FALL 2013 GREATER BAY: PROGRAMS & SERVICES IN YOUR COMMUNITY
EMPLOYMENT AND MS RESOURCES The National MS Society recognizes the critical connection between economic security and quality of life. Throughout the course of living with multiple sclerosis, many people will have to deal with a changing status in the workforce prior to being able to apply for Social Security retirement. An individual’s sense of security is unique given levels of household income, age, savings, dependents, career paths and lifestyle, but many federal and state government programs and legislation that people with MS may eventually access are the same.
HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE, STATE DISABILITY, ACCESSING JOB RETRAINING OR UNDERSTANDING APPLICABLE LAWS FOR YOUR CURRENT JOB? At the Northern California Chapter, we have a comprehensive approach to address workforce shifts that our members experience. On our website you will find a collection of critical links and recorded teleconferences that address key issues such as applying for California State Disability Insurance, Federal Social Security Disability Insurance, disclosing your disability, and career changes. Another great resource is the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). JAN is available to both employees and employers for free and is funded by the US Department of Labor. This is a resource which helps people
with disabilities continue to succeed in the job they already have. JAN is the leading source of expert and confidential technical assistance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Also recommended is www.Disabilitybenefits101.org. This website clearly defines the differences between benefits and resources available to people with disabilities. Accessing these tools may help answer many of your questions. Our chapter is here to help you consider your choices. If you need to talk with someone, you can call 1-800-3444867 and connect with a trained individual consultant who will help you consider the different choices. â—Š
FIND EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES ONLINE You can access these employment resources online at www.NationalMSSociety.org/can. Click on the Programs and Services tab in the middle of the page.
08 UPCOMING PROGRAMS Free From Falls Thursdays, October 10th - December 5th 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Samuel Merritt University 3100 Telegraph Ave., Oakland Studies indicate that falls are quite common among people with MS, are often associated with injuries and have a negative impact on quality of life. The National MS Society has developed a new fall prevention program with an eightweek curriculum designed for people living with MS who are ambulatory but may be at risk for falling. Discussion, exercise and group and individual activities are elements of this engaging format where participants will learn about fall risks, tips and strategies to reduce risk for falling and exercises to enhance balance and safety. A supportive group atmosphere and expert instructors in the field of rehabilitation, health and wellness will help each participant develop a personal plan to maximize safety. Each week’s two-hour program will have two parts; a discussion component focused on awareness of issues related to falls and an exercise component directed to improving postural alignment, balance, endurance and mobility. You must be able to walk at least 15 steps unaided or with only one cane, crutch or walking stick to participate in this program
GREATER BAY: PROGRAMS & SERVICES FALL 2013 8th Annual MS Family Day Saturday, October 26th 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. UCSF, Millberry Union Conference Center, City Lights Room, 500 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco Are you part of a family with children and teenagers living with MS and related conditions? If so, please join us to connect with other families like yours, share resources and inspirational stories about overcoming the challenges of MS and learn more about the most recent research from the UCSF Regional Pediatric MS Center. Children and teenagers in attendance will have the opportunity to participate together in a fun and creative project. Lunch will be served and parking is complimentary. To register please contact Elsa Casillas at 415-353-3939 or Elsa.Casillas@ ucsfmedctr.org.
Newly Diagnosed Orientation Wednesday, November 6th 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. NMSS San Francisco Office 1700 Owens St., Suite 190, San Francisco Are you newly diagnosed with MS? A diagnosis of MS can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing. This program will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed as well as family and friends who want to learn more. Join National MS Society staff to discover resources and get answers to some of your MS questions.
REGISTER AT NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG/CAN | 1-800-344-4867
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MS Connection Dinner and Networking Event Tuesday, November 12th 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Ed Roberts Campus 3075 Adeline, Suite 220, Berkeley Connecting with others with similar life experiences can be powerful for positive personal change. Come meet others who live with MS or care about someone who lives with MS at this dinner and networking event. You’ll learn about the programs and services of the National MS Society and have the opportunity to help create holiday crafts to spread MS awareness. Please call 1-800-3444867 for more information. Registration is required by Friday, November 8th.
Registration is required for all programs. To register, please visit our Program Calendar online at www.nationalMSsociety.org/can or call 1-800-344-4867.
NEW STUDY FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH WALKING AND BALANCE Do you have problems walking or keeping your balance? Have you fallen in the last 12 months? You might want to call about participating in a study looking at placing small amounts of weight on the body to see if it improves your ability to balance and move more easily. Volunteers will come to Samuel Merritt University in downtown Oakland once for about four hours. As a participant, you will be asked to complete several surveys and tests that measure how well you can maintain your balance and see how well you can stand up, walk, and turn. You will be allowed to rest whenever you need it. As a thank you for participating, you will be given two free movie tickets when you complete the study. Gail Widener, Ph.D., and Diane Allen, PT, Ph.D. are the researchers conducting this study funded by the National Institutes of Health. If you are interested please contact the Research Laboratory at Samuel Merritt University at 510-869-6511, extension 4411.
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MS CONNECTION: FALL 2013
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Central Valley • Newly Diagnosed Orientation on November
5th from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in Modesto • Christmas Stories: The Radio Plays on December 15th at 2:00 p.m. in Modesto
Greater Sacramento • Mix and Mingle Networking Hour on
October 16 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. in Sacramento Newly Diagnosed Orientation on November 7th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in Carmichael Newly Diagnosed Orientation on November 7th from 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. in Chico Navigating Employment and Benefit Options on November 12th and 13th from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in Vacaville Coping with MS on November 20th from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in Sacramento
• 2nd Annual Time to Trim the Tree on
November 12th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in Santa Clara • Bunco on December 10th from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Santa Clara
SELF-HELP GROUPS ALAMEDA COUNTY
• Alameda - Sharon: 510-521-6260, Ray: •
th
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North Bay • Newly Diagnosed Orientation on November
6th from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. in Petaluma • Navigating Employment and Benefit Options on October 26th from 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. in Bayside
South Bay • Morning Mingle on October 17th,
November 21st and December 19th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Santa Clara • Newly Diagnosed Orientation on November 5th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Santa Clara
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510-522-5210 Berkeley: Lunch Group (meets periodically) - Toni: 510-653-4534 Central Berkeley - Audrey: 510-287-6543 East Bay: Lesbians - Nora: 510-313-3862 Fremont - Kim: 510-793-0765 Oakland - Katrina 510-523-1891 Oakland: African Americans - Karen: 510757-3290 Oakland: Latinos - Elsa: 510-777-1414
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
• Brentwood: MS for Lunch Bunch - Kathy:
925-286-7674, Julie: 925-513-4686 • Mt. Diablo (Concord) - Cindy: 925-6770737, Jan: 925-372-0859 • El Cerrito - Elizabeth: 510-549-2154
MARIN COUNTY
• Corte Madera (Group does not meet in
July or August) - Vicki: 415-892-7370, Anita: 415-892-5548
SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY
• San Francisco: Young at Heart Group -
George: 415-724-0064, Ann: 415-573-8949
SAN MATEO COUNTY
• Foster City - Eli: 650-377-1970 • San Mateo - George: 650-281-7646