EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

As a result of the Christmas 2000 ice storm, the F5/6 tornadoes that destroyed large sections of central Oklahoma a few years ago, the terrorist activities and bombings in Oklahoma City and New York City, and more recently the anthrax scare, OIL is developing an Emergency Preparedness Plan.

The OIL Emergency Preparedness Plan will consist of OIL notifying the location of people with disabilities to area emergency service personnel or agencies. If you choose to be a part of the OIL Emergency Preparedness Plan, the list that will be developed will only be provided to emergency personnel or agencies in the event of a natural disaster, act of war, terrorist attack, bio-terrorism, or mock training activity.

If you would like to be included in the OIL Emergency Preparedness Plan, please contact Leanna Amos or Terry Johnson at OIL. Their phone numbers are 918/426-6220 ext. 109 for Terry and ext. 110 for Leanna. Be prepared to give your name, address, finding address, phone number, disability, and any specifics you would like

to note. Specific equipment needs such as the use of oxygen, respirator, wheelchair, or other items can be noted.

The Pittsburg County Health Department, Pittsburg County Emergency Management Service, and American Red Cross have emergency preparedness plans. Individuals with disabilities are not differentiated in the plan. People with disabilities will be served as they are encountered by the individual service.

The Pittsburg County Health Department is planning a practice activity on Saturday, April 13, 2002. The activity will be a mock bio-terrorism attack. On this day, the City limits of McAlester will encounter an outbreak of the pneumonic plague. Inoculation teams will be sent across the city to inoculate McAlester citizens to prevent the spread of the mock pneumonic plague. OIL will assist the Pittsburg County Health Department in locating people with disabilities that are not able to travel to inoculation centers.

In 1989, OIL took the lead in bringing enhanced 911 phone service to McAlester. This was followed by most communities in our area also adopting the 911 service. The enhanced 911 service has the capability of providing specific information on the locations connected to the phone number of the caller. For example, the street address automatically appears when you call 911. It is possible to include additional information, such as, how many people live in the house, location of bedrooms, and number of children in the home. If a person with a disability lives in the home their disability, bedroom location, and the use of specific equipment such as the use of oxygen, respirator, wheelchair, or other items can be noted.

To do this, call 911 from your home phone and tell the 911 operator you want to place some information on the notes section. Tell the operator the information. Stay on the line. Do not hang up until the operator tells you they are finished adding the information. If you hang up too early the information will not be noted. Businesses or organizations that employ people with disabilities or provide services to people with disabilities can also have specific information added to the notes section of their phone number. Follow the same instructions but from your business phone.

The American Red Cross emergency preparedness plans are inclusive of all individuals. There is not a specific program for people with disabilities. During the Christmas 2000 Ice Storm, the Red Cross office served several individuals that used wheelchairs and some individuals that were deaf. The Red Cross provides information and training on how to prepare for emergencies. Contact them at 918/423-0481 for additional information. The Red Cross office located at 200 E. Adams is accessible to individuals that use wheelchairs by way of a ramp on the northwest side of the building. The Red Cross office does not have a TDD. Individuals that are deaf will need to use Relay Oklahoma if they want to call the Red Cross.

The Pittsburg County Emergency Management Service, formerly the Office of Civil Defense, also has an emergency preparedness plan. The office is located at 1210 N. West Street. It is accessible to individuals that use wheelchairs. The phone number is 918/423-5655. The office does not have a TDD. Individuals that are deaf will need to use Relay Oklahoma if they want to call the office.

The Relay Oklahoma TDD/TTY Relay Service Phone numbers are: TDD/TTY: 1-800-722-0353

Voice: 1-800-522-8506

GSK ORANGE CARD

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has unveiled a program to offer savings on its prescription medicines to low-income seniors lacking coverage for prescription drugs.

Approximately 30% of seniors don’t have any kind of drug coverage. Recipients of Medicare without prescription coverage will spend an average of $546 a year for outpatient medicines. The Orange Card Program was designed to give an average savings of 30% off the usual price of all GSK outpatient medicines. In some cases the savings may be even more.

Millions of senior citizens are eligible for the Orange Card program. Eligibility requirements are as follows: age 65 or older and those disabled enrolled in Medicare, whose annual income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level ($26,000 annual income for a single person, $35.000 for couples, who lack public or private prescription drug coverage. Individuals with prescriptions already covered by public or private insurance , or another pharmaceutical benefit program, such as Medicaid, are not eligible.

The program will be administered by Express Scripts Specialty Distribution Services,a leading administrator for companies offering drug patient assistance programs.

The GSK Orange Card is free. Applications are available through healthcare providers or call toll free: 1-888-ORANGE6. You should receive details, your Orange Card and a list of all GSK outpatient medicines and directions within four weeks.

PARENTING CLASSES

The Oklahoma School for the Blind is offering training for parents and others who work with blind and visually impaired children. Basic information dealing with Braille, abacus, orientation & mobility, independent living skills, and assistive technology will be offered. There is a $20.00 stipend for each family that attends. Participants will be able to choose 3 of the 5 classes offered, and must attend all three to receive the stipend. Participants will be asked to fill out a short survey before and four months after the classes. The site locations and dates are as follows

February 23, Tulsa, OK

March 9, Durant, OK

April 27 Moore, OK

June (TBA) Muskogee, OK

:Please register as soon as possible because there is a limited number of stipends.

For more information, or for an application, call Sherry Holder or Sharon Isbell at toll free 877-229-7136.

EMPLOYMENT

The OIL Employment Program assists individuals with disabilities in obtaining employment. The program consists of resume preparation, how to interview, assistance in finding appropriate employment, and more if needed. Ashlee Allen, is the Employment Training Specialist. Most days she is at OIL. On Thursdays she is at Workforce Oklahoma, (Employment Office) from 8:30 to 12:00, and on other days if made by appointment. She works closely with Rehab Councilor Angelia Parent to find good job matches for individuals with disabilities. The Department of Rehabilitation Services has an On the Job Training program (OJT) to help place individuals who qualify for Rehab. If you are interested in going to work, please call for an appointment. Her office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 5:00 and her telephone number is (918)426-6220, ext. 104.

GED CLASSES

A GED Class is held at OIL every Monday and Wednesday from 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. If you would like to attend and work for your GED, plan on applying either class day or contact the Adult Education Office, at (918)423-4008.

VALENTINE BREAKFAST – Calling all sweethearts to a Valentine Breakfast at “What About Bob’s”, on Thursday, February 14^th, at 8:00 a.m. This is open to everyone and it will be Dutch Treat. Call ahead for transportation arrangements.

BACK IN THE 50’S VALENTINE DANCE – Loosen up everyone let’s put those dancing shoes on and go dancing on Saturday, February 16, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. The dance will be held at the J. I. Stipe Center gym room, at 9^th & Monroe. Dress up in the fifties and do a jitter bug dance. John Ford, the Axe Man, will provide the music for the evening. Please bring refreshments and a six-pack of pop of your choice. This is open to the community; children must be accompanied by an adult. Be sure to wear shoes that will not hurt the gym floor, such as tennis shoes. If you need transportation within the McAlester area, please call OIL for a seat on the bus.

OUTDOOR SHOOTING AND FISHING SPORTS – The OIL recreational staff are currently trying to initiate some new programs. Some of these programs will involve outdoor sports activities. The local Eufaula Rod and Gun Club offers a variety of interesting programs that include fishing and shooting events. There is an annual membership fee of $24.00. The membership fee includes use of the rifle, pistol, skeet, and archery ranges. For those who are not interested in shooting sports, the club hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year.

OIL is collaborating with the National Wild Turkey Federation. They have a program call Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF. This program is a national organization designed for individuals with disabilities. They sponsor many outdoor activities. The main focus of the group is hunting sports, with an emphasis on conservation of the wild turkey. There are sponsorships available for people with disabilities to join the organization. If you would like to participate, please call Gina or Stephen.

BILLIARDS CLINIC – Mr. Shane McMann, National & World Youth 9-Ball Champion, will be at the Family & Friends Billiards Center, 6 E. Wyandotte on a Saturday in February or March. He will teach his skills to all age groups at no charge. Date and Time will be announced later, or you can call Kyla at 429-0066 for more information.

SQUARE DANCING – Take your partner and dosey doe. Yep folks, there will be square dancing lessons starting in February or March depending on how many consumers are interested in getting started. The St. John’s Catholic Church Rec Hall will be the practice area on Thursday and Sunday evenings. The Square Dance club would like for those that are wanting to practice to make sure you have a practice partner. Partners must be male and female. The cost will be $20.00 for 2 months. All times and dates are subject to change. For more information, contact Walter Montross at (98)826-4105 or Joe Duran at (918)423-6553.

OIL FREESPIRIT AQUATIC TEAM MEMBERS – Swim practice will continue on Mondays, if the weather isn’t bad, and if we have a lifeguard on duty. The OIL bus will leave the OIL parking lot at 2:30 p.m. and then travel to EOSC for practice. The time will vary for everyone to return home. The swim competition is Sunday, March 10, at the Ft. Gibson High School, 500 S. Ross, at 1:00 p.m.

OIL FREESPIRIT BOWLERS – Congratulations to all the bowlers that recently competed in the Norman Bowling. The results are : Danny – Gold, Manuel – Gold, Nathan – Gold, Sandy – Gold, Gary – Gold, Jacqueline – Gold, Shanna – Gold; Mike - Silver, Debra - Silver, Bryan – Silver, Henry – Silver, Earl and Kathie – Silver in Doubles, Jamie - Bronze, Lisa – Bronze, and Daniel-Bronze. OIL Freespirit Coaches would like to say thank you to Lori for her time and effort for driving the van, Ralph and Brian for your volunteer time and keeping everyone together.

DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY SUPPORT GROUP

The DD Support Group will meet on Monday, February 25, at 6:30 p.m., here at the OIL Office. If you need local transportation, please call by February 22^nd , to make your seating arrangements. For more information, call Gina at Ext. 108 or Stephen at Ext. 107.

OIL MONTHLY SOCIAL

The OIL monthly social will be the Valentine’s Dance to be held, Thursday, February 16^th, at the J.I. Stipe Center.

PARENT’S GROUP

The next Parent’s Group meeting will be on Tuesday, February 26th,

starting at 6:30 p.m. The group meets the last Tuesday of the month.

PARKINSON’S SPRT. GRP.

The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Tuesday, February 5^th, and on Tuesday, March 5^th, at OIL starting at 6:00 p.m. All Parkinson’s members and their families are welcome to attend. For more info. call Gina at ext. 108

WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUP

The next Women’s Support Group will be Thursday, February 7^th, starting at 1:15 p.m. at the OIL Office. For transportation, call at least the day before and tell Leanna or Terry.

FEBRUARY 2002 HAPPENINGS

DATE

TIME

GROUP/EVENT

LOCATION

9:00A

Shopping McAlester, Plaza, and Aldridge

McAlester

6:00P

Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting

OIL

1:15P

Women’s Support Group

OIL

6:30P

Wild Turkey Federation Fund Raising Banquet

Expo Center

8:00a

Valentine Breakfast

What About Bob’s

7:00

Valentine’s Dance

J. I. Stipe Center

9:00

Shopping – McAlester, Plaza, and Aldridge

McAlester

6:30P

Fibromyalgia Support Group

OIL

6:00P

Developmentally Delayed Support Group

OIL

6:30P

Parent’s Support Group

OIL

Exercise Class Meets Monday & Wednesdays at 10:30a.m, Stipe Center

OACD, 1^st Tuesday of each month, 6:00 p.m., Pittsburg County Health Dept.

Overeaters Anonymous, Every Tues, 6:00 p.m., OIL

Alzheimer’s Support Group, 3^rd Wed, 12:30 p.m, Main & OK Church of Christ

Fibromyalgia Support Group, Every 3^rd Thurs. 6:30 p.m., OIL

Cancer Support Group, 3^rd Thurs, 1:00 p.m, McAlester Regional Health Center

Ostomy Support Group, 3^rd Mon, 4:00 p.m, McAlester Regional Health Center

GED Classes, Mon & Wed, 2:30 p.m., OIL

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Oklahomans for Independent Living
321 S. 3^rd, Suite 2
McAlester, OK 74501
918-426-6220 V/TDD: 918-426-3245 Fax
http://www.icok.net/~oil

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All donations to OIL are tax deductible.

The contents of this newsletter were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.