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Newsletter Final Print Edition!

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! There is so much news about SMILES! We‟ve been celebrating our 20th Anniversary

all year long, and we‟re starting the next 20 with big changes to the newsletter! The biggest change we‟re making to the newsletter is the newsletter is going electronic! We want to give you news you want about SMILES and Independent Living when you want it, communicated in ways you want it. Starting with our very next issue, SMILES Newsletter will be distributed by email subscription rather than printed and mailed out to you! For more information about how you can continue getting SMILES newsletter, how it works, and what it will look like, see the articles on page 3 and 5 of this newsletter.

There‟s something going on at SMILES all the time! Social and recreational events, electronics recycling, volunteer opportunities, Citizens for Accessibility meetings, SMILES Regional Technology Center and Gillette Children‟s Mobile Outreach Clinics are just some of the reasons people come to SMILES. C‟mon over and see what‟s going on! Recently, Marlene, Leona and Dan (l to r) created this Scarecrow Duo as a SMILES group entry in the Scarecrow contest hosted by North Point Assisted Living. All the Scarecrows will be on display for viewing through November 1st.

SMILES‟ Annual Meeting was Wednesday, October 27th at 4:30 pm in the Board Room at SMILES‟ Mankato office, located at 709 South Front Street in Mankato. President Dan Robinson and Treasurer Dan Sherwin have completed their board terms, each serving nine years of leadership and innovation for Independent Living. We will miss their insight and expertise, and wish them the best in their next endeavors! Names of newly elected officers were not available at the time this newsletter went to press. SMILES is a membership organiza-tion; a benefit of membership is the right to vote for who represents you on the Board of Directors. To learn more about membership, or to join or renew your membership in SMILES please see the article on page 11. Read inside for news and updates about

SMILES Board of Directors, SMILES events

and activities, Consumer Updates and other

articles of interest.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Consumer Update ● Page 2 Electronic Newsletter ● Page 3 Program Updates ● Page 4-6 IL and Brand Updates ● Page 7 SMILES Events ● Page 8-9 Independent Living Family ● Page 10 Announcements, Ads ● Page 11-13 Inserts: “Let‟s Cook! “ Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Membership Form and Envelope

SMILES‟ Scarecrow Duo

Page 2

Last February 20th, I went to Hastings to compete in the state Special Olympics ski racing tournament.

The volunteers worked with me all year to get me ready for the Special Olympics. One of them went to Hastings with me on Saturday to guide me when I race. The Mankato Area Adaptive Ski Program means a lot to me. It makes me happy to be able to go out and ski every week, just like I could if I were sighted. I love rushing down the hills with the wind in my face and knowing that because I am so expertly guided, I will almost certainly make it down the hill safely. Because of the program, I feel a lot more confident. I have finally found an area in which I have real talent, according to my volunteers. Thanks, Mankato Area Adaptive Ski Program!

Main Office: 709 Front Street Ste. 7 Mankato, MN 56001-3804 Phone/ TTY: 507-345-7139 Toll Free: 1-888-676-6498 Fax: 507-345-8429 E-mail: smiles@smilescil.org Web Site: www.smilescil.org

Fairmont Branch Office: 820 Winnebago Ave Ste. 1 Fairmont, MN 56031 Phone/Fax: 507-235-3488

New Ulm Branch Office: 1618 South Broadway New Ulm, MN 56073 Phone/ Fax: 507-354-7106

Waseca Branch Office: 505 S. State St. Ste. 3 Waseca, MN 56093 Phone/Fax: 507-833-1339

Board of Directors: President-Dan Robinson Vice President-Nancy Goettl Secretary-Kristi Leiding Treasurer-Dan Sherwin

Board Members: Kenneth Buchmeier Linda Jarvis Andrea Marti Jean Brand Marti Steve Regnier Beth Serrill Diane Winegar Angela Christle Elysia Hillmeyer SMILES Staff:

Consumer Update: Skiing

United Way Funded Agency

Hello. My name is Megan. I am fifteen years old, and my hobbies are reading, talking to friends, and--of course, skiing! I first became involved with the Mankato Area Adaptive Ski Program when I was eleven years old. One of my best friends, had been skiing for years and had told me how much fun it was. I thought that skiing sounded pretty fun, but fig-ured I would never get to do it because we didn't know of any way for me to ski without a guide. But then, my mom got a newsletter about the Mankato Area Adaptive Ski Program in the mail. Right away, I wanted to go and try it. I was really nervous at first. But on the first day, the volunteers worked a lot with me. One volunteer held my hands and skied backward, just so that I would feel more comfortable my first time down. That was five years ago. I have been skiing ever since then, and absolutely love it! My very favorite thing to do on Sundays and Tuesdays is to go out to Mount Kato and ski with the awesome, amazing volunteers from the program. I absolutely love the volunteers from the program! They have patiently kept on teaching me new skills, even when I thought I would never understand what they were trying to tell me.

Alan Augustin Anita Boyer

David Cunningham Jennifer Drees

Chris Hansen James Haroldson Bonnie Jacobsen

Kristina Janke Sarah Janovsky

LeeAnn Kley Anne Keithahn

Sarah Kosak Michelle Malkowsky

Doug Miller Lori Mosenden

Anne Murray Steve Oachs

Ron Olson Craig Padgett Jesi Raimann

Howard Rosten Liz Wachter

Gordon Westerman Beth Winter

Kevin Urban

Ed. Note: Megan competed in the 2010 Winter Special Olympics and won Second Place for Minnesota. Congratulations Megan!

Megan and Friends

Page 3

Newsletter Final Print Edition

Big changes are happening with SMILES Newsletter! We are so excited to announce that we are going electronic with the newsletter! After much consideration, SMILES has decided to discontinue producing a mullti-page newsletter, printed and mailed quarterly, and switch to a smaller, more frequent newsletter distributed by subscription to an e-mail service! Among the considerations were cost, timeliness, and accessibility. In today‟s economy, it‟s hard to justify the cost of printing and mailing individual copies of the newsletter. Every dollar we spend on something means that same dollar cannot be used for something else. This means we have to choose wisely where we spend that dollar. At SMILES, we spend it as wisely as we can, getting the most use possible from each dollar. We realize we can reach more people with less money by e-mailing a smaller newsletter more frequently. The E-Newsletter is accessible in alternative formats and is interactive. You will be able to respond right away to questions about action you want to see SMILES take and how you want to participate in events and issues. The E-Newsletter is delivered free at no cost to you; you just need to have access to a computer with internet service and an e-mail account. You can use your home computer or cell phone to access the internet and your e-mail messages, or use a computer in your local library to get your e-mail free. Using your local library to sign up and use a free e-mail account is easier than ever before: Each of the nine counties that SMILES serves in south central Minnesota has at least one community library with internet access.

In most communities, if you have a library card you may use their computer. If you need assistance getting access to a computer and setting up e-mail, contact SMILES. Once you have an e-mail account, you can sign up for our E-Newsletter at www.smilescil.org or SMILES Facebook Page. Just enter your first and last name and your e-mail address on the form, and submit! You will receive an e-mail response asking you to reply that you want the E-Newsletter sent to you. We won‟t start your E-Newsletter subscription until you reply to that e-mail; we do this to verify that you are the person who is signing up, and nobody is submitting your e-mail without your knowledge. You also have the option of stopping your subscription any time, just by selecting “unsubscribe” at the bottom of the E-Newsletter page. Your e-mail address will be removed from the mailing list, and you can sign up again later if you want to resume your subscription. We respect your privacy, and assure you that we have taken every step possible to protect it through our subscription policies. Sign up today, and start getting up-to-date news and information about SMILES Center for Independent Living in the safest, most convenient and accessible format possible!

1-888-676-6498

507-345-7139 ext. 33 amurray@smilescil.org

Education and Communications Anne Murray

If you cannot get access to the internet or you do not want the internet and you still want to get SMILES newsletter and informa-tion by mail, you must phone and let us know. Call 1/888-676-6498 to get SMILES news-letter information sent to you. If you do not make arrangements, no information will be mailed to your address, so CALL TODAY!

Page 4

Program Updates

Advocacy Manager Michele Malakowski

1-888-676-6498

507-345-7139 ext. 30 mmalokowsky@smilescil.org

Meet Michelle Malakowsky, SMILES‟ new Advocacy Manager! Michelle brings eight years experience as an Independent Living Skills Specialist to this position. Michelle is experienced at supporting and empowering consumers who want to learn how to live independently by making their own choices about what they want in life. Now she will be working with consumers whose goals are to know their rights and advocate for what they need! But sometimes people have problems getting what they want in life. When a person doesn‟t know their rights, or how to use them, or even, if someone else gets in the

way of those rights, Michelle can assist with problem solving or changing unfair discriminatory or abusive treatment. Michelle says people can often resolve their own problems with self-advocacy, “learning to speak up for ourselves is a good way to help keep little things from turning into problems.” Sometimes people request mediation to resolve differences and reach an agreement so they can restore a working relationship at work or between friends, for example. When the problem is with a public agency or service, Advocacy can assist individuals with an agency‟s complaint and grievance procedure. Advocacy is how we make progress and get unfair situations changed. If you want Advocacy assistance, call Michelle at 888-676-6498.

SMILES extends this Philosophy to its Personal Care Assistance Choice Program through the consumer training program. When you choose SMILES as your PCA Choice provider, you get the support and training you need to control the hiring, training, staffing and termination of your PCA staff. To learn more about how SMILES PCA Choice program support and training provides choice and control of your PCA services, contact Craig.

SMILES PCA Choice program offers choice and control of who provides your personal care and how they provide assistance for hygiene, exercise, medication, communication, and other activities of daily life. Being able to do what you choose is how you get control in your life. Supporting individuals to have the skills and abilities to do what they choose in life is the main idea of the Independent Living Philosophy.

1-888-676-6498

507-345-7139 ext. 23 cpadgett@smilescil.org

PCA Choice Program Craig Padgett

Page 5

1-888-676-6498

507-345-7139 ext. 33 hrosten@smilescil.org

Program Updates

Information & Referral/Technology Howard Rosten

Greetings from the Tech Man! Assistive Technology is an important part of accessibility. Printed documents like the news-letter may not be very accessible to people with disabilities. If a person is unable to turn pages, for example, or see the printed text clearly, the newsletter isn‟t accessible for that person. SMILES is committed to accessibility. The new E-Newsletter is a good example of how assistive technology works for accessibility. To be truly accessible, a document should be available in alternate formats. SMILES E-Newsletter is designed to be used in a variety of formats, such as large print, American Printing House font, auditory recording, CD or Braille.

The Tech Man Steve Oachs

1-888-676-6498

507-345-7139 ext. 42 soachs@smilescil.org

You will need Adobe reader installed on your computer. An email notice is sent out to notify you when the latest issue is online. If you have questions on how to access the newsletter online, or help in setting up an email account, please give Howard a call and he can answer any questions you may have. Click here to sign up for SMILES E-Newsletter!

The E-Newsletter can be accessed with easy to use computer narrators, scanning devises, speech recognition software, magnifiers and is easily converted to Braille. Most computers come with accessibility soft-ware, and other devices are available for use through SMILES, State Services or your public library. Many of our local libraries belong to a regional network that is served by Traverse des Sioux Library System, which has access to resources of the Southern Minnesota Interlibrary Loan and Exchange (SMILE). Your library may be able to borrow equipment from SMILE that you can use to convert the E-Newsletter to an accessible format. For assistance accessing the E-Newsletter, contact me, Tech Man!

This issue of the SMILES newsletter will be the last one in print format. The newsletter has been available online for the past 3 years, and starting with the next issue, will only be available online. You can read the SMILES online newsletter from any home or public computer. All you need is access to a computer; go to the SMILES website (www.smilescil.org), select the „community edu-cation‟ menu, and click on „On-line Newsletter‟.

Page 6

Last print co

py! Sign up

here and continue get-

Mankato Summer Fishing Event

SMILES CIL in Mankato hosted their annual fishing event at Madison Lake City Park on Friday June 4th. A light meal, and bait were available for a suggested $5 donation.

Fairmont Fishing at Gomsrud Park

SMILES CIL cast our lines at Gomsrud Park on Saturday, June 5th. A light lunch was provided by SMILES. We had a great turn out and a great day of fishing!

Therapeutic Horse and Riding Program

SMILES CIL is pleased to be a partner with AGAPE Riding Center whose mission is to develop resilient individuals by incorporating horses into therapeutic and learning programs. AGAPE offers a range of riding programs:

One hour rides with side walkers Wilderness trail riding Overnight trail rides (High Island Park)

Packages are available for trail rides and overnights which depend on rider preferences and length of trip at a $35 per hour flat rate.

Program Updates Continued

1-888-676-6498

507-345-7139 ext.35 sjanovsky@smilescil.org

Peer Counselor/Volunteer/Recreation Sarah Janovsky

Remember … Scrapbooking meets at 4:00 pm on the third Monday of each month! Join us at the Mankato SMILES office for scrapbooking fun and companionship!

Riding at High Island

Madison Lake fishing

Gomsrud Park fishing

Page 7

SMILES IL Skills Specialist Beth Winter served on the review panel for “Let‟s Cook!” “The recipes are simple and clear” she said, “Together we use „Let‟s Cook‟ to plan meals, cook tasty recipes and achieve healthy living.”

“Tater Tot Casserole” is a sample recipe inserted in this newsletter. Call Bonnie to get IL training.

Independent Living Skills Training Manager Bonnie Jacobsen 1-888-676-6498

507-345-7139 ext.35 bjacobsen@smilescil.org

IL and Branch Office Updates

Skills empower people. Youth and adults with disabilities find direction and strength as they make choices and learn skills that move them toward the highest level of independence possible.

Independent Living Skills Training is provided to individuals within their home and community on an individual and group basis.

SMILES is currently offering several group classes and trainings for independent living:

Cooking and Nutrition classes in Le Center are held on the third Thursday of every month, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Topics covered in nutrition classes include:

Nutrition Facts and Healthy Eating Healthy Ways to Buy Food Recipes and Portion Size Register with Jesi or Jennifer at 507-833-1339.

Drivers Education Training is offered in Mankato for those who are interested in help preparing for the written drivers‟ permit test.

The classes are on Monday afternoons, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at the Mankato SMILES office. Call Traci or Kristin at 507-345-7139 to learn more about drivers education training.

Job Skills Training

SMILES will be conducting a series of workshops to assist people in developing employment skills. The workshops will be on Tuesday mornings in November, from 10:00 am to 11:15 am at SMILES Mankato office. Topics covered will be: November 9: “Identifying Your Talents” November 16: “Job Applications” November 23: “All About Interviews” November 30: “Ready to Work” “There really is only one interview question,” says SMILES Specialist Anita Boyer. Employers what to know; “Why should I hire you?” Call Anita at 345-7139 to sign up.

Let’s Cook! Cooking, Homemaking and staying on a Budget are important skills for independent living. SMILES offers customized training in these life skills, using your choice of several workbooks and materials designed for independent living. “Let‟s Cook!” is the first in the Appletree Press Independent living series called “On My Own.” It uses a cognitive approach; addressing wise food choices, healthy serving sizes and nutritional recipes to “Build a Healthy Meal.”

Page 8

SMILES Events

Exhibitor and SMILES Board Member Diane Winegar puts the finishing touches on her Sweet Peas Booth!

KTOE broadcast live from the event and Pub 500, Don Juan‟s Tacos, Angie‟s Kettle Corn, Puff Puff Pastries, SMILEY Cup and the CSI youth group from Bethlehem Lutheran Church prepared a variety of food and drink choices for purchase. The Block Party is made possible by a grant provided by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council from funds appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature, and by the sponsorship of Subway Restaurants, private donations and the Madison East Center. Thank you one and all for your generosity!

Another highlight of SMILES‟ summer is the annual ADA Community Wide Block Party, celebrating the accomplishments of the ADA and raising Disability Awareness through arts activities, productions and performances. Many exhibitors, donors and artists generously and warmly provided entertainment, music, arts performances, exhibits, dance and theater, interactive arts, food and amusements for more the than 650 participants who attended the disability awareness event. T-shirt and pogo stick painting activities were provided by Szot Arts for All. Aktion Club Theater performed sketches of scenes from various completed and upcoming works.

The Sports Institute opened its doors for basketball, there was mini golf, bag toss, games and activities from the Southern Minnesota Children‟s Museum, face painting by LAMANO, stories and magic by Jack McGowan, making masks with Aktion Club Theater and lots of other activities at individual booths!

Anne Koop was honored with Doug Miller Success With Disabilities Award, given annually to recognize and honor an individual who exemplifies success with disabilities through independent living.

Anne was nominated for 17 years of working in the self advocacy movement and was instrumental in starting the People First New Ulm group, members of Remembering With Dignity, which exhibited selected works from their portrait project at the Block Party.

NWSA—National Wheelchair Softball

Team

SMILES CIL is looking to get a NWSA team going in Mankato! If you have any interest in getting involved with the wheelchair softball team, please talk to Sarah (507-345-7139). For more information on NWSA, check out their website http://www.wheelchairsoftball.org/.

SMILES was at the Vikings training camp, meeting players, watching practice and just enjoying the great atmosphere. Pictured at left are Sam and Vikings Wide Receiver Sidney Rice. “Skol, Vikings!”

Preparing a print design

Wilbur and Anne

Page 9

SMILES Events SMILES Annual Fall Computer and Electronic Recycling Event was held at the Madison East Shopping Center on the corner of Victory Drive and Adams St on Friday, September 17, and on Saturday, September 18.

Volunteers accepted computers, monitors, printers, computer peripherals, TV's, stereos, VCR's, DVD players and microwaves.

Large house hold appliances and smoke detectors are not accepted. “This is a great way to get rid of that old computer, TV or microwave that's been taking space in the basement, closet or garage,” said Howard Rosten, Assistive Technology Manager. The fee is $.55/ pound, which goes toward the

purchase of assistive technology devices for SMILES Assistive Technology Lending Library. Watch for the trailer and sign board on the corner of Madison Ave and Victory Drive at Madison East next spring! You won't miss it!!! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Howard at SMILES.

Joe Aho gives Sarah Janovsky a traffic control lesson

Cars lined up early for recycling

Eagle Scout candidate Grant Diedrich has completed his community project and is preparing for his Board of Review. A member of Troop #29, which meets at Belgrade Avenue United Methodist Church in North Mankato, Grant contacted SMILES to offer his leadership to benefit independent living. He met with SMILES staff to get some ideas and decided to build a portable gardening bed for individuals whose mobility is limited by use of a wheelchair or inability to bend or kneel. A prototype was designed, and Grant found it would be too big to be portable enough for someone to use indoors for overwintering, and back outdoors again for the growing season.

Grant solved the problem by changing the shape of the gardening bed from a square to a rectangle and organized a work crew to build two planters for SMILES Independent Living Skills training. This is not the first Eagle Scout project Troop 29 has completed for SMILES. The partnership already goes back a few years. Brothers Kevin and Mat Schnorenberg each made their Eagle Scout ranks by building accessible equipment for SMILES. Mat built a ramp that can be used on the beach for wheelchairs to get up close to a canoe or pontoon, and Kevin‟s crew built a mini golf course that can be played from a wheelchair. When asked how he felt about his Eagle Scout community project, Grant said, "Honestly I feel great. I feel great to have helped out a group such as SMILES who really need people to come and help them."

A donated scooter can be yours by calling 507-388-3496. No delivery — call and pick up.

Page 10

Independent Family Living By Tammy Lieske as told to SMILES intern Karie Hodgin

Our family life is unique. In September of 2000 our family life changed forever. The change was something that a parent never wants to hear about their child: “I‟m sorry but your child has a disability.” Quentin was diagnosed at 5 months of age, beginning with Infantile Spasms. My heart ached as I watched him seizure up to 100 times a day. Our lives consistently revolved around his sei-zures, doctors, and MRI‟s (magnetic resonance imaging) and medications. But as a family we agreed: life must go on, one day at a time. Quentin was very blessed with understanding siblings.

While other teenagers may see themselves as “too cool” to hang out at home or “too mature” to spend time with their younger siblings, Quentin is gifted with the exact opposite. Regardless of Quentin‟s disabilities his siblings are always trying to find out new ways he can join them in activities they like to participate in themselves. They love him for who he is and would not trade their little brother. Quentin began school with early intervention at home.

He uses switches adapted to access the environment around and communication devices so he can tell us his needs and wants. We don‟t plan on attending family events and milestones far in advance; we‟ve learned that it only sets us up for disappointment. We do many things on the spur of the moment, and then only if Quentin is having a good day. Otherwise we may end up canceling due to seizures. Our aging farm home is far from accessible.

We work with what we have knowing that Quentin is not able to live without support, but we are all as a team trying to make his life as independent as possible.

Along with a great group of direct support staff and some of our extended family, we are able to make it work together. We‟ve come to treasure the days without seizures, knowing that seizure days are extremely tough.

Quentin has been my teacher. I have learned courage and strength and to love unconditionally from my son.

Lieske Family from left to right; Mark, Quentin, Jackie, Dylan, Nicole

Quentin Lieske

Page 11

Hi! I‟m Lori Mosenden! I work as an Independent Living Skills Trainer for SMILES, working out of the Mankato office. I have done this kind of work before, and I am very excited to

be returning to the work force, after doing day care out of my home and working with a teen age parenting program. In addition to working, my family at home keeps me very busy! With three sons, a daughter and a husband, there is always something going on. My oldest son is nineteen. My daughter is an athlete, and I love to go to her basketball games. She and her twin brother are recent high school graduates. Our youngest son is two years old. After family, activities and work, my hobbies are reading and scrapbooking. (Ed. Note: since this publication went to press, several staff members have joined SMILES. You will be able to read about them in the next edition of the E-Newsletter!)

New Staff

Membership Centers for Independent Living are designed and operated within local communities by individuals with disabilities, including significant disabilities. We invite you to be come a member of SMILES. Membership to SMILES is open to those who are interested in the Independent Living Philosophy:

consumer control of the center regarding decision-making, service delivery, management, and establishment of the policy and direction of the center.

self-help and advocacy.

development of peer relationships and peer role models, and

equal access of individuals with significant disabilities to society and to all services, programs, activities, resources and facilities, whether public or private and regardless of the funding source.

Through membership in SMILES, you will gain a sense of community, have valuable opportunities to develop one-on-one relationships, and help shape the future for individuals with disabilities in south central Minnesota. Another benefit of membership is that SMILES provides regional recognition for excellence in providing services on a cross-disability, community based, non-residential basis. The real value in any membership organization is the accomplishment of its members. Members of SMILES recognize that empowering people to achieve independent living leads to self fulfillment and accomplishment. Fill out the form on the envelope inserted in this newsletter to join or renew your membership. What you do makes a difference! Join SMILES today and get your share of accomplishment!

Gillette Children's Mobile Outreach Clinics are designed to help people with disabilities gain access to assistive technology services in areas where those services are not readily available throughout Minnesota.

Traveling in specially equipped vans, staff mem-bers bring assistive technology services to smiles Center for Independent Living for two days during the first week of each month. In addition to workstations, welders and other tools, the van has the capability of transporting a wide range of specialized assistive technology devices, so patients can save hours of driving or waiting for their device to be fitted or repaired.

Gillette Clinics

Check out SMILES‟ updated website while you update your membership! Visit us online at www.smilescil.org

Page 12

The SMILES newsletter you are currently reading is

sent to over 2,600 readers and we continue to grow with each issue! As a non-profit agency we are both

proud of this fact yet also very challenged.

The expense of producing a print newsletter, mailed

quarterly, has become cost prohibitive for SMILES, and SMILES newsletter will be produced electronically

from now on, available online and via e-mail subscription.

The newsletter format and distribution methods are

changing, but our commitment to providing your

business or organization the opportunity to support SMILES with your advertising will not change.

Please contact Doug or Anne at 1/888-676-6498 or

507-345-7139 for your advertising needs.

CAP Notice

Publication‟s title and number:

SMILES Center for Independent Living

Statement of frequency:

Quarterly

Authorized organization‟s name and address:

SMILES 709 S. Front, Ste. 7 Mankato, MN. 56001

Issue number: Volume 19, Final Issue

E-Newsletter

This newsletter is available on our website at http://www.smilescil.org/ and by e-mail subscription. Start your free subscription by filling out the subscription form on our website or Facebook page or call 507-345-7139 or toll free 1-888-676-6498 and ask for Doug or Anne. You can also send your request to smiles@smilescil.org.

Q: What is the longest word in the dictionary?

A: SMILES because there‟s a MILE from S to S!

Advertise Here! All individuals seeking or receiving services un-der Chapter VII of the Federal Rehabilitation Act are hereby notified about the existence and availability of the Client Assistance Program (CAP) under section 112 of the Act. The Minnesota Disability and Law Center, and its affiliate, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Ser-vices (SMRLS) offers free legal assistance for low income people on critical legal problems. Contact the Client Assistance Program at:

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services

12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 3000 P.O. Box 3304

Mankato, MN 56002-3304

(507) 387-5588 or (Clients Only) 1-800-247-2299

You can also email mankato@smrls.org

Page 13

CITIZENS FOR ACCESSABILITY

Citizens for Accessibility (CFA) meets monthly or every other month to work towards eliminating architectural and attitudinal barriers through education, teamwork, and advocacy. Citizens for Accessibility meets in the following communities.

FAIRMONT: All meetings in Fairmont are held in the Fairmont SMILES office,

820 Winnebago Avenue, Suite 1.

The Fairmont Advisory Committee meets right after the CFA

meeting in the same location. All are welcome to attend.

MANKATO: CFA meets in the Mankato SMILES location at 709 South Front Street,

Suite 7.

SPRINGFIELD:

CFA Brown County area meets monthly at The Garage, 3 North Cass Avenue in Springfield.

If you are interested in being part of Citizens for Accessibility contact

Michelle Malakowsky at 507-345-7139 or 1-888/676-6498.

SMILES Center for Independent Living

offices will be closed the following dates in observance of holidays:

Nov 11—Veterans Day

Nov 25, 26—Thanksgiving

Dec 23, 24—Christmas Eve

Dec 29, 30, 31—New Year‟s Eve

Office Closings

SMILES Wear Caps, t-shirts, polo golf styles, and jerseys-

are all available! There are also denim long sleeve shirts, embroidered crew styles,

hooded sweatshirts, and wind jackets.

Sizes are available in a wide range from small to 3X! Prices range from $13-15 for

caps and $10-14 for t-shirts to about $27 for sweatshirts and jackets.

YOUR LEGACY Your donation to SMILES, regardless of

amount, helps to continue services free

of charge to consumers with disabilities. Gifts of cash, life insurance, property,

bequests, and other planned giving are

welcome. Donations are tax deductible. For more information call SMILES at

1-888-676-6498 or check out the Leave a Legacy Mankato Program at

www.leavealegacymankato.org

LEAVE A LEGACY® Mankato Area

******************************* This publication can be made available in

alternate formats upon request.

“Thank You,” to everyone who recently made financial or „in-kind‟ donations to

SMILES Center for Independent Living and the communities we serve. You are the

reason we are able to provide outstanding

programs and services throughout Region 9!

Free Training!

SMILES Center for Independent Living offers free educational

information, training, workshops, and conferencing opportunities designed around a variety of topics to our community partners in the

nine county region we serve. Topics may include but are not limited to:

General Information about

SMILES Services

Independent Living Philosophy

Disability Awareness

ADA Law

Reasonable Accommodations

Self Advocacy

Emergency/Disaster Preparation

Assistive Technology

Each session can be modified to fit

the needs (i.e. time, topic, content, etc) of the entity seeking assistance

and SMILES is always open to creating new topical area sessions based on interest and community need! Please contact Anne Murray at

SMILES if you, or your agency, business, or organization is interested in

scheduling a community educational session.

Advocacy Groups Thank You!

We‟re on the Web! www.smilescil.org

Office Hours: M-F 8AM-4:30PM Phone/TTY: 507-345-7139 Fax: 507-345-8429 Toll Free: 888-676-6498 E-mail: smiles@smilescil.org

Fairmont Branch Office: 820 Winnebago Ave. Ste 1 Fairmont, MN 56031 Phone/Fax: 507-235-3488

New Ulm Branch Office: 1618 S. Broadway, Ste. 201 New Ulm, MN 56073 Phone/Fax: 507-354-7106

Waseca Branch Office: 505 S. State St. Ste. 6 Waseca, MN 56093

20th Anniversary 1990-2010!

Empowering People with Disabilities Since 1990!

OUR MISSION SMILES Center for Independent Living is a non-profit organization committed to providing a wide array of services to assist individuals with disabilities to live independently, pursue meaningful goals, and have the same opportunities and choices as all persons.

OUR PHILOSOPHY SMILES believes that people with disabilities have the right to:

Live as independently as their

abilities allow.

Receive services based on need.

Enjoy the same access to

opportunities as all persons.

Exercise self-determination.

Access programs which maximize

their potential.

Integrate within the community.

Maintain employment that enhances

a feeling of self-worth and independence.

Enjoy guaranteed constitutional and

human rights.

Choose from available options.

And receive assistance that leads to

independence.

Center for Independent Living 709 South Front Street Suite 7

Mankato, Minnesota 56001

Celebrating 20 years of Independent Living

SMILES is participating in the nation's largest Giving Day coming up November 16th in Minnesota. Give to the Max Day is a day for Southern Minnesota to come together to raise as much money online as possible for SMILES in 24 hours on November 16, 2010.

Any individual may donate. Donations to Southern Minnesota Independent Living Enterprises & Services (SMILES) are tax

deductible and can be made online by credit and debit card only. Donors will be randomly chosen every hour, adding $1000 to that donor‟s original donation. Join SMILES November16 and ... Click. Contribute. Change your world.

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