Editor's Column
by
Mike Chevrette
--
filling in for Tim Benjamin --
I will start the column this
month with some good news. I know he would want to thank everyone
for their good thoughts and prayers during his time away. I spoke
with Tim a few days ago and he sounds in good spirit. We hope to
see him back in the office soon, but not until he makes a complete
recovery.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Americans
with Disabilities Act. Events and celebrations will be happening across
the nation. Minnesota is not exception. Mark your calendars for July
26th. More details will be coming in the future.
Check out the article from Andy Driesewerd about his
experiences at a recent Community Transition Interagency Committee
(CTIC) outing. It sounds like they had a great time getting together
and making new friends. This article is very well written. CTIC's were
organized to assist students with disabilities by helping to provide
a smoother transition from high school to the adult world. The focus
is on their families. The committee consists of parents, students,
and staff from area school districts and members from service agencies
in Minnesota counties. It's nice to see Michael Cohn back for another
thought provoking article called "Why Not Laugh at Disability." Michael
makes many good points and I agree that we need to take time to laugh
at ourselves. From one gimp to a crip, keep those stories coming.
Jeni
Mundl is back again this month with some great resources for assistive
technology (AT). AT is best used when you are informed on what products
and choices are available. I would recommend following up on Jeni's
suggestion and check out the products before you lay down any money.
Courage Center and PACER Center are two of many facilities that allow
for a hands on experience.
The Ticket to Work program is celebrating its 3rd anneversary
and Jim Czechowicz does a great job explaining how it works. Jim also
provides resources for anyone who might be interested in this program.
Thanks Jim!
March is Fibromyalgia and
Chronic Fatigue awareness month. I hope you will take the time to
read the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue articles in this issue,
especially "Living
with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome." This is
one family's story of a very misunderstood illness.
Mike Chevrett,
Access Press
Chair
