It is our mission to empower people with disabilities toward full community participation and integration. DRC Staff Lillian Burch, MA Executive Director Nicole Craig, MS Service Coordinator Katherine Moore Independent Living Spec. Tom Kahler Independent Living Spec. Jeanette Dyer Employment Spec. Stacy Dodson Employment Support Kathi Hollander Office Manager Web Site: www.drctn.org E-Mail: drc at drctn.org Board of Directors John Buckley President Terry Farrell Vice President Alan Muir Treasurer Otis Stephens Secretary Dennis Clark Webmaster A. Odell Fearn Marion McDavid Tracee Pickett-Armoni Gerald Rasa The Board meets at 4:00pm, 3rd Monday of every month (except holidays) at the DRC. Ashley Nicole Playground Chair - Don Barksdale Funded by: *U.S. Dept. of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration TN Rehabilitation Services Community Shares *SEDBTAC-Disability Coalition *Knox County * Contributions and fundraising activities 900 E. Hill Avenue • Suite 120 Knoxville, TN 37915 Phone 865-637-3666 TTY 865-637-6796 Spring 2006 May Day Picnic Friday, May 5 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Ashley Nicole Dream Playground on Winona St. Join us for the works: Hotdogs, Coleslaw, Beans Please bring a dessert. Check out the new inclusive playground. Spirit of ADA Awards Celebration July 21, 2006 at 6:00 pm Rothchilds Catering Submit Your Nominations for the Spirit of ADA Awards Spirit of ADA Award Nomination for Spirit of ADA Awards Please submit to the DRC Executive Committee by May 21, 2006 Circle Category: 1. Person with a disability 2. Community member 3. Most accessible business 4. Employer 5. Service Provider Nominee______________________________Phone____________________ Nominated by_________________________Phone_____________________ How does this nominee demonstrate the spirit of empowerment and inclusion of people with disabilities? Upcoming Legislation Our Independent Living Philosophy promotes CHOICE and INDEPENDENCE with supports as needed . Proposed Legislation for Tennessee: SB2861/HB 3289 Community Choices Act of 2006 Gives CHOICES to live in the community with support OR a nursing home to individuals residing in nursing homes and other facilities. The money for the services they need comes out of the institutional budget and will be moved into the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) budget. SB2958/HB3026 Expands number of private ICF/MR beds (miniinsttitutions) in the state. These beds are the most restrictive and the most expensive and NOT luxurious! ICF/MR - $123,293 per person Supported Living/personal assistance $56,407 per person ( per 2004 Rizzolo, Hemp, Braddock, Pomeranz- Essley, The State of States in Developmental Disabilities.) CONTACT YOUR TN LEGISLATORS District 5: Senator Randy McNally, 615-741-6806 District 6: Senator Jamie Woodson, 615-741-1648 District 7: Senator Tim Burchette, 615-741-1766 District 13: Rep. Harry Tindell, 615-741-2031 District 14: Rep. Park Strader, 615-741-1005 District 15: Rep. Joe Armstrong, 615-741-0768 District 16: Rep. Bill Dunn, 615-741-1721 District 17: Rep. Frank Nicely, 615-741-4419 District 18: Rep. Stacey Campfield, 615-253-0348 District 19: Rep. Stacey Brooks, 615-741-021 YOUR VOICE COUNTS! Please let us know that YOU contacted your official and what the results were. If you need any assistance, contact Tom or Katherine. Advocacy Club Every Friday: 10:00 am Letters & Lunch Join us for learning about upcoming legislation and ways to promote legislation! We will assist you in communicating, writing, faxing, e-mailing etc. about services needed by people with disabilities so that they can live in the community with supports as needed. And while we’re at it, let’s write about the high costs of gasoline and milk. These basics affect our independence! Keeper-Seekers Tuesdays: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Are you SEEKING a job? Do you want to learn how to KEEP a job? Please join us weekly to learn job seeking and job keeping skills. For more information, contact Jeanette or Katherine. Rehabilitation Services Public Hearing State Plan reviewed and opportunity to give your input. State Office Bldg, 531 Henley St, Knoxville at 4:00 pm on Tues., May 2, 2006. ATip of the Hat to: * Jason McAlexander, new Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council * Edith Meacham and Jay Hickman for ONE year of employment. * A. Odell Fearn - new Board member * Michleen Jones - Makeover Winner Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Knoxville, TN PERMIT NO. 78 900 E. Hill Avenue • Suite 120 Knoxville,TN 37915 Return Services Requested