Message from the new SABE Chairman, James Meadours;
Dear SABE members,
We want to welcome our new board. This issue of the newsletter will introduce
them to you. I feel like the next two years is going to be really exciting
for us, because we want to get closer to the grass roots than we ever have
been. We want to hear what the groups in the different regions want. For
example, some groups may want to close institutions, and we want to help
you with that. We also want the regional representatives to get to know you.
If you have a state conference, we are willing to be involved.
We are willing to help state self-advocacy organizations that need help.
We also hope to organize some meetings for the regions--several states coming
together to organize at the regional level. We have helpful tools, like the
Self-Advocacy Startup Tool Kit, the Direct Action video, and the Respect
CD, but we are also willing to come and help your state if you need it. We
can also help the advisors to network and learn good ways to support groups.
We know that advisors sometimes have really tough issues or need emotional
support, and we want to help them stay motivated. If we don't have good advisors,
some groups would fall apart.
If you want someone to come to your conference or help you in other ways,
we have four wonderful officers besides me, and we have 13 other representatives
who can help. I believe that other people (not just myself) should have
opportunities to spread the word. This builds confidence and leadership
potential.
If you have any questions or want to talk to me about anything, I am willing
to talk to you by phone (225-927-0855) or by email
jetsttr31@aol.com and I will respond.
Sincerely,
Your Chairperson,
James R. Meadours
*********************************
Region Reports
Michael Rogers and Katchen Helwig of Region 1 represent Alaska, Idaho,
Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
From Michael Rogers: During my childhood I lived in San Antonio, Texas and
moved to the state of Washington when I was 16. I did swimming my senior
year in high school and I was the first one on the school swim team with
a disability. One of my first self-advocacy experiences was when I had to
crawl up the steps in my high school to take the weight lifting class. I
really didn’t think of it as a self-advocacy thing...I just got ticked.
The following year someone sued the school district and they made the class
available to everyone....they put a ramp in so that anybody could participate
in the class. My next major undertaking with self-advocacy was making the
Capitol Campus accessible back in 1987. I did this as a project when I was
a participant in the Leadership Institute that was and is funded by our DDC.
A few years ago I wrote and pushed the passage of Senate Bill 1702 which
is better known as the “Wheel Chair Lemon Law”.
Almost 4 years ago I began my employment in state government. Before that
time I worked for Sears and Mervyns and People First of Washington.
One of my other accomplishments I am proud of is making both parties accessible
in their meeting sights using public accommodations instead of private homes
that were inaccessible....this happened way before the ADA was around.
My life at this point is complete...I’m in a wonderful relationship,
I have a job that gives me a livable income, and I’m also involved with
People First as a trainer with Reaching My Own Greatness. I would prefer
to do public speaking about self-determination more often.
Katchen Helwig reports: I live in Anchorage, Alaska and have been a SABE
representative for Region 8 since 1996. I serve on the PR Committee for SABE.
I have been active in People First of Alaska since 1995. I am a mother of
a four months old son. His name is Davanta. I am a stay-at-home Mom. I have
taken Davanta to the last two SABE quarterly board meetings including the
conference in Rhode Island. When I have time I like to go to the movies,
shop at the malls, go out to eat, and I like to travel.
The Rhode Island conference was interesting. I especially liked the conference
being in downtown Providence. I think the most important thing that we all
learned was how to be better advocates for ourselves and other people. I
did a workshop on being a new mother at the conference.
Teresa Moore and Joseph Buchroeder of Region 2 represent Hawaii, California,
Arizona, and Nevada.
From Joseph Buchroeder: I am the region 2 representative from Ventura,
California. I have been on the board since 1996. I am currently employed
at Tri-Counties Regional Center as a consumer advocate serving Ventura County.
Tri-Counties web page is:
http://www.tri-counties.org. Some
of my major accomplishments are the SABE web page design and building computer
learning centers for an Arc facility.
The Rhode Island National Conference was great and could not have been held
at a better place. But I found it a bit distracting because of the Chris
Burke band. I think it took the focus away from self-advocacy and every one
was more interested in the band.
Beverly Stevens and Ben Borroel of Region 3 represent New Mexico, Utah,
Colorado and Wyoming.
From Beverly Stevens: I am the Co-Chair for the National Self-Advocates Becoming
Empowered (SABE) board and I am also Chair for the SABE Public Relations
Committee. I am now a Self-Advocates Specialist for the Wyoming Governor’s
Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities. I want to see people with
disabilities get their independence. That is why I am really involved with
People First. I have been involved with People First since 1992. I was the
1st President of People First of Wyoming! I do lots of trainings for Parents
and Self-Advocates! I am buying a home, like to go bowling, swimming and
play Bingo.
Going to a National or International Conference is always an exciting experience
for me. This year in Rhode Island, the best part I enjoyed was seeing people
I don't see much and meeting new people from across the USA. At the open
ceremony, I think it is neat how we carry the flags of our states! I was
very busy selling SABE items. I think we sold a lot. I think we got a lot
of new members that joined SABE! That is exciting to me! Doing elections
for new Representatives and National Officers was exciting but then it is
sad at the same time. Sad, because of seeing the old members off but then
it was exciting to get new faces on as new members on board! The old members
can still be involved with SABE. With the old members backing down and accepting
the new members going to the meetings, the new members will become strong
like the old members have become. Chris Burke from "Life Goes On" show was
ok.
From Ben Borroel: I would like you to know that I am very excited to serve
as a newly elected regional representative for Region 3 and I live in the
great state of Colorado. I am a happily married man and we are working on
our 8th year of marriage. I am involved in a lot of non-profit organizations
such as Speaking For Ourselves, People First, Housing Advocacy Coalition
and now Self Advocates Becoming Empowered. I enjoyed Rhode Island very much
for the fact it gave me the opportunity of meeting people around the world.
Joe Wrinkle and Natalie Maychrzak of Region 4 represent Kansas, Missouri,
Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
From Joe Wrinkle: I was born on March 31, 1947 in Aurora, Missouri area.
We moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1952. I went to a regular school and
then in 1966 I was drafted into the U.S. Army. I was honorably discharged
in 1967. In 1987 I joined People First of Kansas City and now look at me.
People First of Missouri is getting more connected throughout the state.
There are 6 VISTA volunteers who are starting and supporting chapters. We
now have over 40 chapters. We stay connected throughout the state via computer:
www.missouripeoplefirst.org
in the conference room, chat room and etc.) I am also becoming more connected
across my SABE Region. I have been working with self-advocates interested
in changing the name of the now Division of MR/DD to Division of D.D. In
Rhode Island, I participated in the board meeting and then the flag rehearsal.
The rest of the conference, I was not able to attend because I was in the
hospital with some heart problems. I was there from September 1-6, when I
flew home to Independence, Missouri. I am feeling better now and I am finally
back at work. I'll be seeing a cardiologist about my heart problems in the
next few weeks. He okayed me to go to Washington, D.C. for Project
Leadership.
From Natalie Maychrzak: My name is Natalie Maychrzak. I am the People First
delegate representing Region 4. I am currently the President of Good People
Self Advocacy Group in Dickinson, North Dakota and a member of the Board
of Directors for People First of North Dakota. I have been a part of the
self-advocacy movement since 1993. I am one of the founding members of People
First in North Dakota. I have testified before the State Legislature twice,
written our local ARC for assistance, and attended several state conferences.
I have also helped advocate for changes in our local taxi system. I'm eagerly
looking forward to representing Region 4 to the best of my ability. I really
feel fortunate that I was able to attend the 5th National Self Advocacy
Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. Rhode Islanders were very hospitable
and helpful. I learned a lot and received a refresher course in Rights and
Responsibilities. This will be a great help in assisting our local self-advocates
in knowing their rights. I traveled to an area otherwise I may never have
experienced. Thanks to our self-advocacy movement and its supporters.
Todd Gatewood and Betty Williams of Region 5 represent Minnesota, Iowa,
Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.
From Todd Gatewood: Hello, I’m Todd Gatewood and I’m the newly
elected representative for Region 5. I am from Ohio. I live in a small town
northwest from Columbus, about an hour and a half from Columbus. The name
of the town is Coshocton. I currently live in my own home by myself with
aids coming in all the time to help me. Before I moved into my own place,
I was living in a fifty bed nursing facility just outside of Coshocton. I
lived there for about eleven years before moving in my own home. I’ve
been on my own for four years now and I love it. I have a job as a trainer.
I train people on how to use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
devices. I travel around the state doing trainings. As far as advocacy work
goes. I am a member of the Ohio DD Council where I’m the chair of the
Leadership Committee. I’m also on several state committees. I’m
also a founding board member of our statewide advocacy group, People First
of Ohio.
I've testified in front of both the House and Senate for an abuse bill. Being
a new member of SABE and a regional rep, I hope to contribute a lot to SABE
and to help change things. The conference was super, to see self-advocates
come from across the country come together and share a common goal, to get
the word out that hey, we have rights like anybody else. The opening ceremonies
I thought really set the tone of the conference. I just hope I can contribute
a lot to SABE and I am very much looking forward working on the board. I
thank you.
From Betty Williams: My name is Betty Williams. I am one of the new
representatives for Region 5. I am from Richmond, Indiana. I am in college
studying Social Work. I would like to be a policy advocate someday in the
area of developmental disability. I have been involved with a task force
called 317 Taskforce. I was not an official member but I attended many of
their meetings. The taskforce put together a plan for person centered planning
and getting people out of the institutions. The President of our state group
and myself went into the institutions while this planning was going on.
I am the new President of the state group called Self Advocates of Indiana.
I will start leading the group in December. We want to be very busy making
Self-Determination happen in our lives all over the state.
The President of our State group, Darcus Nim, and myself went around our
state starting new groups and reenergizing some other groups. I am also in
the Project Leadership class. That has been a wonderful experience learning
about the Federal government and learning to work with parents are two things
I have always wanted to do. I am glad to be serving on the National Board.
My experience with the conference was very positive. It made me want to get
involved with the national group. I learned a lot in some of the sessions.
Seeing people from all over the United States was good. I also liked the
young woman who was going around taking pictures. She had her own session
on that subject. I also liked the ACT sessions.
Elouise Woods and Edward Sewell of Region 6 represent Alabama, Georgia,
Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and
Florida.
Elouise Woods reports: I am a Self-Advocate Facilitator with People First
of Tuscaloosa. I work for my local People First chapter. I help to schedule
chapter meetings and help organize activities. I also help to recruit new
members. I speak at high schools and programs in the area. I have worked
in this position since 1993. I currently serve as President of People First
of Alabama organization. This is the third time I have served in this office.
I have also served as President of my local group and in other offices at
the state and local level. I have been active in People First since 1986.
I helped to organize my local and state chapter. I am a representative to
Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered in Region 6. I have served on this board
since 1994. I serve on the following Boards and Task Forces: Alabama Disabilities
Advocacy Program, Civitan Rehabilitation Advocacy Board, The Board of Trustees
of the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, the Management
Steering committee for the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation,
the Wyatt Task Force on Medicaid Reform. I have presented at the following
conferences: First and Second National Conference on Self-Determination,
Southeast conference on self-determination, local and state professional
training conferences.
The Rhode Island conference was really great. I met lots of new people and
made
some great friends. I also gained a lot of confidence in myself by campaigning
for re-election as Regional representative and vice-president. My involvement
in SABE and the National conference has made me feel great about myself.
Edward Sewell reports: My name is Edward. I live in Tennessee. My region
6 represents the southeastern states. I have been on the SABE board since
1996. I serve on the budget committee. My job in People First is state treasurer.
I’ve been married for 9 years. I bought my own house. I helped to close
one of the institutions.
At the Rhode Island conference I was running for chair but James beat me.
He gave me the job of chairperson for the budget committee to help the new
treasurer.
Bill Byrnes and Bill Ohge of Region 7 represent West Virginia, Maryland
and Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
From Bill Byrne, Jr. of New Jersey and representing Region 7. My awards &
accomplishments are: 1999 - Anne Klein Advocate Award (as a member of NJ
Seeking Ways Out Together Team) - For dedicated advocacy to improve the lives
of people with developmental disabilities. Honored as one the Arc of New
Jersey’s 50 Heroes. 1998 - Graduated from Partners in Policy New Jersey
Developmental Disabilities Council. 1996 - Certificate of Achievement - Consumer
Support Network -Appreciation of support and help in the liberation of our
brothers & sisters from Northern Princeton Developmental Center. 1994
- Jane Miller Memorial Leadership Award/The New Jersey United Self-Advocates.
Outstanding leadership in the field of self-advocacy. 1992 - Held a strong
campaign & helped in changing the name from the Association for Retarded
Citizens to what is currently known as the Arc. 1991 - Governor Volunteer
Award. Exemplary community service to the citizens of New Jersey. I am a
consumer representative on the Arc of New Jersey’s Board of Directors,
a member of the New Jersey Protection & Advocacy Advisory Board, a sergeant
of arms of the New Jersey United Self-Advocates, a member of Seeking Ways
Out Together Team, the Arc/Morris County Chapter Board of Directors, the
Advisory Board in Trenton, NJ, and is the Founder/President of the Unity
Club (local self-advocacy group)
My experience at Rhode Island was a very memorable one. I really enjoyed
the conference and believed it served its purpose. It was great to see old
friends. I appreciate everyone in Region #7 who voted for me, I will work
to my best capacity to help served everyone in the Region.
From Bill Ohge: My full name is: William Edward Ohge, Jr. My nickname is
Bill. I’m a new Representative from Region 7. I live very close to the
Arc of Prince George’s County (P.G.C.) and have been with the Arc program
since 1988. I have a federal Government job. For over 22 years at the same
area. I take two Metro buses to work and love it. The job is ok. I’ve
been in the same division the whole time.
And now the Fun Stuff: I am with a self-advocacy group here in Prince
George’s County, Maryland. We are about to celebrate our 10 years in
October. I am currently the Vice President of the group. I have been at every
office position with the group. Also have been on the state group. The name
of the group is: People on the Go!! That is the name for both county and
statewide. I am also on three Arc of P.G.C. Committees. You can see I like
being busy.
I thought the conference in Rhode Island was great. I made some new friends
and learned a few things. I loved the lodging if the conference. I'm shocked
and happy about my new job with the national group. The workshops were good
and I loved the Self-Advocacy Fair.
Mary Varney and Sandy Houghton of Region 8 represent Maine, New Hampshire,
Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York.
From Sandy Houghton: From Sandy Houghton: My name is Sandy Houghton and I
am a self-advocate and am one of the representatives from Region 8. I live
in Massachusetts. I have been involved in self-advocacy for some twenty odd
years both personally and now professionally.
I first got involved when I had my daughter, Susan (she was named after my
sister). In April of ‘78 she became critically ill with a rare disorder
called Alpers at the age of six months. She lived to be about 15 1/2 years.
Shortly before she passed on, I got involved with the self-advocacy movement
on a local level with the Open Door Club and in ’95 became their President
for 5 years. Around that time I got involved with the Massachusetts Developmental
Disability Council. About three years into my term I was the Massachusetts
representative to the National Developmental Disability. At this time, we
were developing a steering committee that eventually became Massachusetts
Advocates Standing Strong for which I am the treasurer for the past four
years.
While all of this is going on in my life, I found time to write a book with
another self-advocate called “Wealth Of Relationships”.
Somehow at your last conference in Tulsa, OK, I met my present husband, Dan.
He was the first person to acknowledge that I was Susie’s MOM. I need
to thank Rhode Island for sending him to me.
One of Mass. issues right now is working on changing the department name
or as it is known now, Department of Mental Retardation. We are at a point
where we are told that the new name needs to have who the department services
are and that services will not change.
One thing all of us say is we want to be treated equally. With rights comes
responsibilities and being responsible for our actions. My web page is:
http://members.aol.com/shhoughton/
James Meadours and Ronnie Meeker of Region 9 represent Arkansas, Oklahoma,
Texas, and Louisiana.
From James Meadours: I came into self-advocacy through the grass roots. I
lived in a group home in Oklahoma, and I just wanted to change my voting
card from my parents' home to the group home address. So I went to a People
First meeting, and that changed my life. In 1992 some of my self-advocacy
and church friends helped me to get out of the group home. After a couple
of years, I became President of Oklahoma People First (1993-95), and in 1994
I was elected to be a board member and officer (Treasurer) of SABE. A year
later I decided to let someone else have a chance to be president of Oklahoma
People First, and a few months later I became a VISTA Volunteer for Oklahoma
People First. I did that for two years. My job was to help local chapters
and to help the state chapter. In 1996 I was elected Co-Chair of SABE, and
in 1997 I moved to Louisiana to help start local chapters for the Louisiana
Self-Advocacy Project. I became Acting Chair of SABE this past year, but
this is the first time that I have been in this position as a result of an
election. Thank you all for electing me as Chairperson. I will do my best
to represent you well, from Washington D.C. to the grass roots.
*******************
News from Cherie Tessier, the past Regional Rep from Region 1, reports from
Washington state: “Yesterday, September 28, 2000, the superior court
voted in favor of the disabled community and parents of Oregon state. There
should no longer be any waiting list for people. This came nine months after
Oregon state closed their last state institution. The lawsuit settlement
will take effect on November 1, 2000, with the settlement of $500,000 for
the first year.”
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