IMI WELCOLMES ALL...
IMI Wheels are spinning into Fall
******DUE TO BUDGET CUTS TO CALIFORNIA INCLUDE ME INC. WILL BE CLOSED EVERY FRIDAY UNTIL, TO BE ANNOUNCED!
SORRY FOR THE INCOVINIENCE!******
8/30/10
EXCITING DAYS HERE AGAIN AT IMI
Welcome to our newly remodeled Web Site. It is more interactive than before. IMI hopes you enjoy the changes. We are far from finished, and still adding to it. IMI is very excited for all the up coming changes. I hope you visitors like all the new pictures.
On the RECREATION PAGE, you can click on the picture and will bring you to the actual link for the event! Enjoy looking and reading!
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
by:Steve Ember
(From VOAnews.com)
Twenty years ago this week, President George H. W. Bush signed a civil rights law that Americans call the ADA.
GEORGE H. W. BUSH: I now lift this pen to sign this Americans with [Disabilities] Act and say let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down.
Congress passed the law to bar discrimination against people with physical or mental disabilities. The ADA governs employers, transportation systems and public places, including hotels and other businesses.
In New York, the Mayors Office for People with Disabilities co-hosted a celebration Monday to mark the anniversary.
Hip-hop artist Rick Fire says conditions are far better than they were twenty years ago. But he says being in a wheelchair is still often a problem in his neighborhood in the Bronx area of the city.
RICK FIRE: Theres a lot of hills and theres a lot of places where I cant go. Theres still buildings where I cant go because theyve got steps. But overall, its good. Thanks to the ADA, we are being more accepted, like having a disability. People still look at you weird, but its like, All right, hes disabled now, but its kind of OK now.
Matthew Sapolin is commissioner of the Mayors Office for People with Disabilities, and he is blind. His job is to try to improve life for disabled New Yorkers.
MATTHEW SAPOLIN: If we are going to build something -- how we build it, how we construct it, so that it would be accessible to people of all types of disabilities. Whether we talk about a ramp or whether we talk about a doorway or a handrail, things like Braille on elevators and signage and things like that.
Bobbi Wailes developed polio before a vaccine became available in the nineteen fifties. She was twelve years old. Schools then were not designed for wheelchairs. She had to be tutored at home three days a week.
After high school, she got a job in one of the few workplaces with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. She worked at a hospital for thirty years, mostly as an administrator.
Bobbi Wailes also fought for passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
BOBBI WAILES: Let me tell you something, disability doesnt care if youre young, old, rich, poor, black, white, green or purple. Disability will always be here, unfortunately. So it behooves all of us to make it a world that everybody can live in.
Even with the ADA, a lot of work remains to reach the goal of equality for the disabled -- and not just in America.
Marca Bristo heads a group called the United States International Council on Disabilities. She was paralyzed at the age of twenty-three. She broke her neck diving into a lake.
MARCA BRISTO: People with disabilities are living in the streets in some countries. Its deemed you have been possessed by the devil, or put out on the street, a shame to your family and really left to live very subhuman lives.
SUNLINE TO DEBUT NEW VENDING MACHINE SYSTEM
(From Mydesert.com, written by Xochitl Pena, July 29, 2010)
SunLine will unveil its new ticket vending machine system at 9 a.m. Friday at its facility in Indio, half a block west of Highway 111 and Flowers Street.
Speakers include Steve Pougnet, board chairman and Palm Springs mayor; Glenn Miller, Indio councilman and board member; and SunLine General Manager Mikel Oglesby.
The new easy-to-use automated system enables passengers to purchase bus passes customized for their travel needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The system is handicap accessible and has voice-activated audio and braille to assist the hearing and visually impaired.
The system accepts cash, Visa and Mastercard debit cards.
There is video surveillance for security purposes.
Information: (760) 343-3456
INDIO CONTRACTS NEW CITY MANAGER
(From Mydesert.com)
A hometown, homegrown guy has been tapped as Indios next leader.
Dan Martinez, a 24-year county employee who grew up in Indio and graduated from Indio High School, will start as city manager on July 22.
The Indio City Council on Wednesday approved a three-year contract with Martinez, 47, managing director of Riverside Countys Economic Development Agency. He will earn $218,000 annually, more than $20,000 less than his predecessors initial salary.
The council hired Martinez with a 3-0 vote.
Councilwomen Lupe Ramos Watson and Melanie Fesmire wished Martinez well in his new position, but abstained from the vote.
Watson didnt think all the candidates for the position had been explored while Fesmire cited his lack of city manager experience.
These are stormy seas and we need a tested captain, Fesmire said.
Though Martinez has never served as a city manager, other members of the City Council are pleased with his county experience and think hell serve the city well.
He came very highly recommended, Councilman Glenn Miller said. He brings a lot of energy and lots of experience.
Were going to put him to the test.
Martinez said he is not bothered by the vote and looks forward to proving himself.
I know I can do a good job, he said. Im looking forward to showing the council what I can do.
Martinez has been in his county position for about a year and makes $158,426 annually.
Prior to that, he was the countys deputy executive officer overseeing the desert operations since 2006.
In his current position, Martinez oversees about 1,000 employees and a $1 billion operating budget.
He also oversees 22 divisions that include economic development, redevelopment, foreign trade, libraries, airports, housing development, capital project management, and the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival held in Indio.
Hes managed large budgets and large staffs. Because hes a level-headed, calm person who thinks things through, he gets good advice, hes very collaborative. I think hell be an excellent team leader, said Larry Parrish, former Riverside County executive officer who hired Martinez into that office.
Desert Hot Springs City Manager Rick Daniels said hes worked with Martinez on local issues for about a decade.
Like Martinez, Daniels also was a longtime local public administrator whos now in his first city manager position.
When youre responsible for managing the city, its a whole different ballgame. (Martinez) has an added advantage because hes a local kid who knows the area. But hes going to see it in a whole new perspective.
Martinez said many of Indios challenges will be similar to those hes dealt with at the county level. The county is facing a deficit the same way the cities are, he said.
It is because of the citys budget constraints that Martinezs contract pays him less than the advertised annual salary of $225,000 to $250,000 and significantly less than former City Manager Glenn Southards final $309,000 a year.
Miller, who sat on the contract-negotiating subcommittee alongside Mayor Gene Gilbert, said the vote has nothing to do with experience and everything to do with fiscal prudence.
In our economic times, we are asking our city manager to lead by example, he said.
Martinez lives in Moreno Valley, but plans to move his family to Indio, where his parents, brother and sister still reside.
My plan was never to leave the county. When I saw this opportunity come up, it was one that I couldnt pass up mainly because its the town where I grew up, he said.
Mayor Pro Tem Ben Godfrey is excited to have Martinez on board.
Its a hometown, homegrown guy coming home to lead his community, he said.
Staff writer Keith Matheny contributed to this report.
OUR CEO RECIVEING AWARDS FOR HIS TIME WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FROM 1999-2010 Indio Chamber of Commerce.
On June 16th, 2010, Mr. Jim Collins was given many awards by the Mayor of Indio Gene Gilbert, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack, Assembly Member V. Manual Perez, Assembly Member Brian Nestantande, Fourth District supervisor John J. Benoit, and State Senator, 40th district Denise Moreno Ducheny. Mr. Jim Collins was honored with these awards for creating Workshops and Political Rallies. He then stepped down from his position at the Board of Directors,Indio Chamber of Commerce.
THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLC HEALTH
(COOLING CENTERS AROUND THE COACHELLA VALLEY)
<BEWARE OF THE RISING TEMPERATURES!>
The Riverside County Department of Public Health issued a heat warning today for several Coachella Valley cities, as temperatures surpass 100 degrees.
High temperatures are expected to last through the week, and cooling centers around the desert have opened.
Officials encourage anyone susceptible to heat, such as the elderly and families with young children, to visit cooling centers, which provide snacks, water, activities and resource information.
LOCAL COOLING CENTERS INCLUDE:
*Indio Senior Center, 45-700 Aladdin St., Indio
Boys & Girls Club of Desert Hot Springs, 66-150 8th St., Desert Hot Springs
The Golden Rainbow Senior Center, 700 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs
For hours and a full list of local cooling centers, visit rivcohealthdata.org
<THE FOLLOWING
FREE HEALTH CARE CLINIC COMING SOON TO INDIO
<INFORMATION CAME FROM MYDESERT.COM>
BY XOCHITL PENA
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will discuss spending $335,800 to purchase property in Indio for a health clinic for the medically underserved.
The clinic could take about two years to complete, so in the meantime a temporary clinic will open in September at 81-880 Dr. Carreon Blvd., Suite B103.
We will see patients there until the other building is completed, said Ron Hare, president of Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine.
The nonprofit organization founded in 2007 will run the clinic, which is intended to provide primary care services such as preventive care, chronic illness management, internal medicine, pediatrics and womens services.
It would be located along Avenue 48 in Indio, just west of Jackson Street and the Coachella city border.
It would serve those residents who fall through the cracks Hare said, because they cant afford health insurance but dont qualify for state or federal government programs.
According to a Volunteers in Medicine Feasibility study conducted in 2007, there are almost 25,000 people who fall under the poor and uninsured category in Coachella, Indio and the eastern unincorporated areas of the county who could benefit from a free clinic.
Hare suspects that the need has only increased in the years since the study because of the struggling economy.
The clinic would be staffed by volunteers from the medical profession such as doctors, nurses and dentists, Hare said.
Theres a need in our community and to have members of the medical profession serve in this capacity is just phenomenal, Supervisor John Benoit said.
While the Riverside County Economic Development Agency will pay for the purchase of the property at this time, the agency will be reimbursed by the Riverside County Palm Desert Finance Authority.
The authority is not associated with the city, but rather is overseen by the county to fund community projects throughout the Coachella Valley.
Its certainly going to be money well spent, Benoit said.
<THIS INFORMATION CAME FROM SPING/SUMMER 2010 v.7 No.1
IHSS PUBLIC AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER.>
IMPORTANT UPDATE ON STATE CUTS TO IHSS
WE HAVE RIGHTS TOO!
WE ARE NOT THROWAWAYS
Greg McGargill is the new chairman of the IHSS Advisory Committee. IHSS providers need to attend an information session and get a live scan done as soon as possible. As you may know, this is a State mandate and the deadline for completion has been set for June 30, 2010.
We are waiting to learn what the final word from the Governors office will be on the IHSS proposed budget. It is never too late to contact your local State representatives and let them know how In-Home Supportive Services has made a difference in your life.
The riverside County IHSS Advisory committee meets the first Thursday of every month.
To find out about committee openings or meeting times and locations contact:
IHSS Advisory Committee 1-888-470-4477
Email: IHSSPublicAuthority@riversidedpss.org
With the States budget in crisis, it is critical that every dollar allocated to the IHSS program be used appropriately so funding will remain available for the eligible blind, aged and all Persons with disABILITIES.
IHSS fraud harms the stability of the IHSS program by weakening the financial foundation of the program - a program that was developed to help the blind, aged and persons with disABILITIES remain safely in the own home. If you know someone who is committing IHSS fraud, do your part by reporting the situation; please call the DPSS Special Investigations Unit at 951-358-3200
Did you know?
The Fraud Early Detection Unit (FRED) helps prevent fraud BEFORE it happens. Last year the FRED unit reported a total Cost Avoidance of $1.762,379.
FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO
***** FIREWORKS ON THE 5TH OF JULY? ****
On July 5th Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians put on a fireworks display Monday to fill the gap left when Indio canceled its holiday festivities. Budget crunches forced several cities to cancel their holiday celebrations, and, in some cases, businesses and private donors stepped in to fill the gap. (Marilyn Chung The Desert Sun)
ACCESSIBLE HOTLINE DEPARTMENT
Neil J. enjoys video games, and one day in the future he woud like to design his own game. He works the closing shift at Include Me Inc. Along with other duties he assists by manning the Hotline, answers questions, provides computer support to co-workers,and closing the office down at the end of the day entails many impotant duties! Neil also teaches the Regional Ocupational Program (ROP) students and the Greater Avenues for Independece Program (GAIN) Ladies how to use computers, and encourages them to ask questions if they see him do something they do not know how to do.
Neil has been working here on a regular basis since some time after the Fourth of July, 2009. And what a great pleasure it has been for IMI to have his skills here with us! He mentions,
*I am happy working here, and glad to see those we help obtain jobs, with no small amount of pride when they are able to do so thanks with the skills we teach, whether simple office skills such as working the phones, or typing skills instilled through hours of practice on our typing tutor programs.*
<SECTION FOR GAIN & ROP PROJECT>
**My time here at Include Me, Inc.**
Hello, my name is Mayra I have been at IMI ever since I entered the ROP banking class with Mrs. Valles; even though my course ended I decided to stay here at IMI to be a volunteer for the summer.
The reason I decided to stay here at IMI was because of the happy, energetic, and wonderful people I get to see every day I come in.
I really have learned a lot here and I am really thankful for that since the skills they have thought me here are truly going to help me in the professional world. Besides all of the new skills I have acquired here at IMI what I believe is the best thing that turned out was all of the new relationships I have established with a close bond with every person here at IMI. They really are wonderful people and I hope to remain close with them for a long time!
**ROP BECOMING A IMI TEAM MEMBER**
Hi, my name is Melissa A. Im a ROP from Mrs. Valles, Banking and Financial Services Instructor Career Technical Education student and Im about to finish this program. The time that Ive been here at Include Me has helped me increase more my optimism for life ahead and my skills in handling phones, typing, faxing and copying, also doing Quick Books for accounting. It also has helped me interact with other people and to be familiar of how business is like. I will continue on for the summer so that I can learn more about Quickbooks, this will be a great asset for my future.
IMI is truly lucky to have Melissa on board with us through the summer 2010!
SPANISH SPEAKERS
IMI would like to welcome Spanish Speakers to our services. Starting with our new Mission Statement Page, IMI includes both English and Spanish profiles.
In the future, IMI will try to continue and accommodate more Spanish Speaking clients. Gracias!
Bienvenidos a la pagina de Include Me Inc., Include Me Inc. es una oragnisacion comprometida a la inclusion de todoas las personas discapasitadas en el vivir communitario. En esta corporasion nos dedicamos a ayudar a jente con todo tipo de discapasidades. Los ayudamos con proporsionarles cualqiuer ayuda que ellos necesiten a ningun costo o cargo para ellos. Ejemplos de como conseguimos esto es por medio de diseno acsesible, empleo, vivenda, y transporte. Aqui en Include Me Inc. solo podra encontara un excelente equipo de personas amables, listas, y dispuestas a ayudarle en cualquier problema, o necesidad que usted tenga. Aqui siempre los reciviremos con un gran servicio, sonrisa, y sinceridad.
TRANSLATED BY MAYRA A.(ROP)
<Another energetic ROP, very happy, smart, smily, hard working individual staying as an Summer IMI team member.>
Advocacy Department
The Advocacy Department (AD) has been using www.caljobs.com, which has been adequate for Job search. Recently, Advocacy Department has learned about a new site, www.rivcoedajobs.com. If you have any difficulties to sign up, as a new user, you may come in the WFC and they can give you assistance in helping you!
There is limited jobs in general at this time. There are many persons with disABILITIES looking for a job.
The AD has been busy with phone calls about housingand or employment.
If you have any questions or concerns with these issues please contact this department.
The Accessible Design Department (ADD)
At this time, this Department is working on safe accessible route from the bus stop to the front door to the doctors offices at JFK hospital. They are also working on accessibility on Monroe street.
In 100 Palms has yet built urban housing its on the list to be looked at in Thermal.
In the City of Coachella, IMI will be advising on the accessibility at the City Hall.
There are other projects in works.
The Work Study/ Marketing (WS/M)
This department has been jumping up
and down from all the exciting pieces being produced by a couple new young adults, which we are so lucky to have these new faces and talent in the (WS/M) department. We produced a PowerPoint thanking all our dedicated Volunteers and Sponsors of 2009-2010. This PowerPoint will go on the community bulletin Board on Time Warner channel 17 or 120.
Without our volunteers and sponsors
IMI could not go on, as we are a non-profit organization. Our fees have been free, since the doors opened IN 2001.
Another marketing tool IMI joined
*FACEBOOK*, a networking site world wide.
*FACEBOOK* Platform in 2006 so our developers could create applications that allows our users to share and stay connected. Now, over a million developers are helping make the Web more social.*
If you have a *FACEBOOK* account please join Include Me Inc. (IMI), as a group.
If you have any comments or questions about this web page contact:
IMI-Wk-Study@co.riverside.ca.us or 760-863-2468.
Any complaints you see with obstructions in any place
Please contact our Hotline:
IMI-Access2@co.riverside.ca.us 760- 863-2526
Please come back and visit us soon again!
Until then BE GOOD, and BE SAFE AND STAY COOL! ^_^
IF YOU DO NOT PLAY EVERYDAY, YOU LOSE THAT FINE EDGE... SNOOPY (CHARLES SCHULZ)
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