THE DERBY CITY NSCIA NEWSLETTER

Message From the President

Dear Members & Friends-

In lieu of this month's meeting we will have our annual Christmas party at Highland Court apartments; 1720 Richmond Drive at 6:30 on December 20. If you need directions, call Buddy at 458-0233 or David at 589-6620.

January's meeting will be held at Frazier Rehab; 6:30; 4th floor dining hall.

Every article in this issue is from NewMobility.com -ed.

SUPREME COURT TO HEAR CRUISE CASE

On September 28 the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that will decide once in for all if cruise ships docking in the U.S. but flying foreign flags must comply with such U.S. laws as the ADA. This dispute began in 1998 when disabled passengers of the Norwegian Cruise Lines were charged extra for accessible cabins only to discover the cabins weren't even accessible.

"It was my very first cruise," says plaintiff Doug Spector, 45, from Houston, TX. "I didn't want to sue. I actually went straight to their top attorney to just express that I felt I was discriminated against because they charged me $900 more than the other passengers because I use a scooter." The cabin had a step up into it. as did the bathroom and even the shower. Other aspects of the ship and cruise were also highly inaccessible. "It put a damper on the whole reason I was going on a cruise anyway. I wanted to relax, not be a contestant on Fear Factor," says Spector, who just wanted his money back initially.

"Right now we're fighting for the right to bring the lawsuit. The Court's going to determine whether we have a right to sue," says Spector's attorney, David George. "Norwegian's saying the cruise industry is exempt from the law because its ships are flagged in foreign countries. Even though the ships are based in Miami, all the people who cruise are Americans, and the ships leave from the U.S. and come back to the U.S., they claim they don't have to follow the laws of the U.S." The decision is expected to come down early next year.

THE DERBY CITY NSCIA NEWSLETTER

Derby City Area Chapter
of the
National Spinal Cord Injury Association

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Derby City Area Chapter of the N.S.C.I.A. is a membership organization for individuals with spinal cord injuries, their families, and health professionals. Founded in 1984 as a Charter Member of the N.S.C.I.A., it was incorporated under IRS Section 501 (c) 3 as a not for profit organization. The Board of Directors consists of the Officers, Past President and the Board Members At Large.

***

OFFICERS

PRESIDENT
David Allgood - (502) 589-6620

VICE PRESIDENT
Adam Ford - (502) 425-2206

TREASURER
Tom Stokes- (502) 957-5865

LIAISON TO FRAZIER INSTITUTE
Dr. Bill Kraft – (502) 582-5865

FUNDRAISING CHAIR
Betty Perry—(502) 647-0368

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY/WEB MASTER
Michael Feger- (502) 647-0368

PAST PRESIDENT
Adam Ford- (502) 425-2206

BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE-
Mike Perry
Kelly Young

NSCIA
DERBY CITY CHAPTER
NEWSLETTER

Editor- Barbara Davis

Contributor- David Allgood

The following articles are from New Mobility,com-ed

STEM CELL VICTORY

In opposition to his party, Republican California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger successfully shepherded Proposition 71, a $3-bilhon dollar bond funding stem cell research, into passage on Election Day. "I am, of course, a supporter of stem cell research," said Schwarzenegger in an Oct. 18 statement. "Research that we do now holds the promise of cures for tomorrow."

In deference to the religious sensibilities of many Republicans, the Bush Administration has capped human embryonic stem cell research dollars at $25 million a year, which is chump change compared to the $300 million a year for 10 years called for by the new California measure. The money will be used to create the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

It is thought that embryonic stem cells may hold the key to curing such conditions as spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. Many scientists believe the extremely flexible cells may be coaxed into growing into any other type of human cell.

The campaign to pass the proposition was paid for by Silicon Valley venture capitalists, Microsoft co-founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen, and wealthy parents of sick children. Yet according to exit polls, the measure, which passed at a 59-41 percent margin, was popular among people of all ages, races, incomes, and education levels.

Given that California is deeply in debt, some skeptics do wonder if the bond, which will come out to about $6 billion in principal and interest, was a good idea for the state right now. But proponents crow that it will be worth every penny. "All of us could have lived a hundred lifetimes and not had the opportunity to change the future of human suffering as the people of California have tonight," said Robert Klein II, a real estate developer who helped fund the campaign for the measure.

QUADS GET PICKLED

Black and Decker has created an automatic jar opener, the JW200 Lids Off Jar Opener, which can electronically twist the cap off even the most stubborn jar of pickles. The machine fits jars up to 4.5 inches in diameter and 8 inches high. Cost: $33—$49. Available online at www. blackandeckerappliances.com

THE DERBY CITY NSCIA NEWSLETTER

Refrigerator Calendar
*2004

DECEMBER 04        
     

6th - Elderly & Disabled Advisory Council Meeting
Mon 1:00-2:30 p.m.; TARC; 1000 W. Broadway; Board Room.

20th - NSCIA Derby City Area Chapter Annual Christmas Dinner; 6:00 p.m.
Mon Highland Court Apartments; 1720 Richmond Drive; Louisville, KY

18th - Metro disAbility Coalition Meeting; 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.; PVA Office on Goss Avenue.
Sat Speaker to be announced; if questions, contact Terri Leasor at 589-6620 or at mdclouky.org

21st - Louisville Metro Sweep for Access
Tues Crescent Hill Library; 2762 Frankfort Avenue

JANUARY 05

3rd - Elderly & Disabled Advisory Council Meeting
Mon 1:00-2:30 p.m.; TARC; 1000 W. Broadway; Board Room.

17th - NSCIA Derby City Area Chapter meeting, 6:30 p.m., Frazier Rehab.
Mon 4th floor dining hall; speaker to be announced.

22nd - Metro disAbility Coalition Meeting; 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.; PVA Office on Goss Avenue.
Sat Speaker to be announced; if questions contact Terri Leasor at 589-6620 or mdclouky.org

18th - Louisville Metro Sweep for Access
Tues Crescent Hill Library; 2762 Frankfort Avenue

For More Information Call
David Allgood, 502-589-6620

THE DERBY CITY NSCIA NEWSLETTER

CONCRETE CHANGE MAY FOLD

Due to an unexpected loss of funding from the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research, the home access advocacy group, Concrete Change, may not survive. Steven Tingus, director of NIDRR, was not available for comment on how NTDRR made its decision to not fund the advocacy group.

"'Loss of NIDRR funding does literally threaten Concrete Change with closure," said Eleanor Smith in an e-mail to Concrete Change members. "Our budget was small and lean, and we do a lot with a little. But without this funding, within a few months we will have zero office space and will have to dismiss our one paid employee." The Concrete Change web site, a repository for free resources on making new homes visitable, is also in danger of shutting down due to lack of finding to keep it online.

"ILLINOIS MODEL" BOOSTS GRAD EMPLOYMENT

The University of Illinois, Urbana, has set the bar for disability services that work. In a new: poll conducted by the university, 92 percent of their graduates with SCI have been employed within the past five years. In comparison, a 2004 Harrison found that only 35 percent of college graduates with disabilities nationwide were found to be employed.

Brad Hedrick, the director of the university's Rehabilitation Education Services, says the Illinois model is "bom of a holistic philosophy that includes academic, physical, social and psychological supports." Some of their pioneering services include transitional orientation after graduation, on-campus PCAs and self-advocacy training. For more details, check out www.eurekalert.org.

GOING ORGANIC

For most people with SCI, bowel struggles are a constant preoccupation. But Carol Hawkins, of Otago, New Zealand, a 49-year-old L-3-5 para since 1994, decided to search for a new way to solve an old problem. No more suppositories, Metamucil. or pills that make your bowels explode. She decided to go organic.

"After I asked a health food store for an alternate method of bowel care, they recommended an unsulphered blackstrap molasses," says Hawkins. So, she bought the molasses and— voila!- traffic is no longer at a standstill.

"I've been using molasses for three months now (about one tablespoon daily) and have only required assistance once. Things settled fairly quickly, too," she says. With two to four 'events' per week, she says her bowel movements are softer and pass much more gently. For those with absolutely no sensation, she recommends smaller dosages in the beginning to see how the bodv reacts.

WE LOVE THIS WEB SITE
By losie Byzeck

The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability has a new website at www.ncpad.org. This website is both thorough and accurate. The biggest difference between NCAPD and other similar sites is that this site discusses in depth the very real problems some exercises can cause rather than just pretending that all disabled people can do exactly the same activities as every one else if the equipment is low enough.

Since I am an Mser, I tested the site using MS as the subject. I have problems exercising because even a little bit of heat causes me to twitch or slouch to the sidelines. And the effects of cold swimming pools on spastic muscles would be amusing if I weren't so afraid of drowning. Did this web site address these issues? Yes, it did, as thoroughly as possible, and many other issues, too. You'll have to be the judge of how well it covers your own disability, but the sections I reviewed on other disabilities seem as thorough as the one on MS.

NEW MOBILITY QUOTES FROM THE COURIER-JOURNAL...

:'Even though it was wonderful to get dressed up and to be sort of like a princess for a day, the mam focus of the Miss America Wheelchair Pageant is to select a national spokesperson who will educate the public on the importance of disability rights and the issues that effect women in wheelchairs."

-Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky. Stephanie Sharp

THE DERBY CITY NSCIA NEWSLETTER

ENABLING ROMANCE

A Guide to Love, Sex, and Relationships for People with Disabilities (and the People who Care About Them)

"The Joy of Sex for people with disabilities and their partners."

Sex and relationships don't end with disability, and Enabling Romance proves it. Written by a husband and wife team, one of whom has a disability, this book intelligently and honestly debunks the myth that disabled equals asexual. Dozens of people with disabilities share the details of their intimate relationships, creating an invaluable resource for people newly disabled or newly single every day.

Enabling Romance includes:

• Candid personal stories
• Individual chapters on SCI, MS, PPS, CP, MD and other disabilities
• Details on building self esteem, shattering stereotypes, creative sexual variations, sex for one, reproduction and contraception, and the role of attendants during intimate moments.
• Resources for more information in all areas

TO ORDER, CALL TOLL FREE
888/850-0344, EXT 209

Or send checks for $15.95 plus $3.00 S/H to
No Limits Communications P. O. Box 220 Horsham, PA 19044

Note: Enabling Romance includes graphic illustrations of sexual positions. Must be 21 or older to order.

FOR SALE!!!!***

*1985 Komfort Koach van; v-8 engine; power fold-up wheelchair lift; power window and door locks; wheelchair safety strap/hooks; almost new tires; AC/front and rear vents; cruise control; AM/FM radio, tape deck, CB radio; game table and window shades; trailer hitch; $135,000 mi.; good cond.; $2750.00 (502) 425-0314.

*Chair Topper & Hand Control; price negotiable; Call Greg @ 968-4630.

*2003 Ford F-250 lift-equipped green/gray van; leather seats, TV, DVD player. Playstation hookup, am-fm radio. Rick Miller, 937-2245.
Shower Chair; 2 yrs old, negotiable; 2 RoHo cushions; low profde; $150 each; Invacare 900 Action Power Chair; 4 yrs. Old; $600. Call 448-5296.

*RoHo High Profile 16x16 cushions; $160; 589-6620. *Ford 1997 Econoline Van; 100,140 mi; $16,000. Hunter Green-gray; new tires & brakes; "loaded"; call 270-786-4547; ask for Dale.

*Cookbooks for Sale: Recipes compiled by Chapter members; $10:00. Call David @ 589-6620."

* Video tapes for sale. Various topics related to spinal cord injuries. Call David Allgood or Buddy Lawson.

***If assistance is needed to pay for any of the above items, contact Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation at for information on loans at 5% interest to qualified candidates.

THE DERBY CITY NSCIA NEWSLETTER

You are cordially invited to join us!

The Derby City Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association
consists of people with spinal cord injuries and similar physical conditions, their family members, friends, and
professionals or other interested parties.

We meet:

WHEN- Third Monday of every month from 6:30 to 9:00 PM
WHERE- Frazier Rehab Center , 4th floor Dining Room
220 Abraham Flexner Way

If you wish to be a member, donor, and/or be on the mailing list of the Derby City Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association please complete and mail the following form to the address below