Disability rights hero Lois Curtis joined the Freedom Ride at the Bloomington stop and made the final leg of the journey to our state capitol. Lois Curtis and assistant Jessica Long both traveled from Georgia to speak at the Springfield Freedom Ride stop.

Ms. Curtis is known to many as the L.C. in L.C. and E.W. v. Olmstead U.S. Supreme Court case of 1999. The historic Olmstead ruling upheld the Americans with Disabilities Act by stating that institutional placement of persons who would benefit from community settings perpetuates unwarranted assumptions that people with disabilities are incapable or unworthy of participating in community life.





"Ms. Curtis, it's a Pleasure to Meet You" celebrates the artist's journey from institutionalized isolation to community inclusion with Lois Curtis’ first one-woman art show, November 9th through December 23rd.

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Curtis spent most of her adolescent and adult life as a resident in various state-run institutions for people with disabilities. After her repeated requests to be allowed to reside in the community were denied, Ms. Curtis sued the state of Georgia. In 1999, her case came before the U.S. Supreme Court. Victorious, the landmark Olmstead decision declared that "unnecessary institutionalization amounts to segregation and is a violation of individual civil rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act." Ms. Curtis’ case became the national mandate to free tens of thousands of people with disabilities from unnecessary and unjust institutionalization.

Today, Ms. Curtis receives community-based supports and enjoys life outside of the institution. The recognition that she has received for her incredible talent, in conjunction with her passion, have motivated her to make art and advocacy her life's work. With pastels and acrylics, Ms. Curtis' expression is at once bold and emotionally straightforward. Her remarkable insight into people and her joy for life is a powerful reminder that we all have dreams, and contributions to make.

Ms. Curtis’ art will be on display at Georgia’s Temple Gallery, a nonprofit gallery committed to bringing innovative art and artists to the community is sponsored by the DeKalb Council for the Arts (DCA). For exhibit information contact the Dekalb Council for the Arts at 404.371.8826 or visit http://www.dcarts.org . All events are free and open to the public.





The Freedom Ride began with an old fashioned jailbreak in Alton, Illinois on October 17, 2005. The escapee was none other than CCDI Great River Valley Chapter President Judy O'Malley. A former inmate of an Illinois institution, O'Malley burst through the symbolic bars in front of IMPACT CIL with great emotion.

Freedom Ride '05 was a 700 mile bus tour and caravan across the state designed to draw media attention to Illinois' lack of community-based services for people with disabilities. The Freedom Rides were used during the Civil Rights movement in the '60s to bring national attention to racial prejudice in the South. Now, it's our turn and people with disabilities and seniors rode throughout the state to make our case. Illinois' institutional bias is shameful!

A main focus of the Ride was to bring attention to the Illinois Community First Act - the first step towards the development of strong, viable, quality community living options that will enable people with disabilities and seniors to live independent lives. The Act would allow a person with a disability to have the State transfer funds it spends (or would have spent) on the person in an institution to pay for long-term care services in the community.

Dozens of organizations including CCDI and other disability rights groups, Centers for Independent Living, senior groups, statewide agencies and thousands of seniors and individual with disabilities all took part in the event.

Campaign for real Choice in Illinois founders Lester and Barbara Pritchard are the creators of the Freedom Ride. Through their support and enthusiasm numerous groups across the state signed on to help sponsor the Ride.



By CCDI Executive Director Vickie Wilson

I am taking this opportunity to share with our members some of the activities and projects that we are involved in around the state. One of the most important activities that CCDI has participated in this year is the Freedom Ride. CCDI partnered with numerous disability rights groups to coordinate and participate in Freedom Ride ‘05. This was an awesome experience that left even seasoned advocates like me feeling we are simply not doing enough to ensure people with disabilities and seniors have real choices regarding where they live and how they receive services. Over the years there have been many decisions made by the leaders of our state government that affected people with disabilities negatively. However the many stories that people shared about their experience while incarcerated in Illinois institutions tore at my heart and made me angry.

As we traveled the 700+ miles across Illinois I developed lifelong friendships that I will treasure forever but with every mile and every story I became more and more ashamed to be an Illinoisan. For the sake of our brothers and sisters, seniors and for our own futures, I beg you to get involved. To quote one of our hero's Justin Dart… "Get involved as if your life depends on it…because it does."

When you hear about hearings on Community First at the capitol…show up! When you are asked to make phone calls…pick up the phone! When we need letters written…pick up your pen! Be part of the solution, hold your legislators feet to the fire and make them understand why it is important to make the right decision on the Community First Act. What is being done to people with disabilities and seniors is inhumane, cruel, unconstitutional and simply wrong. Few things in state government are as clear as this issue…the Community First Act must be passed!

I attended an event with the Joliet Chapter once and heard one of the speakers make the following comment:

“A Community that excludes even one of its members…is no community at all!”

Other projects that CCDI is participating in include outreach and education for energy assistance and conservation, improving access to employment resources and access to affordable, accessible, quality health care for all people.

As the winter months and high energy costs creep upon us we will be partnering with numerous community organizations and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to get information out to our members on how to conserve energy, how to access energy assistance and how to prepare for winter storms. Additionally Deputy Director Charles Jackson is working closely with CCDI to ensure there are accessible warming centers around the state, and to get energy savings kits out to people with disabilities. Many people with disabilities are already struggling with trying to make ends meet with the rising cost of medication, gasoline and utility expenses. The Coalition applauds the Governors' "Keep Illinois Warm" program and is stepping up to the plate to help in any way possible.

Unemployment statistics among people with disabilities continue to hover around seventy percent. The Coalition continues to partner with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in the development and accessibility of the Virtual One-Stop Portal. This site is being developed to enhance the employment services available at One-Stop Career Centers. DCEO Director Jack Lavin has made a commitment to ensure full accessibility of the site and provided CCDI with funding to have twelve evaluators with varying types of disabilities access the site and provide feedback regarding accessibility. This project will open new doors for people with disabilities as they enter or re-enter the job market.

The Coalition is a member of the Campaign for Better Health Care and supported the Health Care Justice Act. CCDI believes that accessible, affordable, quality health care is a basic human right and we are working with the Campaign to make this a reality in Illinois. This is the year that we must move our efforts to the next level to make sure that the Health Care Justice Act culminates with EVERYBODY IN, NOBODY OUT. Together we can make it happen, attend one of the public hearings in your area and let your voice be heard. Call CCDI at (217) 522-7016 (V/TTY) or visit our website at http://www.ccdionline.org/newsflash.php?newsflash_id=52&to locate the public hearing closest to you.

And finally, as with most aspects of service delivery the face of disability services and advocacy organizations in Illinois has changed over the past twenty years. As this newsletter goes to print the board of directors is preparing for their upcoming strategic planning session on November 14th. Through focus groups held around the state the Coalition has received some feedback regarding the future direction of the organization. This is an exciting time for CCDI as we chart the direction of our future to meet the needs of our members, and to realize our vision. Watch your mailboxes and newsletter as the strategic plan will be shared with the membership upon completion.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!



Gulf States to Get $25.9 Million in Vocational Rehabilitation Services

President Bush signed into law on September 30, 2005 the Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Act of 2005, granting the U.S. Education Department authority to permit hurricane-affected Gulf Coast states access to $25.9 million in federal funds for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services without the states having to provide matching funds.

These VR services may include education, training, assistive technology or various supports necessary for employment of individuals with disabilities affected by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita that contribute to the economic growth and development of communities.

"Children and adults with disabilities face challenges with the loss of their homes and supports for daily living," Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings said. "Through the department's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, this funding will provide additional assistance to those with disabilities affected by the hurricanes."

Federal funds for VR services will be made available to affected states in the following amounts:

• Louisiana, $16.4 million;
• Mississippi, $6.1 million;
• Alabama, $1.7 million; &
• Texas, $1.7 million.

(CHICAGO) - In September, Illinois protection and advocacy agency Equip for Equality filed suit in federal court against The Lambs Farm, Inc., on behalf of a 54-year old man with a developmental disability. Lambs Farm refuses to serve him because he is HIV positive. Lambs Farm is a non-profit organization located on a 72-acre campus in Libertyville, Illinois that provides housing, vocational and recreational services to adults with developmental disabilities.

The suit alleges that Lambs Farm's refusal to admit the man to its services is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the federal Rehabilitation Act, and the federal Fair Housing Act.

"John Doe" received services from Lambs Farm from the time he was a young man, and was close to the founders, Bob Terese and Corinne Owen. After moving out of state in 2003 to be with his terminally ill mother, Doe returned to Illinois in 2004 with the intention of returning to Lambs Farm. So confident was his mother that Doe would be received warmly by Lambs Farm that she set up a trust for him which provided that upon his death the assets of the trust would go to Lambs Farm.

Lambs Farm initially welcomed Doe back and proceeded to process his application for services, including housing. Lambs Farm staff even took him to see the apartment that would be his when the processing of his application was completed. However, when Lambs Farm reviewed the medical packet sent by the agency assisting Doe, its management became aware that Doe was HIV-positive. Doe's application was immediately rejected. Lambs Farm's Executive Director, Dianne Yaconetti, expressed concern that others would find out about Doe's HIV status and would be fearful. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Robert Neiman, confirmed that Lambs Farm would provide neither housing nor vocational services to Doe because of his "communicable disease."

Doe, who regularly takes medication for his HIV without assistance, has no symptoms.

"All I wanted to do was go back to Lambs Farm," says Doe, who does not understand how he could be rejected by "the Lambs" when he has done nothing wrong and poses no threat to anyone.

"Lambs Farm's categorical refusal to serve Doe based on his HIV status is a clear violation of the federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on disability," says Karen Ward, Senior Counsel at Equip for Equality and one of the attorneys representing Doe. "Lambs Farm's actions are based upon the very stereotypes and unfounded fears that these laws were designed to address."

"For a well-known community agency that claims to be devoted to the empowerment of people with disabilities, this attitude is particularly shocking and disheartening," says Zena Naiditch, President and CEO of Equip for Equality. "Twenty-five years after the emergence of AIDS in this country, and fifteen years after the passage of the ADA, we certainly did not expect to see such ill-informed decision-making. We are hopeful that the federal court will quickly bring an end to this injustice."

The suit seeks an order compelling Lambs Farm to admit John Doe to its vocational and residential programs, as well as compensatory and punitive damages and attorneys' fees.



By Jessica Hayes, Editor of The Catalyst

I can't remember the exact day I met Marlin Thomas, but I hope everyone reading this has had a similar experience at some point in their life. Marlin and I were instant friends. I'm not sure if it was because we liked the same things, we both worked for a Center for Independent Living at the time, or if it was because we had a similar outlook on the world, but within minutes I had made a lifelong friend. That doesn't happen everyday, and even though I'm kicking myself now because I can't remember it, the day I met Marlin Thomas must have been a great one.

Marlin was a gifted teacher. He had a rare talent that allowed him to teach people without them knowing they had been taught. I was in awe of him when we both served as mentors at the Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit. Marlin could craft conversations with the teenage participants that successfully intertwined topics such a MP3 files, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Spider Man and Justin Dart. The lucky kids he had spent time with would leave the Summit knowing not only where the best place to download the new Green Day CD was, but also where to find information on-line about their education rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

As I look back, Marlin taught me many things over the years too. His understanding of disability was mind blowing! He had the courage to get up in front of crowds of people he didn't know and eloquently explain how disability is a natural and beautiful part of life. He was at home with a microphone in his hand, a born public speaker with a charisma that audiences were compelled to listen to and learn from. What is more impressive to me though, was Marlin's fearless approach to teaching his friends, family and community about disability. Although not always the popular thing to do, Marlin never backed down from what he knew was right.

Many of you know Marlin from the pages of The Catalyst, and I wouldn't be surprised if more than a few of our readers turned to this page first looking for the latest installment of "Movies from Mars." Although the CCDI state office staff is generally credited with expanding The Catalyst into the newspaper you see today, Marlin played a big role in it. He planted the seeds of imagination and helped us grow The Catalyst into a 16-page format with sections on everything from legislative news to sports. The Art and Culture section was Marlin's personal baby. He envisioned movie reviews and entertainment news that focused a critical eye on how people with disabilities are portrayed in film and by the media. After many months of planning and many, many pep talks from Marlin, the new Catalyst rolled out in September of 2003.

On October 20th I received a sad and terrible phone call. Marlin had muscular dystrophy and his health had been a concern most of his life. He had been taken to the hospital where he passed away from complications related to pneumonia.

Just over a week later I attended Marlin's memorial service. In a packed Alton, Illinois church, a diverse group of people gathered to share stories, and their love for Marlin. People Marlin had known throughout the course of his life - friends . . . third cousins twice removed . . . average folks from the community - all expressed an understanding about disability that totally shocked me! Marlin had taken the time during his life to explain complicated concepts about independent living and disability rights to everyone he knew. He got people to think about disability not as an affliction, but instead something as natural and normal as brown eyes or blond hair. I started to wonder how many of us could say that we'd had such a profound impact on our communities as Marlin apparently did on his.

I have to be honest, I'm terribly sad and I miss Marlin everyday. I feel like there is big hole on page six of The Catalyst and nothing is ever going to be able to fill it. Marlin was responsible for a lot of good things, and he deeply touched the lives of so many people. Whether it be writing movie reviews for CCDI or fighting the good fight as an employee of IMPACT Center for Independent Living, I can't imagine there are enough words I could write that would fill this giant void.

But, as the famous saying goes, actions speak louder than words. I have challenged myself and I challenge all of you to truly take the lessons of Marlin's extraordinary life to heart. As Marlin's example teaches us, being an advocate is an all encompassing life experience. It isn't something that we do only between the hours of 9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday. It is something we do in the evening at home, at our kids' schools, at church, in the grocery store and on the weekend.

I wish Marlin had left us an instructional video, "How to Change People's Minds and Make Them Think it Was Their Idea All Along." He would probably think that was a silly thing to say though. As I go back and read it I can just hear him reminding me that everyone is different and everyone has to have their own personal style of advocacy. I think that wanting to be like Marlin is a pretty good goal, but he would remind me that peoples' diversity is what makes everyone such a special part of life. See what I mean! Marlin is still helping me make sense of things.

The October/November 2005 issue of The Catalyst is dedicated to Marlin Thomas; writer of movie reviews, lover of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, teller of bad jokes and atrocious singer of karaoke; to Marlin Thomas, advocate, poet and friend; to Marlin Thomas, teacher, mentor and hero.



By: Valerie Brew-Parrish, M.S.

Grrrr, it is a fact of life that if you live with a disability, you will probably be annoyed at the portrayal of persons with disabilities in the media. We are inspirational, amazing or down right pitiful characters who are seen as a burden.

Despite decades of guidelines published by the Associated Press Stylebook, journalists continue to assault the public with phrases depicting persons with disabilities in an undesirable fashion. A favorite hackneyed expression is wheelchair bound or confined to a wheelchair. Persons who use wheelchairs are not bound to them. In fact, wheelchairs give people freedom and mobility. The correct terminology is wheelchair-user. The Associated Press Stylebook 2005 clearly states on page 24, "People use wheelchairs for independent mobility. Do not use confined to a wheelchair, or wheelchair-bound."

Often we read about the disabled person. The disability is the main focus rather than the person. The correct wording is person with a disability.

Advocates in the state of Oregon are trying to get "People first language" as a state law. Instead of writing, "Mildred is a victim of Down's Syndrome," the more positive approach is to say, Mildred is a person born with Down Syndrome.

My high school English teacher would come back to haunt me or thump me over the head if I wrote or said "I park in handicapped parking." Yes, I can hear her asking me why I think the parking space is handicapped? The reserved spaces are actually accessible spaces.

During celebrations for the Americans with Disabilities Act, newspaper and magazine headlines shout DISABLED APPLAUD ADA ACHIEVEMENTS! Oh, no! It would be so much better, and much more accurate to read, "People with Disabilities Applaud the ADA."

Perhaps, all of this may seem picayune. Truly, it isn't. Words have power. Here are a list of words that most of us wish would vanish from written articles and conversations portraying people with disabilities: crippled, afflicted, stricken with, suffers from, pitiful, spastic, retarded, deaf and dumb, etc.

Here are some common sense tips when dealing with persons with disabilities in every day situations. When greeting a person who is blind, state your name when saying hello. In most cases, the person who can't see will extend their hand for a handshake. Since I have limited use of my hand, I wait to assess the situation. It is easy to tell when someone is uncomfortable and does not want to make physical contact. That's perfectly okay. The late Christopher Reeve, probably would opt to nod his head in greeting.

When greeting a person who is Deaf, tap the person on the shoulder or wave to make a visual contact. Never pat someone with a disability on the head or lean on their wheelchair. When speaking to a person with a speech impairment, it is acceptable to ask the person to repeat a sentence that wasn't understood.

Remember that our disabilities do not define who we are. It is up to all of us to educate the media, educators, agencies, etc. about how we need to be portrayed. We are people first!





In late September the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History received a collection of items highlighting the career of legendary musician Ray Charles. The new objects will become part of the Smithsonian's collection which illustrates how people have historically dealt with disability.

"Ray Charles' life and career are testaments to the enduring value of the American dream; that anyone from any background and with any disability can overcome obstacles and lead a successful life," said museum director Brent D. Glass. "These objects are important additions to the museum's collections, and we are honored to have them."

Among the items soon to be on display are a Yamaha KX 88 keyboard marked in Braille, three costumes worn onstage, Braille editions of popular magazines; a chess set for the blind, a traveling bathroom kit and pair of his signature Ray-Ban sun-glasses.

The recent success of the major motion picture "Ray" starring Jamie Foxx, has brought the life and music of Ray Charles to a new generation. Born in September of 1930, Charles was completely blind by age seven due to glaucoma. After attending a Georgia school for the blind and deaf, Charles began an unparalleled musical career spanning over five decades. In spite of a long battle with drug addition, Charles won 21 Grammy Awards, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1976) and was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was also the first artist to negotiate the right to own his master recordings.

Charles died in June of 2004 and the September 21st donation ceremony at the Smithsonian was held just two day shy of what would have been his 75th birthday.



By Susy Woods, CCDI Project Coordinator

On October 26, the Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois (CCDI) and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) held a luncheon to present the virtual portal they have been working on since June. This is a joint project that will augment the One-Stops and give people more options when looking for employment and for steps that will lead to employment.

This project which is currently still under construction and being evaluated is now available to people in the Peoria, Chicago, and Marion areas. DCEO project leader Julio Rodriguez announced that if all things go as planned, the portal will be available in all Workforce Investment Areas by July of 2006. In July and August of this year two teams of evaluators looked at the website for such things as accessibility, usability, user friendliness, etc.

Attending the luncheon were evaluators Charlotte Goodman, Carol Schaefer, Stacy Woods, William Richard, Fred Bortz and Marsie Frawley. Also attending were representatives from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, University of Illinois at Springfield Disability Services, IMPACT CIL, Family Support Network, ISAC, Family Matters, Lewis and Clark Community College Transition Services, Health and Disability Advocates, Illinois Assistive Technology Program, Springfield Center for Independent Living, Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living, Illinois Department of Human Services Divisions of Rehabilitation Services and Developmental Disabilities, Hope School, UCP of Lincolnland, the Arc of Illinois, Springfield ARC, the Epilepsy Resource Center, Phil Milsk Associates and Statewide Independent living Council of Illinois.

Jeanne Kitchens, Virtual One-Stop Coordinator, along with Lisa Logan and Julio Rodriguez of DCEO gave a brief presentation of how this project had come about, where the project was now and what they hoped to achieve in the next few months.

Another luncheon is planned at the project's end so that everyone can see what has been achieved in the next few months. The people that attended were of great importance to the project because they represent some of the very significant organizations and agencies in the state and it is hoped that they will be able to help in the marketing and training individuals about this project.





The following is a guide designed to help your chapter plan the most accessible meetings possible. CCDI is founded on the principle of cross-disability representation, but frequently simple and inexpensive accommodations are overlooked resulting in the limited participation of some members. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind when planning meetings or other functions for your chapter.

• Accessible Location - Is the room or area you plan to use accessible to all of your chapter members? Certainly a wheelchair accessible entrance is important, but what about the restrooms or other areas of the building that members might need to access. Don't forget about making sure the meeting is held in a centralized location. If your city has public transportation, a meeting location near an accessible bus stop is important to consider.

• Alternate Formats - Do members of your chapter require alternate formats such a large print, Braille, audio or electronic/disk? It is important to provide any materials you plan to distribute in the formats your members request. Be sure to include a statement like this on your meeting notice: "If you require alternate formats such as Braille or large print, please be sure to request them at least two weeks in advance. Call (contact person) at (phone number) for details."

Where do you get Braille copies of meeting handouts? There are a variety of places you can try including your local Center for Independent Living (CIL). The CIL may not be able to make Braille for you, but they can provide some suggestions on where else locally you might find this service.

Quick Tip: If there are members of your chapter who require large print (Ariel 18 font), consider putting everyone's materials in large print. For longer documents this might not always be possible, but handouts like the meeting agenda and the treasurer's report can with next to no effort be produced in large print.

• Sign Language Interpreters - Interpreters are an important and unfortunately often overlooked part of meetings. Anytime your chapter holds and event that is open to the public, sign language interpreters need to be planned for, although they may not always be requested. Any meeting notices or flyers advertising a chapter event should include a statement like this:

"If you require a sign language interpreter, please make your request at least two weeks in advance. Call (contact person) at (phone number) for details."

If a request for an interpreter is made, be sure your chapter hires qualified, certified sign language interpreters. If the interpreting job will last longer than one hour, interpreters generally work in pairs. Be sure to discuss the length of the event and what will be expected of the interpreter well in advance. Sign language interpreters generally make between $30.00 and $40.00 and hour. In some areas of the state you can request an interpreter through a referral service, but in other areas they work on a freelance basis. You can find a list of certified sign language interpreters, divided by county on the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission's website at http://www.idhhc.state.il.us/interpreter/interpreter.htm.

Addressing the needs of CCDI's diverse membership is a very important part of ensuring your chapter's success. Chapters have approached these needs in a variety of ways including forming an Ad Hoc Access Committee. It is the Access Committee's job to ensure that accommodations are in place for meetings and at times will also assist the Fundraising Committee in raising money to help pay interpreter and Brailling fees. Frequently arrangements can be made to have all or part of these services donated to you chapter.

Feel free to contact the CCDI state office at (217) 522-7016 (V/TTY) or (800) 433-8848 (V/TTY) for information about making you CCDI chapter meetings as accessible as possible.



By President Fern Pinkley

I had the privilege of participating in the Freedom Ride '05. I was fortunate to have a sponsor who paid the full cost for my Freedom Ride. That sponsor was Gerry Davis from United Access and Personal Mobility. His wife even made a backpack for my chair. Thanks to Gerry and his family.

For those of you who are not familiar with the Freedom ride '05, you can find information all throughout this issue of The Catalyst, but here is a quick summary of the ride - Organized by Real Choice Campaign founders Lester and Barbara Pritchard, the four day ride was fashioned after the freedom rides in the sixties when African Americans took to the road to draw attention to their civil rights issues. Freedom Ride '05 was designed to draw attention to the lack of community services and gain support for the Community First Act.

The back of the Freedom Ride t-shirt says "RIDING FOR THE CHOICE TO LIVE AT HOME." It's a simple message, so why has a certain group of people not been given that choice? Throughout the state of Illinois, the Freedom Riders gave the same message to lawmakers and those attending the rallies - we want to choose where we live!

The Freedom Ride began with a rally in Alton. Great River Valley Chapter President Judy O'Malley (pictured on page 1) lived in an institution for over 20 years, but has lived in her own apartment for the last 13 years. Way to go Judy! Show those who doubt our ability to take care of ourselves. Jamie Ziegler (pictured on page 8) is a former nursing home administrator who found herself on the flip side of the coin when she moved into a nursing home for "care." She told those who attended the rally that she lost the right to privacy and dignity during the nine months she spent there.

Our next stop was Effingham where we were served an institutional-style lunch. A few of us were designated as institution staff and we were given a tablecloth and choices during lunch such as which dessert you wanted or what you would like to drink. Now, that isn't exactly the way others were served. Some had silverware, some didn't. Their food was placed in front of them with no choices and most, not all, but most, were given drinks. What a bunch of complainers they were, this group of people who are used to having choices in their lives.

Champaign was the first stop for day two. The Mayors of Champaign and Urbana were in attendance, and both signed the petition in support of the Community First Act. During lunch I talked with Bill Drake who lived in a nursing home until help came to free him. He now lives in his own home and he told me to look for him in Springfield at the Capitol during the Freedom Ride wrap-up. Sure enough, he was there. You see, Bill is now in a position to make his own choices.

Our next stop was Joliet and we arrived in style with a police escort! Nearly two hundred people welcomed us at the rally. Fellow Freedom Rider Eric Guidish spoke of his experiences in a nursing home. Eric is another example of an individual who endured institutional life with no choices. Now Eric lives in his own apartment and makes all of his own decisions, including choosing to drive his own van during the Freedom Ride.

The ride was an emotional experience. Going in I knew the basics - having choices in your life is good, and no choices in your life is bad. But, to hear the stories of people left with no hope who were literally rescued from nursing homes and institutions, was heart-wrenching. I cried more on this trip than I have for a long time.

Now if you've done the math I stopped halfway through the Freedom Ride. Check out next month's edition of The Catalyst for part two of this article.



By Avery Ray, CCDI Member

As a 'farm kid,' I grew up in the country. It was a wonderful life, filled with nature and the great outdoors. All the sights, sounds and tastes of country living were mine to enjoy. For a kid, this was a taste of heaven.

As an adult I live in the small town of Chestnut, Illinois. Yes, it is a nice, quiet, peaceful town, located in the middle of nowhere, but for a person with disabilities and frequent healthcare needs, this means traveling for even the simplest of doctor visits. The closest hospital is miles away, and the same applies to most doctors. For me, with V.A. benefits only, I have to make a twenty-mile trip to Decatur just for a physical or blood work. If it is something major, I have to travel eighty-five miles one-way to Danville. In my old, 'gas-guzzling' truck, this means about seventeen gallons of gas for the round trip. And then of course there are those who either can't drive or don't have reliable transportation.

As with all problems, there is usually a solution. Thanks to an organization based at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital (ALMH), in Lincoln, Illinois, at least part of this growing problem is solved. This organization is known as the Healthy Communities Partnership. (HCP)

I recently had the privilege of interviewing the HCP Director Kristen Lesson. She has held this position for approximately one and a half years, but has been a member for seven years. As Director, Ms. Lessen writes grants, and oversees community task forces. This involves many hours in her office, as well as extensive travel throughout the Logan County area.

Healthy Community Partnership

This organization began in 1977, as a partnership between ALMH, Logan County Health Department, Family Medical Center, Logan County Chamber of Commerce, and Logan/ Mason Mental Health. Their mission was to identify health needs in our rural communities. Through their efforts, the need for a Mobile Health Unit (MHU) was established. A grant was written by ALMH and a motor home was purchased and set-up with all necessary equipment.

The MHU is a well-appointed motor home, which travels throughout Logan County, to all the small communities. This unit affords people the opportunity to have simple testing done without having to drive long distances. The MHU staff includes a Nurse Practitioner and three nurses whom take turns assisting. All tests are checked by a doctor at the Family Medical Center, in Lincoln. All testing fees are based on prices at the Family Medical Center.

Last year, from July 31st, 2004 through June 30th, 2005, approximately 3,600 residents visited the Mobile Health Unit. Most of these were first time users of the facility. A new service, school physicals, has been highly successful, bringing a dramatic increase in visits. It has since leveled off to a steady flow of students taking advantage of this service being close to home.

Other Programs

The Healthy Community Partnership (HCP) has many other programs available to the public. One such program is known as 'Life Skills.' Health educators go into 7th grade classes in the Logan County area, and teach a 15 course lesson plan dealing with topics such as peer pressure, drugs, alcohol, anger management, and communication skills. This allows students the opportunity to learn basic defenses against the onslaught of modern society.

HCP also created the Healthy Family task force, dealing with pregnancy prevention, and parenting skills for teen parents. They feel this is very important to counter-act all the wrong messages being sent to our youth on television, in movies, and in the video games they play. Hopefully, they will help to stem the tide of un-wanted teenage pregnancies plaguing our youth.

Add a direct link to Sojourn of Illinois, whose branch office can be found at the Logan County Courthouse, and we have a well-rounded organization fighting for the benefit of our citizens. Sojourn helps with all domestic violence issues. These include orders of protection, as well as giving shelter and helping the victim get through the legal system's red tape. Without their assistance, many would have no where to turn for much needed support.

As I write this, it amazes me how much territory the Healthy Community Partnership covers. They are furnishing a great number of services, not otherwise easily available to the rural public. Each year, they hope to expand their programs and reach out to many more people in need of cost-effective and easily accessible medical assistance.

For more information contact:
HCP Director
Kristen Lesson
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
315 8th Street
Lincoln, IL, 62656
(217) 732-2161 Ext 409
Fax: (217) 732-7481