Free Movie Night

Please join us tomorrow night for our free movie event, the last one of the year! We are showing My Left Foot...



Bring whatever makes you comfortable: snacks, pillows, blanket, and/or chair.
More details on our FaceBook Page
Hope to see you there!

Free Self-Defense Class for people with disabilities

 Jing Shen Kuoshu: Martial Science & Functional Fitness is hosting an Adaptive Self Defense Clinic on November 19th, 2011 (9am-11pm).  They are working with the Challenged Athlete Foundation, Operation Rebound, the Wounded Warriors Program, and a number of local adaptive and rehabilitative organizations in San Diego to provide this FREE Self Defense Clinic - for one day only.

   They will be hosting the free training at the new Deni & Jeff Jacob Challenged Athlete Center in San Diego. This is a highly recommended clinic and everyone is invited to participate. Please contact Alison Fugate, the Director of Operations at 760-212-9358 for more information. 

Free movie night, this Wednesday at Workx Office!

People First!

 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What 5 people can help you get there? 

A P.A.T.H. is a critical tool we offer to any individual or business to help identify your dreams, and get you on the path towards making that a reality.  Consultations of this type are available to anyone, regardless of your gender, age, or social status. We agree with putting people first, and disabilities second which is why we like to support self-advocacy with training.

These images are long overdue, but are a few photos from the People First Conference this year, which took place at the San Diego Marriott in early May. Life Works supported the event as a participant in the Vendor Fair, offering information about our services, including the P.A.T.H.  to people who may be interested in getting that ball rolling or specifically living independently in the future.  

People First® is the oldest and best known self advocacy organization run BY and FOR people with developmental disabilities in the world. People First Conferences and conventions happen annually to keep people with disabilities enthused about self-advocacy and is also a resource to professionals in the developmental disabilities service system in providing the general community with education on subjects useful and beneficial to people with developmental disabilities.

 Jacob and Justin at the People First booth

 Jamie shows off her wedding ring... dreams can come true, and this couple is proof!

 

Stormy Miller with a participant on the Board at the SDRC

 Justin and his girlfriend taking a break before the next break out session

For more information on P.A.T.H.'s or the services we offer to anyone, contact us!

For more information on People First of California, visit their website

Save the Date: Saturday April 2nd

"WRETCHES & JABBERERS" In celebration of National Autism Awareness Month, the Autism Society has partnered with AMC Theaters for a national theatrical showing of this feature documentary San Diego Showing:  Mission Valley AMC Theaters  Saturday, April 2 at 12pm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WRETCHES & JABBERERS is a poignant narrative directed by Academy Award® winner  Gerardine Wurzburg that follows two men with autism, Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette,  who embark on a global quest to change attitudes about disability, intelligence and communication.   A sentimental story about personal struggle that rings with intelligence, humor, hope and courage,  WRETCHES & JABBERERS is about the life-sustaining power of relationships - the personal connections  that people make through communication. "AMC's exclusive release of WRETCHES & JABBERERS speaks to people with autism in their lives  and raises the awareness of those not familiar with this condition," said Gerry Lopez, CEO and president  of AMC.  The movie is the latest documentary by Wurzburg who won the 1993 Academy Award for Best Documentary  Short Subject for her film EDUCATING PETER and was again nominated in 2005 for AUTISM IS A WORLD. "We are thrilled to partner with AMC Theatres and the Autism Society and be part of the call to action  for the full inclusion of adults with autism in their communities," said Wurzburg.  "Tracy and Larry's journey allowed us to portray the global face of autism, and now audiences across the  United States will be able share in their story and better understand adults whose lives are affected by autism." This is a film not to be missed.   Purchase tickets now and plan to be there on April 2.   Purchase Tickets Now! The tickets make a great gift for family, friends, teachers,  caregivers to show your appreciation and in celebration of autism awareness month.  Enter the date of April 2 for ticket purchase.  AMC Mission Valley Tickets View the Trailer Contact phone: 858-715-0678

Norman is only 2 days away!

Norman Kunc and Emma Van Der Klift will conduct two workshops titled “The Right to be Disabled” and “Baking a Cake in a Washing Machine” this Friday, March 4th, 2011 from 10:00 am - 2:30pm at the University of San Diego.

In a humorous, fast-paced, thought-provoking presentation, Norman Kunc (pronounced Koonz) and Emma Van Der Klift will use their own personal experiences to challenge the commonly held assumption that individuals with disabilities are deficient. They maintain, instead, that physical and mental disabilities reflect the diversity of the human community. A second  workshop will examine many of the problems which seem endemic to human service agencies and suggest that they arise because we are trying to meet the needs of people within an organizational structure that was never intended to be used for people.

Kunc is a renowned speaker and has delivered keynote addresses on inclusive education and other disability rights issues throughout the world. Born with cerebral palsy, he attended a segregated school until grade seven. He was integrated into a regular high school and went on to university where he received a master’s degree in family therapy.

This event is supported by Life Works Supported Living Services, Networx Supported living Services, Creative Support Alternatives and University of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Science-Autism Institute.

This event is $50 per person, accessible, and open to the public. We do accept payment at the door, however we strongly suggest you register today!

Keep the Promise Rally

 Last Friday's event at Balboa Park was cut a little short by the sudden storm, however the dedication and participation in local activism was not dampened at all. Many people from all over San Diego came to listen and share...

 The ARC, representing

 The crowd with some great signage

A woman stands alone, her sign read "Fair cuts, extend the taxes"

Former Assembly member Laurie Saldena demonstrates how drastically Medi-cal services have been reduced over the past years with 20 feet of shocking evidence

Coordinators Kritoffel from CSA and Kirk from Life Works 

participate in signing petitions to be sent to the Senate

 More speakers...

People lined up to share

One person shared "I am not handicapped, I am handi-capable, but if thee cuts get approved I am forced into being reliant instead of self-sufficient. These reductions are what's actually handicapping me!"

 Sandy, Stefanie, Jacob, Kirk, Kristoffel and Joy

Coordinators, in this together

The next public rally is scheduled for March 4th, however don't miss Norman Kunc, creator of Credo for Support, at USD that same day 10am-2:30pm. More info here!

Keep the Promise Rally this Friday

Another local opportunity to meet other activists, advocates, Educators and neighbors, and speak your peice and/or learn about the budget reductions that would devastate supported living service for people with disabilities. This Friday, (rain or shine) from noon till 2pm, at Balboa Park on the corner of 6th and Laurel.

Print this, fill it out, and bring it with you!

More information here

Phone Rally- this Friday!

WHO: Any and all advocates, self advocates, family members, friends, teachers, social workers, employers, and anyone in the community who supports services for people with developmental disabilities. Basically... YOU!

WHAT: Phone rally to express rejection of the governor’s proposed $750 million budget cut to developmental services.

WHEN: Friday, February 11th, 2011. Call anytime between 2pm-4pm

WHERE: The comfort of your office, home, anywhere you can use a phone!

WHY: To urge your legislators to reject Governor Brown’s proposed cut to developmental services.  Let’s make our voices heard and show just how many lives this kind of cut will affect.

Here's how: 

Start by finding your District's Legislature here
This link will allow you to access the phone number of your contact person through searching by your zip code.

When you call, it might help to have a brief script for yourself, or notes to go by.
Make sure you identify yourself, your position within the field as friend, family member, advocate, or all the above. Assembly men and women need to know how these cuts will directly affect the lives of over 200,000 Californians labeled with a developmental disability who rely on funding from the state to receive vital services to live independent and inclusive lives in the communities they choose.

Let's overwhelm them with reasons why they should listen, and educate them on how this proposition would be disastrous if it were to pass.

Thank you in advance for your participation!

The Governor and The Legislature Have a Mystery Plan for Cutting Services to People With Developmental Disabilities and Their Families.  They want the Legislature to approve $750 Million in cuts to the system BEFORE deciding what agencies, services, groups or individuals will be ELIMINATED from the system.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF THE SERVICES PROVIDED TO YOU OR YOUR FAMILY MEMBER WITH A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY WENT AWAY?

The Governor’s Plan
Dept. of Developmental Services		PROTECTED!
Regional Centers		PROTECTED!
The Agencies Providing Services to Your Family Member		DEVASTATED!

The Governor’s Plan Will DISMANTLE the entire network of agencies providing services to people with developmental disabilities and their families!

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Contact Your State Senator or Assembly Member

Tell Them to Vote NO on Cuts to Services

Recap on Tuesday night's meeting...

Although Tuesday night's community meeting got off to a late start, former state Assembly Member Laurie Saldena did take a moment out of her busy night to explain the root of our state's $25 million dollar deficit, and some of the agenda on this June's special election.

Life Works dominated the meeting, bringing half of the concerned attendees, and representing those who utilize the system for independent living support.

Here Coordinator Jacob Fiedler addresses the crowd, expressing how the $750 million dollar proposed cut to the Department of Developmental Services would directly effect the quality of services we provide, and in turn those dependent on their support staff to live full lives outside of group homes and state institutions.

Alan Wubenhort speaks to a community member about his role as Disability Commissioner at San Diego State University.

 Laurie Saldena poses with Roseanne Anthony and her support staff Laura Tate. Roseanne is interested in writing letters to the Legislature to make her opinion known, and Laura will be providing form letters in the near future that we can collectively send.

 Laura, Jacob and Joy

with Roseanne, Alan and Ivan

We are determined to be heard! Stay posted for more information on what you can do too.

You're invited to a Community Meeting

Governor Jerry Brown's recent proposed state budget includes a $750 million dollar cut specifically for the Department of Developmental Services, which has a lot of heads spinning, especially those who either work within the field or more locally, are funded by the San Diego Regional Center. Adults with Developmental Disabilities who have overcome many obstacles to live outside of institutions and group homes have utilized programs and agencies such as Life Works, Creative Support Alternatives and Networx, specializing in supportive and independent living services. These services are in jeopardy of being harshly cutback, which will directly result in a reduction of quality of life for each person.

Tomorrow night in Hillcrest, former State Assembly member Lori Saldana will give her perspective and facilitate a community meeting to discuss exactly what that means. We encourage any support staff, family members, and anyone interested in the realm of social work to come by and participate (or listen) to how these cuts will directly affect your neighbors, friends and loved ones. Be educated and help us educate others in turn.

When: Tuesday Jan 25th at 7pm
Where: Joyce Beers Community Center
           1220 Cleveland Ave.
           San Diego, CA 92103
Cost: Free!

For more info call 619-249-1625

No RSVP required, we just hope to see you there!

Waddie Welcome

Our event last Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day was part of a nation wide awareness building activity, and a great way to kick off the new year in our new location. The reading of Waddie Welcome is the story of man with a disability whose community rallied around his independence and exodus from institutionalization.  It is best shared in a Georgia potluck setting, and in honor of his home state we encouraged our own neighbors and friends to bring something sweet and join us.

Before everyone arrived

 Life Works Coordinators with Diana Carson

Justin reading

 Group discussions

 Alan

 Deb Callahan, Director of Networx with Sandy 

A great collaboration of minds

More photos on our Facebook page