Job Hunting

Since getting my B. S Degree in Urban and Regional Planning last June '07. I have been trying to find a job some where local! All cause my disablilty I have to go through San Gabriel/ Pomona Regional Center (SG/PRC) which referred me to Westview Services.

Westview Services Offers...A Full Range of Programs
to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and our services are sensitive to the cultural needs of our various ethnic communities.

From our employees to the consumers we serve to our business partners, we stand on quality, backed by commitment.

Through Westview Services, Inc., people with disabilities meet the challenges of daily life, gain the tools to be contributing members of the workforce, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives.

And that's success for the individual and the community. From http://www.westviewservices.org/welcome.aspx

Unfortunately, There is another piece to Westview Services which is Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) that provides funds to Westview Services.

Department of Rehabilitation Mission and Goals

DEPARTMENT MISSION

The California Department of Rehabilitation works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living and equality for individuals with disabilities.

DEPARTMENT GOALS

To fulfill this mission, the following goals have been set:

Increase the quality and quantity of employment outcomes.

Increase the effectiveness and efficiency of vocational rehabilitation services delivery.

Increase the number of SSI/SSDI beneficiaries at or above Substantial Gainful Activity.

Improve the recruitment and retention of qualified rehabilitation professionals.

Increase equality for persons with disabilities through systems change. From http://www.rehab.cahwnet.gov/exec/mission.htm

So I opened case with DOR. DOR wants me to get a communication device. Because they could not understand my speech. Now SG/PCR referred me to Center for Applied Rehabiliation Technology(CART) to get a communication device. I fill an application form and on going...............

The Center for Applied Rehabilitation Technology (CART) opened its doors in 1989 with the purpose of serving the technology needs of persons with disabilities. CART is an integral part of Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (RLANRC), an internationally renowned rehabilitation hospital located in Downey, California.

CART's interdisciplinary team assists children and adults with physical disabilities in leading more independent lives through the use of Assistive Technology (AT). The experienced CART staff work together with clients and caregivers to ensure that those technologies recommended are compatible and provide optimal function.

CART was made possible through the support of Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, the Las Floristas Women's Guild, Kenneth and Harlyne Norris, and the County of Los Angeles. From http://www.rancho.org/cart/

I'm now waiting for DOR, Westview Services SG/PRC to meet on 9/4/08 to see who provides me with what?

It's a whole lot red tape.

Accessible Public Restroom

I find myself using Public restrooms is not fun at all. Most of time I try not to use public restroom, because most of them are not accessible at all. Over time and personal experience I found out some great accessible public restroom:

1. Starbucks Coffee *

2. Apple Store *

3. Mc Donalds *

4. Denny's

5. Most of Hotels




* Most of time is clean

IT has been so long

I did graduate form Cal Poly Pomona last June '07 B. S. in Urban and Regional Planner.

I was interview for Monovia Spotlight on local cable TV Kgem aired on May 07.

Also, I changed agencies again in December '07 to People's Care

not enough time

I've been tooo busy

My first week of school and CIN

The first year of the new year 2006. For me its a whole new begning finally I have met 2 new caregiver's from my new SLS agency which is called Community Intergration Network "CIN". I have new regulation to deal with. And I'm still having to do guessing game of what CIN will let me do or not do. Just found out that where ever I need to go I have to take the public transportion. That means taking the bus or taking Access services both of them takes alot of time. The buses is more reliable then Access Services is for school for the Monrovia to Pomana, takes me 3 hrs one way by bus at least I will be there guaranty to be there on time. With Access its a wait and see if your lucky or not.

Last Quarter my grades were bad they were D+ and C-. I hope that this Quarter I will be improving because I have a new start in life wih all new people.

As life says, "You can't have everything give or take. " The most imporant part to have good honest people rather then having transportion.

IHSS share of cost for 06

my share of cost of will be $616.00 for 06. From $1428.00 that will leave me at $812.00 which is the same rate as this year.

Changing over to sls agency

On December 22 I was to change sls agency, it happened with problems. It spousal to have a change of caregives on this day which do not happen. So I'm still with the one which I want to change him out. It happen this week-end Christmas the agency didn't have no one to work with me. So I had to find someone to be with me.

Ordered a new power wheelchair

I have two wheelchair one is manuel and the other one is power which has electronics the gov is refuse to maintain after 5 years old. Government requires me to purchase a new power wheelchair or else I have to replace the parts myself. so it's a 3 months for me to receive the new power wheelchair. The government also requires me to send them a doctor's prescription for me to order any parts for any medical equipment. 11/11/05 placed an order for the power wheelchair and on 11/29/05 doctor's prescription was fax to Sarah Medical 2632 Lincoln Blvd. Santa Monica CA 90405. Now I wait.

I started to attend First Presbyterian Church Monrovia

I started to attend First Presbyterian Church Monrovia after my B Day. 10/30/05 so for i'm staring enjoying attending the services.

http://www.fpcmonrovia.org/

changing sls agencies

with in 30 days i will have to change sls agency.

life not ease

caregiver quit so i get the old one which i do not get along. I'm very stressful my face broke out.

new caregiver

I finally got a new caregiver which cares about me and my needs. I also had my IPP and now I just need to catching up with my homework.

San Gabriel/Pomona valley foundation 17th annual golf scramble Oct 17

crazy time

everything is going up the roof. Too busy with school trying to catch up homework when i need everything in e text it takes a week to get everything straight for school that means i'm a week behind of homework.

The response: Taking Foothill Transit to the Los Angeles County Fair

In response to your complaint that the gate 1 stop at the Fairgrounds is not accessible for wheelchairs, I agree but what you have to do is call 1800RIDEINFO. We cannot do anything about the placement of the stop from this end. First Transit is only the contractor. You have to contact foothill with your concerns about this issue. In response to your incident with one of our drivers on 9/15/05, I want you to know that we take this issue very seriously here and the appropriate action will be taken to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. I apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your comment.


Here is the response from Phyllis Harrington, what should be done to change the gate 1 stop at the Fairgrounds bus stop?

I do apologize as I mistakenly sent your concern to the Pomona yard. Your concerns regarding wheel chair accessibility at gate 1 should have been directed to the Planning department. I will forward your e-mail to them so that they can address your concerns. Please let me know if you have any questions.

I received your comment this week regarding the bus stop at McKinley and Gate 1, near the Pomona Fairplex. I am aware of the bus stops located at the mentioned location. Foothill Transit has contacted the City of Pomona for the improvements. The City of Pomona stated that they have some kind of construction scheduled for this location; however, the time frame has not been determined. I will double check on the schedule of this construction. In the mean time, please feel free to utilize the nearest bus stop that meets ADA requirements at White and McKinley. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you and have a great weekend.

start my third year at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

On 9/22/05 I will start my third year at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona .

my classes

URP 351 Section Component Description Grading Option Grade Units Status
Cls#: 70608 01 Lecture Instit. Framework for Planning Graded 4.00 Enrolled
1:00PM 2:50PM Tues,Thurs 7 203 09/22/2005 - 12/02/2005
Instructor: Mitchell,Jerry V
URP 488LS Section Component Description Grading Option Grade Units Status
Cls#: 73571 01 Laboratory Local Trnsprt Plng Lab Srvc Lr Graded 1.00 Enrolled
4:00PM 6:50PM Thurs 8 241 09/22/2005 - 12/02/2005
Instructor: Lund,Hollie M
URP 488S Section Component Description Grading Option Grade Units Status
Cls#: 73570 01 Lecture Local Transport Plan Srvc Lrng Graded 3.00 Enrolled
4:00PM 6:50PM Tues 8 241 09/22/2005 - 12/02/2005
Instructor: Lund,Hollie M

camping trip

I went on a camping trip with my sls provider . They took all the clients up to Mountain Lakes at Lyte Creek on 9/16 to 9/18/05. i was fishing all day and didn't catch anything. I had a relaxing time.

I started to go to the gym

On 9/14/05 I started to go to the gym to stretch my body out.

the gym is called

Movement Unlimited

120 East Lemon Ave
Monrovia CA 91016
USA

(626) 359-4656

Everyone is welcome to join, if you are with RC they might fund for it.

I will two days week.

Taking Foothill Transit to the Los Angeles County Fair

On 9/15/05 bus 190 F1435 12 noon @ Claremont going west. The operator at first refused to tide me down. She told my attend to do it. We said no then she did it.

It happened on 9/15/05 around 5pm I don’t remember the operator’s badge and identification number, although it was one of 1300 buses.

Bus stop for 190 going east bound @gate 1 by the fair ground is NOT ACCESSABLE @ all. I was on the street and the operator almost didn’t pick me up but he did it blocking all the traffic to it. The west bound is the same except the operator let off in the driveway.

On 9/15/05 bus 187 F1456 5:40 pm @ Claremont going west. The operator was very nice

I already put in a complain to Foothill transit about this issues, they will get back to me. I'll keep update on this issues.

Abilities Resource Expo to be Held at L.A. County Fair on September 15 2005

Yesterday i did attend this event.

Abilities Resource Expo to be Held at L.A. County Fair on September 15 2005

Do you want to learn more about physical and developmental disabilities, and the various services, resources and supports available? If you answered yes, then the “Abilities Resource Expo” being held at the L.A. County Fair at the Fairplex in Pomona on Thursday, September 15, 2005 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. is your one-stop source for a variety of disability-specific information. “The most important step that anyone can take when it comes to ‘disability’ is to become informed,” says Keith Penman, executive director for San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center.

Representatives from California’s Regional Centers, Early Start and other infant and young children programs, programs for school age children, vocational/employment programs, adult programs, and family support organizations will be on hand to answer questions and raise awareness about disabilities, provide information and connect people with disabilities and their families with services, resources and supports that promote choice, empowerment, independence and full integration into community life for people with disabilities.

“Various disabilities, especially autism, have received considerable media attention lately, however, limited information about services, resources and supports that are available to enhance the lives of people with disabilities are ever mentioned,” adds Penman. The first-ever “Abilities Resource Expo” is being held to connect individuals with disabilities along with their families and caregivers with the individuals and organizations that are providing resources, services and supports, but also to educate the general public about disability issues in a fun, community-based environment.

The First Street Gallery Art Center of Claremont will display works from artists and students that include collage, painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture and assemblage as part of the Expo. “Through cultivation of artistic expression, people with significant challenges can develop creatively and make important contributions to the cultural and economic life of their communities,” shares Penman. In addition, the School of Fashion and Design of Pomona will display craft items.

The “Abilities Resource Expo” is the only way to become educated about disability issues and resources, and eat cotton candy, learn how to milk a cow and hear great music all in one day.

For more information about the “Abilities Resource Expo” visit www.sgprc.org.

The Fairplex is conveniently located where the 10, 210 and 57 freeways meet approximately 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and 10 miles west of Ontario International Airport. Two blocks north of the San Bernardino Freeway (10) accessible from Fairplex Drive, White Avenue or Garey Avenue freeway exits. The address is 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768. Easily identifiable Fairplex signs are conveniently located throughout Pomona and neighboring communities to direct motorists. Directional signs are also prominent along nearby freeways. For more information about the L.A. County Fair visit