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CenterPoint
A Publication of: Options for Independent Living - Serving 17 Counties in Northeast WI and the Fox Valley: Brown, Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago
Fall Issue 2014
From the Director
By Thomas J. Diedrick, Executive Director
Voter Photo ID Law No Longer in Effect
Wisconsin’s controversial Voter ID Law requiring all voters to have picture identification card when voting was stayed by the U.S. Supreme Court recently. The Courts rationale for staying the requirement was the law would create a hardship for people with disabilities and those who are older to go to the Division of Motor Vehicles to obtain the necessary photo identification card in time for the November election. As a result, this would possibly stop some from exercising their constitutional right to vote.
It is very likely additional court proceedings to determine the constitutionality of the law will continue after the elections. But for now, individuals will not be required to show a photo ID. See more information on what you need to know to vote in the November 4th election on page 4.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
Expect. Employ. Empower.Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. The theme for 2014 is "Expect. Employ. Empower."
Even with the passing of the ADA, unemployment rates among people with disabilities are far lower than their counterparts without disabilities. We have to work hard to show the valuable contributions people with disabilities can make in today’s workforce. NDEAM is an important avenue to create public awareness in an effort to educate employers across the nation on the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.
NDEAM is held annually and led by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, but its true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level across the nation every year. Employers of all sizes and in all industries are encouraged to participate in NDEAM. For more information on NDEAM contact the ODEP website at .
Inside this Issue...
3. Options Peer Volunteer Prog. & New Dementia Care AT Prog. 4. Benefits Corner—Medicare Part D & Options Launches New Website 5. Info on Voting 6. Options HOME Prog & New Staff 7. Consumer Spotlights 8. Update on MTM 9. Options Advocacy Groups 10. Fall and Winter Recreation 11. Tech Closet News 12. Support Groups meeting at Options & Family Care Update 13. WisLoan and Telework Programs 14. Options Personal Care Program & Annual Fundraising Campaign 15. For Sale Items & Go Green… sign up for CenterPoint online 16. Vision/Mission/Staff Directory
Options’ Peer Support Volunteer Program is looking for Volunteers!
Interested in volunteering with Optionsfor Independent Living as a peer support volunteer? The purpose of peer support is for a volunteer with a disability to assist a peer on the road to successfully living independently. As a peer mentor, you will be matched with an individual with a disability to talk about goals, discuss barriers, share life experiences and learn about empowerment.
Training is provided for volunteers. Please contact Mackenzie Egan at (920) 882-9309 or with any questions and to get your application today!
New Dementia Care Program Focuses on Assistive Technology
At Home with Dementia: Assistive Technology Support is a unique program developed to address the home safety needs of individuals with dementia and to assist their caregivers through the use of assistive technology. Home assessments are provided free of charge by trained specialists. Specialists come into the home and assess the needs of the individual with dementia in an effort to: improve or maintain physical and emotional health;improve safety;improve independence; enhance the care giving experience by reducing stress; and lengthen the amount of time the person can safely remain in their own home. The Specialist will then provide recommendations for the individual and caregiver.
At Home with Dementia serves those with dementia in Brown, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties. It is a collaboration among the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Brown County, N.E.W. Curative Rehabilitation and Options for Independent Living Inc. For more information contact Stacie Scheibe, Options Dementia Care AT Specialist at 920-490-8270, ext. 187 or toll-free at 888-465-1515, ext. 187 or LaReina Tipping, Home Safety Assessment Specialist at N.E.W. Curative, 920-593-3521.
Thisprogram is funded through a Basic Needs Giving Grant, a Partnership of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, including the U.S. Venture Open Fund for Basic Needs, the J.J. Keller Foundation, and donors of the Community Foundation.
Benefits CornerIt’s Medicare Part D Enrollment Time
Medicare Part D open enrollment for 2015 is October 15 through December 7. This is a time to reassess your plan choice if you are already a beneficiary. You can sign up for a new prescription drug plan, switch to a different plan or disenroll from a plan. It is important to review and compare your plan choices to make sure your plan is meeting your needs. Prescription drug plans change and new plans are available that may offer you better coverage and/or save you money.
There are a few things to consider when looking at prescription drug plans. You want to make sure the plan covers the medications you currently take. In addition to your monthly premium, you should look at your expected out-of-pocket costs. You may also want to find out which pharmacies you can use under different plans.
For help comparing drug plans available in your area, you can check out the Medicare Plan Finder online at You can also call the Medicare Part D Disability Drug Benefit Helpline at 1-800-926-4862, or the Medigap Prescription Drug Helpline for beneficiaries over age 60 at 1-855-677-2783.
Options Launches Its New Website!
Options for Independent Livingis pleased to announce the launch of our new website! Utilizing a new Content Management System (CMS) website, our staff is able to quickly and easily update the site without complicated programming or software. In addition, the website offers more accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and includes a number of new features including a prominent Accessibility Toolbar where users can:
Change the font size and style
Increase readability by eliminating graphics
Convert text to speech and much more
The updated Options website also includes:
Online newsletters with current and past issues – a “green initiative” saving paper and money.
Act Now – an advocacy mailing list where you can sign up to receive the latest legislative updates via email or mail.
Recent News and Events - prominently featured on the Home page to keep readers up to date.
Showcase Model Home – featuring a photo gallery of the latest in adaptive equipment and technology.
And so much more.
We encourage you to go to to view the website. We welcome your feedback on the site.
Important things you will need to know about voting in the November 4th Election...
Prepared by Fair Elections Legal Network. Visit us at For questions or more information, call 1-866-OUR-VOTE or visit 866OURVOTE.org.
1. Late registration at clerk’s office until: Oct. 31 **Election Day Registration is available**
2. Last day to apply for ballot by mail: Oct. 30 (Oct. 31 if in-person)
3. Last day to return ballot by mail: Nov. 4, or postmarked by Nov. 4 and received by Nov. 7
4. Early voting available: Oct. 20 to 31
Election Day Hours: Election Day polling place hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. *Early voting hours vary by location.
Polling Places: If you need to find a polling place for your area, a polling place locator can be found online at GAB’s website: or call your local municipal clerk’s office.
How Can I Vote?
By Mail — Wisconsin does not require an excuse to vote absentee. Wisconsin voters can submit the Application for Absentee Ballot (found at to their local elections official or deliver it to the office. Requests must be received by mail, email, or fax by 5 p.m. on October 30 or completed in the general registrar’s office by 5 p.m. on Oct. 31. Completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Nov. 4 postmarked no later than Nov. 4 and received by the municipal clerk by 4 p.m. on Nov. 7.
Early In-Person Absentee — Voters can vote early at their municipal clerk’s office. Check with your municipal clerk for office hours. Find your clerk at My Vote Wisconsin ( by searching for your voter record or performing an address search. Early (In-Person Absentee) Voting now only runs on weekdays for two weeks before an election, ending at 5 p.m. or the close of business (whichever is later) on the Friday before the election (Oct. 20 - 31).
On Election Day at the Polls — You can also vote at your assigned polling place on Election Day. Not registered? Not a problem. You can register at the polling place with proof of residence. The polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
For questions or more information, call 1-866-OUR-VOTE or visit 866OURVOTE.org.
“I believe that voting is the first act of building a community as well as building a country.” ~ John Ensign~
Don’t forget to Vote!
Options has HOME funds for Home Accessibility, Rehabilitation, or Repair
Options for Independent Living, Inc. has received federal funding through the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Housing to administer the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME Loan Program). The HOME Loan Program provides deferred no-payment and no interest loans to low or moderate income persons with a disability and those who are older for the purpose of making accessibility improvements and general home improvements or repairs to their single family home. The loan must be paid back when the property is sold, transferred or ceases to be the borrower’s principal place of residence.
Types of projects include (but not limited to) ramp construction, bathroom, kitchen and bedroom modifications, along with general housing rehabilitation and repairs. The counties served by this program include Brown (outside Green Bay City limits), Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago Counties. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements to be considered for a loan. For more information contact Steve LaFrombois at Options, 920-490-0500 or toll-free at 1-888-465-1515, ext. 122.
Options Welcome New Staff!!
Stacy Schultz, Work Incentives Benefits Specialist— I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay with a degree in human development and psychology. In the past I worked as an eligibility specialist for a foster care funding program with the Department of Children and Families.In my free time I enjoy playing with my kids, reading and spending time on our boat in the summer.I’m excited to be involved with this agency and I look forward to getting to know everyone here.
Stacie Scheibe—Hello my name is Stacie Scheibe. I am the new Dementia Care Technology Specialist and IL Coordinator at Options for Independent Living. I am a recent graduate from Fox Valley Technical College in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. As a Dementia Care Technology Specialist, I provide individuals with dementia and the family/caregiver, recommendations on how technology can help keep them independent and safe at home. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family hiking, biking, or playing board games. I also enjoy exploring new recipes to cook. My motto is “always remember it is not the years you have lived that are counted, but the life in those years.”
Consumer Spotlights
By: Amanda Mayer (a personal care program consumer)
My name is Amanda. I am 17 years old and a senior in high school. I enjoy working on my iPad and hanging out with my friends and family. I want to go to college at UW-Whitewater next year to major in Information Technology. I have planned to go there since I was in 7th grade.
The biggest moment of my high school career was getting to be the Queen of my Junior Prom. It was a very special night for me because I had no idea it was going to be me. I couldn't ask for a better class than the one I have. It goes to show that if you think your classmates don't think of you that much, you are wrong. One group of people can come together and make something special happen for a person who they care about, even if it's a person with a disability.“Just remember that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”
By Jeff Pagels (former consumer, former Para Olympian and now author of his biography “Always Climbing Higher”).
My impetus for writing this book was firstly to leave a legacy behind for my grandchildren who are still quite young. However, the book has become much more than a cross off on my bucket list. Many people have commented that the book is, “a great read”, “very inspiring,” “humorous, but with a message of hope” to mention a few.
To me, the adventures I have had in the past 30 years do not seem overwhelming, but all of them together in one package does make one wonder how many times a human being can be knocked down but rise to fight another day. Thanks to Options for Independent Living for helping me spread the word about “Always Climbing Higher”!
Where to get the book...it can be found at Home Medical Equipment (Green Bay),Independent Mobility, Amazon.com, Kindle ebooks, or direct from me. (Contact me at or 920-366-5731).
Update on MTM, the transportation provider for those on Medical Assistance
In August 2013 MTM, Inc. began providing Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) brokerage services for those on Medical Assistance, a contract previously held by LogistiCare Solutions, LLC. Concurrent with the new contract, the State implemented several new procedures for oversight and quality control. But problems continue with the provision of service for those who rely on this type of transportation.
Currently the Legislative Audit Bureau is completing an audit of MTM and the brokerage system to determine if it is right for WI citizens and cost effective for our State. If you are having problems with MTM or have had problems that went unresolved and now you chose not to use their services, we still need your input. Please take the following steps:
First, if you have not done this, file a complaint with MTM. You can contact MTM directly on their “We Care” line at (866) 436-0457. Make sure you have the ride number and the date of your ride reservation. You may also file a complaint online at You can also ask MTM to elevate the complaint to the Ombudsman at MTM, Sunja Bennett . We are aware of the long wait times when you call and the frustration felt by many, therefore if you choose not to take this step please take the next two!
Second, contact your legislator and tell your story. The purpose of the audit is to determine if this model of NEMT transportation management is not only cost effective for the Wisconsin taxpayers, but also the right way to provide medical assistance trips for WI citizens. Your input will help legislators in determining this by hearing from those who use MTM.
Third, and this is the most important. File a complaint with the Legislative Audit Bureau Fraud, Waste and Mismanagement Hotline. The Audit Bureau is in the midst of performing the audit and will use feedback and information from those actually using MTM. If possible, have your trip number and date of trip/s which were a problem available when you call. If you are no longer using MTM tell them why and what you are doing now for transportation to your medical appointments. The phone number is 1-877-FRAUD-17 (1-877-372-8317).
Please let your voice be heard. Together we can make a difference! If you have any questions or would like assistance with an MTM concern, please contact Sandy Popp at Options, 920-490-0500 or toll-free at 1-888-456-1515, ext. 179. Thank you!
Find Options on facebook!!
Options for Independent Living can be found on “facebook.” Check it out for up to date happenings, news, and information, etc. Then go ahead and like us on “facebook.”
Grassroots Advocacy Groups meet in Green Bay & Sheboygan
You may be asking, what is a grassroots advocacy group? Well it originates among concerned citizens, rather than organizations or companies. People come together in a grassroots advocacy movement when there is an issue which they feel is not being resolved or addressed appropriately and try to make a change.
Anyone can engage in grassroots advocacy.
Coming together with others can increase the power of grassroots movements by creating a united group of concerned citizens.
Through funding from the Independent Living Council of Wisconsin, Options hosts two grassroots advocacy groups who meet in Green Bay & Sheboygan.
Routes for Change- This Brown County group has been looking into the excessive illegal use of accessible parking spaces, restaurant accessibility, and increased accessible transportation alternatives for the Green Bay area. Routes for Change meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month. To join Routes for Change or for further information, contact Vicky Lasch, Options IL Coordinator, at 920-490-8270, ext. 179 or toll-free at 1-888-465-1515, ext. 113.