
+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                                      |
|                                                                      |
|                                 JADA                                 |
|                                                                      |
|                          The Journal of the                          |
|                   American Disability Association                    |
|                                                                      |
|                       in partnership with the                        |
|                      Disability Law Foundation                       |
|                                                                      |
|                                                                      |
|                               May 1992                               |
|                                                                      |
|                        Volume One/Issue Three                        |
|                                                                      |
|                                                                      |
+----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Published monthly by and for the Members of ADAnet, the International
Disability Network.  Copyright 1992, American Disability Association.
All rights reserved.  Duplication and/or distribution permitted for
non-commercial purposes only.  For use in other circumstances, please
contact JADA.

Paper single copy price: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00US
Electronic Price:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  free!
Paper printed version available from the American Disability
Association.  See details and membership form elsewhere in the JADA.

For more information about JADA refer to the end of this file.


========================================================================


                           Table of Contents

First Word......................................................Page  2
Special Thanks!.................................................Page  3
Editorials
  On the Fly....................................................Page  3
  Heresies - Getting Along......................................Page  7
  What BBSing Means to Me.......................................Page  9
Articles
  Empowerment and Excuses.......................................Page 11
  On Proposition P..............................................Page 14
  Twins Bereavement Group.......................................Page 15
  Insulin and Eye Problems......................................Page 16
  Finding Accessible Apartments.................................Page 17
  Accessdos & Capabilities......................................Page 19

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  2

  Changing the system...........................................Page 21
  Diet and Rheumatoid Arthritis.................................Page 22
  Visit to Holland..............................................Page 23
  ABLEnews...Beyond the Headlines...............................Page 24
  Multiple Personality Support Conference.......................Page 26
Miscellaneous Information.......................................Page 27
Upcoming Events.................................................Page 30
Messages Worth Repeating........................................Page 35
Just for Fun....................................................Page 42
What's on ADAnet - An ADAnet Echo List..........................Page 44
Assoc. of Disabled Americans Membership Form....................Page 47
Indica..........................................................Page 48


========================================================================



First Word


Welcome once again!  A few days behind schedule, but worth the wait I
think.  I'm going to blame the delay on my modem.  Or more accurately
installation procedure of a "well known telecommunications software
package" which went and poked its little data fingers in to the setup of
my modem.  Changed &Y0 to &Y2.  While that doesn't seem like much Mr.
Modem picked up a fit of distemper.  He would call out just fine, but if
another machine called in he'd get all surly and snappish and tell the
visiting modem to go away.  And it would, too!

Anyway...  More articles, in both number and variety, this month.
There's a second installment from the Heretic, tips on apartment
hunting, free stuff from IBM (is that possible?), How tos on making the
transition from reaction to pro-action and more.  Also we introduce a
new section called Upcoming Events concerning, naturally, things that
will be happening in the near future, maybe in your neck of the woods.
So check it out!


Marlin Johnson
Editor in Chief

ps - Practice Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty
	 (See the Messages Worth Repeating section for details :-)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  3

-----------------------------------------------------------------------



                       - - - Special Thanks - - -


Our special thanks to these companies for their support with hardware,
software, and guidance:

Roebuck Typewriter and Computer, Inc., Birmingham, AL

South Central Bell (Barry Copeland and Gary Patterson)

US Robotics, Inc., Skokie, IL

Birmingham Mayor's Committee on Disability Issues

Alabama Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

And special thanks to the following individuals for their support and
encouragement:

Ms. Celia Corriveau, Nanaimo, British Columbia
Mr. George Tracy, Statesville, NC
Mr. Warren King, Virginia Beach, VA
Mr. John Desantes, Adelanto, CA
Mr. John Reading, Pensacola, FL
Mr. Jim Carden, Montgomery, AL


=======================================================================

                               Editorials

=======================================================================



ON THE FLY...
by Bill Freeman


  Isn't it awful what is going on in Los Angeles...

  I can't tell you how many conversations of late have started off with
someone saying that to me.  Of course, it is awful when people forsake
society and turn their aggression upon themselves.  Of course it is
awful when society becomes so oppressive that people feel they have no
choice but to take to the streets.  Of course we should do something...

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  4

  If you are like me, it bothers you that some people get treated
differently because of the color of their skin.  The only real effect
you can have is by example and peer pressure.  When we see
discrimination or the fruits of discrimination, we must protest.  To
silently allow the opportunity to protest to quietly pass by is the same
sin as initiating the discrimination - yet we allow it to occur every
day.

  Several weeks ago now, I attended a comedy performance (James Gregory)
at the Comedy Club here in Birmingham.  Boy, was that fellow funny -
especially when he started talking about the pig farmers of South
Alabama.  Throw in a UFO story, more than a little sexual innuendo, and
a few drinks, and we were all rolling on the floor together.  My sides
were hurting.  Then came the jokes about dwarfs, called "midgets" in the
act.  I quit laughing, and was offended - but others didn't quit
laughing - I was more offended - I kept my mouth shut and just sat
there.

  James Gregory would not have dared to tell any jokes about black
people, although he did hit the Jewish folks a time or two.  That was
just his warm up on the way to picking on the dwarfs.  He spent a full
four or five minutes on dwarfs.  Did he look over the crowd to see if
there were any dwarfs before he started?  Did he check for blacks??

  The point is simple.  I tolerated his offensive humor - and it damaged
little people's chances of being taken seriously by people in that crowd
in the future.  I felt really bad, and still do.  I learned a valuable
lesson, though.  In the future, I will say or do something to protect my
conscience.

  I think that this is where we can learn a lesson from the riots on the
west coast.

  Black people, after 30 years of protection under Civil Rights
statutes, still are not equal participants in our society.  The question
that keeps coming to my mind is why this is so.  Why is the lot of a
black person in America still tainted - why do they not have truly equal
access to wealth?  Can they ever achieve independence in our society?

  Then a possible answer comes to me.  Perhaps independence is not what
is needed.  Perhaps what black people want is equality in their
co-dependence with others.  That makes sense.  We must regard each other
as equal, and our actions will follow...

  Perhaps reformation of a whole society just takes a long time, but I
believe if we start from a position of encouraging equality and
even-handedness in our dealings with people, people with disabilities
can achieve substantial gains in both access and freedom in America.
But how do we get there from here?

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  5

  We need a plan.  I believe that we can, and should, seek a common plan
to bring about this sense of equality in our co- dependency.  We must
forge a coalition to develop this plan.  Without a plan, there can be no
strategy to implement equality.  Without a plan, the chaos of our
efforts will tend to cancel those very efforts.  We must have a plan in
order to make progress.

  Over the next many months, we'll be looking to find this plan and
share it.  We haven't found any evidence of any plan for equality and
empowerment yet, but we are looking.  If we can't find a plan, we'll
have to develop one.  Combined with our efforts to define and develop
cross-disability awareness, I am hopeful that a plan will emerge in the
very near future.

  Part of our plan must be to foster a sense of cooperation between
disability groups.  Part of our plan should be to approach existing
stereotypes of people with disabilities as gentle warriors: ready to
fight for change, but able to reach acceptable results without any
fight.  We must be ready to help society mold its ideas and sculpt a new
image of disability.

  We must look back to the lessons we can learn from our brothers and
sisters of color.  We must be prepared to forge a new path to equality
and empowerment.  We must have patience, and we must demand immediate
change.  We must have a common plan.

  Just as we cannot, and should not, tolerate the injustice wrought upon
Rodney King, the mayhem brought to South Central Los Angeles, and our
own public derogation, we cannot allow an apathetic response to our
demand for empowerment.  Together we must change the face of disability
in America.  If we do not, it will not change.

  Keep your chin up and keep knocking those barriers down; one at a
time.


  Bill Freeman

----------------------------------------------------------------------



HERESIES - Getting Along


   Today's column started when I considered how we PwDs get along with
the rest of the world.  Which led me to consider how we PwDs get along
with each other.  If ADAnet is any indication, we do all right if we
stay within certain bounds.  But disagree with the wrong person and
we're up a rather smelly creek in search of a longer paddle.   All of
which got me to thinking about what, precisely, was wrong.

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  6

   My informal survey of ADAnet and the orderly world of PwD service
organizations revealed that we're handling the detail portion of our
world.  We have more details than we can use.  Great.  Time for a dose
of the "big picture".   So mentally, I took a step back.  It wasn't far
enough, so I backed up some more; nope, that wasn't it, either.  Take
several more steps back.  How's that?  STILL not enough!??  Okay, jog on
down the road a bit.  How about now?   Right.  Ten mile hike time.....

   And so it went.  The further back I went, the less clear everything
was.  Well, that's not true - it wasn't clear to start with.  Like the
song says, "just beneath the surface of the mud, there's more mud here".

Just one big muddled picture of frantic people trying to do their job as
best they can with surprisingly little support.  Masses and masses of
detail work.  I can't find a single (or married) person at any service
organization that isn't buried under a mountain of stuff too important
to throw out but not important enough to do right now.

   Okay, one thing did become clear: we're all drowning in the Sea of
Detail and nobody remembered to bring lifeboats.  Of course, it begs the
question: where's the problem?  Good question, but to find the answer we
need the big picture and we don't seem to have that; so we've come full
circle.  End of column for this month.

   Not quite yet, thank you.

   If we can't see THE problem, we can still see SOME problems large
enough to give pause for thought.   Let's start with the three BIG
problems facing those in and around the world of disability in 1992.


   Problem #1: too much time spent arguing with each other over petty
    points; failing to unite our strength toward a common enemy.

   Circulate among ADAnet conferences to see this in action but, by no
means, is it limited there.  People get along fine provided they agree.
Question party-dogma, however, and -OUCH- you find those boots are made
for walkin' as your back becomes a landing strip for some self-appointed
guardian of truth with the open-mindedness of a skin-head rally.

   Outside ADA, this is a BIG problem.  You've only to sit through one
of those painful "joint" meetings between two or more PwD service
organizations with enough turf-grabbing, ass-covered politicos to make
you wish you'd perfected that home lobotomy kit and brought samples to
hand out. "The Music Man" had a great song for it.  Whatever the title,
the words went something like, "pick-a-little, talk-a-little, pick-a-
little, talk-a-little, pick-pick-pick, little-talk-little-talk."

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  7

   We argue because we don't have good skills at handling disagreement
and conflict.  Most think good communication is working really hard to
make themselves understood.  Then, after all that effort, they get so
hot-under-the-collar that they cease to really think about what they're
saying.  Brain goes off, mouth goes on.  And on.  And on and on and on.
Sort of like this:  "I KNOW you THINK you understand what you thought I
said but I'm not sure you realize that what I said was NOT what I really
meant."  Not.

   Creating witty repartee is less important than we think.  We're
supposed to be THINKING about what the other person is saying.  Good
communication is making sure that we UNDERSTAND what the OTHER person is
saying.

   Get the difference?  Put simply: you speak, I listen.  I repeat back
what you said.  I ASK you if you FEEL I've understood your point and I
LISTEN to your answer.  When, and only when, the other party feels
understood do you progress on with your own response.

   We CANNOT frame useful responses to arguments we've failed to
understand.  It's (nearly) always more important to ask a clarifying
question than letting loose with biting sarcasm.  Do you see?  The
important skills are LISTENING and THINKING.  The ability to write or
speak or sign or whatever, comes way, way down on the list.  We're going
about it the wrong way and, here dear reader, I most assuredly include
myself.

                  PROBLEM #2: we don't know who we are.

   The Association of Disabled Americans is made up of people with
disabilities.  No surprise.  What people don't think about is that these
PwDs have a wide range of different disabilities and they come out of an
even wider range of backgrounds.  We're not all blind.  We're not all
deaf.  We're not all in wheelchairs, not all healthy, not all rich, not
all poor, not all anything.  Consequently, we don't all speak with the
same voice nor do we voice the same set of desires.  And, odd as it may
seem, we don't all need ADA for the same reasons.

   Big deal, so what?  Let me lay out two sub-problems, here.  First:
we're letting ADA legislation define us as Disabled Americans instead of
us, as human beings, defining the ADA.  As the law gains strength, it
becomes another subtle pressure for PwDs to conform to accepted
practices.  This is not a good thing.  Instead, WE should be making the
law conform to what we (collectively) need it to become and push the
envelope on standards of accessibility.

   Second: each PwD sub-group defines ADA "rules" according to what
their particular disability needs.  Since we don't understand what other
PwD groups need, we end up fighting each other for the power to put
teeth into ADA.  Gee, there's nothing government likes better than good
political infighting.  It keeps us off their backs and powerless to
make constructive change.

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  8

   Together, this is a.k.a. CROSS-DISABILITY AWARENESS.  A catchy little
phrase meaning simply that we must understand the broad range of needs
in our world of disability.  Mental, physical, mobility, visual,
hearing, thinking, learning, disease process, etc. all have unique
needs.  They have common needs, to be sure.  But we're not going to
become empowered by leaving our brothers and sisters behind and simply
grabbing all the gusto we can hold for ourselves alone.


          Problem #3: we're playing the game poorly and we're
       playing on their field, with their ball, by their rules.

   There are exceptions, to be sure, but many are trying to achieve
political reform through the use of political means rather than grass-
roots organizations deriving their methods, funding and purpose from
their own people.  These organizations (in one form or another) live and
die by the government grant.  As disability advocates, we're just as
dependent upon "welfare" as our constituents.  That's a pretty effective
means of controlling power, wouldn't you say?

   But here's worse news: my tea leaves say we're heading into a new
social, political and economic era that won't be pretty.  The Land-o-
Plenty is desperately in need of reforms to solve enormous problems in
the U.S. of which the average citizen is just barely aware.  Most in the
PwD community haven't a clue.  If I'm right - and I hope I'm not - the
gravy train went back down the tracks long ago and we're just living off
droppings left along the side of the tracks.  There's less and less to
go around and the politically astute are positioning themselves at the
expense of the rest of us.  Don't kid yourselves.  What's happening in
the Commonwealth of Independent States (the former U.S.S.R) can happen
here, too.

   Our own problem is we're trying to change a corrupt political system
from within the corrupt political system.  But we don't have the power
to make changes because we don't have enough 1) votes or 2) money to
matter to those who do.  If we're going to change America for PwDs, then
we're going to have to find a new way to do it.  The plain fact is that
politics hasn't fixed a problem in the U.S.  for 45 years; it's done
little more than make most things worse.  Politics doesn't offer the
answers we need.  They have, for now, money and power.  But they don't
have much of either.

   MEANINGFUL change comes from understanding how we must change the
system.  If we're going to fix problems - as PwDs - we have to
understand each other's needs.  To understand our differing needs, we
must be able to talk and work with each other.  To do that, we must
communicate effectively among ourselves and with the world at large.
There's no other way.

   True change will come from within our own resources because,
ultimately,  we're the only ones we can count on.

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  9

                             - tHe HeReTiC -

   The Heretic writes without the use of a safety net.  He/She/It
recently applied for a writer's license from the Intergalactic Union of
Philosophers, Sages, Luminaries and other Lobotomized Professional
Quasi-Thinking Semi-Humanoid Life Forms.  You are invited and heartily
encouraged to share your own heretical thoughts with The Heretic in care
of this newsletter.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

WHAT BBSing MEANS TO ME
by Linda Cummings


A little less than a year ago, my husband, Eddie, and I discovered the
wonderful world of BBSing.  The BBS (Bulletin Board System) opened up a
new world for me, especially.  Being disabled from two failed back
surgeries, I had begun to feel pretty useless.  I had my first partial
laminectomy in November of 1982 because of a ruptured L4/L5 disk.  The
second partial laminectomy was in March of 1988.  Then, in September of
1990, I had a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) implanted for the chronic
pain.  Although it afforded me *some* relief, it wasn't as much as I had
hoped.  The chronic pain made me depressed and I felt totally inadequate
and lonely.

Before I get ahead of myself, let me back-track just a little bit and
tell you about a wonderful man who supported me before and after the
implant.  I had put an ad in our local printed Bulletin Board asking for
anyone who might have undergone this procedure.  I got a call from the
sister of this person.  She said she was going to call him and have him
call me.  His name is Ronnie Amerson.  We talked over an hour the first
time he called.  We compared symptoms and areas of pain.  We talked
about past surgeries.  He told me about having the SCS implanted by the
same neurosurgeon who was going to implant my SCS.  In essence, I felt
like I was not alone anymore.  My spirits soared and I felt like I was
ready for the implant.  I had felt, before I talked with him, that I was
the only person in the world that had the chronic pain I was suffering.
Learning that I wasn't alone made a huge difference in my attitude.

When we discovered BBSing (quite by accident), it helped take my mind
off the pain.  I felt that if I could help someone else like Ronnie
helped me, I would at least be accomplishing something with my life.  I
wrote a message and sent it out.  The message contained a little of my
medical history and my offer to correspond with anyone who needed moral
support for their medical problems.  I received a message that told me
of a particular sysop (system operator) who carried an echo called
Spinal Injury.  Several days later, we were users on his private board.
I not only was able to read the Spinal Injury echo, but Grand Rounds and
Chronic Pain as well.

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  10

As we all do, I just read messages for awhile.  Then, a message hit home
and I had to respond to it.  The message was from a man who felt life
wasn't worth living.  He was pouring his heart out in this message and I
took it for a plea for help.  He expressed his desire to end his life
and had even procured a book on ways to commit suicide.  Having had
those feelings myself, I couldn't ignore his message.

I wrote him a long message letting him know that he "was not alone." I
told him how I had even written a suicide letter to Eddie expressing my
feelings that I felt he was better off without me and how I couldn't
take the pain anymore.  I said how useless I felt and how I didn't think
that I could cope with the pain anymore.  Then, I told him how I started
laughing after I finished the letter because I thought to myself, "I
can't kill myself because I'll miss the last episode of 'Dallas'!"

I waited on pins and needles for his reply.  When I finally received his
message, he told me how wonderful it was of me to share that with him
and that he really didn't think he could kill himself either.  This was
the beginning of my life being changed for the better.  I felt useful!
I felt needed!  I had found a place where people were just like me.  In
turn, other people began to realize that there were others out in the
world just like them.

It didn't matter that some people were in wheelchairs and others
weren't.  We all had something in common...pain.  The more messages I
wrote, the more useful I felt.  People started telling each other how
wonderful it was to have an outlet to express their feelings.  We all
could gripe all we wanted, and know that everyone understood our moods.
We all helped each other with moral support.  We all shared our
experiences with doctors and pain clinics.  We all gave advice to each
other and helped each other as much as we could.

In a world so torn apart by people climbing their way to the top, PwDs
(persons with disabilities) banned together to help each other in a
triangle of love and understanding for their fellow friends.  At the
touch of a button, people could correspond with others around the world.
Sighted people became friends with blind people.  Quads and paraplegics
became friends with walking people.  Hearing impaired people became
friends with people who could hear.  PwDs made friends with TABs
(totally able bodies).  Barriers were knocked down faster than the
Berlin Wall.  What did all of this?  Computers and the knowledge that
BBSes linked people from all over the world together.

There have been studies done that show when a baby is not held or loved,
it suffers tremendously and can sometimes even die.  The human race was
not meant to be alone.  If physical closeness to someone else is
impossible or not feasible for some reason, then *some* form of contact
must be made.  To feel *alone* can be as damaging as actually being
alone.  If a person has medical problems, they can feel that ache of
loneliness even greater than someone who doesn't have medical problems.

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  11

I sometimes tell people that BBSing has literally saved my life.  Had I
not had the outlet of expressing my feelings and helping others, I do
not know what kind of person I might have been today.  I have the
opportunity, through this electronic media, to spread a little sunshine
and hopefully make others laugh a little.  I can share myself with
others and in turn, share in their lives as well.

Some of you have had the opportunity to read about my experiences from
the first surgery, back in 1988, to my present experiences of going to a
pain clinic.  With today's technology, I can share my feelings and know
that I will not be criticized.  I can ask for advice and know that I'll
get a response.

I no longer feel like I am alone.  Quite the contrary, I feel needed.
Imagine...I owe it all to something as simple as writing a message.  Is
BBSing for everyone?  I personally don't think it is.  Is it for me?
YES!  Is it for you?  Only you can answer that question.  But, there
should be a warning on every BBS: "Warning!  BBSing is addictive.  Use
with caution."


Linda Cummings
JADA Editor


=======================================================================

                                Articles

=======================================================================



Empowerment and Excuses
By: Bill Freeman


On November 23, 1991, Mr. Justin Dart, the Chairman of President Bush's
Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities spoke in San Antonio
regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In his speach, Mr. Dart said, "If the President's committee does not
empower you and the President to do the job of democracy, then it has no
excuse to exist."

I agree completely with Mr. Dart, and after careful consideration, it
is my opinion that he should immediately resign.  The job of the
President's Committee is not to empower the president to do anything; it
must be to empower people with disabilities to avoid the lives of quiet
desperation and rage that have been the hallmark of disability culture
in America.

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  12

Our organization has made every effort to work with government, to help
educate it to the needs of people with disabilities, to help it
understand how it can cause harm rather than bring freedom, to help
people with disabilities interface more directly with government, so it
can more adequately respond to the real needs of disabled people.  And
what is it that we have to show for these efforts?  Frustration, broken
promises and denial of access to the information being provided to
America's business community.

In his speech, Mr. Dart continues, "I am talking about accessible,
state of the art technology that will make every American home a
university, a place of work, a shopping mall and a center to access
services."

Again, his words are a soothing salve to our sores.  It is a great pity
that we have to reckon that words are cheap, and that Mr. Dart's
committee, far from using technology to share information with the
community of people with disabilities, has used state of the art
technology to exclude, to lock out, to banish people with disabilities
from any cooperative and interactive involvement in development of this
law passed for our benefit.

We must develop a national plan to implement the Americans with
Disabilities Act.  I ask you, what plan have you heard of that promises
to bring the realities of a barrier-free society to fruition?  Where is
the strategy that has been developed to gently but forcefully insure
that civil rights are extended to those of us with disabilities?

I have a simple proposition.  We must unite and develop such a plan to
bring about social reform now.  We must unify, not with our hopes and
dreams, but with a common-sense strategy to insure that people's
attitudes toward people with disabilities change.  Our plan must extend
from the local communities of this country.  Freedom does not come to
those who wait - they forever endure their prisons, hoping that tomorrow
will be a better day.  While tomorrow may be a better day, we cannot
expect change to occur if we do not act affirmatively to mandate that
change must occur.

In the short-term, we must have access to government.  We cannot be
denied and quietly accept that denial.  We must force the issue: is the
Americans with Disabilities Act intended to be nothing more than words
on paper, or was it meant to raise up the masses of people with
disabilities.  If the latter was the intent, we must ask our elected
officials, starting within the Executive and the Congress, what is our
plan and strategy for freedom?  We must not accept answers that seek to
avoid the issue.

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  13

We have an obligation to insure that the ADA is implemented as soon as
possible.  To all the disabled that have suffered their lives separate
and unequal.  To those that have spent endless years locked in prisons
of helplessness.  To those that even now cannot demand access to
freedom.  We must demand that the promise of the ADA be kept.  We cannot
in conscience accept any less.

Over the past many days I have felt the frustration and agony that has
caused civil disobedience to surface around this country.  It is not
hard for people with disabilities to understand oppression; we do not
simply experience it, we live it.  Day in and day out, we are denied
even the most fundamentally acceptable standard of living.  We are not
allowed to buy new cars, have homes and comfortably clothed families.

People with disabilities toil long hours only to spend a great portion
of their income on the medications that allow them to continue their
chore.  We must pay doctors disproportionate amounts of our income to
remain healthy enough to do even the most simple life tasks.  We cannot
travel freely, because the world still continues to raise barriers
against us.  Even the adaptive technology that allows us to conquer this
hostile world consumes our incomes.  In spite of all this, many of us do
enter into the public square.  We desperately want to be a part of the
American dream.  Many of us accept poverty and the dole not because we
wish to, but because it is the only option that allows us any freedom at
all.

I digress to issues better avoided.  We should be more positive about
our stations in life.  We should cheerfully accept our strife, and in it
we should breed hope for a better tomorrow.  We must reach inside of our
pain and withdraw determination.  We shouldn't dwell on our restraints,
but emphasize the freedoms that we do enjoy.

My point is simple: if we accept our lot, we encourage an oppressive and
hopeless life.  It is not reasonable to accept imprisonment in the face
of words promising democracy and access to society.  It is not
reasonable to rationalize the deplorable state of the disabled American
nation with promises of a better tomorrow.  We must demand action, now.
We don't live in tomorrow, we live and die now.  We must not squander
time, for it is the stuff of our lives.  The longer we wait for
equality, the less equality we will enjoy.  The longer we wait for
equality, the less it is worth to all of us.

In his closing comments of the San Antonio speech, Mr. Dart says, "I
seek your guidance and participation.  You have the responsibility and
the power to make your President's committee, your Presidency a real
force for keeping the promise of ADA."

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  14

Again, I agree completely with Mr. Dart.  In the best of faith I ask
him, what is our plan?  Where is our strategy?  Why is this government
willfully excluding people with disabilities from realizing a meaningful
role in achieving the promise of the ADA.  Can we not start even now to
develop a plan to achieve success, realize freedom and enjoy the real
democracy that the ADA has promised?

Mr. Lee Iaccocca of the Chrysler Corporation put the challenge in the
best of language in naming his book, "Lead, follow or get out of the
way."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------



On Proposition P
BY: Michael Pearson


===========
Proposition P passed in San Francisco on November 5, 1991 de facto
legalizing marijuana for medical purposes by a 79.5% majority.
===========

Text of Proposition P

The people of the City and County of San Francisco recommend that the
State of California and the California Medical Association restore hemp
medical preparations to the list of available medicines in California.
Licensed physicians shall not be penalized for or restricted from
prescribing hemp preparations for medical purposes to any patient.

The term "hemp medical preparations" means all products made from hemp,
cannabis, or marijuana, in all forms, that are designed, intended, or
used for human consumption, for the treatment of any disease, the relief
of pain or for any healing purpose, including the relief of asthma,
glaucoma, arthritis, anorexia, migraine, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy,
nausea, stress for use as an antibiotic, an anti-emetic, or as any
healing agent, or as an adjunct to any medical procedure for the
treatment of cancer, HIV infection, or any other medical procedure or
herbal treatment.


 * Origin: OkLahoma City, Oklahoma (1:147/8.4)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  15

-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Twins Bereavement Group
By: Ed Madara


There are many different types of self-help support groups to help
people cope with the loss of a loved one.  Examples are general ones for
widowed persons (like the Widowed-To-Widowed Persons Program,
T.H.E.O.S., "To Let Again") or for parents who have lost a child
(Compassionate Friends), and the specific ones (like S.O.S.  - Survivors
Of Suicide, Parents of Murdered Children, COPS- Concerns Of Police
Survivors).


For examples of how specific groups are, there are two that deal with
twins (or triplets).  The one group is for parents of multiple-birth
children, when (as may happen) one or more of the children dies at
birth.  It is called the Tender Hearts Network.  In talking with parents
in this Network, I learned how difficult it is for them to express their
grief.  Too often, friends (or even those in other bereavement support
groups) will try to comfort them by indicating how fortunate they are to
have a child who has lived.  As like so many other self-help groups,
they have only found true understanding when they have been able to
speak with other couples who indeed "have been there."


The other example is called the national Twinless Twins Support Group,
started by Dr. Raymond Brandt, whose identical twin was killed in an
industrial electrocution accident at their age of 20.  As Dr. Brandt
says "The road to fuller mental recovery from this sudden and total life
disruptive episode was traveled alone for years when no one seemed to
care that much." The Network helps twins to deal with the very unique
loss that they feel.  He notes "There is no closer bond created between
humans...  Us twins do not expect nor ask singletons to fully understand
the uniqueness and intensity of feelings which we experience upon the
death of our twin."

At our Clearinghouse we received a number of calls from several twins
who have reflected that same deep need.  If you should know of any
multiple birth survivor who would need the support (they also help when
death is imminent), send a SASE to:

  Twinless Twins Support Group
  11220 St. Joe Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46835.

 * Origin: Maple Shade Opus (609)-482-8604 (1:266/12)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  16
-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Insulin and Eye Problems
By: Jack Cross


===========
Found the following article in the Health Information-Com Newsletter and
found the info quite interesting.
===========


            Insulin may contribute to Diabetic Eye Problems
                   Medical World News, Vol 32, No 10

Despite its ability to control glucose in diabetics, insulin may
contribute to diabetic retinopathy and other types of eye disease
commonly seen among diabetics.  Dr. Stuart Ross, associate professor of
medicine at the University of Calgary, found in a survey of 3,600
patients that using insulin too soon in Type 2 diabetics contributes to
the same type of eye disease often seen in Type 1 diabetics.

Dr. Ross found that Type 2 diabetics who use insulin run almost exactly
the same risk as Type 1 diabetics for developing the types of vascular
changes characteristic of insulin-dependent diabetes.  He adds that the
findings may further convince physicians to control blood sugar through
diet, exercise, and oral hypoglycemic agents rather than turning quickly
to an insulin regimen.


                        Fewer New Mothers Nurse
             American Academy of Pediatrics' Journal, 10.91

The number of new mothers nursing their babies is on the decline partly
because of shorter hospital stays and partly due to lack of support by
physicians.  A study funded by Ross Laboratories, a maker of infant
formula, found that 52 percent of mothers breast-fed their babies in
1989, down from 60 percent five years earlier.  In addition, by the time
the babies were six months old, the number of mothers still nursing was
18 percent, compared with 24 percent in the earlier research.

The decline is most pronounced among younger women, those receiving
federal supplemental food aid, those with less education, first-time
mothers, full- time employees, and those in areas where breast-feeding
is less accepted.  Physicians commenting on the data say that shorter
hospital stays following birth often don't permit a nursing mother to
successfully initiate the process.  Other physicians blame their peers
for failure to monitor and manage nursing mothers and help them overcome
problems.

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  17

Physicians commenting on the data say that shorter hospital stays
following birth often don't permit a nursing mother to successfully
initiate the process.  Other physicians blame their peers for failure to
monitor and manage nursing mothers and help them overcome problems.

---
 * Origin: NightShift BBS / Wichita Falls,TX  (817)855-1526 (1:3805/13)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Finding Accessible Apartments
By: Ron Rothenberg


When looking for an accessible apartment:

*  State your needs clearly - use specific terms.  Say: "I need 18
   inches on either side of the toilet," not "I need a big
   bathroom."  Don't be shy when describing why you need a certain
   feature.  Knowing why helps the other person know if the
   apartment fits.  Try to differentiate between "musts" and
   "would-be-nice" features.

*  Be realistic - Few homes are perfect immediately.  Make sure the
   expensive modifications are there -  ramping, hallway size,
   bathroom size - but recognize that doors can be widened and
   light switches adapted cheaply.  Under the new Fair Housing Law
   the landlord must allow you to make your own reasonable
   adaptations.

*  Opportunity knocks - Check with your local housing agencies,
   rehab commission  or independent living center.  Landlords often
   call in search of tenants.  Check display ads in the newspaper
   for the universal wheelchair symbol.  This means that there are
   some accessible apartments in that building.  Look for ads in
   disability-related publications.

*  Enlist professional help - Call the office managers of several
   real estate agencies and ask for an agent who may have
   experience with wheelchair accessible housing.  Speak to several
   and then choose only one to work with, so there is an incentive
   for that agent to find you a home.

*  Know your rights - If you encounter discrimination, inform the
   landlord of your rights in a helpful way - don't be adversarial
   unless necessary.  The rights and needs of disabled people are
   new to some.  Many landlords don't know a companion or guide dog
   isn't considered a pet, or that you're entitled to make
   reasonable changes to make your apartment more livable.  If you
   don't tell them, they may never know.

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  18

*  New Construction = More accessibility (usually) - Most rental
   housing that recently went into service must have some units
   built to accessible or adaptable standards.

*  Need a lift? - If you live in a high-rise building, it's good to
   have more than one elevator so that you don't get stranded if
   one breaks.

*  In case of emergency - Is there an alternate accessible exit?

*  Change of season - When looking at a home in summer, consider
   the accessibility when there is ice and snow on the ground.

*  How's the neighborhood? - Check out curb-cuts and access to
   stores and transit in the area.

*  Can we park?  Is there HP parking nearby?  Does your vehicle fit
   into the garage.  Some raised-roof vehicles can not fit into
   standard garages.

*  Be kind to your landlord - Though it's the law, it's nice to
   receive a few strokes for being a good, accessible landlord.  If
   there are other vacant accessible units, let people know.  If
   accessible homes were always rented, more would be built.

*  Choose carefully! - Unless you're in a bind, take your time and
   find a home that's right for you.  Don't let initial
   discouragement trap you in a home that will send you looking
   again soon.  If you're happy with the home, consider a long-term
   lease.

*  For an accessible home - call *HomeBase Real Estate* at
   (617) 489-4812.

In 1992, 5% of the proceeds from sales and rentals of wheelchair-
accessible and specific-needs homes will be donated to the Information
Center for Individuals with Disabilities.

Ron Rothenberg is a real estate broker in the Boston area.  He is the
owner of HomeBase Real Estate, a full-service residential brokerage
specializing in specific-needs housing.  He can be reached on the ABLED
echo, or at (617) 489-4812 (VOICE) (617) 489-3848 (TDD), or on the VIBUG
BBS.


 * Origin: The Handicap News BBS (1-203-337-1607) (1:141/420)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  19

------------------------------------------------------------------------



Accessdos & Capabilities
By: Rick Graham


I'll post a rundown of AccessDOS; if it weren't freeware it would sound
like an ad!


AccessDOS is a TSR (terminate & stay resident) program one loads
_before_ other software which provides various enhancements or
extensions to the normal keyboard, mouse or specialty serial-device
inputs, for PC users with various disabilities.  It is free!  I got my
copy, nicely packaged with a full-size manual and 3-1/2 & 5-1/4 disks,
by calling IBM (They provide much info & this software free).  Here is
the most recent info I have for reaching IBM:

National Support Group for Persons With disABILITIES
Post Office Box 2150
Atlanta, GA  30301 - 2150
  1-800-284-9482 (TDD)
  1-800-426-2133 (Voice)

In Canada, try 1-800-465-6666 and ask for the same dept.


StickyKeys-

  Makes "shifting" keys (CTRL, ALT & SHIFT) sticky; tap once then next
  key is shifted.  Configurable for audible on/off, audible sticky
  keys and keyclick on all keys.  Big improvement on older TRACE
  1-FINGER.

MouseKeys-

  Transfers actions of mouse to the numeric keypad including sticky
  mouse buttons to allow "dragging".  Requires mouse software & mouse
  must be plugged in (except on PS/2 with utility).  I haven't used it
  but it looks pretty slick & well-thought-out.

Keyboard Response-

  Adjustable key repeat rate; adjustable.  delay before key repeat;
  adjustable.  time key must be held before keystroke registers;
  keyclick (audible keypress & key release); adjustable.  debounce to
  eliminate unintended multiple keystrokes.  This group of features
  can make a big difference for those who are slow, spastic or
  "shakey" using keyboard.  If you can hit the keys you want this
  should solve your problems.

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  20

ToggleKeys-

  Audible indication when CAPSLOCK, NUMLOCK or SCROLLOCK are toggled
  (indicates which _way_ lock is toggled).  pREVENTS THIS SORT OF
  THING IF sOMEONE HITS cAPSlOCK BY ACCIDENT.

SerialKeys-

  Allows various communications aids which have serial ports to be
  connected to a PC and used instead of the PC keyboard.  Sounds neat
  but I haven't seen it used.

ShowSounds-

  If you can't hear the beeps from your 'puter's speaker this puts a
  small cue on the screen in the form of little musical notes to show
  that the speaker has beeped; also shows various AccessDOS audible
  signals.  If poor vision is a problem, entire screen can be flashed
  when speaker beeps.

TimeOut-

  Can be set to switch AccessDOS off after a selected idle time with
  or without an audible signal.  Good if a TAB will be using PC after
  the PwD is done.

AccessDOS can be enabled or disabled very easily and can be enabled in
various configurations in an emergency by simply holding down one key
for long enough.

I think thanks are due TRACE, and IBM and the National Institute of
Rehabilitation who supported the development of this software.

I had some problems with 1-F on the enhanced keyboard but AccessDOS
seems to have provision for just about anything except an Olivetti M24
(AT&T 6300/XEROX ?); locks up on that odd little machine.  I may get
around to writing them about that.

 * Origin: THE BAT CAVE BBS!! -=USR HST 14.4 D/S=- (1:3815/102)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  21

-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Changing the system
By: Bill Baughn


  I'd like to expand on my comment about how we can have an impact on
the rehabilitation industry.  First we offer meaningful, constructive
criticism.  In order to do this we must know what we are talking about.
I wrote an article for the North Texas Amputee Support Group News, back
in 1988 called "Suffer The Children".  In this article I pointed out
what I saw as the flaws in the currently accepted way of dealing with
limb deficient children.  This article received quite a bit of criticism
from the professional community.  Most of which consisted of: "What do
you know about it?" Since that time I have been careful to include
source notes with each article and the criticism has been reduced to
whining about my lack of professional credentials.  But no one dispute
my conclusions because I show where my information comes from and that I
have done my homework.  This does have an impact on the thinking of
every professional who reads it.  I have seen so many of my articles
cause change that it has become an inside joke between Joyce and myself.
She tells me that I am wasting my time because the professionals were
planning to make the changes I call for all along.

  Second, we educate professionals by helping them understand that
everything they are taught in school didn't come down from Sinai on
stone.  In fact much of what I read in textbooks is flat wrong.  One
$75.00 textbook, _The_Comprehensive_Management_of_the_Arm_Amputee_,
states that persons born without arms will always require attendant care
and can only drive an automobile with special foot controls.  Both
statements are patently and demonstrably false, but students think that
the author knows what she is talking about and approaches the care of
armless children thinking that this dreck is unalterable fact.

  The same author dismissed an amputee who had abandoned arm prostheses
as having made a conscious decision to return to "child like
dependence."  The reality is that the amputee chose independence
because she is far more functional without prostheses.  For the
professional to acknowledge this reality however would be to admit that
the technology they have been pushing for over forty years is a failure
and an impediment to adapting to limb loss.

  I once suggested to the dean of the school of occupational therapy at
Texas Woman's University that she invite a member of NTASG who was born
without arms and was totally independent to speak to each of her
classes.  Not interested!

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  22

  Most professionals only come into contact with the newly disabled.
They don't meet those who have found the tools and methods necessary to
divorce themselves from the rehab system and therefore assume they don't
exist.  When they do stumble across someone who functions in a way that
contradicts they textbooks they dismiss them as socially maladjusted and
unwilling to admit their limitations.

  We counter this by educating the public about the reality of
disability, through newsletters, videos, public appearances and here in
these conferences.  I only wish proactive organizations like NFB and AIC
had the funding that the United Way spills, can you imagine the impact
we could have?


 * Origin: Medical Info (904)221-9425 * 3 Nodes * 950meg * HST/v.32
   (1:112/20) 2380/101

-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Diet and Rheumatoid Arthritis
By: Phil Howson


Recent papers in medical journals suggest that certain foods when broken
down by the digestive system leave toxic substances in the body that may
cause arthritis.  The foods that dump these toxins are those that when
broken down leave a fatty acid residue or other highly inflammatory
chemicals called LEUKOTRIENINES.  These acidic toxic reactions are
caused by meats, especially red meats, vinegar and pickles, eggs and
dairy products, animal fats and refined sugars, so avoid these at all
costs.

Drink lots of citrus drinks as they have an alkaline reaction on the
system as well as green and root vegetables.  Drinks of coffee, alcohol
and high sugar drinks should be avoided.  Allergic foods should also be
avoided.

In the same way that dietary habits may aggravate certain types of
arthritis, it is said that there are positive dietary habits which may
alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis.  Drink at least 1.5 liters
of water a day, can be mixed with Cider vinegar, apple juice or lemon
juice, filtered water only.  Helpful Herbs: Include celery, juniper, and
devils claw.  Minerals: Silica, Vitamin C ( 1000 mg/day)Fish oil
capsules, cod liver oils and royal jelly (if you can afford the stuff!)
Try some Swedish Bitters as well....

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  23

Well I'm no expert but according to the article the idea is to modify
the diet, have a tonic in the way of lemon juice or swedish bitters,
vitamin C and one of the herbs or minerals, or nutrients listed above.
Who knows, it may help?

The above diet must be tried for at least three weeks for any results
can be seen....

Any comments people??

 * Origin: The Homeless BBS (03 7831275 )In from the cold. (3:634/392)
379/1107

-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Visit to Holland
By: Bill Baughn

The following is something I saved from one of the echoes some time ago.
I thought I might share it.


WELCOME TO HOLLAND
==================

  I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a
disability -- to try to help people who have not shared that unique
experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel.  It's like
this ..

  When you are going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous
vacation trip -- to Italy.  You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make your
wonderful plans.  The Coliseum, the Michelangelo David, the gondolas in
Venice.  You may learn some handy phrases in Italian.  It's all very
exciting.

  After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives.  You pack
your bags and off you go.  Several hours later, the plane lands, The
stewardess comes in and "Welcome to Holland."

  "HOLLAND?!" you say.  What do you mean, Holland?  I signed up for
Italy!.  I'm supposed to be in Italy.  All my life I've dreamed of going
to Italy.

  But there's been a change in the flight plan.  They've landed in
Holland and there you must stay.

  The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible,
disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease, It's
just a different place.

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  24

  So you must go out and buy new guidebooks.  And you must learn a whole
new language.  And you will meet a whole new group of people you would
never have met.

  It's just a different place.  It's slower-paced than Italy, less
flashy than Italy.  But after you've been there for a while and you
catch your breath, you look around, and you begin to notice that Holland
has windmills Holland has tulips, Holland even has Rembrandts.

  But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy, and they're
all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there.  And for the
rest of your life, you will say, "Yes, that's where I was supposed to
go.  That's what I had planned."

  The pain of that will never, ever, ever go away, because the loss of
that dream is a very significant loss.

  But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to
Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely
things about Holland.


 * Origin: Medinfo (904) 221-9425 * Rime-Fidonet-Usenet and Internet!
(1:112/20)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------



ABLEnews...Beyond the Headlines
By: Earl Appleby


Q: What would you get if you combined a newspaper, a calendar, a
reference directory?  A: ABLEnews.

Barely two months old, ABLEnews is beginning to live up to its dream of
becoming a community bulletin board by posting news stories and
commentaries, announcements of upcoming events and activities, and
resource referrals of primary interest to persons with disabilities and
those who share their concerns.

ABLEnews is an interactive conference in which participants are
encouraged to post news, notices, and resources, and to offer their
comments on the postings of others in an electronic version of letters
to the editor.  An increasing number of users are doing just that notes
ABLEnews moderator, Earl Appleby, who adds, "the more, the merrier."

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  25

ABLEnews offers SysOps (and their users) services beyond the conference
itself, in particular a growing library of text files, which include:

  1) all news items posted by ABLEnews,

  2) Of Note, a biweekly digest of disAbility/medical news,

  3) MedNotes, a weekly directory of key articles in the American
     Medical News.

The conference and files are complementary.  "If a mother with a baby
with Down Syndrome, signs on your board today," Appleby observes, "she
needn't miss last month's story on "Down Syndrome Today," a magazine by
and for parents of children with Down's because it has gone to the bit
bucket."

A number of BBSes use Of Note as a bulletin.  "It's concise yet
comprehensive," notes Greg Pickering, SysOp of Pick's Place
(201-765-0164), which set the trend.  "We're pleased to present it to
our users."

MEdNotes would be suitable as a bulletin as well, particularly for
medically-oriented BBSes such as those serving the needs of health-care
professionals.

"This simply scratches the surface," Appleby advised ADANet Newsletter.
"We'd be pleased to try to meet any need of any of our users for
information in whatever format they require.  Suggestions for
improvements or new services are always welcome."

ABLEnews is produced by CURE, Ltd., a patient advocacy network founded
by Appleby in 1981 when his father, Earl Sr., entered a ten-year coma.
The fast-growing conference is carried by more than 40 BBSes in the
United States, Canada, and Great Britain.


Bringing ABLEnews On-Line

ABLEnews is on the Fidonet backbone and should be available from your or
your SysOp's usual Fidonet feed. Non-Fidonet systems may request
ABLEnews
from ADANet which distributes the conference as a public service.

For further information about ABLEnews files you should contact Warren
King (1:275/429), who coordinates their distribution through the ADANet
file distribution system at Handinet BBS (804-496-3320), the home of
ABLEnews, or Earl Appleby (1:275/429.4) at 304-258-5433.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  26

-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Multiple Personality Support Conference
By: Jack Zeller

(Editors Note: Jack is the husband of a person with MPD.  His wife,
Tammy, will be writing an article for next months' newsletter about
having MPD.  Her articles will enlighten us as to its' causes, and give
us an insight into the world of an MPDer.  Her articles should span
several newsletters.)


Multiple Personality Support Conference Rules

PURPOSE

The purpose of this conference is to provide a supportive forum for
people with multiple personalities, their friends, loved ones, and
interested professionals.

Multiple personalities are formed in response to severe trauma, most
often involving sexual, physical, verbal, and emotional abuse and/or
neglect.  Ritual abuse may or may not be a part of this picture.  The
formation of multipersonalities, generally initiated in childhood, can
be said to be a "normal response to abnormal situations," and represents
a highly creative effort to survive.  To cope with this disorder, to
gain understanding and to make decisions about its treatment also
requires creativity.

It is recognized that shame and isolation are the hallmarks of living
with a dissociative disorder.  The provision of a respectful and
confidential environment, via electronic messaging, in which we may
choose to reach out to others can be an affirming, important part of
moving forward in life as survivors.

By the same token, being a support person for someone with MPD can be
especially taxing.  This conference offers a sounding board for shared
questions, frustrations, and solutions.

It is hoped that this conference can be a catalyst for the strengthening
and healing of all of our highest and best selves.


 * Origin: Gammatown BBS (305) 572-7060 Sunrise_FL  (1:369/34)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  27

=======================================================================

           M I S C E L L A N E O U S    I N F O R M A T I O N


This month, this section features a melange of resource pointers
relating to housing accommodations, electronic page turners, the Spinal
Injury Magazine, Spinal Network Magazine, and books on Turrette's
Syndrome, Myths of Welfare, and Preparation for Employment.

=======================================================================


Re: W/C Bathrooms
By: John Nagle

A while back someone was asking about modifying their bathroom,

There is a publication available (single copies are free).  To request a
copy write:

  Paralyzed Veterans of America
  801 18th street Northwest
  Washington, DC 20006

Ask for a copy of "Wheelchair in the Bathroom"
They also have "wheelchair in the Kitchen".

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: Accessible Housing
By: Ron Rothenberg

The Books are:

Legal Rights of Dog Guides for the Deaf
P.O. Box 1266
Denver, CO 80201
(303) 695-0811

This has a state-by-state listing of guide dog statutes (kind of
tedious reading, more for reference).
-----

Fair Housing:  How to Make the Law Work for You
Paralyzed Veterans of America
801 Eighteenth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
(201) 872-1300

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  28

This is a particularly good book.  I think single copies are
free, and they are about a buck a piece in quantity.  I buy them
and give them out liberally -- it is probably the clearest and
best guide to the law and the complaint process (God forbid you
should ever need that part).  Keep in mind though that many
states (including Massachusetts) have even tougher fair-housing
laws that supersede the Federal law.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: Page turners
By: Bill Baughn

Sources for electronic page turners:

C. Bell Designs
5435 N. Artesian Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(312) 275-3940

Maddak, Inc.
Pequannock, NJ 07440
(201) 694-0500

Medical Equipment Distributors, Inc.
3223 S. Loop 289
Lubbock, TX 79423
(800) 253-4134

Touch Turner Co.
443 View Ridge Dr.
Everett, WA 98203
(206) 252-1541

Zygo Industries, Inc.
P.O. Box 1008
Portland, OR 97207
(800) 234-6006

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Re: Spinal Injury Magazine
By: John Nagle

Paraplegia News, Monthly mag from Paralyzed Veterans of America:
  Editorial, Business, and administration office.

  5201 No. 19th AVE.  Suite  111
  Phoenix,AZ 85015
  PH.# (602)246-9426
  Fax  (602)242-6862

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  29

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: Spinal Network
By: Joe Chamberlain


SPINAL NETWORK is a quarterly magazine for the spinal cord injured
and is available for $15 for a years subscription.  Call 1-800-338-5412.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: Job Preparation Catalogs
By: David Whipp

Wonderlic has employment tests, forms and procedures.  820 Frontage
Road, Northfield, IL 60093-8007.  800-323-3742.

JIST has career planning and job search stuff.  720 North Park Avenue,
Indianapolis, IN 46202-3431.  800-648-5478.

Both seem to include paper and computer instruments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Re: Welfare Myths
From: JEFF BUTLER

I enjoy this echo, but I find it tedious to repeatedly respond to the
myths about welfare.  So, I will list a publication I hope you will all
send for.

BEYOND THE MYTHS
Families Helped by the AFDC Program
Second Edition
Prepared by:
Center on Social Welfare Policy and Law
in cooperation with:
The Health and Welfare Working Group of the National Council of Churches

Available from:
Center on Social Welfare Policy and Law
95 Madison Avenue
New York, NY   10016

Single copies are $2.50 each.  Information on bulk order discounts and
discounts for poor people's membership organizations can be obtained by
writing to this address.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  30

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: New Book on "Tourette's"
From: Richard King

Just to inform.  There is a new "?" book out titled "Tourette's Syndrome
and Human Behavior", the author is David E. Comings and published by
Hope Press Publishing Co.  At $49.95 for hardback and $39.95 for
paperback it's not for everyone.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


=======================================================================

                     U P C O M I N G   E V E N T S

=======================================================================


Re: Upcoming Events for LPA
From: Betty & Rob Jacobsen

UPCOMING EVENTS will be a monthly post from the moderators.  Please let
us
know of any events that we've missed that might be of interest to others
of
short stature.  For most of these events I can give you a contact (maybe
not the person in charge, but someone that can help you get more
information).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

* May 1 - 3 - LPA - DISTRICT 3 SPRING REGIONAL, Salem  VA

* May 1-3 - INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOPS - Shilo Inn, Portland  OR
  contact:  Betty Jacobsen        (206)636-0276

* May 1 - 3 - INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FEDERATION (IGF) annual meeting,
  Bremen Germany

* May 15-17 - ABILITIES EXPO '92 - West - Anaheim Convention Center,
  Anaheim  CA (203)374-1411, ext. 138

* May 22-24 - LPA - DISTRICT 11 SPRING REGIONAL, Boise  ID

* May 24-29 - ABILITIES EXPO '92 - East - Raritan Center Expo Hall,
  Edison NJ (203_374-1411, ext. 138

* Memorial Day Weekend - LPA - District 10 - SHORT STATURE MEDICAL
  SYMPOSIUM - Denver  CO

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  31

* July 1 - ?? DWARF ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA GAMES, Burlingame CA

* July 3-10 - LITTLE PEOPLE OF AMERICA NATIONAL CONFERENCE, Burlingame

* July 1992 - OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA FOUNDATION (OIF) NATIONAL
  CONFERENCE, San Antonio, Texas

* August 13-16 - LITTLE PEOPLE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA - 1992 Conference on
  Short Stature, Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA.  Information:
  Muriel Reid, 202 - 1718 Nelson Street, Vancouver B.C.  V6G 1M8
  Guest Speakers: Dr. Judith Hall & Dr. Len Sawisch

* August 28-30 - ABILITIES EXPO '92 - Southwest - Infomart, Dallas TX
  (203)374-1411, ext. 138

* October 16-18 (tentative) - LPA District 2 Fall Regional, Lake George
  region of New York

* October 23-25 - ABILITIES EXPO'92 - Midwest - Cervantes Conv. Center,
  St. Louis  MO   (203)374-1411, ext. 138

* December 5 - Educational Symposia "Insights Into Growth Disorders"
  Seattle  WA - co-sponsored by the Human Growth Foundation
  (800)451-6434 & Serono Symposia (800)283-8088 (ask for Sandy Duso)

 * Origin:Rob's ADAnet Wreck Room, Longview, WA 206-578-1948 (94:100/1)


-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: IBECC 92 ANNOUNCEMENT
By: Terry Travis


                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                  SPECIAL OFFER TO Fido NETWORK SYSOPS

               Contact: Terry Travis or Michelle Weisblat

                                 IBECC
       A Non-Profit Educational, Literary, and Scientific Society
                              P.O. Box 486
                       Louisville, CO  80027-0486

                                Presents
 The 1992 International BBSing and Electronic Communications Conference

                         (303) 426-1847 [VOICE]
                          (303) 429-0449 [Fax]
                       (303) 426-1866 [DATA/BBS]

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  32

                 E-Mail: IBECC@f69.n104.z1.FidoNet.Org

                           What is IBECC '92?
                           ------------------

IBECC '92 is the SECOND ANNUAL International BBSing and Electronic
Communications Conference.

It will be held AUGUST 13-16, 1992 in Denver, Colorado.  This year's
theme is "Socially Responsible Computing."

--------------
Special Guests
--------------

DR. JERRY POURNELLE, Ph.D. - Computer Columnist and Editor (Byte),
Author (Science Fact and Fiction), Lecturer, Consultant on the Impact of
High Technology on Society, Chairman of the Citizen's Advisory Council
on National Space Policy, and Outspoken Social Critic - Speaking on
"Socially Responsible Computing", the future of communications and
technology in an electronic world, as well as his own views on the
society of tomorrow.

LARRY NIVEN - Futurist, Hugo Award-Winning Author, Designer of Worlds,
Supporter of Space Conquest - Speaking on the future of networks as
personal interfaces, reality overtaking fantasy, and living with
computers when you really don't want to.

DAVID HUGHES, SR. - Architect of Big Sky Telegraph (the Montana
Electronic School House), Consultant, Mover and Shaker, President of Old
Colorado City Communications, U.S. Military (ret) - Speaking on NREN,
the SuperComputer Highway, and education through computers and
networking.

-------------------
Attending IBECC '92
-------------------

IBECC '92 is an intensive THREE-DAY conference.  Sessions planned
include: "Introduction to BBSing" (What is a BBS, and How Do I Use It?),
"BBSes and the Law" (The Legal Rights and Responsibilities of BBS
Operators and Users) "Safe Computing" (The Detection and Prevention of
Computer Infection), "Rumor Control 1992" (Knowing the Difference
Between Fact and Fiction, and Taking Action Where Needed), "Why Kelly
CAN Read" (An Exploration into Education and the Computer), "NREN" (The
National SuperComputer Highway and How it Will Affect Us All), "Staying
Alive" (BBSing, Electronic Communication and the Homebound / Physically
Challenged), and "Security?  What's That?" (The What, Why, and How of
Keeping Your Data and Information Safe).

Should you attend?  If you have an interest in electronic
communications, bulletin boards, telecomputing, security or safe

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  33

computing, yes.  If you would like to understand what a "hacker" is, and
is not, and what you can do to protect your electronic privacy, yes.  If
your children make more use of your modem or computer than you do, yes.
In fact, unless you have absolutely no interest in using your computer
for interacting with the world, you should be there!

So that the conference will retain its personal and informal atmosphere,
attendance at IBECC '92 is strictly limited.

--------------
What Is IBECC?
--------------

IBECC is a Non-Profit Educational, Scientific, Literary and Charitable
Society (IRS 501(c)(3) applied for).  Incorporated in Colorado, IBECC's
purposes include the promotion of national and international electronic
communications, the advancement of telecommunications and
teleconferencing, the improvement of communications between electronic
networks, education in the uses, requirements, and security of online
services, and general support of the electronic community.

A non-profit organization, IBECC is much MORE than just another `trade
show' -- it is a year-round clearing house for ideas, news, and relevant
information.  IBECC represents the interests and concerns of not only
the professional, but the hobbyist and home user as well.

IBECC is primarily Volunteer-Run.  Membership (currently $25.00/year
individual, $100.00/year corporate) pays for the IBECC Newsletter and
electronic Bulletin Board System (BBS), telephones, support and
information services, etc.  - not salaries.  The founders of IBECC, who
are all handicapped, are extensively involved in computer networks and
electronic communications, and also run several BBSes in the Denver
area.

----------------------------------------
IBECC '92 Membership & Hotel Information
----------------------------------------

(All Rates are in U.S.  Dollars)

VIP (Includes IBECC Membership and VIP Suite)


SPECIAL Fido NETWORK RATE THROUGH MAY 5, 1992: $80.00
May 6, 1992 through June 15, 1992: $125.00
June 16, 1992 through July 31, 1992: $175.00
August 1, 1992 and at the door (if available): $200.00

Spouse/Significant Other, with VIP Member: $9.69
Children (Under 14), with VIP Member: FREE

Call or Write for Other Rates
(Conference Only, Handicapped, etc)

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  34

-------------------
Conference Location
-------------------

The conference will be held in the SAME HOTEL AS LAST YEAR:
Sheraton Denver West Hotel & Convention Center
360 Union Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80228
(800) LAKEWOOD or (303) 987-2000

-----
Rates
-----

$62.00 (+ tax) Single or Double
Please Mention IBECC for this DISCOUNTED RATE!

Special Rates on Hospitality and Sleeping Suites
may be Arranged through IBECC

----------------------------------
VENDORS, DEALERS, and DISTRIBUTORS
----------------------------------

CDB Systems                         Computer Manufacturer/Sales
Electronic Frontier Foundation      Guardian of Cyberspace
Micro                               Largest Users Group in Colorado
Online Communications               Communications Software
Star Enterprises                    Computer/Modem Sales
U.S. Robotics                       Modem Manufacturer


Dealer and Vendor Booths and Tables Available at VERY Competitive Rates

Please Call or Write for Information and Rates

IBECC - Now, More than Ever, Your Connection to the WORLD!

IBECC BBS: (303) 426-1866 (3/12/24/96/14.4 v.32bis/v.42/HST)
IBECC VOICE INFORMATION: (303) 426-1847 (Mon-Sat, 9AM-7PM, MST)
IBECC Mailing Address: P.O. Box 486, Louisville, CO  80027-0486


 * Origin: Out of ADANet SuperMail SITE HST14.4 405/366-1449 (1:104/69)
2380/101


------------------------------------------------------------------------

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  35

=======================================================================

           M E S S A G E S    W O R T H    R E P E A T I N G

[  These are a collection of messages gathered from the many echoes   ]
[  that are carried by ADAnet.  They have been chosen to be reprinted ]
[  here on based on the judged potential for wide spread interest,    ]
[  information of a timely nature, and self-contained brevity.        ]
[  Where possible we have included author's name, subject,            ]
[  date, echo name, and origin line.                                  ]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: JDA
By: Don Cameron
Date: Tue  2-04-92
Diabetes Echo

 BM> Hmmm. I heard there were two diabetes organizations in
 BM> Australia, one called JDFA (Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
 BM> Australia), and the other Diabetes Australia. That correct?

We get material from both

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Australia,
National Office PO Box 1500 (370 Victoria Av.) Chatswood NSW 2057
(Australia, of course)
Brisbane Chapter PO Box 6545, Upper Mt Gravatt Q 4122

Diabetes Australia Queensland
PO Box 408, Clayfield 4011

JDFA Phone 02 4114087 or 07 349 9590 (Jan Wood here in Brisbane)
DA 07 2686755 or 008 177055

We have more personal contact with the JDFA (having a 11 year old
daughter diagnosed last year (91)), but I think we get supplies
from the DA people.

 * Origin: I'M NOT CONTAGIOUS .... I'M DIABETIC ! (3:640/886)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: Misleading TSI Ad
By: Bill Reif
Date: Thu  3-26-92

  I am an attorney in the Illinois Attorney General's Consumer
Protection Division.  Our office is responsible for the enforcement of
state statutes prohibiting "deceptive trade practices" which injure

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  36

consumers and honest businesses.  I have therefore been following, with
interest, the discussion of TSI's advertising, apparently directed to
institutions, attempting to sell the BraillMate.  While there has been
much discussion, I have not seen the actual text of the ad, and am
therefore drawing no conclusions regarding its character.  However, what
I have read thus far, gives me cause to believe that further
investigation of this matter is warranted.

  If anyone has an actual brochure of the ad here, please send it to the
attention of Bill Reif, Attorney General Burris's Office, Consumer
Protection Division, 500 South Second Street, Springfield, Il 62706.  I
would also be interested to know whether this ad has been circulated in
Illinois.

 * Origin: The Temples of Syrinx (1:233/12) 379/1107

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: Organizations
By: Custodian
Date: Sun  3-29-92,  1:00

There's an article in the local paper today (Sunday) about an
organization in the area specifically for terminally ill children.  It
appears their charter is to "give aid and comfort...so they can enjoy
the days given to them..."

They accept applications from children ages 5 to 18 from within a
15-mile radius (or so) of "headquarters".

I thought it was a great idea.

The purpose of THIS conference, is of course, to give aid an comfort to
relatives/friends of the terminally ill.  I see a possibility to now
connect the terminally-ill persons themselves with others in similar
situations.  As more and more families are getting computers, it's even
possible that some of these children would be wishing for a computer.
Throw in a modem and they'll soon be connected worldwide!

With this in mind, I'm designing a new conference TERMCHAT.  Watch this
space for more information.

 * Origin: Dreamer's BBS * New Bedford MA * 1-508-991-6058 (1:101/863)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  37

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: Handicapped Equip 4 Sale
By: Miki Mesiab
Date: Thu  3-26-92,  2:00

For Sale Handicapped Equipment

 1. E. & J. Electric Reclining Wheelchair
    w/Falcon Reclining Unit. 24 Volt System.
    2 Speed, Adjustable Arms & Legs.
    5 Years Old. In good shape. Includes Charger.
    Chair Sold New For $7,000.00
    Due to death in family, must sell.
    $1,200 obo.

 2. Invocare-Hydraulic Transfer Lift
    Model #9901. Weight Cap. 350lbs.
    Like New. Retail Price $925
    Must Sell. $450 obo.

I am located in the High Desert (Victorville) area of Southern Calif.
You may either leave me a message here or on my BBS-Tumble Weed Gardens
BBS at (619)241-8851 or you may call me voice at (619)241-0999 anytime.

 * Origin: The Mail Wrap BBS, Tacoma, Wa., (206)472-6833 (1:138/116.32)

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: Birmingham Pain Clinic
By: Joe Chamberlain
Mon 13 Apr 92 16:27
Spinal Injury Echo

Try finding the following book at your library:

FULL CATASTROPHE LIVING: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to
Face Stress, Pain, and Illness by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D.
(Delacorte, June 1991, $19.95, ISBN 0-385-29897-8)
review by Cindy Bartorillo

"...don't we all tend to fill up our days with things that just HAVE to
be done and then run around desperately trying to do them all, while in
the process not really enjoying much of the doing because we are too
pressed for time, too rushed, too busy, too anxious?  We can feel
overwhelmed by our schedules, our responsibilities, and our roles at
times even when everything we are doing is important, even when we have
chosen to do them all.  We live immersed in a world of constant doing."

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  38

"When it comes right down to it, the challenge of mindfulness is to
realize that 'THIS IS IT.' Right now IS my life."


FULL CATASTROPHE LIVING is a very clear and comprehensive description of
the program at the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of
Massachusetts Medical Center, told by an extraordinarily understanding
man.  Dr. Kabat-Zinn has encountered quite a variety of people at the
clinic, with all sorts of physical and emotional problems, and the
reader of FULL CATASTROPHE LIVING can certify that he has been paying
attention to his patients.  His rational, understanding yet unemotional
prose describes the techniques clearly and engagingly, with a full
measure of respect for the intelligence of the reader.

The core of the program is meditation and mindfulness, and while Dr.
Kabat-Zinn mentions that the meditation exercises are based on
traditional Buddhist practices, the techniques described in FULL
CATASTROPHE LIVING have been shorn of all dogma, mysticism, and mumbo
jumbo.  Each exercise is a gem of simplicity, within the grasp of the
most unspiritual Western reader.  Indeed, the entire program is
disarmingly simple--the wonder is that our culture has gotten so caught
up in trivialities that we need someone to come remind us what life, and
the enjoyment of it, is all about.  With simple meditation and
mindfulness exercises and practical wisdom (your illness is not you;
there is more right with you than wrong with you; etc.), Dr. Kabat-Zinn
covers 450 pages with solid, helpful advice.

The title, FULL CATASTROPHE LIVING, by the way, comes from the movie
ZORBA THE GREEK.  When asked if he'd ever been married, Zorba reply is
something like, "Am I not a man?  Of course I've been married.  Wife,
house, kids, everything...the full catastrophe!"  Dr. Kabat-Zinn uses
the phrase to describe everything that modern life means: family, work,
hobbies, television, ringing phones, deadlines to meet, duties and
obligations to fulfill, expectations to live up to, etc.

You can use the book alone to follow the Stress Reduction program, or
you can get audio cassettes and/or videotapes to help out.  (I am using
the book and an audio cassette that I made myself.  As I type this, I'm
entering my third week of the initial 8-week program.) FULL CATASTROPHE
LIVING is the best book of its kind that I have ever encountered, with
the clearest and most accessible explanation of meditation practices.
Highly recommended.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., is the founder and director of the Stress
Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and
Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Preventive and
Behavioral Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
He is internationally known for his work using mindfulness meditation to
help medical patients with chronic pain and stress.  Many health
professionals have trained with him and several clinics have been
established that are modeled on his program.

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  39

 * Origin:  Joe's Point - The Busted Flush BBS - Delaware -  (RAX
   1:150/175.1)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Re: Confusion Notice
By: Gary Lefkof
Date: Fri  4-17-92,  2:00

Notice

  We have not succeeded in
  solving all your problems.
  The answers we have found
  only serve to raise a whole
  set of new questions.  In
  some ways we feel we are
  as confused as ever, but we
  believe we are confused on a
  higher level and about
  more important things.

(I thought this was a cute quote someone gave me to pass along)

 * Origin: Psychology Forum (1:124/2121)

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: Random acts of kindness
By: Bill Baughn
Sun 19 Apr 92 19:30
Adanet Echo

Thanks Steve.  Below is the full text.  As Steve said, "Pass it on." By:
Bruce Fairbanks To: All Re: Kindness

Practice Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty
-----------------------------------------------------

It's a crisp winter day in San Francisco.  A woman in a red Honda,
Christmas presents piled in the back, drives up to the Bay Bridge
tollbooth.  "I'm paying for myself, and for the six cars behind me," she
says with a smile, handing over seven commuter tickets.

One after another, the next six drivers arrive at the tollbooth, dollars
in hand, only to be told, "Some lady up ahead already paid your fare.
Have a nice day."

The woman in the Honda, it turned out, had read something on an index
card taped to a friend's refrigerator: "Practice random kindness and
senseless acts of beauty." The phrase seemed to leap out at her, and she
copied it down.

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  40

Judy Foreman spotted the same phrase spray-painted on a warehouse wall a
hundred miles from her home.  When it stayed on her mind for days, she
gave up and drove all the way back to copy it down.  "I thought it was
incredibly beautiful," she said, explaining why she's taken to writing
it at the bottom of all her letters, "like a message from above."

Her husband, Frank, liked the phrase so much that he put it up on the
wall for his seventh graders, one of whom was the daughter of a local
columnist.  The columnist put it in the paper, admitting that though she
liked it, she didn't know where it came from or what it really meant.

Two days later, she heard from Anne Herbert.  Tall, blonde, and forty,
Herbert lives in Marin, one of the country's ten richest counties, where
she house-sits, takes odd jobs, and gets by.  It was in a Sausalito
restaurant that Herbert jotted the phrase down on a paper place mat,
after turning it around in her mind for days.

"That's wonderful!" a man sitting nearby said, and copied it down
carefully on his own place mat.

"Here's the idea," Herbert says.  "Anything you think there should be
more of, do it randomly."

Her own fantasies include: (1) breaking into depressing-looking schools
to paint the classrooms, (2) leaving hot meals on kitchen tables in the
poor parts of town, (3) slipping money into a proud old woman's' purse.
Says Herbert, "Kindness can build on itself as much as violence can."
Now the phrase is spreading, on bumper stickers, on walls, at the bottom
of letters and business cards.  And as it spreads, so does a vision of
guerrilla goodness.

In Portland, Oregon, a man might plunk a coin into a stranger's meter
just in time.  In Patterson, New Jersey, a dozen people with pails and
mops and tulip bulbs might descend on a rundown house and clean it from
top to bottom while the frail elderly owners look on, dazed and smiling.
In Chicago, a teenage boy may be shoveling off the driveway when the
impulse strikes.  What the hell, nobody's looking, he thinks, and
shovels the neighbor's driveway too.

It's positive anarchy, disorder, a sweet disturbance.  A woman in Boston
writes "Merry Christmas!" to the tellers on the back of her checks.  A
man in St.  Louis, whose car has just been rear-ended by a young woman,
waves her away, saying, "It's a scratch.  Don't worry."

Senseless acts of beauty spread: A man plants daffodils along the
roadway, his shirt billowing in the breeze from passing cars.  In
Seattle, a man appoints himself a one man vigilante sanitation service
and roams the concrete hills collecting litter in a supermarket cart.
In Atlanta, a man scrubs graffiti from a green park bench.

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  41

They say you can't smile without cheering yourself up a little --
likewise, you can't commit a random act of kindness without feeling as
if your own troubles have been lightened if only because the world has
become a slightly better place.

And you can't be a recipient without feeling a shock, a pleasant jolt.
If you were one of those rush-hour drivers who found your bridge fare
paid, who knows what you might have been inspired to do for someone else
later?  Wave someone on in the intersection?  Smile at a tired clerk?
Or something larger, greater?  Like all revolutions, guerrilla goodness
begins slowly, with a single act.  Let it be yours.


 * Origin: ADAnet (tm) NetHub  Birmingham, Alabama  (205) 854-9074
   (1:3602/24)

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: accredited college degree program via telecom
By: Ward Deutschman
Mon 20 Apr 92  9:43
Spinal Injury Echo


Hello.  My name is Ward Deutschman and I direct a telecommunications-
based Bachelor of Science degree program -- the American Open University
program -- for the New York Institute of Technology.  I would appreciate
your help.  For the last 5 or 6 years we have been offering fully
accredited B.S.  degrees in management, behavioral science (for us that
means psychology, sociology, or criminal justice) and general studies
using a computer network to provide contact between students and faculty
and the college.  No on-campus participation is required and since we
are telecommunications based, many of our students have found that they
are able to receive financial aid on the same basis as on-campus
students!

Since the shape of letters from a computer are the same for everyone,
our students all operate on the same basis regardless of ability or
disability.  We became aware that a number of our students are disabled
and want to make others aware of the opportunity to get a college degree
where it might not be available otherwise.

The question is how best to get the word out, so that anyone interested
can decide whether this for them.  We put in a TDD (and are learning how
to use it) and invite you to check into the program if it could be
useful to yourself or someone you know.

You can get further information 3 ways:

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  42

Dial in through our network -

dial (800)-486-NYIT (800-486-6948), 1200 or 2400 BPS, 8N1.  When the
system answers, type three dots (...) and press <ENTER>.

CAUTION: the system is speed sensitive so if it does not respond when
you hit the 3 dots, do it again -- faster or slower.  Anyway, it will
ask you for a user name.  Type COLLEGE.

Telephone -
(800) 222-NYIT, (516) 348-3300 (Voice lines)
(800) USE-NYIT  -- this  is our new TDD line; just
     go easy on the person who answers!!
(516) 348-6782 -- this is a FAX number

Send us a letter at -
American Open University Program
New York Institute of Technology
Building 66-227
Central Islip Campus
Central Islip, NY 11722

We would appreciate your comments, and your passing this information
along to anyone -- person, other bbs, etc.  -- where you think we may be
able to be of assistance.

Thanx very much!

Ward Deutschman

 * Origin: The Handicap News BBS (1-203-337-1607) (1:141/420.0)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------



=======================================================================

      * * * * * * * <  J U S T    F O R    F U N  > * * * * * * *

This section is _just for fun_ and is not intended to embarrass anyone.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: What's on a t-shirt?
By: Gordon Gillesby


   While perusing a catalog the other day, I chanced upon some "slogans"
used for t-shirts and bumper-stickers.  I felt a few of them were unique
and worth sharing.  They may not be new to all of you, but here they
are:

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  43

           The Amount of Sleep I Need is . . . one MORE hour!

                          = = = = = = = = = =

            I Suffer from PMS . . . Perfect Mother Syndrome.

                          = = = = = = = = = =

                   I Love to Give Home-made Gifts...
                 Which One of the Kids Would You Like?

                          = = = = = = = = = =

                                WANTED:
                              A Good Woman
                      Who Can Clean and Cook Fish,
                           Dig Worms, Sew and
                            Who Owns a Good
                        Fishing Boat and Motor.

                 Enclose a Photo of the Boat and Motor.

                          = = = = = = = = = =

                             From the Boss:
                   My door is always considered open
                        if you have a complaint.
                    Please feel free to talk to it!

                          = = = = = = = = = =

              If I want YOUR opinion, I'll GIVE it to you!

                          = = = = = = = = = =

           Young At Heart (slightly older in other places...)

                          = = = = = = = = = =

                              Please Lord,
      Let me Prove to You That Winning the Lottery Won't SPOIL me.

                          = = = = = = = = = =

               Fishing is NOT a matter of life and death.
                   It MUCH more important than that!

                          = = = = = = = = = =
 
 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  44

                          = = = = = = = = = =

                                Stress:
                         The confusion created
                      when the mind must override
                        the body's basic desire
                        to choke the living crap
                         out of some idiot who
                        desperately deserves it!

                          = = = = = = = = = =

                        That's all for now.....

 * Origin: ADAnet (tm) NetHub  Birmingham, Alabama  (205) 854-9074
   (1:3602/24)


=======================================================================



                    W H A T' S   ON   A D A N E T ?

*** Note: This is the most current list of areas available on
    the ADAnet Network. This list supersedes and modifies all
    other lists until such time as this list is superseded.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Group A conferences

These conferences originate in ADAnet. They have a narrow focus relating
to disability.  ADAJOBS would not be an appropriate conference for
those looking for a job as a logger in the logging industry.


ACCOMMODATION           Job Accommodation Information
ADACHILD                Disabled Children - A place for help
ADAJOBS                 International Employment for Disabled
ADANET                  ADAnet International Topics Forum
ADAPTIVE                Adaptive Technology Discussion
ADARIGHTS               Disability Rights and Political Forum
ADASYSOP                A forum for ADAnet SysOps only...
ADATECH                 ADAnet Technical Forum (Private Conf)
ADA_FAMILY              Disability and the Family Discussions
ADA_OCCUPATION          Occupational Disabilities Discussion
ADA_OUTDOORS            Disabled Outdoors Conference
ADVOCACY                Advocacy for Disability Issues
ALLERGIES               Conference on Allergies
ARTHRITIS               Arthritis Discussion Group
BARRIERS                Architectural Barriers Conference

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  45

DIALYSIS                Conference on Dialysis / Renal Disease
DIGEST                  Handicap Digest Issues and Indices
DWARFISM                Dwarfism Conference
EDUTEL                  Special Education Conference
FRANCO_HANDICAP         Disabilities Support Echo in French
GOLDEN_YEARS            Elderly and Geriatric Issues
HANDILAW                General Discussion on Disability Law
INDEP                   Discussions on Independent Living
LEARNING                Online Learning and Disability
MEDICAL                 General Medical Information Echo
MOBILITY                Mobility-impairment and coping
MUSCULAR_DYST           Muscular Dystrophy Conference
NETADMIN                ADAnet Network Administration Group
OCC_INJURY              Topics regarding Occupational Injury
PHILO                   The Philosophy of Disability Issues
README.ADA              Beginner's Help Corner
RESPIRATORY             Respiratory Disease Discussion/Therapy
RETARDATION             Discussion of Retardation
WAN_DBASE               Development of Wide-area net database

Group B conferences
(Private Distribution)

These conferences do not originate in ADAnet.  They are available to
all ADAnet systems, and are provided as a service to the disability
community and to the respective conference moderators.

ABLE.EUR                disABILITY Echo from Europe
ABLED_ART               Literature and Art by and for PwDs
ALTLEARN                Alternative Learning Discussion
ALZHEIMERS              Alzheimer's Discussion Forum
BICOMPAL                Big Computer Pals (UUCP)
BLINDTLK                BlindTalk from Nat'l Fed. of Blind
BRIDGES                 Chat with disabled children conference
DATATALK                Adaptive Computing for the Disabled
ENABLE                  Inter-network disability conference
EPILEPSY                Epilepsy management and coping
HOLISTIC                Holistic Thinking and Healing
NFB-TALK                Nat'l Fed of Blind Friends/Fellowship
PSYCH                   Psychology Discussion and Issues
SPECIAL_ED              Special Education Conference
TCM                     Traditional Chinese Medicine
TERM_ILL                Discussions regarding Terminal Illness
VHEAL                   Vibrational Healing Conference

Group C conferences

These conferences originate in Fidonet.  They are available to all
systems, but Fido systems should attempt to obtain them from their
normal fido links. You must request that a feed from Group C be
"turned on" for you before polling for these conferences.


 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  46

ABLED                   General Disability Discussions
ABLED_ATHLETE           For Disabled Athletes
ABLENEWS                Disability News / Articles & Releases
ADHD                    Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity
AIDS/ARC                Support and Information for AIDS/ARC
AMPUTEE                 Amputee Discussions and Conversation
ANXIETY                 Anxiety Disorder Discussion
BLINKTALK               Visual Impairment Issues and Discussion
BODYWORK                Massage and Bodywork Forum
CARCINOMA               Cancer and related disease conference
CARE_GIVER              Care Giving and Personal Care Attendant
CFS                     Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Conference
CHRONIC_PAIN            Pain management and coping conference
CPALSY                  Cerebral Palsy Support Echo
CUSS                    Computer Users in the Social Sciences
DIABETES                Diabetes Treatment and Management
HANDY.SYSOP             For disabled system operators
HOME_OFFICE             Techniques/Support in Home-Office Mgt.
MENTAL_HEALTH           Discussions on Mental Health issues
M_P_D                   Multiple Personality Disorders
MULT-SCLEROSIS          Multiple Sclerosis Discussions
NURSES_NETWORK          Discussion group just for Nurses
OPTOMETRY               Optometry Discussions and Issues
POST_POLIO              National Post Polio Survivors Forum
PROBLEM_CHILD           Behavior modification and children
PUBLIC_PSYCH            Public Psychology and Discussion Issues
RARE_CONDITION          Rare Diseases and their Discussion
RECOVERY                Recovery Echo
SILENTTALK              Conference for Hearing-Impaired People
SIP_AA                  Alcoholics Anonymous Conference
SIP_NA                  Narcotics Anonymous Discussion Group
SPINAL_INJURY           Discussions about Spinal Cord Injury
STRESS_MGMT             Stress Management Echo
SURVIVOR                Conference for Survivors
THI_CVA                 Discussions of Brain Injury
WELFARE                 Discussion on Welfare

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  47

=======================================================================


                    AMERICAN DISABILITY ASSOCIATION

                        (membership application)



      ____________________________________________________________
      Your name (please print)

      ____________________________________________________________
      Address                                     Apt.

      ____________________________________________________________
      City                            State       Zip


      _______  Please send me more information on ADAnet.

      _______  $25 annual membership fee enclosed.

      _______  $185 annual organizational membership fee enclosed.

      _______  $250 lifetime membership fee enclosed.


Your willingness to contribute to The American Disability Association
will greatly help the ADA to fulfill its mission of information
distribution.  It is our goal to make the resources and camaraderie of
ADAnet available to all who might benefit.  ADAnet is currently
available in 16 countries around the world, in four provinces of Canada,
and within 40 of the United States.  Your participation will enable us
to sustain this activity and allow us to carry the message even farther.
Your membership fee will also earn you a individualized Certificate of
Membership, suitable for framing, and our gratitude.


*(membership not necessary to participate on ADAnet)

To be a supporting member of the American Disability Association and
ADAnet, complete the above form and mail it with your contribution to:

   American Disability Association
   P. O. Box 374
   Pinson, AL 35126


=======================================================================

 May 1992 - Journal of the American Disability Association - Page  48

=======================================================================

                          JADA Information

=======================================================================
JADA Staff and Contact Information

 Editor in Chief:  Marlin Johnson
                   1:3602/42.0
                   205-254-3344
                   mjohnson@bsc835.uucp
                   xa00001@uabdpo.dpo.uab.edu

          Editor:  Linda Cummings
                   1:375/34.0
                   205-264-8000

Assistant Editor:  Cindy Barnes
                   1:375/22.0
                   205-244-0296

U. S. Postal Service
                   Journal of the American Disability Association
                   P. O. Box 374
                   Pinson, AL 35126
                   USA

Published monthly by and for members of the American Disability
Association and ADAnet.  The Journal of the American Disability
Association (JADA) is a compilation of individual articles contributed
by their authors or agents.  The contribution of articles to this
compilation does not diminish the rights of the authors.  Opinions
expressed in these articles are those of the authors and not necessarily
those of JADA, ADAnet, the American Disability Association, or the
Disability Law Foundation.

JADA is copyright 1992 American Disability Association.  all rights
reserved.  Duplication and/or distribution permitted for non-commercial
purposes only.  For use in other circumstances, please contact JADA.

OBTAINING COPIES: JADA, in electronic form, is available for
download from most ADAnet affiliate sites.  PRINTED COPIES may be
purchased from the American Disability Association for US$5.00 each
within North America delivered via First Class Mail, or US$7.00 outside
North America delivered via Air Mail.  All moneys sent must be US funds
drawn upon a US bank.)

SUBMISSIONS:  You are encouraged to submit articles for publication in
JADA.  Article submission requirements are lax, but do include:
submission must be ASCII text file only, be somewhat relevant, be
delivered to one of the above addresses.
========================================================================


