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HBO documentary focuses on independent living at 50

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:03:17 +0000

HBO documentary focuses on independent living

Now that the Academy’s are near, HBO is also gearing up for a huge premiere of their own. A new documentary chronicling one woman’s experience as she assumes care of her sister with an intellectual disability is set to premiere on HBO later this month.

The film, “Raising Renee,” follows Beverly McIver and her older sister, Renee, over a six-year period. An acclaimed painter with a flourishing career in the art world, McIver casually promised her mother that she would take care of Renee, who functions at the level of a third-grader, when her mother could not.

When McIver’s mother died in 2004, she followed through on her promise, moving Renee from their mother’s home in North Carolina to live with her in Arizona. The film unravels into a deep-rooted sisterly relationship that stems from a deep caring for those in need.

The documentary, which premieres Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. ET on HBO2, follows the two sisters as they adapt to their new reality and confront the opportunity for Renee to live independently for the first time ever at age 50.

“Raising Renee” is just the latest film focusing on disability issues to appear on HBO. Please see our blog write-up on Temple Grandin that appeared earlier in 2011.

Eugenics Victims Are Compensated in North Carolina

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:00:06 +0000

A North Carolina panel has voted to pay $50,000 to each sterilized survivor under the state’s Eugenics program. North Carolina would be the first state to compensate victims of some of the programs that sterilized thousands across the country. The North Carolina Board of Eugenics approved sterilizing 7,600 people between 1929 and 1974. Let us keep our fingers crossed for the many people with disabilities being supported by our ANCOR members in North Carolina as well as others who may receive some retribution for one more violation of their basic civil rights.

Of all the states participating in this program, North Carolina had the longest and most aggressive program. In addition to the payments, the task force is also recommending continued financing for the Justice for Sterilization Victims Foundation, which has been helping to locate the victims. So far about 72 victims have been located, but the task force is suggesting that people be given up to three years to come forward.

Scioto Knowledge Center Monthly Tip – Dryer Vent Safety

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:00:12 +0000

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 fires start in laundry rooms in the United States each year. These result in 10 deaths and more than $97 million in property damage. Some of these fires can be prevented by simply cleaning the dryer vent. Lint and other possible debris can clog and build up in the dryer vent. This will cause the dryer exhaust to perform at less than optimal efficiency. This reduced airflow can result in hazardous conditions such as carbon monoxide intrusion or exhaust fires. A lack of general maintenance is normally to blame. Always remember, lint is flammable!

Following the tips below can help prevent a dryer related fire in your residence:

The lint trap needs to be cleaned with each use. Some warning signs that will be noticed if lint is build up, clothes are taking longer to dry, clothes are hotter than normal when finished, the outside of the dryer is hot and a burnt smell is evident in the room. This could also be a sign the exhaust is blocked. If you are out or asleep, do not let the dryer run.
It’s important to clean the exhaust duct occasionally. While the dryer is running, check the outside vent and make sure the exhaust air is exiting. If not, exhaust vent may be blocked or disconnected. You may need to disconnect exhaust duct to check for any blockage. Make sure all ducting is reconnected prior to using the dryer again.
It’s important to clean behind the dryer, looking for any build-up of lint. Have a certified technician clean and inspect the dryer periodically to ensure proper operation. Remember, it’s important to keep area around dryer clean and free of clutter.
Flexible plastic and foil type duct is prone to kinks or crushing, which greatly reduces air flow. Remove and replace this style with a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most manufactures call for this because it provides maximum airflow.
If drying clothes that have been in contact with volatile chemicals including gasoline, oils, and stains take extra precautions. Washing the clothing more than once will help minimize the amount of chemicals on clothing. It’s preferable to hang your clothes when drying. If necessary to dry use lowest heat setting and a cool down period to finish.
The dryer is one of the three largest users of electricity in your house. Following these tips will help it run at optimal efficiency. A thorough cleaning of your dryer may save you $15-$25 monthly depending on usage.

Make sure to visit our Knowledge Center for this and more helpful household tips.

Life As A Healthcare Provider

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:00:39 +0000

So you may be wondering what is life as a care provider like on a day-to-day basis. Well one thing is sure, everyday is unique and there is never a dull day.

A health care provider is an individual or an institution that provides preventive, curative, promotional or rehabilitative health care services in a systematic way to individuals, families or communities. A health care provider may be health care professional, an allied health professional, a community health worker or another person whom is skilled and educated in medicine nursing or other allied heath professions.

As a health care provider it is vital that the staff can effectively communicate with customers, clients and other individuals. For example, if an individual seeking help has speech, hearing or visual impairments it would be the health care providers job to ensure that they are as comfortable as possible and can be understood on all levels. Being a health care provider has its challenges on a day to day basis but the joy that comes from providing those with the help that they need is remarkable.

To see what care providing is like on a day-to-day basis, read the story of care provider Hazel Hunt.

Staying Close to Home

admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:37 +0000

Chase and Evan Kerner were at an important juncture in their lives. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as eighth-graders, they were still living with their parents at the age of 21. The looming question was how and where they would live their adult lives.

Individuals with disabilities often outlive their parents, becoming emergencies for their county Developmental Disability boards, which must find placements for them. Resulting living environments may not be what the parents would have chosen.

The Kerner’s were determined to find a home that would empower and provide stability for their sons, but they couldn’t find a dwelling in their community that provided access to the financial assistance they needed. “As parents, however, we felt strongly that our children should be able to live in their own community,” Mrs. Kerner says.

Then Mrs. Kerner met Tim Vogel, president of Scioto. “We work with families and other support groups through the process of finding homes, as well as the process of identifying funding solutions to make them affordable,” Vogel says.

Within a few weeks Chase and Evan moved into their own condominium, hand-picked by the family, only ten minutes from their parent’s home. They are close enough to community resources to walk or ride their bikes most places. “It’s such a credit to their independence that the twins can live in their own home and feel good about what they’re doing,” says their local case manager.

“Scioto was the perfect solution,” Mrs. Kerner says. “Working with them, our choice of homes was expanded beyond dwellings that accepted government housing vouchers and into new neighborhoods. We also knew the home would be maintained.”

“My husband and I could not be more pleased with our relationship with Scioto,” she concludes. ”We will never be able to thank them enough for providing this opportunity for our family.”

Find how Scioto can help you find a home.