Independent Living Center of Southeast Missouri
Winter 2018 Newsletter
As we again enter the holiday seasons we look back fondly on this year and all the good that was put into the world. Even with budget changes, new regulations and new technology standards we’ve been able to put some positivity back into the community. Through the hard work and dedication of our staff, board members, volunteers, and consumers we’re almost through another year of working towards our ultimate goal of making Southeast Missouri barrier free for all persons with disabilities.
We wish a very happy holidays to all our consumers and thank you for allowing us to assist you!
Winter Weather is Here, Be Prepared!
With winter time finally reaching us here in Southeast Missouri it’s important that we be prepared. During these cold months please remember not only yourself and family but those who are without shelter. There are numerous warming centers in our area across Butler, Carter, Ripley and Wayne Counties. If you know of someone in need or someone who is without a warm place to be, please see the link below to find resources in your area to help those who need it most this time of year.
Missouri Warming Centers
We should also be aware that with changing weather we may find ourselves in an unexpected situation whether it be an accident, car troubles or a home without heat. Be prepared, have at least the essentials you could need in your car and your home. You never know when you may need them and it may be too late when you realize that you do.
For your car:
Mobile phone, charger, batteries
Blankets/sleeping bags
Flashlight with extra batteries
First-aid kit
Knife
High-calorie, non-perishable food
Extra clothing to keep dry
Large empty can to use as emergency toilet, tissues, toilet paper and paper towels
Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
Shovel
Windshield scraper and brush
Tool kit
Tow rope
Battery booster cables
Water container
Candle and matches to provide light and in an emergency, lifesaving heat.
Compass and road maps, don't depend on mobile devices with limited battery life
For your home:
Flashlight and extra batteries
Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information
Extra food and water such as dried fruit, nuts, granola bars and other food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.
Extra prescription medicine
Baby items such as diapers and formula
First-aid supplies
Heating fuel: refuel before you are empty; fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm
Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove or space heater properly ventilated to prevent a fire
Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm; test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they work properly
Extra pet food and warm shelter for pets
Review generator safety: Never run a generator in an enclosed space
Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working correctly and that the outside vent is clear of leaves and debris. During or after the storm, make sure it is cleared of snow.
Home fires are common each winter when trying to stay warm. Review ways to keep your home and loved ones safe.
And don’t forget our fuzzy friends. Far too many pets are neglected and forgotten each year when the cold hits. Take a moment to consider our animal companions as well.
For your pets:
Move animals to sheltered areas or bring pets inside. Shelter belts, properly laid out and oriented, are better protection for cattle than confining shelters, such as sheds.
Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas.
Have water available. Most animals die from dehydration in winter storms.
Make sure pets have plenty of food and water and a warm shelter.
Telecommunications Access Program Continues to grow.
The Telecommunications Access Program for home phone, mobile phones and internet continues to be a great asset to our community. It’s far too easy for individuals with a disability to miss out on some of the life changing advantages in today’s tech but Kim here at ILCSEMO is working hard every day to be sure that everyone in our community gets all the opportunities they deserve.
One of the fantastic programs that Kim is able to help facilitate is the National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program. This program is something she’s been working to expand by providing adaptive equipment for deaf blind individuals who meet state requirements via the iCanConnect program which correlates with the baseline given by the Helen Keller National Center Act. Examples of equipment include phone amplification hardware, magnification software for mobile and desktop devices as well as screen readers.
Another great program that is available and we’d like to see grow and help spread the word is the Wolfner Library Reader digital player, stop in and visit us for a demo. This item is available to individuals with blindness, visual impairment, physical disability, or reading disability. Once enrolled in this service a person has access to a huge library of great books and magazines. The library's collection includes fiction and nonfiction audio, braille, and large print books for all ages. Over seventy (70) magazine subscriptions are available as well.
Contact Kim here at ILCSEMO with any questions or needs you may have with technology to help you live a better life! 573-686-2333 ex. 244
Help Us Help Others!
Here at ILCSEMO we do all that we can to help those in need of assitive and life improving technology and mobility enhancement devices. Your donations make a difference! Currently we are accepting donations of a number of different items that will be distributed to those that need it most. If you have the following in good working condition and would like to pass them along to a person who would greatly appreciate it, please contact us:
Quad canes, straight canes, bedside commodes, bath benches, transfer benches, heavy duty transfer benches, crutches, wheelchairs or extra wide wheelchairs.
Let’s All Be Safe.
During this time of year when weather can change so quickly, please keep in mind that in event of inclement weather, activities and events at ILCSEMO will be cancelled. This is done in the interest of the safety for all our staff, board members, consumers and volunteers. When the weather turns to snow and ice and local schools are closed, please be sure and check with us before traveling in. Updates will be posted to our website calendar here on ilcsemo.org and you can always calls us at 573-686-2333 with any questions.
