Vanguard, Winter 2001

Presidents Message Winter 2001

Dear Arc South-Bay members, consumers and advocates for people with disabilities,

This newsletter will relate some of our continued growth, changes and ongoing activities within The Arc.

First and of utmost importance are the recent attacks directed against the United States of America by terrorist groups. It was a jolt to families, friends, co-workers and others we may only know from news reports. How quickly our lives can change. Staff at all the Arc programs were comforting and supportive in alleviating fears and stress that some of our consumers had. Hats off to all!

And while many of us have given much-needed monies to the relief funds in NYC, we mustn't forget that we still have needs here in the South Bay. The Arc relies on the support of you, our friends and members, to maintain our services and programs. For those of you, especially with family members in our programs, stop and think for a moment how important our services are to you. What would your family member do without our programs? We know that The Arc is important to you and that you believe in our mission or you wouldn't be getting this newsletter. When our pledge campaign begins in the next month, please give something to The Arc, to help better the lives of those we serve.

Membership is the strength of The Arc South-Bay. Without you, our members, The Arc would not have the support - financial, moral, informational, etc. - that is required to serve our communities. At the October Board Meeting we welcomed 12 new members to The Arc-South Bay: John Freeman, David Breiholz, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Bowen, Mr. and Mrs. Rice, Dolores Brown, Lindsay Swanson, Derik LeCesne, Dorothy Hale, Kenneth Gronlund, Viola Corbett, Elizabeth Tractenberg, and Richard Mueller. Please encourage others to join us in our mission to work with people who need our services.

We also would like to thank the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club and South Bay Rotary Club for their generous gifts of time and money in support of people with disabilities in our community. The Adult Development Center in Hermosa Beach has new walls, fresh paint and new equipment thanks to the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club. The Southwest House kitchen area is being remodeled and painted by the worker bees of the South Bay Rotary Club (and financed by family members of the residents and AWIN Management, Inc.). For more information and pictures on these projects, go to The Arc website: www.lafn.org/community/arcsobay, and click on "Features."

Every voting member recently received a mailing requesting nominations of family and friends to serve on The Arc South Bay Board of Directors. It is important that you take the time to reflect on the programs and opportunities people with disabilities have available today that were not in place fifty years ago. These changes and growth came about because of you.

The Board meets once a month from 6:00 p.m. to approximately 8:00 p.m. to review the budget, receive staff reports and make policy. Please reach out to others in our community who need your help. For more information call Richard Pierce, Executive Director or Judy Senter, Director, Administrative Services at 310-532-6333.

Paul Flahive, President, Board of Directors

Vanguard, Winter 2001

"It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year…"

Our Adult Development Centers love to celebrate. Every holiday season is always full of laughter and an abundance of food.

October 31 – Halloween!

Gardena ADC celebrated this ghoulish day pizza-style thanks to deep discounts at Little Caesars Pizza in Gardena. Lots of fun costumes, decorations, music, and delicious foods were brought by the staff to share. Special thanks to - Angelica Guest Home for candy, Ann Grant for individually wrapped candy bags, Patricia Saterfield for a monetary donation, Joyce Gray for soda, and Mrs. Phillips for her wonderful Jell-O salad. Thank you everyone!

Hermosa Beach ADC was sighted having a costume parade on Halloween. Special thanks to - Allan Galeano for the donation of pizzas, Daryl Foster and Mark Beaton at the Pepsi-Cola Company for sodas, and parents and care-providers who brought in candy.

November 21, Thanksgiving Feasts - For information on Thanksgiving activities please call Mary Leuci, Program Manager at the Hermosa Beach ADC (310) 318-9343 and Edythe Crawford, Program Manager at the Gardena ADC (310) 532-6271.

December 21, Christmas/Open House

There is no better place to experience the joy and thrill of Christmas time than our Hermosa Beach Adult Development Center. On Friday, December 21, 2001, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be distributing gifts at the annual Open House/Holiday party.

Festivities will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the arrival of Santa on the local Hermosa Beach Fire Department fire truck, followed by Jimmie Coleman and friends with live music, and a feast of delicious finger foods and goodies provided by staff and parents. If you would like more information on how you could participate contact Mary Leuci, Program Manager, at the Hermosa Beach ADC (310) 318-9343.

Disaster Supplies – Are You Prepared?

Each of our facilities at The Arc-South Bay takes on the very important task of caring for our consumers in the event of an emergency such as a natural disaster or civil unrest. At each location we are prepared for this situation should disaster strike during working hours. If the "Big One" happens on the weekend or at night, are you prepared to care for you and your family?

The following is a list of suggested items to keep on hand in your home…First aid kit; drinking water – at least 3 gallons per person; canned food and a non-electric can opener; flashlights; portable radio; extra batteries; a 3 day supply of any prescribed medications; tools – pipe wrench and crescent wrench for turning off gas and water valves; sanitation and hygiene supplies; a plan for your family to evacuate your home; and a plan to meet in the event of an emergency during the day.

Suggested items to keep in your car…a back pack with tennis shoes, drinking water, snacks, flashlight, whistle, and portable radio.

In-Service Held on HIV Prevention

On November 1, 2001, The Arc-South Bay had an all facility in-service on HIV preventive measures. Rhonda Williams, Public Health Nurse and Kevin McElroy, Certified HIV Counselor were our guest speakers from the Curtis Tucker Health Center.

Since the HIV virus can be transmitted through blood, and since our staff may come into contact with blood (as a result of minor injury), this in-service was scheduled to enhance their understanding of AIDS and HIV.

Outcomes Management Report

As part of an ongoing effort to improve our services at Southwest Industries (our work activity center), we prepare an "Outcomes Management Report" annually. This report includes a wealth of feedback on how our consumers are benefiting from our services, how efficient we are as an agency providing services, and how well we are responding to the needs of our consumers and others such as families, funders and referring agencies.

During the reporting period of July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001, we were 100% successful in meeting our three Primary Objectives, 100% successful in meeting our two Efficiency Objectives, and 85% successful in meeting our eight Progress Objectives.

Primary Objectives:

• met our goal on two out of three objectives
• met the minimum expectancy on the third

Efficiency Objectives:

• met our goal on one objective
• exceeded our maximum expectancy on the other

Progress Objectives:

• exceeded our maximum expectancy on one objective
• met goal on three objectives
• met minimum expectancy on two objectives
• did not meet minimum expectancy on two objectives

During the current reporting year, we have sought to address our weaknesses as evidenced from the prior outcomes management report. These were: maximizing movement to higher-level vocational programs, achieving higher vocational skill levels, maximizing consumer placement in competitive employment or integrated community work, and attaining individual behavior objectives. Our diligence in these areas is apparent in our results this year.

The Arc South-Bay will be re-surveyed by CARF (Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) on November 29 and 30, 2001.

To view a copy of the Outcomes Management Report, type this link into your browser:

www.lafn.org/community/arcsobay/swi.html

Board Action

At its October meeting, the Arc-South Bay Board of Directors decided to place the Marine Avenue building on the market. The property, located at 2912 Marine Avenue (near Crenshaw Blvd) in Gardena, is a two-story office building. For further information, call the office at 310.532.6333.

After the Kitchen, What?

Lest you think that the Southwest House kitchen is the only remaining fix-up project going on, think again! There are a few remaining items needed to round out the kitchen remodel: a new window and new flooring. In the near future, we also will be needing exterior paint (trim) and new carpet. Anyone wishing to donate towards these projects, please contact either Richard Pierce or Judy Senter at 310.532.6333.

Tired of Raking Leaves?

Last month we mailed out a flyer regarding our new lawn care service program. At this time, we are busy responding to and providing quotes to people who have already responded with interest in our program. The end of November is our target date to actually begin mowing, cleaning, etc.

If you are interested in hiring our special lawn care workers, please contact Jarvis Helaire at 310.532.6333, etc. 231.

Is Your Internet Access Sending you to the Poorhouse?

Well, read on for a solution…

For those of you who have seen our website (www.lafn.org/community/arcsobay), you may have wondered what the "lafn" is. It is an acronym for Los Angeles Free Net, and it is our internet service provider. As a nonprofit, we pay only $ 40 for an entire year of internet access, email accounts AND a space for our web page.

Individuals can sign up for LAFN internet access and email for $40 a year, too. You get unlimited access in terms of time. So, what's the hitch, I hear you asking.

Monday through Friday, your sessions are limited to one hour and then you will automatically disconnect. However, it will automatically dial up again as soon as you click on something, so you could theoretically be online all day. On the weekends, the default connection is two hours.

For information on how to sign up, visit www.lafn.org and click on "Register for an LAFN Account."

Music Lovers Sharing a Hopeful Tune

The first CD pressed in the U.S. was Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA." Think of how much money could go to The Arc-South Bay if music lovers bought their most-wanted CDs at:

www.iGive.com/TheArc, where up to 25% of every purchase is donated to The Arc-South Bay! At iGive.com, membership is free! So hurry up and visit the Mall at iGive.com, where you can shop at the 280+ stores for your CDs, books, movies, toys, flowers, electronics, and more. Be sure to check out Amazon.com, CDNow, J&R Music World, and Barnes&Noble.com while you're there!

A CLOSER LOOK AT

Preventing Head Injuries

Every 21 seconds, one person in the United States sustains a brain injury, 1 and approximately two percent of the United States population currently live with disabilities resulting from brain injuries. 2

In our field, we are particularly concerned with the cognitive effects of brain injury (disorders of attention, concentration and memory, problems with understanding or producing speech, difficulties with initiating and planning daily activities, and poor reasoning and judgment) and therefore present the following data and suggestions for prevention.

In 1999, The Brain Injury Association produced brochures explaining the effects of brain injury across the entire age spectrum. Their findings of age-specific causes are as follows:

Leading Causes of Brain Injury By Age Bracket

AGE	#1	#2	#3	#4	#5
0-5	Falls	Motor Vehicle Crashes	Pedestrian	Abuse	Firearms
4-14	Motor Vehicle Crashes	Violence Firearms	Pedestrian	Sports and Recreation
15-21	Impaired & Inexperienced Driving	Pedestrian	Drugs and Alcohol	Violence and Firearms	Sports and Recreation
22-65	Motor Vehicle Related	Violence and Firearms	Swimming and Boating
65+	Falls	Motor Vehicle Older Drivers	Pedestrian	Suicide

Loss of consciousness, even for a very brief period, is one of the clearest indications that a blow to the head may have affected the brain. Uncertainty involving time, date, and location and/or a period of memory loss for the events surrounding the injury is also an indication of trauma to the brain. 3

Steps to Prevent Head Injuries:

Falls (Children)

• Never leave infants unattended on changing table or other furniture where there is danger of falling
• Never use baby walkers on wheels
• Use safety gates at the top and bottom of all stairs
• Lock all unopened windows. Open windows from the top. Consider installing window guards
• Be sure children are always supervised and do not allow them to sit on ledges

Falls (Age 65+)

• Exercise regularly
• Home safety checks. Remove items from stairs and all walking areas that may pose trip hazards
• Store frequently used items in easy to reach places
• Improve lighting in the home
• Install handrails and lights on all stairs, outside areas and bathroom

Motor Vehicle Crashes (Children)

• Place infants and children under 12 in the back seat of the car
• Under 12 months and 20 pounds, ride in rear facing child safety seats in the back seat
• NEVER put an infant in the front seat of a car with passenger side airbags
• 20 to 40 pounds should ride in approved car seats, facing forward in the back seat
• 40 to 80 pounds should ride in approved car booster seats in the back sea

Impaired and Inexperienced Driving (Ages 15-65)

• Discuss alcohol and drugs with your teenager
• Never drink and drive
• Support seat belt laws
• Support the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in implementing a graduating licensing system
• Always wear your helmet when operating a motorcycle
• Support the efforts of teenagers and groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

Pedestrian (Under 5)

• Hold child’s hand when crossing the street and cross in designated crossing areas
• Children should never cross between parked cars
• Teach your children to look left-right-left when crossing and watch for cars that are turning
• Teach your children to always walk on the sidewalk. When there is no sidewalk, children should walk facing traffic
• Wear reflective materials when outside after dark

Pedestrian

• Remember, alcohol affects balance, impairs judgement, reduces alertness and coordination, and can affect vision
• Limit alcohol consumption if you plan to walk
• Carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing at night, wear bright colors in the day
• Escort or call a cab for someone who has been drinking
• Use sidewalks. When there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic
• Cross the street in the designated crossing areas, never cross between parked cars
• Look left-right-left before stepping off the curb

Abuse/"Shaken Baby Syndrome"

• STOP – Put the child in a safe place and leave the room for a few minutes
• CALM DOWN – Call a friend or a neighbor. Take 10 deep breaths. Change the activity. Sit down, close your eyes.
• TRY AGAIN – Go back to your child and try again to deal with the situation

Firearms (All ages)

• Always keep guns unloaded, locked up, and bullets in a separate location. Do not allow children access to the keys
• Discuss with children the dangers of guns and teach them never to touch guns or remain in a home where a gun is accessible
• Educate your children on gun violence and how in real life children are hurt and killed with guns
• Discuss with your children ways to solve fights or arguments without violence
• Talk with your teenager about his/her thoughts/feelings – depressed teens commit suicide with guns more often than any other method
• Reduce gun risk by removing guns from your home

Drugs and Alcohol (teens)

• Talk with your teenager about the risks of drug and alcohol use and abuse
• Seek help by talking to a school counselor, friend or parent if you have a problem with drugs and/or alcohol
• If a person you know has a problem with drugs assist them in finding professional help
• BE AWARE of the risks…drugs and alcohol increases the risk of brain injury in car crashes, falls, drowning and suicide by firearms
• Set an example

Sports and Recreation

• Wear appropriate safety gear when participating in sports and recreational activities.
• Always include appropriate safety equipment, a safe playing environment and adequate adult supervision to any sport.
• To reduce the risks of concussions, support the decisions of certified athletic trainers and trained coaches in the removal and return of athletes to the playing field.

Swimming and Boating (22 to 65)

• Never drink alcohol before or after a planned swim.
• Never swim alone or in dangerous condition.
• Never dive into water less than nine feet deep.

References:

1. Brain Injury Association, Inc. "The Costs and Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury." The High Cost of Brain Injury: 26 October 2001 <http://www.biausa.org/costsand.htm>.
2. Centers for Disease Control, Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: A Report to Congress.
3. Roy, Eric A, Ph.D., C. Psych. University of Waterloo. "The Anatomy of A Head Injury." Applied Health Sciences: 26 October 2001 <www.ahs.uwaterloo.ca/~cahr/headfall.html>.
4. Brain Injury Association, Inc. "Brain Injury Through the Years" Prevention: 26 October 2001 <http://www.biausa.org/preventi.htm>.

Thank you to Carrie Coyle (Coordinator of Personnel and Administrative Services) for her research and preparation of this article!