LIFE-Lines Newsletter
WINTER-SPRING 2009 NEWSLETTER
EARLY NOTIFICATION PROGRAM
The purpose of the Early Notification Program is to provide information to law enforcement officers responding to investigations or calls involving people with disabilities. Many times police officers must make quick decisions which affect the outcome of a call. On occasions, officers may misinterpret the actions or gestures of persons with disabilities. In order to avoid a negative reaction, the officers will receive information from the Early Notification Program database prior to responding to calls so that they may be better equipped to understand and appropriately respond.
People with disabilities voluntarily register their specific information with their local police department. Information is entered into a confidential database system which can be accessed by McLean County Law Enforcement Personnel when responding to calls. This service is voluntary and free of charge.
Any McLean County resident with a disability may register with their local police department. The following list includes some of the disabilities that may be included in the database:
Alzheimer’s
Downs Syndrome
Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Mental Illnesses such as mood disorders, psychotic disorders, impulse control disorders, anxiety disorders, or childhood disorders
Visually Impaired
Physical Disability
Developmental Disability
To register for the program, the person with a disability or his/her legal guardian may contact the local police department to receive a registration form which must be completed and returned to the police department. Persons wishing to register with the program must be receiving treatment or have a history of receiving treatment for a condition that qualifies for the program. Supporting documentation may be required in some instances. The police department will contact applicants to verify information. They will conduct follow up calls every six months to update information. To be removed from the program, a written request must be submitted to the police department.
Please contact your local McLean County law enforcement agency for more information. Forms are available in alternate formats upon request.
LIFE Center for Independent Living is conducting a housing survey to determine the housing needs of people with disabilities in our area. If you would like to participate you can use this link to complete this survey. Or you may call the Bloomington office at (309) 663-5433 or toll free at (888) 543-3245 to complete the survey by phone.
LIFE Center for Independent Living in Bloomington will conduct their annual legislative intern program for minorities with disabilities and individuals with disabilities living in rural communities. Participants will learn how they can affect laws and policies through local, state, and federal government. The participants will then have a chance to practice their new skills with a trip to Springfield. The class and trip are free of charge. To enroll, contact Jill or by phone 309-663-5433 (voice), 309-663-0054 (TDD), or 888-543-3245 (toll-free voice/TDD).
The Heartland Academy for Learning Opportunities (HALO) is a brand new program offered by Heartland Community College that is designed to provide access to higher education for students with intellectual disabilities who are interested in continuing their education in a supportive, yet challenging, learning environment. Working with Heartland faculty, student body and community volunteers, HALO students receive educational experience as well as exposure to various social and enrichment opportunities. For more information on the program contact Heartland Community College at 309-268-8249 or contact Anita Moore . Application for related forms are also available online at www.heartland.edu/halo.
Tues., March 17, 2009
5:30 - 7:30 PM
LIFE Center’s Bloomington Office
Join us to learn about LIFE Center’s volunteer opportunities at the Bloomington office. Volunteer applications will be on-hand or are available on this website. We are currently looking for volunteers who would be interested in the following positions:
Custodian/Maintenance Support
Personal Assistants/Drivers
Workshop Facilitators
Peer Mentors
Accessibility Auditors
Board of Directors/Standing Committee Member
Kids on the Block Puppeteers
All volunteers are required to submit a completed volunteer application. Volunteer job descriptions and new volunteer applications are available by contacting Brianne or call (309) 663-5433 or toll free (888) 543-3245 V/TTY.
YOUR LAST ISSUE OF LIFELINES!
In an effort to cut down on printing and postage costs, we will be changing our newsletters to an electronic format beginning with the Summer 2009 issue. We are asking everyone on our newsletter mailing list who wishes to receive LIFE-Lines via email or another format to register on this website. Anyone who does not respond by May 1, 2009 will be dropped from our mailing list.
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