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And that brings this week's posting to a close. I hope you've been enjoying the wonderful weather we've been having... and until next week, Go Buckeye's!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-36922696992781251002009-06-30T13:51:00.010-04:002009-06-30T15:14:47.012-04:00Local Attractions<p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thinking about a "Staycation" this year?</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A new concept we're hearing about these days is the "Staycation" -- in other words, finding attractions closer to home in lieu of the more "traditional vacation" which involves travel, and of course, spending a lot more money. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What follows is a nice list of local options for your summer vacation this year if you decide to stay close to home. Not all of these places may be handicapped accessible, however, so do call ahead if that is a concern for you.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Around Toledo:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Toledo Zoo </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.toledozoo.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.toledozoo.org</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">419-385-5721</span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Art Museum/Glass Pavilion </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.toledomuseum.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.toledomuseum.org</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">419-255-8000</span></span></b></p> <p color="#0000ff" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Metroparks </span></span></b></span><b><a href="http://www.metroparkstoledo.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.metroparkstoledo.com</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></b><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">419-407-9700</span></span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Toledo Botanical Gardens </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.toledogarden.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.toledogarden.org</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">419-536-5566</span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Willis B. Boyer </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.willisbboyer.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.willisbboyer.org</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">419-936-3070</span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sandpiper Cruises </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.sandpiperboat.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.sandpiperboat.com</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">419-537-1212</span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wolcott House </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.wolcotthouse.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.wolcotthouse.org</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">419-893-9602</span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Toledo Firefighter Museum </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.toledofiremuseum.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.toledofiremuseum.com</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">419-478-3473</span></span></span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">577 Foundation </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.577foundation.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.577foundation.org</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">419-847-4174</span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ritter Planetarium </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.rpbo.utoledo.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.rpbo.utoledo.edu</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">419-530-2650</span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ft. Meigs </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.ohiohistory.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.ohiohistory.org</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">419-874-4121</span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Maumee Indoor Theater </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.maumeeindoor.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.maumeeindoor.com</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">419-897-8901</span></span></b></p> <p color="#0000ff" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ohio Theater (</span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ohiotheatre@sbcglobal.net) </span></span></b><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">419-241-6785</span></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oregon, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Maumee Bay State Park </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.maumeebayresort.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.maumeebayresort.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sandusky, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cedar Point /Soak City </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.cedarpoint.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.cedarpoint.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p> <p color="#3365ff" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Merry-Go-Round Museum </span></span></b></span><b><a href="http://www.merrygoroundmuseum.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.merrygoroundmuseum.org</span></span></span></a></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ghostly Manor Thrill Center </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.ghostlymanor.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.ghostlymanor.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p> <p color="#3365ff" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Great Wolf Lodge </span></span></b></span><b><a href="http://www.greatwolf.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.greatwolf.com</span></span></span></a></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lagoon Deer Park </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.sanduskyfunspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.sanduskyfun</span></span></span></a></b></span><span><b><a href="http://www.sanduskyfunspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">spot.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p> <p color="#3365ff" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Castaway Bay </span></span></b></span><b><a href="http://www.castawaybay.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.castawaybay.com</span></span></span></a></b></p><p color="#3365ff" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p color="#3365ff" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Port Clinton, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">African Safari </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.africansafariwildlifepark.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.africansafariwildlifepark.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Camp Perry Lodging </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.cplcc.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.cplcc.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Island Adventure Fun Center </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.island-adventures.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.island-adventures.net</span></span></span></a></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Put-in-Bay Jet Express </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.jet-express.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.jet-express.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oak Harbor, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Magee Marsh Wildlife Area</span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Crane Creek State Park</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Marblehead, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Prehistoric Forest </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.mysteryhill.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.mysteryhill.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p> <p color="#3365ff" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Monsoon Lagoon </span></span></b></span><b><a href="http://www.monsoonlagoonwaterpark.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.monsoonlagoonwaterpark.com</span></span></span></a></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Marblehead Lighthouse State Park</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fremont, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.rghayes.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.rghayes.org</span></span></span></a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Milan, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Edison Birthplace </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.tomedison.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.tomedison.org</span></span></span></a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Aurora, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Geauga Lake Wildwater Kingdom </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.wildwaterfun.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.wildwaterfun.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cleveland, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cleveland Zoo </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.clemetzoo.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.clemetzoo.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Christmas Story House Museum </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.achristmasstory</span></span></span></a></b></span><span><b><a href="http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">house.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rock & Roll Hall of Fame </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.rockhall.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.rockhall.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Canton, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pro Football Hall of Fame </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.profootballhof.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.profootballhof.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Whitehouse, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Butterfly House </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.butterfly-house.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.butterfly-house.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Whitehouse Shrimp Farm </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.shrimp-farm.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.shrimp-farm.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Waterville, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Bluebird Passenger Train </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.tlew.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.tlew.org</span></span></span></a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Grand Rapids, OH:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mary Jane Thurston Park</span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Canal Boat/Mill</span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Downtown Shops</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Bowling Green, OH:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Civil War Museum </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.acwmo.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.acwmo.org</span></span></span></a></b></span></p> <p color="#3365ff" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Snook’s Dream Cars </span></span></b></span><b><a href="http://snooksdreamcars.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">snooksdreamcars.com</span></span></span></a></b></p><p color="#3365ff" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p color="#3365ff" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ottawa, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Harley Davidson Museum </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.benbreecehd.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.benbreecehd.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Archbold, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Candy Cane Christmas Shop </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.candycanechristmas.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.candycanechristmas.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p> <p color="#3365ff" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sauder Village </span></span></b></span><b><a href="http://www.saudervillage.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.saudervillage.org</span></span></span></a></b></p><p color="#3365ff" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Columbus, Ohio:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Columbus Zoo </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.columbuszoo.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.columbuszoo.org</span></span></span></a></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">German Village</span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">COSI </span></span></b></span><b><a href="http://www.cosi.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.cosi.org</span></span></span></a></b></p> <p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">North Market </span></span></b></span><b><a href="http://www.northmarket.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.northmarket.com</span></span></span></a></b></p> <p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">King Arts Complex </span></span></b></span><b><a href="http://www.kingartcomplex.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.kingartcomplex.com</span></span></span></a></b></p> <p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Olentangy Indian Caverns </span></span></b></span><b><a href="http://www.olentangyindiancavern.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.olentangyindiancavern.com</span></span></span></a></b></p><p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">More Resources:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Michigan and the Irish Hills Lakes & attractions </span></span></b><span><b><a href="http://www.brooklynmi.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.brooklynmi.com</span></span></span></a></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ohio Seasonal Guide </span></span></b></span><b><a href="http://www.seasonalguide.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">www.seasonalguide.com</span></span></span></a></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; color: rgb(51, 101, 255); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; color: rgb(51, 101, 255); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So what are you waiting for? Get out and go!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">[Special thanks go to Diane Frazee of the United Way's </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Family Information Network</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> for providing the bulk of this week's blog posting. Thank you, Diane, for your tireless support of Ohio's disabled, and their families.]</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; color: rgb(51, 101, 255); "><b><br /></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-76457199546598473612009-06-23T07:13:00.009-04:002009-06-24T08:56:26.927-04:00Learning to Ride<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you think someone with a developmental disability can't learn to ride a bike, think again.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Since 1999, </span></span><a href="http://www.losethetrainingwheels.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lose the Training Wheels Inc</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. has been teaching individuals with developmental disabilities how to ride two-wheel bikes - and with its special coaching and equipment, the success rate nationally has been an astonishing 70% -- far above what most would have expected more than a decade ago. Clearly, we need to look at the "hidden" abilities of the developmentally disabled with new eyes.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Locally, the </span></span><a href="http://www.lucasmrdd.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lucas County Board of MR/DD</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, Lucas County Special Olympics, </span></span><a href="http://www.maumeevalleycivitan.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Maumee Valley Civitan</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and </span></span><a href="http://www.wersellsbikeandskishop.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wersell's Bike and Ski Shop</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> are sponsoring this year's week long "Lose the Training Wheels" camp from August 10-14 at the </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tam-O-Shanter</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> facility in Sylvania.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The program utilizes a stepping stone process. Each participant moves through a progression of bike types, beginning with an ultra stable training bike, and gradually progressing toward a conventional two-wheeler. Each biker attends one 75-minute session daily for five consecutive days.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Bike Camp last summer was a huge success, with 84% of the participants successfully learning to ride a two-wheel bike, placing NW Ohio above the national average. If you haven't yet tried something like this with your MR/DD son or daughter, I couldn't recommend it more. For registration information please call Tracey at 419-380-5175 -- but call soon as space is limited.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ride on!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-91311938237571819482009-06-18T07:30:00.012-04:002009-06-19T19:35:19.633-04:00He's My Friend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJt0nNgoH_mXkIXwwW_XxbfbGyBDzHYecsyeY5AA-StRCaNy-v6OvRpDzQA6we2TGkVRC6TU6CSck5QU1mw0JH7qZr5fyRQxSI_HtWPJxIXUXzCrKj0g1XfJqgTtfokuoSHwg1Fpwg_O8/s1600-h/servicedog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJt0nNgoH_mXkIXwwW_XxbfbGyBDzHYecsyeY5AA-StRCaNy-v6OvRpDzQA6we2TGkVRC6TU6CSck5QU1mw0JH7qZr5fyRQxSI_HtWPJxIXUXzCrKj0g1XfJqgTtfokuoSHwg1Fpwg_O8/s200/servicedog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348727696869656498" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, fantasy;font-size:small;">...or, "Love me -- Love my Dog."</span></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Many of us know that current laws protect the rights of certain disabled persons (such as the blind) when it comes to bringing your "service animal" along with you as you travel. Hotels and motels, restaurants, and other public businesses are required to allow you equal access to their establishments, within the guidelines set forth by the ADA. For a nice FAQ on those guidelines, and how a business owner must comply, see </span></span><a href="http://www.ada.gov/qasrvc.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">here</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. For the rest of us (abled and disabled alike) a pet is often not just a simple animal. They also offer us comfort, support and companionship. They are a beloved member of our family.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For someone with a cognitive or emotional disability, a "pet" can be an anchor to stability (or at least familiarity) while on an extended road trip or vacation.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Some disabled people live in near isolation, and for them, the idea of being separated from their "best friend" is unbearable, even if it is only for a few days. What if you have no close by friends or family who can shelter your pet while you're away? You could just stay at home... or, you could try and find a hotel at your destination which will love your dog as much as you do. Thankfully, that's no longer as hopeless a task as it used to be.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Allow me to introduce you to </span></span><a href="http://www.dogfriendly.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">DogFriendly.com</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Dog Friendly provides a service that any pet owner will immediately appreciate... they collect data on hotels and motels which have "open door" policies that include your dog (and sometimes cats too.) This can save you a lot of work and worry if you're planning to take Fido on your next family vacation. They offer online searches, guides, a newsletter, and even a blog for tips and tricks of the trade for dog lovers. Oh, and yes, it's free.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So, as vacation season rapidly comes upon us, give DogFriendly.com a closer look. You'll be glad you did. Just be sure if you're planning to take your furry friend on a long cross-country trek that you make allowances for his (or her) special needs. Food, water, frequent stops for "rest" and most important of all, remember that dogs don't wear seat belts. Drive safely!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Woof! Woof!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This Just In: Blog visitor Amy was kind enough to let me know of yet another great resource out there called <a href="http://www.gopetfriendly.com/">GoPetFriendly.com</a>. Not only do they provide up-to-date info about Pet Friendly accommodations, but they also have information on just about anything else you might need if you plan to travel with your pet... er, best friend. I was very impressed with their site, and I think you will be too. Thanks Amy!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-79437462270225198282009-06-10T13:18:00.006-04:002009-06-10T14:43:41.548-04:00TARTA and TARPS<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">... or, "and another one rides the bus."</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">(with a special nod to "Weird Al Yankovic" for that wonderful </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YQa6l3Geyo"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">parody</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> of Queen's song, "Another One Bites The Dust.")</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.tarta.com/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">T.A.R.T.A.</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> (Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority) is our regional mass transit system, and this is one time when we of the disabled community can be especially proud. Each and every TARTA bus is equipped with a lift to accommodate people in wheelchairs. Since 1971, TARTA has been the "Ride of Toledo" and currently boasts over 40 routes in and around the Toledo metropolitan area, serving nine communities. TARTA's member communities include Toledo, of course, as well as Maumee, Ottawa Hills, Perrysburg, Rossford, Spencer Twp., Sylvania, Sylvania Twp. and Waterville. While the coverage area isn't perfect, and run times could always be better, the system works for the vast majority of those who choose to use it... and fares are a dollar or less, depending on factors like age or disability. Passes are also available, making paying for your trips quick and easy. See the website (linked above) for more details, schedules and exact service area.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Not able to make it to the bus stop? Not a problem. TARTA also offers a service called </span></span><a href="http://www.tarta.com/tarps.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">T.A.R.P.S.</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> (Toledo Area Regional Paratransit Service.) These "mini-busses" cover the same area as their regular busses, but offer service directly to and from your home. You can even make reservations up to seven days in advance. The cost is $2 per trip and is a great option for doctor visits, shopping trips, or just to get a ride downtown for a fun adventure... like a ball game for instance. Request information or an application by calling the TARTA ADA office at 419-245-5225, M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. or just visit their website if you prefer. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">So what are you waiting for? Summer is here (and as we Ohio natives know, it won't last long) so why not plan a bus trip soon? There's plenty to see and do in Toledo, and for once a physical disability may no longer be a good enough excuse to just stay at home. :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-85424311272548590212009-06-02T13:39:00.007-04:002009-06-03T17:22:07.630-04:00Ramps and Renovations<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">... and what they can mean to people like us.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you were working on a crossword puzzle, and read the clue "A four-letter word for freedom" I'm sure you'd scratch your head for quite a while before you came up with the word </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ramp</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, but for anyone with impaired mobility, a ramp is exactly that. Freedom. The same can be said of lowered counter tops, and other types of home renovations. All can mean greater freedom for those of us with a disability, or at the very least, a greater sense of comfort and control.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Every house on our street (most built shortly after WWII) use a common style of architecture where the main floor is elevated above the ground, requiring one to climb at least a couple of steps to allow entry. There is a practical reason for this, as it turns out. We happen to live in an area of the country which receives a lot of rain throughout the year. In fact, springtime flooding is not at all uncommon. That said, what is practical for one situation is not always practical for another, and for the disabled, steps simply are not practical. They are a significant barrier to many of us.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The simplest solution, aside from having someone carry you in and out (yes, I'm joking) is a ramp. One might also consider an electric lift of some kind, and indeed there are a few situations where a lift is a better choice, but I still have to go with the low-tech ramp as my structural enhancement of preference. They have no moving parts, are generally sturdy enough to last for years, and require little or no maintenance. They also allow you to "age in place" within your current home, a definite plus.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Almost any general contractor can probably build you a ramp, but I have seen (and used) more than a few ramps over the years, and in my humble opinion, if you're going to build a ramp, have it done right the first time. A poorly designed and constructed ramp is not only a waste of your money, it's a danger to yourself and to others.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ordinarily, finding a good carpenter would be a hit or miss kind of proposition, but we in the Toledo area enjoy a considerable advantage here. Allow me to introduce you to </span></span><a href="http://www.accessiblerenovationsinc.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Accessible Renovations, Inc</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. With over 30 years in the construction and renovation business, they bring a level of expertise and professionalism to their craft that must be seen to be appreciated. Do visit the website for a look at their online photographic portfolio. Never have I seen a better marriage of form and function. They build ramps, of course, but they also handle just about any other home renovation you might need... and their motto says it all, "Barrier-free solutions for better living."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Disclosure time. I never receive goods or payment in exchange for my mention of a product or company in this blog. My reviews are a result of investigation and personal experience. In this case, Accessible Renovations are currently designing a ramp for my home, and it is due in part to this personal experience that I make the glowing statements that I do. If you need a ramp or other home renovation, give them a call. I'm betting my reputation, right along with theirs, that you won't be disappointed.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">'Nuff said.</span></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So what does one do if you need a ramp, but lack the necessary funds to have one built? Thankfully, if you live near Lucas County, you can contact </span></span><a href="http://www.abilitycenter.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Ability Center</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> of Greater Toledo. Since 1997, The Ability Center has completed over 400 home accessibility projects (e.g. wheelchair ramps and bathroom modifications) using government grants totaling more than $1.5 million. You can apply for a ramp or bathroom modification under their grant program by completing a </span></span><a href="http://www.abilitycenter.org/applications.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">downloadable application</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> from their website, or you can call them at 419-885-5733 (voice or TTY) or toll-free at 866-885-5733.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Oh, and if you do call either of these fine organizations, please tell them about this Blog. I'm sure they'd love to know where you heard about them. Thank you. :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-51869147149396532792009-05-28T08:28:00.008-04:002009-05-28T19:38:31.707-04:00Bad Bathroom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ465wVRaGkF8yellqWEhgs-roRYSDeAUCrdAgAgUupzcGJWN7I_1wkH0lIpDPHR_Ulc91lnbi3QI07DqfyNkWk36gZObB-Xy5s_wER_cnhTZKGgiRdK5CqnDR4hT4VOwbJ6gTLwCI_E/s1600-h/bad-bathroom.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ465wVRaGkF8yellqWEhgs-roRYSDeAUCrdAgAgUupzcGJWN7I_1wkH0lIpDPHR_Ulc91lnbi3QI07DqfyNkWk36gZObB-Xy5s_wER_cnhTZKGgiRdK5CqnDR4hT4VOwbJ6gTLwCI_E/s200/bad-bathroom.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340851633659862850" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">When "accessible" just isn't good enough.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Okay. So first we had the three-part series on Ally's Law, and now this. I'm sure more than a few of you are wondering if I've got some kind of obsession with restrooms... or as we used to say, "issues." If the truth be told, I do in fact have issues, and so today I'm going to rant a bit on those. Hang tight. You have been </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">warned.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rant #1: Retrofits.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ever been to a public restroom which clearly was never meant to be an A.D.A.-compliant facility, but is now (barely) because it has been modified in some way? My favorite example of this is the restroom which is so small they only had room to retrofit one "stall" into the space, and if you're lucky, one sink. Navigation is a nightmare, and once you're safely inside, you're lucky if you've got 3 minutes to finish before someone else wanders in and starts jiggling the handle. No pressure there, eh? I'm lucky if I can even </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">start</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> in 3 minutes... but that's probably more than you want to know... so let's move on...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rant #2: Disrepair.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Closely related to the "handle-jiggling" issue mentioned above is the general issue of repair. Why in the world is the restroom seemingly the last part of any building that gets a regular visit by maintenance? Stall doors which refuse to latch (or even stay closed at all), toilet seats which seem to be held in place only by luck and gravity, loose or missing handrails, and my favorite, the empty tissue dispenser. Any one of these is enough to make proper restroom use impossible... and lucky you if you chance upon one with multiple problems. Cleanliness is also an issue, but again I digress. It's enough to make you want to stop using public comfort stations at all.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rant #3: Design Flaws.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is a short one. Who's bright idea was it to place the paper dispenser so that the opening on the bottom was only 5 inches above the floor? You need the manual dexterity of a monkey to allow a comfortable reach up inside the demonic thing, and then some only allow you to pull out 2-4 paper-thin sheets at a time. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">If</span> you can locate the free end of the roll. I swear, I'm going to start bringing my own paper (and duct tape for the door.)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rant #4: Flooring.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Okay, so I sort of (reluctantly) get this one. Still, why design a restroom using a type of tile or linoleum that not only perfectly hides any water that's on the surface, but also gets as slippery as a side street sidewalk in January if so much as a light fog touches it? Hello! It's a restroom! It's going to get wet. Often. If you depend on crutches for mobility, as I do, you take your life into your own hands every time you venture into a modern restaurant's restroom. They get wet, and they get greasy. But they have to be able to clean it, you say? Agreed. But have you ever been "mopped into a corner" while using a public restroom? I have. Nothing dries slower than a public restroom floor. I expect to find a skeleton inside one some day.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rant #5: Gender Bias.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This only becomes an issue if you need assistance in the restroom, and your friend/attendant/spouse happens to be of the opposite gender. Aside from gender-neutral restrooms (which may be the greatest invention of the modern era) you have two choices; use his, or use hers. Flip a coin to decide who's turn it is to be embarrassed. Been there, done that, moving on.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In closing.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I'm agreed that most of my rants apply equally to "the abled" as well, and to them I raise a toast to our solidarity, and our common affliction. I also realize that when it comes to a restroom, no size fits all, and so some problems are just there to be endured. Still, I'd like to think that somewhere out there, perhaps even one of you reading this, is an inventor or engineer who will go beyond the cleansing value of my ranting and perhaps find solutions to some of these problems.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I can hope, and dare to dream.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-35275650578927921552009-05-19T11:18:00.009-04:002009-05-28T08:27:08.270-04:00Visitability<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:arial;font-size:13px;">...and the impact it has on the disabled.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I learned just this morning that the Columbus (OH) City Council has recognized the week of May 18, 2009 as Visitability Awareness Week. Yes, this week. I wish they'd have told me sooner. :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Visitability refers to the quality of a private dwelling that makes it suitable, or unsuitable, for visitation by someone with a disability.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A case in point: Another married couple, and dear friends of ours, currently occupy a home that is of a two-level older style, built long before anyone had even dreamt of the A.D.A. I have never visited their home, although they have been frequent guests in ours. The reason? Visitability. The main floor is "blocked" by steps, and no railings. Another major barrier for me is their sole restroom. It is located on the second floor, only reachable by another series of steep steps.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">None of this is their fault, of course. We live where we live. In fact, our own home is no model of Visitability either. I've never visited the attic, or the basement (although my wife took pictures once so I would understand her when she described something about them that I needed to know.) I live on the main floor, where (thankfully) we also have a bedroom and a bath. As for house access, we still have steps, but at least one entrance will have to be ramp modified soon. As I age, it's becoming difficult to navigate them.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As you can imagine, this situation is not ideal for me... and I dare-say, for a growing number of us. Ultimately it becomes a quality of life issue, and can literally spell the difference between being able to "age-in-place" within our own homes, or be forced at some point to relocate into something like an assisted living facility. There's also an issue of freedom, and choice. How sad is it that as we age, or become disabled, we could become literal prisoners in our own homes, unable to visit others, or be visited in return? Socialization isn't just nice, it's necessary.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Frankly, there's not a lot we can do about current homes, or at least not those in our area of Ohio. Many were built around the time of World War II, or earlier, and the style then was based on whatever was cheap, fast and space efficient. Rooms were smaller, doorways were narrower, and the footprint was minimal. Some houses don't have yards. Many don't even have room for a garage. Homes can be modified, to a point, but there's only so much you can do, really. The rest we just have to live with.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Which brings us to the future. As the Boomers age, and the disabled become increasingly mobile, we need to start thinking a lot more about the kinds of homes we are building. Designing for Visitability just makes sense, when you think about it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Visitability features rely on three basic tenets:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;text-indent: -0.25in; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><span style=""><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">o</span></span><span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> * </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">An entrance that does not include steps or stairs but is accessible to a person with mobility impairments.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;text-indent: -0.25in; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;text-indent: -0.25in; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><span style=""><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">o</span></span><span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> * </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Main floor doors and hallways that can accommodate a person in a wheelchair.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;text-indent: -0.25in; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;text-indent: -0.25in; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><span style=""><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">o</span></span><span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> * </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">An accessible bathroom with enough room to maneuver.</span></span></span></span></p></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Doesn't seem a lot to ask, does it?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Currently, standards for new home construction are being revisited, and re-evaluated across the country. Now is the time to take action, and let our voices be heard. If you'd like to send a letter or email to your Ohio members of Congress on this issue, it's as easy as clicking on the following link, and filling out a short form:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://capwiz.com/nacdd/issues/alert/?alertid=13207976"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">http://capwiz.com/nacdd/issues/alert/?alertid=13207976</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I hope you'll consider joining us as we lobby for this important building code revision. Our children are growing up fast, and we can decide what kind of world they will live in as they too, eventually, age and grow old. Will they have Visitability? I sincerely hope so.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:19px;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-9305407840392213832009-05-14T13:46:00.008-04:002009-05-15T14:07:23.788-04:00Summer Fun for Them...<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">... and the respite is good for you too.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Today's Blog posting was going to be focused on </span></span><a href="http://www.campcourageous.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Camp Courageous</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> -- a specially staffed and adapted camping facility for those with developmental disabilities -- but as I was gathering research for it I became aware of the many other similar programs that our area offers to the disabled community. I will be expanding the topic accordingly.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Camp Courageous.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Founded in 1963 when there were no camps in this area that would accept children with special needs. Pioneering parents Marty Duncan and Ray Defrane wanted their children with special needs to have the chance to experience "going to overnight camp" like many children without disabilities do. They also realized that a planned week or two at camp would give parents a much-needed rest... or as it is called today, respite.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">To date, it remains the only camp with the qualitative focus and commitment to ensure comprehensive outdoor recreational experiences for this special community in NW Ohio and SE Michigan.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:Arial;"><div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Year-Round Facilities</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="bodycopy" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-transform: inherit; font-variant: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Horticultural Therapy</span></span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="bodycopy" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-transform: inherit; font-variant: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Vocational Habilitation Programming</span></span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="bodycopy" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-transform: inherit; font-variant: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Naturalist and Photography camps</span></span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="bodycopy" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-transform: inherit; font-variant: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Geo Team Building</span></span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">The camp provides developmentally appropriate activities for all ability levels. Programs and activities are age appropriate and allow for full exploration of one's own abilities, interests and goals.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">Camp Courageous is located at:</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">12701 Waterville-Swanton Rd.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">Whitehouse, OH 43571</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">Phone: 419.875.6826</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">Email: SteveK@CampCourageous.com</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">---</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">Camp Cricket.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">A variety of summer day camp programs for children 5-22 years old. Camp Cricket is held at The Ability Center, Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm. Programs focus on building self-esteem, creating friendships, teamwork, participating in leisure activities and using creative expression. Special activities such as field trips, swimming and cookouts are scheduled.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">Camp sessions are:</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">June 15-26 for 15-22 year olds.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">July 6-17 for 10-14 year olds.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">July 20-20-31 for 5-9 year olds.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">Ask about overnight camp at Camp Storer for 14-22 year olds.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">Registration is on a first come basis, so apply early. For more information, call The Ability Center at 419.885.5733</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">---</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">Easter Seals.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">A one-week summer camp in Sandusky. Limited scholarships are available. Funding is available for summer day camp for children with disabilities. For more information, call 800.696.5601 and ask for Phil for more information or an application.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">---</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">East Toledo Family Center.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">Year-round child care and a summer camp program called Kids Kare. Summer day camp includes children participating in games, swimming, art & crafts, community garden and Special Family Events. Cost is $75 a week.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">Summer camp runs from June 2 to August 22, 5:30am to 6pm., for kids ages 3-12 (children must be toilet trained.) Scholarships available. Call Jennifer at 419.691.4609 ext. 227 for registration information.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">---</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">A full listing of the many special programs available is beyond the scope of this article, but others include Equestrian (horse riding) programs, swimming and SCUBA training, and more. Just remember that summer can be a fun and educational season for everyone, no matter the level of their ability. Also, do not dismiss the added benefit to you, the caregiver of that special someone. We all have love to give, and energy... but the reality is, we all need a break now and then too. Do something special for yourself, and your child, today.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">Note: I couldn't have authored this week's Blog without the helpful insight of Diane Frazee from the United Way's </span></span><a href="http://www.unitedwaytoledo.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_ID=1A2BEDC4-ED90-2C51-35D380EBEE0E1E8D"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">Family Information Network</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">. They publish an amazing Summer Programs for Kids with Disabilities flyer, and a newsletter packed with schedules of local events, websites, support groups and more. For a copy please contact FIN at 419.254.4645 -- and tell them that you heard about them on this Blog. That'll make both of us smile. :)</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div></div></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1823370188058734327.post-90921541028275749062009-05-05T08:43:00.010-04:002009-05-09T14:29:41.983-04:00Ally's Law (pt. 3)<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:arial;font-size:13px;">How large does the umbrella need to be?</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Over the past 3 weeks I've thought (and written) a lot about Ally's Law (a.k.a. the Restroom Access Act) and how such a law might also be of benefit to other "special" groups. I've also learned a few things about those individuals (mostly small business owners) who oppose passage of the law, and that's what I'd like to cover this week.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The group that Ally's Law is designed to serve accounts for a thankfully small percentage of the population. I can't imagine any business owner being asked to comply more than once or twice a month. So, what exactly are the objections to it's passage? For one, business owners worry about insurance concerns related to allowing non-employees to use facilities which may not be up to "public access" or ADA codes. Ally's Law addresses this with a provision that exempts business owners whose facilities are not readily accessible, or if compliance would pose a significant financial burden to make them fully accessible. Another objection has to do with security issues. This too has been addressed. A business may claim itself exempt if there are less than two employees (some versions of the law allow three) available to keep an eye on things (figuratively speaking, one hopes) while the customer uses the restroom. There is also an exemption if the restroom area is used to store inventory. Creepy thought, that.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There are other issues as well, such as what to do with children while mommy or daddy use the restroom (most employee facilities are too small for more than single occupancy, it seems) and of course, the logistics of keeping up with the law, and verifying exactly who qualifies and who does not.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now, all of these are valid concerns, and I expect they will be addressed as Ally's Law moves forward, and is revised over time. I for one do not believe in a perfect law, and I admit that this one in particular is going to need a bit of fixing up before it's ready for prime time. That said, I'd rather have to fix a broken law than wait for a "perfect" version, so I'm still firmly behind (no pun intended) Ally's Law.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So who currently benefits from Ally's Law? In the eight or so states which have already passed it, it covers two general classes of individual. Persons with a form of IBD, and pregnant women. Both require written proof of their eligibility under the law, and must provide that proof upon request before gaining admittance to an "employee-only" restroom (assuming public facilities are not available -- another exemption.)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now, I think Ally's Law is necessary, and I think we need to pass it nationwide as soon as possible, but I'm also left pondering those persons excluded by the Restroom Access Act. Individuals with certain disabilities would certainly qualify as "needful" in the "gotta go now" category, would they not? How do we exclude the blind, the wheelchair bound, and those with other physical limitations that make rapid navigation to a (hopefully) nearby public restroom infeasible? Ultimately, we won't be able to, and perhaps this is the real fear lurking behind the resistance to Ally's Law. If the Ally's Law "placards" end up being anything like the disabled parking placard program has become, we're all in trouble. I hope we've learned from that past mistake.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Side Note</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: While we wait (somewhat impatiently) for Ally's Law to wind its way through the system, the topic of where to find a "clean" public restroom still looms large on the horizon for all of us. This is especially true of travelers, who each summer around this time begin planning trips across country, where restroom location, and suitability, are always in question.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Enter a project sponsored by Charmin, called </span></span><a href="http://www.sitorsquat.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">SitOrSquat.com</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. It's an ever-growing online database, powered by Google map technology, that allows you to locate restroom facilities near to your current location, and rate them on their cleanliness as well as read the ratings of others. The project is still new, but growing, and I expect it will do well, given the obvious need for this type of information. Support it if you can. I know I will.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2