Date:	September 20, 2012
Time:	12:00pm to 2:00pm
Location:	Bridgeport City Hall, 45 Lyon Terr., Bridgeport, CT 06604
Details:	Voting Roundtable This participatory event on disability voting rights will bring Registrars from the Bridgeport region together with local people with disabilities for an informative discussion facilitated by Elanah Sherman from the State Office for the Protection and Advocacy of People with Disabilities. Learn what your rights are, how you can help improve voting accessibility in your area, and how Registrars implement the requirements of the many laws (State and Federal) that protect your rights as a voter with a disability.

For more information or to be placed on our e-mail list please contact tdimartino@drcfc.org .

Please visit our website: gbdact.org

The next meeting of the Greater Bridgeport Disability Advocates will be on November 15^th from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at the Bridgeport City Hall, 45 Lyon Terrace, Bridgeport. Margaret Mixon from the Kennedy Center will present on Mobility Management. The presentation will provide information on, among other things:

Taxi vouchers

Mobility training

Accessible cabs

Volunteer drivers

We will also have a representative from Metro Taxi to demonstrate their accessible cabs.

For more information go to: www.gbdact.org or email: tdimartino@gbdact.org .

GREATER BRIDGEPORT DISABILITY ADVOCATES MEETING

Date:    February 21, 2013
Time:    12:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Bridgeport City Hall, 45 Lyon Terr., Bridgeport, CT 06604

Details:    

Robert Adriani from the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services will be giving a presentation on keeping Disability Benefits (Health & Income) while returning to work. The presentation will benefit anyone with a disability who is working or interested in returning to work. The presentation is free of charge and everyone is welcome. A light lunch will be served, for which a $3 donation is appreciated.

The presentation is sponsored by the Greater Bridgeport Disability Advocates: GBDACT.org , email: tdimartino@gbdact.org, or Phone (203) 378-6977 x107, ask for Tom DiMartino or Larry Robinson.

It is now well known that caregivers face multiple challenges. Research shows high rates of depression and anxiety among caregivers, and increased vulnerability to health problems. Caregivers often report the feeling that they have no control over events. The sense of powerlessness can have a significant negative impact on caregivers’ physical and emotional health. Lack of time for personal activities and a diminished social life are also frequently cited as problems faced by caregivers.

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) program is an educational resource that empowers caregivers to address these challenges more effectively. One of the main goals of the program is to help caregivers to thrive as individuals. Since the program began in 1998, Powerful Tools for Caregivers has reached over 70,000 caregivers, and over 1,700 Class Leaders have been trained in 30 states.

The program is divided into six weekly classes, during which caregivers develop a wide range of self-care tools designed to help reduce personal stress; change negative self-talk; better communicate their needs to family members and healthcare/service providers; communicate more effectively in challenging situations; recognize the messages in their emotions, and cope with difficult emotions. This educational program also supports caregivers in making tough caregiving decisions such as nursing home placements, driving issues, or finances.

The class design emphasizes hands-on learning, experiential activities, peer support, and facilitated group discussion. Participating caregivers create independent action plans and as part of the group, practice new techniques, try out communication strategies and learn practical tips. The benefits of stress management tools such as breathing for relaxation, listening to music, and seeking out humor are encouraged. Class participants receive a copy of The Caregiver Helpbook (2^nd edition), a user-friendly workbook developed specifically for the course. This book is also an excellent stand-alone resource for those caregivers who may be unable to participate in a class.

A great deal of research, evaluation and revision has been done to ensure its continued value and success. A summary of course evaluations indicates a number of positive outcomes such as:

Improved self-care behaviors;

Reduced anger, guilt and depression;

More self-confidence in coping with caregiving demands; and

Increased use of community services.

Caregivers from many different backgrounds have benefitted from the 6-week class, including caregivers from rural areas, ethnic minorities, adult children of aging parents, spouses/partners, as well as caregivers at differing stages in their caregiving role, and from diverse living situations, financial and educational backgrounds.

To learn more about the program or visit the website www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Class Registration Sheet

Class location: Unity Hill Church, 364 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT 06611

Date	Time	Date	Time
Tuesday May 21	4:30PM – 7:00PM	Monday June 10	4:30PM – 7:00PM
Tuesday May 28	4:30PM – 7:00PM	Tuesday June 18	4:30PM – 7:00PM
Tuesday June 4	4:30PM – 7:00PM	Tuesday June 25	4:30PM – 7:00PM

Name of attendee:

Phone: email:

Address (Street, City, State, zip)

How attendee heard about class:

Relationship to the person attendee is caring for:

___spouse

___parent

___sibling

___friend

___other

Is the person:

___living independently

___living with the family caregiver at home

___living in a residential care facility (e.g. assisted living, nursing home)

___other______________________________________________

Care Recipients Primary Medical Condition:

email Completed form to: ptcinct@sciact.org

Phone: 860- 558-7384