It all started back in 1997 when I first learned to be a self-advocate and learned to speak up for myself. It really made a big difference for me.  From then on I became a stronger self-advocate and got involved in serving on boards as well as serving on councils and committees, where I think I have made a huge difference. I am now the new Chair of the CAC at the CPD and have also been chair, vice-chair and treasurer for some other organizations.

I have become a local and national speaker, as well as made a video and gotten involved in legislative advocacy.   I have gone to Washington DC many times and talked to local representatives. Locally, I did the same in Utah, as well as testifying on disability related issues which has  helped projects to get done.

I formed my own  support team, and have lived on my own for a while and hope to again sometime. There were times I faced challenges, but got over them. Advocating for a better future for people with disabilities is what it’s all about.

I am still going strong today after 13 years of advocacy work that I have done. A true mile stone for me. Growing up for me was challenging at times. Again,  I met the challenges head on. I wish to thank all of my friends and family that have supported me in my efforts. I have also taught computer classes as well as designed my own webpage.  I do a lot of blogging and other things on the computer.

My encouragement for other self-advocates is that you can make a difference where you live.

Just remember that”Yes, you can do it!”

Written by Tom Brownlee/ leader advocate

Emily Roska (Drew Roska's wife) demonstrates the completed fishing buddy.

If you give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. If you give a man a one-of-a-kind fishing buddy, he will likely cast his line a lot farther than you.

Named because it was built to help fishermen cast a pole, the fishing buddy was designed and built specifically for Drew Roska’s dad, Dave, who injured his elbows when he was electrocuted in an industrial accident.

Its creators were Drew, Kylee Norton, Laura Layton and Stacie Barton, all special educations students who took on the project in the CPD’s Assistive Technology Lab at Utah State University. The AT Lab  provides assistive technology demonstration, training, services, and research throughout the intermountain region.

“My family really loves to fish, said Drew. “It became very difficult for my dad to cast a fishing pole and he had to rely on someone to do it for him. I have always thought that we could make something that would help him and the AT Lab provided a way for us to do this.”

Originally the group wanted to use a modified potato gun, but decided that a spring operated launcher would be best. They talked to Stan Clelland, the AT Lab Coordinator, and he helped them come up with a design.

“We had an idea we thought would work but were unable to find a spring big enough,” Drew said. “So we went back to the drawing board and built a smaller version. We had problems with the trigger but after we reworked it a couple of times it worked perfectly.”

Emily Roska demonstrates the completed fishing buddy.

The fishing buddy casts a fishing line 80 feet, an amazing feat considering an average cast is 50 feet.

Almost anywhere you go in the community today, you will see people with disabilities working, shopping, and out enjoying the same activities that you do.  That is a new phenomenon that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has created in the past two decades. 

“Where have they been?” you might ask.  Limited by the barriers the environment placed upon them, people with disabilities have  been trapped at home until this nation enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.  This action flung wide the doors for people with disabilities to join their family, friends and neighbors out in their local communities. 

Our thanks and admiration go out to those who helped get the ADA enacted, including Sen. Tom Harkin, former Sen. Bob Dole, former Sen. Elizabeth Dole,  former U.S. Attorney General Richard Thornburgh, and former President George H.W. Bush, who signed the ADA into law July 26, 1990.

We invite you to view a video created by the National ADA Network about the wonders of the ADA at http://www.youtube.com/user/ADANationalNetwork/

The TOP Sports program,  a collaborative partnership made up of Logan and Smithfield City Parks and Recreation programs, the Center for Persons with Disabilities, and parents of children and youth with disabilities, is on the roll again.

This time they are looking for children and youth who want to play T-ball.  This 5-week program will start the third week in August and be held one night a week.

TOP Sports offers activities throughout the year for children with disabilities and their families to participate in, including basketball, soccer, bowling, swimming, and art classes.  About 24 families participated in the bowling program this past April.

Currently, an adaptive swimming program is offered by the Logan Aquatic Center every Saturday morning through August 28th.  This free program is available to people with disabilities of all ages and their families from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

To sign up for T-ball, contact Sue Olsen at 435-797-7461.

Neighborhood non-profit housing complex in Providence, Utah

People with developmental disabilities will soon have more options for affordable living arrangements in Brigham City.

The Neighborhood Non-profit Housing Corporation creates quality, affordable housing opportunities and provides individuals with disabilities a chance to become self sufficient.   Their latest project is a 6-unit group home and 15-unit apartment building located in Brigham City, Utah.  This project is currently under construction, and is expected to be completed by December of 2010.

The beautiful new building is strategically located across the street from a city park and has a large community room with a fireplace and kitchen. Supportive services are available on-site.

Heads of households must be at least 18 years of age, have a documented developmental  disability, and meet income requirements.  They are currently accepting applications for this apartment community.

To place your name on the contact list, you can call NNHC at 435-753-1112, ext. 0, or email Sandra at sandra@nnhc.net.

To see the apartment layouts and features, go to the NNHC website.