News
The Official Newsletter of
Spring/Summer 2013
7th Annual
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Walk in Support of Abilities Network TE
It’s almost that time of year again folks! Our 7th Annual Walkabout Abilities fundraiser has been scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 22 (rain or shine) at Goucher College in Towson, Md.
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To register, please visit our website at www.abilitiesnetwork.org. For information on Walkabout Abilities sponsorship and/or volunteer opportunities, call 410-828-7700 ext. 1229 or e-mail ldunn@abilitiesnetwork.org.
“We’re really looking forward to our [walk],” said Lee Ann Kingham, chief executive officer at Abilities Network. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we want all of our supporters out to walk with us.” On-site registration starts at 8:30 a.m., and the two-mile walk around the college’s campus begins at 9:30 a.m. Registration includes event admission, as well as a Walkabout Abilities T-shirt, refreshments, activities and entertainment for people of all ages. Early registration, before Thursday, Aug. 1, is $10 for ages 12 and up and $5 for children under 12. After that date, the cost is $15 for ages 12 and up and $10 for children under 12. Admission is free for kids 3 and under. “Let your friends know you’re walking and ask for their support with a donation; it’s easy,” Kingham said. “We hope to see you there!” Sponsorships opportunities are available for this event. Above photos courtesy of Paul Friedlander.
Are you looking for further resources offered from Abilities Network? Visit our website at www.abilitiesnetwork.org.
Connect with us online to keep current with all of the trainings, events and resources that Abilities Network has to offer!
Providing quality services since 1964
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Frequently Asked Questions Q:
My son is 28 and working part-time. I’m concerned that he doesn’t have health coverage. Does he have any options?
A:
The health insurance landscape may change very soon due to the Affordable Care Act, but right now one excellent option might be the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program. EID is a buy-in to the Medicaid program, intended for individuals with disabilities who are working even part-time, aged 18-64. There are income and asset limits, but they are a lot higher than those in other programs. The premiums range from $0 to $55 a month. EID can cover a lot for someone without insurance, and can save money for those on Medicare as well.
Sarah Says...
To learn more: Call 443-514-5034 or 1-800-637-4113 (TTY), or send an email to eid@mdod.state.md.us. Applications can be completed over the phone.
Q:
I’m involved in a billing dispute with my health insurance company. They are refusing to cover something that I believe is covered. What can I do?
A:
Try calling the Attorney General’s Health Education and Advocacy Unit (HEAU) at 410-528-1840 or 1-877-261-8807, or find them online at www.oag.state.md.us/consumer/heau.htm. This state office can appeal on your behalf. They’ll need a signed medical release and a completed complaint form, and any other supporting documents you may have. If your insurer is ignoring your requests, they’ll take notice when they get a call from HEAU.
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Who is Sarah? Support Services Manager Sarah Pinsker has been with Abilities Network/Epilepsy Foundation Chesapeake Region for almost eight years. Pinsker answers information calls about community resources, funding, and epilepsy, among other things.
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Spring/Summer 2013
I have a ten-year-old with absence seizures. What can I do to make sure her school understands her needs? Our Epilepsy Services program has a number of trainings that might be useful for your child’s school. We have a great puppet show about epilepsy that we can perform for your child’s classmates and other classes in the school. We can also train teachers, school nurses, bus drivers or anyone else who wants to better understand your child’s seizures. To schedule training(s): Contact Mary Wontrop at mwontrop@abilitiesnetwork.org or 410-828-7700 x1246.
If you have any questions that you would like Sarah to answer, then please submit them to spinsker@abilitiesnetwork.org.
News
Recognizes Outstanding Individuals and Businesses in Communities Abilities Network held its 2013 Annual Awards Breakfast at the Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel Wednesday, April 24, 2013.
Congratulations to the 2013 Annual Award Recipients!
Every year, Abilities Network recognizes those individuals, businesses and organizations that have significantly contributed to the agency’s success over the past year.
Abilities Network would like to acknowledge the following individuals, businesses, corporations and foundations for their continued support and dedication to the mission of Abilities Network.
Around 100 people attended the morning event, which included breakfast, networking opportunities, speakers and presentations of awards. Once attendees took their seats, Abilities Network Board President Mike Harris provided an introductory speech leading into the agency’s parent speaker. Phillip Ostrander, a parent of an individual who receives services through Abilities Network’s Autism Services program, spoke of his family’s experience with the organization. “Cheryl [Johnson] is a very dedicated, loyal, informed professional who has supported our family as our [adult life planner at Abilities Network] for the past two years,” Ostrander said. Lee Ann Kingham, chief executive officer at Abilities Network, along with several other agency employees presented awards to 20 recipients. Rebecca Rose, employment specialist at Abilities Network’s Frederick office, presented the final award of the morning: Community and Employment Program Partners Award to Daisy Price, owner of Daisy’s Salon and Body Boutique. Price was acknowledged for her genuine and generous in-kind donations of salon makeovers to five individuals who receive services out of Abilities Network’s Frederick office through the Community and Employment Partners program. “Daisy didn’t limit them to simply haircuts; she has also given our individuals highlights, waxings, manicures and facials,” Rose said. “I was so excited for our individuals and was amazed at how generous Daisy was with her offer.” Rose went on to say that Price and the other women at the salon have tremendously contributed to the self-esteem and confidence boosts of those individuals whom they have made over. “You can easily put a price tag on their salon services and the extras that Daisy has so kindly done, but it is the intangible contributions that the women of Daisy’s Salon have provided that truly made a difference in the lives of our five individuals,” Rose said. All of the recipients of Abilities Network’s 2013 Annual Awards Breakfast have truly and significantly contributed to the success of the agency.
Niki Biggs, program director at Abilities Network’s Harford County office, and Karly Lindloff, an individual who receives services from Abilities Network, share a touching moment, while presenting one of the Community and Employment Program Partners Awards.
Providing quality services since 1964
Parent Speaker Phillip Ostrander gives a heartfelt speech on his family’s experience with Abilities Network.
The Lawrence M. Garten Luminous Award for Leadership Excellence Jason Brandt, Ph.D., The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Outstanding Foundation Autism Speaks Outstanding Corporation Venable LLP Outstanding Fundraiser Trish Kane, Angela Myers and Monica Whipps Outstanding Public Awareness Sam Coleman Autism Program Partners Award Chuck Durgin, Kennedy Krieger Institute Epilepsy Services Program Partners Award Dorothy Tiffany Healthy Families Program Partners Award Subramonianpillai Teal, Leading By Example Project ACT Program Partners Award Pepi Shongo, Center Place Child Care Senior Services Program Partners Award Mark Foster, Second Chance, Inc. Community and Employment Program Partners Awards Michael Miller, McDonald’s Franchise: Furr Inc. Timonium, Md. Howard Donze, Texas Roadhouse in La Plata, Md. Doug Jones, Salisbury University Dining Services Angie Brant, Allegany Magazine Mary Adkins, Harford Community Action Agency, Inc. Donna Fereday, Green Valley Marketplace in Elkridge, Md. Lisa Vernon, Anne Arundel County Literacy Council Daisy Price, Daisy’s Salon & Body Boutique
Daisy Price [holding award], owner of Daisy’s Salon & Body Boutique, displays her award along with other salon staff, standing with them is Tracey Kaplan [far left], program director at Abilities Network’s Western Maryland office; Rebecca Rose [second left], employment specialist and Paula Howsare [right], an individual who receives services from Abilities Network.
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Our Individuals Recognized in Their Communities Jennifer Gift, a young woman who receives services from Abilities Network, has been awarded the MACS Achievement Award by the Maryland Association of Community Services. MACS is a “non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening agencies to better support people with developmental disabilities and their families in their own communities,” according to its website. Every year MACS holds its annual awards ceremony where individuals with disabilities are recognized for their various achievements and are nominated by organizations. This year Abilities Network, a member of MACS, nominated Gift for the active role she plays in her community. Gift has participated in various fundraisers including a walk for Autism Speaks and the Hooley Plunge for Maryland Special Olympics. “[Gift] is an uplifting person to be around. She has many talents, including dancing, painting and drawing,” said Kim Garlitz, support specialist at Abilities Network’s Garrett/Allegany office. Gift also volunteers her time at the Union Rescue Mission and has her own business making cards, invitations, banners and party favors. “[Gift] is such a young talented adult who is so very positive and responsible,” Garlitz said.
displays [middle] proudly ight], Jennifer Gift [r n ma ff Ho ra Sa her award with twork’s at Abilities Ne Garlitz program director m Ki d y office an Garrett/Allegan alist. eci sp t or pp su [left],
Jeremy Gordon, an individual who receives services through Abilities Network’s Community and Employment Partners program, received trophies for outstanding achievement, attendance and the biggest award: Trainee of the Year. Congratulations!
“Jeremy has more pride in every aspect of his life because of his accomplishments at his job,” said Jeff Henry, Abilities Network support manager. “I’m very proud of how far Jeremy has come at work and in life in general.” Spring/Summer Spring/Summer 20132013
Denlinger, a thirteen-year-old black belt from Howard County, was this year’s Maryland teen spokesperson for the Epilepsy Foundation of America’s Kids Speak Up! (KSU) program. Part of the Public Policy Institute, KSU offers an opportunity for teens with epilepsy and their families across the country to visit D.C., receive advocacy training, speak with Congress and tell their stories, according to EFA’s website.
Three generations of the Denlingers joined Emma after her training was complete; and together with AN/EFCR staff, they visited the offices of Reps. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Andrew P. Harris and John Sarbanes, as well as Sens. Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski.
Goodwill Industries held its Annual Awards Banquet at the Social Security Administration building in Gwynn Oak, Md., on Friday, April 19.
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On a beautiful day in April, Abilities Network/Epilepsy Foundation Chesapeake Region (AN/EFCR) staff accompanied Emma Denlinger and her family as they crisscrossed Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers and discuss epilepsy.
“It was wonderful to have Emma’s parents, sister and grandparents join us and express how a diagnosis of epilepsy can affect the whole family,” said Mary Wontrop, director of Epilepsy Services.
Gift received her award at the MACS Awards Dinner held at the BWI Airport Marriott hotel located in Linthicum, Md., on Thursday, April 18. Well deserving of this honor, Gift is an inspiration to those around her and very much involved in making her own choices with the support of her parents and Abilities Network team.
Heidi [left] and Emma Denlinger [middle] stop and stand for a picture in Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberge r’s office with his Senior Policy Advisor Walter Gonzales [right] .
“[Emma’s] family and AN/EFCR staff helped connect the dots between Emma’s experience and the need for further funding and research,” said Sarah Pinsker, support services manager. At each office, they met with legislative staff members to discuss the importance of supporting funding for epilepsy programs and research through Centers for Disease Control, Health Resources and Services Administration and National Institutes of Health. The Denlingers and AN/EFCR staff also requested support for the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as well as the MODDERN Cures Act, a House Bill that would accelerate the development of new treatment options and diagnostic tools for epilepsy, according to EFA’s website. “Not only did Emma do a great job sharing her story with the legislative staff, her overall message captured the need for continued research in epilepsy treatments,” Wontrop said. Denlinger shared her experience of living with epilepsy, and her parents shared their perspectives. Denlinger was a great advocate for herself and for her friends with epilepsy from Abilities Network’s Epilepsy Services support group. News
Recap of Recent Events 3rd Annual C&O Canal Bike Ride Abilities Network Board Member Diane Peters helped coordinate the first ever kick-off party for the C&O Canal Bike Ride to benefit Abilities Network on Friday, April 19. Staff, family and friends of Abilities Network gathered at the Gunpowder Lodge in Kingsville, Md., to take part in the kick-off party’s festivities.
Abilities Network Board Member Diane Peters [left] stands with Myron Polischuk [right], a courageous bike ride participant.
Participants of the actual bike riding event rode many, many miles in support of the agency. The adventurous riders participated in one of two options: a 185-mile journey from Wednesday, May 1, to Saturday, May 4, or a 30-mile challenge on the final day. In combination with the kick-off party, the event raised over $2,300. Participants of the event smile for the camera before completing the last 30 miles of the four-day bike riding event.
6th Annual ‘Ramsay’ Golf Tournament Abilities Network Board Member Ramsay Whitworth hosted the 6th Annual ‘Ramsay’ Golf Tournament to benefit Abilities Network at The Links at Challedon in Mount Airy, Md., on Friday, May 24. Over 80 golfers attended the event, which raised over $9,000. Thank you to sponsors
Gebhardt & Smith LLP Delmarva Surety Baltimore Blast LMG Group LLC Shade Construction Co. Inc. David Paulson/Blue & Obrecht Realty RBH Construction Quality Landscaping, Inc.
Pictured from left to right: Golfers St Michael Lave eve Waldych and rty, Abilitie s Network Board Membe r Ramsa and Golfer A y Whitworth ndy Billig Photo courtesy of Melissa Lave rty.
Courthouse Copy Paper-Images-Online
a short break Team EFCR takes y their team’s pla dis to from walking rit. spi pride and
National Walk for Epilepsy The Epilepsy Foundation’s National Walk for Epilepsy took place in D.C., Saturday, April 20. Members of the Epilepsy Foundation Chesapeake Region (EFCR) team walked the 3.2-mile walk in support of epilepsy. Team EFCR raised over $2,500, which directly benefited Abilities Network/EFCR.
Providing quality services since 1964
Party goers take a brea dancing to smile for th k from e camera.
2013 Spring Fling Dance Abilities Network held its first ever dance at the agency’s headquarters in Towson, Md., on Friday, April 12. The dance was thrown for individuals who receive services through the agency’s Community and Employment Partners program. Over 100 individuals, family members, friends and Abilities Network’s staff members participated in the event’s activities: dancing, crafts, food and fun!
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4th Annual Project ACT Early Childhood Conference When: Saturday, September 28, 2013 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Where: The Arc of Baltimore’s Seton Business Park Location 6151 Metro Drive Baltimore, MD 21215-3205
Grants Update Abilities Network would like to highlight and acknowledge several grants that have recently been awarded in support of enhancing the lives of the individuals and families we serve. •
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Autism Speaks awarded a $25,000 grant to Project All Children Together (ACT) for consultative and support services to children attending child care or out-of-school-time programs. Staff will receive training and mentoring to include children in their program.
Keynote Speakers: Dr. Linda Tsantis, Associate Professor, Johns Hopkins University School of Education Dr. Elizabeth Boyle, Associate Professor, Johns Hopkins University School of Education • • • • • • •
Morning and Afternoon Breakout Sessions 6 Core of Knowledge Hours Information and Resource Tables Raffles Continental Breakfast and Lunch Included Free Parking Afternoon Energizer
For more information, please contact Alexandria Ryce at 410-828-7700 ext. 1275, or e-mail aryce@abilitiesnetwork.org, or visit our website at www.abilitiesnetwork.org.
Community of Care Consortium 2013 Mini-Grant program awarded a $7,500 grant to Epilepsy Foundation Chesapeake Region (EFCR) to develop Teen Epilepsy Empowerment Now (TEEN), a social/educational group for teens with epilepsy.
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Baltimore Community Foundation awarded a $20,000 grant to Project ACT for Center for Social and Emotional Foundations of Early Learning (CSEFEL) training provided to centers that offer services to low-income families in Baltimore County. Training will promote inclusive practices in the centers so that children of all abilities are included.
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J.B. Finley Charitable Trust awarded a $5,538 grant to Healthy Families Baltimore County (HFBC) to provide home visiting services to parents and their children from birth to five years of age.
Abilities Network/EFCR is developing a TEEN group to give teenagers with epilepsy an opportunity to interact with others living with the same condition while gaining the necessary tools to take an active role in their medical decisions. This group will participate in social events which will also include educational opportunities. A focus group of teens with epilepsy decided on the type of events and the format: fun activities with educational components.
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Seniors and Seizures Training Program for Senior-Serving Organizations awarded a $4,000 grant to Epilepsy Foundation of the Chesapeake Region (EFCR) to conduct seizure recognition/response training to staff of Adult Day Care Centers. This training is designed to increase the participant’s ability to recognize and properly respond to seizures.
The first event was held at AMF Southwest Lanes in Baltimore on Saturday, March 9. Teens gathered to discuss their concerns and issues of living with epilepsy, then enjoyed a round of bowling and pizza.
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The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc. awarded a $50,000 grant to Project ACT to provide support of a child 0-12 years old that has been diagnosed or is being evaluated for Autism Spectrum Disorders in their child care or out-of-school-time program.
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Wells Fargo awarded a $2,500 grant to HFBC to provide home visiting services to parents and their children from birth to five years of age.
Spring/Summer 2013
If you would like more information on Abilities Network’s/EFCR’s TEEN group, then please contact Sabrina Cooke at 410-828-7700 ext. 1260 or scooke@abilitiesnetwork.org.
News
Our Mission
Corporate Headquarters 8503 LaSalle Road Towson, Maryland 21286 Phone: 410.828.7700 Toll Free: 1.800.492.2523 Fax: 410.828.7708 TTY users dial: 711
To challenge the community to acknowledge the value and equality of people of all abilities.
Who We Are
Charles County 3825 Leonardtown Road, Suite 4 Waldorf, Maryland 20601 Phone: 301.396.3955 Toll Free: 866.323.7615 Fax: 301.396.4166
To promote more inclusive communities, these services are provided through six main programs: Autism Services – The Autism Services program enables children with autism to function as meaningfully and independently as possible in their homes and community, while providing their families with the strategies and resources necessary to assist their children in reaching their maximum potential. Autism Services provides family training, transition planning into adult services and therapeutic integration programming.
Healthy Families – Healthy Families Baltimore County (HFBC) works with new parents to develop supportive and enriching parenting practices that help their children and families grow to realize their fullest potential. HFB provides support prenatally through age 5.
2013 Board of Directors
Vice President Kim West-Clark, PharmD Secretary Paul Trinkoff, Esquire Treasurer Tracy L. Pruitt Past President Matthew T. Murnane
Sam Coleman Mona Dinsmore Leete A. Garten Andrew Hahn Trish Kane William A. Kessler Eric W. Kossoff, M.D. Michael W. Lochte, CPA
Providing quality services since 1964
Harford County 401 Market Street, Suite 100 Aberdeen, Maryland 21001 Phone: 410.272.3712 Toll Free: 866.454.9677 Fax: 410.272.3892 PG/Montgomery County 1738 Elton Road, Suite 205 Silver Spring, Maryland 20903 Phone: 301.431.7740 Toll Free: 800.808.1682 Fax: 301.431.7742
Senior Services – The Senior Services program offers a Speaker Series which includes a range of educational topics related to the health and wellbeing of seniors. In addition, our Move Management Services is a fee-based program which assists seniors as they navigate their way into and through retirement living options and choices, from identifying a community that meets their needs, to completely organizing, packing and resettling into their new home.
Epilepsy Services – The Epilepsy Services program serves individuals, families and the greater community with epilepsy education, information and referral services, assistance with medical issues, advocacy, support groups and scholarship support.
Medical Advisory Board Chair Jennifer Hopp, M.D.
Garrett & Allegany Counties 317 Beall Street Cumberland, Maryland 21502 Phone: 301.777.2895 Toll Free: 866.513.5757 Fax: 301.777.2897
Project ACT – Project ACT stands for All Children Together. The goal of this program is to make it possible for families, child care professionals, and other education and service agencies, to collaborate in successfully including children of all abilities in community settings.
Community & Employment Partners The Community and Employment Partners (CEP) program offers adults with disabilities support and connections to housing, community services, advocacy and employment. CEP provides an array of long-and short-term services designed to support people in accordance with their individual choices while developing an active role within their communities.
President Michael S. Harris
Eastern Shore P.O. Box 1692 Berlin, Maryland 21811 Phone: 410.641.8605 Fax: 410.208.1832
Southern Maryland 132 Holiday Court, Suite 211 Annapolis, Maryland 21401 Phone: 410.266.7941 Toll Free: 800.966.7940 Fax: 410.841.2476 Western Maryland 5104 Pegasus Court, Suite E Frederick, Maryland 21704 Phone: 301.695.9505 Toll Free: 800.394.9504 Fax: 301.695.3340
Administrative Team Chris McBride Ryan M. McConnell Clement K. Miller, CFA Paul F. Obrecht, III David R. Paulson, SIOR Diane Peters Dan Ramsey Maxine Seidman Trent Stroup Ramsay M. Whitworth
List reflects board members and officers through June 30, 2013.
Kathy Naviasky, M.S. Director of Program Administration Joan Rumenap, MBA Director of Special Projects Betsy Weaving Director of Program Services
Lee Ann Kingham, MBA, LCSW Chief Executive Officer Sonya Bajwa, CPA Chief Financial Officer Lauren Dunn Director of Development Lyn Elliott Director of Human Resources
Network News Editor
Courtney Hammond
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8503 LaSalle Road Towson, Maryland 21286 Return Service Requested Phone: 410.828.7700 Toll Free: 1.800.492.2523 Fax: 410.828.7708 www.abilitiesnetwork.org
7th Annual
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Save the Date
Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013 See Cover for More Information
Support Abilities Network! Support Abilities Network’s mission: to challenge the community to acknowledge the value and equality of people of all abilities. Donations to Abilities Network support our quality services and programs in communities.
Your donation to Abilities Network is 100% tax-deductible. Here is how you can contribute: • Send a check made payable to Abilities Network • Donate online at www.abilitiesnetwork.org • Donate over the phone by calling 410-828-7700
Interested in getting involved? We hope so! Call our Development Office at 410-828-7700 ext. 1229 to learn about Abilities Network’s volunteer and fundraising opportunities. Would you like to be on our e-mail list?
We are currently sending out legislative alerts, event updates, services information and other informational updates through e-mail. If you would like to be on our e-mail list, please send your e-mail address to chammond@abilitiesnetwork.org.